Luxury #Cambodia getaways win worldwide deluxe resort awards

Cambodia used to have the unwanted reputation of a “land of conflict and sorrow”. But that has dramatically changed in recent years. The Kingdom is now known as the place where you can find dome of the best and most alluring luxury destinations in the world.

Last week, that new reputation was strengthened with reports that Shinta Mani Wild and Song Saa Private Island bagged more than a few recognitions in the Destination Deluxe Awards 2019.

The Destination Luxury Awards are the brainchild of Destination Deluxe, a travel and wellness publication that picks and recognizes the top hotels, spas, treatment, skincare and wellness brands in the world. This is the inaugural edition for the awards.

There are 28 categories for the awards. The winners are chosen by a group of distinguished industry experts based on quality, transparency and originality. There are three ranked winners for each category.

Song Saa Private Island is the top awardee in the Eco-Hotel of the Year category. Soneva Fushi in Maldives and Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge in Nicaragua are also on the list.

The Khmer Tonic Spa in Shinta Mani Wild is number one in the Eco-Spa of the Year category. The others in the list are Fivelements Retreat Bali in Indonesia and FieldSpa GoldenEye in Jamaica.
.

.
Shinta Mani Wild itself is the runner-up in the New Hotel of the Year and Hotel Design of the Year awards.

The other winners in the New Hotel of the Year category are Rosewood Hong Kong in Hong Kong and Amarla Boutique Hotel in Colombia.

For the Hotel Design of the Year, the others on the list are Datai Langkawi in Malaysia and Joe Lalli Resort Hotel in China.

“It is both an honour and very humbling that Bensley Collection-Shinta Mani Wild has been the recipient of ten awards in its first year of operation and a tribute to the GM and his team for their dedication, commitment and hard work on a daily basis,” Bill Bensley, the world-renowned designer behind Shinta Mani Wild, said.

“Shinta Mani Wild has an important eco and sustainability message, especially with our Wildlife Alliance partnership and their daily patrols to protect the forest and its inhabitants. These awards also bring much-needed awareness to the work we do in this regard,” he added.

The two Cambodian luxury destinations have reaped numerous international awards between them in recent years.

Shinta Mani Wild, which sits on 160 hectares of land between the Cardamon, Bokor and Kirirom national parks, said that it “provides the highest level of luxury while also working to protect the environment around it”. It opened two years ago.

Last year, it was included in the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Big Sleep Awards 2019, Time magazine’s “100 Greatest Destinations on Earth”, Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Hot List 2019, Harper’s Bazaar Ultimate Travel Guide 2019 (UK) : 100 Greatest Experiences in The World, among other recognitions. Located in Preah Sihanouk province, Song Saa Private Island is an ultra-exclusive and luxury getaway said to be frequented by some of the richest and most famous people in the world.

Last month, Luxury Travel Intelligence named it as among the “top 10 best luxury hotels built this decade”.

Source - Khmer Times

#Vietnam - Son Doong voted among world's seven wonders for 2020

British magazine Conde Nast Traveler has named Son Doong, the world's largest cave in central Vietnam, one of seven must-explore wonders of 2020.

Son Doong, a fast-emerging tourist destination in Quang Binh Province, joined six awe-inspiring spots on the list published on Tuesday.

These included Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico, Barringer Meteor Crater in Arizona, Marianna Trench in Marianna Islands, Don Sheldon Amphitheatre in the U.S., International Space Station in low Earth orbit, and Caracol, a large ancient Mayan site in Belize.

"Nestled deep in the jungles of Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park, Son Doong Cave features the planet’s largest chamber measuring 600-feet high, 300-feet wide, and over 2.5-miles long," the magazine wrote.

"The scale of the site’s interior is so massive it could fit an entire New York block inside, including skyscrapers, or have a Boeing 747 comfortably fly through without its wings being in any danger," it added.

Son Doong opened to tourists in 2013 with the five kilometer-long system, 150 meters high and 200 meters wide, containing at least 150 individual caves, a dense subterranean jungle and several underground rivers.

.

.

Due to limited space, registration for Son Doong tours must be made well in advance with Oxalis, the only company licensed to run the service.

A four-day expedition costs $3,000, with buses running from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, capital of Quang Binh, and on to the Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park.

Quang Binh’s government recently increased the number of tourists allowed to visit the cave in a year from 640 to 900.
World famous DJ Alan Walker recently unleashed an MV depicting a young archaeologist on a quest to discover a place of mystery and wonder. After uncovering a hidden secret in a painting, she finds Quang Binh to be just the destination, mesmerized at the marvels of Son Doong, the largest natural cave in the world.

Early last year, U.K.-based travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet, named Son Doong Cave among the best places to visit in 2019.

 In Britain, a Son Doong expedition was among the greatest adventures ever, according to British TV channel Dave, a panel of travel experts and editors of U.K. tabloid Daily Mail that polled 2,000 people aged 40 or under last September.

CNN in September said exploring the world’s largest cave, eating pho in Hanoi and cruising down Mekong Delta are among the 13 most memorable experiences in Vietnam.

