High-End Sojourns with Over-the-Top Afternoon Tea in Asia
By Lifestyle+Travel
To cool of the tropical heat in the afternoon, these top-notch hotels and resorts in Asia offer sensational sets of Afternoon Tea, curated by their skillful culinary team, along with engaging experiences unique to each stay.
Thailand – Meliá Koh Samui
Luxurious afternoon tea by award-winning executive chef Azizskandar Awang with a selection of premium TWG loose teas and the obligatory scones with clotted cream and homemade jam, as well as more tastebuds-pampering bites. Held every Saturday from 15:00 until 18:00.
ON THE MENU:
- lemon and pistachio éclair
- canelé de Bordeaux
- chocolate mousse and strawberry macaroon
- passion fruit, chocolate croustillant and raspberry
- egg, mayo and mixed cress
- grilled brie cheese and cranberry
- cucumber, dill and cream cheese
- smoked salmon finger
VENUE:
Yod Maprao, a stunning room with floor-to-ceiling windows affording spectacular vistas of the resort’s infinity pool and Choeng Mon Beach.
PRICES:
THB 800 (USD 25) per person (add Nua Prosecco or Moët & Chandon Piccolo for an extra cost)
Thailand – Banyan Tree Samui
A heavenly opportunity of having an afternoon tea for two by an infinity pool overlooking the frisky sun-dappled sea.
ON THE MENU:
- English Tea set – Earl Grey, fresh scones and clotted cream
- Mango Paradise Tea set – mango-flavored eclairs, tarts, mousse, cheesecake, macarons, and more
VENUE:
The pleasure can be all yours right at your beautiful secluded villa.
PRICES:
USD 30 – 35 per set
Vietnam – The Anam Cam Ranh
The Anam fondles your peaceful afternoon with your beloved one with a set of indulging afternoon tea crafted by professional culinary team who knows so well how to make your day.
ON THE MENU:
- English and raisin scones with jam and clotted cream
- Bailey’s cheesecake, coconut tart and macaron
- a ham and cheese sandwich
- grilled pork belly with mustard seed sauce and mini ciabatta
- a caprese burger
VENUE:
At the guest’s villa or other scenic locations across the resort of the guest’s choosing.
PRICES:
USD 15++ per person
Vietnam – Banyan Tree Lang Co
Banyan Tree Lang Co is very well-known for stunning traditiondal architecture amidst the mountains and the gleaming East Sea. For an ultimate Vietnamese sense, a special set of afternoon tea served in bamboo baskets are served right at your door on a daily basis.
ON THE MENU:
- a choice of premium teas
- nem lui (pork on lemongrass skewers)
- banh ngot (sweet cakes)
VENUE:
At your exquisite villa.
PRICES:
Complimentary daily for villa guests.
Vietnam – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Afternoon tea at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is now featuring an all-new selection of all good things you can savour in an afternoon in a stunning setting.
ON THE MENU:
- traditional sandwiches
- oven-fresh scones
- scrumptious patisseries
- signature madeleines
- an expanded menu of teas from around the world, from bold Assam tea from India to locally produced Vietnamese teas
VENUE:
Le Club Bar, a bright, airy venue with a timeless feel overlooking the hotel’s garden courtyard.
PRICES:
VND 690,000++ (USD 30)
Vietnam – Azerai La Residence, Hue
In Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Azerai La Residence, Hue boasts its breathtaking architectural finesse, while offering daily afternoon tea with a fascinating will that will leave you relentlessly impressed.
ON THE MENU:
- Traditional Afternoon Tea – mini club sandwiches, mini quiche, assorted sweet pastries, local special sweets, classic English tea or freshly brewed coffee
- Sparkling Afternoon Tea – all of the above plus a glass of Jean-Louis Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine
VENUE:
Le Gouverneur, the stylish Art Deco-inspired bar located just off the hotel’s main lobby, as well as outside in the verdant gardens with an amazing view.
PRICES:
Traditional Afternoon Tea – VND 450,000++ for two persons
Sparkling Afternoon Tea – VND 750,000+ for two persons
Japan – Zentis Osaka
Afternoon tea at Osaka’s newest hotel is designed by a rising culinary star, Chef Shinya Otsuchihashi, who brings his French and Japanese cooking skills to create an afternoon tea that bridges the cuisine of the two cultures. The tea service is from 14:00 – 17:30 daily.
ON THE MENU:
- matcha financiers
- passionfruit & coconut macaroons
- edamame blancmange
- chilled soups
VENUE:
UPSTAIRZ
PRICES:
A two hour afternoon tea starts at JPY 4,500++ (USD 42) and a glass of champagne can be added for JPY 1,000++ (USD 9)
Indonesia: Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana
At Tanah Gajah, a resort moored amidst a sea of rice fields, the daily afternoon tea service serves up a panorama of classic Balinese against a backdrop of art and sculpture collected by one of Indonesia’s most reputed architects. Offered from 14:00 – 18:00.
