Hilton to open first hotel in #Cambodia

Hilton has announced plans to enter the Kingdom’s market, with its first hotel set to come online in Phnom Penh by 2022.

The exact location of the planned Hilton hotel has not been disclosed, but reports indicate that it will be near the Central Market.

Hilton Phnom Penh will have 280 rooms and an all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar, and fitness centre, among other amenities.

To operate it, the US-based firm has signed a management agreement with real estate development group GFC Company, according to a report by TTG Asia released last week.

Paul Hutton, Hilton vice president for Southeast Asia, said they decided to expand into Cambodia because the country is primed for growth. He noted that the Kingdom experienced the third-largest increase in the number of international tourist in Asean last year, behind Vietnam and Indonesia.

“We believe the strength of Hilton brand will go a long way in helping to boost Phnom Penh as a tourism destination,” he said.

Cambodia has become an attractive destination for international hotel chains. Already several well-known international brands have a presence here: Sofitel Hotel & Resorts, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Park Hyatt, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, Hotel Emion, Ibis Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Alila Hotels & Resorts, Belmond, and Le Meridien.

Moreover, in July, UK-based Yoo Hotels & Resorts announced plans to build a hotel in Cambodia under its Yoo2 lifestyle brand.

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed 3.3 million holidaymakers during the first half of the year, an 11.2 percent hike compared to the same period in 2018.

The number of Chinese tourists, in particular, experienced strong growth. From January to June, 1.2 million Chinese nationals visited the country, a 38 percent increase.

 

Source - Khmer Times

#Cambodian resort among Time magazine’s greatest destinations

Shinta Mani Wild at Sre Ambel in Koh Kong province

 Shinta Mani Wild, an innovative luxury resort and conservation centre, has brought fame to Cambodia after Time magazine, one of the most influential international news publications, included it in its 2019 World’s Greatest Places list.

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 Some 100 exceptional destinations around the globe are listed in the World’s Greatest Places. Time started the list last year.

Shinta Mani Wild was included in the ‘To Stay’ section together with iconic destinations from the United States, Kenya, Bhutan, Uruguay, China, and Israel, among other countries. Several cruise ships were also on the list.

 Shinta Mani Wild was the sole destination from Cambodia that made it to the list.

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Chenda Clais, president of the Cambodia Hotel Association, said Shinta Mani Wild deserved the recognition.

“I think it is a well-deserved recognition for a beautiful hotel which is also contributing to preserving Cambodia’s environment as well as making it a tourism destination,” she stressed. “It is an honour for our country.”

Shinta Mani Wild, which sits on more than 160 hectares of forest, is located between Cardamon, Bokor, and Kirirom national parks. The brainchild of renowned designer Bill Bensley, it opened its doors to the public late last year.

Lonely Planet described it as a “radical new concept that combines first-class design with serious conservation goals”.

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To come up with the list, Time, on its website, said that it solicited nominations from museums, parks, hotels, restaurants, industry experts, and from their editors and correspondents around the world. The nominees were evaluated based on key factors that included originality, sustainability, innovation, and influence.

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Source - Khmer Times

Here are the top 10 best places in the world for backpackers

Those considering a backpacking trip might want to take a look at a recent report by UK-based travel website Globehunters. 

Combining current reports related to global happiness scores, safety levels, inclusive internet index and cost of living, Globehunters has come up with a list of the "world's best backpacking destinations".

The list was dominated by Scandinavian countries, with Finland being recognized as the top destination. 

The United Arab Emirates is the only middle eastern country to make it into the top 10, while Singapore in 10^th place was the only representation from Southeast Asia.

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Additionally, as reported by the Evening Standard (https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/best-place-to-backpack-in-world-a4221801.html), the report suggested Pakistan, Tunisia and India for those on a very low budget. Meanwhile, backpackers who prioritize safety should consider exploring Singapore, Switzerland and Japan.

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    1/ Finland
    2/ Denmark
    3/ Canada
    4/ Czech Republic
    5/ Sweden
    6/ Netherlands
    7/ Austria
    8/ United Arab Emirates
    9/ Australia
    10/ Singapore
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Source - TheJakartaPost

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#Bangkok top destination for Vietnam National Day holiday

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace in Thailand's Bangkok

  Thailand's capital is the most popular destination for Vietnamese choosing to travel abroad during the three-day national holiday that starts this Saturday.

Agoda, the world's leading online accommodation reservations provider, has used bookings data for travel between August 31 and September 3 to assess the 10 most popular overseas destinations for Vietnamese travelers for the National Day (September 2) holiday.

