Passport - September to December 2012

PASSPORT S e p t e m b e r

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D e c e m b e r

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WELCOME

Dear Partners Looking ahead to September holidays and getting ready for the high season, we have selected some of our favourite beach locations around the region and negotiated unbeatable savings. We also include city breaks which you can easily combine with more exotic options.

When it comes to the beach, look out for our fantastic offers in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Why not combine your ideal Thai beach vacation with our unbeatable offer at the Anantara Sathorn Hotel in Bangkok. A perfect choice for that last minute shopping opportunity. Or in Cambodia, simply add on a 2-night Siem Reap package to a stay at the ultra-romantic Song Saa Island Resort.

Starting with our unique “Around Asia in 100 days” (we couldn‟t make it 80) for anyone wishing to fulfil a lifelong dream, we include some unusual overland journeys to remote corners of this fascinating continent.

Finally, for Asian food lovers, we have put together some new culinary tour options which are not just about tasting, but also the sourcing, preparing and cooking of these delicious dishes.

Read on to discover more and we hope you will find this edition of Passport inspirational.

Best regards, Your Diethelm Travel Team

INDEX To navigate your way around this Edition, we have created the index below to guide you through each section: BEACH HOLIDAYS THAILAND CAMBODIA LAOS MALAYSIA SRI LANKA VIETNAM COUNTRY COMBINATIONS AROUND ASIA IN 100 DAYS INDIA & BHUTAN CHINA & VIETNAM MYANMAR, LAOS & THAILAND SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA & MALDIVES

LAOS & CAMBODIA CULINARY TOURS INDIA CAMBODIA CHINA VIETNAM

With Autumn fast approaching, now is the ideal time to plan that all important holiday. Choose from one of our wonderful beach resorts in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam or Sri Lanka.

Over the next few pages, fantastic savings and value-added offers are revealed.

Read on!

BEACH

BREAKS

KOH SAMUI FOUR SEASONS RESORT Stay a minimum of 7 nights and receive complimentary daily breakfast for two.

Combine with our Stay 4 nights / Pay 3, Stay 7 nights / Pay 5 and Stay 12 nights / Pay 9 offers.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

AKARYN SAMUI

Free nights offer - Stay 7 nights / Pay 5

Validity: • Stays from now to 20 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

HUA HIN HOLIDAY INN RESORT REGENT BEACH CHA-AM Stay in a Family Suite from THB 1,912 per person per night inclusive of daily breakfast.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

HILTON HUA HIN RESORT & SPA Calling all families - Book and get a 20% discount off the room rate.

Book a second room and get a 40% discount off the second room rate.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

PHUKET OUTRIGGER LAGUNA PHUKET RESORT & VILLAS

Receive 15% off the room rate for stays from 01 Sep. to 31 Oct. 2012.

OR Receive 10% off the room rate for stays from 01 Nov. to 15 Dec. 2012.

Validity: • Two different offers from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

HILTON PHUKET ARCADIA RESORT & SPA Calling all families - Book and get a 10% discount off the room rate.

Book a second room and get a 30% discount off the second room rate.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

PHUKET THE WESTIN SIRAY BAY RESORT & SPA

Free night offer - Stay 3 nights / Pay 2 inclusive of a complimentary upgrade to next room category – subject to availability.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

MAIKHAO DREAM VILLA RESORT & SPA Free night offer - Stay 3 nights / Pay 2 , Stay 4 nights / Pay 3 from now to 31 Oct. 2012.

Receive 15% off Diethelm Travel contract rate from 01 Nov to 19 Dec. 2012, for bookings made before 31 Oct. 2012.

Validity: • Stays from now to 19 Dec. 2012

Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

KRABI CENTARA ANDA DHEVI RESORT AND SPA Free night offer - Stay 2 nights/Pay 1 with a minimum of 4 paid nights (4+1, 4+2, 4+3, 4+4, 5+5) inclusive of complimentary daily breakfast on free nights.

