diethelm travel newsletter july-sept 13

DIETHELM TRAVEL NEWSLETTER South East Asia

JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013

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JULY - SEPTEMBER 2013 DIETHELM TRAVEL NEWSLETTER

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In This Issue

Welcome to our Summer Issue Newsletter in which we bring you updates from all of our SE Asia offices. Read on to discover more; click on the country …….

Cambodia Besides a hotel update, a new adventure option, a circus and kickboxing, we bring you a new cruise showcasing rural life outside Phnom Penh

Laos In Luang Prabang a new place to stay as well as the new airport terminals soft-opening plus a couple of new tours in Nong Khiaw, a “hidden gem” with impressive landscape and untouched small villages.

Malaysia Three new hotels in KL and some exciting excursions for the adventurous in Sarawak wanting a back to nature experience. Not forgetting Peninsula Malaysia with an inventive spice and colonial angled tour and new excursions north of Penang.

Myanmar Some eagerly awaited new hotels have finally arrived as is the addition of a new boat, MS Hintha cruising the popular Bagan to Mandalay route. We reveal some ideas for the fascinating Delta town of Pathein, a puppet show at home and news from the office.

Thailand Bangkok is adding to its already 45,000 odd hotel rooms with more hotels and we feature some great new family friendly beach hotels. Highlighting a selection of our new and exciting activity-orientated product, we include a Chiang Mai cooking school, 5 day floating lake hotel on beautiful Khao Laem Lake and Tiger Trail treks.

Vietnam Focusing mainly on new hotels and boats, we are particularly enthusiastic about the

Gecko Eyes private houseboats in the Mekong Delta.

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Cambodia – New Hotels and flights

Mayura Hill Resort & Hotel Mondulkiri This new 3* property had its soft-opening end of June and it is currently the best available hotel in Mondulkiri province. It offers 14 nicely decorated and furnished bungalows, a good sized swimming pool and a lush tropical garden. Superior, deluxe and family rooms

with bunk beds may it an excellent

option for families.

A little “zoo” displays some local wildlife (wild boar, deer and peacocks.

The Mayura Hill is located ca. 1 km outside Sen Monorom and it brings in terms of accommodation quite an improvement for guests travelling to this still unknown area of Cambodia.

AirAsia will launch a new service, Bangkok-Siem Reap, this October, on a route that has been served solely by privately owned Bangkok Airways up until now. New daily flights will be operating from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. As of 01 July 2013 there are daily flights REP-KOS by Cambodia Angkor Air, K6 131 15:30-16:30 3 times a week (MON,WED,FRI) The flights return from KOS to REP via PNH by K6 130 17:00-19:55 and 4 times a week (TUE,THU,SAT,SUN) they return directly to REP by K6 132 17:00-18:00.

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Cambodia – New products

Flight of the Gibbon now also in Siem Reap Want to try an adventure Tom Raider Style? Always dreamt of flying? You love nature? Then Siem Reap offers a new highlight for active visitors, who want to combine culture and history with an adventure. The “Flight of the Gibbon” and their ziplines are already well established and known in Thailand. In their new branch in Siem Reap they offer the same high standard of experience and safety as in Thailand. Our MD in Cambodia, Pierre Jungo testing out the abseiling at Flight of the Gibbon!

PHARE, The Cambodian Circus Another much loved highlight has now settled also in Siem Reap. PHARE, which already has a circus in Battambang, started performing in Siem Reap earlier this year in June and has a circus-tent seating, 400 persons. The daily 1 hour Show starts at 07.30 pm.

Experience and witness Cambodia today

through the story telling at Siem Reap’s not-to-

be missed Phare, The Cambodian Circus’ daily

1hour Show The artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak perform an amazing blend of traditional and modern theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion, comedy and more. The performance is beautifully choreographed and integrates stories about Cambodian lives and society.

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Cambodia – New Product and boat

Kun Khmer – Cambodian Kickboxing. Siem Reap’s first permanent Kickboxing Stadium is drawing the crowds. Built by the local TV station CTN and hosting 700 seats the (at the moment) twice a week fights feature fighters from all over the world. Dive into the bustling atmosphere and experience one of the oldest sports competitions of Cambodia, practised since Angkorian times. The Stadium is located close to the Tara Angkor Hotel / Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra and the duration of the competitions is ca. 1½ hrs.

Rhythm of the Bassac River” The new cruise of the “Les Rives” company shows travellers the unknown country-side and the daily life just outside bustling Phnom Penh. During the 8-hours tour you stop at a floating house, travel by Tuk Tuk along the country side to an ancient Buddhist temple and visit an orchard where you have a fruit tasting.