Bangkok tops the list, followed by Singapore and Bali in Indonesia. Bali is one of the world's most popular travel destinations, dubbed the Island of Gods and a paradise on earth with its beautiful beaches, ancient Hindu culture and vibrant nightlife.

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 The resort island of Bali in Indonesia.

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 Around one million Vietnamese came to Thailand in 2018, putting Vietnam among the kingdom's top 10 tourism markets, according to a recent report by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Bangkok’s high popularity among Vietnamese holiday goers is reflected in the fact that 30 airlines have direct routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with the city.

Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur came in fourth while Taiwan’s Taipei stood in the fifth position.

The rest of the top 10 included South Korea’s Seoul, Japan’s Tokyo, France’s Paris, Thailand’s Pattaya and Cambodia’s Phnom Penh.

Citizens of ASEAN member nations can travel within the region without applying for a visa and stay as a tourist for a maximum of 30 days.

 Increasing numbers of Vietnamese have been going abroad in recent years. Last year, 8.6 million traveled overseas, up 15 percent from a year ago.

Vietnamese tourists spend an estimated $7-8 billion per year overseas, said Vu The Binh, vice chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association. "Vietnamese traveling abroad is a growing trend," he added.

Industry insiders said that as more Vietnamese join the middle class, they are increasingly looking outward for travel destinations. A World Bank report in 2017 said the country is seeing an increasing number of people, estimated at 1.5 million each year, join the ranks of the middle and upper classes.

"As Vietnam’s economy grows, and an increasing number of citizens join the ranks of the global middle and upper classes, more people are going to take an interest in traveling the world," said Sean Preston, Visa's country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

According to Mastercard, Vietnam has the second fastest growing outbound market in the Asia Pacific region after Myanmar, with projected annual growth of 9.5 percent between 2016 and 2021. The firm has forecast that some 7.5 million Vietnamese travelers will venture outside the country in 2021.

Source - VN Express

Vang Vieng Moves Closer to Becoming Laos’s Official Tourism Town

The Lao government laid out its plan to nurture Vang Vieng district into the country’s “official tourism town” by 2020, and signs are emerging that this goal is one step closer to completion.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced that it is providing USD 47 million for infrastructure development in the district and around the Nam Ngum reservoir to accommodate the growth of tourism.

The planned developments, which are expected to begin next year, include a wharf, parking facilities, community market, and a fishing village, as well as a garbage collection site, Vientiane Times reported on August 23.

In addition, a 6-kilometer road will be built to connect with Road No. 10, which should help to address congestion around the reservoir.

Separately, China’s Xinhua News Agency has published a six images providing a quick peek at the construction site  of the Vientiane-Vang Vieng expressway, well underway.

The Vientiane-Vang Vieng expressway is a part of the China-Laos expressway, which is co-developed by China Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group and the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment.

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The Vientiane to Vangvieng section stretches 109.1 kilometers and is expected to shorten the travel time from the current four hours to just 1.5 hours, according to Xinhua.

Laos and China agreed in November last year to begin construction on the USD 1.2 billion road to link Sikeuth village in Naxaithong District, Vientiane, to the Vang Vieng District.

At that time, it was estimated that it would take about three years to complete the construction.

Vang Vieng is already one of the top tourist destinations in Laos, many areas desperately need improvements, such as road access to visitor attractions, cleanliness, services, and tourism-related facilities.

Prime Minister Thongloun recently made a working trip to Vang Vieng to assess the district and offer advice on how to better develop the tourist town.

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In May last year, the Lao government set a total of 108 requirements to meet before Vang Vieng can be designated a tourism town and has been working toward this goal since then.

In addition, district authorities have been collecting information on the tourism industry to take it to the central government for detailed discussion.

Vang Vieng sees more than 10,000 tourists every month, with South Koreans accounting for 70 percent, along with Chinese, Lao and others, according to the district’s estimation.

Source - The Laotian Times 

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#Indonesia - Things you should know before visiting temples in #Bali

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu temple on Lake Bratan, a famous tourist attraction in Bali

 Visiting places of worship is a popular activity for tourists from around the world, with foreign and local tourists alike regularly flocking to Bali’s Hindu pura (temples).

However, as holy sites, there are certain rules one must obey when visiting. Being respectful is one rule recently violated by Czech national Zdenek Slouka, who was caught on video using holy water flowing from a pelinggih (altar) at Ubud's Pura Beji, also known as the Holy Bathing Temple, to splash the bottom of his girlfriend, also a Czech tourist, Sabina Dolezalova. 

