In Brief: Dusit International has opened two hotels in Yangon, Myanmar, marking its entry into the country and expanding its presence in Southeast Asia amid a challenging operating environment.
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The Strand Hotel Yangon – Image Credit Dusit International
Dusit Hotels and Resorts has opened The Strand Hotel Yangon – Dusit Collection and ASAI Yangon Sule in Yangon, Myanmar.
The two hotels are operating under Dusit management. The Strand Hotel Yangon has joined the Dusit Collection brand, while ASAI Yangon Sule operates under the ASAI Hotels brand.
The Strand Hotel Yangon, on Strand Road near the Yangon River, originally opened in 1901 and was subsequently acquired by the Sarkies brothers. The three-story property has 32 suites ranging from the 55-square-meter Junior Suite to the 200-square-meter Strand Suite. The Strand Suite includes a four-poster bed, living areas and a private dining room for up to eight guests. All suites include 24-hour butler service.
The property has Victorian-era architecture, Burmese teak floors and marble detailing. Restoration work supported by local artisans has retained original features and added lacquerware, rattan furnishings and artworks reflecting Myanmar’s cultural heritage. In 2019, the hotel became the first in Myanmar to receive a commemorative blue plaque from the Yangon Heritage Trust.
The Strand Café serves Burmese dishes and international menu items and continues the hotel’s Strand High Tea service. Sarkies Bar serves cocktails, single-malt whiskies, grilled dishes and sharing plates.
The Strand Restaurant is scheduled to open later this year. The restaurant will serve Burmese fine dining using locally sourced ingredients and will accommodate 45 guests, with a private dining room for another 10. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness facilities, a spa and a landscaped courtyard.
The hotel’s 760-square-meter Strand Hall can accommodate up to 720 guests for banquets. The Strand Garden and private dining spaces are also available for weddings, corporate functions and social events. Experiences offered at the property include traditional musical instrument sessions, Burmese costume photography, floral workshops and cooking sessions.
ASAI Yangon Sule is on Alan Pya Pagoda Street in downtown Yangon. The property occupies the former Thamada Hotel, which was relaunched as a lifestyle hotel in 2017. It is near Yangon Central Railway Station, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Shwedagon Pagoda, historic streets and local eateries.
The hotel has 85 guestrooms ranging from 15 to 30 square meters, with city or courtyard views. Babette Eatery & Bar, on the ground floor, serves Western comfort food and has an outdoor terrace. The venue can host private events by advance arrangement. Other facilities include a fitness center and a community lounge.
ASAI Yangon Sule offers Myanmar tea-making workshops, introductions to Lethwei, guided meditation sessions, guided walks and street-food tastings.