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Southeast Asia is back! And our Top Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures… A&K Southeast Asia Insider
With the perfect weather arriving right now into places like Bali, we reveal some of our favorite experiences across Indonesia, and also share our Top 5 Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures in Southeast Asia, from countryside adventures to jungle explorations. We also chat with the man behind Chiang Rai’s most exciting dining destination, Chef Kong of Locus Native Food Lab, and we welcome Robert Rankin as our Country Manager for Vietnam.
Indonesia Uncovered
With Indonesia now easing entry requirements and offering Visa on Arrival for 43 countries, we can’t wait to get back and explore the country’s amazing and diverse landscapes. From ancient volcanoes to natural rainforests as well as bustling cities, historical wonders and stunning beaches, Indonesia has it all. To help you plan your next adventure, we have put together a quick guide to all our favorite experiences across Indonesia’s many islands.
Bali
One of Indonesia's most captivating islands, Bali has inspired artists and spiritual-seekers for centuries with its layers of artistic and cultural heritage. Walk or cycle through emerald rice terraces, evergreen forests, lakes and volcanoes in the heart of Ubud. Learn spiritual life lessons from a Hindu priest, discover art and culture, then head to the coast for some rest and relaxation amid Bali’s stunning beaches. Discover more with our recommended Bali itineraries:
The soul of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is the center of Javanese arts and heritage and is the gateway to Borobudur, the eighth century temple and largest Buddhist monument in the world. The train by Aman is our new favorite way to travel, transporting you on a slow journey through beautiful Javanese countryside from the bustling city of Jakarta to the foothills of Borobudur. Explore Yogyakarta with our recommended experiences:
Some of the best diving and snorkeling experiences in the world can be found near Raja Ampat and the Maluku Islands (also known as the Spice Islands). Look out for rare Birds of Paradise flying overhead as you sail through this almost untouched paradise where most of the world’s nutmeg, pepper, cloves and other exotic spices are found. Consider chartering a private yacht to explore this fascinating landscape in your own style or click to view our recommended itinerary:
Watch orangutans swing from tree to tree while exploring natural jungles on the “wild side” on the Indonesian side of the island of Borneo. Travel by boat along the river and learn about conservation projects that are helping to protect the dwindling population of playful primates in this equatorial rainforest. A morning with the orangutans is a morning you will never forget! Discover more of Borneo with our recommended itinerary:
With its spectacular coasts, rugged mountains and towering volcanoes the Komodo archipelago offers stunning coastal scenery as well colorful underwater adventures. Spend your days on board the Aqua Blu cruise, snorkeling or diving amid amazing coral gardens or trekking across savannahs in search of endangered Komodo dragons. Cruise in style with our recommended island cruise itinerary:
Our Top 5: Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures in Southeast Asia
For the thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies out there (you know who you are!) we have put together our Top 5 Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures in Southeast Asia that will make your heart rate soar and get you up close to all the action, from countryside adventures to jungle explorations and more!
1. Ride a Military Jeep in the Vietnamese Countryside
Explore Vietnam’s farmland and forests in a retro style military Jeep. This is an opportunity to go off the beaten track and discover authentic Southern Vietnamese villages which are home to cricket farms and rubber tree plantations as well as the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which were used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Indonesia’s sweeping green valleys and towering volcanoes are the perfect backdrop for exciting two-wheeled adventures. We love heading out for a morning bike ride through lush Balinese landscapes and villages, starting from the edge of a volcano and pedaling downhill through orange plantations, rice fields and rainforest valleys.
Jump on a quad bike for a fun and bumpy off-road adventure in the countryside of Siem Reap. Watch local life unfold in the rice paddies and villages and discover the “real Cambodia” beyond the Angkorian temples. Follow dirt tracks and backroads, passing through fields lined with palm trees and stop by a morning market to sample local snacks.
Get your heart pumping with a fun and energetic workout at a rooftop training venue in downtown Bangkok. Learn to punch and kick like a champion Muay Thai (Thai boxing) fighter with help from a specialized personal fitness trainer. After the high-energy session, soothe your mind, body and soul with a Pure Blend Oil Body Massage and a well-earned smoothie.
5. Trek Waterfalls and Plantations in Southern Laos
In the southern corner of Laos, the mighty Mekong River diverges around the crags of 4,000 islands, creating a dramatic and diverse eco-system – perfect for active outdoors adventures, from jungle treks in the nearby Bolaven Plateau to off-road bike rides across rugged island terrain and plantation hikes to small coffee farms and remote ethnic villages.
Chef Talk: A Chat with Chef Kong of Locus Native Food Lab
Set among northern Thailand’s rolling hills, Locus Native Food Lab is one of Chiang Rai’s most exciting dining experiences. The intimate, 12-seat dining room is usually booked months in advance. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with the talented Chef Kongwuth Chaiwongkachon (or Chef Kong for short), who is known for presenting authentic northern Thai flavors with an innovative twist and championing local Chiang Rai produce.
Q: Your restaurant is one of the most sought-after tables in Chiang Rai, what was the inspiration behind Locus Native Food Lab?
A: Since I started cooking, I always wanted my dishes to reflect something, but I just did not know what that would be. Then when I married my wife, who is from Chiang Rai, I came to her house and we enjoyed a lot of good food and cooking during our wedding ceremony. That is when I fell in love with northern Thai cuisine. So I decided to study more about the local food and cultures here in Chiang Rai, and that became Locus Native Food Lab.
Q: Your tasting menus often tell a story of Lanna and northern Thai culture. Can you give us an idea of what diners will experience when they come to your restaurant?