ON THE MENU:
- Balinese-spiced tuna satay
- chicken curry puffs and finger sandwiches
- Valrhona chocolate cake
- mixed fruit tarts
- jackfruit fritters
- tiramisu
PRICES:
IDR 350,000++ per person (kids 6-11 are half price and under 6 are free)
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bangkok Patana Hosts First-Ever Insect Food Seminar Led by Student Organization “Amino Insecto”
Bangkok Patana School recently buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the Amino Insecto seminar, an event dedicated to the emerging trend of insect-based cuisine as a sustainable protein source. Founded by Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, known to her peers as April, Amino Insecto champions insect consumption as a step toward a more sustainable food future. The seminar is also led by Wipharhuck Kongboonma, cofounder of Amino Insecto. April, who developed an interest in insect protein while training with the Thai national basketball team, first tried insect-based snacks reluctantly but soon discovered their nutritional value. Realizing insects’ potential to fight malnutrition and support eco-friendly agriculture, she and her friends launched Amino Insecto to promote these benefits among Thai youth. The seminar drew notable experts in the field, including Finnish food scientist Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi and Chef Topi Kairenius, who both flew in to share their experiences. Professor Kauppi, who teaches at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted her research on consumer behavior around insect foods, explaining how well-designed packaging could ease consumers into the idea of eating bugs. Chef Kairenius, an advocate for sustainable insect-based dining in Nordic cuisine, treated students to samples of Finnish water bugs, sparking intrigue among attendees. The event’s food booth added a culinary adventure to the learning experience, featuring dishes like mango sticky rice topped with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms paired with caramelized locusts. The 180 samples quickly disappeared, with students eagerly returning for more, demonstrating a positive shift in attitudes toward edible insects. The excitement surrounding Amino Insecto’s seminar reflects a global movement that’s growing across Europe, Asia, and beyond. With climate change and resource scarcity pressing issues worldwide, this student-led initiative encourages a fresh perspective on food sustainability.
By Lifestyle+Travel
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The flavours of travel are experienced through tasting local food and seeing unseen places. Travelling like a local is the best way to learn and experience what a country has to offer. Don’t have enough time? Visiting a floating market provides a quick glimpse of this in just one short trip. Heading further south of Bangkok, Song Khlong Floating Market at Wat Taling Chan, a well-known floating market in Taling Chan, uniquely combines the riverside lifestyle of the locals with nature. Recently, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the market launched the "Wow
By Lifestyle+Travel
The Langham Landing
One of the most iconic spots along the Chao Phraya River is embracing a new landmark, revived from the glorious past, as The Langham unveils its luxurious landing in the Kingdom in 2026. Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Rabbit Holdings, an affiliate of BTS Group, have announced the opening of The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok, set to debut in 2026. This luxurious addition to the famous Chao Phraya River will showcase the best of Langham’s world-class service and hospitality. The Customs House building, located in Bang Rak District, is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful heritage sites. Designed in a neo-Palladian style by architect Joachim Grassi, the building has stood elegantly since 1888. Its teak floors, grand central staircase, and impressive four-story hallway are remarkable examples of its historical significance. Once considered a gateway to Thailand, the Customs House has a storied past, hosting royal family soirées and celebrating King Rama V’s return from his European travels. The restoration will revitalize this historic building, transforming it into a world-class destination that blends cultural significance with modern luxury. Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Director of Rabbit Holdings, said, “We are thrilled to appoint Langham Hospitality Group to manage the property. The company’s dedication to creating timeless luxury hotels and demonstrated success in heritage conservation make it the ideal partner to further our vision of setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region while honoring the rich cultural heritage of Customs House and Bang Rak District.” LHG’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bob van den Oord, added, “The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok exemplifies our strategy of incorporating cultural preservation into hotel development while creating unparalleled experiences for guests and the communities in which we operate.” The restoration will feature signature Langham elements, providing a luxurious and extraordinary hospitality experience. The hotel will house T’ang Court, Langham’s three Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant from Hong Kong, a unique destination bar, and an outlet dedicated to world-class pastry creations. Guests will also enjoy rejuvenating treatments at Chuan Spa, Langham’s renowned wellness retreat. We eagerly await the unveiling of this new landmark! The Langham Hotels & Resorts Website: LanghamHotels.com Facebook: @thelanghamhotels Instagram: @langhamhotels X: @thelanghamhotel