IHG Hotels & Resorts has revealed that the latest addition to its growing Kimpton brand in Asia, will be in the emerging Thai destination of Phang Nga.
The group has signed to open a 150 room, beachfront resort in Phang Nga, with an opening planned in 2028. The property will likely echo the success of two other Kimpton hotels already trading in southern Thailand, Kimpton Kitalay Samui and Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok.
A Growing Presence in Thailand
This will be IHG’s second signing in Phang Nga Province. The group has already committed to deliver the InterContinental Phang Nga Bay Resort in the same area.
Partnering with IHG in this new build resort is local company Natai Venture Co. Company director Naphat Boontanonda reflected: “Phang Nga is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, from pristine beaches and dramatic limestone formations to its tranquil coastal setting. Travellers increasingly seek authentic experiences combined with a growing appetite for lifestyle experiences, we believe Natai Beach is exceptionally well-positioned to meet this demand.”
Currently, IHG has 42 hotels open across Thailand, representing 11 of the group’s brands – an indication that there are plentiful opportunities across the country, in the years to come.
The Kimpton brand already has considerable traction in Thailand, with a number of upcoming openings for the brand. Originally conceived as a high design, boutique hotel brand in 1981, Kimpton is a brand that promises no two hotels alike. It was acquired by IHG in 2014, at which point the brand had 62 managed hotels, with a further 16 planned. At that point, the brand also had a similar number of standalone restaurants and bars.
With IHG’s backing the brand has gone global, while continuing to spot opportunities in the home US market. A particularly impressive first quarter of 2026 saw additional Kimpton hotels open in New York, Scottsdale and California. Conversions are also making up an increasing volume of Kimpton signings.
In early 2027, IHG will launch Kimpton Hotel Aquatique Pattaya, a 193 room hotel that is part of a large, multi-hotel destination. The project will also include three Marriott hotels, including the Pattaya Marriott Marquis that will feature a substantial convention centre.
Autumn 2027 will see the Kimpton Hua Hin Resort launch. This is a conversion project that will see the former Imperial Hua Hin, closed since 2019, returned to use with 124 rooms and the Kimpton look and feel.
Building the Brand in Bangkok
Further ahead, IHG will be bringing the Kimpton brand to the Thai capital, Bangkok. This will be a dual hotel development in the city, delivering Kimpton Bangkok Chinatown along with InterContinental Bangkok Chinatown, and the pair are expected to be ready for guests sometime in early 2029.
A further conversion is also planned, to create Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle. The wellness destination will see the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort extensively renovated, in an inland destination that promises clear mountain air.
