Jetsettersblog

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ new ship, River Saigon, is now operating on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Uniworld offers the 14-night “Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River” cruise and tour, which begins with two nights at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The River Saigon offers 30 river-view staterooms for a maximum of 60 guests per sailing.

The itinerary includes Hanoi, Vietnam, and Cambodia’s Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, gateway to the legendary UNESCO Angkor Wat temples. The 13 included excursions are led by local experts, who guide groups of no more than 20 people. Excursions include viewing stone carvers at work and visits to local schools to learn about ancient customs such as Apsara dancing.

“The success of this program has been overwhelming, and we are so proud to be able to bring people to these amazing countries,” said Uniworld President Guy Young. “Because of the demand for travelers to want to experience these regions, we are going to launch another new ship, the River Orchid, in 2013.”

The 14-night cruise-tour operates includes a seven-night cruise between Kampong Cham in Cambodia and My Tho in Vietnam. For the land portion, guests spend seven nights in five-star hotels, including buffet breakfast, service charges, and porterage. Uniworld’s guests also receive private check-in with welcome drinks and in-room flowers and fruit platter. At the Victoria Angkor Hotel & Spa, each guest receives a monogrammed bathrobe to keep.

With only a few days until the new year, Hôtel de la Paix and their community partner Green Gecko Project are preparing for a very special way to end the year 2011. On the evening of the New Year’s Eve, the ancient Khmer martial art Labokator will be introduced by Green Gecko kids. Guests will enjoy this ‘once lost art’ performance in the Arts Lounge with the hotel’s spectacular ice set up to welcome 2012.

As the hotel’s ongoing commitment in respecting the past and embracing the future, this special arrangement will allow guests to learn about Labokator. Once used on the battlefield by the Khmer kings and warriors centuries ago, carvings can still be seen on some of the temples in Angkor Wat nowadays. The Green Gecko kids are thrilled to be part of this celebration, to bring the ancient tradition into the new year and promote their proud culture to visitors around the world.

Throughout the night as the ice drips and drops onto the lounge’s sunken floor, guest may choose to dine at the hotel’s signature restaurant Meric. Recently named by The Miele Guide as one of Asia’s top restaurants, the culinary team has created a tantalizing 5-course menu which showcases the best of local and international ingredients.

Hôtel de la Paix will once again attract numerous visitors with its stunning setting and many will enjoy a cocktail at the Arts Lounge waiting for 2011 to pass. With the hotel’s most central location, the restless ones can continue to the nearby Pub Street for Siem Reap’s biggest New Year’s Eve party!

On the Go Tours launches Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos offering a selection of exciting group tours from 8-days to 22 days, suggested itineraries for Private tours and Tailor-made holidays to suit all style of travel. All group tours run with a minimum of 2 passengers travelling, single supplements are waivered on set tours and accommodation is of 4-star standard.

Group Tours:

Very Vietnam – 10 days – from £969
Discover the fading colonial architecture and national monuments of Hanoi, to the spellbinding scenery of Halong Bay and the steamy city of Saigon on the Mekong Delta.

Journey to Angkor Wat – 15 days – from £1,329
Discover the rich history of Vietnam and Cambodia on an unforgettable journey from Hanoi and the limestone peaks of Halong Bay to Siem Reap and the magnificent temples of Angkor.

Vientiane to Vietnam – 17 days – from £1,599
Explore the delights of Luang Prabang and Hoi An, visiting Buddhist temples and ornate palaces, explore mystical caves and colourful markets, cruise Halong and the Mekong.

Legends of Laos – 8 days – from £699
From Vientiane – the remarkably relaxed capital, to enchanting Luang Prabang – the beautifully preserved, former royal capital, discover the magic of Laos.

Inside Indochina – 22 days – from £1,899
Take an exciting journey through Indochina starting in Laos, continuing through the north and south of Vietnam then on to the captivating kingdom of Cambodia.

Private Tours:

For those preferring not to travel as part of a larger group, our private tours allow them to get off the beaten track and travel at their own pace on a holiday tailored exclusively to their needs. Private tours work well for couples and small groups of family or friends.
Accommodation can vary between simple, standard, superior, deluxe and lavish!

Tailor-Made Holidays:

With the assistance of our specialised team of holiday planners clients can now discover Southeast Asia on a holiday designed especially for them!
Browse our interactive map of Southeast Asia and contact one of our specialist team to discuss your holiday requirements.

Neilson Adventures today (December 9th 2011) launch their new-look brochure which highlights their top 100 fully flexible tours including toddler friendly trips, volunteer options and an exclusive new offering incorporating the Neilson Holidays ‘Beachclub’ product.

