D-Brief
November 2010
Movie Locations
D-Brief Bangkok, 26 November 2010
Dear Partner, You have seen the movie, you may have read the book‌ why not visit the most famous movie locations in Southeast Asia, on your next holidays? The Beach, a movie that would probably already be widely forgotten, if it was not for the extraordinary scenery on Koh Phi Phi Leh. Who could honestly say, they did not wish they were sitting right there, on Maya Bay beach? With its crystal clear waters, powdery white sands and breathtaking limestone formations, truly captivating.
We have chosen a selection of movies, shot at spectacular locations or in culturally interesting settings around Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, China, India and Vietnam. We trust these choices will inspire your customers for upcoming holiday ideas. Sincerely yours, Victoria Sertic Chief Sales Officer Diethelm Travel Group
M OV I E LO C AT I O N S
The Nomads of Bhutan
Brad Pitt, Ian Fleming, Jessica Alba, Tom Cruise, … all of them were here! How often, whilst watching a movie, where you inspired by its location, wishing you had been there? It is definitely not at all a coincidence that movies are often the inspiration and deciding factor for where one takes their next holiday. Numerous Asian sites have been the décor for many Hollywood blockbusters. Whilst spoilt for choice, we have highlighted 12 locations in 6 countries, each with its own characteristics. Travelling with Diethelm Travel, will enable you to see these destinations through numerous sightseeing opportunities. Don‟t forget to bring your camera along! Easily navigate by clicking the desired movie and we will guide you to the destination, with a trailer button, to get you in the action.
The Sleeping Dictionary Entrapment Lara Croft Tomb Raider City of Ghosts The Bridge over the River Kwai James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun Mission Impossible III
Seven Years in Tibet Slumdog Millionaire James Bond: Octopussy The Quiet American L‟Indochine
Malaysia
The Sleeping Dictionary, released in 2003, set in the rainforest of Sarawak, known as the land of Hornbills. A young Englishman, John Truscott, arrives in Sarawak, with the aim of trying to civilise the natives. Selima, a local tribe woman is assigned to keep John company and to teach him the language and local customs; she becomes his „sleeping dictionaryâ€&#x;. Eventually they fall madly in love and the locals as well as the colonists get enraged. Diethelm Travel Malaysia was very much involved in finding the locations for the film, back in 1999. At Lemanak River, which is located a 220 kilometres drive from Kuching, a temporary longhouse was set up for the film production. Soon after the filming ended in 2000, this longhouse was torn down and all usable materials were given to the local Iban tribe. Diethelm Travel offers packages to Batang Ai and Lemanak River, including overnight stays inside Iban longhouses and excursions into the jungle.
Watch the trailer here
Malaysia
In the 1998 movie Entrapment, an investigator (Catherine Zeta-Jones), tricks an international art thief (Sean Connery), into stealing a priceless Chinese mask, by claiming to be a thief herself. Followed by their success, the thief agrees to join in for a final heist at the International Clearance Bank, located within the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. During the final escape scene, the two lead characters find themselves dangling off a lighting cable, 170 metres above the ground, in between the two Towers. An awesome stunt! The sky bridge, which connects both Towers on the 42nd floor, is open to visitors, with pre-scheduled tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enhanced Sky Bridge tours include a visit to the observation deck on level 86 and lunch or dinner at the Malaysian Petroleum Club, on level 41. Tickets to the Sky Bridge can be purchased with Diethelm Travel Malaysia and every city tour, operated by us, stops for a photo opportunity of the Twin Towers.
Watch the trailer here
Cambodia
Cambodia's famous Angkor temples, provide the backdrop for key scenes of the 2001 action blockbuster Lara Croft – Tomb Raider. Lara Croft, (acted by Angelina Jolie) a British archaeologist, who races against time and villains to recover powerful ancient artefacts, tools up in front of Angkor Thomâ€&#x;s sacred Bayon Temple. Later, in Ta Prohm, the most spectacular temple of all, entwined with enormous trees, Croft encounters a mysterious girl. Ta Prohm was built by King Jayavarman in 1186 AD and its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle. It looks very much the way most of the Angkor temples appeared, back when European explorers first stumbled upon them. The ruins of the ancient city of Angkor cover some 97 square kilometres and are best visited, while staying in the nearby town of Siem Reap. No doubt, your days spent scrambling about and exploring the temples, will be truly memorable.
Watch the trailer here
Cambodia
City of Ghosts, a 2002 drama co-written, starred and directed by Hollywood icon Matt Dillon, was filmed in various locations in Cambodia, including Phnom Penh. The film is about a con-man who flees to Southeast Asia, when an international scam he was involved in, goes sour. Suspecting he's been double-crossed by his long-time mentor, he sets off to Cambodia for his promised cut. The most compelling character of the movie, however, is Phnom Penh itself. Cambodiaâ€&#x;s capital sits at the confluence of three rivers and was once called the Pearl of Asia. It is an incongruous cluster of crumbling French colonial houses and the city enjoys its own kind of harmony of opposites. Visitors are offered the peaceful moments of a riverside sunset along with dusty, motorbike-choked labyrinthine alleys and busy colourful markets. Phnom Penh should definitely not be missed during your journey through Indochina.
