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) Accessible Asia: Three countries, three cultures, three weeks
River cruises. Fresh beer. Strong coffee. French baguettes. Bike rides along shaded canals. Cooking classes in secluded villas. Five-star hotels with sky bars and rooftop pools. Paris, Venice, London?Try Hanoi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
If it's your first time or your tenth, surprises await in modern Southeast Asia. More accessible and easier to travel around than ever, it's a place where English is widely spoken and the dollar still packs power. Beginning Monday, join in online as travel writer Carol Pucci reports from Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Follow her dispatches, see her photos and offer your own comments and tips.
Returning to Asia, where changes abound BANGKOK — When my husband, Tom, and I made our first trip to Asia 19 years ago, Bangkok was our first stop. More>>
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) Luxury hospitality group to open deluxe hotel in Bangkok, Thailand
Rapidly expanding its reach in the world�s most alluring destinations, W Hotels, owned by North Sathorn Hotel Company, a joint venture between Dubai-based Istithmar Hotels FZE and Golden Land Property Development PLC, has announced plans to open its second hotel in Thailand, W Bangkok. The newly constructed 400-room hotel will debut in 2011 as part of a luxurious, mixed-use real estate development at the core of the city�s commercial and diplomatic center. W Bangkok will combine innovative, contemporary design and W�s signature services to create a transformative experience for modern travelers visiting Bangkok, one of Asia Pacific�s most captivating cities.�Ross Klein, President, Starwood�s Luxury Brands Group, said, �W continues to extend beyond the boundaries of everyday travel, offering a magical mix of sexy destinations and sublime design. More>>
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) Starwood launches second 'W' location
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc has announced the expansion of W Hotels worldwide with a plan to launch its second hotel, the W Bangkok in 2011.Starwood has entered into a management agreement with North Sathorn Hotel Company, a joint venture between Istithmar Hotels FZE and Golden Land Property Development Plc for the new hotel. The property would form a major part of Golden Land's Sathorn Square mixed-use development.
The 400-room W Bangkok would be located on the former Russian Embassy site on Sathon Road, that would also comprise Infinity Condominium and 70,000 square metres of grade A office space with luxury boutiques and shops.
''We are thrilled with the introduction of the W brand into Bangkok. Following the announcement of W Retreat & Residences, Koh Samui, the W Bangkok is a logical extension of W's dynamic growth in Thailand,'' said Miguel Ko, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. More>>