wttc2

Seychelles, January 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / It has been confirmed that Alain St.Ange, a candidate in the 2025 Seychelles Presidential Election, is preparing a new political history book that offers a first-hand account of his bid for State House, and an inside look at the realities of modern Seychellois politics.

The book, Trials Of A Candidate – The Untold Story of the 2025 State House Race, is being developed in collaboration with his daughter, Michelle St.Ange-Ebrahim, a lawyer who is currently completing a PhD in Law, and will analyse the 2025 election from the perspective of a candidate who entered the race challenging two entrenched political parties.

Drawing on personal experiences, campaign records, photographs, and legal and political analysis, the publication lifts the curtain on what St.Ange describes as the underbelly of Seychelles politics—the unspoken rules, structural imbalances, and pressures faced by those who challenge entrenched power.

“We have a story to tell, and we are telling it exactly as we lived it,” said Alain St.Ange. “This is not about making accusations. It is about documenting what it feels like to contest a national election from the outside. We were the underdogs, and this book allows the country to see—through facts, reflections, and lived experience—what that journey truly looked like.”

The book is a commentary on local politics, building on Alain St.Ange’s former political books: – Seychelles: What’s Next?, Seychelles, In Search of Democracy, Seychelles, The Cry of A People and Alain St.Ange, My Journey – Life & Times in Politics and looking forward to the future in a rapidly developing political landscape. It explores the themes that shaped the 2025 election, including the continued role of money as a decisive factor in political success, the realities of campaign financing, and the barriers faced by independent and non-establishment candidates seeking to compete meaningfully.

The publication also confronts the challenges faced by women in politics, including female presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Despite Seychelles often being described as a matriarchal society, the book examines the disconnect between social structures and political power, highlighting the additional scrutiny, resistance, and systemic hurdles women encounter when attempting to emerge, lead, and be taken seriously within the political arena.

Alain St.Ange has indicated that he will now retire from active politics. He says he was called to action last year and answered that call with determination and resilience. He will continue to serve his country in other ways, while refocusing on his family and personal life.

“This has never been about personal ambition,” said St.Ange. “I have always sought to serve Seychelles in every stage of my life. I answered the call when it came, and I am proud of what we achieved. Now I am ready to close this political chapter, to return to my family, and to continue serving my country in other ways.”

Co-authored with Michelle St.Ange-Ebrahim, the work combines political narrative with legal context, carefully distinguishing between verifiable facts, personal observations, and reflective analysis. The authors emphasise that the publication is intended as a contribution to democratic discourse and as a historical record, rather than an attack on individuals.

More than a campaign chronicle, the book positions itself as a tell-all account of how power is experienced, contested, and defended in Seychelles—offering readers an unfiltered view of the political terrain through the eyes of those who dared to challenge it.

Further details regarding the book’s ISBN Number, publication date, and official launch that is set for later this year will be announced in due course.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, January 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and with support from B.Grimm, is scheduled to present a performance in remembrance of the boundless royal grace of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who dedicated her life to the well-being of the Thai people. She played a crucial role in promoting quality of life, preserving culture and the environment, and ensuring the continuity of Thai arts, crafts, and wisdom.

In remembrance of Her Majesty’s immeasurable contributions, the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra presents this performance. The RBSO is honoured to have the Romanian pianist Daniel Ciobanu, known for his exceptional musical talent and technique, and guest conductor Sander Teepen perform on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre.

The program includes Édvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, his only concerto and one of the most popular Romantic piano works, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique,” the composer’s last symphony, deeply conveying the emotions of life, love, hope, and loss.

Together, these two pieces weave into a beautiful tribute, reflecting His Majesty’s boundless compassion and virtuous character, which will forever remain in the memory of the Thai people.

