A new wave of hotels across Asia is turning rooms and lobbies into living art spaces. Guests now enjoy immersive cultural experiences alongside luxurious stays. From Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, hotels are commissioning local and international artists, drawing on regional heritage, and inviting visitors to engage with the creative process. Industry leaders describe this trend as a powerful way to connect travelers with local culture while supporting Southeast Asia’s thriving creative economy.
For Thai travelers, the shift signals hospitality built around heritage and contemporary art—experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing and nourish personal growth and well-being. Data from Thailand’s tourism authorities suggests this trend could strengthen domestic tourism by presenting artful stays as a gateway to Thailand’s rich cultural narratives.
In Vietnam, The Anam Mui Ne opened in 2023 with 250 original oil paintings across guest rooms and public spaces. The works spotlight everyday life and landscapes, with contributions from prominent Vietnamese artists known for modern and abstract interpretations. Hallways feature Cham pottery, an Indigenous craft recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, elevating traditional skills within a modern setting. This integration bolsters Vietnam’s arts ecosystem and aligns with efforts to preserve craft amid modernization, according to conservation bodies and research institutions.
Hong Kong’s The Hari transforms public spaces into a rotating canvas curated by a London-based advisory group. Guests join bespoke art tours led by an in-house ambassador who is also a practicing artist. Visitors hear behind-the-scenes stories and explore installations spanning photography, digital film, and sculpture. Nearby creative hubs, including Wan Chai’s Foo Tak Building and local galleries, offer additional opportunities to engage with Hong Kong’s vibrant arts scene.
In Chiang Mai, Meliá Chiang Mai highlights regional crafts through its design. Restaurants and lounges feature works inspired by Bo Sang Umbrella Village, blending antique textiles and bamboo frames with illuminated umbrella motifs. The presentation offers a contemporary homage to northern Thai artistry, inviting guests to experience local craft in a refined, modern setting.
Bangkok’s hotels embrace art-forward experiences as well. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit showcases dramatic contemporary works referencing city landmarks, such as a striking Giant Swing installation by the pool, kite-themed restaurant walls, and gilded accents echoing historic temples. A senior hotel manager notes the aim is to deepen guests’ understanding of the city’s artistic spirit while they unwind. Collaborations with local photographers and artists ensure authenticity and ongoing creative renewal in the Thai capital.
Japan’s Palace Hotel Tokyo houses one of the region’s most extensive hotel art collections, with more than 700 original pieces curated in partnership with a major Tokyo gallery. Guided art tours reveal the symbolism linking Tokyo’s imperial history with its vibrant present, enriching guests’ appreciation for Japan’s evolving art scene.
Cambodian properties are integrating contemporary art with traditional performance. Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Angkor in Siem Reap host exhibitions featuring Khmer artists interpreting Apsara dance through abstract and contemporary forms, staged in collaboration with leading galleries. The initiative strengthens Cambodia’s modern art profile while honoring a storied cultural legacy.
Azerai La Residence in Hue, Vietnam, stands out for its portrait collection of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. The gallery anchors the hotel in the region’s imperial history, offering guests a structured cultural immersion near historic sites across the Perfume River.
Wellness and art intersect at TIA Wellness Resort, which includes a dedicated gallery space and daily visual-art workshops for guests. The program includes analog photography and calligraphy, aligning with wellness research that art engagement can help regulate emotions and support mental health. A visiting French photographer involved in the project notes that art can be a mindful, restorative practice.
Nature also features prominently. Angsana Lang Co in Vietnam hosts a birdlife gallery that doubles as a conservation project. Guests may submit their own photographs and join guided birdwatching excursions, reflecting a broader Asian tradition of weaving environmental appreciation with artistic expression.
For Thailand, hotels expanding into art present opportunities and responsibilities. Thai properties are well positioned to showcase the country’s rich artistic heritage—from mural work to contemporary installations. Sustainable collaborations with local artists and culturally informed curation will be crucial to ensure authentic storytelling that respects tradition while embracing innovation.
Thai travelers show strong interest in domestic culture and “staycations,” and industry observations indicate this trend could add value for visitors while supporting local artists and crafts. The country’s long-standing integration of art into public spaces—temples, festivals, and vernacular architecture—provides fertile ground for this trend. Modern hotels are building on this heritage with digital media, interactive installations, and collaborations with Thai art schools and creative collectives, ensuring a pipeline of innovative projects and exhibitions.
Experts anticipate deeper hospitality-art fusions ahead, including artist residencies and curated “art floors” with rotating exhibitions. Technology is likely to play a larger role, with augmented reality tours and digital installations enhancing visitor engagement. An authority on Thai art notes that these developments democratize access to culture and support emerging Thai artists, strengthening the relationship between creativity and commerce.
Yet, risks exist. Superficial art displays can become mere selfie backdrops. Meaningful collaboration requires sustained investment and respectful engagement with artists. Industry leaders urge hotels to move beyond decoration toward authentic cultural storytelling and fair compensation.
To capitalize on this trend, Thai hotels should prioritize authentic partnerships with local artists and galleries, curate programs that highlight both heritage and contemporary forms, and offer educational experiences such as tours, talks, and workshops. Involving local communities will further strengthen cultural sustainability and visitor value.
For Thai readers curious about artful travel or new models of cultural engagement, the takeaway is clear: when booking a hotel, seek genuine commitments to showcasing local art, participate in available tours or workshops, and share experiences with friends. Supporting this movement enriches journeys and helps preserve Asia’s diverse artistic landscape for the future.
In journalism from reputable organizations, the trend is framed as a powerful way to connect travelers with culture, wellness, and creativity while reinforcing local livelihoods and heritage.