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Welcome to another issue of THE INSIDER by A&K Southeast Asia. This month, we share our Top 5 picks for summer in Southeast Asia and showcase our tailor-made private shore excursion service. Plus, we give you a preview of our new experiences in Vietnam and waive single supplement fees on selected Luxury Small Group Journeys.
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And a few words from our guests:
“Wonderful trip! Thanks so much for the attention to detail. Highlights for us were the sidecar in Saigon - it was super memorable and unique; cooking class in Hoi An - food was incredible and the chef did a wonderful job; in Siem Reap we loved our helicopter, circus, and ATV adventure among the tours of the temples and ruins - sunrise was early but well worth it.”
Wes & Family, United States
Our Top 5: Summer in Southeast Asia
The lush scenery of Southeast Asia is at its finest this time of the year. We call it the “Green Season” because the landscapes glimmer with a rich emerald glow – it’s the time when the rice paddies and pastures flourish and grow. These are our picks of must-see places that absolutely shine between May and September.
1. Island Hopping in Indonesia
One of the best times to visit Indonesia is during the summer, when the islands enjoy warm, sun-drenched days ideal for volcano trekking, mountain hiking and rainforest and waterfall adventures. Set sail on an Indonesian superyacht for snorkeling or diving around Lombok and the Gili islands, the Spice Islands, Komodo or Raja Ampat. With options for every group size, from intimate cruises for 2 to larger vessels for up to 20, this is the ideal way to experience Indonesia’s stunning marine life and natural beauty.
Our INSIDER Tip: Extend your stay with a stay at Nihi Sumba, an exclusive haven nestled on a remote island - the ultimate barefoot luxury experience.
Framed by sapphire blue seas, endless golden sand and pristine natural forests, the beaches of central Vietnam enjoy warm weather year-round and are particularly inviting between April and September. Bask in the beauty of the South China Sea and snorkel or kayak among coral reefs or head inland to cycle or hike through iridescent rice fields which are at their most stunning this time of year.
Our INSIDER Tip: Experience central Vietnam’s diverse lifestyles on an indulgent beach hopping adventure to the region’s best high-end resorts – relax in the secluded bay of Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, luxuriate in the remote island-like atmosphere of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and explore stunning natural forests, lakes and beaches of Amanoi.
Feast on Southeast Asian fare curated by Michelin-starred chef, David Thompson, while exploring the fabled lands of the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam, visiting isolated villages that visitors rarely see. Aqua Mekong’s all-inclusive 3, 4 or 7-night cruises are particularly rewarding in the Green Season, when the luscious rice fields are their most resplendent shade of green and the floating riverside communities thrive.
Our INSIDER Tip: Spend relaxed evenings on deck or in the privacy of your cabin with a signature Aqua Royal, one of our favorite cocktails made of a mix Cochi Rosa, forest berry tea and sparkling wine
The plains of central Myanmar are calling! The Green Season is one of our favorite times to enjoy temple hopping in Bagan, when the region enjoys cooler weather and the short bursts of rain turn the landscapes into lush, translucent shades of green. Chill with a cocktail or two while enjoying the sunset on the Ayeyarwady River. Or head to one of our favorite vantage points to drink in the views of the dramatic, colorful landscape, of ancient red brick structures surrounded by lush greenery.
Our INSIDER Tip: Witness the magical sunset over Bagan’s centuries-old temples in style and comfort with cocktail in hand from one of our favorite vantage points - the bar at the top of Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort’s Nan Myint Tower.
The islands in the Gulf of Thailand enjoy more sunny days and clear skies, compared to Phuket and islands in the Andaman Sea. During the Green Season, the sheltered islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are the ideal choice for exotic beach escapes. We adore swimming with sea turtles, rays and whale sharks at one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world.
Our INSIDER Tip: For some of the best underwater views, head to the Japanese Gardens just off the coast of Koh Tao. The calm, shallow waters here are home to hard and soft coral, resembling a zen garden teeming with rabbit fish, catfish, giant pufferfish.
A&K Makes Private Shore Excursions More Meaningful
Imagine being greeted on arrival at the cruise terminal and being whisked away by your private guide and driver for engaging, off-the-beaten-path experiences with the people who know the city like the back of their hand. Enjoy the chance to visit places too small for the tour buses and too difficult to access for the typical tourist on a private shore excursion with A&K.
For the culture-curious explorer, the foodie fun adventurer or the spiritual seeker, our private shore excursions cater to every type of traveler and cover all major ports in Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore and Indonesia.