The new cruise boat is equipped with a 150 hp Yamaha engine and is comfortable for a maximum of 15 participants. The minimum number of participants for the tour is 5 pax.

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Laos – News and new hotel – Sada, Luang Prabang

Our team in Laos have a number of updates for you this quarter including new activities in the northern part of Laos, a new place to stay in Luang Prabang and the soft-opening of the new airport terminal in Luang Prabang. There have also been announcements to improve road infrastructure which have been very well received. Road and access is key to growing variety in programmes and providing safe, easy access to get around the country in a shorter period of time.

The new international airport terminal in Luang Prabang soft opening At the end of June 2013 the new international airport terminal in Luang Prabang opened for handling passenger arriving and leaving the city on international flights. This separate terminal is about 200 meters away from the old airport building and has its own access and parking area. At the moment only the passenger handling facilities are completed including waiting areas and rest-rooms. However there are not yet any lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, currency-exchange facilities or other shops apart from a small local snack-shop. A date has not been announced when the new building will be fully completed. The old airport building will continue to serve as a terminal for domestic flights only

New 3* Sada Hotel opens in Luang Prabang The 33 room hotel is located ca. 10 minutes by car outside the historic Old Town of Luang Prabang, at the Phou Vao Road. The 2-storey buildings resemble the Colonial Lao Style. The rooms are of decent size, with good quality “Lao style” wooden furniture and wooden floors. Each room has a small balcony. The hotel has a quiet small garden with a pond, but no swimming pool. The restaurant serves breakfast and Lao food for lunch & dinner.

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Laos – New hotels and product

Ibis Vientiane The 64-room Ibis Vientiane Nam Phu is announced to finally open this year (exact date still TBC). Accor also announced a Pullman Hotel in Luang Prabang (155 rooms), planned opening in 2015 and no further details available at this moment.

Explore the Hidden Laos in Nong Khiaw: Nong Khiaw is still a “hidden gem” in Laos with gorgeous landscape and untouched small villages. Explore the area around Nong Khiaw “off the beaten tracks” with 2 new tour options: Hat Sao easy day - an easy day activity option in a newly developed trekking area along the Nam Ou, with an optional visit to a refreshing waterfall along the way, village visits and a short cruise through the rough countryside of Nong Khiaw. A soft adventure also suitable for families.

2 day Payong Trek - This trek incorporates the most interesting highlights of the region and fills two days with activities: overnight stay with a family at a Hmong and Khamu village, trails along the unique landscape with great views and village visits. On the second day the tour brings you back to Nong Khiaw with a boat ride on the Nam Ou.

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Malaysia – New Hotels

Ibis Style Fraser Business Park The modern ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Fraser Business Park is just 5 mins away from the vibrant Kuala Lumpur business and entertainment hub and 45 mins away from the KL International Airport. Located at the junction of Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Loke Yew, the

hotel is adjacent to Komplex Metro Pudu and within walking distance to Chan Sow Lin LTR station. The hotel offers 500 spacious rooms with day beds, an interesting open concept kitchen, restaurant, bar and a function room that can fit up to 100 guests.

The E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur, a luxury lifestyle serviced apartment managed by Eastern & Oriental and located in the business central district offers 200 elegant one and two-bedroom suites. Apart from enjoying the usual facilities, St Mary Place, which is part of the development, offers a number of F&B options, including the Delicious Café. For those who prefer to live it up, trendy restaurants, entertainment outlets and international-class shopping centers, KLCC, Bukit Bintang and more places of interest are located nearby

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, with it's modern loft-inspired design, is the latest addition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the city. Its fun, modern and fresh style is revealed not only in the 482 guestrooms but in its rooftop bar with its magnificent views over the city and sky-pool. Just a stroll from the city’s transport hub means you can zip around to all the attractions. The air-train link to KLIA is part of the Sentral complex where Aloft is located, and a brand new, adjoining retail mall provides lots of shopping choices.

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Malaysia – New product Tourism SIM Card Package We offer this special value added service for the convenience of our mutual clients and is available in Kuala Lumpur only.

