THAILAND

Product Update
Festivals & events in Thailand

LAOS

News Update

CAMBODIA
What news at Asian Trails Cambodia

What news in the Kingdom

Hotel Update

Flight Update

VIETNAM
A note from Thuy Tien

CHINA

A note from Veronique Ducassy

Hotel Update

Product news

What new in the country

Upcoming Festivals

MYANMAR

A note from Mika Itavaara

MALAYSIA

New Appointments in Malaysia

Product Update

INDONESIA

A note from Andr? Seiler
News Update

Flight update

Hotel Update
 

   THAILAND

PRODUCT UPDATE

ASIAN TRAILS RECEIVED “BEST TRAVEL AGENCY THAILAND 2008”

Asian Trails is greatly honored to be voted “Best Travel Agency Thailand 2008” by the readers of TravelWeekly (Asia) at the recent TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008 held in Singapore.

At ASIAN TRAILS we strive to be innovative, to blaze new paths in travel while, at the same time, provide our valued clients with particular care and attention at reasonable prices. This concept has worked well for us and we are very pleased to see that our customers appreciate what we are doing. Thank you all for your continued support.

SANTHIYA RESORT & SPA is located on the northeast coast of the secluded Ao Thong Nai Pan Beach, on Koh Pha Ngan.   The 76 rooms (hillside deluxe, suites and pool villas) are furnished in beautiful teakwood with Thai contemporary decoration and offer all high standard comforts. The resort also offers a range of facilities including a large swimming pool, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, spa and a small fitness centre.   For more details, please visit www.santhiya.com

MA DU ZI is a personal luxury chic hotel located in the business and shopping area on Sukhumvit road, near the Queen Sirikit Convention Center and about 200m from the Sky Train and Underground  interchange of Asoke and Sukhumvit stations.  It offers 35 studio rooms and 6 suite rooms, one bar, one fitness center, and one French cuisine restaurant.  The rooms are extremely spacious ranging between 49 and 79 square metres. All are fully furnished with modern decor, en-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi, and in-room business center equipped with Wi-Fi internet, IP phone, Multi-Function printer/fax and copy machine, 42” LCD TV and a King-size bed. The hotel is the ideal base for the modern business traveller.  For more details, please visit: www.maduzihotel.com

ALEENTA PHUKET – PHANG NGA is situated on a pristine beach, a short 20 minutes drive north of Phuket International Airport.  The Aleenta has 15 suites and 15 villas, with crossover architecture and stunning interior design in keeping with the philosophy of “Outside Living – In”.  Each room offers a picture frame view of the blue Andaman Sea.   Most units offer privacy of private plunge pools whilst the remaining units offer private and direct access from the living area to the common pool.  The feel of each room is distinctly crossover with minimalist interior design rubbing shoulders with Asian Spirituality to create a uniquely relaxed and stylish environment.  There is a fine restaurant serving up Thai and international dishes by the resorts award winning chef.  The hotel is now offering a great promotion for the current low season "2+2, 3+3, 4+4, 5+5”.  For bookings, please contact res@asiantrails.org.  For further details, please visit http://www.aleenta.com/phuket/

PROMOTING TOURISM TO LANNA WITH CHILDREN’S PAINTBRUSHES

Entitled “Delightful Lanna” this high quality 40-page desk calendar features 14 winning paintings depicting the beauty of the eight northern Thai provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phayao & Phrae.

The paintings were chosen from a total of 100 submissions sent in by school students eager to participate in the “Children helping Children” campaign – all proceeds from calendar sales go towards the education of poor or homeless rural children.

The Chiang Mai Charity Calendar is self-financed, has no sponsors, contains no advertising, and no profit is taken by any party.  It costs Baht 100 (approx 2 US dollars or 3 Euros) and goes on sale in mid-August 2008, initially at all branches of Rim Ping Supermarkets, La Luna Gallery and Tita Gallery in Chiang Mai.  Other sales outlets are to be advised.  Please visit

http://chiangmaicalendar2009.googlepages.com/home or contact:  chiangmaicalendar@gmail.com

FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN THAILAND

SEPTEMBER 6,2008

SUKHOTHAI MINI LIGHT & SOUND SHOW

Venue : Sukhothai Historical Park

 Sukhothai was the first capital of the Thai nation over 700 years ago. The Thai identity that originated way back then is what the Thailand of today inherited. In order to give due recognition to the extraordinary arts and cultures of the Sukhothai period, UNESCO declared Sukhothai a cultural World Heritage Site in 1991.

Sukhothai's Hallmarks

Fabulous World Heritage. Origin of the Thai alphabet. Join in Loi Krathong. Maintaining Buddhism. Eye-pleasing Tin Chok cloth. Ancient gold ceramics Pay Homage to the Founding Fathers. Dawn of Happiness. Interesting tourism activities.

Sukhothai Night

Experience a warm welcome to Thailand's first capital in the form of a colourful light and sound show.

The Emperor's Route : Travel on the same route as the Emperor of Japan when he visited this fabled city.

World and Cultural Heritage: Enjoy the historical parks in Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2008

PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA

MINI LIGHT & SOUND SHOW

At Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park

Formally known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the ancient city of Ayutthaya, was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and has remained the capital city of the Kingdom of Siam for 417 years, (from 1350 to 1767.)

During this time, 33 kings of various Siamese dynasties have reigned in Ayutthaya, each contributing to the Kingdom's many cultural treasures. Over time, this magnificent legacy, passed on from generation to generation, has become a unique and most distinctive aspect of Ayutthaya.

