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Beyond the Seas and Under the Sea in the Maldives and Hong Kong 60TH ANNIVERSARY Foreword Contents Issue 3

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Discovery go local learn where to explore, eat and play across Asia how to shop an insider look responsibly at Southern Vietnam in Asia snag unique souvenirs while supporting artisans beyond the seas and under the sea in the Maldives and Hong Kong 60TH ANNIVERSARY foreword contents issue 3 We’re back with our third issue of 60TH ANNIVERSARY 3 Diethelm Discovery that’s bigger and better than ever. FAMILY TRAVEL 4 For now more than 60 years, Where will your next family holiday take you? 5 Diethelm Travel has been one GO LOCAL 6 of Asia’s leading inbound tour Yangon by rail: circle line journey 6 operators cultivating its close local connections to create DIETHELM MOMENTS 7 A marriage blessing 7 memorable journeys across the continent. Since joining the company mid-September, I’ve been amazed MESMERISING MALAYSIA 8 by all Diethelm Travel has to offer its clients – from Make your way to Malaysia 9 the technical side of bookings and expert customer DIETHELM DOES GOOD 10 service to an outstanding global team and thousands of innovative products – and this magazine showcases SOFT ADVENTURE 12 it all. Cycle through the countryside 12 Throughout its pages you’ll discover some of our OUR STORY 14 latest experiences, learn more about the team that An insider look at southern Vietnam 14 truly makes Diethelm Travel so distinctive, journey deep STORY FROM OUR GM 16 into the most unique destinations in Asia, and learn soaking up the scene in Singapore 16 how to better serve your own clients through some of our special offers. FOODIE TIPS 17 Bak kut teh recipe 17 Other highlights include: BEYOND THE SEAS 18 Diethelm Turns 60 • Where to make the most of Asia’s offerings with In April 2017, Diethelm Travel Group celebrated its 60th anniversary of offering discerning UNDER THE SEA 19 your family travellers unforgettable Journeys of a Lifetime with festive celebrations in all regional offices. • Insider tips on where to shop responsibly for HOW TO SHOP RESPONSIBLY IN ASIA 20 Now recognised as one of Asia’s leading tour operators, Diethelm Travel Group was unique souvenirs throughout Asia 5 tips for shopping responsibly 21 originally established in 1957 in Bangkok and cultivated a long-lasting, trusted reputation • Exploring some of Asia’s most remote regions, WHAT’S NEW 22 within the country and with the Thai royal family. The company has even received a royal including the hill tribes of Borneo and Orwell’s warrant of appointment from the late King Rama IX, one of the highest honours in Thailand, Myanmar A DAY IN THE LIFE 24 recognising the business for significantly supporting the country’s economic and social Get to know the team 24 development. In 1991, Diethelm expanded internationally with an office in Vientiane, Laos, Join us riding the local Circle Line train in Yangon to LUXE ASIA 26 and has since continued to use its strong local connections and expertise to further grow, relaxing at a boutique eco wellness resort in Siem Reap, now boasting thousands of custom tours across the continent that emphasise authentic LUXURY REDEFINED 28 crisscrossing Malaysia to giving back in the northern experiences. hills of Thailand. We hope that this Diethelm Discovery DRIVE YOUR OWN TUK TUK 29 Our dedication to serving our clients with the most innovative Asia travel products, Will you be at any of these upcoming tradeshows? magazine continues to re-ignite your interest in Asia FESTIVALS 30 resources and services, would not be possible without such a committed and creative team – We will and would love to see you. Come and meet us! travel, inspire your business and simply be a joy to read. a number of staff members have been with the company for decades! THE MEKONG - RIVER OF LEGENDS 32 Enjoy the journey! SAIL THROUGH HISTORY IN STYLE 33 Happy Birthday, Diethelm Travel! ® BORNEO’S TRADITIONAL TRIBES 34 Stephan Roemer CEO of Diethelm Travel Group NEW FRONTIER 36 Travelling through literary history 36 SPECIAL OFFERS 38 30 Oct - 1 Nov 17 6 -8 Nov 17 London 4 - 7 Dec 17 Cannes BEST READS 40 get social MICE 42 Making the most of Diethelm Events 42 facebook.com/diethelmtravel Memorable MICE in Cambodia and Vietnam 43 twitter.com/diethelmtravelG STAFF OUT & ABOUT 44 linkedin.com/company/diethelm-travel-group YOUR COMMENTS 47 7 - 9 Mar 18 Berlin 24 - 26 Jan 18 Chiang Mai 13 - 15 Jun 18 Pattaya google.com/+diethelmtravelG 10 REASONS TO BOOK WITH US 48 SHARE YOUR TRIP 49 instagram.com/diethelm.travel BE IN TOUCH 51 2 www.diethelmtravel.com www.diethelmtravel.com 3 FAMILY TRAVEL Sri Lanka where will your next family holiday take you? Check out the example itineraries below or contact us for more travel options and information. We offer a wide selection of family-friendly itineraries specially designed for different interests and age