Anantara celebrates 25 years with culinary experiences

 

The Anantara Hotels & Resorts group is marking 25 years with a selection of signature culinary experiences. 

The options range from Sri Lanka’s spice trails to the rice fields of Vietnam. 

The feasts will celebrate the quarter of a century since the brand was founded in Thailand as the experiential luxury brand of Minor Hotels. 

Across three Asian destinations – Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam – the brand responds to what the Minor Hotels Travel Trends Report 2026 confirms: food is the primary gateway to culture for most travellers.

At Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Mama’s Kitchen explores local culinary secrets and village cooking culture with the resort’s local mama. 

Guests participate in the preparation, hand-grinding spices and stewing slow-cooked curries, in the kamatha kitchen situated in the resort’s paddy field, learning the role each ingredient plays and the stories that accompany them.

At sister property Anantara Kalutara Resort, guests partner with the resort’s culinary team for the '25 Spices Table', an exploration of 25 indigenous herbs and spices, each used in the preparation of traditional local curries and each with an intriguing history. 

At Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, executive chef Punn Akkawin teaches guests how to create Thai dishes full of colour and flavour. The experience begins with a morning market visit to select the fresh produce and aromatics that will define the meal. Guests return to The Spice Market, a Bangkok institution with more than 40 years of history in the Thai capital, to prepare three dishes under the chef’s guidance to enjoy for lunch.

In Vietnam, rice is central to culture. Anantara Quy Nhon Villas takes guests into the countryside to meet the families who keep centuries-old traditions alive. 

The first stop is a family where rice paper making is still practised by hand. Here, guests can learn each delicate step of the process, demonstrated and shared. This continues with a visit to a second family for a tasting of traditional rice wine. The experience closes back at the resort, where guests create their own rice wine cocktails while overlooking the ocean.

The route between Quy Nhon and Hoi An is an experience in its own right. The Vietage by Anantara train connects the two destinations in style, with locally sourced provisions on board, such as strawberries from Đà Lạt, regional teas and locally produced gins that reflect the landscape en route.

At Anantara Hoi An Resort, the Taste of Hoi An street food experience carries the narrative forward through the dishes that define the town.

Anantara’s signature anniversary experiences, including those featured above, are available across the brand’s portfolio throughout 2026. Each is specific to its destination. 

Explore the full collection at anantara.com/en/25th-anniversary-experiences

Cycling tourism booming in south-east Asia

 

A new collection of holiday adventures combines one of the fast-growing destinations for Australians with the growing passion for active tourism.

World Expeditions has expanded its south-east Asia cycling portfolio with the launch of a new range of fully supported cycling adventures through Vietnam to meet demand for immersive active experiences. 

The launch comes amid a sharp rise in interest in south-east Asia travel, with page views on World Expeditions’ website up by 49% for Vietnam, 88% for Thailand and 85% for Indonesia, reflecting growing demand for destinations that are closer to Australia. 

The new Vietnam cycling range includes the 17-day Vietnam Cycle: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, the 13-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hue Cycle by e-Bike, the 10-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An Cycle, and the five-day Mai Chau to Pu Luong Cycle.

Each journey follows routes through Vietnam’s coastline, countryside and mountain landscapes, using quieter backroads and minor roads where possible. 

World Expeditions says the new departures represent a shift in the style of cycling product available in south-east Asia, with guaranteed departures, strong availability and flexible options designed to appeal to both experienced cyclists and travellers newer to active adventures. 

E-bikes are available across all departures, broadening accessibility and helping riders manage longer distances and climbs.

“We’re seeing strong momentum in south-east Asia, particularly for active travel experiences that allow people to connect more deeply with local culture and landscapes,” said Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions.

“Cycling is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Vietnam because travellers move through villages, coastlines and rural communities at a slower pace and with greater connection to the places they visit. 

"These new itineraries combine high-quality support, excellent local expertise and reliable guaranteed departures, making them incredibly appealing for both travellers and agents.”

All trips are operated by experienced local cycling crews including guides, mechanics and drivers, with luggage transfers, support vehicles and accommodation throughout. 

