D-Brief
September 2010
Shopping
D-Brief Bangkok, 10 September 2010
Dear Partner, Septembers‟ edition of D-Brief helps you to make the most of your time whilst shopping in Thailand, Vietnam and China. We have handpicked six of the best shopping destinations in the region. We suggest handy hints and the inside track of what to buy where. Don‟t forget about „Passport‟, our quarterly offers brochure, with its unbeatable value added holidays around the region. „Passport‟ provides you with interesting tips on what is 'hot' at the moment and ideas of new ways to discover our wonderful destinations, with the convenience of booking by simply mailing passport@diethelmtravel.com. Last but not least, join us on Facebook! We are sharing product updates, hotel reviews and give you the latest news on www.facebook.com/diethelmtravel Sincerely yours, Victoria Sertic Chief Sales Officer Diethelm Travel Group
SHOPPING
Bangkok
Bangkok’s Jatujak Market – It’s Definitely an Adventure! Bangkok's Jatujak Market - JJ for short - covering 35 acres and with some 15,000 stalls, is a fantastic place to shop for Thai handicrafts, artwork, clothing, household goods and even pets and plants. However, shopping at Jatujak can be exhausting; the place is sweltering, crowded, a labyrinth of stalls and easy to get lost in! Here is how to survive a day at JJ Weekend Market: Relax and eat: Stop and have mango with sticky rice or an iced tea at one of the many food stalls or alternatively pamper yourself with a 45 minute foot massage. Bargain and buy: If you see something you like, buy it on the spot. You will not find the stall again for sure and remember always to bargain; a totally acceptable practice here. Stay hydrated, stay sane: Go early. Jatujak Market is open on Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm. Always carry a bottle of water with you and dress comfortably.
Carry a map: Get a free map of the market at one of the information booths once inside. We recommend the Nancy Chandler version, widely available. Before entering the market, earmark a meeting point in case you get lost – the strategically located Clock Tower, in the market is always a good choice.
Prioritise: The market features items of a wide variety of quality. For the higher quality items, go to the area on the western edge of the market, along Kampaengphet 2 Road known as “Jatujak Plaza”.
Gold Fever in Thailand
While visiting Bangkok it is almost impossible not to be dazzled by the shiny gold displayed in the shop windows of Chinatown, Silom area and MBK mall. In Thailand, as in many other Asian countries, gold reflects a person‟s status, wealth and success and is bought as an investment. The purer the gold, the more yellow it will appear. This is exactly why gold in Asia seems almost unnaturally yellow to a visitor. If you wish to buy gold in Thailand, make sure you buy from reputable shops and avoid street vendors. All purchases should have a gold content stamp on it. Once infected with “gold fever” do not miss out on seeing the world's largest solid-gold Buddha at Wat Traimit. This astonishing Buddha image is nearly 3 meters high and weighs over 5 tons. The discovery of the statue was a pure accident. The statue was covered in plaster, probably to hide it from Burmese invaders. During transportation, the casket fell and smashed revealing this splendid golden Buddha image hidden inside.
Sapphires – A Girl’s Best Friends
Thailand, one of the older sources of sapphire in the world, is known as the centre of gem treatment, lapidary and trading for the stone. In Buddhism, sapphires represent friendship and loyalty. Even though the Greek word sapphires translates into "blue stone", sapphires come in a rainbow of colours. The treatment to improve the colour and clarity of sapphires has reached its ultimate perfection here in Thailand. When deciding to buy a Sapphire, ensure you shop around first as there is a wide range of cuts and settings on offer. Compare prices at the wholesale jewellery market on Mahesak Road just off Silom to make sure you know what you are buying. It is essential to purchase these stones from a certified jeweller and you will receive a receipt marked “Subject to identification and appraisal by a registered gemologist”. A beautifully cut, polished and set Sapphire is the ideal keepsake of your trip to The Kingdom.