At the height of it’s glory, Ayutthaya was one of Asia's most prosperous cities with a proliferation of magnificent temples, palaces and pavilions signifying its wealth and prosperity.

This impressive heritage has become the bedrock of Thai society and has shaped the Thai way of life as it exists today. With a culture and civilization so outstanding and timeless, UNESCO declared the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a cultural World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991.

SEPTEMBER 13 - 14, 2008

THAILAND INTERNATIONAL SWAN BOAT RACES AND LONG BOAT    

RACE CHAMPIONSHIP THAILAND

The Thailand International Swan Boat Races and Long Boat Race Championships Thailand will be held on September 13-14, 2008 on a section of the Chao Phraya River at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

SEPTEMBER 23 – 30, 2008

BANGKOK FILM FESTIVAL 

SF World Cinema, CentralWorld and Pullman Hotel

PROGRAMME

Web site: www.bangkokfilm.org

SEPTEMBER 27,2008

THE AKHA – PEOPLE OF THE HILLS

Light-and-Sound Presentation

At the Chiang Rai Social Development Center

Ban Pasang, Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai

The Akha is a mountain tribe. Their original home is on the Tibetan Plateau, however over the centuries, they migrated to China’s southern Yunnan province. From there, they gradually moved into present-day Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand.

They are a peace-loving race of people whose simple way of life co-exists in harmony with nature. The Akha tribes show deep respect for their elders. The most senior member, called the yeua mah, is traditionally a metalsmith. Before a new village can be built, the yeua mah and another group of seniors called the ah baw cher maw must first grant their approval.

 SEPTEMBER 27,2008

WIMAYA NATTAKAN

A dance drama and light-and-sound presentation

At Phimai Historical Park

Nakhon Ratchasima province, the largest province in Thailand and gateway to the other provinces in the Northeast, enjoys a long history of prosperity. Heralded as “the city of brave women”, Nakhon Ratchasima is blessed with a rich legacy of ancient awe-inspiring Khmer archaeological treasures, majestic historical sites, and charming traditions. The province is also famous for its silk and Khorat noodles.

HIGHLIGHTS

-  Experience the “Bai Sri Su Kwan” ritual - a traditional welcome and well-wishing ceremony

-  A guided tour of the awesome architecture of the ancient Khmer empire within Phimai Historical Park

-  Enjoy a delicious dinner of Northeastern cuisine amid the archaeological wonders while being entertained by traditional folk performances of Northeastern Thailand

-  The Wimaya Nattakan Light–and–Sound show

WIMAYA NATTAKAN LIGHT–AND–SOUND SHOW

This cultural presentation depicts the past glory of ancient Phimai and the Khmer empire. The first half of the performance features choreographed performances inspired by the bas-relief of the Phimai Sanctuary itself. Vignettes depicted include Buddhist religious processions, the ancient ritual dance of the boxers and the Phimaipura or Vimayapura dance. Folk and traditional dances such as the Bai Sri Su Kwan dance, Manohra Len Nam dance, the Dung Krok and Dung Sak mortar and pestle dance are featured in the second half of the presentation.

OCTOBER 9 - 15, 2008

ILLUMINATED BOAT PROCESSION

The Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom

As night falls, majestic ‘fire boats’, elaborately-adorned with flowers, incense sticks, candles and lanterns and each bearing an assortment of ritual offerings, are set alight and floated down the Mekong River.

Against the darkness of the moonlit night, the sight of flickering lights from candles and lanterns on magnificent ‘fire boats’ drifting downstream on the Mekong River, is both mesmerising and awe-inspiring. It is this enchanting spectacle that has given the water-borne procession its very name — ‘Lai Reua Fai', which literally means to set afloat a ‘fire boat’.

The illuminated boat procession is celebrated in I-San, the northeastern region of Thailand on the 15^th day of the waxing moon to the first day of the waning moon in the 11^th lunar month of the Buddhist calendar, usually a month earlier than the corresponding month in the conventional calendar. This dazzling event marks the end of the Buddhist Lent or ‘Ok pansa’ and is accompanied by a colourful street procession and cultural performances which add to the highlights of the event which is held annually.

OCTOBER 6 - 13, 2008

THE SAKHON NAKHON WAX CASTLE PROCESSION & ROYAL TROPHY LONG-BOAT RACES

At Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Temple, Sakon Nakhon

To mark the end of Buddhist Lent or ‘Ok Pansa’, communities in Northeastern Thailand or ‘I-San’ stage an annual celebration consisting of a grand procession of meticulously-carved wax castles, long-boat races and festive celebrations. On the final day of the festival, which falls on the end of the Buddhist Lent, local residents make a trip to the temples to make merit.  This is an ancient folk tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Over the centuries, the tradition has evolved. Originally, ornate wax trees carved out of poles of beeswax were presented to temples along with other merit-making ritual offerings. Contemporary offerings consist of elaborate designs and sophisticated shapes and forms. Beeswax is molded into miniature Buddhist temples and shrines or wax castles.

NEWS UPDATE

HOTELS

Villa Maly in Luang Prabang

Opening in August 2008, we have the pleasure to feature the first picture of this

brand new property, offering 33 rooms and 5 suites, near the heart of the World Heritage City

Champassak Grand Hotel in Pazke

Due to open next October, this new property, located near the bridge over the Mekong River will offer 216 rooms and suites, in a 12 floors building overlooking the river itself.

