From urban hubs like Bangkok and Beijing to cultural diamonds like Phnom Penh and Bali, learn more about some of Asia's most popular MICE destinations.
The most popular MICE destinations in Asia
From urban hubs like Bangkok and Beijing to cultural diamonds like Phnom Penh and Bali, Asia is home to a host of destinations for business meetings, incentive trips, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
Whether you’re travelling with a small team of 20 or a 200-strong office, we have over 30 years’ experience arranging bespoke MICE charters. Click here to find out how we tailor group charters or read on to learn about some of Asia's most popular MICE destinations.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok has always been a favourite MICE destination. The city is full of modern hotels with meeting rooms and event companies offering customised team-building days and sightseeing tours. If you’re seeking a cultural experience, the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Jim Thompson House Museum are just a few of the major attractions visited by millions each year. For an authentic taste of local life, browse the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Unwind after meetings in world-class spas and high-end shopping malls, or tee-off with clients and colleagues at one of the many excellent golf courses. In the evening, take a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, tuck into Thai cuisine at renowned restaurants or sample local delicacies at a street food market.
Beijing, China
China’s capital is bursting with hotels, conference centres, restaurants and historical landmarks, making it an ideal setting for a memorable MICE trip. The central business district and Chaoyang provide an insight into the local corporate landscape, while tech hubs and innovation centres underscore the city's status as a global technological hub.
Beijing is so vast it’s virtually impossible to see it all in one weekend. You’ll find attractions like the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven near the front of most travel guides, but it’s also worth exploring the traditional hutongs to learn more about the city’s cultural heritage – and no trip here would be complete without a day-trip to the Great Wall of China. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining, from small independents serving local specialities to high-end restaurants for extravagant business dinners.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
It may be home to the iconic Petronas Towers, but Kuala Lumpur is much more than just a tourist destination. The city’s modern corporate facilities play host to countless trade shows and networking events throughout the year.
There’s plenty to see and do away from business districts like Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and Bangsar South. Experience panoramic views from the KLCC Skybridge, explore the National Museum or Islamic Arts Museum and take advantage of the city's golf courses for a casual networking morning. For something more relaxing, unwind at a wellness retreat after a long meeting or stroll through the peaceful Perdana Botanical Gardens.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam’s bustling economic hub is a popular destination for large meetings and conferences. The Pullman Saigon Centre’s modern facilities are conveniently located in District 1, while other venues like the Rex Hotel, InterContinental Saigon and Sheraton Saigon are also nearby. The Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre is perfect for larger-scale conferences and trade shows.
Business aside, Ho Chi Minh City is home to rooftop bars, traditional markets and historical sites like the War Remnants Museum and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Deepen your cultural experience with a trip to the Mekong Delta, which is famous for its floating markets, Khmer pagodas and rice paddies.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, Cambodia’s capital has a host of hotels and meeting spaces. Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Rosewood Phnom Penh are luxury options for groups seeking first-class hospitality, while the Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre’s 6,500-square-metre ballroom is perfect for large trade shows.
Phnom Penh retains its former charm as a leafy Southeast Asian capital with a pretty riverside promenade lined with parks, restaurants and bars. While there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city centre, there’s no ignoring the region’s dark history, and a trip to the killing fields is a must to learn about one of the world’s most devastating genocides.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap in northwestern Cambodia is best-known as the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, but it’s also a great base for MICE trips. Several of the city’s hotels have contemporary facilities for business gatherings, while the 9,000-square-metre Sokha Convention Centre can host bigger groups of up to 2,000 people.
When you’re not in meetings, the main attraction here is the iconic ancient temples of Angkor Wat and there are a plethora of day tours to choose from, although you’ll need a few days to explore all the temples in the region. Back in the city, there’s a vibrant night market, traditional Apsara dance performances and local restaurants serving Cambodian cuisine.
Bali, Indonesia
While Bali is renowned for its beaches and laid-back lifestyle, many of the hotels here are well-equipped for conferences and meetings. For something a bit different, you can combine business talks with a touch of wildlife at quirky venues like the Bali Safari and Marine Park, enjoy a round of golf at one of the island’s world-class courses, or even host a relaxed meeting or brainstorming session at the beachside.
The tropical island is ideal for adventurous team-building activities like white-water rafting, volcano trekking and surfing. Most of Bali’s high-end resorts have wellness facilities and top-notch restaurants to help employees unwind after a long day.
Java, Indonesia
Java is the cradle of Indonesian culture and its major cities are popular MICE travel destinations. The capital, Jakarta, is a major business hub with plenty of conference centres, exhibition halls and luxury hotels to choose from, including Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo). Yogyakarta provides a more unique cultural backdrop, while Surabaya and other cities also offer a range of MICE venues.
For cultural team-building and incentive activities, groups can visit sacred temples, tour coffee plantations, explore art galleries and museums, trek around active volcanoes and shop at traditional markets.
How we tailor your MICE trip charter
Whether you’re planning an incentive trip to Bali for top performers or flying 500 people to a conference in Beijing, we have the expertise to get you there.
We’ve arranged countless group charters for the industry and know our clients often want more than a standard aircraft to get from A to B. Simply tell us where you want to fly, your budget and how many passengers are travelling and we’ll find the most cost-effective charter solution for your unique requirements.
Once the aircraft is confirmed, our dedicated flight service team can customise your charter with everything from branded headrests and water bottles to deli bags, floor mats and crew scarves. We’ll even work with you to organise aircraft livery or in-flight entertainment.
Contact your local ACS charter expert to learn more about how we can elevate your next MICE trip.