Group sizes are capped at a maximum of 16 guests. 

World Expeditions has also highlighted growing interest in active water-based journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia via its On Water Expeditions brand, including the Mekong River Active Explorer from Saigon to Siem Reap, which combines cycling, kayaking and small-boat travel through the Mekong Delta and Cambodia.

The new itineraries are available to book now for 2026 departures via worldexpeditions.com.

Cruise tourism provides huge economic benefits in south-east Asia

 

Love them or loathe them, cruise ships provide major economic benefits for host ports.

In south-east Asia, for instance, the cruise industry generated US$10 billion in total output in 2024, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

The findings come from from the inaugural Economic Impact Assessment of Cruise Tourism for Southeast Asian countries, produced by Tourism Economics for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

The study highlighted the region’s cruise industry economic contributions in 2024, reinforcing the strategic importance of south-east Asia in the global cruise landscape. It also underscored how the cruise industry brings substantial economic returns to destinations across the region.

“This study reinforces south-east Asia’s strong cruise tourism value proposition, driven by a growing middle class, rising demand for diverse travel experiences, and rich destination variety," said Jean Ng, assistant chief executive, Experience Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board. 

"As ASEAN’s lead co-ordinator for cruise developments, Singapore is committed to working with regional neighbours and global industry partners to unlock south-east Asia’s full potential for cruising and build a compelling destination network that attracts cruise lines while delivering sustainable economic benefits across the region.”

Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA, added: “We greatly value the collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board on this project. 

"Their partnership enabled us to broaden the annual CLIA Economic Impact Studies and, for the first time, measure the economic contribution of cruise tourism across south-east Asia within our global analysis. 

"The results underscore the region’s growing role as a driver of jobs, economic activity, and a global cruise sector that brings unforgettable travel experiences to millions of guests worldwide.”
south-east Asia generates strong economic returns from cruise tourism

"South-east Asia’s cruise tourism recorded a strong performance in 2024, contributing US$4.5 billion to regional GDP and 5% of global cruise-related GDP. 

"This strong showing is reinforced by positive passenger sentiment, with 85% of cruise travellers rating their south-east Asian experience positively and nearly half (47%) expressing intent to return for land-based travel. This attests to the sector’s potential to drive broader tourism growth."

Market concentration data reveals Singapore and Malaysia collectively accounted for 70% of south-east Asian cruise passenger visits in 2024.

Vietnam continues to boom as a tourism destination

Vietnam has emerged as a standout performer amid the rebound of global tourism. 

The Asian nation welcomed 21.1 million international arrivals in 2025, a 20.4% increase that significantly outpaced the broader Asia-Pacific region's 5% growth. 

It was also the first time Vietnam surpassed Thailand as the leading destination for Chinese leisure travellers.

The recent  MTE HCMC 2026 conference heard the hospitality sector continues to benefit from strong economic fundamentals, supporting travel demand and ongoing hotel development. 

Vietnam is targeting 25 million international visitors this year, which would represent 18.1% year-on-year growth. 

Despite this positive momentum, recent geopolitical tensions are introducing short-term challenges to global travel flows, the conference heard. 

The Middle East plays a key role as a global transit hub, connecting Europe and Asia-Pacific destinations and supporting a significant share of global intercontinental transit traffic. Disruptions affecting these hubs are therefore expected to impact inter-regional travel patterns.

"While Vietnam remains a fundamentally resilient destination, recent geopolitical tensions are already causing short-term disruption to travel demand, with increasing cancellations, postponements, and re-routed itineraries across key international markets," said Mauro Gasparotti, senior director for south-east Asia at Savills Hotels. 

"Although global disruptions are affecting overall travel flows, the country expects to be comparatively less impacted due to its lower reliance on Europe and Middle East inbound markets and its strong positioning within short-haul demand from North Asia, particularly South Korea and China, where travellers may increasingly favour closer, more accessible destinations."

From a supply perspective, future hotel development in the next three years will remain concentrated in coastal destinations, with Da Nang and Phu Quoc leading in volume. 

The event was co-hosted by An Cuong and Savills Hotels. 

