Dozen Dream Destinations 2020

TRAVELOGUES FROM

DOZEN DREAM DESTINATIONS

2020 THE 12 PLACES YOU NEED TO BE

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CONTENTS

0812 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 CARDAMOM MOUNTAINS FOR THE LUXURY CAMPING

WAKAN VALLEY FOR THE ADVENTURE

TAIWAN FOR THE ROAD TRIP

TORAJA FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

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ISSUE 05 | September 2019

RAJA AMPAT FOR THE DIVING

KYOTO FOR THE AMAN

YAKUTSK FOR THE EXTREME WEATHER

TESHIMA AND SHODOSHIMA FOR THE ART

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO FOR THE LUXURY BEACH RESORTS

SRI LANKA FOR THE DIVERSITY

TOKYO FOR THE SUMMER GAMES

BANGKOK FOR THE FOOD

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to a very special issue of Travelogues from Remote Lands. The Dozen Dream Destinations are important to every member of the Remote Lands team.

Dozens of Asia experts use their knowledge, connections, and expertise to help you choose the best spots to visit on the whole of the continent. This entire issue is dedicated to 12 stellar Asia destinations and to helping you know when to go, what to do, and how to get there. The Dozen Dream Destinations 2020 include luxury travel favorites, once-in-a-lifetime sporting events, wildlife adventures, and tribal experiences.

Whether you’re after cuisine, private yachts, or off-the-beaten track expeditions, Remote Lands knows where you should go. – Tyler Roney

Remote Lands Co-founder, CEO

Catherine Heald

Remote Lands Co-founder, COO

Jay Tindall

Editor-in-Chief Tyler Roney

Designer Phoebe Storm

Jordan Hammond Cover Photo

Contributors Scott Rainen, Duncan McHenry

Vice President Phil Ingram of Marketing Director of Product Trinity Nguyen

Digital Marketing Liam Vickers Head Offices

Remote Lands, Inc., 120 East 56th Street, Suite 1150, New York, NY 10022, USA, +1 (646) 760-2048

Asia Offices

Remote Lands (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Mahatun Plaza Building, 7/F, 888/74 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, +66 (094) 957-3143

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OZEN REAM ESTINATIONS

Travel experts, journalists, photographers — Remote Lands has scoured Asia for the best travel ideas for 2020. The new decade will be a big one for Southeast and East Asia, where new accommodations, new flights, and once-in-a-lifetime sporting events will enliven some of the most popular travel destinations on the planet.

Central Asia’s gems maintain their miraculous isolated qualities, but are getting more amenable every year. Jungles?

Food? Beaches? Where will you be in 2020?

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CARDAMOM MOUNTAINS FOR THE LUXURY CAMPING

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onkeys, elephants, and the thrill of a tropical jungle — the forests here are one-of-a-kind in Southeast Asia. Chances of seeing a tiger or clouded leopard in this thicket are pretty slim, but travelers can relax in the jungle surrounds or trek through the forest with a park ranger to help conserve the ecosystem.

This is one of the few destinations in Cambodia that can boast both luxury and conservation in one complete package.

The main reason to put the Cardamom National Forest on your go-now list is simple: Shinta Mani Wild. Designed by star designer and architect Bill Bensley, the Shinta Mani Wild is a relatively new property and it allows guests to mix their love of nature with their love of luxury

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travel in a fun, sustainable way.

“In my 30 years years of constructing 200 plus hotels, the Shinta Mani Wild is the piece de resistance,” Bill Bensley tells Travelogues. “I bought a piece of land there and it’s about the size of Central Park with the intent of teaching the Cambodian people that conservation is much more important and smarter than extraction.”

The Cardamom Mountains can be hard to traverse and some of the best ways to get there involve a short adventure via boat.

But it’s well worth the journey in 2020 to experience one of the last untouched wildernesses in Southeast Asia. Get your very own “Adventure Butler” with Shinta Mani and head for the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia.

“We have a big problem in the Cardamom National Forest of illegal poaching and illegal logging. My presence in the south of that park also supports the Wildlife Alliance rangers.

Those rangers go on very long walks and bike rides with AK-47s – always traveling in a group of four – to do some very serious conservation work.”

Credit: Shinta Mani Wild

– Architect and designer Bill Bensley

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WHAT TO DO

BOKOR PALACE Be sure to visit Bokor Palace, a former French hill station complete with a casino from the mid-20th century. Today, it’s both a ghost town and national park. Apart from being the setting for the movie “City of Ghosts” with Matt Dillon and James Caan, the Bokor Palace provides a luxury jumping off point for the jungle.

HELICOPTER TOUR The jungle on the ground is thick and impassable, so to really get a feel for the expansive Cardamom National Park, charter a private helicopter to the base of the Cardamom Mountains before settling into your plush safari camp.

KOMPONG TRACH Get a little culture and adventure with Kompong Trach, famed for its Wat Kirisan Temple, at the foot of Phnom Sor mountain. The hidden caves and limestone formations – including the “Cave of 1,000 Rice Fields” – are a must-see for any traveler to this region of Cambodia.

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Shinta Mani Wild Tent exterior

Credit: Shinta Mani Wild

Shinta Mani Wild Tent interior

Shinta Mani Wild Waterfall Tent

WHER E TO STAY

While there are a few other accommodations worth considering – such as the Cardamom Tented Camp – Shinta Mani Wild really is everything in one place.

Found nestled into 1.5 kilometers of rivers and waterfalls, this is Bill Bensley’s masterpiece, a tented camp carefully designed to evoke a luxury safari with Jacky O’. There is around one tent for every 40 acres of land, all tucked into the Tmor Rung River. Isolated it may be, but it’s not rustic; travelers will have every imaginable amenity and luxury while at the Shinta Mani Wild, from world-class cuisine at The Headquarters to a cocktail at The Landing Zone Bar. Most of this forest is completely inaccessible, and that is what makes it such an important destination for naturalists and sybarites alike.

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RAJA AMPAT FOR THE DIVING

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“Even if you are not a diver, there’s still so much to see underwater in Raja Ampat. You can snorkel at one of the many jetties, such as on Arborek Island, and still see a whole host coral creatures.”