Planning a visit to Bali’s pura any time soon? Here are two key things you should be aware of, as shared by I Gede Pitana, a professor at Bali's Udayana University, to KompasTravel:

1. Temples are divided into three parts

The first part is Hutama Mandala, also known as the middle part or yard. Only those who want to pray are allowed to visit this section, which also hosts a variety of sacred artworks, statues and symbols of Hindu deities that are a manifestation of God in Balinese Hinduism.

The next section is Madya Mandala, where semi-sacred art is kept, such as puppets, masks and barong (lion). Cooking for temple purposes is usually done in this area as well. Similar to Hutama Mandala, only those who want to pray are allowed to enter Madya Mandala.

Next is the outermost part of the temple, namely Nista Mandala. Everyone can visit this section, including those who do not intend to pray, such as tourists. 

 However, there are still some special rules that apply to people visiting Nista Mandala.

2. Special rules for temple visitors

According to Pitana, the first rule for those who want to visit a pura is they must not be “dirty”, known as cuntaka in the Balinese language. 

Cuntaka refers to women who are on their period, people who have recently had a family member pass away or people who are bleeding because of childbirth or wounds.

Another rule is to wear modest, non-revealing clothing and to style your hair properly to not be considered as disheveled.

"Actually, at every temple in Bali you can rent Balinese cloth and a shawl. For men, as long as you are wearing trousers it's okay to only wear a shawl," Pitana said.

Another important rule is to maintain proper manners and conversation, as pura are places of worship.

 “Cultural heritage must be preserved physically and spiritually; there are ethical guidelines for cultural tourism compiled by the UNWTO. There needs to be a shared awareness to protect it,"

Source - TheJakartaPost

Thailand’s Ang Thong National Marine Park, the ‘new’ Maya Bay

With Thailand’s Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi Ley remains closed indefinitely to allow the tourist-magnet some much-needed time to recover, it’s time to look for another natural wonder.

One of Thailand’s astonishing natural wonders, not as well known as Maya Bay, is the Ang Thong National Marine Park, located about 40 kilometers north west of the coast of Koh Samui. Some would argue it’s even more spectacular and worthy of at least a full day visit. 

There are many tours available to the National Park.

The Ang Thong National Marine Park is made up of 42 islands spread over 102 square kilometers. Travelers will find beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, caves, rock formations and countless photo opportunities. Enjoy some views from the air…

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It will take you about an hour to travel there from either the Surat Thani mainland or from Koh Samui by speedboat. There are slower ferry-style boat trips as well but you’ll lose a lot of time travelling there (usually for day trips) and the speedboats can get into much shallower waters.

Tours usually also squeeze in a visit to Koh Phaluai, the park’s biggest island, where there’s a popular  stilted restaurant in the island’s fishing village, serving a delicious seafood lunch.

Another popular island worth visiting is Koh Wua Talap, famed for wildlife spotting and what might just be the most beautiful viewpoint in the entire park.

FUN FACT: Though the 2000 movie “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed in Koh Phi Phi’s Maya Bay in the Andaman Sea, the book by Alex Garland upon which the film was based was actually set in Ang Thong in the Gulf of Thailand.

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Source - The Thaiger 

Tad Xai waterfalls, Laos

Tad Xai waterfall: the trek is what makes it special

For Visit Laos-China Year 2019, Vientiane Times is publishing a series of feature articles and images promoting the two countries’ collaboration in tourism and hoping to inspire more people, especially from China, to experience the nature, culture, history and hospitality of Laos, the jewel of the Mekong.

Tad Xai waterfall in Borikhamxay province is not just a place to go for the wonderful scenery, a picnic, and the waterfall itself, but is also a great place for trekking. 

In training for a Vangvieng Trail hike at the end of this year, my friends and I would normally walk along the Mekong riverbank to prepare for such an event but one recent weekend we decided to try somewhere different. 

Out of the many places we considered, we settled upon the Tad Xai waterfall at Ban Hatkhai in Borikhamxay province, which lies within the Phou Khaokhouay National Protected Area.

Reached by travelling on Road 13 South, it’s near the border between Vientiane and Borikhamxay province, and is about three hours drive from Vientiane. 

We chose this place because we heard that trekking guides are available, which we thought was a good idea because we were by no means experienced trekkers.  

I have been to Tad Xai a few times before, but mostly just to have a picnic and enjoy the waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful of the many that are to be found in the national protected area. This was the first time I would be able to explore the area more fully.  