The Turkey Group Adventure Week takes in the sights, tastes and smells of Turkey from the comfort of the 4 star Neilson Teos Beachclub. Guests will enjoy the bazaars of Izmir, ruins of Ephesus and traditional cookery lessons as well as having access to the full range of inclusive Neilson activities such as sailing, windsurfing and mountain-biking.

8 days at Neilson Teos, Turkey from £669pp inclusive of flights, tours and beachclub facilities

Sonia Turner, Marketing Manager at Neilson says “Our beachclubs are already accessible to everyone through the range of activities on offer but by combining the Neilson brand offering we’re able to add a fresh spin for those looking to really sample some culture.”

Alongside this new European offering for families, Neilson Adventures are opening up the World to those with young children, with toddler friendly tours to Egypt & Morocco.

10 day Family Atlas Mule Train Adventure, Morocco from £499pp (excludes international flights)

Dedicated to covering every type of adventure, Neilson Adventures continue to offer a range of volunteer tours from a Namibian conservation project for big cats, Panda conservation project in China and The Pacific Conservation Project in Costa Rica to working on a building project in Cambodia.

14 days at the big cat conservation centre in Namibia from £810pp (excludes international flights)

In line with Neilson’s responsible tourism effort, the brochure is printed on paper from sustainable forests and now utilises QR code technology for each individual tour on offer, so those with smart phones can access the information immediately online.

More Neilson Adventures information can be found online at www.neilsonadventures.co.uk  or through the dedicated sales team on 01273 668 982.

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, has launched its brand new Small Group Journeys brochure for 2012/2013, featuring 70 unique itineraries and 1,000 departures to destinations across Asia including the latest addition of Burma and various new Specialist Collection Journeys to Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Bhutan.

Created by an award-winning designer, Travel Indochina’s new-look brochure is the company’s best and most user-friendly yet. It offers a simple way of digesting Travel Indochina’s great range of quality escorted small group tours, including the largest diversity of holidays to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos of any UK tour operator, together with a large variety of journeys to Thailand, China and Tibet, India, and Japan – for groups of up to 16 people.

The new catalogue perfectly enables the specialist tour operator to share its experience of the “real” Asia with interested customers. Every journey page now features top “Insider Experiences” detailing unique encounters that are exclusively available to guests of Travel Indochina, such as the opportunity to avoid the crowds at Angkor Wat by entering the temple through a lesser-used entrance.

In addition, most journey pages highlight Travel Indochina’s fantastic array of online travel videos to give customers a real taste of Asia. Each online video enables the expert operator to share information on their destinations, top Insider Experiences and unique style of travel whilst providing a great opportunity for interested travellers to hear from – and be inspired by – expert Western tour leaders and professional local guides, as well as past clients.

New for 2012, travellers can enjoy some very special experiences on Travel Indochina’s new 9-day and 13-day tours to Burma, which will operate every month from January 2012 onwards. Whilst covering the highlights of this unspoilt destination, guests of Travel Indochina can take a horse and carriage ride through the Bagan plains at sunset, share lunch with the resident nuns at a local nunnery in Mandalay, and meet the locals at a little-visited village on the banks of the Irrawaddy river.

Further good news is that journeys to Indochina and beyond can be booked in conjunction with Vietnam Airlines, which is launching the UK’s first ever non-stop flights to Vietnam from 9th December 2011. This new service will shave up to seven hours off the flight time and offer convenient onward connections to Cambodia, Laos and Burma.

Lesley Wright at Travel Indochina comments: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Small Group Journeys brochure, which we believe is our best ever design. The content really highlights the breadth and depth of our company’s offering, whilst also developing our philosophy of sharing the experience through our “Insider Experiences”, which delve deeper into the destinations and provide our customers with insights and experiences that many travellers miss. We very much hope our new revamped brochure will inspire them to share the real Asia with us in 2012 and beyond.”

Abercrombie & Kent celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a collection of specialist group journeys. Founded in 1962 by Geoffrey Kent with the vision of offering the most inspirational travel experiences, A&K introduces its new Specialist Journey Brochure, a collection of expert-led trips which push the boundaries of travel to excite, challenge and inspire.

Mark Carwardine – expert wildlife photographer, outspoken conservationist, award-winning writer and presenter of the BBC’s Last Chance to See with Stephen Fry will accompany two trips:

The Galapagos (24th May – 3rd June 2012) – explore the wildlife of these unique islands with the benefit of Mark’s wisdom and photographic eye.
Spirit Bears in British Columbia (8th – 14th September 2012) – search for the revered Kermode bears of British Columbia with Mark and a local native guide.

