D-Brief
December 2010
P r e v i e w 2 0 11
D-Brief Bangkok, 21 December 2010
Dear Partner, An exciting and challenging year for Diethelm Travel comes to an end. We have been creating new tools for you, including the launch of D-Brief. Designed as a monthly keepsake, we hope the first four editions of D-Brief provided you with in-depth information being a source of ideas for you and your colleagues. Having received your positive feedback, we are now giving you a sneak preview of our hand-picked topics for 2011. We will cover all twelve Diethelm Travel destinations: Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Trusting that you will enjoy „unwrappingâ€&#x; one appealing topic after the other, Diethelm Travel would like to thank you for your support and wish you and your loved ones happy holidays and a fantastic start into the New Year! Sincerely yours, Victoria Sertic Chief Sales Officer Diethelm Travel Group
PREVIEW 2011
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUS
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMB
NOV
The Nomads of Bhutan Review 2010 – Preview 2011
During the past couple of months we have given you four editions full of interesting information, which hopefully provided you with new angles and travel ideas for our twelve destinations. We started our D-Brief with festivals. The shopaholics among us will have particularly enjoyed the September edition with the hottest shopping tips. In October, we looked at ethnic tribes and their traditions and beliefs. Lastly, our November issue took you to famous movie locations all over Asia. No problem, if you have missed an edition. To view our past D-Briefs of 2010, click on the following links:
In this month‟s D-Brief we will open the doors to our creative department and give you a sneak preview of the upcoming themes for 2011. Again, we have selected unique topics, which you certainly will not find in any common travel guide. Browse through the pictures on the left-hand side to find out more. We would like to recommend you to read D-Brief attentively each month, as our November 2011 issue will feature a competition where we will test your DBrief knowledge. Those who answer all our questions correctly will get the chance to win a holiday, sponsored by Diethelm Travel. Always keep up-to-date and don‟t miss out on this great opportunity!
August 2010: Festivals
October 2010: Ethnic Tribes
September 2010: Shopping
November 2010: Movie Locations
JA N UA RY
The H Nomads ofT Bhutan Architecture A RC I T EC URE
For those who appreciate modern, „out-ofthis-world‟ architecture, you could not go wrong with Singapore‟s newest development, The Marina Bay Sands. A swim in the infinity pool, 55 floors up, perched on top of the three towers, is exhilarating! For all culture lovers, you will be architecturally inspired by Bhutan‟s colourful monasteries; dating back to the 14th century. The Bhutanese architecture makes sure that each building is in harmony with its harsh environment and at the same time, remains a unique creation.
Many of India‟s old palaces and beautiful mansions, built under the British Raj, have been preserved for today‟s visitors. Nowhere else will you find such choice of colonial manors, converted into luxury hotels. Whether it is the modern, the spiritual or the old colonial charm, which appeals to you, Diethelm Travel has the ideal choice for every budding architecture fan. Stay tuned for our January D-Brief to discover these treasures in Singapore, Bhutan and India!
F E B R UA RY
Sustainability
Diethelm Travel Group is all about supporting and promoting partners and service providers, who are actively practicing sustainability, be that water saving activities, community projects, recycling or energy conservation and practicing what they preach. This month we focus on our real eco warrior partners and go into some initia-
tives that are making a big impact on the environment or communities who are really benefiting from tourism. Positive by-products of tourism and laying the foundations for generations to come, tune in for our February D-Brief to be fully informed about the latest and hottest responsible travel options.
M A RC H
Water
March is the month everyone in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, young and old, prepare for the water festival and New Year celebrations in April. While for the older generation, this might be a time to reflect, for children, itâ€&#x;s a time for fun! They prepare their weapons of choice for the water fights, which go hand-in-hand with the festivities. Diethelm Travel is using this occasion to introduce you to the spiritual significance of water around the Region. Whereas in India, water plays an
essential part of every religious blessing and pilgrims bathe in the holy water of the mighty Ganges, the Maldives are faced with rising sea levels and are dealing with water in a completely different way. The Island nation and its resorts use new technology, such as deep sea water cooling projects to generate energy. Our March D-Brief highlights what water really means to local people and how it affects the destinations you are spending your holiday in.
APRIL
Food
Food is very much a part of any nation‟s culture, tradition and beliefs, heavily influenced by what we eat and drink. Half the fun of travelling around the world is enjoying the variety of interesting food on offer. Diethelm Travel is taking you to China, the land of Peking Duck and Dim Sum, which have become world famous. We look at the less known, more traditional dishes on offer in Chinese cuisine. Have you ever thought of tasting the famous bird‟s nest soup or spicy tofu? Malaysia, on the other hand, is the
multicultural melting pot of Asia when it comes to food. Here the spicy Thai curry meets the Indonesian satay and Indian curries have influenced the Country‟s cuisine over generations. To round off our food journey, we will introduce you to Vietnam‟s great range of healthy food options, made by using fresh herbs, vegetables, lean meats and spices. The traditional fresh spring roll is only one example for the freshness of ingredients used in this Country‟s cuisine. Bon appétit!
