Step inside MGallery’s storied hotels across Asia and discover hands-on Heritage Days brimming with local crafts, age-old tales, and lively traditions—all designed to bring guests closer to the heart and history of each destination.
Every September, as autumn tiptoes in and the leaves begin to turn, Europe sits abuzz with Heritage Days—those marvellous weekends where folk pile into ancient buildings, peek behind stone walls, and hear a tale or two about the past.
It’s a tradition that’s gone a bit global, and this year, Asia joins the fray with a flourish, thanks to the ever-distinctive MGallery Hotel Collection. But don’t mistake these hotels for mere stopovers; they’re living, breathing guardians of culture—places that whisper their city’s secrets and serve up experiences with as much soul as a hearty home-cooked Sunday roast.
Heritage Days Across Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand
Let’s begin with Indochina—Laos, to be precise—at the 3 Nagas Luang Prabang, nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here, guests get more than a bed for the night; they’re offered a dip into the past, sketching hotel facades and tracing hidden nooks where royalty once indulged in ice cream.
Fancy donning a bit of traditional Lao attire for good measure? The Hidden History Quest even lets you uncover tales that would make your nan proud.
Nip across to Vietnam and there’s crafty business afoot. Forget your standard city tour—Hôtel de la Coupole in Sapa has guests hunting down hand-carved wooden stamps courtesy of Phuc Loi Stamp, one of the last of his kind.
Immerse yourself in batik artistry with Ha Phuong, whose beeswax paintings revive H’Mong traditions. Pick up a bespoke stamp set as a memento to show friends when you return home.
Head further south, and Hôtel des Arts Saigon brings its own brushstroke to Vietnamese culture. Pigment in Bloom, a partnership with Lotus Gallery, spotlights gouache painting—that bold, creamy medium beloved by early Vietnamese artists. It’s all on show in Café des Beaux-Arts, where heritage meets contemporary cool, and it’s likely you’ll be steering clear of anything remotely stuffy.
Hop over to the Philippines, and it’s not just palm trees and sandy toes—South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao turns itself into a living museum. Waves of Heritage invites guests to join in with ancient fishing practices, local crafts, and sustainable traditions—stories handed down as naturally as breathing. This isn’t about admiring from afar; it’s about rolling up your sleeves and joining the dance.
And Thailand? Never one to shy away from spectacle, Avista Hideaway Patong Phuket puts on quite a show: lotus-folding, gongs, fire shows, and a chance to try your hand at garland making or Thai calligraphy. This is more than fancy dress—it’s an ode to the heart of Thai tradition, punctuated by street snacks and drinks best sipped at a slower pace.
British Heritage Meets Asian Soul
The clever bit is how MGallery weaves these experiences into the tapestry of each place. Heritage Days aren’t just nods to old stones and faded photos; they’re invitations to join in, share a laugh, and realise how much we all enjoy being part of a good story.
It’s about honouring what came before us—whether that’s a royal ice cream parlour in Laos or a garland-making workshop in Phuket—and nudging the present towards something a bit richer.
In this rapidly changing world, preserving and showcasing what’s gone before us is vital, and it’s wonderful to see the MGallery Hotel Collection doing that. With over 120 boutique properties worldwide—from Liverpool’s Municipal to Hotel Molitor in Paris—they’re renowned for interiors that spark joy, a strong commitment to local women and artisans, and the ability to leave guests eager to hunt out their next adventure.
As part of Accor, MGallery holds its own amongst a global crowd, offering stays that are as memorable as a walk through a centuries-old city at sunset.
Why It Matters
So when Heritage Days roll around in Asia, it’s not just about ticking off boxes or snapping photos. It’s about connection—talking with and learning from the locals, trying your hand at age-old crafts, and leaving just a tad more curious than you arrived.
In a world where glossy surfaces can feel a bit hollow, MGallery’s approach is refreshing.
Whether you’re lured by Lao ice cream, Vietnamese stamp-making, or simply the promise of a great tale, these heritage happenings offer a gentle nudge to slow down, dive in, and let the past shape a brighter, more thoughtful present. After all, as any Brit will tell you, there’s nowt quite like a sense of history—and a friendly welcome—when you’re miles from home.
You can learn more about what the hotel group has lined up for Heritage Days 2025 at https://mgallery.accor.com/en/heritage-days.html.