Jon Nicholson, acclaimed UNICEF photo-journalist and official photographer for London 2012 Olympic Games, will lead a number of journeys, discovering the true spirit of the destination while instilling technical photographic expertise, an understanding of composition and the confidence to capture the real story.

Burma Photographic (1st – 13th March 2012) – capture the former Royal City of Mrauk U, seeing the Ayeyarwady River on the RV Paukan and exploring rural Burmese life.
Bhutan Photographic (26th March – 8th April 2012) – explore the mountain kingdom, its ancient dzongs, mountains strewn with prayer flags, the vibrant Paro Festival and the farming communities at work in the paddy fields

Jodhpur Photographic (8th – 14th April 2012) – capture life in the ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur and explore Osian on the edge of the Thar Desert, known for its ancient temples.
Varanasi Photographic (29th September – 3rd October 2012) – discover Varanasi’s secrets and the traditions that surround the ghats of the sacred RiverGanges.

Ian Redmond OBE – an expert in gorilla conservation who has been involved in over fifty documentaries about these captivating primates:

Gorillas of the Central African Republic and Congo (September 2012) – Search for western lowland gorillas in Dzanga-Sangha Reserve with Ian Redmond, exploring the forests of the Ba’aka pygmy tribe and the Dzanga Bai, famous for its forest elephants.

Rob Caskie – the principal lecturer at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge under David Rattray, who has achieved eminence through his compelling storytelling to audiences worldwide, Rob has a unique talent of bringing history to life:

• Zulu Battlefields (April 2012) – recreating the drama of the Zulu War, Rob will shine light on the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift from Fugitive’s Drift Lodge.

• The Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs (13th – 21st October 2012) – experience the dramatic events and battles of the late 19th century, including the Mahdi, Gordon of Khartoum and Kitchener.

Dr Christoph Schwitzer – an expert in conservation of lemurs and Head of Research at BCSF:

Lemurs of Madagascar (7th – 17th October) – Discover the diversity of Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna, seeking out its many species of lemur, exploring sacred forests, sand dunes, mangroves and beaches.

Michael Jay – the only Westerner to hold a samurai rank since William Adams in 1600, Japanese speaking and fluent in Geisha and Samurai history:

In the Footsteps of the Geisha and Samurai (25th September – 8th October 2012) – explore the enigmatic Geisha culture in Kyoto’s Gion district and understand the honour, traditions and weapons of the Samurai.

Denise Heywood – Asian Art specialist Denise is a lecturer, expert guide, author, journalist and photographer, specialising in Laos and Cambodia:

Artistic Heritage of Laos and Cambodia (6th – 18th January 2013) – explore local markets, Buddhist and Hindu temples and the French Indochinese architecture of Luang Prabang.

The next chapter for two authentic French Colonial masterpieces

Two of Cambodia’s most exciting hotels, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, are currently undergoing an inspirational refurbishment. The work, which will be completed by November 2011, includes the transformation of the large garden villas in Siem Reap; the updating of the guestrooms at both hotels; and a subtly refreshed lobby, bar and private rooms and ballroom in Phnom Penh.

Opened in 1929 and 1932 respectively, these are the only luxury hotels in Cambodia that pre-date the civil war and the Khmer Rouge era. They were brought into the Raffles portfolio in 1997 after thorough and sensitive modernisation. The hotels were the work of French architect Ernest Hébrard based in Hanoi, who was responsible for the design of many buildings constructed in French Indochina in the early 20th century. So it is appropriate that French interior designers based in Ho Chi Minh City should be playing a starring role in the next chapter of their lives.

Over the next few months both hotels will be given the investment, attention and creativity they deserve. The design company NOOR (www.noorvn.com) was given the brief to breathe new vitality, elegance and comfort into the interiors by subtly updating the hotels’ much-loved French Colonial, Art Deco and Khmer style and ambiance.

John Johnston, President, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, said:

“Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor are without doubt the hotels in Cambodia with the most heritage, character and atmosphere. In the last year, we have introduced the legendary Raffles Butlers at both hotels, to give our guests truly personalised service 24-hours a day. This refurbishment is the next chapter: it will reinstate the hotels’ original exotic glamour and take them up to the next level of comfort and luxury – for real 5-star service and style.”