Of the original seven wonders of the world, only the Great Pyramids of Giza remain. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Lighthouse of Alexandria, Temple of Artemis, and Colossus of Rhodes have all faded to dust and memory, according to Conde Nast Traveler.

The U.K. magazine every year selects a new set of seven wonders, the most awe-inspiring places on the planet for star-gazing, wildlife spotting and astonishing panoramas.

 

Source - VN Express

Discovering #Pattaya City and Enjoy the Best Golf Club in Pattaya

Joining a golf club in Thailand will cost a lot less than a golf club membership in other parts of the world. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy extra benefits along with preferred tee times.

On your next holiday in Thailand, why not enjoy a golf club in Pattaya? Experience something different than just lazing on a beach during your next trip to Thailand.

Many airlines will not charge you extra for bringing your golf clubs on your flight with you. So there’s never any excuse to do without a round or two of golf when you’re on holiday. Experience the joy of teeing off in a tropical resort by the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. You’ll enjoy the sunshine and the soft breezes that blow in off the water.

Pattaya has many golf clubs around the city to choose from as well. A golfing holiday provides you with exercise, gets you out in the healthy sunshine, and gives you a chance to leisurely work on lowering your handicap.

Pattaya golf courses are of championship caliber. They’re well-maintained and offer a worthy challenge to the lowest scoring golf aficionados.

Annual Weather in Pattaya

There is really no bad time to experience a golf club in Pattaya. But the months between the end of October and the beginning of March offer balmy temperatures, cool and light breezes, days of sunshine, and low humidity. It’s the perfect time of year to tee up on one of the lush, tropical golf courses of Pattaya.

March and April offer hot and dry weather. But by renting a golf cart, you’ll scarcely notice the heat. You can also enjoy cold drinks out on the course while you play. Retire to the magnificent golf clubs after your round to enjoy more cold beverages and a deliciously prepared meal while you talk with your friends or family members about your day of golf in Thailand.

Between May and October, the rains come to Thailand. Yet it rarely for more than a couple of hours a day. Plus the well-maintained golf clubs of Pattaya are prepared for the annual rains. They are well-aerated, and the fairways and greens dry out quickly after it rains.

By checking out the local weather forecast before you schedule a tee time, you can avoid the rains entirely and play a round in the cooler weather that the rainy season also brings.

Become a Member of a Golf Club in Pattaya

If you frequently travel to Thailand on business, and are an avid golfer, becoming a member of a golf club in Pattaya is well worth doing. Entertain business colleagues and clients by treating them to a round of golf in one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

Joining a golf club in Thailand will cost a lot less than a golf club membership in other parts of the world. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy extra benefits along with preferred tee times. Hire the clubhouse catering facilities and venue to host a business event or even a private party for your friends and family. You’ll enjoy impeccable service and warm, Thai hospitality to put smiles on your guest’s faces.

A golf holiday in Pattaya, Thailand, is an excellent choice to make for business or just for pleasure.

Source - Chiang Rai Times

#Indonesia sets focus on European tourists amid decline in Chinese visitors

Following a decline in the number of Chinese tourists caused by the increased tension of China’s trade war with the United States, the government is now seeking to lure more visitors from European countries.

“We don’t have to [rely on] Chinese tourists all the time. We will shift our target to European countries such as the United Kingdom, which we haven't really tapped into,” Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio told tempo.co on Wednesday.

According to Wishnutama, the characteristics of Indonesia’s tourist destinations, which mostly boast natural wonders, suit the European market, which largely prefers outdoor activities such as sailing in Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara and Tanjung Puting in Central Kalimantan.

However, marketing the archipelago as a tourist destination for Europeans would be more costly as it requires more effort, he added.

"But it's a market with potential. We can see now that Labuan Bajo has been welcoming mostly Western tourists," said Wishnutama, adding that the ministry was also wanted to attract more tourists from the United States and Australia who have similar interests.

According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Indonesia welcomed 1,565,200 tourists from Europe between January and September 2019. The number is slightly less than the 1,566,900 people of the year before.

During the same period, Indonesia reportedly welcomed 482,500 American tourists, which was an increase of 12.93 percent compared to last year.

Although Wishutama said that he would shift his focus to marketing Indonesian tourism destinations in Europe and other Western countries, he also said he will keep encouraging tourists from China.

Despite the new strategy, Wishnutama said that the government would continue to boost the growth of Chinese tourist visits to the archipelago, with Likupang and Manado in North Sulawesi being prepared as the main destinations to attract them.

.

.

 Based on BPS data, the number of Chinese tourist visits between January and May 2019 only grew 2.2 percent. Following the decline, Malaysia replaced China as the number one foreign tourist contributor to Indonesia thanks to its 23.04 percent growth during the same period.

In early December, Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Industry Association chairman Haryadi Sukamdani predicted that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia might drop by 15 to 20 percent.

“[The decline], which predicted to reach almost 1.5 million visitors, is purely due to economy [factor],” Haryadi said.

Source - TheJakartaPost 

.

Tuk Tuk Boat on the River in #Bangkok

Have a strange affinity for three-wheeled transportation? Then you might enjoy the Tuk Tuk Boat.