The opening of this hotel in Pakze will most certainly improve the quality and availability of options in the area.

BOATS

Great news from Mekong River Cruise.

A new boat will be operating in the South of Laos, as of September 2009.

The “Mekong Islands” will offer additional space to all fans of river cruises.

More details to come in the next months

Elephant Festival 2009

The next edition of the famous Elefant Festival will take place in Xayabouri province, very close to Xayabouri town, in the middle of next February.

Planned dates are  February 13 – 15, to be confirmed later.

Laos pictures

For lots of beautiful pictures of the whole country, which are available free of charge can be found on the below link:

www.photos-of-laos.org

Tip of the Month   

2 Days tour Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw – Muang Ngoi Kao – Luang Prabang

Day 01  Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw – Muang Ngoi Kao (-/L/D)

Pick up at your hotel, drive to Nong Khiaw via Pakmong. Continue into the more mountainous regions north of Luang Prabang. After 3 hours drive, arrival in Nong Khiaw, check-in at your guesthouse.

Embark on a traditional boat to Muang Ngoi Kao, 1 hour upstream. Take a walk through the village and begin trekking 30 minutes to visit Tham Kang, the former sheltering cave for local villagers during Indochina war (1960-1972). It is located in beautiful surroundings. If time allows, continue to the next village Ban Na Kang. Return to Muang Ngoi Kao and cruise downriver to Nong Khiaw Riverside Guesthouse

Day 02 Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang (by boat)              (B/L/-)

For early risers: spend some time exploring the surroundings or bathe in the Nam Ou river – a good beach is just below the guesthouse. Before leaving by boat to Luang Prabang, visit Tham Phatoum by car, the cave is 2,5 km outside Nong Khiaw. This is where the locals took shelter from bombings during the Second Indochina War.

Depart by boat to Luang Prabang. Enjoy the spectacular landscape on this portion of the Nam Ou River. Along the way, you will see daily activities of local people living on the riverbanks. Picnic lunch on a beach.Stop at Ban Pak Ou to cross the Mekong and visit Pak Ou caves, housing hundreds of Buddha statues. Transfer to your hotel In Luang Prabang

Happy Trails in Laos

A personal note from Managing Director Thuy Tien.

Since tropical storm Kammuri passed over northern Vietnam at the beginning of August we are glad to inform you that the situation has returned to normal and roads and rail tracks have already been re-opened between Hanoi and Lao Cai after just a few days. It is important for Asian Trails to express, and let you, our partners abroad know, that all tourists in the northwest provinces were safe. The only inconveniences were due to the cut of local communications by rail and road between Hanoi and Lao Cai and in the less developed provinces of Yen Bai and Phu Tho. The Asian Trails Team were in constant contact with our clients in the area and the tour operators whose clients were affected by the storm.

WELCOME BACK MS. MINH PHUONG, DEPUTY INBOUND MANAGER

Ms. Minh Phuong, Deputy Inbound Manager, returned to the office after a four-month break for maternity leave. Ms. Phuong came with batteries recharged and is quickly catching up with news, getting herself ready for the coming high season. Welcome back!

WELCOME MATTEO SENABOR

Next month we will welcome Mr. Matteo Senabor, from Italy who will take the position of Manager Latin Markets, based in the Ho Chi Minh City office. Matteo has experience working for both hotels and tour operators and also acquired international work experience in different European countries. We are sure he will be a great asset for all our Italian and Spanish speaking clients. We wish Mr. Senabor a warm welcome and a successful and long-term career with Asian Trails.

INSPECTION TO LONG MY

Three members of the Asian Trails Vietnam family from the Ho Chi Minh City office together with one full time guide ventured on a small inspection to a remote area of the Mekong Delta, Long My, to visit the office of French-Belgian NGO ‘Vietnam Plus’ to see some of the initiatives they work on in the area. ‘Vietnam Plus’ aims for communal development with a strong involvement from the local community and leads low cost and environmentally friendly projects. The inspection also took them to visit some of the ladies that produce merchandise for Vietnam Quilts, a non-for-profit organization under the umbrella of Vietnam Plus. Vietnam Quilts employs women from underdeveloped areas and gives them the opportunity to have a stable job and to earn themselves a living. The products they make are sold in two stores in the country, one in Hanoi and one in Ho Chi Minh and can also be shipped internationally. www.vietnam-quilts.org   
As part of our commitment with this NGO we occasionally include a quick visit to the showroom of Vietnam Quilts in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City as part of the city tour for FIT bookings.

NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCHED BY ATV IN THE NEW CD ROM

Asian Trails will soon launch the new CD ROM 2008 – 2009 with a variety of new and updated products for you to choose from. This year Asian Trails Vietnam is introducing more wellness and spa options for your guests to pamper themselves on during their stay. We are also pleased to include some ideas for MICE that we hope will help you discover new venues and will make you think about new concept as well as some programs in collaboration with NGOs or non-for-profit organizations. Finally we have introduced some active tours for the most intrepid as well as new overnight possibilities while cruising the Mekong canals and more…

MICE MANAGERS EXPLORE NEW OPTIONS FOR VIETNAM

The Group MICE Manager, Mr Jamie Crisp, together with the MICE Manager for Vietnam, Ms. Ursula Schmid, took an extensive whistlestop tour around the entire country to source for new MICE venues and plan for interesting new concepts for our esteemed clients. Places visited included Hanoi, Danang, Hue, Hoi An, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta to name a few. They came back with many new ideas and will be happy to present these to you. For more information please contact mice@asiantrails.org