Tickets are available at ThaiTicketMajor:

www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2026-in-remembrance-of-her-majesty-queen-sirikit-the-queen-mother.html

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, January 24, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Blue Jasmine, a beautifully restored historic train, sets off on its heritage-rich journey from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, embarking on an immersive cultural tour of the kingdom’s ancient sites. In a new collaboration with DTH Travel, Jim Thompson has curated a range of exquisite travel experiences to accompany the journey. From a welcoming event and dinner at the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, to stepping onboard The Blue Jasmine x Jim Thompson, featuring brand-designed interior décor, dining essentials, personal accessories, and Jim Thompson’s first-ever onboard showroom.

The Blue Jasmine is a 1960s heritage charter train, featuring ten wagons that accommodate up to 36 passengers. The journey takes travelers from the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok to the serene ancient sites of Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai. The train invites guests to embrace the art of slow travel, with carefully curated stops along the route that allow passengers to explore UNESCO heritage sites, engage with local artisans, connect with communities, and savor authentic Thai cuisine. Every moment aboard The Blue Jasmine x Jim Thompson offers a rich and immersive experience of Thailand’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

The experience commences with an exclusive dining event at Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, located at the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter. A special Blue Jasmine 5-course menu presents contemporary Thai dishes with diverse flavors from across the country, using seasonal ingredients with local producers in presenting dishes that reflect both tradition and modern Thai creativity.

The visit incorporates a tour of the Jim Thompson House Museum, comprising six traditional Thai teak houses built in 1958, showcasing Thompson’s passion for Thai architecture, featuring a remarkable collection of Asian art and antiques, and includes a stop at the Jim Thompson Iconic Store before boarding the train at Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong Station.

Once onboard guests enter a timeless world, with more than 2,000 Jim Thompson décor items transforming the train’s ten wagons into a moving showcase of refined craftsmanship inspired by the essence of Thai heritage and contemporary elegance. The design concept centers on harmonious color coordination, creating a sense of visual unity throughout the journey.

The train’s wagons feature observatory, dining, and accommodation areas, each adorned with Jim Thompson Home Furnishings, renowned for their use in high-end hotels and residences around the world. The curated interiors reflect the true spirit of Thainess, with decorative items crafted from the finest silk, including curtains, cushion covers, bed runners, and table runners. Dining essentials and personal accessories from the brand enrich the onboard ambience, from placemats, napkins, and coasters to thoughtfully designed amenity kits that include makeup cases and sleep masks. Each piece features botanical prints that echo the changing Thai landscape throughout the journey. Select items also draw inspiration from traditional weaving techniques, showcasing exceptional Thai craftsmanship.

Travelers can also look forward to experiencing the first-ever Jim Thompson Showroom on Train, a decorated store area featuring Jim Thompson iconic silk products along with select fashion and lifestyle collections which can be conveniently purchased online via QR code, with delivery conveniently arranged at the end of the trip.

“The collaboration with DTH Travel embodies our vision to expand our presence through curated travel and immersive experiences, another key milestone in our journey as a global lifestyle brand from Asia,” said Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson. “The intimate design and crafted products on The Blue Jasmine x Jim Thompson reflect our heritage, reimagined for modern travelers seeking authenticity, cultural richness, and lifestyle comfort.”

Stefan Bruns, General Manager of DTH Travel Thailand, added, “The partnership with Jim Thompson highlights DTH Travel’s dedication to offer a unique heritage train experience. We work with credible partners to create travel experiences that are genuine, responsible and sustainable. Jim Thompson’s interior design and accessories ensure that cultural authenticity is preserved not just in the destinations we visit, but throughout the entire journey onboard The Blue Jasmine x Jim Thompson.”

DTH Travel, in partnership with Jim Thompson, is set to redefine rail journeys through immersive experiences, connecting visitors to local communities and regional cultures across the country whilst promoting high-value, low-impact travel. Following its inaugural journey in November 2025, additional trips are scheduled for January, February, July, November, and December 2026. The 2027 journey schedule will be announced soon. For more details, please visit The Blue Jasmine Train Official Website, the DTH Travel Facebook page, or contact DTH Destination Thailand at 081-920-8554.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, January 23, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / On 25 January 2026, The Sukhothai Bangkok launches Culinary Journey, a new campaign that brings a storytelling dimension to its iconic Sunday Brunch. Designed as a series of themed chapters, the campaign highlights the chefs behind the hotel’s kitchens, offering guests a deeper connection to the culinary talent, philosophies, and signature styles that define The Sukhothai Bangkok.

