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In this issue of THE INSIDER by A&K Southeast Asia, we unveil our Exclusive Cambodia journey, showcasing the nation’s unique arts, history and nature along with the best luxury accommodation, including the much talked-about Shinta Mani Wild. We also share our Top 5 reasons to add Dalat to your Vietnam must-see list, chat with Bangkok’s Creative District’s dynamic design duo and introduce our A&K Philanthropy project in Mai Chau, Vietnam. Plus, find out everything you need to know about the Thai King’s upcoming coronation in May.
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A few words from our guests:
“This trip gave us a great insight into the people, the culture and the beauty of parts of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. We were touched by the warmth and generosity of the people, especially in Cambodia. All in all, the trip was wonderful. We have zero complaints, only praise for the job A&K did as guides and in whisking us through immigration and customs in each country. Thanks again for all your help.”
Gary R., United States
A&K Goes Wild for Exclusive Cambodia
Leading the way in luxury travel, Abercrombie & Kent Southeast Asia has launched Exclusive Cambodia - the ultimate private luxury program that features the best of Cambodia’s city, culture, island and nature.
No longer just an extension to neighboring Thailand or Vietnam, Cambodia has developed into a must-see destination in its own right. Our private 13-day journey offers A&K Insider Access moments as well as Cambodia’s most extravagant accommodation including designer Bill Bensley’s buzz-worthy new jungle retreat, Shinta Mani Wild, and the newly-opened private island resort, Six Senses Krabey Island.
Tim Cook, Country Manager for Abercrombie & Kent Thailand, Cambodia and Laos recently introduced the program, “This journey represents what we do best; combining our signature A&K exclusive experiences with exceptional properties that exude personality and are leading the world in terms of guest experience and individual style. From the serene rice paddies of Phum Baitang in Siem Reap to the modern spire of Rosewood Phnom Penh, the extreme nature of Shinta Mani Wild and the indulgent Six Senses Krabey Island, this one-of-a-kind program is everything in one - an exhilarating expedition with genuine local encounters and distinct Southeast Asian finesse.”
Perfect for both first-time visitors to Cambodia as well as seasoned world travelers seeking something new, this comprehensive journey showcases incredible art, design and heritage in the shadows of the mysterious Angkor temples, unravels layers of history in Phnom Penh, then whisks you away to the remote jungles of Cambodia, ending with tranquility in the Cambodian Riviera.
Discover our Exclusive Cambodia itinerary or contact us to find out more.
Our Top 5: Why Dalat Should Be on Your Vietnam Must-See List
Dubbed ‘The Little Paris of Vietnam,’ Dalat’s French colonial charms and small town beauty are just one hours’ flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Here’s how to make the most of this Central Highlands city’s breath-taking natural beauty, quirky heritage and thriving tea, coffee and wine culture.
1. Encounter Art and Architecture
Prepare to be perplexed and amazed by the surrealist architecture of Hang Nga Guesthouse, also known as Crazy House, where Gaudi meets Dali and Disney in a space that is at once whimsical and bizarre. Inspired by Gaudi, Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga’s vision resembles a giant tree with intriguing design elements including animals, mushrooms, spider webs and caves – an unexpected delight in this quiet corner of Vietnam.
Indulge in a day of tasty treats while exploring Dalat’s picturesque coffee, wine and tea valleys. Soak up the fresh valley air while sipping red wine at Vietnam’s highland winery or sample the region’s famous weasel coffee, if you dare! One of the most rewarding moments for us is driving through the fluorescent green landscapes where Dalat’s oldest tea plantation cultivates its most fragrant leaves.
Dalat’s colonial history and heritage is best discovered on foot, with a walking tour of the town. Visit the old colonial railway station and marvel at the impressive antique steam locomotives on display, evoking the splendor of Dalat. Go back even further in time to visit Truc Lam Pagoda. Perched on a hilltop overlooking lush pine forests, the Zen Buddhist temple is a haven of serenity and boasts our favorite views of Dalat’s stunning, peaceful landscape.