SHOPPING
Bangkok
A Day of World Class Shopping in Bangkok
“On Saturdays, I like to head to Bangkok‟s Rajaprasong area, home to the city‟s most luxurious shopping malls. There‟s no shortage of fine dining, high-end retail brands and fancy event spaces. I start-off my day with a croissant and coffee at InterContinental‟s The Deli and then visit the adjoining Gaysorn Plaza. Gaysorn, a one-stop luxury shopping centre, is the home of choice for international high-end brands, as well as famous Thai designers, such as the Sretsis sisters. Around mid-day, when I start to feel hungry, I take a leisurely stroll on the skywalk towards Siam BTS station. Siam Paragon, on the right-hand side just off the station, boasts a Gourmet Market that is roughly the size of an entire football field on its ground floor. A must see! However, today, I decide to have a light Italian-Thai fusion lunch at Another Hound by Greyhound on the first floor. After lunch I am indecisive which shop to hit first.
Help is near; the mall has a team of stylists that assists you to make the right choices. Spending a few hours with a personal shopper requires showing up to Siam Paragon‟s “Platinum Club” and filling out an application. If you are travelling with children, Siam Ocean World, an aquatic wonderland the size of three Olympic swimming pools awaits your discovery in the basement of the shopping center. Your teenagers on the other hand will find Siam Centre, a shopping complex just next door to Siam Paragon and aimed at young adults with trendy shops, cute eateries and its own radio station, a great venue to spend the day. To relax and round off my day I head to Red Sky Bar at Centara Grand @ Central World to chill out whilst enjoying the breathtaking alfresco vistas of Bangkok from the 55th storey, “open rooftop”. Sabine Herzog, Account Executive, Diethelm Travel Group
SHOPPING
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, one of the most well-known night markets in Thailand, is centered on Chang Klan road, right in the heart of the City. If you are staying in the centre of town, it is probably within walking distance of your hotel. There are hundreds of street-side stalls and indoor arcades to visit, so prepare for a long evening. The bazaar is a great place to shop for exotic and beautifully handcrafted goods, created by local artisans and skilled craftsman from the surrounding villages. Use your bargaining skills when buying and you will find great quality products at very affordable prices. Where to stay within walking distance of the Night Bazaar: From The Chedi, set on the banks of the Mae Ping River, it is only a 5 minute walk to the Bazaar. The elegant retreat features 84 modern rooms and suites. Stay at the Manathai, an intimate boutique hotel with 29 rooms. It is tucked away on a small residential Soi in the centre of Chiang Mai. A tranquil heaven awaits you at the Rachamankha where children under 12 years are not permitted as the hotel is decorated with beautiful Asian antiques.
How to bargain: Prices on any Thai market are variable and you can often obtain a final figure of between 10-50 percent lower than the original asking price. The price really depends on your negotiating skills. Always shop around to know the going rate. The skills to bargain are to: take it easy, use a big smile, practice your Thai and donâ€&#x;t take it too seriously. Being too pushy, could leave you empty handed!
Silver Jewellery from Northern Thailand Chiang Mai is well known for its silver jewellery and is most prominent in the headdresses of the hilltribe ladies. Similar to gold, the headdresses are a sign of wealth, distinction and standing within the village. The pieces have been hand-made for centuries in the surrounding villages; sometimes you may even find old silver British coins in these headdresses. Combined with beads or other stones, they make a very trendy souvenir from Chiang Mai.
When buying their products, keep in mind that most hill-tribe jewellery is made out of approximately 60% silver mixed with other metals as opposed to the 925 or sterling silver (92.5% silver and the rest alloy metals), which one normally buys. Hill-tribe artisans do not have exact measurements and will not stamp their products. However, visitors to Chiang Mai buy the gorgeous silver pieces for their beauty and not the silver content. If you who are interested in the art of jewellery making, you should visit Nova Collection. It is a boutique, workshop, art lab and jewellery school that specializes in the fusion of old Thai and modern jewellery. Creative minds who have some time on their hands can join one of the schoolâ€&#x;s workshops to produce their own silver pieces. No prior experience or training is needed. Simply ask one of our local guides for details.