The opening edition, Chapter One: The Sukhothai Chef Showcase, brings together chefs from Colonnade, Celadon, La Scala, and Pastry. As a special addition to The Sukhothai Bangkok’s legendary Sunday Brunch, the campaign introduces curated chef highlights through live action stations and tasting portions, complementing the regular and well-loved culinary spread rather than replacing it. Each chef presents a signature dish that reflects their individual approach, transforming the brunch into a dynamic, chef-led experience. A dedicated Culinary Journey content series will also launch across video and social platforms, with Chapter Two scheduled on 15 February 2026.

Chapter One: January – The Sukhothai Chef Showcase

Chef Tuui – Executive Sous Chef
Herb-Butter Braised Potatoes with Truffle Mayonnaise and Caviar

Chef Tuui’s signature dish reflects his belief that refinement begins with simplicity. Using potatoes as the foundation, the dish is gently braised in herb-infused butter to highlight their natural flavor, with truffle mayonnaise and caviar added as subtle accents to create balance and depth through technique and restraint.

Chef Max – Executive Pastry Chef
Modern Mango Sticky Rice Mousse

Originally created as the winning dessert of MasterChef Thailand Season 3, Chef Max’s signature reinterprets Thailand’s beloved mango sticky rice in a contemporary form. Mango sticky rice mousse filled with sticky rice and passion fruit jelly is paired with mango cream cheese ice cream, coconut gel, and white chocolate crumble—preserving familiar flavors while presenting them through modern pastry craftsmanship.

Chef Jib – Head Chef, Celadon
Southern Thai Seafood Salad with Scallops, Shrimp, and Young Mangosteen

Chef Jib’s dish draws inspiration from Southern Thailand’s coastal produce and the balance of Thai flavors. Featuring deep-sea scallops from Trang, fresh shrimp from Krabi, and young mangosteen from Nakhon Si Thammarat, the salad is finished with a herb-forward pla chili dressing and crispy Sangyod rice from Phatthalung, reflecting Celadon’s commitment to regional sourcing and Thai culinary heritage.

Chef Andrea Cetani – Italian Chef de Cuisine
Risotto al Pomodoro
Chef Andrea Cetani reinterprets a classic Northern Italian tomato risotto, rooted in the post-war era and refined throughout his career. Applying advanced technique to simple, bold Italian flavours, the dish reflects deep respect for ingredients, with tomato trimmings transformed into a burnt tomato cream that adds depth and acidity—expressing his philosophy of tradition, territory, and thoughtful creativity.

A Continuing Culinary Narrative

Culinary Journey marks the beginning of an ongoing chef-led series at The Sukhothai Bangkok, where each chapter introduces new themes, perspectives, and culinary expressions. With future editions planned throughout the year, the series reinforces the hotel’s commitment to craftsmanship, local sourcing, and meaningful storytelling—presented through one of Bangkok’s most celebrated Sunday brunch experiences.

About The Sukhothai Bangkok

An icon of refined Thai hospitality, The Sukhothai Bangkok is set amidst six acres of tranquil gardens in the heart of the city. Inspired by the grace and artistry of Thailand’s ancient capital, the hotel blends timeless architecture, understated luxury, and heartfelt service. Celadon, its signature Thai restaurant, is celebrated for its authenticity, ambience, and culinary excellence.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, January 23, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) brokers a new partnership agreement with the Phuket Hotels Association (PHA), a nonprofit organisation representing a diverse range of hotels across the island of Phuket, southern Thailand.

Signed by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director of PHA, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a mutual affiliate membership between the organisations.