• Retailed at RM25 (worth RM42, i.e. RM20 for International call/sms, RM10 for local call/sms & 100MB mobile internet) • Valid for 14 days • IDD calls to all countries with 132 prefix, enjoy special Hot IDD132 rates • Top-up to enjoy more calls /SMS / internet • FREE incoming calls Booking procedure and SIM Card delivery: • This SIM card need to be pre-booked in advance • Booking to be sent to our reservations department together with the rest of other ground services required by the clients • Diethelm Travel Malaysia’s Reservation team will reply with confirmation

• Upon arrival, a welcome kit together with the SIM card (and user manual - available in English, German or French) will be handed to the clients • Clients dial 122 to activate SIM card • Top up possible at any Hotlink kiosk available throughout Malaysia

Kubah National Park & Matang Wildlife Centre Tour Kubah is one of Sarawak's most accessible national parks located just 20 km from Kuching. Within the sandstone hilly plateau of the park's 2,230 hectares, you can find rare ferns and orchids, as well as a wide variety of palm species. Begin the day on the Rayu nature walking trail to the Matang Wildlife Centre, some 3 hrs 30 min away. The trail passes through pretty riverine forest with some buttress-rooted rainforest. Arriving at 13:00 at the Matang Wildlife Centre enjoy a picnic lunch at a pleasant riverside picnic spot before discovering the centre’s endangered wildlife housed in enclosed areas surrounded by rainforest. The main attraction is the orang utan programme, where young orang utans, either orphaned or rescued from captivity, are taught how to survive in the wild. Additional enclosures reveal sambar deer, crocodiles, sun bears, civets and bear cats, and three aviaries featuring hornbills, eagles, kites, storks and a host of other birds native to Sarawak. Not a strenuous tour but good stamina is needed for the 3 - 4 hours trek under tropical weather conditions. Be prepared also for harmless leech bites and wear shoes with good grip.

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Malaysia Sarawak – New tour to Kampong Kiding and the Lost Tribe

An exciting new close-to-nature 3 day tour

for the adventurous traveller willing to trek in humid conditions and live in primitive conditions. Day 1. After a 90 mins drive up to the Borneo Highlands to the base of Mount Kiding, we start our breathtaking trek (ascending) for about 2 hrs including some rest stops along the way. We walk over bamboo bridges and through cultivated farmlands stopping to eat a packed lunch en route to the mountain village. On arrival at Kampong Kiding we are welcomed by the local hill tribe – Bidayuh. Spend the afternoon exploring the village seeing how the palm wine (Ijuk) is extracted from wild

sago palms, learning about the daily activities of the hill-tribe and enjoying a stunning sunset view of the mountain ranges from the view point (weather permitting). Dinner and overnight at our host family house. (Basic facilities are provided such as; pillows, mosquito net, thin mattress, bed

sheet and blanket).

Day 2: Early morning, take a short walk to view the sunrise or skyline) from the view point. After a sumptuous Malaysian style breakfast set-off from this village trekking for approx 2 hours to reach Tanju waterfall. Swim, relax or you may wish to join us in preparing a native style lunch cooked in bamboo. Late afternoon, we trek back the same way to the village. Dinner and overnight in Kampong Kiding. Day 3. After breakfast, we will get packed and say good-bye to our hosts before we trek back downhill with easy pace for approximately 90 minutes with photo stops along the way. Return to Kuching by air conditioned vehicle with lunch en-route at a local café to arrive by 2 pm. This tour can be strenuous so ones are expected to have high fitness level and good stamina due to long hours of trekking under tropical weather conditions. Please be informed that due to primitive conditions, Asian style squatting type toilet and bathroom are available.

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Malaysia – New excursions north of Penang

For excursions beyond Penang, take a trip to the

mainland to venture into the unspoiled northern region of Peninsular Malaysia filled with interesting discoveries and archaeological sites. Among the highlights of the tour are Sungai Merbok and Bujang Valley.

Sungai Merbok is rich in history and has its glorious past as an entrepot of the 5th - 13th Century AD, where Chinese and Indian sailors called this place as "Suvarna Dwipa" means "Golden Peninsular". The size of 4114 hectares forest is the largest mangrove forest reserve in Malaysia. The wonder of this place is the life inside of it and the swarming tiny creatures which protected by this

natural habitat: Crabs, insects, fishes (very small or big), mollusks, reptiles and mysterious mimetic creatures. These animals, in millions, are the perfect food for herons, macaques, seagulls and generally speaking for a big variety of birds which populate the mangrove, making it the best place for birds watching.

Bujang Valley (Lembah Bujang) is of historical interest and is popularly hailed as Malaysia's richest archaeological area. Visitors can view fascinating archaeological finds at the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum, among which include metal tools, ceramics, ornaments and other items hailing from the valley's 4th century Hindu-Buddhist kingdom. Ancient tomb temples found during excavations can

also be viewed, with some 50 examples scattered around the area. The tours depart daily from Penang hotels on a private basis or at 0730 on a joint share basis based on a minimum of 2 pax

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Malaysia – New 7 day Heritage & Spices tour

Travelling around the great heritage cities of Malacca, Taiping and Penang, little known colonial Ipoh and vibrant Kuala Lumpur, this new tour offers an amazing insight into

the fantastically varied cuisine of Malaysia as well as the historical highlights. Evenings are equally as colourful with a stroll along Malacca’s Jonker Street stirring your appetite leaving you ready to indulge at a Baba

Nyonya Restaurant, through KL’s bustling open air night markets in Chinatown and Penang’s "Pasar Malam" night market experiencing Asia as it really is!