Credit: SergeUWPhoto; Shutterstock

– Travel writer Zinara Rathnayake

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f you think those postcard-perfect gumdrop mountains are beautiful, just wait to see what Raja Ampat is hiding underwater. Raja Ampat is a good destination for divers yearround, but when the weather calms in winter, almost nowhere else on earth can claim such awesome biological diversity. Conservation groups estimate there are 1,300 species of fish, 700 species of mollusks, and 537 species of coral in Raja Ampat; so, if you’re a completionist, you better get started now.

Kri, Glam, Misool – the list of diveable locations is endless. There are more than 1,500 islands and caves in the Raja Ampat area, and every one hosts its own special features. Mios Kon features a 25-meter coral column, Blue Magic has whirlwinds of manta rays, and throughout visitors will be on the lookout for whale sharks and other large fauna to snap with their GoPro. And it’s not just the wildlife: South Waigeo, Kabui Bay, and Sawandarek feature world-class wreck dives.

Even if you’re not into diving or are uncertified, the calm waters and constant island options mean that travelers are never far from a snorkeling opportunity. For the landlubber, there are worthwhile hiking experiences in Piaynemo and Waigeo.

Why 2020? Raja Ampat finds itself in a comfortable middle ground at the moment: not too developed, not too difficult to explore. The private boat options are exclusive and the luxury resort options are few, a perfect equation for an ideal diving holiday.

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Limestone islands of Raja Ampat

The answer for where to stay in Raja Ampat is simple: private schooner.

Sure, there are a few luxury options around Raja Ampat, such as the Misool Eco Resort, but the fact of the matter is that you will need a private ship – perhaps a phinisi in the traditional Indonesia style – to see what you want in this region of the world.

Why settle in one place when there are 40,000 square kilometers of natural magic waiting for you on the waves? That said, recent months have provided a more communal option than the traditional private schooner. Aqua Blu – from Aqua Expeditions – is providing seasonal journeys to Raja Ampat in line with the quality of voyages like the Aqua Mekong.

The Kudanil Explorer is one of the more interesting ships to cruise Raja Ampat, with space for just 16 guests in eight berths.

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WHERE TO STAY Fusilier fish schooling

Raja Ampat

Credit: SergeUWPhoto, Ethan Daniels, Jeff Lemelin: Shutterstock

WHAT TO DO

ISLAND HOPPING Look for groupers in Kri, kayak the lagoons of Wayag, or just take a lazy stroll on an abandoned beach. With more than a thousand islands from which to choose – most of which are uninhabited – travelers can have their pick of the best islands in the whole of Southeast Asia.

TREKKING Waigeo, the largest island in Raja Ampat, has quite a few trekking options for travelers who want to give their sea legs a workout. The inland area is home to a thick jungle and plays host to a number of species naturalists will want to check off their list.

MISOOL ECO RESORT Take a break from the private schooner to explore the luxury Misool Eco Resort.

Dive, kayak, snorkel, and explore your way around the Misool area, leaving nothing behind but footprints.

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MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO FOR THE LUXURY BEACH RESORTS

“The reefs around North Twin Island are reminiscent of those found in the Similan Islands in Thailand, with large granite boulders and swimthroughs covered in purple soft coral.

Seahorses and ghost pipefish can be seen hiding amongst the seafans.”

– Travel writer Juanita Peinaar

Credit: Awei Pila

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isitors will want to get in on this destination now: wild mangrove jungles, endangered species, pristine beaches, and the mesmerizing sapphire waters.

The Mergui Archipelago is an unspoiled paradise; as a travel destination, this area was only opened to foreigners in the late 1990s, and it still abounds in undiscovered species and unmapped geographical features.

Previously, the only way to see this destination in anything approaching luxury was on a liveaboard but Wa Ale and Awei Pila have changed the game in the Mergui Archipelago.

These accommodations offer generous amenities and connectedness to the natural environment; they are also

equipped for world-class meals and diving, the most popular activity in the Mergui Archipelago.

The extensive, untouched coral reefs of Mergui are a diver’s dream, one of the last frontiers left to divers in the Andaman Sea. Black Rock, Western Rocky, North Twin – the diving options around Mergui and the Burma Banks are endless. Nutrient-rich inshore areas with waters at approximately 28 degrees Celsius year-round teem with marine life. On land, deer, monkeys, pangolin, and exotic birds – hornbills, white-bellied sea eagles, and more – make their homes in the rainforests and mangrove swamps on the archipelago’s 800 limestone and granite islands.

The new resorts at Wa Ale and Awei Pila provide a home base from which to explore the Mergui Archipelago or perhaps just a quick beach rest on a longer liveaboard adventure.

Much of the archipelago is uninhabited (by people, at least), so the best way to get around is by speedboat or yacht. Fly from Yangon to Kawthaung and take a speedboat from a jetty to Wa Ale Resort. This is the new face of Mergui holidays, combining the unknown with exclusive beach stays.

Whether it’s megafauna, such as whale sharks and dugongs, or unwinding in a tented villa adrift on a private island, now is the time to consider Mergui for a serene luxury holiday.

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WHAT TO DO

DIVE WITH EXPERT GUIDES Take advantage of Awei Pila’s expert diving expeditions, which include night dives, advanced deep diving, and the chance to pilot a DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle) straight out of a James Bond film. Western Rocky, Shark Cave, North Twin, and all the dive sites between Kawthaung and Myeik Township offer great visibility year-round, while “Whale Bay” in the east of Kanmaw Kyun is known for large numbers of whales, especially during migration seasons. The ideal diving season is from December to April, with whale sharks and manta rays visiting from February to March.

EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE The Moken are a semi-nomadic seafaring people whose vast knowledge of the archipelago enables them to live off the ocean, fishing and building boats using techniques they have been perfecting for centuries. Visit in February to participate in the Salone Festival to offer food and prayers for the coming season and partake in spiritual dances and folk singing.

KAYAK THE MANGROVES Paddling through the mangrove swamps in Lampi Marine National Park is an otherworldly way to get to know Mergui wildlife. Lampi has been designated an ASEAN Heritage Park for its biodiversity and fascinating mangrove root networks, but it is still largely unknown to tourists.

Whether you are a birdwatcher, botany nut, or just someone looking for a half-day of light exercise, kayaking the mangroves is a must.