We arrived at Ban Hatkhai around 10 am where a local tourist officer was waiting to guide us on the walk. The fee for each of us was 45,000 kip. It was several kilometres from the village to the park itself and some sections of the road were quite rough. Drivers would need a vehicle with good clearance or four-wheel drive. 

e arrived at the parking place which was shaded by large trees and bordered by a stream which burbled through various shaped rocks. It would make a good picnic spot and you could also have a dip as the water was not at all deep. A sign pointed the way to Tad Xai waterfall, which could be found at the end of a 400 metre path. 

But we were intent on having a long walk so we went in another direction along a small trail which passed through woods, so the tree canopy protected us from the hot sun.

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 We quickly became immersed in our environment and stopped to look at the unfamiliar plants and flowers that we encountered in profusion. 

Our surroundings were so enjoyable that we walked slowly and took loads of photos, forgetting that the purpose of the expedition was to get in training for the strenuous Vangvieng Trail. Never mind, the whole experience was all part of the goal, we told ourselves.  

After a while we heard the unmistakable sound of a waterfall, which soon came into view. The water cascaded down from a high cliff, so it is aptly named Pha Xay waterfall, or cliff waterfall. It was one of those hidden gems that you would only encounter by walking deep into this scenic area. 

After lingering for a while to enjoy the view and taking more photos, we continued on our way through more oddly-shaped trees and plants and then came to an open field of green grass interspersed with rocks.

Then we were back in the forest again, walking through small and large trees, listening to the sounds of insects and birds against the backdrop of faraway waterfalls, and observing the strange plant life around us. We became engrossed in our surroundings and never had time to feel tired. Now and again we saw groups of colourful butterflies, and stopped to relax near a small stream. 

The many streams that traverse the park meant we sometimes had to walk across wooden bridges and near the end of the trail we came upon a mass of different sized boulders piled up on top of each other alongside a large stream overhung with dense foliage. 

The tall thick trees were a wonderful sight and created a calming atmosphere so we took a long break and breathed in the smells. We felt we had earned a rest as this was the first trek we had made in this kind of environment. 

From here we took a different path back, which led us to the main Tad Xai cascade where most people come to enjoy a picnic. 

The waterfall has seven levels over which pours a torrent of foaming white water on its way through Phou Khaokhouay, creating a spectacular sight. 

This made another great rest stop and we loitered here for some time before making our way back to the parking area, deeply satisfied with our achievement and our decision to visit this awe-inspiring area.

Source - Vientiane Times 

Beach hustle: Thousands pack popular #Vietnam shore

Thousands of daytrippers jostled for selfie space and elbowed their way to the sea at a popular north Vietnam beach over the weekend, with extra vigilant lifeguards watching worriedly over the summer surge.

There are few beaches in this part of the country, and Sam Son in Thanh Hoa province has long been a go-to destination with its white sand coastline and blue waters.

But its beauty has proven both a blessing and a curse, leading vacationers to pack out the 16 kilometer-long beach. 

"Today, there are too many tourists," said Le Huu Mui, an 80-year-old visiting with family.

He last came to Sam Son five years ago and was shocked at the difference. 

"We have to hustle on the beach and it is less comfortable than previous years." 

On Saturday couples snapped selfies in front of elaborate sandcastles and families played spirited games of tug of war. 

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But not everyone was relaxing.

"We have to keep an eye on everything," said lifeguard Nguyen Huu Linh, 41. "There are cases of tourists not listening to us."

Visitor Dao Quyet Tien, who comes to the beach frequently, has also noticed murkier waters as more swimmers stir up sand and sediment.

"There have been a few times...when the beach water was dirty," he told AFP. "It's not comfortable to swim." 

But he admitted the crowds also brought a lively a

tmosphere to Sam Son.

Source - TheJakartaPost

#Indonesia - 8 reasons to visit Lombok and the Gili Islands

If you’re looking for a laid-back escape with an adventure or two, it would be hard to beat Lombok and the Gili Islands. You can choose to relax on endless white sand beaches, dive remote coral reefs or hike to see panoramic views.

Devastated by the series of earthquakes in 2018, these destinations are bouncing back and hungry for tourists. So pack your bags this coming dry season and go explore paradise.

1. Hike Mount Rinjani National Park

Lombok's Mount Rinjani National Park is unbeatable for spectacular views and challenging trails. While most of the hiking trails on Mt. Rinjani were damaged in the 2018 earthquakes, one trail has reopened.