Marvel at the contrasting traditional Malay houses against the KL skyscrapers, stop at local food stalls, venture through the wet Chow Kit market, where housewives and hawkers haggle over prices and Chinese, Malay and Indian traders set up their stalls to catch a part of the action. One of the highlights is LaZat Malaysian Home Cooking Class, located at a typically contemporary Malaysian home in the peaceful suburbs of Petaling Jaya. You’ll not only get an opportunity to enjoy home-cooked Malaysian dishes, but also learn how to prepare the dishes the way they have been done for generations. Enjoy the herb garden alive with local herbs like cilli padi, turmeric plants, lemongrass, curry leaves, kafir and lime used in local cooking.

Apart from exploring the historic centres of Penang and Malacca, lose yourself in Ipoh’s old town, home to trading houses, historical sites, neoclassical buildings, & little India. Visit the famous landmarks including Ipoh train station, Town Hall, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Royal Ipoh Club & Ipoh Cricket Field. Before the founding of Kuala Lumpur in the south, Taiping prospered for several decades, scoring a number of firsts: first museum in the country, first English newspaper and first swimming pool. Today, it remains full of heritage buildings.

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Myanmar – New Hotels - Hsipaw Riverside Resort

Hsipaw Resort is the newest addition in Thipaw (Hsipaw), a peaceful town in Northern Shan State and the new rising trekking centre of Myanmar. The resort is located in Old Hsipaw, a Shan village on the eastern bank of the Dokhtawady River. The new Hsipaw town is located on the west bank of Dokhtawady river. Guests are provided with the complimentary boat transfer (two minutes boat ride) to the other bank of the river on request.

It offers 20 river view en-suite, non-smoking rooms located in 10 duplex bungalows. The rooms are separated from each other by an empty space and two brick walls. All rooms can be arranged as doubles or twins. The rooms are equipped with air conditioners, ceiling fans, hair dryers, minibar, tea & coffee facilities, a personal safe, hot & cold shower. Satallite TV will be placed at lobby area and IDD telephone will be reached by the guests at reception.

The resort features a garden, bar, and a river-view restaurant offering Myanmar, Shan, Western, and Chinese cuisine. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. The resort is equipped with fire extinguishers and features a fire assembly area. Hsipaw Resort is located 5 hours drive from Mandalay, and 1,5 hours from Lashio, where the nearest airport is located. This new resort is due to open in October

2013.

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Myanmar – Amata Garden Resort, Inle Lake & Han Thar Gardens, Bago The 4 star Amata Garden Resort, Inle Lake is expected to open from 01

October 2013 and construction is currently 75% completed.

Located in Ingyin Gone Village on the

eastern side of Inle Lake, plans are for 60 deluxe rooms, on 3 floors of which 30 will be lake facing and 30 Mountain View.

Reception, restaurant and bar will be

in a separate building to the rooms and a health Spa will be included as one of its services. 26 acres of garden landscaping is under process and the hotel will have both boat & road access. Room amenities include a sitting area

in the deluxe room, IDD telephone,

satellite TV, mini bar, hair dryer, coffee

/tea making facilities & in-room safe.

Laundry service and internet / wifi

access, 24 hours electricity & doctor

on call will be available.

Han Thar Gardens, is a newly established rustic style boutique hotel with a good restaurant and other facilities. Situated just outside of Bago and next to the Hanthwarwaddy golf course, in addition to offering accommodation, it makes a good option for lunch during Bago sightseeing. The restaurant serves Myanmar and international food.

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Myanmar – New Hotels - Oway Grand & The Loft, Yangon

Oway Grand Hotel is located in the central area of Mandalay. The hotel is still under renovation and expected to be ready in October 2013 with 30

rooms initially. The hotel will have a contemporary Myanmar décor and be under the same management as the East Hotel in Yangon. Total room number will be 49 rooms in a 5 storey building. Each room will have LED flat screens with International channels, 24 hours air-conditioning system, free WIFI, tea or café in room facilities and mini fridge. The hotel offers comfort and convenience but no garden.