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Wa Ale mangrove beach

Wa Ale accommodations

Credit: Wa Ale Resort, Awei Pila Resort; Day2505: Shutterstock

Today, if you want more than just a diving expedition, you can lounge in a luxury villa among the banyans, enjoy farm-to-table dining, indulge in a spa treatment, and dig your toes into some sand while a leatherback sea turtle makes its nest nearby. The private island resorts of Wa Ale and Awei Pila are everything you’ll want in a beach holiday.

From the air most of Wa Ale Island Resort looks like a forest. That makes sense given that no trees were removed to make room for the resort, which has adopted a low-key, barefoot luxury style. Open-air tented villas and bohemian tree houses constructed from recycled Burmese lumber are anything but rustic and sit just footsteps away from white sand beaches and Lampi Marine National Park.

Take advantage of Wa Ale’s unique kayaking and paddle-boarding activities, and then move on to Pila for another distinct island experience.

Awei Pila highlights the novelty of Mergui while offering unique cultural indulgences and expertly guided on-land and diving tours. Chic accommodations in thatched-roof oceanfront terraces, world-class cuisine made from ingredients grown on Pila Island, and diving center initiate travelers into Mergui life in a way that was impossible only a few years ago.

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Boats off Ta Fook Island in the Mergui Archipelago

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WAKHAN VALLEY FOR THE ADVENTURE

“In the 2nd century the Silk Road ran through this region, back when the Pamir Highway was for bandits and merchants.”

– Remote Lands Co-founder and COO Jay Tindall

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petroglyphs in the mountains above Langar, the ancient Yamchun Fortress, and the abiding culture of the Wakhi, truly one of the warmest and most inviting cultures in Central Asia.

A week-long road trip along the M41 highway is a journey for the intrepid. There won’t be high-thread count sheets or stays in luxurious five-star hotels. In fact, crawling along the edge of the Wakhan Valley’s roads, there will undoubtedly be quite a few white-knuckle moments. But the reward for this is natural beauty experienced by few, from the towering Pamir Mountains

and views of the Hindu Kush to the verdant poplar forests and rapids of the powerful Panj River. This is a luxury destination because it is difficult.

Millennia-old Buddhist stupas, open-air Zoroastrian temples with ibex horns, and the museum of the mystic poet Mubarak-i Wakhani tell the story of a borderland in flux since long before Marco Polo.

Intrepid travelers are advised to take the road from Dushanbe in Tajikistan through the Wakhan Valley all the way to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan on an epic multi-county Pamir Highway road trip.

Credit: Jay Tindall

now-capped peaks, dusty dirt roads, pastoral villages – you might not imagine today but the Wakhan Valley was once a part of the world’s most famous trade route. This region’s reputation as a fulcrum on the Silk Road connecting Europe and Asia has left an indelible impression on the unique culture of the Wakhi people. Even today, the Wakhan Valley is a meeting of worlds; travelers can look over into Afghanistan from Tajikistan on a road that will take them in view of China, Pakistan, and Kashmir.

Here, travelers can explore remnants of a bygone world:

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People dancing in the Wakhan Valley

WHERE TO STAY

Stay at the Hyatt Regency in Dushanbe and take in the sights of the capital before hitting the road on a journey down the M41 highway. In Qalai-Khumb, travelers can enjoy the hospitality of a local family, as homestays are pretty much the only lodging option in the vicinity. Continuing into the Pamirs, visitors can view the craggy rock formations while bathing in turquoise mineral hot springs in an area once mined for Badakhshani rubies and lapis lazuli. Khorog, Ishkashim, Langar, Murghab, and Kizylart make appropriate stopping points before arriving in Osh in Kyrgyzstan.

Travelers rely on basic guesthouses in the Wakhan Valley and indeed all along the Pamir Highway. Accommodations may not be luxurious, but the welcome is warm. Expect electric and coal heating, hot water, showers, and outdoor toilets – as well as traditional cuisine.

Khorog on the Pamir Highway 22

WHAT TO DO

EXPLORE DUSHANBE Wander through canopied city parks and pastelhued Soviet apartment blocks in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe. A gilded arch and statue on Rudaki Avenue commemorate 9th Century Tajik warrior and founder of the Samanid Dynasty, Ismoili Somoni.

MEET THE WAKHI PEOPLE You won’t have to seek out opportunities for exchange with the people of Badakhshan, who will likely invite you into their homes to partake in local festivities. Greet the folks waiting for their turn to bathe at Bibi Fatima Zahra – men and women bathe separately in the natural hot springs – and don’t be surprised by questions and invitations to tea.

Credit: Jay Tindall

A Tajik woman in the Wakhan Valley

PEEK OVER THE PANJ Beginning in the Kulyab region, travelers will start to see green Afghani villages across the Panj River only a short distance away. If the waters are calm, wading in the river with local villagers may even put you on the Afghanistan side. In Ishkahim you can visit a market that straddles both sides of the border. The Khakha Fortress, a ruin of the 4th Century Kushan Empire, is a bridge over the Panj River, which was established as the border of the Russian and British empires in 1893.

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KYOTO FOR THE AMAN

“Aman Kyoto will embody the true spirit of Aman, blending our profound respect for nature with adherence to simple, yet striking, principles of aesthetics and structure.”

– Vladislav Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman

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here else can you learn the art of swordmaking, enjoy the company of geishas, relax in an onsen, and explore a modern metropolis all in one afternoon?

Home to Japan’s royal families for more than a thousand years, Kyoto is the best-preserved major city in Japan and a world-class stronghold of ancient history. It is a must-see for first-time travelers to Japan.

Perhaps the best reason to visit Kyoto in 2020, however, is to be among the first to sojourn at the highly anticipated Aman Kyoto, slated to open in November 2019. Secluded on 80 acres of manicured gardens and natural forest

adjacent to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, Aman is a soon-to-be quintessential Kyoto experience. Another reason to put Kyoto on your must-go list for 2020 is, obviously, the Summer Games. Pre and post touring in Kyoto is a must-do for Remote Lands trips during the most exciting sporting event on the planet.

With more than 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and royal palaces and gardens for days, this city of “tranquility and peace” is a cultural capital of epic proportions. Travelers could spend a month visiting temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto and still have

some left over for their next trip.

Those seeking the path less traveled can venture into the idyllic hills of Arashiyama to explore the bamboo forest and see monkeys, millenniaold monasteries, and shrines to Shinto spirits. Wandering through the covered shopping streets of the Nishiki Market tasting kyō-yasai, travelers can visit the I.M. Pei-designed Miho Museum for an exclusive peek at Koyama’s collection of Asian and Western antiques.