Located in Aik Berik village, the trail is lesser known among the mountain's more popular trails, but offers a similar experience for adventurous travelers in search of epic views.

2. Hop around Gili Islands

For a relaxing break from daily life, consider going island-hopping around the stunning Gili Islands. These islands are known for scuba diving cruises and offers a chance to truly get away from it all.

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the white sand beaches and turquoise ocean vistas, you’ll find vibrant coral reefs teeming with life under the waters.

The Shark Point dive site offers a chance to dive with sharks and manta rays, while Deep Turbo offers overhangs and underwater caves for experienced divers to explore. You might even see a whale shark or two.

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3. Experience Bangkang bat cave

A trip to Goa Bangkang will take your breath away with stalactites and bursts of sunlight through the cave's ceiling. Tucked underground on Lombok, it is a cave like no other.

Descending the stairs into Bangkang, your senses will be struck by the sound and smell of thousands of bats. If you stay in the area until sunset, you can watch the bats exit the cave, covering the sky as they begin their nightly hunt for food.

4. Swim with sea turtles

If you’re a fan of sea turtles (who isn’t?), be sure to check out the sea turtle conservation initiatives at the Gili Islands.

Green sea turtles, which are classified as endangered, are well cared for at Gili Meno, thanks to Bolong, the local man who set up the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary. The sanctuary saves turtle eggs from predators to help release the precious hatchlings into the sea.

The sanctuary is fascinating, and your visit will support turtle conservation, as it depends entirely on donations from visitors.

You can swim with sea turtles at various spots around the Gili Islands. Gili Air is especially known for green sea turtles at Han Rock.

5. Slow down, enjoy the silence

No motorized vehicles are allowed on Gili Trawangan, meaning you can escape the noise of the neighboring destinations and rejuvenate in peace and quiet.

The best way to explore the charms of Gili Trawangan is by foot or on a bicycle. Stop off at beach bars, do some yoga, or just walk the endless sands to reconnect with yourself, one day at a time.

6. Enjoy epic views from Gili Trawangan

There’s only one lookout point on the Gili Islands, at the top of Gili Trawangan. Head off on a hike at sunrise, and you’ll start your day off right.

At the peak is a shrine and Muslim burial site, plus the remains of a World War II Japanese bunker to investigate, though the view is the real highlight.

Resting at the top, you can look across the ocean to Mt. Rinjani and capture panoramic views of the other Gili Islands, plus Lombok and Bali.

7. Learn to dive at Sekotong

If you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving but were too nervous to take the plunge, Sekotong in Lombok is a great place to start. The beautiful reefs there offer easy, sheltered dives, perfect for beginners.

It will be well worth the effort, as you’re likely to spot sea turtles. You can even try spotting the tiny pygmy seahorses.

8. Watch the sunset at Semeti Beach

Another Lombok highlight are the rock formations on Semeti Beach, which are not to be missed. These striking pyramid-shaped rocks jut impressively out of the ocean, providing the perfect backdrop to a sunset.

Semeti Beach is an ideal place to end a day of island-hopping, to see the best view of the sun setting that you’re ever likely to see.

The author is a diver and writer for LiveAboard.com

Source - TheJakartaPost

Vietnam - Ha Giang draws tourists and travellers

A view of impressive terraced rice fields in Vietnam’s northernmost province of Ha Giang

THE breathtaking landscape created by imposing karst mountains and impressive terraced rice fields, together with the unique ethnic culture of the local Hmong people, has turned Vietnam’s Ha Giang province into a magnet for tourists and travelers.

The country’s northernmost province is home to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark – the first Global Unesco Geopark in Vietnam.

In 2016, the province released a resolution on policies to promote tourism development. These policies support individuals and enterprises who invest into hotels, resorts, restaurants, community tourism and cave tourism.

At present, there are 20 tourist companies with representative offices in the province. In addition, more than 200 restaurants, 618 hotels with nearly 6,000 rooms, and 37 cultural villages offering community tourism have contributed significantly to provincial tourism development. 
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 Last year, among the 1,150,000 tourists to visit Ha Giang, 250,000 were foreigners. Total revenue from tourism reached more than $43 million. 

This has helped Ha Giang stamp itself on the country’s tourism map. It is one of 24 national key tourism spots and has been selected by the international press as one of the most interesting destinations in Vietnam. 

However, receiving an increasing number of tourists each year, there are many remaining matters that could harm further tourism development. 