“The Loft” is a City Boutique Hotel located in Yangon centre, York street, close to the Bogyoke Market (the former Scott market) This Boutique City Hotel has 32 rooms tastefully decorated: 21 deluxe (28 to 30 sqm), Executive suite (45 sqm), 10 Deluxe Duplex suites (around 55 sqm) An Executive Lounge and a Bistro café Opening date is not known yet but one to watch out for. A welcome addition to ease the shortage of Yangon hotels. @DTG


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Myanmar – New Boats - MS Hintha

We are excited about the launch of the M.S. Hintha, a traditional river vessel made from Myanmar teak. She is 87 feet (26.5 metres) in length and 23 feet (7.2 metres) at her widest. The boat's capacity is 36 passengers and reclining chairs on the sun deck for everyone. The new boat service will operate between Mandalay and Bagan on a regular basis from 16 October 2013

until 31. March 2014. Mandalay to Bagan on every Wed & Sun and from Bagan to Mandalay on every Mon & Fri. The boat is also available for excursions around Mandalay on Tuesday & Saturday (e.g. Kyaukmyaung, Mingun etc.) and around Bagan on Thursday during this period. In the low season (April to September) the boat can be chartered for river trips (e.g. to Bhamo or Monywa), too. It has four cabins with bathrooms attached (no air conditioning!).

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Myanmar News - U Bein Bridge Clean up

The Diethelm Travel Mandalay team together with local guides, drivers, shop owners, volunteers and the support from MCDC have undertaken to clean the U Bein Bridge site at Taungthaman Lake. Every Saturday, about 40 people meet in U Bein and clean up the rubbish as well as educating and training the people not to litter. The aim is to keep this wonderful tourist site enjoyable for all tourists to visit. The project goes from June to September 2013. Diethelm Travel is supporting all the

necessities for this project including refreshments for

the team and also hires two cleaners to clean the lake

regularly.

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A new restaurant is now operating now in Samkar Village at southern part of Inle Lake. The plan is to open as a Home Stay Lodge, and are currently waiting for the license to accommodate foreigners yet. Once ready they have 8 rooms for 16 people; 4 lake views and 4 village views. For the time being the Lodge’s restaurant is full operational and makes a good lunch break on the way back from Loi Kaw or Pal Kohn. WiFi is available for guests. The restaurant capacity is 50 people and they serve Shan style set menu and some light lunch dishes.

Myanmar – New Restaurant and Bagan Lodge opening

Bagan Lodge The eagerly awaited Bagan Lodge is now open. The hotel features a

total of 82 deluxe rooms, 2 “explorer” rooms and 1 courtyard suite.

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Myanmar – Htwe Oo Home puppet show Yangon

For a couple or FITs the Htwe Oo puppet show is a fascinating insight not only to the world of Myanmar puppetry but also a great chance to visit a typical home in Yangon.

Family members participate and U Htwe explains the stories and mechanics behind this skillful craft. For larger groups we can arrange the puppet show in a restaurant.

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Myanmar – Guide training course in Yangon and Bagan

An expert in tourism trained 70 tour guides in Bagan and Yangon in June during three different training sessions each lasting three days. Freelance guides as well as our Diethelm Travel guides, had the chance to get some great practical training in addition to field training. All truly appreciated this and start the new season enthusiastically.

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Myanmar – Pathein; a photographers paradise

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Insight to Pathein

Pathein, is a busy and bustling riverside port and the capital of the Ayeyarwady Region. Lying on the Pathein River, which is a western branch of the Ayeyarwady River, this provincial town is a 3 hours drive from Yangon on a newly surfaced road. Still unchanged over the decades, Pathein seems to have more rickshaws than cars and gives a great insight to traditional Burmese way of life. Stop for a couple of hours en route to the gorgeous, white sand Ngwe Saung Beach or for the dedicated photographer stay overnight at the simple but clean Pathein Hotel to make the best use of the wonderful late evening and early morning light. @

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Insight to Pathein

The jetty area is the highlight to explore and even today retains a feel of being in a time warp with rickshaws as the main transport, manual loading of goods onto boats and colonial era shop-houses. The local people are very friendly people as they don’t see many tourists. Time the jetty area for 1530-1700 to get the best light and see most action.

Visit one of the family owned traditional Umbrella making centres. Originally made for monks, these beautifully made and handcrafted umbrellas make for great decoration in your garden or home. Take home your own colourful souvenir. @

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Thailand – Hotel updates

The new Pullman Phuket Arcadia Nai Thon Beach Only a short 10 minute drive north of Phuket airport, this new 5 star property with 277 rooms and suites with superior, deluxe and pool villas has recently opened.

The property is managed by the Accor group. Facilities include a gym, spa treatments, three swimming pools, a kids’ club and two dining outlets plus 3 bars and a Bakery/Deli.

Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa This new 195 room /11 floor resort is set on the beautiful Eastern Thai coastline just 2 ½ hours from Bangkok. Guests can enjoy beachfront resort activities, boat excursions to the stunning nearby Islands of Ko Samet or Ko Mun, or alternatively, explore the scenic National parks, waterfalls, limestone caves and fishing villages in Rayong Province. The panoramic ocean or hillside view

accommodation have private balconies and a

fresh contemporary look.