This city is a seasonal destination all year: snow, sakura, fall foliage. Kyoto is always a good decision and it’s an even better idea in 2020.

Credit: Aman Resorts

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Aman Kyoto is at the top of our list. It’s new, it’s unique, and it’s stylish.

Combining minimalist ryokan design and contemporary architecture, the ethereal Aman Kyoto is equal parts wellness retreat, onsen, and hotel. After a day of sightseeing, travelers can unwind in a forest bath (shinrinyoku) or enjoy a quiet walk through a mossy garden before digging into locally-sourced kaiseki.

The Four Seasons Kyoto is another great option with a decidedly Zen aesthetic nestled at the foot of a mountain beside a thousand-year-old pond. Its restrained yet stylish design incorporates bamboo groves and shoji paper walls. Kyoto is so compact that you can be in the heart of the city in less than 10 minutes after leaving this serene mountain getaway.

For a touch more urban bustle, the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is a Meiji-style luxury accommodation featuring a four-floor waterfall in the entrance, found a short walk from the popular neighborhoods of Gion, Kawaramachi, and Pontocho. Or for a more immersive cultural experience, the Hiiragiya and Tawaraya ryokans each offer excellent hospitality and traditional Japanese living and dining.

Credit: Sean Pavone: Shutterstock; Aman Resorts

Igashiyama historic district

WHERE TO STAY

Aman Kyoto

WHAT TO DO

TEMPLES AND SHRINES Head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, just outside the Aman or learn about the traditional tea ceremony at Daitoku-ji. Gingkaku-ji is the “Silver Pavilion” to Kinkaku-ji’s gold and is renowned for its “Sea of Silver Sand.” There are simply too many memorable Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to name among the more than 2,000 places of worship in Kyoto, so we recommend exploring on foot.

GEISHA CULTURE Geishas – or geiko, or the “women of the arts” as they refer to themselves – make their living entertaining guests with conversation, games, music, and dancing.

Travelers can see professional geiko and maiko (apprentice geishas) on the streets of Gion and Pontocho or enjoy a private geisha dinner or a session at the Kaburenjō Theatre.

SWORDMAKING A warrior class created the Yamashiro tradition of swordmaking, with techniques that are still being passed down today. Visit the Samurai and Ninja Museum to learn how to use katana from the Muromachi and Edo, or forge your own Japanese kogatana with an artisan swordsmith in a private lesson.

FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE Hike up the otherworldly mountain that was the inspiration for Bulgarian artist Christo’s Central Park Gates. Each of the more than 1,000 vermillion torii gates trailing up the side of Mount Inari was donated by a Japanese company paying tribute to the Shinto rice god and patron of business.

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SRI LANKA FOR THE DIVERSITY

– Photographer Jordan Hammond 28

Credit: Anton Petrus: Shutterstock

“Whilst Ella itself is filled with tourists, restaurants, and bars, it’s the nature surrounding Ella that steals the show. The hikes in the area are some of the best in the country, including Little Adam’s Peak.”

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ith its sloping palms, history, and ecology – among the most biodiverse in Asia – travelers will be spoiled for choice in Sri Lanka, not knowing whether to use it as a beach and tea field retreat or a hiking and wildlife adventure. In Sri Lanka you can laze on white sands, climb mountains, and even go on safari, all within easy traveling distance. Twentyfour wildlife preserves, 45 estuaries, and 40 lagoons make the island nation a hotspot for naturalists and luxury travelers alike.

Undoubtedly, travelers to Sri Lanka will begin by landing in the 2,000-yearold trade city of Colombo, but from there, the entire island nation is an option. No matter where one is, only a few hours away is something completely different.

Dambulla’s cave temple

and dramatic Sigiriya Rock Fortress are iconic emblems of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization; north from there is Wilpattu, where visitors can spot leopards and sloth bears. A trip to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is also a must on the way to Nuwara Eliya and the Central Highlands.

When not occupied touring these incredible sites, travelers may bask on the sun-drenched beaches of Sri Lanka’s southern coast and watch baby sea turtles hatching in the sand. Or, if sunbathing isn’t your thing, there’s always the colonial charm of Galle, an ancient port with some of the most picturesque streets in Asia.

It is the abiding culture of Sri Lanka with which travelers will find themselves so enamored. Like the deep harbors that made it a key stop on the Maritime Silk

Road, Sri Lanka’s cultural reserves are fathomless. The rich traditions shared by Sinhalese, Tamil, and other Sri Lankan ethnic groups are the highlight of every journey.

After a brief but severe fall in inbound travel after the tragic 2019 Easter bombings, Sri Lanka is ready to show the world in 2020 that it is a safe, exciting travel destination.

Before one books their journey with Remote Lands, however, it’s important to note that Sri Lanka’s unique location gives it a strange place on the travel calendar.

The monsoon seasons mean different things to different travelers. The west and south coasts are best from October to March, and April to September are the best for the north and east. For lovers of the central hills, aim for early spring.

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WHAT TO DO

VISIT TEA COUNTRY The Bogawantalawa Valley put Sri Lanka on the map as a producer of tea, just ask Thomas Lipton. Go on a bike tour and hike between working plantations and take your afternoon tea at the resplendent Ceylon Tea Trails estate.

Leopard in Yala National Park

EXPLORE GALLE This coastal colonial city has stunning architecture and more than enough to do, from exploring the ancient port and Yatagala and Rumassala temples, to outdoorsy adventures on the nearby whale-filled waters.

VISIT SIGIRIYA The short-lived kingdom of Kassapa built its palace atop a striated formation that is made of two-billion-yearold metamorphic rock. The near-vertical face is thought to have been a gigantic gallery – perhaps the largest in the world. Climb up the side to see the remaining frescoes and a lion’s paws carved into the rock before reaching the ruins on its top.

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Credit: Jordan Hammond; Aman Resorts; Paco Como: Shutterstock

DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE The ancient monastery and complex of cave temples here are even older than Sri Lanka’s ancient Pāli Canon, the world’s oldest complete collection of Buddhist scripture.

In the main caves, you will see Buddha statues hewn out of the rock and escorted by wooden figures. The spring water that drips from a crack in the tempera-painted ceiling is said to have healing powers.