Bright yellow sunflowers, picture-perfect daffodils and vast meadows of tulips have given Dalat its reputation as the ‘City of Eternal Spring.’ With over 300 species of flora, the city’s colorful gardens are in bloom year-round thanks to the region’s temperate climate. We recommend a leisurely stroll in the sprawling Dalat Flower Gardens or a playful promenade through the regal lawns of Bao Dai Summer Palace – the extravagant pleasure resort of the last king of Vietnam.
Head into the hills to discover dream-like waterfalls hidden in scenic forests. There are several to choose from, but our favorite is Prenn, a delicate stream that tips over a fragile overhang spanning 20 meters (65 feet) across and standing just nine meters (30 feet) tall. Over centuries the rockface has eroded and morphed into a cave-like passage concealed behind the liquid curtain.
Bangkok’s hottest bespoke furniture designers, Pieter Compernol and Stephanie Grusenmeyer have built a strong following for their uber-chic, hand-made furniture crafted from well-loved, high quality reclaimed wood. We had a chat with the dynamic duo from Belgium to find out more about their craft and their passion for Southeast Asian arts and antiques.
Q: How did you get into the designer table business?
A: In a past life, we were oriental art dealers, so we were always visiting antique dealers trying to score great finds. In Vietnam, we found a number of the most amazing slabs of chicken-wing wood - at least a hundred plus years old. A local friend took us from village to village in a little truck, introducing us to his uncles, aunts, friends and friends of friends who all had these amazing, aged hardwood slabs. Traditionally, most Asian families had some version of a kang table or Chinese opium bed – these were huge low platforms where all would sit to enjoy tea, lunch, dinner and even sleep. We had collected about 60 slabs, until Stephanie and I said to ourselves, “What are we going to do with all this wood?” And the answer was, “... let’s make tables!”
Q: And we are glad you did! We love your designs. But why P.Tendercool?
A: From the onset, we wanted to work with wood and bronze: Tender, warm wood with cool, metal bases. Our name is a homage to two hugely influential people: Lorraine Letendre and Evan Cole – “Letendre” became “Tender” and “Cole” became “Cool”. Lorraine is a Miami-based interior designer who made a huge purchase at our gallery 15 years ago and Evan Cole is an American client who raved about our former apartment in Bangkok’s old Bang Rak district, which we had converted from three neglected shophouses – the space is now the Speedy Grandma Gallery.
Q: We love your warehouse in the trendy new Creative District. How did you come across this space?
A: This area was always a drawcard for us because of the great antique houses in places like River City and OP Place. We simply fell in love with the old Thai art deco building and finally managed to rent a space here. At that time, there were few passers-by, but now with the development of the Creative District and the revival of old heritage buildings such as the neighboring Warehouse 30, the area is enjoying a renewed lease of life and an artistic vibe.
Q: So when you’re not at work, where can we expect to find you in Bangkok?
A: There are too many choices, especially since Michelin discovered Bangkok [and introduced the Michelin Guide Bangkok in 2018]. But 80/20, Eat Me, Le Cabanon, Issaya Siamese Club would be my favorite higher-end restaurants. Mama Dolores, Oskar, Quince, Funky Lam or Duck Noodle House are my go-to’s for truly great bites at very fair prices. Bar-wise few can top Smalls, Cactus and the good old Bamboo Bar in my book. Siam area is ideal for an evening stroll and everyone should try Lumpini Park at 5am - You will not regret it!
Q: What can we expect from P.Tendercool in the future?
A: A lot. For years we were known purely as ‘The Table Guys.’ But now to add to our woodwork, we can weld brass and steel. We recently created a complete sofa collection and are working on a modular shelving system, a new chair and a prototype for a desk. Our work is truly bespoke and our clients love to visit our new PT-lab where they can see firsthand how we create and adapt their order to their complete satisfaction.
Meet Pieter and Stephanie on an A&K journey through Bangkok’s Creative District, exploring the city’s heritage buildings and a flourishing arts and design scene.
