“ASAI Bangkok Chinatown”, the First Property of ASAI Hotels, is Set to Open This September
By Lifestyle+Travel
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will begin rolling out its new ASAI Hotels brand this September with the opening of ASAI Bangkok Chinatown in the heart of the city’s renowned Chinatown district, followed by six more properties.
Opening on 15 September, ASAI Bangkok Chinatown features 224 thoughtfully compact rooms featuring in-stay essentials, such as superior quality beds, high-pressure rain showers, luggage space, and a work desk with USB charging station. A large communal area, meanwhile, includes large and comfortable work areas, a small gym, a bar highlighting craft beers and creative cocktails, a large courtyard with organic herb garden, and Jam Jam restaurant serving a creative twist on local and international favourites.
Another ASAI hotel will open within 12 months in Bangkok’s stylish Sathorn district, followed by three ASAI Hotels in Cebu, the Philippines; one ASAI hotel in the old Yankin area of Yangon, Myanmar; and one ASAI hotel in Kyoto, Japan.
In line with ASAI Hotel’s overall concept, Live Local, each hotel in the ASAI portfolio will be geared to reflect its local character in terms of design, style and restaurant offering. This approach will be further evident when ASAI Hotels opens its second hotel, in Bangkok’s Sathorn district, which will fully embrace the modernity of its inner-city setting to offer a complementary-yet-distinctive stay experience that differentiates it from the Chinatown property.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Khao Chae Round-Up 2026: Where to beat the heat this summer
When the hot season in Thailand ceases to be a mere conversation starter and becomes a daily survival challenge, the people’s collective palate shifts toward its most sophisticated, traditional cooling mechanism: Khao Chae. Originally a humble New Year’s tradition brought to Thailand by the Mon people, the dish was famously adopted and “upscaled” by the royal palace during the reign of King Rama V, transforming it into an elaborate display of culinary masterpieces. This summertime treat manages to be both incredibly light and remarkably complex. Every grain of rice is parboiled, polished by hand, and soaked in the floral-infused water, and every classic condiment is a balance of salt, sugar, and smoke, meticulously prepared with time-honoured techniques. How to Eat Khao Chae To truly appreciate Khao Chae, there is a specific, almost meditative etiquette to the meal that ensures the delicate floral water stays pristine. Start by taking a small bite-sized piece of a side dish, follow it with a spoonful of the chilled rice and a sip of the scented water, and then finish with a piece of fresh vegetable, such as a slice of fingerroot, cucumber, or green mango. This ritual ensures that each flavour remains distinct and the fragrant rice water is untainted by grease. With the ritual mastered, explore our curated selection of this year’s finest offerings, where Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s top chefs prove that while the weather may be relentless, the tradition of keeping cool is an art form in itself. Khum Hom, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok Experience Chef Ian Kittichai’s interpretation of the quintessential Thai summer delicacy that has graced family tables for generations. The Khao Chae experience Khum Hom is a masterclass in culinary precision and diligence—premium jasmine rice is parboiled, polished, and bathed in chilled, candle-scented water, served with 10 savoury-sweet, meticulously hand-crafted side dishes, including Look Kapi(Deep-fried caramelised shrimp paste), Prik Yuak Yud Sai (green peppers filled with minced pork and shrimp), Pla Yee-Son Wan (sweetened shredder sun-dried ray fish), and Khai Deng Kem Tod (fried salted egg yolk). The meal concludes on a bright final note: seasonal fruits and kaffir lime suspended in a light, scented syrup—a refreshing palate cleanser that acts as an immediate sensory pick-me-up against the midday heat. Pricing and Packages: Dine-in: 990++ baht per person (All Accor+ Explorer enjoying 10% off) Takeaway Set: 1,790++ baht per 2 persons and served in a woven basket with a 10% discount for online orders and self-pickup Period: 15 March – 30 April (Lunchtime only) T: +66 (0) 2 666 3311 | W:www.khumhomrestaurant.com Bodhi Terrace, Anantara Chiangmai Resort As the northern heat settles over the Mae Ping River, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort unveils its seasonal remedy: a curated collection of summer treats that celebrate the intersection of royal tradition and seasonal contemporary flair—the cooling ritual of Khao Chae and the fleeting, sweet-and-tart vibrancy of the Mayongchid (Marian Plum). What sets the Anantara rendition apart is the precision of its accompaniments. Each bite offers a calibrated balance of textures and flavours, while the Mayongchid is undoubtedly the golden star. The
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Unfolding the Art of Journey
The art of elevated travel has evolved the experience of air travel far beyond mere transportation. For the discerning passenger, it has truly become an art—a curated journey where comfort, exclusivity, and personalization transform the flight itself into a desirable destination. Traveling hits another level of sophistication as Jim Thompson and Thai Airways International (THAI) elevate their collaboration. The stunning new in-flight collection transforms the journey, draping passengers in contemporary Thai artistry with bespoke amenity kits and luxurious Royal Silk Class Comfort Wear. To celebrate the third year of their landmark partnership with a stunning, style-and-sustainability-focused in-flight collection. This collaboration elevates the experience for the modern traveler, blending aviation excellence with immersive Thai culture. Building on the success of premium amenity kits launched in 2023, the latest expansion introduces 14 exclusive new prints for amenity bags. Highlights include designs like House on the Klong and Orchids Bunch—reflecting Thai heritage and THAI’s emblem. For the first time, Royal Silk Class passengers on European routes will enjoy bespoke Jim Thompson Comfort Wear featuring the signature Origami Elephant motif, ensuring travel is "Smooth as Silk." THAI's CCO, Kittiphong Sansomboon, emphasizes the commitment to sustainability and authentic Thai identity. This focus is clear in the collection's eco-friendly fabrics and biodegradable accessories, including a toothbrush and shoehorn. The 2026 Collection invites travellers to "live the story" of Thai culture through rich fabrics and innovative design, solidifying Jim Thompson and THAI's shared passion for world-class hospitality and craftsmanship.