Amangalla bedroom

Sri Lanka train by Jordan Hammond

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Living large in paradise is the best way to get to know Sri Lanka, and several boutique luxury hotels make it easy to travel around the island without sacrificing comfort and class. The Remote Lands favorite is Amangalla in Galle for a unique opportunity to live in luxury among the ramparts of the UNESCO heritage of Galle Fort. The exquisitely maintained grounds – complete with 200-year-old gardens, original furnishings, and luxuriant four-poster beds – recall the heyday of steamship travel and the tea trade during British rule. Get personalized Ayurvedic therapy in the baths and sip tea on crisp linens beneath chandeliers.

Situated up the coast in Tangelle, Amanwella is a world away in design aesthetic from Amangalla but equal in quality and service. It is the ideal Sri Lanka beach retreat. Ceylon Tea Trails, on the other hand, is the best way to explore the Bogawantalawa Valley. The Geoffrey Bawa-designed Heritance Kandalama in Damballa is a stunning example of green architecture: a literal forest of grasses and hanging vines subsumes the entire building.

As for the best wildlife national park experiences at Yala and Wilpattu, there are two words that really matter: Leopard Trails.

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EAST COAST OF TAIWAN FOR THE ROAD TRIP I

f you think Taiwan is all about metropolises and skycrapers, then you probably haven’t seen its east coast. Cut off from the heavilypopulated western side of the island by stunning mountain ranges, the region is known for its climate and laid-back culture – all best experienced from the open road. Skirt the eastern coastline to explore Taiwan’s incomparable natural beauty, from the vast geological wonders of Taroko National Park and Qingshui’s steep precipices to the expansive rice paddies of the East Rift Valley.

The east coast is all about natural splendor. Start things off in the south by catching the surf on Kenting’s tropical white sand beaches and perhaps even some snorkeling and diving. Then, head up the coast to Hualien, for Taroko Gorge, the best hiking trail in the whole of Taiwan.

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Yehliu Geopark and Taipei’s Yangminshan National Park round out a tour of Taiwan’s most stunning conservation areas.

For a taste of the culture, travelers can explore 30 hectares of the island’s largest Buddhist monastery, Fo Guang Shan, which is known to close periodically to provide a more cloistered atmosphere. In fact, every stop along the road trip should involve some manner of cultural experience, be it a temple visit or learning about the indigenous peoples of Taiwan.

Travelers should also be reminded that a road trip doesn’t have to be by car; Taiwan is famous for being cycle friendly, and visitors can take their time cycling around the whole of the Republic of China.

It’s slower, but a bike will get you places a car can’t.

Credit: Jay Tindall

“Travelers can go from one of the most dynamic cities in Asia to empty cliffs on the edge of the world and from crystal clear snorkeling waters to forgotten, weathered villages.”

– Remote Lands Co-founder and COO Jay Tindall

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Winding road through Taiwan’s mountains

WHERE TO STAY

Credit: Jay Tindall

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Qingshui Cliff

On the east coast road trip, travelers will find themselves in the Grand Hi Lai Hotel and Chihpen Century Hotel, but along the way it’s hard to beat Taroko Silks Place. You’ll want to spend at least one full day discovering Taroko Gorge, and this is the only lodging option fit for luxury travelers hiking Taroko. The road trip ends in the very modern city of Taipei where lovers of luxury hotels will be spoiled for choice, but the crème de la crème is Taipei’s timeless Mandarin Oriental. Featuring the largest spa on the island, the Mandarin Oriental’s French Renaissance-style building took eight years for the hotel group to build.

Road and beach on Taiwan’s coast

WHAT TO DO

MARKETS OF KAOHSIUNG Kaohsiung is actually on the west coast, but the convenient flights make this an ideal place to begin your road trip. While there, indulge in urban Taiwan by taking a ferry to Chi-Jin for the seafood market and be sure not to miss the local specialty: snails braised in Taiwanese liquor.

HIKE TAROKO GORGE Around 500 meters above the Liwu River, Zhuilu Old Trail is the favorite hiking trail in Taroko Gorge, a pleasure reserved for only 100 lucky hikers every weekday. The highlight of Taroko Gorge is Qingshui Cliff: sharp green cliffs above the blue waters. It’s said that all three “blues” of the Pacific Ocean can be seen here, making Qingshui a favorite with photographers the world over.

ENJOY URBAN TAIPEI The road trip ends in Taipei, one of the most dynamic cities in East Asia. Though there will be the obligatory visit to Taipei 101, some say the hike up Elephant Mountain features better views. After savoring the nightlife, travelers can end their journey at Ximending, the pedestrian shopping hub that has been a center for Taiwanese popular culture since the island was under Japanese rule.

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YAKUTSK

FOR THE EXTREME WEATHER

– Travel expert Trinity Nguyen 36

Credit Tatiana Gasich: Shutterstock

“Yakutsk is the coldest city on earth, very remote, and is built on permafrost. Go for the preserved wooly mammoth head, the fluffiest little horses, the frozen fish market where fish look like baguettes in baskets, reindeer antler velvet vodka, ice fishing, a home-cooked meal with slices of raw river fish, and definitely take a cruise to the Lena Pillars. Yakutsk is seriously cool.”

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dventure enthusiasts, get ready, because this Siberian capital packs in more weather extremes than any other city in Asia.

Yakutsk winters are the coldest of any city its size and have produced the lowest recorded temperatures on the planet outside of Antarctica.

For those wanting to get off-the-beaten-track, the track here gets frozen over in winter and is often inaccessible by land. Here is where travelers can journey into Siberian culture and maybe even catch sight of the northern lights or the delightful Siberian horses in winter.

Yakutsk can come alive for

luxury travelers this year with the “Gemstones & Glaciers: The Treasures of Yakutsk” itinerary from Remote Lands.

The superlatives don’t stop at Yakutsk’s winters. The cold capital of the Sakha Republic also boasts summertime highs that are delightfully balmy. Travelers opting for a summertime trip to Yakutsk can sail up the Lena River and see the stunning Lena Pillars, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the result of the freezethaw action over millennia.

The Kingdom of Permafrost, a one-of-a-kind museum of ice novelties set inside two icy caverns, is also a must-visit.

For a truly unforgettable

experience, catch the late-June New Year festival of Yhyakh in which elders lead a fertility ritual and younger Yakuts go head-to-head in competitions of strength and poetic improvisation. Be sure to try the kumis and stroganina, Siberian delicacies of mare’s milk and raw frozen fish, respectively.