Featuring a lagoon pool with waterslides, Kids

Club and various dining options, making it perfect

for families

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Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Set in the heart of Bangkok's major business, leisure and entertainment districts, the contemporary Bangkok hotel is close to The Emporium leisure complex and the lush Benjasiri Park,

and offers easy access to the Phrom Pong BTS Skytrain Station and the Expressway to Suvarnabhumi airport. Keep fit in the complimentary 24-hour fitness center, or cool down with a dip in the rooftop infinity swimming pool, offering unparalleled views of the city.

Mode Sathorn Managed by the same owners as the Siam@Siam, these 201 Fashion Inspired Rooms and Suites in five categories, offer creatively designed accommodation . With 3 restaurants and 2 bars including a rooftop bar on the 38th floor, swimming pool with stunning city views, the hotel will not

disappoint those seeking an urban and chic lifestyle. Located adjacent to Surasak BTS Station on

North Sathorn, one stop from Saphan Taksin

Station on the river.

Mandarin Oriental withdraws from Chiang Mai As of 31st August 2013, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will withdraw from managing Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai. The hotel will be re-named Dhara Dhevi Hotel Chiang Mai and continue to operate under a new management team. There is no change in accommodation and facilities at the resort, and the high level of service that was established in the past will be continued.

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Anantara Vacation Club Phuket Mai Khao Beach This new resort in Northern Phuket which only recently opened its doors, comprise one, two and three bedroom suites along with 30 spacious one and two bedroom pool villas in a lush tropical environment adjacent to Mai Khao Beach. Guests will also benefit from a range of shops and restaurants next door and the convenience of being located just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport

Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach The lasts offspring from the Accor group is located on the west coast of Phuket on the beach at Kamala, about 30 minutes from the airport, Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach offers amazing views of the Andaman Sea. The property features Novotel's new generation design which includes stylish in-room design, relaxing and well-designed public spaces. The hotel has an all-day dining restaurant overlooking the sea, lobby bar, pool bar, rooftop bar, swimming pool, whirlpool bath, In-Balance Spa, gymnasium, kids area and conference and meeting spaces.

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Thailand – New experiences

Pantawan Cooking School - Chiang Mai Learning the secrets of the Thai Cuisine in real Thai ambience is the motto of the Pantawan Cooking School. An old Thai style house classroom is the location for this cooking class. The program starts with a tour at the local fresh market, where under the guidance of the Chef the participants will learn how to choose the perfect ingredients for the cooking lesson.

Cooking classes are offered on join-in basis (max 12 persons) for a late morning and an afternoon session. For the join-in classes a fixed menu will be taught, which is different for each weekday. Private classes are available for either morning or afternoon sessions (min. 2 persons), where the “trainees” can choose 4 dishes they would like to learn to cook under the guidance of a private chef (who speaks both English and French!). A truly mouth-watering experience for everyone who loves Thai Food.

New diving courses New dive courses are available now in Phi Phi (Holiday Inn), Khao Lak, Phuket and Trang (Anantara). Please contact us for more details. The newly opened Lanna Museum in Chiang Mai aims to revive the North’s distinctive culture and makes an interesting museum. Open Tues – Sun 0830 – 1700

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Thailand – New city tours in Bangkok & Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI NOW AND THEN (half-day walking tour 08:00-12:30hrs) This unique walking tour takes you to the historical Wat Ket area, to Chiang Mai’s most beautiful market and onwards to the old Chinese muslim Ban Haw quarter and finishes at the location of the first Christian Church in Chiang Mai. You will visit Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Chinese and Muslim places of worship and learn about their history. It is a journey to the past. Your guide will show you old pictures of locations along the way on an iPad, bringing the past to life.

Contact us for more details on this or any of our new tours.

GOOD MORNING BANGKOK (Half day 07:00 – 12:30hrs) Take an early morning stroll through Bangkok’s largest green oasis, Lumpini Park and watch groups of locals performing martial arts, yoga and aerobics. You may even want to join in during the daily one-hour Chi-Kung exercise performed on the lawn near the clock-tower. Proceed to Wat Pho for a one-of-a-kind experience by attending the morning chants of the monks, followed by a guided tour of the temple grounds. Get your fortune read at Tha Prachan pier by a local astrologer (your guide will interpret for you) and take a stroll among the highly interesting amulet market. The sidewalk is crammed with makeshift stalls selling a fantastic array of religious amulets, talismans and charms, each of them considered to bring specific luck to the bearer. Get a glimpse of the traditional old shop houses, some of which are selling traditional medicines and herbs.

