AWC and Hotel Okura make headway with the development of a unique project in the heart of Chiang Mai and ‘Okura Cruise’, the world’s first luxurious Teppanyaki and Kaiseki cruise by Okura, set for maiden voyage on Chao Phraya River by year-end

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group  has signed a multiple-property framework agreement with Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., a world-renowned hotel chain that blends traditional Japanese beauty with top-tier accommodation, cuisine and service, to develop and manage projects in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and other key destinations in Thailand. Notably, the Okura Prestige, the first hotel under the Okura brand in Northern Thailand, will also offer the world’s first luxurious Ryokan experience by Okura outside Japan. Additionally, AWC and Hotel Okura have co-developed the ‘Okura Cruise,’ the world’s first luxurious Teppanyaki and Kaiseki cruise by Okura, offering a floating fine-dining experience. The cruise, available for advance reservation soon, is scheduled to make its maiden voyage along the Chao Phraya River in December 2024. The Framework Agreement with Hotel Okura aligns with AWC’s strategy to partner with global brands to develop quality assets and strengthen its luxury portfolio in prime locations, appealing to a broader customer base and strengthening Thailand as a global sustainable tourism destination. Under the partnership, AWC and Hotel Okura will develop over 500 room keys across different brands in major tourism destinations, emphasizing the 'Omotenashi' spirit of Japanese hospitality that prioritizes attentive service and sincere care, surpassing mere customer service by anticipating the needs and desires of guests. This entails meticulous attention to cuisine, enriching overall well-being and nurturing both mind and body. Aiming to promote Thailand as a global tourism destination, the projects under this framework include the first Okura-branded hotel and Ryokan in Northern Thailand, located on Chang Klan Road in Chiang Mai as part of AWC’s ‘Lannatique’ project, as well as other projects in Bangkok and other key cities. Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC),  said that “We are delighted to announce our strategic partnership with Hotel Okura, extending our long-term collaboration to expand and diversify our hospitality portfolio in major tourism destinations in Thailand. Bringing the renowned Okura brand to Chiang Mai emphasizes AWC’s commitment to supporting Chiang Mai as a global sustainable tourism destination, connecting to our Lannatique project that will showcase Lanna art and culture to travelers. The hotel will integrate traditional Japanese practices with the transcultural heritage embedded in the ancient Lanna city, paying homage to the spirit and charisma of a culture that reflects the community's values from the past, present, and future. “Additionally, the ‘Okura Cruise,’ the world’s first luxurious Teppanyaki and Kaiseki cruise by Okura, marks a historic collaboration that will bring Okura’s cruise experience to Thailand for the first time, enhancing Thailand’s position as a world-class sustainable global destination.” Mr. Toshihiro Ogita, President Representative Director, Hotel Okura Co., Ltd.,  said that “We appreciate this milestone with AWC in Thailand, marked by the development of new projects following the success of The Okura Prestige Bangkok. We are thrilled to bring the Okura brand to Chiang Mai for the first time, allowing guests to explore one of the top global destinations in Thailand with unique and memorable Lanna-Japanese cultural experiences. And now our relationship between AWC and Okura will enter a new stage, a much deeper one. We expect that several more hotels in Thailand will be managed by us within the next 5 years. We are also excited for the collaboration with AWC which will see the maiden voyage of the world’s first Okura Cruise on the Chao Phraya River, which harmonizes Japanese hospitality with the tranquil scenery and historic landmarks of riverside Bangkok. Our mission at Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. has always been to present the essence of true Japanese hospitality to our guests worldwide. We believe that our expertise and uniqueness will fortify AWC’s position as a leader in the lifestyle real estate business in Thailand. We look forward to working with AWC in bringing the “Best Accommodation, Cuisine and Service” to Thailand through this partnership.” The first Okura-branded hotel and Ryokan on Chang Klan Road in Chiang Mai will strategically connect to the Lannatique project, presenting a harmonious fusion of elegance and simplicity. This one-stop destination for well-being will feature designs inspired by the rich tapestry of Lanna's storied past, seamlessly intertwining with contemporary Japanese art and history. The hotel will offer traditional Ryokan-style rooms with Tatami mats, Yukata robes, and private Onsen, highlighting the tranquility of traditional Japanese practices and specially curated cuisines for well-being that nurture mind, body, and spirit. Key highlights include an Omakase restaurant, a Lanna Kaiseki restaurant, full-service Onsen, a Zen Garden, and a Japanese tea café. AWC and Hotel Okura have also commenced construction of the ‘Okura Cruise,’ the world’s first luxurious Teppanyaki and Kaiseki cruise by Okura, which is set to sail on the Chao Phraya River in December 2024 and will be available for reservation soon. A keel laying ceremony, which in Thai culture marks the beginning of building a ship and will bring happiness, victory and permanent prosperity to the ship, was attended by Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), senior executives and honored guests on May 21st, 2024, at MITS Decisions shipyard, Samut Sakhon. The ceremony marked the prosperous and auspicious beginning of this much-anticipated luxurious Japanese dining cruise experience. The ‘Okura Cruise’, the world’s first luxurious Teppanyaki and Kaiseki cruise by Okura, which is scheduled to sail from Asiatique the Riverfront Destination to the Rama VIII Bridge, will feature an abstract geometric design inspired by Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, and the Japanese folklore of Crane and Tortoise that represents longevity. The cruise will be the first Japanese fine-dining floating restaurant, offering an authentic Kaiseki and Teppanyaki dining experience with breathtaking views of riverside Bangkok. Guests will also enjoy premium relaxation in an exclusive private lounge at Asiatique the Riverfront Destination before boarding. Currently, AWC and Hotel Okura together operate The Okura Prestige Bangkok with 240 room keys. Under this framework agreement, more than 500 room keys will be added through the Chiang Mai hotel and other projects in Bangkok and other destinations expected to open in 2028.