Photographers will want to take advantage of the clear blue skies and half-day “golden hours” to walk the old city on foot during the summer, where they’ll see buildings from every epoch in Yakutsk’s history, including Cossack forts, Byzantine churches, and Soviet compounds.

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WHAT TO DO

Yakutsk horses in winter

DIAMONDS OF YAKUTSK A must for anyone who likes bling, the Treasury of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is filled with diamonds, silver, gold, platinum, precious stones, walrus and mammoth ivory, and sculptures by local artisans.

LENA PILLARS IN SUMMER The Pillars are a day’s boat ride upstream from Yakutsk, so expect a multi-day journey.

The natural rock buttresses are made up of alternating layers of limestone, marlstone, dolomite, and slate. Enjoy the view from the ship and hop off to hike the towering peaks or walk on the sandy river islands.

Lena Pillars

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PERMAFROST KINGDOM The local Atlasov family bored two tunnels into the permanently frozen hill on their homestead to create a neon-lit, icy masterpiece. Sculptures of Yakut figures and Ded Moroz (Russia’s Santa Clause) are seen among an ice slide, curling rink, a literal ice bed, and, of course, the obligatory mammoth.

EXPERIENCE YSYAKH The largest festival of the year draws Yakut people from throughout the Sakha Republic to the site of Us-Khatyn and typically takes place on the weekend after the summer solstice. The festivities combine poetic improvisation, dance, and kylyhakh, a form of throat singing, but you’ll also want to stick around for the adrenaline-fueled Mas-wrestling and the other national games.

Credit: Marcin Osman, Hani Santosa, Vicky Ivanova: Shutterstock

WHERE TO STAY It’s out of the way, certainly, but Yakutsk is still a city and accommodations here will be comfortable. The Polyarnaya Zvezda Yakutsk is one of the more popular places for highend visitors and its prime location puts travelers in range of downtown Yakutsk. The hotel has a surprisingly friendly feel on the inside, especially considering the Siberian mammoth guarding the atrium. The old city, National Museum, Treasury Building, Preobrazhensky Church, and Kulyakovsky Monument are all just minutes away on foot.

The best way to reach Lena Pillars National Park is by boat, and visitors can enjoy a private charter to view these massive stone monoliths in comfort.

Inside Permafrost Kingdom 39

TOKYO

FOR THE SUMMER GAMES

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“Japan is already one of our top travel destinations and now with the Summer Games we are seeing overwhelming excitement for the very limited space available.”

– Remote Lands Co-founder and CEO Catherine Heald

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et used to hearing “2020” and “Tokyo” together. It should come as no surprise that Japan’s capital is a top destination for the coming year. One of the world’s most densely populated cities and an undisputed hub of technology and commerce, this summer the biggest city in the Land of the Rising Sun will be all about sports. Travelers who want a peaceful city break will want to book around the most exciting sporting event on the planet.

Remote Lands is proud to offer private and small group trips to Tokyo’s Summer Games

in 2020, complete with sporting events, luxury hotels, and pre and post touring in Japan and throughout the continent.

When the games return to Tokyo this year, sporting events will be held in new, ultra-modern facilities along with existing venues that have endured since the capital first hosted the Games in the 1960s.

Among the latter is Nippon Budokan, or simply Budokan.

The arena has racked up an impressive history since its construction more than 50 years ago. It is, in all likelihood, one of the world’s only buildings to have hosted the Beatles, Bob

Dylan, and Tina Turner under the same roof as championship sumo matches.

On either side of enjoying the ceremonies and athletic events, visitors will find a wealth of activities and a bustling city to explore. In keeping with the spirit of the Summer Games, travelers can even dive into the uniquely Japanese world of sumo wrestling by visiting one of the communal schools where these unusual athletes live and train. Busy markets, contemporary art, and even sword smithing are on the menu for this year’s Summer Games – but only for a lucky few.

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Hilton Tokyo

Four Seasons Tokyo

WHAT TO DO 42

SEE THE GAMES 2020 From equestrian sports to climbing, sailing, surfing, judo, and beyond, travelers will not want to miss the chance to catch as many sporting events as possible.

Throughout the city, Tokyo and the whole of Japan will be in the grips of Summer Games hysteria, and Japan has already reported initial ticket sales numbering in the millions.

THE GAMES WITH KYOTO Travelers can extend their trip with Remote Lands in Kyoto before and after their Summer Games experience. While Tokyo is the modern capital of Japan, Kyoto is its old-world cultural counterpart. Home to countless Buddhist temples, royal palaces, and well-manicured gardens, this must-see destination is located just hours from Tokyo and the venues of the Summer Games.

OPENING CEREMONY Only a few Remote Lands clients will be privileged enough to catch the most highlyanticipated live event of the year: the opening of the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo. This year’s ceremonies will be held in an entirely revamped arena that replaces the previously outdated Tokyo National Stadium. The New National Stadium will also serve as the primary track and field venue for the Games.

Credit: Hilton Worldwide; Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; Sakarin Sawasdinaka: Shutterstock

WHER E TO STAY

Tokyo skyline

With the city absolutely packed thanks to the Games, quality accommodations are sure to be in short supply. Remote Lands, however, has you covered. Options include the Hilton Tokyo, which is located in Shinjuku, the heart of Tokyo’s business, shopping, and entertainment district. The hotel features a wide range of guest rooms, suites, and executive rooms for travelers to relax after the day’s events. The luxury Four Seasons, boasting a high-end pedigree among the best in the world, is another option for sports-loving luxe travelers.

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TORAJA

FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

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ith new flights from Makassar to Palopo, it’s time for travelers interested in the strange to try Toraja.

Southern Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a land of great contrast: tropical forests blur into fresh alpine peaks.

The highland area of Tana Toraja is the capital of this region and home to the Toraja people, practitioners of burial ceremonies in which pigs, horses, and especially water buffalo are sacrificed in order to buy a swifter, safer passage from the living world.

This practice of mass sacrifice has earned Torajaland a reputation as one of the darker cultural events travelers may witness in Southeast Asia, and the funeral rites of the Toraja get more interesting from there.

Some Torajans preserve the corpses of the dead, and after ceremonial singing and dressing of the bodies, the corpses are 44

laid to rest in cliffside graves set at different elevations according to the deceased’s social status.

