Fantastic, informative and enthralling are just a few words used to describe our local guides throughout Asia.
Other travelers comment on their ability to retain the most obscure and esoteric knowledge that only a true local would know and their often impromptu visits to monasteries, village weddings or even a rice harvest, often providing some of the most enduring memories and experiences for our clients. Read more
At Travel Indochina we are always looking for new ways to help the people and communities in the places we visit and love, as well as offering our travellers truly unique experiences and memories that will stay with them forever. This year sees the addition of two new ‘Insider Experiences’ to our 2011 and 2012 Vietnam Small Group Journey itineraries.
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Introducing Travel Indochina’s new team in North America.
Until recently our North American clients will have discussed their Small Group Tour or Tailor-Made Vacations with Elise who has been serving our clients across North American for the past 18 months. As Elise returns to her previous role at Travel Indochina’s UK office we are delighted to announce that Julia and Mark Yacker will be Travel Indochina’s new representatives in North America. Working from Boulder, Colorado, the husband and wife team have a wealth of experience in travel and are passionate Asia experts, and they can’t wait to share that knowledge and passion with clients and agencies across the United States and Canada! Read more
As many of our clients will know, Travel Indochina’s Product Managers (those that do not already live in-country) and our Asia Specialists regularly travel to Asia in order to keep up to date with the latest products and developmental within their respective country’s. What you may not know is that non-sales employees are sometimes invited to join them on these research trips. I was one such lucky employee and this is a short blog post from my time spent on Travel Indochina’s popular Highlights of Vietnam tour in July 2011.
Travelling from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in the south to Halong Bay and Hanoi in the north I joined a 10 day tour of one of Asia’s most fascinating destinations alongside 14 other Travel Indochina passengers, our expert local guides and our Western tour leader Matt.
Mekong Delta from Ben Tre
Day 1 – 3: Saigon and the Mekong Delta
Firstly, it should be noted that I missed the first day of this tour due to a last minute decision to see some of the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia (article to follow soon). The day previously our group had a full tours of Saigon and a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an iconic site legacy of the American/Vietnam war and all reports were that they had a great time. Read more
Traditional Farmhouse at Shirakawa-go, UNESCO World Heritage site
International kudos, a bump in tourist numbers and all the gravitas that comes with recognition by an international body, earning UNESCO World Heritage Status is welcomed news for Japan’s fast-recovering tourist industry.
Earlier this year it was struck by a devastating earthquake and tsunami, with the recovery efforts well under way and tourism numbers once again on the rise, Japan is enjoying its gradual return to normality. News that both the Hiraizumi and the Ogasawara Islands are to be awarded World Heritage status is a welcomed boost for the people of Japan and its convalescing tourist industry. Read more
Mongolian Landscape and traditional Ger (Yurt).
As well as offering some of Asia’s most breathtaking vista’s and scenery, Mongolia is fast making its name on the global stage. Last year the Mongolian Stock exchange was named as the world’s best performing equity market (read more on the Financial Times website), its President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj visited the US in 2009 and Mongolia recently played host to Joe Biden as part of the American vice-president’s wider tour of Asia which also includes visits to Japan and China.
During his first visit to the country Mr. Biden praised the country for successfully carrying out democratic elections after years under the influence of its Soviet neighbour. In a speech he noted that Mongolia was “an emerging leader in the world-wide democratic movement…and a responsible actor on the world stage.” Read more
Tour Leader Aaron with a local guide in Japan
Booking tables at exquisite local restaurants, leading travellers through the bustling streets of Saigon to introducing our clients to locals in destinations across Asia. Many Travel Indochina clients will have already met some of our cherished Western tour leaders but for those of you yet to travel with us then we’ll let the numbers do the talking.
Our travellers know that after each small group journey we gather your feedback on each aspect of the tour, including the performance of our Western tour leaders. Over the past 12 months our tour leaders have gained traveller satisfaction ratings of over 96% and through June and July they have reached an incredible 98%. A stand out number for a truly stand out team of intrepid individuals. Read more
Mountain Monastery, Bhutan.
As part of Travel Indochina’s ‘Exploratory Journeys’ collection, our Highlights of Bhutan small group journey, departing on November 6th, has recently sold out.
Bordering India, Bangladesh and China, Bhutan is another addition to Travel Indochina’s ever growing list of destinations in Asia. Due to its geographic isolation, government tourist quotas and relative shelter from the forces of globalization, Bhutan remains one of the world most scarcely visited countries. Read more
Camping, Asia and luxury are not typically synonymous. However, Thailand’s the Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp in Khao Sok is blazing an eco-tourism trail with an brand new camp of en-suite safari tents catering for the traveller seeing adventure whilst retaining an element of luxury.
Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp, Southern Thailand
Nestled in the mountainous scenery of Kao Sok national park, guests can choose from 10 en-suite luxury safari tents that are idyllically float on the bank of Cheow Lake offering breathtaking views in peacefully remote surroundings. Read more
1. Slow boat journey down the Mekong, gliding into Luang Prabang:
Travelling by boat from Thailand to Laos
Without a doubt, a leisurely cruise down the Mekong on a traditional wooden slow boat is the best way to overcome jetlag and settle into the laid-back vibe that is so loved by visitors to Laos. Crossing the Mekong in northern Thailand, the Lao border town of Huay Xay still has a ‘frontier’ feel to it that has long been lost in much of the modern world. Pass through the small immigration station, board your boat, and allow yourself to completely relax as you float downstream past the endless stretch of forested hills and riverside fishing villages. My preferred time of year for this cruise is from roughly June to November, when the rainy season has allowed the trees to blossom into rich shades of green blanketing the landscape. Read more