Hamid said, “As one of Thailand’s most sought-after island destinations, Phuket’s hospitality sector is a cornerstone of its economy. With this partnership, we pave the path for collaborations with the Phuket Hotels Association on their mission to promote and strengthen Phuket’s standing as a destination recognised for its quality offerings and sustainable practices.”

MacDougall said, “Formalising a partnership with PATA marks an important step in advancing shared goals around responsible tourism, regional collaboration, and innovation, strengthening long-term outcomes for Phuket and the wider region.”

The agreement supports joint activities, including the mutual promotion of events and speaker participation where appropriate. Representatives and members of both PATA and PHA will have opportunities to connect through networking sessions and annual events, with registration support provided in line with the agreement.

In addition, the partnership promotes knowledge sharing. It enables PHA to share selected tourism research and insights with the PATA network on a quarterly basis through member-exclusive newsletters and relevant online channels.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, January 23, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Asia-Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) have entered into a formal partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

APOLA has been incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation with the mission to foster sustainable growth, innovation, and excellence within the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging sector, which is often referred to as “glamping”.

The MOU was signed by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and APOLA Executive Committee Member and Founding Member Willem Niemeijer on Thursday, January 22 at the Thailand Tourism Forum 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Hamid said, “This partnership between PATA and APOLA will lead to a stronger foundation for international collaboration within the Asia Pacific region, opening the door to effective exchange of best practices and meaningful collaborations. We look forward to jointly advancing responsible and sustainable tourism in the region alongside APOLA, and bringing value to our respective members.”

Niemeijer said, “Outdoor lodging is growing at around 11% a year in the region. It is therefore fitting that APOLA works with PATA, the leading voice and authority on tourism in Asia Pacific, to draw attention to the potential that the sector has to deliver quality, nature-based responsible tourism experiences.”

He added that demand for nature-first tented camps, cabins, yurts, treehouses, or nature pods on beaches, mountains, forests, and natural areas has increased dramatically during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from promoting sustainable practices, Niemeijer said APOLA also aimed to establish standards for the sector.

As outlined in the agreement, the areas of cooperation include reciprocal, complimentary membership access, enabling both organisations to utilise each other’s member benefits at the respective association levels. The partnership also covers research and knowledge exchange, with APOLA contributing selected research, tourism insights, and travel trends on a quarterly basis through PATA’s members-only communication channels.

In addition, the organisations will support reciprocal activities, including the mutual promotion of events and speaker participation where appropriate. Representatives and members of PATA and APOLA will be offered opportunities to engage across organisations through networking and annual events, with registration support provided in line with the agreement.

Source

Madrid, Spain, January 22, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) grew by 4% in 2025, as most destinations worldwide posted solid results. According to the first World Tourism Barometer of the year, an estimated 1.52 billion international tourists were recorded globally in 2025, almost 60 million more than in 2024.

These numbers reflect a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, closer to the 5% average increase per year between 2009 and 2019. Results were driven by strong demand, robust performance from large source markets and the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and enhanced visa facilitation also supported international travel in 2025.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais said: “Demand for travel remained high throughout 2025, despite high inflation in tourism services and uncertainty from geopolitical tensions. We expect this positive trend to continue into 2026 as global economy is expected to remain steady and destinations still lagging behind pre pandemic levels fully recover.”

Africa sees strongest results in 2025; Asia and the Pacific rebounds

The World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism provides comprehensive data for the sector by region, sub-region and destination. Key takeaways from this edition show:

• Europe, the world’s largest destination region, recorded 793 million international tourists in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024 and 6% more than in 2019. Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) saw robust performance. Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+6%) though arrivals remained 9% below 2019 levels.
• The Americas (218 million) recorded 1% growth last year, with mixed results across subregions. After a strong first half of 2025, the region saw small declines in Q3 and Q4, partly due to weak results in the United States. South America (+7%) and Central America (+5%) led results by subregion. Some destinations in the Caribbean (+0%) were affected by Hurricane Melissa in the last quarter of the year.
• Africa (81 million) saw an 8% increase in arrivals in 2025, with particularly strong results in North Africa (+11%).
• The Middle East recorded 3% growth in 2025, equivalent to 39% above pre-pandemic levels, the strongest results relative to 2019. The region virtually reached the mark of 100 million international visitors in 2025.
• Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific (331 million) grew 6% last year but are still 9% below 2019 levels as the region continued to rebound. North-East Asia led performance with 13% growth over 2024, while South Asia recovered pre-pandemic levels.