Validity: • Stays from now to 10 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

SHERATON KRABI BEACH RESORT

Stay in a Superior room from THB 1,673 per person.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 24 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

KOH PHI PHI OUTRIGGER PHI PHI ISLAND RESORT AND SPA

Guaranteed room upgrade to the next room category.

Stay a minimum 3 paid nights and receive a complimentary dinner (buffet/set) for two.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

BANGKOK STOPOVER – 5 star savings

ANANTARA SATHORN Stay from THB 1,125 per person per night including daily breakfast for two.

Validity: • Stays from now to 30 Apr. 2013 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

CAMBODIA 4-DAY PRIVATE ISLAND PACKAGE 10% discount on all bookings made 60 days prior to arrival providing a 25% deposit is paid.

Plus one 60 minute massage for two persons.

Validity: • Stays from now to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

3-DAY SIEM REAP STOPOVER Stay at the luxurious colonial style Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa from USD 238 per person per package and receive a complimentary 60 minute massage during your stay. See T’s & C’s for the full itinerary.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

LAOS AMANTAKA PACKAGE - LUANG PRABANG Stay 3 nights in a Pool Suite from USD 1,608 per person including round trip airport transfers.

Sunset Cruise on Amantaka boat and a traditional Lao set dinner is included.

Validity: • Stays from now to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

VIENTIANE ADD-ON From USD 362 per person for 2 nights, staying at the colonial Settha Palace, exploring the sleepy capital of Laos including a cooking class at Villa Lao.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Oct. 2012 to 30 Jun. 2013 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

MALAYSIA GAYA ISLAND RESORT

Complimentary daily dinner for 2 adults for all stays of a minimum 3 nights.

The offer can be combined with the Stay 4 nights / Pay 3 offer.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 19 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

PANGKOR ISLAND BEACH RESORT Free night offer - Stay 4 nights / Pay 3.

Early Bird Offer - Complimentary upgrade to next room category.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 30 Nov. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

DREAM PACKAGE – 6 nights VILLA SAMADHI & JAPAMALA RESORT

An exclusive 6 night combination stay of 2 nights in the luxe crib at the Villa Samadhi followed by 4 nights in a Jungle Luxe Sarang or Hillside Sarang at the Japamala Resort.

6-night package from MYR 3,575 per person sharing.

Validity: • Stays from now to 19 Dec. 2012

VALUE ADD-ONS: Receive a complimentary 1-hour Javanese Massage for two at Japamala Resort, on the Dream Package.

In addition, receive a romantic 7-course set dinner for two at the Beach Front Pavilion Restaurant, inclusive of a bottle of house wine, at Japamala Resort.

Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

SRI LANKA ADITYA-RATHGAMA

Free night offer - Stay 4 nights / Pay 3.

Stay 7 nights / Pay 6.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 20 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

THE FORTRESS KOGGALA

Free night offer - Stay 7 nights / Pay 6.

Stay 7 nights / Pay 5.

Stay 5 nights / Pay 4.

Validity: • Stays from now to 31 Aug. 2012 • Stays from 01 Sep. to 31 Oct. 2012 • Stays from 01 Nov. to 19 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

SRI LANKA NISALA ARANA - BENTOTA

Free night offer - Stay 6 nights / Pay 5.

Stay 9 nights / Pay 7.

Complimentary Body Relaxation Massage for 2 during the stay.

Validity: • Stays from now to 31 Oct. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

SERENE PAVILLION

Free night offer - Stay 4 nights / Pay 3.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 31 Oct. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

VIETNAM INTERCONTINENTAL DANANG SUN PENINSULA RESORT

Free night offer - Stay 5 nights / Pay 4.

Guaranteed free upgrade to next room category when staying a minimum of 7 nights.

Validity: • Stays from 03 Sep. to 10 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

HYATT REGENCY DANANG RESORT & SPA

Free night offer - Stay 3 nights / Pay 2.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 19 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

VIETNAM SIX SENSES CON DAO

Free night offer - Stay 3 nights / Pay 2.