The design thread comes from the hotels themselves, as they are so distinctive and bursting with character. After researching the Indochine era, NOOR has brilliantly incorporated the original French Colonial and Art Deco elements into the new architectural detail, textures and colours.
Khmer artwork, both original and newly commissioned, has been sourced from local artists – from silverwork and wood carving, to lacquers, boxes and sculptures. Luxurious Cambodian silks, the use of Khmer patterns and Art Deco colours will add another layer to the rich new schemes, which include:

At both hotels
- upgrading and refreshing the State Rooms (double rooms) – giving them gleaming new wooden floors using dark, sustainable local woods, seductive Jim Thompson fabrics and local Cambodian silks, for a luxurious, authentic, romantic colonial feel. Further rooms will be refurbished in 2012.

At Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh
- In addition to the staterooms, above, there will be two new Balcony Suites overlooking the gardens.

- The famous airy Lobby and the Conservatory Bar are being discreetly transformed and brought up to date. The layout will be cleverly re-configured, the lighting updated, the best furniture restored and new pieces commissioned.

- Meeting rooms and the Ballroom will be refurbished, with new colour schemes, sound and light systems. Raffles Hotel Le Royal offers meeting spaces for up to 300 guests for bespoke private events.

At Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap
- The total refurbishment and upgrading of the two enormous private villas in the hotel’s lush tropical gardens, to create the most distinctive, impressive and private accommodation in Siem Reap – for families, friends and couples on romantic travels. For over 75 years, a visit to the ancient temples of Angkor has been synonymous with a stay at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor – and there could be nowhere more atmospheric than its villas. Each villa has two spacious bedrooms, an enormous drawing room and dining area, a kitchen and wine cellar and private terraces.

- Villa Uma will be contemporary colonial, with a glamorous new plunge pool, decking, daybeds and landscaping, sleek, modern colonial furniture and new wooden flooring throughout. In contrast, Villa Kama will retain its traditional colonial feel with teak furniture, decorative Khmer touches, rich carpets, Deco style furniture and new lighting. Outside, updated landscaping will be complemented by rattan furniture and new planting.

The refurbishment will be complete by November 2011 – making Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor amongst the very best hotels in this beautiful, fascinating country.

1. IF YOU LIKED KENYA…TRY MADAGASCAR

WHY: From ring-tailed lemurs to baobab trees, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot: over 80% of its plant and animal species are found nowhere else on Earth!

BOOK IT: Unique Madagascar with World Expeditions (10 days) has six departures from May-October 2012, from £1,250 per person.

2. IF YOU LIKED JORDAN…TRY IRAN

WHY: It may not have iconic landmarks such as Petra but Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 4,000BC!

BOOK IT: Best of Iran with World Expeditions (11 days) departs on 24 October and 7 November with further departures in 2012, from £1,590 per person.

3. IF YOU LIKED MOROCCO…TRY OMAN

WHY: Traditional souks, Bedouin settlements, rugged mountains, desert dunes and a rich history of wealth and power in a country which as recently as 30 years ago was closed to foreigners.
BOOK IT: Oman Adventure with World Expeditions (9 days) has seven departures until the end of the year, from £1,490 per person.

4. IF YOU LIKED: CAMBODIA…TRY: MYANMAR

WHY: They may not be as famous but the Temples of Bagan in Myanmar are just as iconic as the spectacular Angkor Wat complex.
BOOK IT: Highlights of Myanmar with World Expeditions (12 days) has departures every month, from £1,290 per person.

5. IF YOU LIKED NAMIBIA…TRY ETHIOPIA

WHY: More than a land of natural contrasts (from some of Africa’s highest mountains to some of the world’s lowest points below sea level!) Ethiopia is a mosaic of cultures: one of the first Christian countries yet with evident influences from Islam and tribal African cultures.
BOOK IT: Ethiopia Explorer with World Expeditions (16 days) departs on 18 November and 16 December with further departures scheduled for 2012 to coincide with the Timket Festival, from £2,190 per person.

6. IF YOU LIKED NORWAY…TRY THE NORTHERN RUSSIAN ARCTIC

WHY: Rugged and off the beaten track, the Russian Arctic and Far East is a region that was until recently ‘off limits’ to western visitors.

BOOK IT: Across the top of the world – Northern Russian Arctic with World Expeditions (15 days) departs on 25 July and 8 August 2012, from $7,150 (£4,606) per person.

7. IF YOU LIKED THE AMAZON…TRY PAPUA NEW GUINEA

WHY: Just as Amazon is one of the planet’s enigmas, Papua New Guinea remains one of the world’s least explored countries, both culturally and geographically. With over 850 indigenous languages, it is the world’s most diverse nation linguistically!

