Newsletter
Celebrate the Festive Season in Style in Southeast Asia
Snow may be in short supply in Southeast Asia, but the region offers plenty of festive cheer. From Buddhist monk alms giving in Luang Prabang to champagne-laced sunsets in Bali, the holidays here are a feast of contrasts—rich with spirituality, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Read on for our festive picks for 2025.
CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON IN STYLE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Snow may be in short supply in Southeast Asia, but the region offers plenty of festive cheer. From Buddhist monk alms giving in Luang Prabang to champagne-laced sunsets in Bali, the holidays here are a feast of contrasts—rich with spirituality, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Read on for our festive picks for 2025.THAILAND
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok
Thailand glows in December: the monsoon rains have passed, the air is crisp, and the golden spires of its temples catch the winter sun. Begin your festive adventure in Bangkok at the riverside Capella Bangkok, where Michelin-starred dining, riverfront suites, and NYE fireworks over the Chao Phraya River set the scene for a dazzling celebration. Venture out on a private Hacker-Craft for a sunset champagne cruise with canapés or take a luxe tuk tuk tour through the Old Town, sampling light bites along the way. Cap it all off with an after-hours visit to Wat Pho, where a private blessing ceremony adds spiritual depth to the season. For those seeking refined calm, the recently opened Aman Nai Lert Bangkok offers a quiet urban retreat in a historic garden enclave. Further north, exchange urban energy for the serene rhythms of the countryside at Four Seasons Chiang Mai, where rice paddies, mountain views, and Thai wellness traditions offer a deeply restorative retreat.
Suggested itinerary: Classic Thailand
VIETNAM
Amanoi
Vietnam wears the festive season well. The weather is dry and inviting in the south, making it ideal for festive exploration. Make vibrant Saigon your base for excursions to the verdant Mekong Delta for scenic biking through riverside villages or leisurely boating through palm-lined backwaters, or embark on a luxury Aqua Mekong cruise for an extended soujourn on the water. Further afield, jet off to Phu Quoc and check in to The Regent, a refined beachfront sanctuary with stellar dining and a festive atmosphere. For something more remote, Con Dao offers barefoot elegance at the Six Senses and tropical island serenity. Amanoi on Vinh Hy Bay also shines in December with its festive programming, gala dinners, and serene setting. Guests should note that seasonal winds can limit beach and water activities in central Vietnam – but hiking, biking, tennis, cooking classes, village visits, spa and wellness experiences are all ideal at this time of year at Amanoi.
Suggested itinerary: Classic Vietnam
CAMBODIA
Song Saa Two Bed Overwater Villa
Cambodia’s ancient temples provide spiritual grounding while its coastal corners offer peace and privacy. In Siem Reap, a sunrise visit to Ta Prohm accompanied by a private archaeologist offers a meditative start to the holidays. Other highlights include a gondola cruise with canapés at sunset around the Angkor Thom complex or a monk blessing and fortune-telling ritual at a lesser-known temple. Guests with a philanthropic spirit can take part in a local water well donation or learn about the country’s famous bomb-sniffing APOPO rats. For festive downtime, opt for Song Saa Private Island, where the focus is on coral regeneration and community engagement rather than simple indulgence. Or head to Shinta Mani Wild, a conservation-minded sanctuary where holidays are spent supporting anti-poaching efforts, foraging with chefs, birdwatching, kayaking, and ziplining into the jungle.
Suggested itinerary: Classic Cambodia
LAOS
Rosewood Luang Prabang Hilltop Tent
In Luang Prabang, the festive season is ushered in with ancient rituals, saffron-robed monks, and the scent of frangipani in the air. Stay at Amantaka or at Rosewood Luang Prabang, a Bill Bensley-designed escape tucked among waterfalls and forest. Mornings might include a quiet blessing at Wat Mai after cycling the serene old town, while afternoons offer guided temple walks led by the hotel’s resident Buddhist expert. Evenings can bring cocktail hours with a renowned author and local historian who helped secure the town’s UNESCO designation. Round it off with a scoop of buffalo milk ice cream from Laos Buffalo Dairy, a charming social enterprise that gives back to the community.
Suggested itinerary: Classic Southeast Asia
INDONESIA
Amankila
Indonesia trades sleigh bells for rituals, reef adventures, and rainforest wonder. In Bali, cliffside escapes like Amankila offer barefoot luxury with dramatic sea views or follow the heartbeat of the jungle to Capella Ubud. Holidays can include private yacht charters, floating breakfasts, and torchlit kecak dance performances at local temples. On New Year’s Eve, head to Mount Batur for a private sunset dinner with panoramic volcanic views. Swap champagne sails for something wilder: fish for trevally off the coast of Nusa Penida or catch sight of elusive and surreal-shaped sea dragons in a secret coastal cove. For a marine adventure, few places rival Raja Ampat, where remote cruising and some of the world’s finest diving offers pristine coral gardens, rare wildlife, and the warm company of local communities.
Suggested itinerary: Classic Indonesia
AMAN JET EXPEDITION
Aman Jet Expedition
For those spending the holiday period at home, with the new year comes arguably the best way to experience Southeast Asia. Over 13 nights, the Discover Southeast Asia Aman Jet Expedition spans four countries and five of Aman’s most iconic retreats, while showcasing a highly-curated collection of the very best of the region. A maximum of just 18 guests will travel by Airbus ACJ 319 private jet, enjoying private touring and transfers throughout, blending the best elements of both group and private and small group travel. Availability is limited.
Learn more: Discover Southeast Asia 2025
#TAKEMETOREMOTELANDS
AS FEATURED IN
The Wall Street Journal • Town & Country • Departures • Travel + Leisure • Forbes • Condé Nast Traveler • BusinessWeek • National Geographic Traveler • Palm Beach Post • Chicago Tribune • Financial Times • BBC • Fox Business News • The New York Times
REMOTE LANDS, INC.
120 East 56th Street, Suite 1600 PH, New York, NY 10022 USAPhone: +1.212.518.1618
Email: [email protected]
REMOTE LANDS (THAILAND) CO., LTD
9/F Mahatun Plaza, 888/94-95 Ploenchit Rd., Bangkok 10330 ThailandPhone: +66.2651.5401
Email: [email protected] Copyright © 2025 REMOTE LANDS, INC.
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
|