20% Early Bird booking discount.

OR Free night offer - Stay 7 nights / Pay 5.

10% Early Bird booking discount.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 31 Oct. 2012 • Stays from 01 Nov. to 19 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

AN LAM NINH VAN VILLAS Free night offer - Stay 4 nights / Pay 3.

Complimentary Sunset Cruise for two persons per villa, per stay.

Validity: • Stays from 01 Sep. to 31 Dec. 2012 Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

We have some unique ideas for country combos including a grand tour of the whole continent.

Journey overland from Yunnan, China to Vietnam or from South Laos into Cambodia along the Mekong.

Contrast the bustling city of Delhi with the tranquil Paro valley in Bhutan or Singapore with the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Be Inspired!

COUNTRY

COMBOS

Around Asia in 100 Days THE GRAND TOUR – A JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME! • Your wildest dreams come true – You have a 100 days to travel all around Asia. Encompassing the snow-capped Himalayas to verdant jungle, desert to ocean, metropolis to tribal village and ancient to cutting edge, this tour has it all!

• Start in Beijing and discover China‟s cities, including bustling Shanghai and Hong Kong. The ultimate contrast follows with a tour to Kathmandu to trek in the stunning Nepalese Himalayas.

• From Delhi, return to the mountains to see Bhutan – the Dragon Kingdom. Via Kolkata, you arrive in Southwest India, where you visit the sleepy backwaters and continue to Sri Lanka, the island that has it all in one unique destination.

• Take a break on the Maldives for some much needed R&R, before continuing to Bangkok.

Pioneer an overland trip around the borders of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia ending at the amazing Angkor Wat. Then onwards to Vietnam, journeying via the lively Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Continue to peaceful Laos and Luang Prabang, before once more returning to China and Yunnan province. The final leg of your journey is through magical Myanmar, ending in Yangon.

Validity: Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the full itinerary & pricing.

INDIA & BHUTAN DELHI – AGRA – DELHI – PARO

Visit the world famous Mughal monuments of Delhi and Agra before heading to Bhutan for an introduction to its unique form of Buddhist culture, as well as the fresh air and mountain scenery. Particularly for Delhi and Agra, we have negotiated a very special price, making this offer appealing.

• Delhi is two cities in one. Old Delhi, created by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, today remains a medieval district of narrow lanes, forts, mosques and bazaars, best explored by cycle rickshaw. Be awed by the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jehan. New Delhi is home to the inspirational Humayun's Tomb, the earliest great example of a Mughal garden tomb and the forerunner to the style of architecture later perfected in the Taj Mahal.

• Travel to Agra, the capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries. The resulting luxurious palaces, tombs, forts and gardens along the Yamuna River are world renowned and the highlight has to be the sublime Taj Mahal, awesome at any time of day.

• A spectacular mountain flight from Delhi to Paro over Mt. Everest brings us to the enchanting Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. In the next 4 days, discover this land and its fascinating culture.

• In Thimpu, visit the traditional painting school and textile museum, and in Paro admire the Paro Dzong and hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger‟s nest) for a fantastic view of the monastery.

Validity: Stays from 1 Oct. to 31 Dec. 2012 Click here for the full itinerary & pricing.

CHINA & VIETNAM 13-DAY YUNNAN TO VIETNAM TOUR

An adventurous overland journey from Kunming to Hanoi following the high mountains, rice terraces and minority tribes of this little known region.

• Stay in remote Yuanyang, located at 2000 meters and where the mountainsides are entirely sculpted with terraces, and filled with water for a lot of the year. Wander around the weekly local markets, where the Hani, Yi, Miao and Yao minority ladies still wear their full traditional costumes.

• Crossing the border at Hekou, visit the colourful market of Bac Ha and photograph the incredible costumes of the flower Hmong. Take a boat ride on the Chay River before reaching Topas Ecolodge for 2 nights on your secluded hilltop retreat. A full days walk allows you to discover the daily life of the Red Dao and Tay people.