Watch the trailer here
Thailand
A British film production from 1957, The Bridge on the River Kwai, is considered one of the most well known World War II movies ever made. British prisoners of war are asked to work on the construction of an important strategic railway bridge, for the Japanese occupying forces in former Siam. This bridge, crossing the River Kwai, would form an integral part of the Burma railway, which was constructed by thousands of prisoners from various nationalities. Nowadays, the bridge is a “must see� for all visitors to Western Thailand, only a two-hour journey outside of Bangkok. The Thailand-Burma Railway museum, the war cemetery and the actual bridge are part of the sightseeing program. Near the River Kwai, various lodging possibilities are being offered, from basic floating Jungle Raft Rooms to luxury Safari Tents. Diethelm Travel combines trips to Kanchanaburi province with a visit to the world famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Watch the trailer here
Thailand
Phang Na Bay is filled with an abundance of limestone formations, rising out of emerald water. The most famous landmark of the Bay is called “James Bond” Island, named after the 1973 movie production, The Man with the Golden Gun. A golden bullet with Bond‟s code 007 etched into its surface, is received at the MI6 headquarters. James follows the trail of the golden bullet and eventually arrives at “James Bond Island.” Scaramanga, owner of the island, has hidden a solar gun in the mushroom shaped rock island, which James Bond is able to destroy, before sailing off unharmed in a Chinese junk on the Andaman Sea… This spectacular setting is just a 90 minutes journey from Phuket and is indeed a tourist attraction, nobody can afford to miss. The best way to discover Phang Nga Bay is by boat; be it aboard an old junk, a comfortable tourist boat or an agile speedboat. Not to be forgotten are the canoeing trips in this breathtaking postcard scenery.
Watch the trailer here
China
Mission Impossible III, produced in 2005, was the first Hollywood film shot in the ancient city of Xitang. Super-spy Ethan Hunt, (acted by Tom Cruise), has to confront the toughest villain he has ever faced; an international weapons and information provider, with no remorse and no conscience. A thrilling chase in which, Ethan runs from his opponent, leads him over the roof-tops, bridges and through the narrow streets of Xitang. Xitang is located 90 kilometres or a 2 hour drive, from Shanghai. Nine rivers cross the old town and divide it into eight sections. The rivers, running underneath wooden housing structures and old stone bridges, catch and reflect the highlights of this ancient town beautifully. Visitors should sit during sunset, at one of the famous bars and watch silky mist slowly covering the river. Xitang is also famous for its street food: try the local yellow rice wine or the sticky rice dumplings with various fillings.
Watch the trailer here
China
During World War II, at the time of Chinaâ€&#x;s takeover of Tibet, Austrian mountaineer, Heinrich Harrer and his companion, escape from a British internment camp in northern India to Tibet. After their escape, the two spend Seven Years in Tibet, during which time Harrer, (acted by Brad Pitt), becomes a friend and tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama. The movie portrays Tibetan customs and the household of the Dalai Lama, as well as the friendship between the Austrian climber and the young Dalai Lama. However, the real star of this movie is the breathtaking scenery. Panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, Tibetan prayer flags in the wind and big plains with only a couple of yak grazing. Diethelm Travel China offers culturally and spiritually interested travellers, the opportunity to explore Tibetâ€&#x;s ancient monasteries and unique local customs.
Watch the trailer here
India
Mumbai, the economic capital of India, is also home to the biggest slum of Asia, called Dharavi. You will get a taste of this side of Mumbai from the Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The Film showcases the life of people living in the slums of Mumbai and tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from Dharavi, who appears on the Indian version of „Who Wants to Be a Millionaireâ€&#x;. He exceeds people's expectations and his success arouses suspicion, leading to law enforcement officials investigating the matter. The other side of Mumbai, is a city full of glamour, rich lifestyles and of course Bollywood; the biggest film industry in the world, which produces over 1000 films every year. However, modern Mumbai is not just about movies and slums, but it is a blend of rich and poor, of tradition and modernity; which can be seen in every aspect of daily life in the Metropolis. Join a fascinating Diethelm Travel city tour to experience this paradox.
Watch the trailer here
India
Udaipur is dominated by the massive City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola, with its famous island palace, picturesque mansions, ghats and temples along the lake front, as well as, lively bazaars in the Old City. Apart from Bollywood films, some wellknown Hollywood movies have also been filmed here; the most famous being James Bond’s Octopussy. The Grand Lake Palace, which is synonymous with Udaipur, has been accredited for being one of the most romantic places in the world. It was also prime setting for the James Bond classic Octopussy, being the secluded den of the main character. This dream of white marble is nowadays a luxury hotel with 83 rooms and suites, offering sumptuous comfort. The „Royal Butlers‟, who are descendents of the original palace retainers, will ensure that you are treated like royalty after a long day of sightseeing, in Udaipur. Accommodation as well as excursions and day trips can be booked through Diethelm Travel.