Shopping Tips and Hints for Thailand
VAT refund: Before check-in at Bangkok International Airport, make sure to take your VAT Refund forms, the goods themselves and your passport to the tax refund counter, located in the departure hall. Pay the 100 Baht service fee and you will be given the refund. The forms are available at shops displaying “Vat Refund for Tourists” signs in the City. The total value of the goods claimed for refund, must be more than 5,000 Baht, with at least 2,000 Baht per individual receipt. Note that you have to show the goods bought, so pack accordingly. Payment/money: Major credit cards are accepted in most shopping centres, however additional fees may be charged by both the retailer and your card provider. You are better off paying cash for small purchases and at markets as bargaining for goods is best done with Thai baht. ATMs that accept Visa and other credit cards are easily found (even at Jatujak Market) and dispense Thai baht. Return & exchange: Generally purchases may be exchanged or returned for a refund within 7 days from the date of purchase. This rule applies to most department stores and upscale shops. However, it is not as widely practiced as it is in western nations – certainly not in smaller shops or markets. Therefore, it is best to try out electronics in the store and make sure all parts are included. It also is a good idea to try on clothes before buying them as Asian sizes might differ from Western ones. Always double check and keep your receipts.
SHOPPING
Hoi An
Exploring the Charming Shopping Heaven Hoi An Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia from the 16th -19th century. With a colourful history of Chinese and Japanese influences, Hoi An architecture is very much influenced by these ancient cultures. Many of the townâ€&#x;s original structures are still intact today and UNESCO recognised Hoi An as a world heritage site in 1999. The charming old town of Hoi An can best be discovered by taking a walking tour along its narrow streets. Hoi An, possibly more than anywhere else in Vietnam, retains its old world charm as if time has stood still. Cycling is another wonderful way to explore the Town and surrounding scenery.
Ask our local guide for bicycle hire options or escorted cycling itineraries. While exploring Hoi An, you will notice several different quaint streets with a variety of shopping options. If you wish to indulge in some retail therapy, head to Hai Ba Trung south of Tran Hung Dao and along Hoang Dieu, which are the main shopping areas. Why not combine your Hoi An shopping spree with a relaxing day at an idyllic fivestar beach resort in Danang or venture on for more culture to the historic town of Huáşż. We would be happy to give you more information about extension options.
Where to stay: Vinh Hung 1 Hotel is very conveniently located in the ancient town of Hoi An. There are a total of 6 rooms in this 125 year-old Chinese trader's home. All are furnished with antiques and have a window looking out to the Old Quarter.
Handicrafts & Paintings in Hoi An
Hoi An Town has become a centre for art and many artists have moved into the area to open their own galleries. Oil painting is probably the most common medium you can find and the subjects of the art range from the local scenery of Hoi An, to the ladies traditional dresses and flowers. Besides an array of art exhibitions, the town also offers art services like making portraits and print works.
A typical painter is Mr. Hoang Trong Tien (107 Tran Phu Phu Street, +84511 3910964). Born in 1958, Tien began painting in 1975. He was an in-house artist for Central Vietnam Cinematic Company from 1978 until 1981. A very knowledgeable and cheerful character, whose creations are individual and a great investment.
Shopping Hints and Tips for Hoi An o
Round up your shopping with a visit to Tam-Tam CafĂŠ & Bar (110 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Tel: +84 510 3862 212). This historic and laid-back restaurant, is renowned for its service and tasty dishes.
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In our opinion, Hoa-Nhap Handicrafts (103 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Tel: +84 5113910 168), is a must for local handicrafts. All items for sale are made by local handicapped people, with a majority of the purchase price going to the artists themselves.
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Be sure to wear comfortable shoes to do your shopping. Your high heels would only be destroyed after a day on the townâ€&#x;s cobble stoned streets, let alone your feet.