Most destinations report positive results for 2025

• After solid growth in 2024, most destinations continued to enjoy strong results in 2025.
• Among destinations with available data for the twelve months of 2025 several show double-digit growth in international arrivals, among which Brazil (+37%), Egypt (+20%), Morocco (+14%) and Seychelles (+13%). Destinations reporting data through November also saw strong growth, including Bhutan (+30%), Iceland (+29%), Guyana (+24%), South Africa (+19%) and Japan (+17%).
• The positive results in international arrivals last year are also reflected in other industry indicators. Both international air capacity and air passenger traffic grew 7% through October 2025 (IATA). Global occupancy in accommodation establishments reached 66% in November 2025, matching the levels of November 2024 (based on STR data).

Export revenues from tourism reached a record USD 2.2 trillion in 2025

Monthly data show strong visitor spending throughout 2025, with preliminary estimates pointing at USD 1.9 trillion in international tourism receipts globally, a 5% increase from 2024.

Total export revenues from tourism (including receipts and passenger transport) are estimated at USD 2.2 trillion in 2025 based on available data. Other key takeaways include:

• International tourism receipts saw extraordinary growth in 2025 following an already strong 2024, with many destinations posting a higher increase in receipts than arrivals.
• Destinations reporting solid growth in receipts during the first ten to twelve months of 2025 were Morocco (+19%), the Republic of Korea (+18%), Egypt (+17%), Mongolia (+15%), Japan (+14%), Latvia (+11%) and Mauritius (+10%), all calculated in local currencies.
• Among the world’s top tourism earners, the United Kingdom and France (both +9%), as well as Spain (+7%) and Türkiye (+6%), saw solid growth in the first ten to twelve months of 2025 compared to the same months of 2024.
• Data on international tourism expenditure reflects the same trend of strong demand, especially among large source markets such as the United States (+8%), France (+4%), as well as Spain (+16%) and the Republic of Korea (+10%).

Outlook for 2026: continued growth amid a challenging environment

International tourism is expected to grow 3% to 4% in 2026 compared to 2025, assuming that Asia and the Pacific continues to recover, global economic conditions remain favorable and geopolitical conflicts do not escalate. Uncertainty from current geopolitical tensions and conflicts pose an increasing risk for tourism in 2026.

• UN Tourism’s prospects for 2026 reflect a normalization of growth rates after a strong rebound in international arrivals in 2023 (+34%) and 2024 (+11%) and a 4% increase in 2025.
• This positive outlook is confirmed by the latest UN Tourism Confidence Index and survey among the Panel of Experts. 58% of experts foresee better or much better performance in 2026 than in 2025, while 31% expect similar results and 11% worse.
• Survey respondents pointed to economic factors, high travel costs, and geopolitical risks as the main challenges international tourism could face in 2026. These factors were viewed as the most relevant by about half of all experts.
• While headline inflation has receded globally in 2025, inflation in tourism-related services remains elevated by historical standards. Against this backdrop, tourists are expected to continue to seek value for money according to the Panel of Experts.
• While positive prospects for the global economy and lower oil prices could favour tourism performance in 2026, uncertainty derived from geopolitical risks and ongoing conflicts, trade tensions and extreme weather events could weigh on traveller confidence.
• International tourism in 2026 will be driven by solid consumer demand, enhanced air connectivity and growing outbound travel from emerging markets. Major international events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (Italy) and the FIFA World Cup 2026 (Canada, United States and Mexico) will also contribute to international travel.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, January 22, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / As part of its year-long 150th anniversary programme, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok presents the next chapter of Masters of the 150th: An Epicurean Journey with a collaborative dinner at Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s.