While a limited traffic network at some places are inaccessible, poor tourism infrastructure is sometimes unable to satisfy tourists’ demands. Viet Nam News/Asia News Network

Source - PhnomPhenPost 
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Indonesia - Seven fun things to do in Munduk, Bali

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple in Bali

Bali has long been one of the world’s dreamiest travel destinations, romanticized as a place where the beaches are pristine and life is simple. Yet, visitors to the Island of the Gods are often shocked by the amount of garbage, traffic and congestion that plague much of it.

Bali has become almost synonymous with concerns about overtourism, from the strain on resources to the degradation of local culture to an overwhelming amount of trash. Some even say the responsible thing for travelers to do is to boycott the island.

If you do decide to go to Bali then getting off the beaten track to places such as Munduk can be a great way to combat the problems of overtourism. It will also help distribute the revenue generated from tourism more evenly throughout the island. However, before leaving your home country you may want to research Bali packing lists to get an idea of some travel items that can help keep you safe and make your trip more enjoyable.

Munduk is a fascinating place because it is so different from much of the island. Situated up in the mountains of Bali’s interior, there is no surfing, diving, or nightlife here. Instead, it is a place to bask in the quiet, witness more traditional culture, and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Even though Munduk is small, travelers will find plenty do in town and the surrounding areas.

 Red Coral waterfall in Munduk, Bali


The interior of Bali seems to be filled with waterfalls -- people plan whole trips around seeing as many of them as possible -- and the area around Munduk has several to choose from. The best part? You don’t need a guide or transportation to get there; instead, you can walk straight from your hotel in town to a few different falls. Or string them together for a nice half-day hike that starts and ends in the middle of town.

There’s a lot of confusion about the names of the different waterfalls in the area, which is not helped by the lack of signage. But paths just outside of town connect three falls, and the trail begins right on the main road in Munduk. From there, you can follow Google Maps to get to each waterfall. There are even some tiny coffee shops along the way where you can take a break to sample the famed Munduk coffee. The paths are relatively flat so the hike generally isn’t too strenuous, but be prepared to climb steep steps up and down to the falls. If this DIY hike doesn’t give you your fill of waterfalls, you can reach many others in the area by car or motorbike or on a guided trek.
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Munduk is situated near two twin lakes, Tamblingan and Buyan, the ends of which nearly touch. Rainforest-covered slopes rise straight up from the edges of the water of both lakes, and there are great views to be had from above them. The main road runs up the west side of Lake Tamblingan and then along the north edge of Lake Buyan. It makes for a nice motorbike ride, or you can park and get off to stroll around. There are also several restaurants overlooking the water near where the lakes almost touch, and it’s well worth stopping for a meal or coffee to give yourself more time to enjoy the view.

Lake Tamblingan in Bedugul, Bali

Next to Lake Tamblingan is Tamblingan Nature Recreation Park, where you can organize a canoe ride (they also run guided hikes in the surrounding area). Local women paddle the unique dugout canoes, which are made up of two outriggers attached to each other, so all you have to do is float along and take in your surroundings. The trip takes you past the lake’s forested edges and right by Pura Hulun Danu Tamblingan, a beautiful temple that sits on the water. For such a stunning place, very few tourists seem to come here, so it’s also incredibly tranquil.

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#Bangkok leads ranking of top travel destinations during Lunar New Year

Bangkok has emerged the most popular destination for travelers in Asia-Pacific during the Lunar New Year period, the world's largest annual human migration, which is currently underway. 

The Thai capital reclaimed the top spot this year as the most popular travel destination in online booking platform Agoda's list of top spring festival destinations 2019, knocking last year's winner Tokyo to second spot, followed by Taipei. 

The results are based on hotel booking data on Lunar New Year dates for 2019. 

This year, it's estimated that Chinese travelers will undertake nearly three billion trips by car, train and plane in the 40-day period between January 21 and March 1, an increase of 0.6 percent from 2018. 

On February 5, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mongolia, Indonesia and Malaysia will celebrate the lunar new year and usher in the year of the pig, the 12th and last position on the Chinese zodiac. 

In general, Pigs are born in the years 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019. 

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 Here are the top 10 most popular travel destinations according to Agoda: 

1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Taipei, Taiwan
4. Hong Kong
5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan
6. Osaka, Japan
7. Taichung, Taiwan
8; Sapporo, Japan
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
10. Singapore

Source - TheJakartaPost

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#Indonesia sixth in top-20 ranking of ‘most beautiful countries’

British guidebook publisher Rough Guides has included Indonesia in its list of the world’s most beautiful countries – and quite high up, too.

The ranking was updated on Jan. 4 based on Rough Guides’ readers voting on social media channels.