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Tailors are everywhere is Hoi An and the key is to find a good one. Should you decide to get a piece of clothing made, shop around to make sure you see and feel the choice of fabric quality. Our recommendation would be to give all tailors at least two days to prepare your garment. If you are not entirely satisfied with the fit, keep going back until it is right.
SHOPPING
Hoi An
Colourful Hoi An Lanterns
Hoi An has two centuries of Japanese merchants influence from the period around the 16th & 17th century; during this time they often hung tube shaped lanterns in front of their houses. The lanterns provided light to the entire commercial quarter at night and then locals began hanging lanterns outside their homes as this was thought to bring luck to the town. Every 14th day of each Vietnamese lunar month, on the full moon night, the town celebrates the Legendary Night Festival. Only during this time is all artificial lighting turned off, vehicles are not allowed on the streets and the locals walk the moon and lantern lit streets in old traditional costumes. When visiting during this festival you will see locals of all different ages reciting poetry or performing traditional Vietnamese operas. A really cultural enriching experience and one we highly recommend.
These colourful lanterns are made from 100 percent jacquard silk fabric which is stretched over a narrow bamboo frame. They can easily be transported back home with you as they fold together and can simply be expanded like an umbrella when you arrive home. Visitors who are interested in the art of lantern making should visit the Ha Linh Workshop (72 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Tel: +84 510 392 3037) or join Diethelm Travel on a tour to explore the back-roads of Hoi An by bicycle: On our ride through the picturesque surrounds of Hoi An, we will visit a family making the famous lanterns. There, you can try your hand at the craft. Our guides will be happy to give you more information.
SHOPPING
Hanoi
Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Hanoi is a great city in which to get out and about in. No doubt simply strolling around and getting lost in the Old Quarter, will be a highlight of your stay. The Old Quarter is easy to find so ask your taxi driver to drop you off at Hoan Kiem Lake. From the red bridge, cross the street and you enter a different world dating back to the 13th century. The narrow sidewalks and many artisans and shops all contribute to the atmosphere of the Old Quarter. In its hey day, the streets were lined with merchants specialising in a particular trade, ranging from silk merchants to jewellery traders.
Some of these artisans can still be found in the Old Quarter today. Hang Thiec Street (Tinsmith Street) is best known for making candle sticks, opium boxes and oil lamps.
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On weekend‟s, a night market is open along the pavements in central Hang Ngang and Hang Duong, when the area becomes pedestrianised. The flea market-style vendors sell mostly tourist trinkets.
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Take a break at Tamarind Cafe, serving vegetarian dishes set in very laid-back surroundings. Even if you are not vegetarian, this cafe‟s food is mouthwatering and located on Ma May Street.
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A good place to meet up when you have had enough shopping is Highland‟s Coffee, Vietnam‟s own version of Starbucks. The shop is located on the fourth floor of probably the most prominent building on Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. A real treat!
What to look out for in Hanoi? Lacquer ware Lacquer is a natural varnish which comes from a type of cashew tree. In Vietnam, it is said that the lacquer from trees in the province of Phu Tho is the best quality in the country. Hanoi is famous for its lacquer ware crafts and you will find many workshops and boutiques both producing and selling these wares. While some pieces are designed to be used on an everyday basis such as rice bowls and chopsticks, many people choose to display the lacquer ware as ornaments rather than use them. Most of Vietnam's leading painters attended Hanoi University of Fine Arts, and around Hang Bong Street you will find numbers of galleries that display modern lacquer pieces. The best shops will offer to arrange for packing and international shipping if you require. Clothing & accessories It is now very popular in Hanoi to find old blending with the new. You will discover lots of stores like this with stunning creations by up and coming young Vietnamese designers. They use traditional designs as inspiration and give them a modern fashionable slant. Styles tend to be more simple, but are high quality and all hand-made. Handbag guru Christina Yu, best known for her unique label Ipa-Nima, has chosen Hanoi as her base, although her creations are sold in London and Hong Kong. Best of all are the bespoke fashion accessories you can buy for a bargain such as one-of-a-kind hats and handbags made by local artisans. Totally unique and you will be the envy of your friends back home.