From 3–8 February 2026, guests are invited to a six-course dinner by Alex Dilling, chef-patron of Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, London, and Gilad Peled, Executive Chef of The Colonnade Restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne. The collaboration brings together two chefs whose approach is grounded in classical technique and guided by seasonality. This meeting of two chefs reflects Mandarin Oriental’s long-standing tradition of hosting the world’s most respected culinary figures across generations.

Chef Gilad Peled’s cuisine is rooted in French culinary tradition and shaped by a contemporary outlook, guided by local and seasonal ingredients. His work is marked by clarity of flavour and precision of technique, with careful attention to produce at every stage. This approach finds a natural point of dialogue with Chef Dilling’s modern classical cooking, creating a menu defined by craft rather than contrast.

Presented at the iconic riverside setting of Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s, the six-course dinner reflects the individual perspectives of both chefs while forming a unified experience. Each course is composed with restraint, allowing technique and ingredients to lead.

The dinner is priced at THB 9,000++ per person for food only. Optional wine pairings are available. Dinner service begins from 6:30pm onwards. Seating is limited and advance reservations are warmly recommended via online booking, by telephone at +66 (2) 659 9000, or email at mobkk-adlordjims[@]mohg[.]com.

This collaboration forms part of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s 150th anniversary programme, marking a legacy of hospitality, culinary exchange, and continued excellence.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, January 21, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Strolling through unfamiliar alleyways far from home, a familiar aroma once again stirred the senses. The gentle fragrance of pork rib soup, the silky comfort of bubble milk tea, the melt-in-the-mouth warmth of braised pork rice – classic Taiwanese flavours resurfaced quietly, not on a street corner, but at the table of Chai Jia Chai in Bangkok.

On the evening of January 20, Chef Tsai Shih Wei welcomed guests to a special dinner as part of his Beyond the Wok series – a collaborative platform where cooking is explored through memory, craft, and dialogue. Cooking alongside him were two close friends and long-time collaborators: Chef Tom Liu and Chef James Tseng of Wok by O’Bond.

At Chai Jia Chai, Tsai had long presented modern Chinese cuisine through the lens of tradition. Ingredients once reserved for imperial banquets appeared not as novelties, but as elements within carefully structured narratives. His menus drew from a vast spectrum of Chinese culinary heritage from Taiwanese home cooking to inspirations rooted in Manchu-Han imperial banquets, always guided by restraint and clarity.

That philosophy shaped the evening’s progression. The approach was intellectual without being academic, refined yet deeply personal. Nothing was rushed.

The menu opened with a delicate array of light bites including blue lobster with macayu and jicama — aromatic and precise, echoing Taiwan’s indigenous mountain spice. Pork ribs with sweet potatoes and wheat gluten followed, recalling the warmth of slow-cooked home kitchens. A peeled chilli pepper soup with dried squid and conpoy formed the emotional core of the evening, its depth and warmth evoking the quiet comfort of Taiwanese soups enjoyed far from home.

As the dinner unfolded, structure and finesse took center stage. French pigeon with beetroot and edamame was presented with balance and restraint. Yellow fish maw with black sesame and noodles reflected both texture and heritage. Chef Tsai’s innovative signature abalone, first half braised patiently over days until custard-soft at its center, stood as a testament to technique guided by time. The second half was deep fried, a bold plunge for texture and a nod to Chef’s quest to keep learning and discovering.

The evening closed with a deliberate return to memory. Foie gras was paired with braised pork rice and bubble milk tea — not as irony, but as affection. Familiar comforts were elevated without losing their soul, completing the narrative that began with the scent of home.