Image: Kate Bagoy, Scop.io

New life for a long-time Bangkok favourite

A popular Bangkok hotel over several decades has been re-styled and given new branding. 

 
Radisson Hotel Group has unveiled the new-look Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok, which it describes as "a stunning reinvention of one of the city's most storied landmarks". 

Nestled in the upmarket Ploen Chit district - home to major shopping malls, hotels and office towers - the hotel now offers 178 rooms, three dining destinations and versatile event spaces.

 

Radisson says the revamped property offers an "exceptional stay for both business and leisure guests seeking comfort, style, and convenience in Thailand’s vibrant capital".

Savvy guests will request a room offering panoramic views of Bangkok's dramatic skyline. 

Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, says: "Thailand is one of our key markets in south-east Asia, and we are delighted to strengthen our portfolio with the opening of Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok. 

"This property has a special legacy in the city, and its reintroduction under the Radisson brand reflects both our growth ambitions and our commitment to creating memorable stays for our guests."



Guests can start the day at Larder & Lounge, a café serving artisanal coffee and locally inspired bites, indulge in Thai-French fusion at Château Botanique or enjoy cocktails and light refreshments at View Pool Bar on the 12th floor, while enjoying panoramic city views from the rooftop oasis.

Wellness also takes centre stage on the 12th floor. Guests can work out in the fitness centre, re-charge in the spa room, or enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. 

Event venues can cater for up to 250 guests. 

"We are thrilled to welcome guests back to the Chateau, now part of Radisson Hotel Group," says GM Jean Pascal Bernet. 

"Our team looks forward to delivering the personalised service and warm hospitality that this property has been known for, while offering a refreshed experience that reflects the energy of modern Bangkok."

The hotel is a 40-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and 30 minutes from Don Mueang International Airport (if traffic is kind). 

The BTS Skytrain Ploenchit station is 400 meters from the hotel. 

For more info click here.

Vietnam enjoying an air travel boom

Vietnam has seen strong growth in its air transport market over the past decade and is one of the fastest expanding in the region, analysis from IATA shows.

IATA indicates that Vietnam has advanced from being Asia Pacific’s 11th largest air passenger market in 2014 to the eighth largest in 2024.

It also registered the highest growth rate amongst the top 10 markets in the region, at 121% from 2014 to 2024.

This surge results from the country’s strong economic performance and growing appeal as a travel destination. Visa simplification for countries and the opening of new international routes have stimulated demand, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Vietnam is perceived as one of the last frontiers in Asia for foreign travellers, gaining market shares over its competitors, notably Thailand.

With 22 to 23 million foreign travellers expected in 2025, Vietnam is on track to become the third largest destination in south-east Asia, behind Malaysia and Thailand.

International passenger traffic surged by 26% last year. Data from the Vietnam National Statistics Office highlights that airlines transported 54.2 million passengers in 2024, of which 19.7 million were on international flights.

IATA stats show, seven of the top 10 international markets for travel to Vietnam more than doubled from 2014 to 2024.

As an example, traffic from India grew tenfold during this period.

South Korea is by far the largest source of international arrivals for Vietnam. It represents more than twice that of second-placed China.

Image: Alessandro Castiglioni, Scop.io   

Adventurous? How about a visit to Kazakhstan via Vietnam

Kazakhstan remains off the beaten track for all but the most intrepid of travellers.

Now, thanks to Vietjet - prodigious issuers of press releases - a weekend in Astana has become a whole lot easier.

Vietjet, the biggest Vietnamese airline flying between Australia and Vietnam, has this week unveiled a new airline brand - Vietjet Qazaqstan

The strategic partnership between Vietjet and Qazaq Air has resulted in a new airline brand, Vietjet Qazaqstan. 

Yes, that name is correct. Qazaqstan is the correct spelling for the airline in accordance with the country’s transition to Roman spelling. The Anglicised spelling of the Cyrillic - Kazakhstan - is still in use for the place name.

Anyway, Vietjet Qazaqstan aims to become a strategic air bridge connecting Kazakhstan with Vietnam, south east Asia, and global aviation hubs like Australia. 