Charming Boutiques and Great Galleries in Hanoi
Our recommendations in Hanoi for where to buy Vietnamese clothing and lacquer ware are: „Mirror Mirror‟ is the shop of young designer Ha Truong. She mixes, matches and creates interesting designs that work well with many different body shapes (1 Truong Han Sieu). „Apricot Gallery‟ holds works by Vietnam‟s most well-known contemporary lacquer painter, Dinh Quan, as well as other artist of the current vanguard (40B Hang Bong Street). „Things of Substance‟ mostly sells cotton and linen clothing with a touch of Eastern influence; perfect for that elegant look in hot weather (5 Nha Tho). „Hanoi Moment‟ sells a small selection of porcelain and lacquer flatware. The pieces are nicely presented so at a glance you can see their entire collection (101 Han Gai Street).
SHOPPING
Beijing
Spend a Day at Beijing’s Xiushui Silk Street
The Xiushui Market or Silk Street Market is currently one of the busiest shopping places in Beijing. A couple of years ago, this place was a colourful collection of open-air stalls, selling silk products, garments and souvenirs. In 2005 this market moved across the road, into a modern seven storey's high shopping complex and on weekendâ€&#x;s attracting more than 50,000 visitors. Nowadays the Silk Street Market is one of the best places for fashion, cheap luxury designer brands and traditional Chinese handicrafts. Naturally shopping in Asia would not be complete without plenty of food outlets, for a refreshing drink or a tasty bite. Inside the Xiushui Market you can find a branch of the famous Quanjude Restaurant, well-known for its mouthwatering Quanjude Peking Roast Duck and pancakes. The well trained sales agents at the market speak fluent English which makes it easier for you to bargain with them. This definitely is a place where you need to bargain hard to get a reasonable price. Also, if possible, try to slip clothes on over your own ones as sizes seem to be smaller than at home. How to get there? Take the Beijing Subway and get off at Yonganli Station. Look for the Northwestern Exit of Yonganli Station, which has direct access to the Xiushui Market.
SHOPPING
Beijing
A Full Day Shopping Experience at Wangfujing, Beijing
“Wangfujing definitely is the most prestigious area to do your shopping in Beijing. I normally leave my house at 9 am and take the subway to Tian Anmen Square station from where I can easily access the Grand Hyatt Hotel. I always pack my sunglasses as I will need them while enjoying a coffee on the hotel‟s terrace in the crisp morning sun. From here I enjoy the fabulous view over the Forbidden City. It makes me feel like a Chinese princess from past dynasties. After a small breakfast, I walk to Oriental Plaza, where international brands like Tiffany, Burberry, Coach, Channel, Prada, Anna Sui as well as luxury jewellery stores, cosy restaurants and cinemas can be found. After a couple of hours at Oriental Plaza, I exit the mall through the west gate and start my Saturday walking adventure. I stop at the Beijing Waiwen Book Store to buy a nice book about Chinese history and get a Chinese traditional
costume for my next cocktail party made at one of the many dressmaker stores. In the afternoon, I like to visit the Xin Dong An Department Store to buy poria cake, a popular imperial pastry. This is also a good opportunity to visit Beijing‟s oldest photo studio (Zhongguo Zhaoxiang Guan; 180# Wangfujing, Beijing) where the first pictures of Chinese Governors in the 1950‟s were taken. Once I have shopped enough for the day, I start looking for my dinner at the Wangfujing Snack Street. Without doubt, you will have a once in life time experience tasting deep fried insects, salted cattle tongue, assorted dumplings, Tand Hu Lu (traditional sugar-coated fruits), barbecued lamb and spring rolls. My favorite is still roasted duck. Later in the evening, I take a taxi back home.” Julia Shi, Managing Director, Diethelm Travel China
What to look out for in China? Calligraphy: Calligraphy is the art of “Beautiful Writing”. In Asia, especially China, it is not only a technique for writing Chinese characters, but also an unique art of expression and learning discipline. People do not need to be able to read these Chinese characters, to appreciated its beauty. In Old Beijing, especially the streets of Dazhalan and Liulichang are famous for their high quality calligraphy stores. Here you can easily meet with a Calligraphy Master and learn about this form of art. And of course: don‟t leave the shop without a nice piece of this abstract art.