The collaboration was anchored by Wok by O’Bond, a brand rooted in Greater Chinese cuisine and built around the symbolism of the wok — both as an essential cooking vessel and as an invitation for all to “walk in.” The dishes presented together tonight reflected familiar Taiwanese home-style cooking and beloved street foods, reinterpreted with contemporary sensibility to create a sense of comfort, familiarity, and lasting memory.

Beverage pairing for the evening was curated by tei by O’Bond, founded by Chef Tom Liu. Through research-driven exploration and re-interpretation of tea, tei by O’Bond transformed Taiwanese tea flavours into delicate tea cocktails. Using varied extraction techniques, the pairing expanded the sensory experience, inviting guests to rediscover aroma, texture, and taste through tea.

Chef James Tseng of Wok by O’Bond also joined Chef Tsai in the kitchen, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of Beyond the Wok – not as fusion, but as a meeting of shared values, where each culinary voice remained intact.

The dinner also reflected a broader chapter in Tsai’s journey. In 2025, he had entered a deeper culinary dialogue through collaborations with Odette in Singapore and Maison Dunand in Bangkok, followed by a six-hands dinner uniting Korean, Chinese, and French influences as equals.

These experiences positioned Tsai not merely as a participant in Asia’s fine-dining scene, but as a chef contributing quietly to its evolving language. Chai Jia Chai had since been included in Thailand’s Favourite Restaurant 2026 (one of only three Chinese restaurants to make the list) and saw Tsai advance into the Top Ten of the TOP25 Restaurants by Travelindex.

Yet accolades remained secondary to craft. In a region often driven by immediacy, Beyond the Wok at Chai Jia Chai offered something rarer – a belief in the long arc of culinary memory, where mastery is built patiently, one service at a time, and where the taste of home can still be found waiting, even far away.

Source

Cam Ranh, Vietnam, January 19, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Anam Group’s two beachfront resorts in Cam Ranh and Mui Ne will usher in Tet with an array of dining, cultural, entertainment, recreational, and spa experiences.

In the lead-up to Tet on Tues., Feb. 17, 2026, The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne will each stage a ceremony on Feb 10, 2026 to plant “Cay Neu”, a towering Lunar New Year bamboo pole to ward off evil spirits, followed by dragon dancing.

Overlooking Long Beach, one of Vietnam’s most stunning stretches of sand, The Anam Cam Ranh’s program from Feb. 16-22, 2026, is filled with Tet festivities including:

• Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar serving a special family reunion Tet set menu that celebrates authentic Vietnamese home-style cuisine as well as a la carte Tet dishes.
• The Indochine and Colonial restaurants offering traditional Tet specialities and international favourites during breakfast.
• Dragon dancing at the lawn and Indochine from 9am on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Feb.17.
• Lang Viet’s Chung and Thuan cake making workshops on Feb. 19 and 20 respectively.
• The traditional custom of calligraphy giving, with a calligraphy master inscribing auspicious characters on red paper for guests on Feb. 18 at the lobby from 10am-noon.
• Artisans crafting “To he” traditional toy figures out of play dough from 10-noon on the third day of Tet, Feb. 19, in the lobby.
• Kids activities including making lucky envelopes, traditional coconut leaf weaving, and kite flying.
• Lang Viet hosting the Traditional Vietnamese “Chợ Tết” Buffet on Feb. 19 brimming with Tet specialties with free-flow soft drink, local beer, and wine packages from 7-9.30pm. To be accompanied to the strains of traditional instrumentalists.
• A Seafood BBQ buffet at The Indochine on Feb. 21 from 6.30-9pm with free-flow local beer, soft drink and wine packages. To be staged to a backdrop of live music by the Filipino band and a spectacular fire show.
• Casual dining accompanied by a live Filippino band at Beach Club, fine dining set and a la carte menus at The Colonial to the strains of live piano, and tapas and cocktails at Saigon Bar throughout the program
• An exclusive day lounge from 11am-3pm at Colonial for guests staying in high-end accommodations before afternoon tea is served between 3-5pm.
• Tet promotions at The Anam Spa including 15% off treatments for individual guests and 25% off treatments for couples. A complimentary nail polish session is also on offer.