Wooden effigies called “tau tau” are placed at the site to guard the dead up to some 30 meters off the ground. And what’s more, at the yearly ma’nene festival in August, bodies are removed from their tombs for cleaning and at times even paraded through the streets.

Witnessing this ceremony is of course not for the faint-ofheart, but those who can look past the outwardly grim events will see Sulawesi in the raw.

From the shape of the traditional homes to the giant Jesus Buntu Burake statue, the largely Christian Torajaland is a world of contrasts that can expand the mind.

Like everything else in the world these days, the spectacle is open to tourists. For now, visitors can respectfully observe these rituals, but be warned: it can be macabre.

Credit: Jay Tindall

“The sacrifice is only one part of the intense funerary rites of this land. There are also dirges, occasional cockfighting, and the cleansing of the bodies. Death is important to the Torajans, as it is to everyone.”

– Remote Lands Co-founder and COO Jay Tindall 45

Jesus Buntu Burake in Torajaland

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Visitors to Southern Sulawesi are in luck when it comes to quality accommodations, as the Toraja Heritage Hotel prides itself on staying true to local Indonesian culture while also offering high-end comforts. The Toraja Heritage’s architecture follows the style of traditional Torajan tribal homes, with a unique roof design modeled after a ship’s prow. Located 2,300 feet above sea level, this hotel looks out over one of Indonesia’s largest mountain ranges, Other highlights and features include a flying ropes course, two outdoor swimming pools, a spa, and a bamboo bar.

Torajaland is a world away from tourist hotspots like Manado, but there is still a level of comfort to be had for those booking in advance.

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Procession of a Toraja casket

WHAT TO DO

Credit: Jay Tindall

TORAJALAND FUNERAL Locals save for months, or even years, to give their dead loved ones the best chance in the afterlife. Keeping a respectful distance, travelers can experience some of the most intense funerary rites in Southeast Asia.

COFFEE PLANTATION Anyone will tell you that Indonesia makes some Mourners at a Torajaland funeral of the best coffee in the world. While on your cultural trip through Sulawesi, travelers can learn about the local means of production and cultivation and take a little taste of Torajaland back home.

HANGING COFFINS After experiencing the funeral proceedings, travelers can visit the famed hanging coffins of Torajaland, the final resting place of the Torajan dead. Perhaps the most-famed of these sites is that of Lemo, where the still, carved faces of countless wooden “tau tau� statues look down from above.

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TESHIMA AND SHODOSHIMA FOR THE ART

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rom above you’d never guess that the tiny islands that make up the Seto Inland Sea are host to the finest permanent exhibitions in East Asia, but they are – thanks in no small part to the Setouchi Triennale.

The islands in this corner of the Land of the Rising Sun include Tadao Andodesigned properties, natural wonders, and quiet island exhibitions built in abandoned factories and underground.

Of particular interest to art lovers should be Teshima Art Museum that resembles a water droplet at the moment of landing. The rural island of Teshima boasts a rich cultural tradition that manifests largely in its many modern art pieces, strewn throughout the island incorporating raw

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materials. The Teshima Art Museum is a minimalist concrete structure that is intentionally open to the elements. Another Teshima island art stop is Les Archives du Coeur, or “Heart Archives.”

The Heart Archives is a contemporary art installation allowing visitors to make a recording of their heartbeat that is added to a worldwide database. Along with the art offerings, Teshima is also home to a forested mountain and three small fishing villages.

Just east of Teshima is Shodoshima. While there are more than 40 works of art in the port towns along Shodoshima’s southern coast, the region is also known for its beaches, olives, and wild monkeys.

Taking a break from the galleries, travelers can

explore Kankakei Gorge, the beach land bridge of Angel Road, or walk the rice terraces.

There is no end to interesting island stops in this art paradise. Inujima – a much smaller neighbor to the north – can be explored in a single day, the highlight being the Seirensho Art Museum built atop the ruins of a copper refinery. Located primarily underground, the museum makes use of building materials such as old brick and chunks of granite from the refinery in its construction. One of the more notable works housed in the Inujima Seirensho is a tunnel of mirrors that takes on a different ambiance depending upon the light filtering in from the outside at different times of the day.

“Teshima is a larger island with small inns where one can stay, and it is covered with over a dozen fascinating museums and art installations.

Shodoshima is much larger still with multiple fishing villages and soy sauce factories that provide the livelihood for the local residents. It has an excellent ryokan as well as many art installations, especially during the Setouchi Triennale.”

– Remote Lands Co-founder and CEO

Credit: Kelly.Lam

Catherine Heald

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Credit: Chatchawat Prasertsom, Sanga Park, Rayints: Shutterstock

Teshima Art Museum

WHAT TO DO 50

SETOUCHI TRIENNALE The hundreds of art sites on 12 islands and two coastal areas are best accessed with an expert Triennale guide. Be sure to check out the Art House Project to see one way the Setouchi Triennale is trying to revitalize the Seto Inland Sea; artists take empty residential houses and turn them into works of art.

JAPAN’S BEST ART MUSEUMS Thanks in no small part to the Benesse Foundation’s investment in the arts beginning in the 1990s, Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima, Inujima, and the other islands of the Seto Inland Sea are home to world-class museums and installations. The Chichu Museum is a subterranean masterwork of light modulation, and once back on the big island, head to Kurashiki’s Bizen Pottery Museum and the Ohara Museum.

EXPLORE THE ISLANDS Uno Port is the gateway to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Shodoshima is a break in the natural world, and the Mediterranean-like climate in this region is fantastic for exploring the outdoors for short hikes.

WHERE TO STAY

Artwork by Yayoi Kusama on Naoshima Island

The Benesse House is the place to stay on Naoshima, and if you aren’t already among the Tadao Andoobsessed, prepare to be. Ando wanted guests to be able to get close to great art and have a rewarding dialogue with it, so each room in the post-modern hotel-museum compound is uniquely designed with its own artwork. From here, you can easily visit the other Tadao Ando properties on Naoshima, such as the remarkable Chichu Museum, or discover installations by other artists, like Shinro Ohtake’s funky Naoshima Bath.

Travel between islands in the Seto Inland Sea is typically handled by ferry, but recent years have seen the arrival of private yacht options for travelers who want to see all of the Triennale without the crowds.