Jade: This ornamental stone is extremely important for the Chinese people. For them this precious stone stands for beauty, grace and purity. It can protect against evil spirits and it brings good luck to the person who is wearing it as a talisman. It is said that the stone gives healthy energy and can absorb toxins from the body. One of the most well-known places in Beijing to buy jade is the Dragon Land Superior Jade Gallery (Beijing Zhenfu Xi Road). Here you will find numerous pieces of beautiful jade: ornaments, jewellery and handicraft articles.
Shopping Hints and Tips for China Always ask for receipt: With this receipt you can return your purchase in case you have a quality problem, ask for a full refund or exchange the item. Chinese customs may ask you for receipts when you leave China; have them to hand. Antiques: When buying antiques, make sure that they carry a wax seal. This indicates that the piece is authentic and that it is allowed to be taken out of China. Payment/money: Although all major Credit Cards (Master Card, Visa and American Express) are accepted in most of the big department stores, it is still recommended to pay with cash. Shipping: If you want to buy larger items (like furniture), check first if they can be shipped. Carefully check the costs and conditions. For large items, we recommend you arrange international shipping, which is the easiest and cheapest way to send furniture home.
SHOPPING
Tibet
Handicraft and Artwork from Tibetan Artisans
What would a trip to Tibet be without buying some of the exquisite local souvenirs either for yourself or family and friends. When travelling through this unique destination you will definitely not be disappointed by the variety and beauty of the typical Tibetan arts and crafts. In Lhasa you will find one of Tibet's best shopping districts: Bakhor Street. This is the oldest street in Lhasa and where the pilgrims come to walk in a clockwise direction around the Jokhang Temple. All the houses along this street are little shops, selling local handicrafts and souvenirs such as “Thanka‟s” , prayer wheels, prayer flags, butter-lamps and Tibetan-style hats. Besides “simply” shopping, the street is a lively place to watch the colourful people. It is frequently visited by the locals who come to do their own shopping. In short: it‟s just the perfect place to sit, enjoy a cup of salty yak butter-tea and watch the colourful stream of people passing by. During their travel through Tibet many tourists become aware of the traditional Tibetan Medicine which has both Chinese and the Indian influence. Various local herbs are used in the medical supplements and are very easy to get on local markets. Herbs like saffron, aweto (Caterpillar Fungus) and snow lotus can be found on the market-square, opposite the entrance of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The Art of Painting Tibetan Thangkas
For those who want to take some of Tibetâ€&#x;s culture home, the purchase of a Thangka painting might be interesting. The Thangka is traditionally a painting on silk, depicting a Buddhist event or a historic scene in the Religion. Very popular as souvenirs as not only do they illustrate Buddhist history, but they can be folded and easily carried home. A Thangka artist is being trained and tested for more than ten years before he becomes an authorised Thangka painter. To complete a Thangka, with all its ritual procedures, can take more than one year. Diethelm Travel has connections to a well known Thangka Master from the Tashilunbu Monastery. He was appointed a Thangka portrait painter for the 10th Panchen Lama. By visiting his Thangka school, travellers can learn about the long training and what is required to make a Thangka. Meanwhile, if you wish to purchase a Thangka, the proceeds will be used for the monasteryâ€&#x;s refurbishment.
