SOUT HEASTASIA INSIDER ACCESS & INSPIRATIONS SOUTHEAST ASIA CONTENTS Unlock centuries of history, art, culture and nature with our selection of Insider Access and inspirational cultural moments by Abercrombie & Kent Southeast Asia. THAILAND 3 VIETNAM 14 CAMBODIA 25 LAOS 34 MYANMAR 44 INDONESIA 58 SOUT HEASTASIA SOUT HEASTASIA INSIDER ACCESS & INSPIRATIONS THAILAND A&K MOMENTS THAILAND “I love exploring Bangkok’s backstreets, especially a small community by the river where local artists, tailors and entrepreneurs live and work. On foot or by bicycle is the best way to get around, allowing time for impromptu detours to some of the area’s fabulous local shops and eateries.” - Belinda Shillcock, Regional Managing Director “Phuket is surrounded by amazing islands and beaches where you can snorkel or dive in the most amazing coral reefs. On the weekends, you’ll often find me at my favorite spot on the beach, relaxing with a cold beer and a plate of spicy Phuket clams.” - Richard Jones, Cruise Division Manager “Koh Kood is my favorite place for a relaxing escape. A peaceful jungle island surrounded by white sand beaches and sparkling waters - what more could you ask for?” - Chutimon Singhasak, Inbound Team Leader “Whenever I have time, I love to head up to the north of Thailand, especially Chiang Mai which is an old city with loads of character and amazing food. The first thing I do there is head to the market for a serve of khao soi (noodles in coconut broth) and a plate of extra spicy northern Thai pork sausages.” - Thiranai Boonpeng, Destination Specialist “I have visited many beautiful islands in our Land of Smiles, but one of my all-time favorites is Koh Yao Noi, which offers a wonderful, laidback vibe where local fishing villages and rubber plantations are surrounded by tropical mangroves and sandy shores. ” - Suphanat Suntorntarawong, Destination Specialist SOUT HEASTASIA Sundowners, Bangkok Style Savor the true essence of a Bangkok sundowner, A&K style! Experience the river at night where you can sip Champagne on a boat or head to a trendy riverside eatery with views of the Temple of Dawn at night – simply stunning! Chowing Down in Yaowarat Taste Bangkok’s best deep-fried dough fritters, rich peanut satay and mouthwatering grilled chicken skewers with a local foodie insider who knows all the city’s best eateries and authentic restaurants that visitors often miss. Muay Thai Champion Challenge Morning with Monks: Learn to punch and kick like a champion Muay Thai (Thai boxing) fighter with help from a specialized personal fitness trainer Get your A Bangkok Blessing heart pumping with a fun and energetic workout at a rooftop training venue in downtown Bangkok. Then soothe your body and soul with a Each morning, Thai monks chant Pure Blend Oil Body Massage and a well-earned smoothie. ancient Pali scriptures, filling the air with an almost hypnotic sound. Experience an exclusive A&K morning at a small Buddhist temple just beyond Bangkok’s Grand Palace walls for an insight into this daily practice and a personal, spiritual blessing from a senior monk. Thai History and Heritage by Helicopter Fly by private helicopter to discover the secrets of Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital city, with an Abercrombie & Kent Insider and archaeologist. Just a short flight from Bangkok, the city captures the imagination with ruins of palaces and temples as well as a Buddha head wrapped within the trunk of a tree. Wellness: Mind, Body and Soul Nurture your mind, body and soul with a contemporary Thai health and wellness experience. Warm up with core body exercises with an international fitness expert. Then hone your breathing technique with a guided ‘breathe and release’ session followed by a healthy breakfast and a well-earned herbal massage. Southeast Asian Textiles and Traditions Gain access to private collections of textiles with an expert in Southeast Asian art who is one of our most sought-after A&K Creative Bangkok Insiders based in Bangkok. Visit a little-known venue Discover Bangkok’s “Creative curated by a leading law District” which brings new life firm and discover ethnic to an old neighborhood on the diversity woven into the Chao Phraya River. Meet local details of over 2,000 designers and artisans, artifacts, from clothing discover funky street art and and ceremonial items to explore cultural heritage with household accessories. a City Insider and community entrepreneur. Browse designer bric a brac at a converted warehouse, then head across the river for lunch at a former jam factory. One Night in Bangkok Sak Yant: Our quintessential night out in Bangkok starts with cocktails on the 76th floor of the Mahanakhon Tower, the city’s newest, The Sacred Tattoo swanky rooftop bar where the drinks are well-crafted and This is your chance to experience a come with spectacular views. The festivities continue with Asian sacred “Sak