The Top Heritage Hotels of Asia

1 Raffles Hotel Singapore

It’s hard not to tip your hat to Singapore’s Raffles Hotel as the top heritage hotel in South East Asia. Dating back to 1887, with the main building and rooms completed in 1899, it is entirely authentic and dripping with history. 

2 The Caravelle Hotel Saigon

More significant for its history than heritage values, The Caravelle Hotel tells the story of modern Saigon. At one point, resident journalists claimed they could cover the unfolding war without leaving their bar stools. The renovated hotel retains the signature frontage. 

MORE History of the Caravelle Hotel Saigon

3 The Peninsula, Hong Kong

“I’d feel rich here even if I hadn’t a dime in my pocket,” an American woman is reputed to have said at the opening in 1928. The 300-room Peninsula Hong Kong is one of Rolls-Royce’s largest customers, having bought 70 cars since opening. 

4 Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

For 150 years, authors and writers have walked through the doors of the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. The ghosts of Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward and James Michener still wander the authors’ suites, and the hotel still bathes in literary glory. 

5 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

In 1902, the magnificent French colonial Grand Hôtel Métropole Palace first appeared, and having survived both WWII and the B-52s of the 1970s, its 364 rooms now carry the prestigious Sofitel Legend brand atop the newly-restored palace. You can even tour the old bomb shelters. 

6 Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh

The landmark hotel was designed in the 1920s in Khmer, Art Deco and French Colonial styles. In the heart of Phnom Penh. Raffles Hotel Le Royal has 175 rooms, including four suites dedicated to previous guests Jacqueline Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, Andre Malraux and Somerset Maugham.

7 The Strand, Yangon
 

The Strand Hotel in Yangon was built in 1896 by British entrepreneur John Darwood and later acquired by the Sarkies brothers and is a colonial-era landmark featuring elegant rooms, a swimming pool, and fine dining options. Its central location and warm service make it a popular choice for travellers.

MORE: Back to Burma

8 The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Dating back to 1932, the Majestic Hotel was designed by the Dutch firm Keyes and Dowdeswell, initially catering to colonial elite and prominent visitors. After World War II, the hotel declined but was later restored by YTL Hotels and reopened in 2012 with 300 modern rooms in a new wing.

MORE: A close shave at The Majestic Hotel

9 Sofitel Luang Prabang

Once a French Governor's residence in the 1900s, Sofitel Luang Prabang now epitomises luxury amidst Lao heritage. This historic haven blends French elegance with traditional motifs, offering suites with private gardens and pools. Relish Lao-French culinary masterpieces, indulge in the signature spa, and explore nearby gems like Wat Xieng Thong.

MORE: Touring Luang Prabang

Originally published in International Traveller Magazine

Egypt: Raise a Sail on the Nile

The ancient city of Aswan is just one of the highlights of an Intrepid Travel tour of Egypt

Words: Roderick Eime

Ahmed manhandles the rigging with all the aplomb of a practised hand. There’s just the right amount of wind to fill the big lateen sail and propel us along at an impressive clip.

How a hobby for vintage vinyl and retro HiFi influenced a luxury Thai hotel brand

Devasom Resort Hua Hin has its own type of time machine. Just listen.

When Ath Atirak carefully drops the stylus onto the vinyl, he can feel himself being transported back to another era.

Only in India

Chaotic, colourful, captivating. World traveller, Ros Freeman, immerses herself in the delicious frenzy that can only be 'incredible' India.

Greece: Antiparos Holiday

My favourite holiday destination is a small island in Greece called Antiparos (population of just over 1,000) which I’ve been visiting for over 25 years. The first time I went there as a backpacker was in 1982 - then the island was mainly visited by Scandinavians and Italians, and very rarely did the locals see an Australian tourist.

Love and Kisses from Kosovo

Tungjatjeta! World Traveller, Ros Freeman, embraces the sort-of country of Kosovo and finds her affection returned.

‘May you live a long and happy life’. Kushtrim greets me as I arrived at his hotel. For Kosovars greetings are an integral part of life. Men shake hands, give a little hug, sometimes a kiss on the cheek and, finally, a parting handshake. It’s a fine way to spend an afternoon. 

Eric Hallin, the real legend of Chiang Rai

Mention the name Eric Hallin—or Khun Eric, as he’s known in Thailand—to anyone in the hospitality, travel, or tourism industry, and you’re bound to receive a smile in return. Known for his charm, composure, and dry wit, Eric has spent over five decades shaping travel experiences, including more than 43 years as a hotelier and over 40 as a General Manager.

Roll Over Moldova

Nostalgia for the former Soviet Union is alive and well in Moldova and Transnistria. Ros Freeman revisits what was once - and perhaps still is - the USSR.

Main photo: Flickr user AMWRanes

The little red train tore through the tunnels of Cricova. The tunnel complex is huge, so lengthy there are road signs along the way. We whizzed past Cabernet Street and along Sauvignon Street, stopping at the occasional red light. Oh, how I wished to detour along Rosé Road, Pinot Parade or Champagne Crescent, but our train driver was on a course.