M AY
Trains, Planes & Automobiles
You have, no doubt, been sitting on a plane for several long hours to reach your chosen Asian destination. So when you finally arrive, instead of opting for the obvious transportation method, why not choose to explore something out of the ordinary? We will give you the inside knowledge to Chinaâ€&#x;s brand new bullet train network, travelling at an average speed of 200km/h or more, to get around. In Hanoi, you may want turn your city tour
into a nostalgic experience, which will put you back in the time of old Indochina under French rule. Enjoy the ride in a French vintage car with your own driver and guide. To put the cherry on top of the cake, indulge yourself and arrive in style at your final destination in a privately chartered airplane. The possibilities are endless and Diethelm Travel will suggest the most exciting options in our May DBrief.
JUNE
Soft Adventure
In June, we look at soft adventure holidays, creating ideas, with an ecological angle, you can suggest to your customers. Ideal destinations that fit the soft adventure enthusiasts, would have to be Sri Lanka and Borneo. Discover the tea plantations of Sri Lanka or join a unique tented, mobile camping safari in one of Sri Lanka's national parks. You might even get lucky and spot a leopard! Borneo offers the best trekking
experiences through lush tropical jungles with great opportunities for wildlife watching. Stay overnight in the jungle with an indigenous tribe or climb Mount Kinabalu and watch the sunrise from its summit. Myanmar fits this brief perfectly with one of the most authentic adventures you can still experience in South East Asia. In June, we detail these three suggestions, but also list a number of additional ideas for the intrepid travellers.
J U LY
The Best Pool Villas
Breakfast in bed? Check. Your private butler service? Check. The pool just a step away from your bed? Check. Maximum privacy? Check. Our July edition brings the „Top 20 Pool Villa Experiences‟ in the Region to you. Pool Villas, the latest luxury travel craze, are not just reserved for honeymooners. Two to three bedroom villas are the perfect choice for families or groups of friends, who want to share a private pool and enjoy their own private space. Pool Villas are often associated with a stay
at the beach, more and more luxury resorts in northern Laos, Cambodia and Thailand however, offer private pools with breath-taking views of rice paddies and local architecture. Whether you prefer to relax in your infinity pool, while staring at the crystal blue ocean, or immerse yourself in the lush, tropical vegetation surrounding you, Diethelm Travel roamed Southeast Asia to find exactly the right Pool Villa for you! Find out in July‟s edition, which resorts will take home first place!
AU G U ST
Flowers & Unique Plants
While you will encounter the lotus flower on any trip to Southeast Asia, not many travellers know about its significance and usage. The August D-Brief will emphasise on the secrets around this gorgeous flower. On your next trip to Indochina, you will appreciate its beauty even more. As widespread the lotus flower is in the Region, as uncommon is the blue poppy, the national flower of Bhutan. For a long time, the blue poppy was believed to be a myth, being one of the rarest flowers in
the world. After having explored the fauna of high altitude Bhutan, we will take you to the biological „treasure‟ of Borneo, where sixty-seven new plants have been found in the past three years alone. If you visit during the right season and are lucky, you may find a blooming Rafflesia, the biggest flower in the world. You will quickly notice that Southeast Asia‟s fauna is not only of interest for the hobby botanist; the fantastic colours and irresistible fragrances, turn everyone into an enthusiast.
SEPTEMBER
Faces of Asia
Our September theme will focus on traditional masks and make-up that can be found in different parts of Asia. Deeply rooted in their culture, women in Myanmar use a yellow powder to protect their skin from the sun and also to refresh it. Or take the Sadhus (holy men) of India, who wear colourful religious face paint and are the subject of many portrait photographs. Traditional make-up and masks in China and Thailand, on the other hand, are only worn during particular festival performances. We have a closer look at the
intriguing art of face changing, which is renowned with the performers of the Sichuan Opera. The colourful play with faces is a technique used to reveal the innermost feelings of opera characters. Lastly, Thai dancers have, with their long „fingernailsâ€&#x;, exquisite make-up and costumes, for a long time been the face of Thailand. Diethelm Travel will investigate the traditions behind these acts of dressing up. Make sure to not miss this issue of DBrief!
O C TO B E R
Spa & Wellness
In our October issue, Diethelm Travel announces the region‟s „Top 20 Spa and Wellness Experiences‟. Much of what we expect from the perfect spa treatment, is deeply embedded in the culture of the East. With its holistic approach, patience and attention to detail, Southeast Asia is the perfect choice for travellers looking to rejuvenate their body, mind and soul. Have you ever considered spending a couple of days in the serenity of a Buddhist
monastery? Or are you looking for the ideal all-day couple spa package for you and your partner? Whether you want to indulge yourself in five star body wraps, luxury facials and signature massage treatments or join early morning Tai Chi classes and learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine, our Top 20 will give you the best options around the Region. We trust this edition will inspire you for revitalizing holiday ideas.