BOOK IT: Cruise Papua New Guinea with World Expeditions (13 days) departs on 2 April 2012, from £3,790 per person for a quadruple cabin.

8. IF YOU LIKED ALASKA…TRY PATAGONIA

WHY: A mix of glacial lakes, towering granite peaks, impressive glaciers, secluded lakes, beech forests and rolling grasslands, Patagonia is one of the most dramatic regions of the world.

BOOK IT: Patagonia Parks and Wildlife with World Expeditions (18 days) departs on 19 November and 16 December with further departures scheduled for 2012, from £2,990 per person.

9. IF YOU LIKED CUBA…TRY VENEZUELA

WHY: Buying and selling cars is the latest development in the rapidly changing Cuba; head to Venezuela instead for a better feel of ‘socialist revolution’.

BOOK IT: Venezuela – The Lost World and Angel Falls with World Expeditions (15 days), departs on 16 December with further departures scheduled for 2012, from £1,990 per person.

10. IF YOU LIKED CHINA…TRY TAIWAN

WHY: With frozen relations between the two countries until recently and lack of direct flights for nearly 60 years, Taiwan has maintained a more authentic experience compared to mainland China.

BOOK IT: Hike and bike Taiwan with World Expeditions (10 days) departs on 16 November with further departures scheduled for 2012, from £1,790 per person.

For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions’ all-inclusive policy ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

Trails of Indochina celebrated the launch of the Jahan, a new luxury river cruise boat for the Mekong River.

The boat officially made its debut on Oct. 29 as the newest member of Heritage Line’s collection, and sister to the Jayavarman. The new cruise offers a three-, four- or eight-day journey between My Tho and Cambodia’s Siem Reap.

The Jahan features four categories of accommodation in 26 cabins on two decks, ranging from the Superior Staterooms to the Jacuzzi-equipped suites. Each suite is individually designed with a British-Indian style and all offer private balconies. The boat is designed ideally for couples and small groups, and includes private shore excursions on an FIT basis.

Located on top is the terrace deck with the Viceroy Dining Hall, the Apsara Spa, the Observatory Lounge and covered outside funnel bar.

The boat also has a three-meter-wide and seven-meter-long pool.

There is a complimentary butler service available to all Signature Stateroom and Suite guests, allowing guests the option of privacy with in-room dining.

“Our partners are really the ones that have sought after this additional luxury cruise options on the Mekong River,” said Trails of Indochina CEO and founder John Tue Nguyen. “The Jayavarman was such a magnificent creation and caused such interest within the industry that many of our partners asked for a similar cruising experience. The Jahan offers this and much, much more.”

For more information, email info@trailsofindochina.com  or visit www.trailsofindochina.com  or www.heritage-line.com

Siem Reap, Cambodia,– In a move that will make it the only boutique family-oriented hotel in Siem Reap, Journeys Within Boutique Hotel, just 10 minutes from the world famous Angkor Wat Temples, has announced the grand opening of 5 new rooms, a restaurant, spa and kid’s club on December 1, 2011. With these new additions Journeys Within will offer three family suites, a Kid’s Club and a new spa, making it the first boutique property to focus on the family market in Siem Reap.

“We’re so excited for these new rooms and our beautiful spa and the first kid’s club in Siem Reap!” said Andrea Ross, owner, “over the last 8 years we’ve been open we have had amazing guests and we’re excited to now offer our guests an even better property. We’re thrilled at how many families are now seeing Angkor Wat as a fun family destination and we know our new family suites and kid’s club will make their experience that much better.”

Four of the new rooms will be able to combine to form two family suites, joining the already popular Ramayana Retreat Suite, perfect for groups of 3-6 people. The kids club will allow parents a bit of free time, and the kids will have a fun place to go any time of day. The new restaurant in a large open-air space, will feature the same favorites guests have raved about for years and an extensive kids menu!

Journeys End Spa will be the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing, and will offer a range of spa treatments. The spa overlooks the wonderful Journeys Within pool and gardens to create a relaxed setting.

Journeys Within Boutique Hotel has been awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence five years in a row for consistently being rated with five star reviews by guests. They also won the Traveler’s Choice award in 2010 for Bed and Breakfast hotels in Asia. Journeys Within Tour Company and Boutique Properties was also awarded with a Conde Nast World Savers award in 2008 for their work in Cambodia providing clean drinking water to villages and university scholarships to local students. They are pioneers in philanthropic travel and offer guests opportunities to get involved and make a difference during their stay.