This was not lost on President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who hailed the achievement with a video shared on his Instagram account.

“Renowned UK publisher Rough Guides recently conducted a global survey on the world’s most beautiful countries. The result [shows] that Indonesia was ranked sixth in the world, but [was named] the most beautiful country in Asia,” Jokowi wrote in the same post.

The video shows some of the most popular tourist attractions, from temples to surfing spots in Bali, beautiful beaches in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, and orangutans in Kalimantan.

“Rough Guides’ polling strengthens Indonesia’s position as a world-class tourist destination,”  

said Jokowi.

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 Source - TheJakartaPost

Here’s the full of the world’s 20 most beautiful countries, according to Rough Guides readers.

1. Scotland
2. Canada
3. New Zealand
4. Italy
5. South Africa
6. Indonesia
7. England
8. Iceland
9. United States 
10. Wales
11. Slovenia
12. Mexico
13. India
14. Finland
15. Switzerland
16. Peru
17. Norway
18. Ireland
19. Croatia
20. Vietnam

#Bangkok a top Tet holiday choice for Vietnamese travelers

The Thai capital is the hottest destination this year for Vietnamese choosing to travel during the Tet holiday.

Agoda, a leading global online accommodation reservations provider, has used new bookings data to assess 10 most popular Tet, Lunar New Year, holiday destinations for Vietnamese this year.

Traditionally, Tet is a time when Vietnamese people return home all over the country and the world to join their family for important Lunar New Year rituals, and to visit relatives and friends as part of the festival tradition.

However, the long holiday is tempting increasing numbers of Vietnamese citizens to travel within and outside the country.

This year, Bangkok has overtaken many of famous Vietnamese tourist hotspots like Da Lat, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. Singapore came sixth on the list, while Kuala Lumpur took the ninth position.

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 Around one million Vietnamese tourists touched down in Thailand in 2018, putting Vietnam among the kingdom's top 10 tourism markets, according to a recent report by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Citizens of ASEAN member nations can travel within the region without applying for visa and stay as a tourist for a maximum of 30 days.

Bangkok’s high popularity among Vietnamese holiday goers is reflected in the fact that 30 airlines have direct routes connecting Hanoi and Saigon with the capital of Thailand.

The Year of the Pig begins on February 5 and the Vietnamese government has approved a nine-day (February 2-10) break for the holiday.

Rising overseas travel is a result of economic development and an expanding middle class, said Nguyen Cong Hoan, vice general director of Hanoi Redtour.

"A more affluent younger generation now wants to see the world. They are willing to spend more money on experiencing new destinations," he said.

According to Mastercard, Vietnam has the second fastest growing outbound market in the Asia Pacific region after Myanmar, with projected annual growth of 9.5 percent between 2016 and 2021.

Mastercard has forecast that some 7.5 million Vietnamese travelers will venture outside the country in 2021.

Source - VN Express

#Vietnam opens new international airport 50 km from Halong Bay

Vietnam opened a new airport, Dec. 30, on the island of Van Don, close to Halong Bay. Previously, travelers had to reach the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site via the capital, Hanoi, a four-hour drive away.

While the Vietnamese authorities have extended visa exemption for nationals of certain countries for stays of up to 15 days until 2021, the country has also opened a new airport, billed as Vietnam’s most modern, located close to the popular tourist destination of Halong Bay.

Business looks good for the junk boat cruises at this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, as Van Don International Airport, which cost around $350 million and is managed by a private company, will allow visitors to travel directly to Halong Bay, without traveling via Hanoi.

Visitors will be able to reach the port in one hour’s drive, thanks to a new highway, compared to previous travel times of three to four hours, depending on the route. Note that domestic flights to and from Hanoi are operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietjetAir.

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Vietnam was aiming for 17 million foreign tourists in 2018. In the end, it welcomed some 15.5 million visitors, up 19.9 percent on the previous year. For 2019, the country’s goal is 18 million international arrivals. The Halong site is just one of the destinations set to help draw visitors, as the country also aims to develop tourism in the wider Quang Ninh province, which has 250km of coastline. Perhaps the beaches of Minh Chau and Ngoc Vung will one day become as popular as those of Phuket or Koh Phi Phi in Thailand. These new facilities, which took barely three years to create, were also envisaged to boost tourism and trade with Taiwan, South Korea, Cambodia and Singapore.

Van Don International Airport expects to see two million annual passengers by 2020 and some five million by 2030.