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
The 36th NAI LERT FLOWER & GARDEN ART FAIR 2025 returns on 18–21 December 2025 at Nai Lert Park
The Nai Lert Park Association proudly presents The 36th Nai Lert Flower & Garden Art Fair 2025, taking place from 18–21 December 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Nai Lert Park, Soi Somkid, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok. This year’s fair embraces the theme “Garden of Tomorrow”, inviting visitors to experience a visionary garden of the future — a harmonious fusion of natural beauty, contemporary art, and innovative design. The event reaffirms the Association’s dedication to social contribution, continuing the benevolent legacy and vision of Thanphuying Lersak Sombatsiri, founder of the Nai Lert Flower & Garden Art Fair. –––––👇––––– Four Contemporary Essences Shaping the “Garden of Tomorrow” Designed around four core pillars, the 36th Nai Lert Flower & Garden Art Fair presents a distinctly modern and forward-looking experience that truly embodies the spirit of the “Garden of Tomorrow.” Immersive Experience – A garden meant not only to be seen but felt, inviting visitors into layers of sensory storytelling. Nature × Innovation × Humanity – Masterpieces where nature meets imagination, blending creativity and sustainable innovation into a balanced future vision. Art of Light & Sound – At night, light, laser, and sound transform the garden into a dynamic, living canvas of colour and motion. Tradition Meets Tomorrow – Thai heritage reinterpreted through modern, sustainable design, bridging timeless craftsmanship with the future. –––––👇––––– Creative Highlights The Maze Garden Bangkok’s first-ever imaginative labyrinth, brought to life with Sculpted Couture — contemporary Thai textile sculptures by SACIT that reinterpret traditional craftsmanship through a modern lens. Garden Illumination An enchanting evening showcase of lights, colours, and laser innovation from 6:00 PM onwards, transforming the garden into a shimmering night-time wonderland. The Miracle Garden by PTTLNG Discover how cold-climate plants are cultivated in Thailand through PTTLNG’s clean-energy innovation. Located inside The Glass House, this zone also features a curated selection of clean-energy products to explore. Floral Art Installation Capture stunning photos with floral artworks crafted by leading florists and partner brands. These installations blend natural elements with inventive design throughout the fairground. Designers Showcase by VASSANA Admire bamboo craft masterpieces by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vassana Saima and Sawin Saima, inspired by the Ramayana tales “Kesornthamala” and “Mangkorn Kantha.” Their contemporary Thai garland art expresses themes of love, sacrifice, and enduring friendship. Scent Creations by Saisalang and Siva Experience two exclusive fragrances created especially for the fair, each inspired by the Ramayana. Young Designer Exhibition “Timeless Virtues: A Future Bloom” presents sculptural works by students and young designers from the Faculty of Architecture, Kasem Bundit University, interpreting the Four Sublime States through creations crafted from wood and brass. –––––👇––––– Eat, Shop, and Delight in Every Moment Roots Beyond Tomorrow A culinary journey led by the Executive Chef team of Nai Lert Group. Ma Maison reimagines Thai classics using locally sourced ingredients, while Lady L and Caviar Café present contemporary Western dishes featuring produce from Thai farms, local fisheries, and the gardens of Nai Lert. École Ducasse Nai Lert Bangkok Studio enriches the experience with exclusive culinary, pastry, and décor-art workshops, along with signature desserts and beverages crafted especially for the fair at the café. Guests can also indulge special French-Thai special dinner in the acclaimed L’Artisan