HIGHER ROOM RATES DESPITE MORE ROOMS IN OFFER

A recently launched survey by an International consulting firm shows how prices of hotels in Vietnam continue to rise compared to the amount of new hotels being built and more rooms being available in the market. The survey covered 37 hotels ranging from 3 to 5-star and reveals an increase of 37% in the average room rates from 2006 to 2007. Hanoi proved to be the most expensive destination within the country. Other results we can look at from the same study include an average increase in the overall occupancy, especially in Ho Chi Minh City where the occupancy level went up to 79% year round and the increase of hotel rates in high season over low season. All this despite the total number of rooms on offer increased over the past few years.

CROWNE PLAZA DANANG TO OPEN NEXT YEAR

InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) will open a Crowne Plaza hotel in Danang in 2009.  The property is located directly on a beautiful stretch of the China Beach. It will have a total of 528 rooms in the first opening stage and will follow with villas later in the near future. The first wing, with Casino, will include 130 rooms and it is due to be opened early next year. They will open the second wing aimed for FIT clients and the facilities for MICE business in the second half of 2009. Once the hotel is completed it will offer three different entrances one for each type .of guests. The complex will include several pools, restaurants, kids’ zone, diving centre, spa, casino and more.

FAMOUS REX HOTEL BECAME 5*

Rex Hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh was awarded 5* status after the opening of the new wing late July 2008. The hotel now joins 11 other existing hotels of 5* status within the city..

LIFE HERITAGE RESORT HOI AN REOPENED

Life Heritage Resort in Hoi An town opened its doors to guests at the beginning of August after an extensive 5-month renovation, necessary after last year’s floods in the centre. All rooms, with exception of the Junior Suites, are ready. Located in the centre of Hoi An town and next to Thu Bon River the new look of the resort includes modern-sophisticated elements with vestiges from the colonial past.

YASAKA NHA TRANG’S NIGHT MARKET

Yasaka Nha Trang hotel (also known as Saigon Nha Trang) opens a night market at 6pm every day to offer Vietnamese tasty food at low prices. Some specialties available in the night market are fish-noodles and frilled meat rolls.

HO TRAM RESORT OUT OF LIFE RESORTS

From the beginning of August, Life Resorts announced that Ho Tram Osaka hotel located northeast of Ho Chi Minh City in the beach resort of Ho Tram is no longer managed by them.

SUNRISE NHA TRANG NOT UNDER MELIA MANAGEMENT ANY LONGER

Sunrise Beach Resort Nha Trang and Melia Hotels did not close the agreement for the Spanish Hotel Group to manage the hotel in the coastal town on southern Vietnam. Therefore, Sunrise Hotel retains it’s independent status whilst Meli? still retains its one property in the country: Meli? Hanoi.

LONGER TRAIN RIDES BETWEEN HANOI AND LAO CAI

Longer train-rides between Hanoi and Lao Cai and vice versa are inevitable after tropical storm Kammuri affected the connection between these two northern cities. Trains were usually running in less than nine hours from the starting point to the last station whereas traveling the same distance nowadays takes something between 11 and 12 hours. According to local authorities it is still unclear how long this will remain this way.

MORE LUXURY TRAINS FROM HO CHI MINH TO NHA TRANG

Saigon Railway Transport Company started operations of a luxurious 14-carriage train to Nha Trang at the end of August. Trains depart from Ho Chi Minh City in the evening and arrive in Nha Trang early morning. The return journey departs from Nha Trang late afternoon and arrives at dawn in Ho Chi Minh city.

DRAGONAIR INCREASES FLIGHTS TO HANOI

The Hong Kong airline Dragonair, part of Cathay Pacific, announced daily operations of flights to and from Hanoi from the end of October. Hong Kong will be the transit point between Vietnam and overseas destinations such as North America, Australia and New Zealand for people traveling on the airline. 

JETSTAR PACIFIC INCREASES INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Jetstar Pacific will cease operation to the beach resort of Nha Trang to focus on more profitable routes and will start flying once daily from Ho Chi Minh city to Siem Reap, Singapore and Bangkok.

JETSTAR TO OFFER MORE ROOM FOR LEGS

Australian budget carrier, Jetstar officially announced they will offer extra leg room on their flights connecting Vietnam and Australia for those passengers willing to pay a little extra money. On top of this they also announced they will replace the 3-time weekly flights between Ho Chi Minh and Sydney with 5 flights/week linking Ho Chi Minh and Sydney through Darwin.

NEW VIETNAM AIRLINES ROUTE TO JAPAN

Vietnam Airlines launched non stop flights from Hanoi to Nagoya, creating the 4^th route between Vietnam and Japan after the already existing flight to Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.

HELICOPTERS TO LINK THE CAPITAL WITH HALONG BAY

Two private-owned Vietnamese companies recently commenced operations of a taxi service between Hanoi and Halong City, one of the country’s UNESCO natural wonders. Helicopters operate the 45-minute flight with a minimum of 5 passengers. Besides this transfer services between cities, passengers can also choose an overview flight over Halong to admire the Bay.

A note from Managing Director Veronique Ducassy

Greetings from Olympic Beijing! The month of August has been very busy and exciting in our city and we would like to share with you some photos of the Games.

