ASAI Bangkok Chinatown — Photo by Dusit
ASAI Bangkok Chinatown's thoughtfully designed rooms emphasise in-stay essentials such as superior quality beds, high-pressure rain showers, luggage space, and a work desk with USB charging station. — Photo by Dusit
Self-check-in kiosks are available at the hotel's fourth-floor hub. — Photo by Dusit

Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, will begin rolling out its new ASAI Hotels brand this September with the opening of ASAI Bangkok Chinatown in the heart of the city's renowned Chinatown district, followed by six more properties all operating under a thoughtfully lean hotel concept Dusit believes will be key to sustainable and profitable growth in the new normal.

Designed to link millennial-minded travellers with authentic local experiences in the world's most vibrant neighbourhoods, ASAI Hotels is Dusit's sixth hotel brand and represents the company's expansion into the affordable lifestyle segment of the lodging spectrum. Its other brands - namely Dusit Thani, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, Dusit Devarana, and Elite Havens - cover upper-midscale through to luxury.

Drawing on Dusit's unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, ASAI Hotels is positioned to offer lean-luxury by providing thoughtfully pared-back services while focusing on in-stay essentials. Large communal spaces featuring sustainable and locally inspired lifestyle and dining experiences will be central to its offerings.

Starting this September, the brand will initially serve domestic travellers seeking authentic experiences in Bangkok's historic Chinatown district and culturally rich Old Town. Another ASAI hotel will open within 12 months in Bangkok's stylish Sathorn district, followed by three ASAI Hotels in Cebu, the Philippines; one ASAI hotel in the old Yankin area of Yangon, Myanmar; and one ASAI hotel in Kyoto, Japan.

Dusit International believes the ASAI Hotels concept is well-positioned to meet the challenges of a post-COVID-19 world and deliver long-term value for hotel owners, investors and other key stakeholders.

Collaborations with local restaurateurs and artisans, and sustainable sourcing of produce, are just some of the elements we have in place to capture the attention of the market as a whole, and we believe this integrated community approach will be vital to success in our industry following the deep social and economic impact of COVID-19."

Opening on 15 September, ASAI Bangkok Chinatown features 224 thoughtfully compact rooms (ranging from 18 - 26 sq m). Each room's contemporary and clean design emphasises in-stay essentials, such as superior quality beds, high-pressure rain showers, luggage space, and a work desk with USB charging station. A large communal area, meanwhile, includes large and comfortable work areas, a small gym, a bar highlighting craft beers and creative cocktails, a large courtyard with organic herb garden, and Jam Jam restaurant serving a creative twist on local and international favourites.

Located adjacent to Yaowarat Road, only 100 metres from Wat Mangkon MRT underground station, the hotel also puts guests in the heart of a vibrant neighbourhood renowned for its lively fresh markets, historic temples, traditional shophouses, hidden coffee shops and a vast array of streetside eateries. The Rattanakosin Island area, home to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, is only two stations away on the MRT. The city's major commercial districts can also be easily reached via the underground network.

In line with ASAI Hotel's overall concept, Live Local, each hotel in the ASAI portfolio will be geared to reflect its local character in terms of design, style and restaurant offering. This approach will be further evident when ASAI Hotels opens its second hotel, in Bangkok's Sathorn district, which will fully embrace the modernity of its inner-city setting to offer a complementary-yet-distinctive stay experience that differentiates it from the Chinatown property.

Hotel website