groups. Bhutan 6-day Shangri-La 10-day Khmer kingdom discovery adventures Flora & fauna explorer More to offer than you imagine Though historically known for its culture-based Full of inspiring culture and history, Cambodia family-style in Sri Lanka attractions, Bhutan is seeing a range of new and is also home to a number of astonishing natural interesting activities leveraging the Kingdom’s attractions, including unexplored mountains, SPECIAL TOURS TO KEEP THE ENTIRE FAMILY SATISFIED vibrant nature. Adventure sports and lush forests, rivers, caves and waterfalls. wilderness has drawn more families in to this last Shangri-La. Bhutan is truly authentic and With so many places in this warm-hearted country unspoilt, making it perfect for families that are to explore with your family, travelling on Diethelm adventure-oriented. Travel Cambodia’s 10- or 4-day Nature and Culture n recent years Sri Lanka has increasingly become a bearing flowers, still shining through from the ancient adventure offerings. Family Explorers tour will allow you to discover all go-to destination in Asia with more and more ruins. The revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic In Bentota sports and adventure enthusiasts are Kids will marvel at the beauty of the mountains the country has to offer. travellers realising the range of experiences – from offers another such site constructed primarily under offered the chance to engage in a wide selection of and valleys while learning of the country’s beachside getaways to historical excursions – the Kandyan kings from 1687 – 1707 and housing a tooth activities including water skiing, diving, windsurfing, unique flora and fauna. Top Highlights Iwelcoming country has to offer. relic of the Buddha. wave boarding, jet skiing and more. Bentota is also • Hop in a tuk tuk and enjoy the views of Angkor It’s not just intrepid independent travellers Additionally, in the World Heritage city of Galle, one of the most popular and safest destinations in the Top Highlights Wat and its surroundings along the way to the exploring what Sri Lanka Tourism calls the ‘Wonder parents can take a walking tour showcasing the country to engage in water sports. • Stay in the local farmhouse and see firsthand hot air balloon flight of Asia’ however. With its natural beauty, intriguing colonial history of the Fort and many aspects of As with all of Diethelm’s family travel packages, an how rural Bhutanese live • Discover the unpaved roads along the way wildlife and colourful culture, families are also modern Sri Lankan culture while kids stay occupied emphasis is placed on family-friendly accommodation, • Take a ‘dotsho’ or hot stone bath like a local on bicycle from Ta Prohm East gate up to Ta Nei being drawn to Sri Lanka where they can find a with a special treasure hunt – a picture clue-based guides, activities and recommendations throughout • Learn to paint traditional vintage Thangka with temple little something for everyone while making unique game where children take photos of every find. the journey for an even more memorable experience. the local artist • Ride on an ox-cart ride through the countryside memories to last a lifetime. • Get a chance to see Takins, Bhutan’s national • Sit behind a potter’s wheel at Prolung Khmer Animal Encounters Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka’s 13-day Family Tour animal at the Motithang Takin Preserve Pottery Centre Arts & Culture The animal lovers of the family will adore getting up is specifically designed for families. With arts and • Adventure walk through rice paddy fields, get a • Stay at Banteay Chhmar and learn how to Several optional excursions are available for families close and personal with a range of wildlife throughout culture, history and architecture, animal encounters feel of rural Bhutan before visiting Chimi Lhakhang prepare a traditional Khmer dish to sample Sri Lanka’s traditional crafts and culture. the journey. In Polonnaruwa, The Primate Centre and adrenaline-inducing activities, the customisable While in Negombo, for instance, families can visit an Lodge, known locally as simply the “Monkey Camp”, itinerary takes families through Negombo, Dambulla, Also available: 4-day Discover Khmer’s Local Life arts-and-crafts workshop at a local’s home on the has been in operation for over 47 years and dedicated Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe, Galle, Bentota and the western bank of the lagoon. Here, around 25 women to the comprehensive research of wild primate capital of Colombo. Price starting from: USD 1,435 per person Price starting from: USD 1,455 per person from the nearby village of Thalahena hand paint cards, populations. cushions and other items inspired by traditional Sri Price starts from USD 4,945 per two adults and two Lankan folk art and design that are then exported to Meanwhile, at Udawalawe National Park, families can children sharing a triple room.
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