   < The ‘Bird Nest’ or National Stadium from the outside 

   < Inside the Bird Nest    

  < The ‘Water Cube’ for all swimming competitions

   < Olympic spirit with one of the Five Fuwa    

   < The Olympic flame in the National Stadium

HOTEL UPDATE

The Marriott Group is expanding in Beijng  after the opening of JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton last December, this dynamic hotel management group has opened the Beijing Marriott City Wall at the beginning of August. With 1,312 rooms, this has now become the largest Marriott Hotel outside of the USA. The Hotel is conveniently located in the central business district of Beijing with the embassy district nearby. A major architectural highlight of the hotel is that it is built on the renowned Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park. The Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall offers an exciting array of restaurants and lounges serving an extensive range of local and international cuisines. Recreational facilities include a fitness center with an indoor heated swimming pool and a Quan Spa. The property offers also more than 4,000 sq meters of banquet and conference facilities with 3 ballrooms and more than 10 function rooms. 

THE OPPOSITE HOUSE  

The Opposite House, a luxurious contemporary hotel in Beijing’s vibrant Sanlitun district, is an integral part of ‘The Village’ at Sanlitun, Beijing’s premier open-plan shopping destination, developed by Swire Properties. There are 99 luxurious contemporary rooms which are amongst the largest in Beijing with more than half being over 70 sqm. All guest rooms are strikingly simple with natural wooden floors and subtle touches of Chinese d?cor.

 Luxury down bedding, exclusive toiletries, premium bath essentials, complimentary selection of mini-bar items, LCD TV, VGA connection and Denon in room entertainment. Other amenities include a French press coffee maker, spa inspired bathroom with rain shower, deep oak soaking tub, under floor heating, mood lighting system and complimentary wireless internet. Restaurants and bars conceived by well known Shanghai based restaurateur David Laris will take you from the shores of the Mediterranean to the lands of north Asia, whilst the contemporary bar offers a range of wines, cocktails and spirits and the luxury meets punk ‘mini club’ defines its own scene and creates a new late night spot in Beijing.

PRODUCT NEWS

THE LEGATION QUARTER

Last May, the site of the Legation Quarter project opened in Beijing. The site is an important historic landmark consisting of five former diplomatic buildings, located on the southeast corner of Tian an Men Square. The entire compound was the Qing dynasty United States Embassy built in 1903.

The compound brings together an international group of world-class restaurants such as Maison Boulud (French 2* Michelin), Shiro Matsui (Japanese restaurant) and Sadler (Italian, 2* Michelin) as well as the Patek Philippe flagship boutique, the Wine connoisseur Club and other lounge bars

and night spots.

The venue also contains a museum of contemporary art hosting talents in the visual arts, drama, music, dance and film from China.

 Legation Quarter: overview with Maison Boulud in the centre

WHAT’S NEW IN THE COUNTRY

Welcome to “1949 - The Hidden City” :

Nestled between skyscrapers, what would become in 1949 a Machinery and Electric Institute, in 2008, Elite Concepts retooled the factory into the party suburb’s hippest industrial chic dining and entertainment venue.

The complex offers 6,000 square meters of restaurants, bars, gardens, events spaces, art gallery and private member’s club : gallery 49, sugar bar, duck de chine with a Bollinger champagne bar, noodle bar and lots more. This will truly become a city within the City.

Within the “1949 the Hidden City”: restaurant “duck de Chine” with the Bollinger champagne Bar (1949 the Hidden City)

BEIJING NEW TV TOWER

One of the latest landmarks in Beijing, the TV Tower was just finished for the Games. It stands along the 3^rd ring road and is unique in architectural design, an iconic figuration of two high-rise buildings.

The building is 230 meters high combining a continuous loop of horizontal and vertical sections. The irregular grid on the building’s facades is an expression of the forces traveling throughout its structure.

One of the buildings hosts all administrative operations with news, broadcasting, studios and program production. The second building, the Television Cultural Center includes a hotel, a visitor’s center, a large public theatre and exhibition spaces.

The Tower is a realization of Netherlands Architects Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren from the Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA).

Some locals already have nicknamed the building as “the pants” or “the shorts”!!

UPCOMING FESTIVALS

CHINESE FESTIVAL

The mid-autumn festival also known as the Moon Festival falls on the 15^th day of the 8^th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. In 2008 the festival will be celebrated on the 14^th of September. The tradition gathers families and friends together at night to admire the full-bright mid-autumn moon. The festival also celebrates the end of the summer and the harvest season. The Chinese always have special food for special events throughout the year. For this festival, the specialty is the ‘Moon Cake’.

In 2008, the Chinese government has declared the day to be an official holiday and the 15^th of September, all offices will be closed.  

NATIONAL DAY IN CHINA

National Day in China is officially on the 1^st of October. For many years it has been the opportunity to take a one-week break. This year the holiday will be from Monday September 29^th until Sunday October 5^th.

A note from Managing Director Thomas Carnevale

Many of our international partners are still inquiring about the current situation in Myanmar after the tragic events of Nargis at the beginning of May. Now, 4 months on, we are pleased to inform you that the country is now back to normal. In Yangon, guests may find some trees that have broken branches but apart from that all services have resumed and it’s life as usual. Recently I went upcountry with our Group MD Mr. Laurent Kuenzle. To give you an insight as to what’s available, we first flew to Bagan first where we visited the famous Shwezigon Pagoda. Supposedly the Shwezigon was built to enshrine one of the four replicas of Buddha’s tooth. The stupa’s graceful bell shape became a prototype for virtually all later stupas of Myanmar. Following on we saw the Gubyaukgyi Temple famous for its well-preserved, richly colored paintings inside. If you find walking along the pagoda and temple routes too strenuous, why not enjoy a ride in a horse and cart? That’s indeed the option we took! Sitting comfortably in our cart, we enjoyed the scenery whilst travelling well off the beaten track.

