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Top 5 Most Interesting Cities in Asia and Where to Stay

Top 5 Most Interesting Cities in Asia and Where to Stay

From Bangkok to Delhi, Tokyo to Shanghai, Asia has some incredibly exciting and eclectic cities that offer a blend of history, culture and unique experiences. Below, we explore five of the most interesting cities, along with our top five luxury city hotels:

Delhi, India

One of the continent’s diverse cities, India’s capital is an incredibly dynamic metropolis, jam-packed with rich historical sites and varied architecture (ranging from Mughal and British to the present day), great shopping, fabulous bars and restaurants and, more recently, a thriving nightlife.

The city has two distinct personalities: Old Delhi, dating back to the 17th century, with its chaotic atmosphere and medieval winding alleys crammed with cycle rickshaws, tuk-tuks, colourful shops, spice markets, havelis and places of worship; and New Delhi, with spacious, sweeping boulevards built by the British in 1911 and a spectacular array of museums, gardens, temples and mausoleums, including Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar.

Stay at The Imperial Hotel

With its priceless art collection, perfect green lawns, palm-fringed arrival and cool combination of white art deco, Victorian and colonial architecture, The Imperial is a hotel that exudes style and colonial elegance in the very heart of New Delhi.

Shanghai, China

The face of modern China, Shanghai is the country’s biggest city and the financial capital - a vibrant high-rise metropolis steeped in a captivating history. Its heart is the historic Bund, a waterfront promenade along the Huangpu river that is lined with grand colonial-era buildings from when the British opened their first concession here in 1842 during the Opium Wars. Other places of interest include the historic French Concession, The Shanghai Museum - which houses one of the world's finest collections of Chinese artifacts - and the classically designed Yu Gardens.

Stay at The Peninsula Shanghai

Our number one property in Shanghai, The Peninsula is perfectly located at the top of the city’s iconic Bund for easy exploring by foot. Iconic views of Pudong's skyline can be enjoyed from some of the rooms and Sir Elly's Rooftop Bar. A large and light-filled swimming pool and elegant spa and health club, plus unbeatable service, make this a spoiling and indulgent place to stay in the heart of the city.

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Bangkok, Thailand

Founded in 1782, Bangkok has to be one of the most exciting metropolises in Asia. Known as Krungthep in Thai, meaning ‘The City of Angels’, early European explorers romanticised the city as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to the network of canals (khlongs) throughout the city.

Bangkok is very much a city of contrasts: modern office towers sit next to traditional homes, ornate temples and bustling street markets. You may relax at a rooftop bar with cocktails and fine dining, or enjoy the mouth-watering (and incredibly inexpensive) street food prepared at a mobile street-cart.

There are endless things to see and do, from visiting the magnificent Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, to exploring the back streets of the old city and sifting through Bangkok’s traditional open-air markets.

Stay at The Oriental Bangkok

Overlooking Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, originally established as The Oriental in 1876, is a luxurious landmark with over 130 years of rich history. Renowned for its elegance, the hotel has been a preferred choice for luxury travellers, including royalty and celebrities. Known affectionately by locals and regulars simply as "The Oriental," it combines beautifully decorated rooms, two swimming pools, a lavish spa, and multiple top-notch dining options, including a cookery school. Its history, including its transformation from the first luxury hotel in Siam to a modern icon, adds to its allure. Make sure to make use of the hotel’s boat to take you across the river for time at the spa or Thai restaurant.

Mumbai, India

The heart of Bollywood, Mumbai is a vibrant and bustling port city offering everything from colonial heritage and historic landmarks to bustling markets and a vibrant street food scene.

Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai was originally an island, divided from the mainland by a narrow meandering creek. As well as Bollywood, Mumbai is most famous for its huge population (over 20 million people and counting!), dhobi wallahs (tiffin carriers) and its extremes wealth.

A city that truly never sleeps, there are bars, restaurants, shops, movies, nightclubs, parties and festivals on every corner! Sights include the Taj Mahal Hotel, the Gateway of India, Crawford Market and Chor Bazaar, and Elephanta Island, just a short boat ride away. Marine Drive makes an ideal early evening escape, where you’lll be joined by hundreds of other people strolling by the sea at sunset.

Stay at Taj Mahal Palace

Located in prime position on Mumbai’s waterfront, with views of the iconic Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace was the first luxury hotel to welcome local guests. The hotel offers a relaxing outdoor swimming pool, nine on-site restaurants, an array of designer shops and historic rooms and suites.

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Tokyo, Japan

A fascinatingly unique blend of tradition and innovation, Tokyo is the world’s largest city and is also one of the most exciting; mixing futuristic technology and contemporary urban design alongside historic temples and unspoiled nature.

From the traditional district of Asakusa to the centre of Manga culture in Akihabara, there are many distinctive areas to explore in these seeming endless metropolis. The neon-lit nightlife of Shibuya is home to the iconic ‘scramble zebra crossing’, whilst Ginza is an ideal introduction to the city with a welcoming atmosphere, plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants and 'izakaya' pubs for more casual drinking and dining. Roppongi is not to be missed; a lively entertainment district popular with Westerners, featuring shops, bars and restaurants and most notably, the ‘Art Triangle’ - Mori Art Museum, National Art Centre and Suntory Museum of Art.

Stay at Aman Tokyo

Spread over six floors at the top of the Otemachi tower, Aman Tokyo is an 'urban sanctuary' that offers panoramic views over Tokyo’s skyline and across the Imperial Palace Gardens to Mount Fuji. Highlights include the luxury spa with a 30m pool and “onsen” (communal bath), whilst The Restaurant by Aman aims to compete on the world stage for culinary innovation.


Client Testimonials

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

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