Vietjet Qazaqstan is set to operate a fleet of at least 20 Boeing 737 aircraft, enabling a strong expansion of domestic and international networks.

Under this partnership, the two parties will jointly develop and operate Vietjet Qazaqstan, building on the existing Qazaq Air platform. 

The move follows the arrival of Vietjet Thailand, which has grown to become one of Thailand’s leading low-cost carriers.

Image: A rather dull celebration. Supplied

Asian hoteliers urged to take "green" message on board

Hotels and resorts around south-east Asia are failing to understand the “green premium” and how to leverage it to attract quality guests, leading figures in the region’s hospitality industry heard this week.

The message that hotels and resorts are falling behind counterparts in other parts of the globe when it comes to capitalizing on the benefits associated with sustainable tourism was one of the major takeaways from PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism), south-east Asia’s largest sustainability forum. 

The event was held this week at SAii Laguna on Bang Tao Beach, where over 1,000 participants attended.

 
“Hotel developers in south-east Asia have broadly failed to make sustainably a must as they do in Europe or North America. It’s a massive disconnect,” said Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and real estate advisory group C9 Hotelworks and a co-organiser of PHIST, together with Greenview and the Phuket Hotels Association.

Other expert speakers at PHIST included star designer Bill Bensley and KP Ho, the founder and executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings and Laguna Resorts and Hotels. They urged resort owners to become more cognisant of the wider benefits associated with sustainable tourism.

They were told a green message can enhance appeal to clients who place a premium value on experiences that are ethical, sustainable, and unique.

Jesper Palmqvist, STR Global’s area director for Asia Pacific, hosted a roundtable at PHIST where figures from top resort names such as Six Senses and Soneva discussed environmental best practices moving forward. 

He said the hospitality industry in south-east Asia needs to be more proactive about enacting meaningful changes.

“It’s important that the industry develops green champions, best practice documents and training modules that can be modified by hotels,” he said. 

“Furthermore, hotels need to be pressured into fulfilling international sustainability certification. This would show more ambition to adopt new criteria relating to the environment and thus stay ahead of the curve.”

Combine a trip to Singapore and Malaysia with a food festival experience

Imagine combining a holiday in Singapore and Malaysia with a food festival starring some of the biggest culinary names in Asia.

The Kita Food Festival will return in 2023 with a series of dining events and food celebrations to be held from September 27 (Kuching), October 13-16 (Penang), October 19-23 (Singapore) and October 26–30 (Kuala Lumpur).

The festival will feature Malaysian and renowned international chefs for a series of fine dining and casual dining events, highlighted by two Big Sunday Barbecues and The Great Mezze (image, above).

The event will also include a series of TED-style talks and symposiums titled Kita Conversations with discussions starring chefs, food producers, historians, anthropologists and food suppliers talking about what is pertinent to the industry.

The Kita Food Festival is an annual event that celebrates south-east Asian culinary culture.

The goal is to put a spotlight on south-east Asia’s emerging food scene and to offer inspiration for the next generation of food producers.

The word Kita means ‘Us’ or ‘We’ in Malay and as such signifies that the Kita Food Festival is all about embracing different cultures and bringing food lovers together.

The Kita Food Festival was founded by Malaysian-born chef Darren Teoh who is the head chef of fine dining restaurant Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; along with Australian-born food and travel journalist Leisa Tyler, who has been based in Asia since 1998, and Malaysian-born Adrian Yap, the founder of Tiffin Culinary, who hosts F&B pop-up events.

“Following on the success of our 2021 and 2022 festivals, we are proud to be back and bigger than ever," said Tyler.

"While the 2021 Kita festival was localised due to closed borders, and the 2022 festival featured chefs and speakers from across south-east Asia, 2023 will cast an even wider net, with chefs, culinary historians and business leaders from across the world.

"Kita Food Festival is in the vanguard for culinary initiative, innovation and thought leadership that puts community and creating a robust and sustainable F&B industry at the centre.”

Co-founder Teoh added: "Kita Conversations hopes to be a catalyst for a positive conversation around food that isn't always discussed in this region. A lot of the people we are inviting aren't only good cooks but some of the most original thinkers surrounding food in the world. Kita Conversations is an F&B industry-led event, for the industry."

