Travel Trends Shaping 2026

Nida Wongphanlert is the general manager, managing director and owner of the luxury hospitality brand 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts with properties in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Wongphanlert joined her family’s hotel business in 2015 after graduation and used her engineering degree to manage the construction and design of 137 Pillars Suites and Residences Bangkok. A creative at heart, she soon found herself drawn to marketing and communications, spearheading innovative brand campaigns and events centered around art, fashion, history, and music— the cultural elements that define the guest experience at 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts.

Since joining the company, Wongphanlert has held the positions of assistant manager of development, marketing communications manager, and project manager, before rising up to general manager and managing director. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Bristol and Master’s Degree in industrial systems, manufacture and management from the University of Cambridge. She also holds a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management from Cornell University.

While she never expected to be in the hospitality industry, Wongphanlert now lives and breathes it. She can often be seen on property during her downtime, when she’s often taking photos with her film camera, exercising, or relaxing with a good novel. In essence, she’s enjoying what she helped to build from scratch.

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Article by Ms. Nida Wongphanlert, GM, Owner, Managing Director, 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts

As we are about to enter 2026, luxury travel across Asia is quietly transforming. No longer defined by extravagance, it’s now shaped by intention, spontaneity, and emotional depth. Today’s travellers are seeking journeys that feel personal, restorative, and connected to place. The influence of the online world has made travel decisions more fluid—less about ticking boxes, more about following curiosity. At 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, we see this evolution not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to deepen our purpose and elevate every moment of the guest experience.

 Five Travel Trends Shaping 2026

1. Hotel Hopping for Deeper Discovery
Travellers are choosing to stay in multiple neighbourhoods within a single trip, layering their experiences to better understand the city’s rhythm. Our Phrom Phong location offers a vibrant blend of local eateries, hidden cafés, and cultural gems—perfect for guests who want to feel the pulse of Bangkok, not just observe it.

2. Event-Driven Stays
With global tours, art fairs, and major sporting events drawing visitors to Bangkok, hotels are becoming part of the cultural itinerary. We respond with flexible booking options and curated offerings that align with key happenings—welcoming guests who come for the moment and stay for the experience.

3. Stay Extensions & Slow Travel
The rise of blended travel—where leisure, work, and rest coexist—has led to longer, more immersive stays. Our residences offer the comforts of home with the service of a hotel, while our suites invite guests to linger with privacy, warmth, and intuitive
care. Every stay becomes a deeper engagement with the richness of our community.

4. Silence & Stillness as Luxury
In a world of constant noise, true indulgence lies in quiet. Though nestled in the heart of Bangkok, our property offers a sanctuary of calm—lush green spaces, expansive pools, and a sense of stillness that begins the moment you arrive. Privacy is paired with personalized service, creating space to reset and reconnect.

5. Wellness with Emotional Depth
Wellness is no longer a checklist—it’s a feeling. In 2026, we’re curating experiences that go beyond relaxation: guided movement through green spaces, energy healing, and community-led meditation circles. Each moment is designed to leave guests not just refreshed, but transformed.

The New Luxury Traveller: Intentional, Curious, and Conscious
Today’s luxury traveller is less interested in status and more drawn to stories. They seek brands that reflect their values—sustainability, authenticity, and emotional connection. At 137 Pillars, we honour this shift by crafting every touchpoint with care: from the scent in the suite to the warmth of our welcome, each detail is designed to evoke memory and meaning.

Our guests arrive with curiosity, not just itineraries. They want to engage with local culture, understand the rhythm of the city, and leave with something intangible—an insight, a feeling, a connection. As a proudly Thai brand, our design, service, and partnerships reflect the richness of our community and the spirit of place.

Sustainability as a Shared Journey
Sustainability is no longer a niche—it’s a shared responsibility. In 2026, we’re deepening our commitment through:

 Achieving sustainability certification to reflect our long-term dedication
 Offering voluntary carbon offset programs for guests and meetings
 Partnering with Thai brands to reduce environmental impact while celebrating local
creativity
 Enhancing back-of-house operations to meet rigorous standards
 Designing CSR initiatives that resonate with our values and community

We invite guests to travel consciously—with us as their guide.