To completely unwind, the best thing to do is take a boat ride on the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. Whilst relaxing and enjoying the gentle breeze we could see the tiny little villages nestled along the shore; the women washing their clothes in the river as the have done for centuries and of course there was also action on the river itself. Boats laden with goods, ferryboats transporting everything from cars, vegetables, people and livestock. We finished an interesting and full day experiencing the highlights of Bagan which culminated with a beautiful sunset from the top of a temple, truly a most touching experience.

The next day we travelled on to Mandalay which was the last kingdom city of ancient Burma. We proceeded to Amarapura to see one of Myanmar’s main attractions, the U Bein bridge, today one of Myanmar’s most photographed landmarks. The 1.2km long teak footbridge spans across the shallow Taungthaman Lake. The best time to visit the bridge is just after sunrise or just before sunset, when hundreds of villagers commute back and forth across it.

Later a relaxing boat trip brought us to Mingun which is about 11km upriver from Mandalay. The main sites are the Mingun Paya and the Mingun Bell. The Mingun Paya was supposed to  become the biggest Pagoda in the country and work started in 1790 with a labour force of thousands of slaves and prisoners of war. It was suggested that it would reach the height of 150m which is about three times its present size. The Mingun bell is claimed to be the worlds largest hung, uncracked bell in the world. It weights 90 tonnes and is about 4m high and 5m across at the lip.

Unfortunately our trip ended here and it was time already to return to Yangon.

As you can see only from this very short explanation, life has returned to normal in Myanmar and the hotel and service providers from the region are more then happy to welcome your guests back to the region.

As you are already aware, there are many other exciting destinations to visit within Myanmar such as the world famous Inle Lake region in the east, Putaoo at the foot of the Himalayas in the far north and the Meik archipelago with its thousands of untouched islands and the unspoiled beaches in West. We will tell you about it later!!

Myanmar Airways new airplane

Myanmar Airways International (8M code) has leased a new Fokker 100 plane and has taken to the skies once more with regular flights from Yangon to both Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur and serves as a perfect alternative for Asian connections.

Governor's Residence reopening 

The Governor's Residence, one of Yangon's best hotels, is reopening on September 1st 2008 after extensive renovations. The hotel has also appointed a new executive chef, Mr. Olivier Guilmain, who has over 20 years experience in the international hotel field.

New excursion proposal in Bagan

Asian Trails Myanmar is pleased to offer a new and exciting excursion in the Bagan area. Starting from September 1st 2008 we will offer a combined excursion by train, car and horse cart to Mount Popa, a local extinct volcano located around 50 kms from Bagan. The excursion will leave in the morning from Bagan by local train to Kyaungpadaung, where a tour by horse cart around the local market will take place. The tour continues with a transfer by car to Mount Popa, where guests will have the possibility to climb the 777 stairs to the top, where a shrine dedicated to animist spirits known as ‘nats’ can be found. From the top, guests will be able to enjoy a wonderful panoramic vista over the surrounding rolling countryside. The tour will then continue for a late lunch at Mount Popa Resort, followed by a slow return by car to Bagan with a stop along the way in a traditional local village as well as at a toddy palm plantation. This one day excursion offers the opportunity to take a train ride in Myanmar. Although not comparable to other Asian countries in comfort, this journey provides guests a wonderful first hand experience with the locals.  Please contact us for more information..

Management change at Bagan Golf Resort

Amazing Hotels Myanmar, already operating properties in Inle, Taungoo and Ngapali Beach, has now taken over the management of Bagan Golf Hotel. The hotel will now be renamed Amazing Bagan Golf Resort. We are confident that the quality of the hotel will continue to remain high and we look forward to working with the new management.

Malikha Lodge ready for the season

Malikha Lodge, the exclusive lodge located in Putao-O in Kachin State, Myanmar's northernmost state, will reopen for the upcoming winter season on October 1st. Malikha Lodge offers the ultimate travel experience in a region at the foot of the Himalayas, an area still largely unexplored by tourism. The lodge currently offers 8 exclusive chalets with full amenities built in traditional style. Different activities are available, ranging from simple guided walks in the surrounding countryside, to longer multi day expeditions to the nearby mountains. The lodge is easily reachable thanks to two scheduled flight per week from Yangon via Mandalay and Myiktina with Air Bagan.  Malikha Lodge is the perfect destination for the most discerning and sophisticated traveller and can easily be placed in a multi day Myanmar itinerary.

Beach season 

Starting from mid October, all hotels along Myanmar's main beach destinations will reopen for the upcoming high season. Myanmar has two main beach areas both located along the Gulf of Bengal Coast, in the west of the country.

Ngapali Beach, in Rakhine (Arakan State) is easily reachable by short flights from Yangon and other domestic destinations. Ngapali Beach offers guests wonderful and untouched beaches with excellent swimming opportunities. Snorkeling trips to nearby islands can also be arranged.