Consider an overnight stay with reservations at top restaurants like Bangkok’s Gaggan or Odette in Singapore. Start the day with a private almsgiving with monks or tai chi in the park. Then meet Vietnam’s conical hat makers or be part of a young boy’s coming of age ceremony in Myanmar.
On a private excursion, you are free to experience, connect and engage with the people and places you meet in a way that is so much more meaningful than in a group tour. Whether it’s for a few hours, one day or several days, our Destination Specialists know how to make each moment count.
Since joining our A&K family earlier this year, Phuong Nguyen Thi Phuong, Product Manager for A&K Vietnam has been out and about discovering new and creative experiences for our guests. We sat down with her to find out more about her passion and what she has in the pipeline.
Q: What do you love about living in Ho Chi Minh City?
A: It’s an active city which has become a part of me, as a person. There are hidden corners where time seems to have stood still for decades, while other parts of the city are busy and dynamic.
Q: Any insider tips on where to shop, eat and drink?
A: A tasty Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle) place on Nguyen Du Street is my favorite. I go there for breakfast at least twice a week. For a casual time with family, I head to a place on Nguyen Trai Street for Vietnamese sweet soup where they serve over 30 types of Vietnamese desserts. With friends, I like to go for a Bia Saigon, the local brew, at one of the many streetside restaurants and feast on their freshly prepared flower crab claws in spicy garlic butter – so delicious!
Q: What are the travel trends you see emerging in Vietnam?
A: I see guests are seeking more authenticity and value. Our mission is to continuously innovate and develop experiences that are not only exclusive and memorable, but also positive, enriching and able to touch each guest on a personal level. Meetings with local people, experts and cultural specialists and memorable meals in exclusive locations – these are what A&K is known for.
Q: What are the new experiences you are most excited about?
A: We just launched “Sustainable Handicrafts of Hanoi,” where guests meet the families who are safeguarding Hanoi’s many traditional crafts, including jewelry, leather goods, textiles and furniture. Our team is always on the look-out for new experiences that guests will love. Only yesterday, I was wandering and discovered a new place that specializes in lacquerware. This bespoke little shop in the Old Quarter is located at a temple, you can still see the altar at the back of the shop. It was such a great find and I cannot wait to start taking guests there.
Q: The new “Sacred Craftsmen of Chinatown” experience is a favorite for our guests. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the concept?
A: This experience takes guests to some of the backstreets of Chinatown, an area filled with 100-year-old tin-roofed buildings and artisans who create small Buddhist amulets. It is an area that many locals know, but visitors rarely see. I love opening up these off-the-beaten-track places to guests, so they have a chance to see real life unfold.
Contact us to find out more about our unique travel experiences and how to include them in your next Vietnam journey.
Travel Solo Without the Surcharge on Selected Southeast Asia Journeys
Whether you are finding yourself, seeking a new adventure or simply want to get away and do it your way, Southeast Asia offers plenty of alluring possibilities for the solo traveler.
Abercrombie & Kent is pleased to offer special rates for solo travelers with single supplement fees waived or discounted on select Luxury Small Group Journey departures in 2019.
Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat: Solo travelers pay no single supplement fees on our October or November departures in 2019. Experience the bustling city of Bangkok, ancient temples of Siem Reap and a seven-night privately chartered river cruise on the Mekong River that explores the countryside between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Vietnam: A Nation Revealed: Save 50% off the single supplement for all 2019 journeys. With group sizes limited to 18 guests, this journey explores Vietnam’s iconic cities, stunning rural scenery and enduring cultural traditions – revealing the spirit of the nation.
Looking for private travel? Consider a fully customized solo journey that is tailored exactly to your interests, time frame and preferred pace.
• Thailand now offers visas on arrival for tourists from Mexico, Georgia, Nauru and Vanuatu, making it even easier to explore this part of the world. For a smooth arrival, arrange Fast Track service with A&K.
• Hotels in Hanoi are not confirming reservations in April 2020 as the city prepares to host its first Formula 1 Grand Prix event. We expect that rooms will become available again at higher rates once the exact dates of the event are announced in June 2019.
• Singapore’s Odette was recently crowned Asia’s Best Restaurant in 2019. The two-Michelin starred restaurant serves modern French cuisine created by Chef Julien Royer.
• Planned renovations will take place at Park Hyatt Saigon from 3 June to end of August 2019. The work will refresh the hotel’s ground floor public areas and Park Lounge with enriched art, furniture and lighting.
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For more information about anything you have seen in this newsletter, contact us:
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