• Take the night train to Hanoi. Board the colonial style Emeraude for a memorable 2-day cruise in Halong Bay, stopping for kayaking or swimming.

• In Hanoi, enjoy a water puppet show, cyclo ride around the old quarter of the city, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

Validity: Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the full itinerary & pricing.

MYANMAR, LAOS & THAILAND ULTIMATE GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR

Explore the unknown borders of the Golden Triangle region starting in Chiang Rai and ending in the peaceful town of Luang Prabang.

• Journey through striking mountain scenery in Myanmar from Tachileik to Kyaing Tong. Similar to Northern Thailand 30 years ago, this region of the Shan Hills is home to the colourful Akha and Lahu people. Visiting several villages, see their daily life and learn about their rituals and farming techniques.

• Returning to Thailand, spend a couple of days around Doi Mae Salong and Chiang Saen, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

• Entering Laos, embark on a 2-day slow boat down the Mekong River.

• The mighty river has an untamed character with rapids and pristine forests on either side. The days are spent visiting simple weaving villages or relaxing on board the boat and with an overnight in Pakbeng Village.

• The tour finishes on arrival in the magical and charming town of Luang Prabang.

Validity: Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the full itinerary & pricing.

SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA & MALDIVES 12-DAY SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA & MALDIVES

Taking advantage of airline combinations, link the incredibly contrasting destinations of Singapore and the Maldives with everything the varied island of Sri Lanka has to offer.

• A half day experience of the history, culture and lifestyle of vibrant and multi-racial Singapore leaves plenty of time to shop and try out some waterfront restaurants.

• Visit the spectacular Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, the Buddhist cave paintings of Dambulla, the sacred city of Kandy and the ancient city Polonnaruwa, all major heritage and cultural attractions.

• Turning to nature, visit the Pinnawela Elephant orphanage and Kandy‟s Peradeniya Botanical gardens, laid out in 1832 and among the finest in the world.

• End with 4 totally blissful and relaxing days on the coral island of Kuredu, located in Lhaviyani Atoll, an area famous for its abundant fish life.

Validity: Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the full itinerary & pricing.

LAOS AND CAMBODIA 9-DAY LAOS & CAMBODIA TOUR

Embark on a wonderful overland tour through some of the most under-populated and peaceful regions in Southeast Asia, travelling across the border of South Laos into Cambodia and never far from the mighty Mekong. Our special price is offered to reveal the secrets of this little known region for those seeking authenticity.

• Starting from Pakse, head up to the Bolovan Plateau for its waterfalls, tribal villages and coffee plantations. Heading back down to the Mekong River, explore the pre-Angkorian ruins of Vat Phou. The adventure continues with an elephant ride to Vat Asa in dense jungle and boat trips amongst the Mekong‟s 4000 islands.

• Crossing the border go on a boat trip looking for the river dolphins at Kratie.

• Journey to Siem Reap via Kompong Thom, stopping at the ancient capital of Chenla with its 100 temples dating from the Pre-Angkorian period.

• Once in Siem Reap, enjoy all the main temples but we have included some specials for sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat with an early visit to the temple of Ta Prohm at dawn to discover this mystic temple before the crowds come in.

Validity: Stays from 01 Sep. to 15 Dec. 2012 Click here for the full itinerary & pricing.

The delicious cuisine of Asia is often one of the primary reasons for a visit.

Taking advantage of this, we offer specially-priced culinary tours through Vietnam, Cambodia, India and China, which not only include restaurant highlights, indepth market excursions and cooking classes, but also street food tours, cultural must-sees and engaging with the local people.

Smell it, taste it!

TASTE

THE REGION

CULINARY TOUR - INDIA 8-DAY INDIA CULINARY TOUR Prices start from USD 2,096 per person.