Ngwe Saung Beach, in Irawaddy Division is reached by a 5 hour road journey from Yangon or by a short flight to Pathein, which is one hour away by car from the beach. Ngwe Saung also offers a long beach with excellent swimming possibilities as well as snorkeling trips to the surrounding area.

Both beaches feature excellent hotels and resorts suiting all budgets. These destinations are both relatively untouched and offer the perfect location for those travelers wishing to experience something new.

NEW APPOINTMENTS IN MALAYSIA

 Asian Trails Malaysia welcomes Mohd Hafeez (pictured left) as its new Manager for the Kuoni Department and for Operations. Hafeez started his career in the tourism industry in 1989 and has a wealth of experience having held different positions such as Domestic Wholesale, Operations, Inbound Sales & Reservations. He also handled the MICE Division in the Inbound Department and spent 5 years handling outbound tours from Malaysia.

Ku Azura (pictured right) joined the Travel industry in July 2005 as Reservations Assistant. She recently came onboard with Asian Trails Malaysia as Inbound Officer of the Kuoni Department and is responsible for all Kuoni bookings. 

Bathma (pictured left) has been in the hospitality industry since 1991. She is familiar with the daily administration work having served in different capacities in her career path.  She joined ATMA as an Accounts and Administrative Assistant.

PRODUCT UPDATE

TASIK CHINI

A Carpet of flowering Lotus Plants

Tasik Chini is one of the only two natural lakes in Peninsula Malaysia, both of which are located in the state of Pahang. Located approximately 100km from the town of Kuantan, the capital of Pahang; Chini is the lake that was formed from the natural damming of the river valley. It is Malaysia's second largest natural lake and is made up of a series of 12 lakes in total. With its well-known myths, the lake has attracted many visitors from various destinations. Legend has it that a mythical dragon lives in the lake and is the guardian of a lost city of gold, which was once situated at the lake. The Jakun people - an Orang Asli (aboriginal) tribe of Malay origin - who live around the lake also believe that the serpent Naga Seri Gumum (Loch Ness Monster equivalent) is the spirit and guardian of the lake. Nevertheless, these legends have enticed numerous archeologists to conduct scientific expeditions in Chini.

Visitors come to Tasik Chini for a variety of reasons. To reflect, to ponder, to rediscover, to reap the harvest of the lake, and to appreciate it’s natural beauty whilst others, well - just because it's on their tour itinerary. But there is more to Tasik Chini than meets the eye. The area is now under protection as a vital water catchment site with a total area of around 1,000 hectares. 200 hectares is made up of open water and over 700hectares of swamp forest.

ATMA will be re-introducing Tasik Chini into our round trips to enable guests to experience the tranquility of this mystical wetland.

CANOPY WALKWAY NEAR THE CITY

Located in Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve (about 30 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur) and at about 300m above sea level, this walkway system spans about 150m and is suspended between trees about 30m above ground.

The walkway system and the platforms are vantage points from which one experiences a panoramic view of the forest. Beside this, the walkway system functions as a platform for scientific study of canopy plants and animals.

There are 3 interesting walking trails leading to the canopy walkway and walking time is between 30-60 minutes per way depending on the trail.

ATMA will soon introduce fully guided day trips for visitors to experience the Canopy walk as well as the picturesque jungle trails. Details will be published shortly.

NEW KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL OPENS

The RM1.4billion makeover of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport is now one step closer to completion with the opening of the new Terminal 1.  The terminal is capable of handling up to 3,200 passengers per hour during peak periods and has a total of 64 check-in counters for international and domestic flights as well 17 aircraft parking bays.

Elements indigenous to Sabah were incorporated into the interior of the terminal. The design of column heads was inspired by the wakid or traditional baskets used by the Kadazandusun and Murut communities. Ethnic patterns of the Rungus and Bajau communities were also incorporated into the floor tiling design.

The Kota Kinabalu International Airport redevelopment also includes the construction of a low cost carrier terminal which opened in 2007. The runway will also be extended to 3,780m and given a full-length taxiway. This is scheduled to be completed by 2009.

An interior view of the new Kota Kinabalu international airport terminal which includes elements indigenous to Sabah such as a column heads resembling the traditional wakid baskets.

AIR ASIA USING A320 FOR SABAH ROUTES

AirAsia has started using its Airbus A320 from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Macau.

The aircraft is the first of four AirAsia A320 planes that has been scheduled to replace the existing Boeing 737s fleet. The A320 aircraft has a 180-seats compared with 140 seats in Boeing 737.

The way to world heritage listing

TALE OF TWO CITIES – MALACCA & PENANG

The perseverance of the state governments of Malacca and Penang as well as the Federal Government has finally paid off after long 10 years when the two towns received approval to be listed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) World Heritage List in Quebec, Canada.

MALACCA

 The World Heritage Site covers:

- St Paul’s Hill civic zone with St Paul’s Church, Porta de Santiago (A Famosa) fortress and Stadhuys complex,

- Residential and commercial areas of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Walk) and adjacent streets, including Harmony Street.

- The Malacca River.

GEORGE TOWN

In Penang, the sites covered include:

- The waterfront district including the Esplanade and harbour area, Fort Cornwallis, Weld Quay and Beach Street,

- Historical commercial centres, including the “ethnic streets” such as Bishop Street and Church Street (Eurasions), China Street (Chinese, and Market and Chulia Streets (Indians), and Little India,

- The guild and trade precinct including Chulia, Muntri, Leith and adjacent streets,

- Mosque and wakaf enclave of Acheen Street and Kapitan Keling mosques

- Chinese clan enclave with the Khoo, Cheah, Tan, Lim, Yap and Yeoh clan or kongsi houses.