As a part of our expanding effort to grow our community initiatives across Southeast Asia, A&K Philanthropy (AKP), in collaboration with LifeStraw, has recently implemented Safe Water for Schools in Vietnam - a clean water project that has already brought safe drinking water to 1,010 children and 130 teachers in the country’s rural north.
Clean water is still a scarcity in places like Mai Chau, just three-and-a-half-hours’ drive from Hanoi. Children often have to bring their own bottled water or drink boiled or filtered water provided by the school. The former places financial strain on the families, while the latter relies on electricity, which is costly for the school and also unreliable - during a flood in 2018, electricity was cut for ten straight days.
Natasha Martin, our A&K Philanthropy Coordinator for Southeast Asia has been leading this initiative in Vietnam, “AKP is proud to give back to our communities by supplying schools with community filters - a high-volume water purifier that uses hollow fiber technology to convert contaminated water into safe drinking water. Since we launched this new initiative this year, 12 schools in Mai Chau now have access to a reliable source of clean water.”
“Many more schools in Southeast Asia could benefit from this initiative and we invite A&K guests to get involved by supporting the donation of a community filter. Guests can also visit the receiving school to see the impact of their contribution firsthand.”
LifeStraw’s community filters help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, worms, and cryptosporidiosis by removing 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.999% of viruses and 99.99% of protozoan parasites from contaminated water.
Mai Chau is a stop on A&K's Vietnam: A Nation Revealed Luxury Small Group Journey and is also a popular extension to our private journeys in Hanoi.
What You Need to Know About the Thai King’s Coronation
On 4-6 May 2019, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun of Thailand, the tenth King of the Chakri dynasty, will be officially crowned in a series of rituals and ceremonies in Bangkok. Visitors have a rare opportunity to witness and be part of a momentous occasion in Thai history.
Dates to Remember:
Friday, 19 April 2019: In the lead up to the coronation, water will be drawn from sacred sources in each Thai province and transported by procession to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Friday 3rd May 2019: A procession of royal items will be accompanied by 133 soldiers from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to the Phaisan Thaksin Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.
Saturday 4th May 2019: His Majesty will be officially pronounced as the promoter of Buddhism. 234 soldiers will accompany the King in a procession from the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Sunday 5th May 2019: A royal procession called “Liap Phranakhon” will take place along the streets around Rattanakosin Island (an area near The Grand Palace) where members of the public may offer their blessings and well wishes. This is the largest of the processions featuring 1,368 soldiers and a marching band.
Monday 6th May 2019: His Majesty will make an appearance on the Sihabanchon balcony of Sutthaisawan Prasat Hall on the eastern side of the Grand Palace.
Later this year: A Royal Barge Procession is also planned with tentative dates in late October or November 2019.
Please note that The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha complex will be closed on ceremonial days with limited access expected during the month leading up to and following the official ceremony. Abercrombie & Kent Thailand will be in contact directly regarding any affected bookings.
• In a bid to reduce plastic waste and improve sanitation, single-use disposable food packaging is now prohibited at the Angkor temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. A&K guests can still enjoy privately catered picnics and Champagne breakfasts within the Archaeological Park.
• Thailand has unveiled plans to build 16 floating solar farms to boost clean energy. The first solar project will be located in northeast Thailand and is expected to come online next year.
• New York times named Da Nang the “Miami of Vietnam” and one of their top places to visit in 2019.
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Check out our archive
Looking for more Insider news, ideas and travel information? Explore our archive.
Experience tranquility amid the rolling hillsides of northern Laos, discover something chic or pick up a bargain at our favorite Bangkok markets and explore the latest trends in arts, design and fashion with an art curator in Siem Reap. We also share an update about our philanthropy project.
Discover ancient and uplifting traditions with our new wellness journey and explore this year’s trending honeymoon moments. We also chat with one of our favorite archaeologists about where to go and what to see in Southeast Asia.
Take a look at some of our favorite Instagrammable moments in Southeast Asia and go off the grid in southern Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park. Discover our favorite “insider” ways to experience Ho Chi Minh City and meet an artist who is bringing life and color to Bangkok’s backstreets.