Shodoshima’s Angel Road

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BANGKOK FOR THE FOOD

“I take the recipes from King Rama V – and sometimes King Rama II. At this restaurant we want people to know that Thai food is not only the pad thai, only the green curry, only the pad kra pao.”

– Chef Rossarin at Celadon

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B Credit: Anansing: Shutterstock

angkok is foodie heaven.

Street food, markets, Michelin stars – Thailand’s capital is, simply put, delicious. Today, the chefs behind restaurants such as Nahm and Bo.Lan are crafting new distillations of heritage cuisine.

In many ways, Gaggan Anand’s progressive molecular gastronomy ignited a new era of chef-driven haute cuisine in Bangkok, and the golden age of fine dining in Bangkok has only just begun. Bangkok finally had its first Michelin guide published in 2017, and today it boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants which run the gamut of historic street stalls to 30-course modernist experiences.

There has never been a better time to eat at Bangkok’s top restaurants and learn firsthand about the flavors and techniques driving the most innovative chefs in Southeast Asia.

With the new “Ultimate Insider

Access to Bangkok’s Fine-Dining Scene” itinerary add-on from Remote Lands, travelers can get an exclusive glimpse into the culinary life of the Thai capital by dining out with the city’s top culinary talents.

Travelers can find inspiration at the Klong Toei market and take a cooking lesson from chef Ian Kittichai, the award-winning author, TV personality, and brains behind the Issaya Siamese Club.

Around the city are hidden fine dining establishments, including the palm blades at Sorn, an homage to Thailand’s tropical forests that sources all of its ingredients from Southern farmers and fishermen.

Bangkok’s repository of Michelinstarred treats is growing fast – from the now world-famous Jay Fai to new eateries on the city’s edge – so get here soon to dig into the new flavors of Southeast Asia’s culinary capital.

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Credit: Rosewood Hotels; Ferdyboy: Shutterstock; Tyler Roney

Bangkok has more than a few boutique options, but the best for proximity to Thailand’s fine dining hideaways are the design-forward Rosewood and the Sukhothai. Right in the heart of the city and close to all the top restaurants, nothing beats the brand-new Rosewood’s stellar location overlooking the popular Sukhumvit Road. For cocktails, go to the top of this incredible central building for a vinyl record-themed bar with one of the best views in the city. Inside the contemporary Thai accommodations include brocadelike folding screens and other intricate details for a memorable stay.

The Sukhothai Bangkok is tucked away on several acres of secluded gardens and lotus ponds in downtown Bangkok. The hotel’s designers took their cue from the ruins of Sukhothai, incorporating ancient architectural elements and contemporary Thai artisanship. However, the best part of the Sukhothai is simple: Celadon. Here, Chef Rossarin uses recipes from history for a dining experience like no other.

A spate of new hotel openings in late 2019 and 2020 – such as the Four Seasons and Capella Bangkok – will put a new spin on luxury accommodations by the river, making for easy access to one of Bangkok’s most famous dining locales: Chinatown.

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Atop the Rosewood in downtown Bangkok

WHERE TO STAY

DINE WITH TOP CHEFS Meet Bangkok’s top culinary talents for an after-work meal and drinks. Get insider recommendations on the best places to eat and meet other leaders and innovators in Bangkok’s culinary scene. Hear their stories and learn about their inspirations and passions.

GO INSIDE A MICHELIN-STAR KITCHEN Enjoy an exclusive close-up experience with a Michelin-starred chef who will walk you through the kitchen and show you how the team prepares ingredients ahead of an evening’s service. Dine at the chef’s table or participate in a staff family meal.

EXPLORE STREET FOOD Bangkok is home to some of the world’s most famous street food, but it takes a discerning eye and palate to find the needle in the haystack. To get inspiration in the style of the great chefs, head to the Klong Toei market early in the morning to watch porters trickle in with their goods. Try some salapao (pork buns) and jok (congee) for breakfast.

Travelers will find a variety of fresh and preserved dishes, barbecued seafood, roasted meats, and more at the markets around the city.

Traditional Thai dish from Chef Rossarin at Celadon

WHAT TO DO Jay Fai, Thailand’s most famous street food chef

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CATHERINE HEALD ON THE 2020 DOZEN DREAM DESTINATIONS FROM REMOTE LANDS

What does Remote Lands look for when considering Dozen Dream Destinations?

Remote Lands prides itself on figuring out the next cool destinations before anyone else does, and indeed announcing what those places are in our annual list of our Dozen Dream Destinations. We look at hundreds of possibilities and ultimately make our decisions based on new events such as the Tokyo Summer Games, new hotels such as Shinta Mani Wild in remote Cambodia, and Awei Pila and Wa Ale in Mergui in Myanmar, new flights such as nonstops from Makassar to Palopo, and other exciting news such as all the new Michelin-star restaurants in Bangkok.

What are some destinations that didn’t make the list that you think are going to be especially important in 2020.

India luxury travel is growing because of the new ease of getting India visas as well as all the new nonstop flights within India, which makes domestic travel drastically easier without endless car rides. Cities like Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Hyderabad, and Maheshwar have many more 56

nonstop flights, making them much easier and convenient to reach. For example, I recently flew nonstop from Hyderabad to Amritsar, which previously required a connection in Delhi.

You can now fly Ahmedabad to Jaisalmer, which wasn’t even possible at all in the past because the Jaisalmer airport was purely for military or charter flights, as was Bikaner’s airport. I had to drive 10 hours the last time I went to Bikaner, and now there are easy flights from Delhi. Nepal is also making a comeback after the tragic earthquake a few years ago as important monuments have been restored in this very special corner of the Himalayas.

Where are you most looking forward to traveling in 2020?

More remote areas in Japan and India, both of which I have been to dozens of times but I have only scratched the surface, and there is so much more. We have been inundated with requests to go to the Stans which have been very hot for us recently, with many clients doing “Pan-Stans” journeys to all five Central Asia countries in a three-week period. The Stans are a lacuna in my travel experience that I will try to fill if I can find the time.

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EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF

ASIA

Remote Lands is the world’s foremost bespoke travel designer focused exclusively on Asia. We provide the very finest that Asia has to offer, from pool villas and private jets to unique experiences among far-flung cultures off the beaten path. Our attention to detail, personlized service, creativity and deep knowledge of Asia set us apart.

58 Contact us at +1(646) 439-5333 and on RemoteLands.com