Watch the trailer here
Vietnam
Set in Saigon in the 1950‟s, The Quiet American tells the story of a British foreign correspondent Fowler, his Vietnamese mistress and a young American CIA operative, named Pyle. While the first Indochina War is coming to an end, Pyle gets not only involved with a corrupt Vietnamese militia leader, but also with Fowler‟s girl. Close to the old Saigon Opera House, on Lam Son Square and the nearby colonial-style Central Post Office, is where Fowler fist runs into Pyle and where much of the movie‟s action takes place. In fact, it was in Lam Son Square, where the movie producers were allowed to stage a massive explosion, caused by Pyle‟s militia group. The Quiet American displays the old charm and historic buildings of Ho Chi Min City exactly and while watching the movie, with its period cars and 1950‟s fashion, one wishes to be able to turn back time and pay the old Saigon a visit.
Watch the trailer here
Vietnam
L’Indochine is a French production about a plantation owner and her adopted Vietnamese daughter, set in the 1930â€&#x;s, when Vietnam was still called Indochine, under the French colonial rule. The film was introduced at the time Vietnam opened its doors to international tourists and some scenes were filmed in Halong Bay. One island in particular, the Su Tu Bien or Sea Lion Islet was chosen as the background for the movie. It is only 10 minutes away from the Bay Chay Tourist Wharf and can be reached easily by boat. The more adventurous traveller will pass the island, which resembles a lion stretching, on a canoe tour from Thien Cung to the Dau Go Grottos. Halong Bay lies 165 kilometres east of Hanoi and is filled with thousands of islets of all shapes and sizes. With its spectacular beauty, tourists who visit Halong Bay, at any time of the year, are always fascinated.
Watch the trailer here
Recipe of the Month
Ingredients: 4 large single chicken breast fillets 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 50g (1/4 cup) coarsely grated palm sugar 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tbs finely grated ginger 1 tbs Ayam curry powder Pinch of ground turmeric 160ml (2/3 cup) coconut milk 2 tbs fish sauce Vegetable oil, to grease
Nam Jim Satay (peanut sauce) 100g dry-roasted peanuts 185ml (3/4 cup) coconut milk 1 tbs Maesri red curry paste 50g (1/4 cup) coarsely grated palm sugar 2 tbs fish sauce 1 tbs tamarind puree Adjat (cucumber relish) 80ml (1/3 cup) water 80ml (1/3 cup) rice wine vinegar 50g (1/4 cup) coarsely grated palm sugar 2 French shallots, peeled, thinly sliced 1 Lebanese cucumber, quartered, thinly sliced 1 small fresh red chilli, thinly sliced
How to make Satay Gai: 1. Remove the tenderloin from each chicken breast and cut the breast diagonally into 3 pieces. Place 1 chicken piece between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Use the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound until the chicken is about 1cm thick. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces. Transfer the chicken to a glass or ceramic bowl. 2. Toast the coriander and cumin seeds in a frying pan over medium-low heat, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Transfer to a mortar and pound with a pestle until finely ground.
Satay Gai (Chicken Satay)
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Add the coriander mixture, sugar, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, coconut milk and fish sauce to the chicken and turn to coat. Cover and place in the fridge for 2 hours to marinate. Meanwhile, to make the Nam Jim Satay, place the peanuts in a mortar and use a pestle to pound until finely crushed. Heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the curry paste and stir until well combined. Bring to simmer. Add the crushed peanuts, sugar, fish sauce and tamarind puree and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. To make the Adjat, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, shallot, cucumber and chilli in a small bowl. Drain the chicken from the marinade. Thread the chicken onto the skewers. Brush a large frying pan with oil to lightly grease. Place over mediumhigh heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through. Put chicken skewers on serving plates. Spoon over some of the Nam Jim Satay. Serve immediately with the Adjat and the remaining Nam Jim Satay.
Source: Taste, www.taste.com.au
Visa Regulations
INDIA All foreign nationals, with the exception of nationals from Bhutan and Nepal, travelling to India, require an Indian Visa. One needs to obtain the visa from the Indian Consulate or Embassy, in their country. When applying for a tourist visa, visitors will need to obtain a visa application form from the Embassy. Alternatively, complete an online application form for a visa processing agency, where available. Along with the application and fee, a passport valid for a least six months, at least two blank pages, a recent passport sized photo and details of the itinerary, need to be submitted. In some countries, proof of residential address may also be required. The Ministry of External Affairs has recently announced that single-entry, „Visa On Arrival‟ (VOA), with a maximum validity of 30 days is available. The following ten countries qualify:
New Zealand, Finland, Luxembourg, Singapore, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos and Myanmar. VOA‟s can only be obtained at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata Airport. Important: We recommend always carrying a printed copy of your e-tickets with you when travelling to/within India, as a plane ticket has to be shown, in order to be able to enter any airport in India. If a tourist would like to visit India twice in a row, she/he has to make sure that there is a gap of at least two months between the two visits. Should the visitor need to enter the country again, within a period of two months of his last departure, she/he has to obtain special permission from the immigration port of entry concerned. Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, Bureau of Immigration www.immigrationindia.nic.in
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D-Brief
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