A: I try to find the balance between authenticity and originality. From time to time, I will slide a bit of Lanna history into my food, adding cultural context into the dish. For example, it is common to eat jackfruit around this time of year, around the Thai New Year (Songkran) festival, because the Thai word for jackfruit is “ka-nhun” where nhun means to support or to raise. Therefore, people believe that eating jackfruit will bring prosperity and good luck in the coming year. We tell these stories to our guests and allow the food to communicate with them emotionally.
Q: How would you describe your cooking style?
A: I utilize the techniques and cooking styles that I have encountered or experienced during my life. I graduated from a French cooking school, then worked in a Mediterranean restaurant and ended up following a Japanese culinary path in my career. I am blessed to have learned these different cuisines from around the world. Each has its own charm and beauty, and I do my best to apply the right combination of techniques to the right menu.
Q: You focus on sustainable and locally-sourced produce. Can you tell us more about how you choose ingredients for your dishes?
We make sure that we know the origins of our food. We source organic produce from local farmers, fishermen and butchers, not only to find the best products, but also to gain inspiration from their work environment. Food comes in seasons, each with its own unique stories and characteristics. So our goal is to create a memorable dining experience and also provide an understanding of the history behind each dish.
Q: Do you have a favorite northern Thai dish?
A: My all-time favorite dish would have to be lamm-bon, an acidic relish made from taro stems and tamarind. This is a rare dish to find in the market and quite a challenging dish to perfect. It is a very local dish, so it is hard to find, but your best chance would be to take a walk along Chiang Rai’s Saturday Walking Street where you may find a pop-up store by some local vendors.
Q: Where should travelers go to shop, eat or hang out in Chiang Rai like a local?
A: Simply walk around the city's fresh market in the morning, noon or evening and you will see a lot of vendors that locals love. Local markets such as Kad Baan Mai or Kad Baan Dhu offer very simple everyday food for locals. There, you will find northern cuisine. Nothing fancy, but very true to the culture.
Q: What can we expect from Locus Native Food Lab in 2022?
A: I love to give guests a true experience of Lanna flavors, so I am planning to bring back khantok at the end of the meal. Khantok is a small tray which was traditionally used during the Lanna period to serve several dishes at once, from curries to condiments, fried delicacies and salads. This is basically a set of 100% authentic northern Thai food. The reason I become a chef was to make people happy, so my goal is to create unforgettable moments for guests.
Taste Chef Kong’s culinary creations on your next journey to Chiang Rai. Guests of A&K Southeast Asia enjoy priority seating while staying at the neighboring Pa Sak Tong Estate, private villa accommodation set among sprawling gardens, ponds and rice fields.
A&K Southeast Asia Welcomes Robert Rankin, Country Manager for Vietnam
We are delighted to welcome Robert Rankin as Country Manager for Abercrombie & Kent Vietnam, based at our head Vietnam office in Ho Chi Minh City. Robert brings two decades of experience in the luxury travel industry, including in-depth product and operational knowledge, in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia.
“For me, Vietnam is a destination like no other in Asia. From thousands of years of history and culture to vibrant cosmopolitan cities, to paradise beaches and some of the freshest and healthiest food in Asia, Vietnam has so much to discover. That’s why it’s become by second home! Every region from north, central and south has its own special cuisine and even their own variety of pho (noodle soup). My favorite is the southern style which tends to be a little sweeter. Try them all during your visit!”
Robert joins our Vietnam team at a time when the country is opening up again for international travel and has already hit the ground running, demonstrating his dynamic leadership and commitment to quality as we pave the way towards the new world of travel.
We are excited to see many of our favorite hotels featured in Fodor’s Travel list of Asia’s Best Hotels in 2022, including Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai (Hoi An, Vietnam), La Résidence d'Angkor, A Belmond Hotel (Siem Reap, Cambodia), 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai, Thailand), Rosewood Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang, Laos), The Siam (Bangkok, Thailand), Sofitel Legend Metropole (Hanoi, Vietnam).
A recap of reopening news around the region:
Vietnam: Reopened on 15 March 2002 with no quarantine and no on-arrival test required. Read more
Thailand: Recently dropped the Test & Go entry process with no COVID-19 tests required. Read more
Singapore: Now open to arrivals from all countries with no testing requirements. Read more
Cambodia: Open for all nationalities with no COVID-19 test required and Visa on Arrival now available. Read more
Indonesia: Removed on-arrival test and quarantine requirements and reopened Visa on Arrival for 43 nationalities. Read more
Laos: An RT-PCR test is required both pre-departure and on arrival and travelers are required to remain at their hotel for 48 hours. Read more
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Please note: The above information was correct at time of writing. However, the situation remains fluid and details change regularly. We recommend that travelers always check travel advisories both in your home country and the destination you are traveling to before you book and before travel.
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Looking for more INSIDER news, ideas and travel information?
As we welcome guests back to Southeast Asia, we share a few words about what our guests and advisors say about traveling with A&K now. We also chat with Donald Wong, General Manager of Song Saa Private Island, join in a moment of silence for Indonesia’s upcoming Nyepi festival and discover our Top 5 Foodie Finds in Southeast Asia, from coffee to pepper and hill tribe vegetables.
We share our new Wellness and Spirituality of Bali journey, our favorite must-dos in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Top 5 ways to bring in the New Year in Thailand. Catch up with Jean-Baptiste Richard, our new Regional Managing Director for Southeast Asia, and learn how travelers can make an impact in Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang through A&K Philanthropy.
In this issue, we unveil the ultimate luxury honeymoon adventure in Thailand and chat with some of Southeast Asia’s top chefs about their favorite local dishes. Browse our portfolio of luxury and boutique villas in Thailand and get an update on our new A&K philanthropy project in Myanmar.