The traditional food of Lucknow (Awadhi) was highly prized by the Mughals, giving it almost a royal touch. The meat was cooked slowly, making it more succulent and the most famous dishes are the kebabs, tandoor, and biryanis. Apart from Lucknow cuisine, we also include the favourite dishes of Mumbaikars.

• In Delhi, savour the Northwest frontier cuisine and after taking a cycle rickshaw through the chaotic, noisy and bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, enjoy a typical Hindu vegetarian meal served in bronze dishes at a family home.

• Tour Lucknow where the beautiful monuments recall the glorious past of the Nawab rulers. In the evenings, take a trip hopping in and out of the traditional roadside eateries tasting the local delicacies and also experiencing the hospitality of an Awadhi dinner, and being shown around the kitchen by the host, who will be happy to reveal the secrets.

• The finale is our Mumbai Food experience.

The home of patties, puris, kebabs and lassis, Mumbai is the city of a million hawkers. Quick, easily available and cheap, street food is perfectly suited for the always on the move Mumbaikars.

Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

CULINARY TOUR - CAMBODIA 4-DAY SIEM REAP CULINARY TOUR Prices start from USD 438 per person.

Khmer cuisine is closely related to the cuisine in Thailand and Laos, although it is not as spicy. It takes its influence from its neighbors, from ancient connections with China and India, and from its period under French rule.

• Curries, stir-fried vegetables, rice, noodles and soups are staples of the Khmer diet.

• Cambodia is well known in the region for its Prahok, a strong, fermented fish paste used in a variety of traditional dishes. The steamed fish curry known as amok is almost considered a national dish and can not be missed.

• You will not only have the chance to try all these dishes but you can learn more about Khmer cuisine in a half-day cooking class.

Under the guidance of a trained chef, you will visit the local market, buy traditional ingredients, and prepare a variety of dishes.

Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

CULINARY TOUR - CHINA 7-DAY SICHUAN CULINARY TOUR Prices start from USD 1,330 per person.

Sichuan is renowned for its red hot, spicy and peppery cuisine, teahouses, hotpots and for being the home of the giant panda.

• Try a traditional Sichuan Hotpot for dinner, normally eaten to warm in the winter months.

• Try your hand at cooking the Sichuan dishes at Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum and relaxing in the teahouse afterwards.

• In Sansheng Flower Village, learn the local Sichuan cuisine with an indigenous family.

• See one of the world‟s most endangered species at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre.

• Stroll around Chendgu‟s Jinli Old Street, with its ancient buildings and traditional cultures, trying some local street food.

• Take a cruise tour of Leshan Giant Buddha, located at the confluence of three rivers -Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River.

• Take in a Sichuan opera in the historic teahouse Shufengyayun.

Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

CULINARY TOUR - VIETNAM 9-DAY VIETNAM CULINARY EXPERIENCE Prices start from USD 1,400 per person.

Traditional Vietnamese cooking is widely appreciated for its fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil, and reliance on herbs and vegetables making it one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Dishes almost always include mint, long coriander and Thai basil, yet vary hugely regionally.

Take advantage of our special price for the forthcoming season.

• In Ho Chi Minh City, prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes, go on a dinner cruise and stroll around Ben Thanh, regarded as one of the 10 best places in the world for street food.

• Experience the Royal Cuisine of Hue during a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant, as well as visiting Dong Ba Market and the heritage sights.

• Have a hands-on cooking class at the Hanoi Cooking Centre designed by chef Tracey Lister, co-author of the books KOTO-A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam and Vietnamese Street Food. In Hanoi, explore the fascinating old quarter and narrow streets full of stalls, markets and shops.

• View the sunrise over Halong bay whilst enjoying meals on deck.

Click here for the details of terms & conditions.

ON THE RADAR

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Diethelm Travel Group Kian Gwan II Bldg, 14/F 140/1 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Phone: +66 2 660 7000 Fax: +66 2 660 7027 passport@diethelmtravel.com www.diethelmtravel.com