Luxury IHG Brands InterContinental and Kimpton Coming to Northern Thailand

IHG has bolstered its presence in Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand by signing deals for 2 of its most exclusive brands: InterContinental and Kimpton.

Here’s what you need to know about the new resorts.

First InterContinental and Kimpton in Thailand’s Golden Triangle

InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort will have 68 1- and 2-bedroom pool and plunge pool villas. It is expected to open for guests in 2025, though no exact opening date has been given.

That’s not the only luxury brand coming to the region. Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle — currently the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort — will join the IHG portfolio after undergoing renovations. The hotel will have 68 suites, though it’s unclear when this property will open.

Both brands will debut in Thailand’s Golden Triangle, an area in Southeast Asia along the Mekong River where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos intersect. The resorts will be an hour away from Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), which serves Northern Thailand.

“On the back of the recent opening of InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, this signing is another milestone in IHG’s and AWC’s more than 10-year relationship and will provide travelers with the opportunity to explore more of northern Thailand,” said Rajit Sukumaran, IHG Managing Director, South East Asia, and Korea. The hotels are being developed with Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), a Thai real estate group.

Sukumaran went on to say that IHG was on track to grow its luxury and lifestyle portfolio in Thailand by 50% within the next 3 to 5 years.

Booking IHG Hotels & Resorts in Thailand

While we await the opening of the InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Resort and Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle, there are currently over 30 IHG hotels across 9 brands in Thailand that participate in IHG One Rewards.

IHG has a handful of luxury brands across Thailand, including InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, and Six Senses, to redeem IHG One Rewards points. These include the Six Senses Yao Noi, which starts at around 106,000 points per night (or $530) for dates in May 2024.

Earning IHG One Rewards points is pretty simple, as you can transfer Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards to IHG at a 1:1 ratio or open 1 of 3 co-branded IHG credit cards with sizable welcome bonuses.

Final Thoughts

While we don’t have many details about either property, this signing is positive news for IHG loyalists who will have new options for points stays in Northern Thailand. The good news is that the InterContinental will open in 2025, but in the meantime, you should consider IHG’s other properties in Thailand for your next vacation!