As well as the airport, Vietnam opened its first international cruise port, specially designed for cruise ships, located in Halong. This new infrastructure, designed by architect Bill Bensley, can accommodate up to 8,460 passengers at once. 

Source - TheJakartaPost

 

#Bangkok tops Agoda’s 2018 list of Asian destinations

Online travel agent Agoda has found Bangkok to be the most popular Asian destination of 2018, “not only a convenient transit point to explore the rest of Thailand, but also teeming with energy, quirks and fascinating culture”.

 According to the year’s booking data from Agoda, beachside city Pattaya has been the 10th most popular Asian destination.

Tokyo is No 2, followed in descending order by Hong Kong, Osaka, Taipei, Seoul, Singapore and Bali, and then Pattaya.

 Thailand ranked second-most-booked Asian country this year. “From historic temples and sparkling white sandy beaches to rich culture and world-famous cuisine, it’s no wonder why Thailand continues to draw in travelers from around the world,” Agoda says.

 Japan has claimed the crown for top Asian country overall, the credit going to “ephemeral sights like cherry blossoms to the endless quirky, wonderful experiences such as robot cafes”. Malaysia ranks third.

Thai travelers have mainly enjoyed domestic trips in 2018, with Japan and Singapore the most popular countries further afield. 

 

Agoda says Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Phuket have been the top five destinations in Thailand for Thais, followed by “laid-back destinations” Khao Yai, Chonburi, Krabi and Chiang Rai.

Tokyo appeals to Thais because it has no visa requirements, additional flight routes and diverse cultural highlights.

Source - TheNation

#Thailand ‘best country for people’, says travel survey

Thais have been voted the best people in the world in an online survey by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, a leading US source of travel features.

Thailand won in the category of “Best Country for People” in the 2018 annual award.

The award honours “the best that the travel world has to offer”. Other categories include hotels, airlines, ski resorts, islands and architecture.

In addition, Thailand came third in the “Best Country” category after Italy and Greece .

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 Two hotels – the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok and Six Senses on Kho Yao Noi – came fourth and fifth respectively in the category of “Best Hotel in Asia and the Indian Subcontinent”. 

Meanwhile Koh Samui island was awarded the ninth spot in the “Best Islands in the World” category, falling after Greek islands, Maldives, Balearic islands, Hawaii, St Lucia, Bali, Sicily and Mauritius.

Source - TheNation

 

#Thailand - Rafting added to ban on visiting Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Rafting trips have now been added to the travel ban for the Thi Lo Su Waterfall tourist destination in Tak province due to concerns about heavy run-off.

The road access to Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak’s Umphang district where the waterfall is located was closed from June to October for the rainy season and to allow natural rehabilitation.

The original closure allowed rafts to visit the waterfall and camp in the wildlife sanctuary.

But park officials have now shut down rafting starting on Tuesday due to the danger posted by heavy run-off

 

 

 Yutthachai Pattamasonthi, director of the 14th Conservation Area Management Office overseeing the Umphang wildlife sanctuary, on Tuesday issued an order totally banning access to the sanctuary and the waterfall, including by traveling on the creek.

 

 Access to the creek and waterfall will be indefinitely banned until the rains stop, he said.

 

Source - TheNation

 

 

#Thailand not seen as safe tourist destination until it fixes problems

TOURISM and Sport Minister Weerasak Kowsurat yesterday urged agencies to sort out a series of problems before they can send a convincing message to the world that Thailand is still a safe destination for tourists.

Weerasak was responding to the Phoenix boat accident that killed 47 Chinese tourists earlier this month off the southern resort island of Phuket. 

There are many issues that authorities should review and rectify to help improve tourists’ confidence in Thailand as a safe destination, Weerasak told The Nation in an interview. 

He said authorities should complete the first phase of the process by paying all compensation that is due to the relatives of victims and return them to their country.

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Authorities should then try to figure out what happened to the boats by retrieving the wreckage for inspection. Concerned agencies should collect statistics nationwide about boat accidents and study international standards for tour boats that can be compared to Thailand. 

He also urged authorities to explain that the cause of the accident was not related to so-called zero-dollar tours or nominee ownership in tourism. “[People] should not generalise. We should be sympathetic to those who lost their loved ones. Money cannot bring them back,” he said. 

He also urged authorities to speed up the completion of a safety standards manual to improve confidence. 

“If we can manage all the issues we then can send a single, convincing message to the world, the Chinese, and local people and ask them to have confidence in us,” he said. The number of Chinese tourist visitors to Phuket has dropped sharply in the wake of the tragedy. 

Source TheNation