The Anam Cam Ranh’s sister resort The Anam Mui Ne will host a program of Tet celebrations from Feb. 16-Feb 22, 2026, featuring:

• Lang Viet Restaurant serving a special family reunion Tet set menu that celebrates authentic home-style Vietnamese cooking. Dishes include braised giant freshwater prawns with coconut juice, and apple snails stuffed with pork, accompanied by a tea station. A la carte Tet dishes are also on offer.
• Buffet breakfast at The Indochine with traditional Tet specialties and international dishes.
• Banh Chung cake making workshop on the grass area before the beach on Feb. 16 from 3-5pm.
• Dragon dancing in the lobby and at the Indochine from 9am on the first day of Tet
• A calligraphy master writing lucky letters at the lobby from 8am-12pm daily on Feb. 17-19.
• Lang Viet’s Tet Buffet Dinner on Feb. 17 from 6-9.30pm offering a vast array of appetisers, and salads, deep-fried, live and roast meat stations, a selection of hot dishes, and desserts.
• Indochine’s Butcher’s Cut and Seacatch BBQ Buffet on Feb 18 from 6-9pm accompanied by a live band. Highlights include whole roast goat, beef striploin, lamb rack, tiger prawns, deep-fried soft-shell crab and calamari. and local snails in garlic sauce.
• Lang Viet’s Vietnamese Favourite Street Food buffet from 6-9.30pm on Feb. 20 with traditional tea and music. Highlights include charcoal grilled skewers, a steamed seafood station including prawns, oysters and crayfish, hot dishes such as steamed grouper fish, and roast meats including duck, beef and pork.
• Tapas and cocktails served at the Saigon Bar adjacent to Mui Ne beach.
• Wellness experiences including how to make a body scrub, sound meditation, foot massage workshop, and learning how to prepare herbal tea
• Kids activities including paper lantern making, kite flying, “Pho pizza” making and colouring statues

“We are looking incredibly forward to welcoming the Year of the Horse with programs at both of our resorts that reflect its qualities such as energy and confidence with gusto,” said The Anam Group’s group general manager Laurent Myter.

About The Anam Group 

After the auspicious debut of The Anam Cam Ranh in 2017, the independently owned and operated The Anam Group celebrated the grand opening of its second property, The Anam Mui Ne, in January 2023.

With “Indochine Charm” and “Modern Luxury” as its watchwords, the group blends colonial-era aesthetics and attentive Vietnamese service with modern comforts and convenience. “The Anam” today is a reference to another name, “An Nam”, which was the name of Central Vietnam during the French Indochina era.

The Anam Cam Ranh overlooks 300 metres of beachfront on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula, which averages more than 300 sunny days per year. The luxurious five-star resort boasts 77 villas and 136 rooms and suites. The Anam Cam Ranh features a French-inspired fine dining restaurant, all-day dining restaurant, a Vietnamese restaurant and bar, a classical bar, a beach club, in-room dining, a 10 treatment-room spa, indoor and outdoor movie theatres, three capacious swimming pools, ballroom, conference rooms, recreation and fitness centre, a tennis court, yoga room and deck, kids club, putting green, gift shop and more.

Like its predecessor The Anam Cam Ranh, The Anam Mui Ne’s design is also an echo out of Vietnam’s Indochine era. Situated in southern Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, the 1.2 hectare beachfront resort affords spectacular ocean vistas and features 127 elegant rooms and suites, including seven 142sqm suites with private pools and a 122sqm presidential suite with an extra room for the bodyguards. Its dining landscape comprises an all-day dining restaurant and grill, beachside restaurant and bar, and lobby bar. A five-treatment room spa, two vast swimming pools, a ballroom, conference rooms, water sports center, fitness center, yoga room, kid’s club and gift shop are among the resort’s host of world-class facilities.

Source