N OV E M B E R
Thrill Seeking Experiences & Diethelm Travel Competition
Would you like to add a little adventure to your life? Thrill seekers looking for adventure will find our November edition of D-Brief to their liking. Diethelm Travel suggests experiences that promise loads of fun, thrill and excitement. The whole family can put their river rafting skills to the test and go on an adrenaline rush, as they ride through rapids and the cooling waters of Kampar River in Malaysia. Mui Ne Beach in Vietnam, is one of Asia‟s top kite boarding locations. Watch the pro‟s
performing their tricks on the water or sign up for a beginner‟s class. Those not afraid of height will absolutely love a flight in a microlite aircraft, over the temples of Angkor. In addition, we are certain that you will raise envy among your friends, if you share your diving experience with a whale shark in its natural habitat. To discover where you can swim with the world‟s biggest fish and find out more about our D-Brief competition, make sure to read our November issue.
D EC E M B E R
Preview 2012
Watch out for the exciting themes of 2012! The December edition will again give you a preview of what is planned for D-Brief in 2012. This is your opportunity to give us feedback and let us know what is on your wish list for the next year. Would you like more information on family friendly holiday experiences? Do you have customers enquiring about tailor-made martial art experiences? Are you looking into the
possibilities of getting married in Southeast Asia? Whatever it is you are looking for, we promise that we have the inside knowledge right here, to develop your ideas further! As always, we depend on your feedback and only with your help, will we be able to provide you with the tools you need to improve your destination knowledge. Your input is highly appreciated and can be sent directly to sales@diethelmtravel.com.
Visa & Borders:
VIETNAM Travellers to Vietnam are required to hold a passport which is valid for at least six months and contains a valid visa. Visas can either be obtained at any Vietnamese Embassy or upon arrival at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang airport. In both cases a visa approval letter needs to be issued first by the Immigration Department. Therefore, if tourist visas are to be obtained via Diethelm Travel, the following personal data must be supplied to us at least two weeks before travel to Vietnam: - Full name as per passport - Passport number, date of issue and expiry date - Date and place of birth - Occupation and nationality - City/embassy where the visa will be issued DTV sends all the above information to the Immigration Department in Hanoi, Danang
or Ho Chi Minh City which will then issue a letter of approval and fax it to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, where the clients will apply for the visa. We will charge for a visa approval fee. A copy is given to DTV and to you to hand over to the clients. With this copy the client can a) go to the Vietnamese Embassy /Consulate who will issue the visa. This requires the original passport, 2 photos and at least 3 full working days. b) proof to the airline that the visa will be issued upon arrival in Vietnam (airlines will not allow clients to board without visa approval letter or an already stamped visa). Visa on arrival requires 2 passport photos. In addition to the letter of approval, we also issue a guarantee letter from DTV written in English to support the approval letter in Vietnamese language.
Vietnam
Visa Fees: Approval letter for visa to be issued at Vietnamese Embassy overseas: 1 month single entry USD 10.- per person 1 month multiple entries USD 20.- per person Approval letter for visa to be issued upon arrival: 1 month single entry USD 15.- per person 1 month multiple entries USD 25.- per person Stamp fee to be paid in cash at airport: Single entry USD 25.Multiple entries USD 50.Visa exemption: - Entry without visa for not more than 30 days is granted to nationals of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. - Nationals of Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, Philippines, Russia, Sweden and South Korea will be granted a stay of 15 days without visa.
Apart from the required details mentioned before, travellers who wish to obtain a visa on arrival also need to advise arrival/departure date and flight information in order for DTV to prepare a guarantee letter with the required details.
Once clients arrive at the airport in Vietnam, there are two counters: - The normal immigration counter where clients queue up holding a passport with an already stamped visa. - The counter for visas upon arrival. Clients need to show their letter of approval and then pay the visa stamp fee in cash directly to the counter. Once the visa is issued, the clients continue to walk to the normal immigration counter; and hence have to queue again. Diethelm Travel Vietnam only issues visas in combination with the booking of travel arrangements to Vietnam.
Recipe of the Month: Sung Choi Bao
Recipe of the Month: Sung Choi Bao Ingredients (serves 6) 1 tbs vegetable or peanut oil 300g veal or lean beef mince 300g pork mince 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger 1 x 230g can water chestnuts, finely chopped 4 green shallots, ends trimmed, finely chopped 60ml (1/4 cup) oyster sauce 60ml (1/4 cup) soy sauce 100g bean sprouts Pinch of salt 12 iceberg lettuce leaves, washed, dried
How to make Sung Choi Bao 1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the veal or beef mince and pork mince. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up any lumps, for 5 minutes or until mince changes colour. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. 2. Add the water chestnuts and green shallots and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until combined. Stir in the oyster and soy sauces and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat. Add the bean sprouts and stir until just wilted. Taste and season with salt, if necessary (the soy sauce in this dish means it's usually salty enough). 3. Place the lettuce leaves, cup-side up, on a serving platter and serve immediately with the mince mixture. Source: Taste, www.taste.com.au
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D-Brief
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