This year’s guest curator for the Singapore Weekender event is chef Ivan Brehm from Michelin-starred restaurant Nouri and creative space Appetite in Singapore.

Star visitors will include René Stein from a one-Michelin star restaurant Tisane in Nuremberg, Germany, and Thai food expert and chef David Thompson.

To stay up to date with news and upcoming events you can visit https://kitafoodfestival.com/.

Punchy Asian flavours shine in Melbourne

Asian restaurant Salted Egg has a couple of strikes against it from the start.

First it is in a hotel, which will dissuade some potential patrons, and secondly it is on level one with zero street visibility, meaning some diners might well walk past without even knowing it exists.

Which would be a mistake on their part.

Not only does Salted Egg offer Thai-accented food that is delicious and well priced, it is also obviously on the radar of quite a number of food savvy Melbourne folk.

I'm in house on a Thursday night and even though the weather is not particularly appealing (it's Melbourne folks), the pace is buzzing with a number of large groups clearly enjoying themselves immensely.

The vibe is helped by a helpful and efficient young service team - a welcome rarity in these times of staff shortages.

Salted Egg is located in the Quincy Hotel Melbourne (review later this week), which is also home to The Q rooftop bar - a great spot for a post-work drink, and with spectacular views from above the CBD.

The food in Salted Egg is vibrant and flavoursome - it turns out executive chef Adam Woodfield has worked at both Chin Chin and Jimmy Liks, two of Melbourne's star Asian eateries.

So think Thai-accented, hawker food market-inspired south-east Asian cuisine that rewards those with a an adventurous palate. Pungent and punchy. 

There is even a Thai-inspired breakfast menu - the chilli scrambled eggs on sourdough with crab meat, Sichuan oil and crispy salt bush are exceptional.

For dinner, you can choose from a degustation menu - ideal for groups - or order al a carte.



For fresh, tangy palate cleanser start with a pomelo betel leaf with caramelised coconut, chilli and mint (above). It is delightfully crunchy.

Next up I opted for prawn and ginger dumplings with Sichuan oil and prickly ash salt (second image): funky and filling.

My main course (top image) was a huge and satisfying stir-fried roast duck with crispy egg noodle, yellow bean sauce and pickled chilli Probably not the sort of dish you'd cook at home, but perfect for sharing with friends.

I was urged to try a dessert and the colourful pandan and white chocolate mousse with ube ganache, coconut jelly and coconut crumble (below) transported me to Malaysia, gastronomically speaking.

There is a huge selection of cocktails - as befits the party vibe - but local craft brewers like Moondog, Stomping Ground and Hop Nation are well represented on the drinks list. 

There is also a short, but well curated, selection of wines by the glass with the In Dreams 2021 Pinot Noir a particularly good match for the duck dish.

Salted Egg is on Level one at The Quincy Hotel Melbourne, 509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000. Breakfast 7am-11am daily; lunch noon-3pm Tuesday to Saturday; dinner from 5pm Monday to Saturday.

For full details see https://saltedeggmelbourne.com.au/

The writer was a guest of The Quincy Melbourme

Leading Asian airlines agree to link up

Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines have joined forces to form a new strategic airline partnership.

The pair will phase in codesharing more extensively on each other’s services, Travel Mole reports.

The two carriers will also collaborate on commercial activities.

Thai and SIA will initially codeshare on flight services between Singapore and Bangkok.

Thai will also codeshare on SIA’s flight services to Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa as well as codesharing on North America flights including Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Newark.

The airline partnership will explore additional codeshare arrangements.

Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines said: “This is a win-win opportunity to support the growth of our respective hubs.

"Both airlines have a loyal customer base, as well as extensive operations within south-east Asia and around the world."

Thai Airways acting CEO Suvadhana Sibunruang said "the codeshare arrangements will greatly benefit our customers in a range of service areas including [loyalty programs], customer experiences, lounge access and airport ground services.”

The agreement includes “wide-ranging commercial co-operation” the airlines said in a joint statement.