15th November 2023 – Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, has signed a hotel management agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, to develop two new luxury hotels, the ‘InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort’ and ‘Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle’. The properties will mark AWC’s and IHG’s first development in Chiang Rai and support AWC’s long-term GROWTH-LED strategy to develop quality assets in high potential locations while diversifying its hospitality and lifestyle portfolio. Bringing world-renowned brands to Chiang Rai, AWC and IHG will redefine luxury and cultural tourism in Northern Thailand and strengthen Chiang Rai as a hidden gem for luxury ecotourism destination for global travelers.
Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited or AWC, said: “Chiang Rai is one of the unique destinations of Thailand that offers all the beauty in nature and arts as well as many beautiful temples, hilltribes and local villages, offering different organic and cultural sustainable experiences for travelers. The city is also listed by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a ‘City of Design’, a home of national artists, and has strong infrastructure for international air travel. This partnership with IHG will put this most northern province of Thailand top of mind for millions of local and global tourists. It aligns perfectly with our vision to transform Chiang Rai into a luxury ecotourism destination, with both hotels ideal for the cultural and natural explorer and meeting the luxury lifestyle of couples and family segments who seek wellness and a luxury resort. With the special river front location, these two hotels will offer a restaurant and bar by the river and will be enriched by a lifestyle cruise experience linking Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. With more than 1,500 million baht of investment, these hotels will not only elevate the hospitality landscape in Northern Thailand but also contribute to sustainable tourism, showcasing the rich Lanna nature and heritage. The two destination resorts are adjacent while having individual guest journeys and wellness stay experiences that showcase the brand attributes, providing travelers choices based on the occasion, and elevate Chiang Rai as a global travel destination, while helping to create long-term value, and enriching the surrounding communities and society.”
Mr. Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are excited to expand our footprint in Thailand with AWC. On the back of the recent opening of InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, this signing is another milestone in IHG’s and AWC’s more than 10-year relationship and will provide travellers with the opportunity to explore more of Northern Thailand. InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort and Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle will offer distinctive brand experiences that will introduce Chiang Rai to travellers across the globe. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to growing in Thailand and offering world-class hospitality.”
InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort, a new development, and Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle, a combination of new development and renovation of The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort, will be set at the picturesque sanctuary escape at the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen district. This location, amidst the Northern Mountains and bordered by the Mekong and Ruak Rivers, a natural border between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, is a testament to AWC’s strategy of developing quality assets in high potential locations and partnering with globally recognized brands. The development will be AWC’s second InterContinental hotel in Northern Thailand after the recent successful opening of InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, and AWC’s third Kimpton following Kimpton Pattaya and Kimpton Hua Hin. The new hotels are expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.
InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort will feature traditional Lanna-inspired architecture with 68 private pool and garden villas, while Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle will offer 68 contemporary Lanna-style suites, some with plunge pools and pool access. Both properties will provide a choice of eight food and beverage outlets, including the 110-seat Glasshouse Cafe and Restaurant by the Mekong River that will resemble the architecture of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, with a contemporary interior design.
The hotels will also offer new guest experiences along the river with a lounge on a cruise boat symbolizing the Western entry via river travel during the late industrial era. The cruise on the Mekong River will take guests on a journey to visit local communities along the Mekong River and neighboring Myanmar and Laos. The boat will serve afternoon tea with Thai and local desserts, and will also have a bar and restaurant showcasing the Northern Thai influence, featuring a blend of Eastern and Western art.
The two new hotels will feature wellness destinations with Thai herbal treatments, swimming pools, fitness centers, and cultural tours. The project also includes a commitment to sustainable practices, by collaboration with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under the Royal Patronage to support local communities, along with the “AWC Stay to Sustain”, a sustainable initiative to invite hotel guests to participate by conserving and restoring trees in community forests. InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort and Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle also aim to achieve LEED or WELL certification, aligning with AWC’s green building standards. The hotels will also have a branch of The GALLERY, AWC’s social enterprise offering products that are uniquely crafted by Thai designers, artists, and communities.