This brand-new boat service is, essentially, a tricked-out yacht with a tuk tuk fashioned into the hull, complete with the classic blue-and-yellow color scheme and compact cabin for your “driver” (thankfully, the well-trained boat captain uses a wheel rather than handlebar controls).

.

.

Up to 10 passengers can book private rides on this floating Frankenstein’s monster. One-hour journeys (B3,000) cruise up and down the Chao Phraya, but the hour-and-a-half (B4,000) and two-hour journeys (B5,500) enter some of the river’s most famous canals, going as far as Baan Silapin and the Taling Chan floating market (weekends only). Tell the captain where you want to go along the way, and he’ll take you there.

You can also craft your own route and rent by the hour. And if you want to refuel with beer or snacks, the captain can dock at Yodpiman, where you can pick up whatever your heart desires and use the loo while you’re at it.

This new experience can be booked through Klook, Airbnb or directly by calling 065-151-4599 or 064-778-6688. Guests can be picked up at several locations between Saphan Taksin and Wat Kalayanamit. 

Source - BK Daily

#Vietnam extends visa exemption to eight countries till 2022

Visitors from Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Belarus will continue to enjoy Vietnamese visa exemptions for the next three years.

To afford the tourism industry growth impetus, the government agreed on visa waivers for above citizens until December 31, 2022, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) said Tuesday. Travelers will be allowed to remain in Vietnam for 15 days.

The visa exemption program for these eight countries commenced in 2015, set to expire on December 31 this year.

The number of Russian, Japanese and South Korean tourists accounted for about one third of all foreign visitors to Vietnam in 2018.

South Korea provides the second largest group of visitors to the country after China. In 2018, nearly 3.5 million South Koreans came to Vietnam, a 44 percent year-on-year increase, accounting for 22 percent of all international arrivals (15.5 million).

Japan came third with 800,000 tourists last year, rising by 3.6 percent from a year ago while Russia posted sixth with a record 606,000 visitors or 4 percent of total foreign arrivals.

European countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Belarus are additional emerging tourism markets. Western Europeans are big spenders and shell out on average $1,316 per trip while overall foreign visitors spend $900, VNAT data shows.

 

The government's three-year visa extension for eight tourism markets will assist travel agencies, airlines, and investors develop long-term plans. However, businesses are calling for an increase in visa-free duration from 15 days to 30 days due to the long-haul nature of travel between Europe and Vietnam. 

Vietnam features among Asian countries with the strictest visa policy. The country currently offers visa waivers to visitors from only 24 countries and territories including ASEAN co-members.

Indonesia, one of the world’s most liberalized countries for visas, grants visa-free travel to 169 nationalities, while the figure for Singapore is 158, Malaysia 155 and Thailand 61.

The number of foreigners visiting Vietnam in the first 11 months of this year is estimated at 16.3 million, an all-time high and up 15.3 percent year-on-year. Tourism revenue in the period came to around VND649 trillion ($27.96 billion), up 16.3 percent.

As 2019 draws to a close, the country’s tourism industry is well placed to meet its annual target of receiving 18 million visitors.

Source - VN Express

15 years on, over 300 tsunami victims from Thailand’s coast still unidentified

Fifteen years after the Indian Ocean tsunami killed upwards of 230,000 people on December 26, 2004, a container at the Takua Pa police station in Phang Nga, southern Thailand, still contains personal items from the hundreds of victims whose remains are unlikely to ever be given a name.

Wallets, documents, keys, electronic items, all labeled and catalogued as evidence, await positive identification. Nearby a graveyard contains 340 bodies buried in unmarked graves but police hope that, if people came forward to identify some of the items, there is still hope that some of the bodies could rest in peace with a name attached.

Colonel Khemmarin Hassini is the deputy police commander in Takua Pa district. The area, taking in the coastal tourist resort of Khao Lak, was one of the areas hardest hit by the Boxing Day tsunami. The shallow approach and low-rise of the beach landscape allowed the waves to hit with speed and continue up to a kilometre inland.

“There are still more relatives of the victims, both near and far, that have hopes of finding their lost loved ones.”

The tsunami was triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake just before 8am (Thai time). But the killer waves didn’t reach the Thai coastline until about 2 hours later.

Around the Indian Ocean, the tsunami killed more than 230,000 people as waves as high as 17 metres crashed hit the shores of more than a dozen countries around the ocean’s perimeter.

More than 5,000 people died in Thailand. The Disaster Victim Identification unit involving police and an international force of forensic experts were able to identify more than 3,600 bodies. It took nearly two years but it was the largest and most successful project of identification of its kind.

Colonel Khemmarin hopes, even though nearly 15 years have past, there was still a hope they could re-activate many of the lead and put names to some of the identified bodies. The Colonel was part of the international forensics team and fears that many of the possible leads have gone cold in the time that has passed.

Speaking to Reuters in the Takua Pa place station he said… “If we are determined enough and reactivate our operations once again, I think some of the 340 unidentified bodies could be identified.”

In ten days it will be the fifteenth anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in the last 100 years. Poom Jensen, the grandson of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and a nephew of the current Thai King, was killed whilst his family was holidaying at Khao Lak.

Source - Reuters / TheThaiger

.