Thailand

During Jetset Extra's trip through Thailand, the city of Chiang Mai was alive with energy for the Thai New Year celebration known as Songkran. For three days, people line the streets and travel in trucks and on motorcycles with water guns and buckets to soak passersby. Though it may seem like a city-wide water fight, the festivities take root in Thai spiritual traditions. The water symbolizes blessing and renewal, and it is thrown on everything from flabbergasted tourists to the ornate Buddha statues paraded through the streets.

During a whirlwind tour of Thailand, Jetset Extra sampled three of Bangkok's hottest hotels: The Centara Grand, the Dusit Thani, and the Siam Kempinski.

Jetset Extra visits Le Meridien Chiang Mai in Thailand, one of the region's newest five-star hotels. The emphasis here is on art and culture - even the hotel's key cards provide access to a nearby art center. Le Meridien also features fine and casual dining and a luxury spa.

Jetset Extra sits down with Suchet Suwanmongkol, owner of the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Suchet built the Dhara Dhevi to preserve the region's Lanna culture. Guests can enjoy Suchet's extensive collection of art and antiques. The 60-acre resort has its own cultural center where guests can learn basket weaving and rice farming.