Indochina's Heritage Sites by Air: Bangkok to Bagan

Overlooking the Chao Phraya river, the iconic Peninsula’s commanding views of the city’s skyline make it one of the most elegant choices in Bangkok. Designed with a blend of modern and traditional Thai decor, the hotel provides all of the comforts of home with an exotic flair, all with the level of quality service and amenities that define the Peninsula. The hotel boasts three restaurants: Mei Jiang for Cantonese cuisine; Thiptara for Thai home-style cooking on an open-air pavilion; and the River Cafe and Bar, located on the banks of the river. The excellent spa, ESPA, offers state-of-the-art treatments, and an extensive fitness center includes a pool set in a garden complex. The Peninsula is located approximately 45 minutes by car from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).

The Siam Hotel is set on 3 acres of verdant lawn along the city side of Bangkok’s main river, the Chao Praya. The Siam is a private 39-room luxury retreat with its own unique historical background located in Bangkok’s royal Dusit district. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, the property is Art Deco inspired with infusions of Thai antiques and traditional architecture. Guests have an array of amenities at their fingertips: restaurants, a cooking school, bar, café, spa, gym, yoga terrace, Muay Thai boxing ring, beauty salon, library/cinema, infinity pool, gift/antiques gallery, conservatory and traditional Thai houses. The Siam’s 39 suites and pool villas are noticeably spacious and well equipped with modern conveniences. All rooms are outfitted with plush furnishings, super-sized king beds and lofty ceilings. Each suite is individually designed with original turn-of-the-century Oriental artwork and antiquities and is catered for by a personal butler. Complimentary WiFi is available property-wide. Onsite dining options include a Thai restaurant, international cuisine bistro, bar and coffee and cakes shop. The Siam Hotel is approximately 50 minutes from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Nestled on the banks of Bangkok’s bustling Chao Phraya River, the Four Seasons Bangkok is designed around water-centric serenity and fluidity, inspired by the riverfront location. Situated in a vibrant part of the city, guests can view the abundance of activity on the river and enjoy nearby restaurants and cafes, art galleries and temples, with easy access to the various shopping and cultural activities for which “The City of Angels” is renowned. Guests seeking a holistic experience can avail themselves of the hotel's two infinity pools, spa and wellness center, a well-equipped fitness center and a 98-foot lap pool.

Drawing on its reputation for elegance and personalization, the Capella Bangkok is nestled along the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, providing panoramic views from all 101 rooms, suites, and villas. The hotel has also thrown a couple of hats into the capital city’s ring of culinary offerings with two gourmet restaurants and a waterfront patio area that’s perfect for al-fresco dining. Three-Michelin-starred Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco is the mastermind behind much of Capella’s cuisine, and there is a specialty bar offering desserts and artisan cocktails. Among other amenities, there is an oriental tea lounge, open-air spa, outdoor pool, and even an in-house Capella Library. Finally, in trademark Capella fashion, personal assistants are made available to guests to ensure a luxury stay in Bangkok.

Tucked away in the rich natural landscapes of northern Thailand, just a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai Historical Park, Sriwilai Sukhothai Resort & Spa is a tranquil, Lanna-style retreat inspired by rural Thai life. The property is comprised of 52 guest rooms and two suites, a spa, an infinity pool overlooking rice fields and rolling hills, as well as a romantic restaurant serving authentic Sukhothai cuisine.

Amantaka is set south of Phousi Mountain and close to the banks of the Mekong River and the Luang Prabang Night Market. The resort, an old French colonial building, is surrounded by a spacious courtyard, and has 24 suites – eight deluxe suites, four pool suites, eight Khan suites, two Mekong suites and two Amantaka suites, all with spacious interior and exterior living areas. Facilities include a spa, a fitness center, a library and a boutique art gallery. Amantaka is little more than a ten- minute drive from Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ).

Located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Nam Kham and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is known for its Buddhist temples and monasteries, preserved traditional architecture, and remaining vestiges of Laos’ French colonial period. These elements earned it the distinction of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The city of just under 60,000 continues to inspire awe in tourists to this day, and with the opening of the Rosewood Luang Prabang, luxury travelers have the option to visit this destination while enjoying the level of comfort that the Rosewood Hotels and Resorts brand has staked its reputation on. The 24-room, suite, villa, and tent accommodations are designed by celebrated architect Bill Bensley and combine world-class luxury with local aesthetics. Guests are invited to enjoy locally sourced Laotian meals at The Great House or a drink and view from the Elephant Bridge Bar. There is also an opulent spa on site and a centrally located swimming pool, around which guests can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in this haven of luxury.

