Smart Travel Asia
Online travel magazine for Asian hotel reviews . airline seat surverys . shopping . spas
An exclusive collection of the best Asian hotels, resorts and spas

Best in Travel Poll 2025 - Smart Travel Asia Magazine

 

How does Andaz Bangkok stack up against Ritz, Aman?

Bangkok new hotels review - comparing the playful lifestyle Andaz One Bangkok (pictured) vs the Ritz-Carlton, Dusit Thani and Aman Nai Lert

Suite at Andaz One Bangkok (right) and marble bathtub with a Lumphini Park view (centre). The hotel is a high end lifestyle offering that immediately draws comparison vs it's neighbour The Ritz-Carlton and uber-luxe Aman Nai Lert. Dusit Thani Bangkok is another luxe contender across Lumphini Park/ photos: Vijay Verghese

ADVENTURE

Hokkaido ski resorts guide

A look at stunning resorts and an all-weather guide.

SHOPPING

Airport duty free prices

A look at the cheapest shopping at Asian airports.

Mystery of the vanishing GMs Hulunbuir guide to the Inner Mongolia grasslands and reindeer

Hulunbuir's spectacular Inner Mongolia grasslands stretch endlessly in all directions. Spot yurts, horses, Siberian migratory birds and reindeers guarded by the Ewenki people who carry on an ancient herding tradition. Also see our Inner Mongolia Hohhot Excursions Guide.

EDITOR'S RANT

Travel does a U-turn from the US to SE Asian cities

Author - Vijay VergheseShoot-from-the-hip US policy has in an instant altered global travel currents. As Asians rediscover their history and domestic travel surges, could rail travel become the next big thing? And what on earth is ‘hushpitality’?

Hong Kong guide to milk tea and local street dim sum

Guide to Hong Kong milk teas and dim sum. Master Chef Eric Cheng (far left) measures a perfect pour of HK milk tea at My Cup of Tea, Wanchai; new-look Waso Cafe near Tin Sui Wai (centre); and (right) dim sum at The Palace Restaurant, Lau Fau Shan near the old oyster farms. / photos: Vijay Verghese


Jim Thompson silk, Thai icon

Raffles Sentosa Singapore MGM Macau JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok Amorita Puerta Princesa Regent Taipei COMO Metropolitan Singapore MGM COTAI The Funny Lion Puerto Princesa