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Thailand – New tours around Chiang Mai with Tiger Trail

Our long-term partner in Laos, Tiger Trail, has now opened in Thailand and are offering the same high level of authentic soft adventure tours in North Thailand. The five all-inclusive luxury trekking tours under the banner Trek in Style, use a 4X4 luxury vehicle, guests can select their own food and they make the overnight as comfortable as possible without compromising the authentic experience of spending the night in a tribal village. All drinks and gratuities are included. The guides are the best in the business. In addition Tiger Trail offers

some great Kayaking, cycling, off the beaten track day treks.

A favourite cycling tour is the cycling to Lamphun, the ancient capital of the Haripunchai Kingdom. Several hundred years older than Chiang Mai and a town steeped in history. We travel to Lamphun by local train. After exploring the most famous temple Wat Haripunchai and the fresh food market, the real bicycle adventure starts. We cycle through fruit plantations and rice-fields to Ban Tawai, the handicraft centre, visiting villages, market and local temples along the way and stopping to chat with locals. Distance 40 km on flat roads. .

An exclusive elephant camp only allowing up to 8 pax per day. Organized in cooperation with the Tong Bai Elephant Foundation, we take you to the foundation camp to meet and learn about the Asian elephant, feed them and enjoy their company. In the afternoon you walk with them to a small river for the days highlight for the elephants: a refreshing bath! The tour price is inclusive of a donation to the Tong Bai Elephant Foundation. NB you do not ride the elephants at Tong Bai.

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Thailand – Khao Laem Lake House – 5 days Adventure

Close to the Burma border, in the middle of lush mountainous tropical forest lies a lake; a lake with floating islands of water lilies, submersed Mon temples, hunting eagles and foraging hornbills, waterfalls and stunning cliffs with monkeys, fishermen in fragile canoes and remote villages. Explore this stunning area by a floating Lake House , travelling for 5 days. Every day the Lake House anchors at a new location.

The houseboat offers 5 double/triple rooms, 2 family rooms and 1 dorm room with 6 beds. All have French balconies with lovely views and mosquito nets. All rooms share toilet and showers. Lake House offers a balanced mix of exploration, exhilaration and time to be laidback. The choice is yours. Perfect for the adventurous traveller who wants to go beyond the beaten track – backpackers and families alike. Please contact us for more details and departure dates (min. 4 and max. 24 participants per departure

• Be captivated by the sheer beauty of the peaceful, spellbinding and remote Khao Laem Lake • Kick back in your hammock and watch the beautiful nature slowly passing by the houseboat • Explore local adventures elephant riding, bamboo rafting or simply splashing around in the clean lake water • Have a slow gin and tonic at sunset • Kayak to a small nearby island or swim in the moonlight.

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Vietnam – New Hotels - Amiana on the Bay, Nha Trang

Amiana on the Bay is a new breed of hotel for Nha Trang and one raising

the bar as a welcome addition at the boutique level. The materials, quality, contemporary design and finish are exceptional, built making very tasteful use of stone, wood and natural light. Turtle Bay has a peaceful location approx 15 mins drive from Nha Trang town and about 45 mins from Cai Rang airport. The 113 rooms consist of 72 deluxe,

22 ocean front villas, 16 x 2 bedroom

ocean view apartments & 3 x 3

bedroom ocean front pool villas

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It is good to be aware that the hotel doesn’t have its own natural beach but

a raised, long man made one running the length of the resort with sun-loungers and umbrellas. Apart from those seeking to walk along a beach or wade out into the sea, this is more than compensated by the most enormous salt water swimming pool plus a large fresh water pool and the stunning view over the sea and islands. The hotel is planning additionally to put a couple of swimming pontoons in the sea.

Facilities and services include a kids adventure club, tennis court, water sports centre, dive and snorkelling centre, spa with Japanese hot pool, fitness centre, cooking class & cooking school, tai chi and yoga area. Bacaro serves Asian and International cuisine and the hotel has 2 bars. Amiana is likely to suit those looking for personal service, stylish accommodation and a gigantic swimming pool with fantastic views.

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Vietnam – New Hotels

A new JW Marriott opens in Hanoi in Sept 13 and is aiming high. Designed

by Carlos Zapata Studios and inspired

by traditional Dragon folklore, it will

have 450 luxuriously appointed 48sqm

rooms and 6 F& B outlets. The location

however is not totally ideal for tourists,

situated close to Hanoi’s main

conference and convention centre. That

said, it will be certainly be out at the

front when looking for a stylish and full

on luxurious experience.