Yant” ritual and be inked by gastro cuisine by celebrity chef, Ian Kittichai, at a hot pink Thai a master who has blessed the likes of villa followed by an exciting tuk tuk ride around town. Angelina Jolie and other international celebrities. This age-old tattoo tradition is believed to bring good luck to the wearer and was used to protect Thai warriors on ancient battlefields. Regal Heritage Experience high society in Bangkok with a Siam Society scholar who provides the keys to hidden corners of the city including a riverside villa owned by a Thai Princess. Learn about the history of the home which was built for a prince in 1908 and view the noble family’s private collection of Southeast Asian art. Tribal Culture Experience ancient hill tribe healing rituals with a village Shaman in a remote ethnic community in northern Thailand Chiang Mai’s Blissful and discover curing elements at the community’s herbal garden. Complete the experience with lunch at a tea plantation, Morning Blessings learn all about tea culture in the scenic countryside. Experience the perfect morning with A&K in Chiang Mai, away from the tourist crowd. Be blessed by a monk and enjoy a picnic breakfast beside a quiet temple overlooking the city. Engage in spiritual traditions and morning rituals during this private journey to lesser-visited temples, a hidden waterfall and the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple at the top of a mountain. New Art in Old Chiang Mai Go beyond Chiang Mai’s temples and old city streets on a private guided bicycle ride through trendy corners of the city and discover colorful works of art splashed across the city’s walls. See a flame-juggling bird, fashionable tribal women and green-faced scooter riders painted by local street art talents such as https://www.instagram.com/alexfacebkk@alexfacebkk, @sanimbasshttps://www.instagram.com/sanimbass, https://www.instagram.com/muebon@muebon and many others. The Hills are Alive Visit the Mae Rim district of north-western Chiang Mai where sustainable agriculture meets traditional lifestyle. Meet local Cooking at a farmers growing fresh tomatoes, strawberries and artichokes and Thai Garden Farm learn about the Royal Projects, an initiative by the Thai royal family to improve the livelihoods of hill tribe communities. Become your own Thai chef and make four classic dishes at a Thai chef’s garden home. Cook with papaya, jackfruit, tamarind and other fresh herbs and spices picked from the chef’s organic farm, then enjoy your self-made meal in the garden pavilion. Tribal Textiles Make your own traditional Ikat fabric using a typical Southeast Asian tie-and-dye technique. With guidance from our A&K Insider and textiles expert, learn how to extract natural reds, blues and greens from garden plants and craft your own design piece using age-old practices. Diving into Thailand’s Underwater World Watch the catfish, giant pufferfish weave in and out of underwater gardens as sea turtles, rays and whale sharks glide across the water nearby. The Gulf of Thailand enjoys sunshine and good weather throughout most of the year, from January to September. Take a private speedboat or Catamaran to the Japanese Gardens, just off the coast of Koh Tao, to dive or snorkel in the shallow waters teeming with coral, parrotfish, bannerfish, banded sea snakes and more! MEET A FEW OF OUR A&K INSIDERS “We know the people who share the same passions as your travelers. Connect with our circle of Insiders, Experts and Local Tastemakers in Southeast Asia.” - Belinda Shillcock, Regional Managing Director Antiques Tribal Textiles Specializing in Southeast Asian art, antiques and textiles, Supporting traditional weavers and craft-makers in northern our Antiques Insider is an independent scholar who Thailand, our Textiles Insider has traveled extensively to regularly contributes to the Siam Society and Thai Textiles remote mountain villages to connect with local artisans and Society. Having grown up in a remote village of northern learn their indigenous crafts. She now shares her love and Thailand, near the Myanmar border, the academic has a passion for local textiles through her dye shop and fabric unique interest in Shan and Burmese textiles and offers studio at the foot of Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep Mountain. informed perspectives on folk crafts, society and culture. Community Conservation Archaeology A former media executive from Australia, our Community Sifting through the lost history of Cambodia, uncovering Insider has contributed to social and humanitarian projects centuries-old cave paintings in Laos and capturing in Asia for almost 20 years. Based in Bangkok, Thailand never-before-seen footage of ancient landscapes in where he has lived Most recently, he co-founded the Myanmar are all part of a days’ work for our Archaeology Creative District, a non-profit organization that brings new Insider.