The two luxury destination resorts will mark IHG’s entry into Thailand’s Golden Triangle, an area that is popular with travellers for its rich history, immersion into Lanna culture and the scenic mountain and river landscape which borders Laos and Myanmar.
Luxury pair
Opening in 2025, InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort will offer 68 one- and two-bedroom pool and plunge pool villas.
The other site, Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle, which currently operates as The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort, will undergo an extensive renovation and convert to the Kimpton brand with 68 suites, along with a range of facilities.
50% growth
Rajit Sukumaran, MD, southeast Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “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.
“We remain on track to grow our luxury and lifestyle portfolio in Thailand by 50%, and it’s fantastic to be expanding the InterContinental and Kimpton brands into new destinations.”
Kimpton surge
He continued: “The luxury boutique and design-forward Kimpton brand has enjoyed a huge period of growth since it debuted in Thailand three years ago, and now has six open or pipeline properties in the market, including two operating and much-loved hotels in Bangkok and Koh Samui.
“Globally we continue to grow across our six brands in the luxury and lifestyle space and this segment represents 14% of our system and 22% of our pipeline, which is around twice the size from five years ago.”
Ecotourism aim
Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and president, Asset World Corp, commented: “Chiang Rai is a unique destination in Thailand that showcases the beauty in nature and the arts as well as many beautiful temples, hilltribes and local villages, offering different organic and cultural sustainable experiences for travellers.
“This partnership with IHG will put this most northern province of Thailand top of mind for many 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 for couples and families who seek wellness and a luxury lifestyle resort experience.”
Riverfront location
She added: “With the special riverfront location, these two hotels will offer restaurants and bars by the river as well as lifestyle cruise experiences linking Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. 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 travellers choices based on the occasion. They elevate Chiang Rai as a global travel destination, while helping to create long-term value, and enriching the surrounding communities and society.”
Thai doubling
With 34 hotels across nine brands and 39 hotels in the pipeline, Thailand continues to be a strong growth market for IHG and the business is on track to double the size of its estate within the next three to five years.
Upcoming additions include Hotel Indigo Samui Chaweng Beach, arriving on the island of Koh Samui in Q2 2025; plus two Bangkok Q4 2025 deliveries – the 60-room Six Senses Forestias and the 300-key voco Bangkok Sukhumvit 11.