State-level committees have been formed to formulate an integrated heritage policy following the listing of Malacca and George Town as World Heritage Sites. The first priority of these committees is to find ways on how to fulfil and comply with the parameters of a living heritage and cultural site and the state government will work closely with non-governmental organisations, the Federal Government and the other stateholders towards creating a plan that includes mechanisms to implement the heritage policy and to focus on conservation efforts within the heritage zone.

MALAYSIA CELEBRATES IT’S 51^st YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE!

Merdeka Month Celebration
31 August 2008
The date marks a commemoration of Malaysia’s 51st year of Independence, celebrated in a joyous mood by all Malaysians.

The celebrations will be filled with vibrant activities from star-studded countdown parties to a colourful parade at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square). Other parties have been planned at KLCC and Bukit Bintang areas.

Highlights include parades, fireworks displays and much more!

NEWS UPDATE

OFFICE EXTENSION COMPLETED!

 On the 16 august 2008 Asian Trails opened the doors to the office extension right next to the existing building on Ngurah Rai Bypass. The day was marked with a Balinese ceremony to please the spirits of our new office. A priest from the local community was in attendance and made sure that the office is blessed with good luck for the future. Due to a continuous growth of the Asian Trails Team it was necessary to extend the office space. Our Operation Team including our General Manager have moved to the new facilities.

IMPORTANT DATES

01-02 OCTOBER: LEBARAN HOLIDAY

The end of Ramadan falls on the 01 and 02 October this year and we expect domestic travellers to increase dramatically in most parts of Indonesia when locals return to their home village for this important Muslim holiday. Bali, being the most popular destination, is especially crowded with Javanese tourists during this period. Traveling through Muslim dominated areas during Ramadan is possible, but many local restaurants, shops and other public outlets may be closed.

18-26 OCTOBER: ASIAN BEACH GAMES

 Bali will host the first ever Asian Beach Games, a multi-sport event which is to be held every two years among athletes representing countries from Asia. The games are regulated by the Olympic Council of Asia. The first games will be held in 2008 in Bali, Indonesia. The games take place in the 3 main resorts of Nusa Dua, Kuta and Sanur, where the hotels already announced close out dates for this period (including two days before the games start and two day after the games). It is advisable to inform travelers coming to Bali prior to their departure.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR 2009

Please find all national holidays in Indonesia for the coming year listed below.

COMMONWEALTH TENNIS CLASSIC

The Grand Hyatt, once again invites some of the worlds best tennis players to Bali. This time it’s the female players who will take the spot light. The event in Bali is an essential stop on the Sony Ericsson WTA tour. Some of the visitors are already well known faces within the world of tennis. The tournament is to be held at the Grand Hyatt in Nusa Dua between the 7^th and 14^th September.

THE LOMBOK INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON

Following the success of the event from October 2007, Lombok is set to once again host the International triathlon. Over 200 athletes are set to join in, most of them from the ASEAN countries. The course is said to be the toughest in Asia, sending the competitors on a route of 1,8 km of swimming, 55 km of cycling and a 12 km run. The event takes place on November 9.

FLIGHT UPDATE

MORE FLIGHTS WITH JETSTAR TO BALI

The Australian budget carrier has announced their intention to operate three flights a week (four times a week during peak season) between Perth and Bali starting October 27, 2008. The new service utilizing A320 aircraft will complement a third-weekly service between Perth and Jakarta said to begin on the same dates.
The new Perth-Bali service will replace Qantas Airways' terminated service on the same route.

 

HOTEL UPDATE

ST. REGIS BALI

Location : Nusa Dua, Bali

Total rooms : 125

Opening date :  15^th September 2008

Website : www.stregisbali.com

St. Regis Bali announced the opening of its first property in Indonesia. This luxurious Starwood property will be fully operational by the 15th September 08. The resort is overlooking the majestic oceanfront of the Indian Ocean and the Bali Country & Golf Club. The St. Regis captures an element of style in a refined environment. A destination for romance and mystique, the splendid resort reflects the very essence of Balinese culture, from the moment you step into the resort. The 125 suites and villas which adorn Balinese inspired craftsmanship are designed to meet the needs of the most discerning travel connoisseurs. The resort will offer 64 Suites, 14 Pool Suites, 22 Lagoon villas (11, one bedroom and 11, two bedrooms) and 10 The Strand Villas.

Location: Kerobokan, Bali

Total rooms: 17 private Villas

Opening date: July 2008

Website: www.silqkerobokan.com

SILQ Kerobokan offers new luxury resort villas ideally situated amid tranquil verdant rice fields. At SILQ, guests can expect exemplary personal service in a luxuriously intimate environment. Indulge your senses and come savor a truly authentic experience based on the Balinese traditions and rituals. The resort offers 17 private villas, in 3 categories: Suites, Junior Suites and a Penthouse. SILQ Kerobokan is nestled among the rice fields in the trendy neighborhood known as Kerobokan, part of Seminyak in Bali, Indonesia. Seminyak is where Bali's most known residents come for lunch, at the perennially popular La Lucciola, directly on the beach. These golden sands, extending east from Kuta and Legian, are among Bali's most popular, good for surfers, families, and even teenagers after some easy nightlife.

All rights reserved ? Asian Trails 2008

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