Located in the centre of Hanoi, just minutes away from the Opera House, the Hilton Garden Inn is the latest state of the art 4* hotel to open in Hanoi. The hotel meets with full international standards as one would expect. The superbly equipped and modern rooms are inviting and equipped with the latest in technology alongside complimentary high-speed internet. Whilst designed for business travellers, the Hilton Garden Inn offers all visitors comfort and quality plus great breakfasts are assured.

Pullman Hotel Saigon. Scheduled to open in September 13, the Pullman Saigon is situated in a prime location nearby Ben Thanh market and surely going to set the standards for others to follow. It offers dramatic views of Saigon from all rooms, the latest technology and will offer the highest hotel restaurant with views over the city, located on the 30th floor.

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Vietnam – New Boats, hotels and updates

Yet another boat has appeared cruising around Halong Bay. The Huang Hai

Sealife, which is an all-suite boat of approximately 4*.standard.

Commencing from July there is a daily flight that is being launched by Vietnam airlines from Danang to Siem Reap. This exciting news leads to huge potential for new tours combining “Ancient Civilizations’ such as My Son and Angkor together, plus some great beach and culture combinations

Built on the hillside of Nui Sam Mountain with a breathtaking 180o view and close to the Cambodian border, it is the perfect en-route stop for discerning travellers looking for more than just a glimpse of the Mekong Delta. Khmer, Cham and Vietnamese communities live side by side, in a stunning landscape, including a bird sanctuary. The lodge features 26 comfortable rooms including 6 Junior Suites, 6 deluxe and 14 Superior Rooms. All deluxe and superior Rooms have a private open-air-balcony.

The new Victoria Nui Sam Lodge in Chau Doc has just had its soft opening. @

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Gecko Eyes Houseboat exploring the Mekong Delta

Did you always dream of exploring the Mekong Delta privately with just family or a group of friends? If so the new exclusive Gecko Eyes houseboats will be perfect for you. With the whole Mekong delta region at its disposal, the houseboats are self-sufficient for several days. The fleet

consists of three beautiful locally crafted wooden houseboats, based on the traditional An-Giang fishing boats. The guest area (40 sqm) has a luxurious cabin (double or twin occupancy) with a balcony, air-con, a private bathroom, a panoramic lounge with balconies and a sun deck at the bow. On request, the salon can be changed into an additional bedroom with two beds.

The staff area, with a well equipped kitchen, is at the back of the ship and completely separated from the guest area by a lockable door. The staff on board (captain, sailor, chef, tour guide) is at your disposal. Visit the famous floating markets, travel through small canals along orchards and floating villages up to the border to Cambodia or down to the port cities of Ha Tien or Rach Gia. Due to its shallow draft, the Gecko Eyes is able to glide through small tributaries and canals of the Mekong delta. The sailing area is from My Tho and Cai Be, near Saigon, through the lovely colonial town of Sa Dec, along Can Tho with its famous floating markets to Long Xuyen and Chau Doc near the Cambodian border.

There are always bikes on board for spontaneous trips on the river islands or along the small canals. For your safety and well-being. An electrical generator provides an on-board electricity supply of 220V and a battery pack ensures a quiet night. Modern on-board waste-water treatment and solar hot water boilers reduce the environmental impact of the boats. Modern safety equipment (heat and smoke detectors and fire fighting system) plus regular emergency training of the staff ensures the safety of guests.

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Vietnam – Private Tai Chi Class in a quiet Hanoi Pagoda Start the morning with the scent of fresh flowers at the Quang Ba Flower Market and

continue to the busier Long Bien Wholesale Market, where small businesses from around the city buy their daily fresh fruit and vegetables. Drive to Quan Thanh pagoda or Kim Lien Temple for an hour Tai Chi practice with our excellent English speaking Tai Chi master. Tai Chi is no longer just a Chinese phenomenon.

Warm up with lotus scented green tea, ginger snap & sugar coated lotus seed before the class and practice the graceful movements of Tai Chi. The movements are gentle and easy to learn with an emphasis on deep breathing and mental focus to creates balance, flexibility and calmness of mind and body. Chi Kung/Tai Chi accumulates energy and leaves you refreshed and relaxed. Your hard work will be recorded by an attendance certificate afterwards. End an exceptional morning with a bowl of phở, the country’s favorite breakfast soup or a simple and typical French breakfast of ‘croissant au beurre’ and coffee!

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“Best Travel Agency, Thailand” – TTG, 2012

“Asia’s Leading Tour Operator” – World Travel Awards, 2012 “Asia’s Leading Travel Agency” – World Travel Awards, 2012

DIETHELM TRAVEL NEWSLETTER

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diethelm travel newsletter july-sept 13

Documents

new excursions

cambodia new hotels

new cruise

new boat

new place

new highlight

new service

new daily flights