Be Part of a Tibetan Offering Ceremony
When visiting a Tibetan Temple or Shrine it is an ancient custom to bring an offering. It is said that “giving and receiving go hand in hand, like breathing-in and breathing-out”. Our guides will help you to purchase some auspicious items, to handover to a monk, during a chanting session. Some typical offering items are :
Khata: A silk white scarf. This gift honours monks, teachers and elderly. The Khata symbolizes purity and aspiration. Yak butter candles: When entering a Tibetan Temple it is impossible to miss the thousands and thousands of small yak butter candles. Also their typical smell cannot be missed…. According to good Tibetan tradition, offering yak butter candles to temples and shrines will bring good luck and merit.
CO O K I N G
Recipe of the Month - Famous Peking Duck • Clean the duck, removing and discarding any excess fat in the cavity. • Tie a piece of string around its neck. Pat dry. • Bring 25 cups of water to the boil and turn off the heat. • Put the duck into the water and turn it backwards and forwards for about 1 minute. Remove. • Bring the water to the boil again and repeat the previous step. • Do this twice more (total four times). • Hang the duck in a cool, draughty place for about 5 hours. • Mix the coating ingredients with 10 tablespoons hot water and brush the duck all over with the mixture. • Hang to dry for a further 4 hours and apply a second layer of coating. • Pre-heat the oven to 450oF / 230oC. • Put a roasting pan in the oven with a wire rack in it, making sure that there is a space of about 5 cm between the rack and the pan base. • Place the duck on the rack, breast side up, and roast for 8 minutes. • Turn the duck over using a towel, not a fork, and roast for a further 8 minutes. • Reduce the temperature to 350oF / 180oC and turn the duck breast side up again. • Roast for 20 minutes. Lower the temperature to 250oF / 120oC and roast for 10 minutes. • Increase the heat again to 450oF / 230oC and roast the duck for about 10 minutes. • At this point you have to watch carefully to make sure the skin of the duck does not burn.
Ingredients: 2.5 kg Duck 40 pieces Chinese pancake 6 Spring onions 1/2 Cucumber, sliced 2 Red chillies For the Coating 1 tablespoon Malt sugar, honey or molasses 1 teaspoon Corn flour 1/2 teaspoon Vinegar For the Sauce 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon Peanut butter 1 tablespoon Sesame oil 1 tablespoon Chinese yellow wine • Turn off the heat once the skin has turned a rich deep red. • Cut the spring onions into 5 cm lengths, shred the tip of each piece and put it in iced water for 10 minutes. Cut the cucumber into similar lengths. • Decorate each piece with a red chili ring. • Blend together the sauce ingredients over a low heat. • Carve off the skin on the back of the duck. • Hold the knife horizontally and carve the skin and meat from the breast and legs, cutting at an angle of 15o. • Arrange the skin and meat on a large plate and serve it with Chinese pancakes and cucumber, spring onions and the sauce. Source: www.asianonlinerecipes.com
Visa Section
Entry into China CHINA Every tourist travelling to China must get a visa prior to arrival. This usually is an easy and trouble free process. Tourist visas for individual travellers can be obtained directly through a Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Two passport photographs are required along with a completed application form. The Visa fees vary considerable, depending on the source of the visa, the applicant‟s nationality and the time taken to get it. Please note that there is no „visa on arrival‟ for tourists travelling to China. If you wish to obtain the visa via Diethelm Travel in Bangkok, the following items must be supplied to our office in Bangkok: o Original Passport o Two passport-size photos o Visa fee of USD 45 per person (except US nationals who are charged USD 180 per person)
Borders The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok requires at least five working days to process the visa. Therefore, allow sufficient time in Thailand to complete the visa application process. If such arrangements are not possible, we suggest you to secure the visa before your client‟s arrival in Asia at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Important notes: o Visa fees are subject to change without prior notice. o Visas can only be requested via Diethelm Travel in connection with bookings of travel arrangements. o A multiple-entry visa is essential if you plan to re-enter China, especially if you plan to visit either Hong Kong or Macau. o Many regions, such as Tibet and other remote areas, require special permits for tourist travel. Diethelm Travel can help you to secure the appropriate permits.
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