On the banks of the Perfume River, the boutique Azerai - La Residence Hotel and Spa occupies the former residence of Hue's governor. The hotel is surrounded by lush lawns and looks towards the Imperial Citadel, a picturesque sight in hues of green, red and yellow. The 122 rooms and suites have the spacious feel of a colonial villa, with richly colored art-deco furniture and a river-view terrace. The lavish spa is equipped with Italian products from Comfort Zone. Azerai - La Residence Hue is only 10 miles from the airport (HUI) and is outfitted with a sauna, pool, fitness center, tennis court, and business center. Wi-fi is available everywhere in the hotel.

With mountains as the backdrop and a seafront view, Banyan Tree Lang Co’s incredible natural surroundings are mirrored in the exquisite design of the villa resort. Designed with the opulence of past Vietnamese dynasties in mind, each guest villa features a private pool overlooking either the hills or the ocean, complete with sun loungers where guests can enjoy a freshly-blended cocktail. With close proximity to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the imperial city of Hue, the ancient town of Hoi An, and the temple ruins of My Son, the resort is perfect as both a home base to explore Central Vietnam and a romantic retreat to enjoy delicious meals, indulgent spa treatments, and a round of golf on the Sir Nick Faldo-designed course.

Located approximately five miles from the famed Angkor Wat, Amansara is sleek, stylish and superbly private. Formerly the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk, the grounds were originally laid out in 1962 and designed to embrace both modern design and the rich artistic legacy of Cambodia. This tranquil oasis is surrounded by beautiful gardens and includes a curved slate swimming pool. The 24 suites are decorated in a classic Indochinese palette of cool gray, pristine white, dark timber and ivory, and all include a private courtyard and soothing water features; 12 suites are equipped with private swimming pools. The Roof Garden, shaded by trees, is the ideal venue for relaxing by candlelight with cocktails, or for invigorating morning yoga sessions. The Spa, which has four treatment rooms, focuses on therapeutic Cambodian techniques using organic products. Every suite has access to its own remork and driver. On the 2007 Zagat Survey list of the world’s best hotels, Amansara was ranked number two for service.

A grand, historic hotel, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor opened its doors in the early 1930s. It is located on the main road to Angkor Wat and was planned so that it aligns on a north-south axis with Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Now sensitively restored, the hotel’s classic style coupled with its renewed modernity complement the grandeur of Angkor Wat. The hotel has 131 guest rooms and suites, each tastefully appointed with Art Deco-styled furnishings and Cambodian objets d’art. Guest services include the Raffles Amrita Spa, a fitness center, and a host of classes in the Raffles Amrita Pavilion, from Khmer dancing to Tai Chi. Elegant dining options range from the formal Restaurant Le Grand, to the Café d’Angkor, to the wide selection of cocktails at the famed Elephant Bar.

The Park Hyatt is a new addition to Cambodia’s select five-star hotel crowd. The hotel was previously Hotel De La Paix, one of the country’s top properties, and has been rebranded after a complete renovation. This new and exciting hotel is situated in one of Asia’s major emerging cultural destinations, providing ultimate indulgence and impeccable service. Designed by award-winning Bangkok-based interior designer Bill Bensley, Park Hyatt won Cambodia’s No. 1 hotel spot in Travel + Leisure and ranked No. 29 in its World’s Best Hotels 2010 list. Park Hyatt Siem Reap features 104 guestrooms, a choice of restaurants, a bar, fresh bakery, two swimming pools, a spa and fitness center.

Set back in 27 acres of lush, tropical gardens, The Aureum Palace Hotel is a tranquil retreat in the heart of Bagan. Spacious villas lace the resort’s expansive gardens and are lavishly appointed with hand-crafted teak furnishings, antiques and local artifacts. Dining options are extensive. For traditional Myanmar and Thai cuisine, visit The Shan, or for Italian cuisine and wines, dine at Casa D’Enzo. Casual cocktails and lighter fare are available at the resort’s many outdoor patios and cafes and poolside dining is available throughout the day. The Spa at the Aureum Palace offers aromatherapy treatments and massage by appointment. There is a swimming pool and fitness center, as well as a business center for Internet access.

Anavila Bagan is a five-star property comprised of seven exclusive villas, designed to reflect Bagan's UNESCO-accredited heritage. Each of the riverside villas and residences are unique in interior and space, with chosen decor showcasing Burmese and wider Asian cultures, and antique pieces set against a contemporary aesthetic. All accommodations include panoramic windows as well as a private veranda and/or roof terrace, which look out over the treetops to the temples and river nearby. Hotel facilities include an outdoor infinity-style saltwater swimming pool with a bar, The Clubhouse restaurant and a traditional Burmese teak house, where guests can see local craftspeople at work and learn about Burmese cooking.