Getting There is Half the Fun: Memorable Journeys at Resorts Around Asia

At Asia’s most imaginative resorts, the journey isn’t just a means to an end—it’s part of the adventure. Whether it’s gliding through a bird-filled canal at Laguna Lang Co, taking an electric tuk-tuk through Siem Reap’s historic streets, cruising Hue’s Perfume River in Art Deco elegance, or ascending a jungle hillside in Krabi by funicular, these properties turn getting from A to B into something joyful, scenic, and utterly unforgettable.

Each of these transport experiences is more than functional—they’re little moments of magic that elevate the stay. It might be a mindful boat ride through nature, an eco-conscious spin past ancient temples, or a front-row view of limestone cliffs en route to dinner. So next time you’re planning a luxury escape, remember: the best memories don’t always come from the destination—they might just come from how you get there.

Cruise control showcases nature’s bounty in Lang Co

Guests at Banyan Tree Lang Co can glide into serenity with the resort’s complimentary shuttle boat. The charming vessel offers a peaceful escape along the resort’s tranquil canal. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, this gentle journey invites travellers to slow down and reconnect with nature. As you drift past palms and flowering plants, listen closely: the melodic songs of native birds fill the air, a soundtrack provided by the resort’s feathered residents. This short ride becomes a moment of mindfulness, where the beauty of Central Vietnam’s unspoiled landscape truly shines. Whether you're heading to breakfast or simply exploring, the shuttle boat offers a uniquely soothing way to take in the verdant surroundings and experience the natural harmony that defines the resort.

Electric Tuk-Tuks in Cambodia

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the iconic luxury hotel on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia, has introduced a new fleet of electric tuk-tuks, providing an innovative and eco-friendly transportation option for guests. The sleek ONiON T1 vehicles feature a white exterior shell that shields passengers from the hot tropical sun and rainy downpours, while their sturdy suspension and ample legroom ensure a smooth ride for those exploring the vibrant city of Siem Reap and its surroundings, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. The new tuk-tuks are manufactured by ONiON Mobility, a green transport company headquartered in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.

Exploring Vietnam’s Perfume River in Style

With its classic hardwood trim and bright red accents, the elegant 55-foot (17-meter) boat at Azerai La Residence, Hue offers guests one of the most stylish and comfortable ways to explore the fabled Perfume River in central Vietnam. The vessel features spacious private lounge areas in the front and back, with a covered middle section, providing a stark contrast in both style and substance to the crowded and noisy dragon boats commonly seen in Hue. The boat, which was locally built and christened “Nam Xuan,” accommodates up to 16 passengers and embarks on various types of excursions, including an afternoon tea cruise, sunset cocktail cruise and dinner cruise, along with journeys up and down river to see the region’s wonders and natural scenery.

Funicular Fun in Krabi

Visitors to Banyan Tree Krabi can enjoy an “elevated” experience by way of an electric cable car or funicular which escorts diners from a departure point, close to the main swimming pool, up a 33-meter track to the resort’s Saffron Restaurant, which was listed in this year’s MICHELIN Guide to Thailand, and its popular trio of Bird’s Nest dining pods nestled among the tree canopy. The funicular can hold up to eight persons and the journey takes less than a minute, and the view from the top - which overlooks the resort grounds, a palm-fringed beach and the spectacular limestone islets of the Andaman Sea - is simply breathtaking.