Exotic12 2015 by Quang.Nguyen

Travel in Style

Greetings from Exotic Voyages! Time flies by really quick. 2015 for Exotic Voyages is a year full of exciting challenges and events, including introducing two new destinations to our portfolio, Dubai and Maldives. Travelers can now go further and enjoy more “luxury experiences” with us. That’s why for this special festive issue of Travel in Style, the “spotlight” will be focus on our top 10 places to go in 2016. We hope this will help sparking some travel inspirations for the year ahead. But the fun does not stop there. Get introduced to the newest addition to the collection of luxury resorts along the beach of Danang City, plus a “Maldives-like paradise that is not so far from the Angkor Temples. Speaking of Angkor, let us hear from our experienced guides in Siem Reap, who will give us some advice on how to escape the crowds and really appreciate the sensational beauty and value of this great The festive theme will also cover Travel Fashion and Food Experiences, in which you will get to know how people in Asia prepare for their New Year. But the ambiance reaches its high in Asia Insight. We will show you how you can celebrate 6 different New Year in Asia in 12 months. For those who want to go to Asia to welcome 2016 but haven’t decided where to go yet, we hope our list of the best places to watch fireworks will help. Before the year ends, we would like to express our gratitude to you for your support for Travel in Style and Exotic Voyages. We hope you will have a great festive season with your colleagues, friends and We will see you again in March, with more ideas and stories to tell. But until then, Happy New Year!

Exotic Voyages Team

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TRAVEL IN STYLE

TABLE of

CONTENTS

Naman Retreat A Sanctuary of Greenery and Relaxation

20 8 Reasons Why Song Saa Private Island is an Ideal Choice for Your Luxury Trip in Cambodia

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A Guide to Sri Lankan cuisine

Fruit tray in Tet holiday

33 Top 10 places to go in 2016 by Exotic Voyages

China So much more than you believed!

How to Best Enjoy the Temples of Angkor

FOOD EXPERIENCES

Best Places for Firework Watching in Asia

30 ASIA INSIGHT

Celebrating 6 New Year in 12 Months

54 TRAVEL FASHION

46 55

New Year Traditional Costumes around Asia

Colonial Architecture in Southeast Asia

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Top

Places to Go

in 2016 by Exotic Voyages

December, the last month of the year, for us travel enthusiast, is time to review how far we went last year and create a travel bucket list for the year ahead. The same happens with us here at Exotic Voyages. Now is also time for us to discover new experiences, activities and places

Travel

. Galle, Sri Lanka

In style

There are very few towns in Asia where you can witness the presence of 4 different cultures, both from the East and the West. Galle is one of them. We love this city because of its enchanting architectural scenes, an unpretentious love of food and a very chic ambiance. Here you will find the trace of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial era, somehow co-exist with Sri Lankan heritage. Don’t forget to take some photos of Galle’s most famous landmarks, like the British Clock Tower, the All Saints Church, the New Old Dutch House and the Maritime Museum.

It’s all about NEW! New hotels . hot destinations . trendy activities and experiences Be inspired by our latest travel ideas and inspirations.

to help travelers go further and understand even more about the incredible diversity and beauty of Asia. As we’re about to ring the bell to welcome 2016, let’s take a look with us at some of our favorite places to go to for the year ahead.

. Pakse, Laos

We understand that most travelers wouldn’t visit Laos if it’s not for Luang Prabang. But a short flight to the south will take you to Pakse where you will have the opportunity to experience some great highlights of Laos. For the history buffs, explore the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site other than Luang Prabang, the Khmer ruins of Wat Phu, older than the Angkor Wat. The largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, the Khone Phapheng Falls can also be easily reached from here.

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. Hong Kong

. Thimphu

In Thimphu, there are no traffic lights, but there is sure happiness for everyone in the city. You will soon be in love with the long and winding single-lane streets, traditional houses, majestic monasteries and fortresses (called dzongs) and

chilies. In Bhutan capital cities, you will truly appreciate and understand the Bhutanese way of life, with modern facilities starting to come in but the concept and image of the last Shangri La are still present.

Hong Kong is not only a major transportation and economic hub of Asia but also a fine place to stay for 3 or 4 days or even more. In fact, if you want somewhere to spend your 7-day holiday without having to travel much, Hong Kong is definitely a great idea. Everybody knows about the shopping opportunities, exceptional hotels of all kinds. This is also one of the finest places for sampling different cuisines in the world. And if you want some refreshing experiences, there are some surprisingly nice beaches not so far from the city center.

. Koh Lanta

Out of hundreds of islands in Southern Thailand, Koh Lanta is perhaps the most underrated. But that maybe good news for us travelers. Here, you will be surrounded not by lots of fellow tourists but by stunning beaches and diving spots as well as quaint villages. Exotic Voyages strongly recommend Koh Lanta for couples and honeymooners as a final relaxing stop after having discovered the northern half of the country.

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. Phu Quoc

Not long ago, Phu Quoc is hardly known by international tourists. Even to the Vietnamese, it is known more as a military base than a holiday destination. But now, the island sees it name appear in numerous reputable travel awards in the world including best destination (#3) for winter trips in 2014 by National Geographic

Traveler Magazine. Phu Quoc has its all, from exotic national park, sumptuous seafood, an increasing number of fine resorts and of course beautiful beaches and waters that is perfect for a variety of water sports including snorkeling and scuba diving. On top of that, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a good time to visit throughout the year.

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. Siem Reap

We agree that the biggest reason that we go to Siem Reap is to pay a visit to the extraordinary temples of Angkor. But it’s not the only reason. In fact, the city enchants travelers with a hip and cosmopolitan feel, great boutique hotels (some are transformed from old colonial house), fine

. Inle Lake

dining restaurants rubbing shoulders with local street food stalls. And if you still want some more local experiences, take a day trip to the south and explore the daily lives of the floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake.

. Dubai

Dubai is arguably the most cosmopolitan and futuristic-looking cities in the world. First, you will arrive at the world’s busiest airport, then you will have the chance to stay at the world’s most luxurious hotels and climb up the world’s tallest building. But Dubai is not all about the world records that it’s got. The tranquil Arabian Gulf can cool down a 40 degree day. Eager to try some good food? Try some spicy Arabic specialties or dine in some of the finest restaurants in the region. Simply put, if you want to live the future, come to Dubai.

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Tranquil, diverse and picturesque. What more do you want than ending your trip to the magical land of Myanmar with 3 or 4 days relaxing by the Inle Lake? Thanks to the right approach of sustainable tourism development by the Myanmar government, the lake is now still able preserve its pure natural beauty and the

cultural diversity. When you go kayaking on the lake, don’t forget to take a photo of the floating gardens and the famous one-leg rowing fisherman. And while on land, take a visit to many fascinating places around, like the temple complex of Kakku, Indein or Sagar.

. Maldives

One of the most exciting news in 2015 from Exotic Voyages is that we finally bring the heavenly Maldives to our travelers. With us, you can now spend your dream beach holiday on the soft sands of the island or even stay in a “signature” overwater villa in the Maldives. When you want to go underwater, Maldives possesses some of the best diving spots in the world. And after the sun sets on the horizon of the Indian Ocean, revitalize yourself in the spa or choose your favorite restaurant in the resort.

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Naman

Retreat

A SANCTUARY OF GREENERY AND RELAXATION

Ranked number 1 on TripAdvisor’s list of “Destination on the Rise”, Danang is now known as one of the most exciting destinations in Southeast Asia, with a rapidly changing cityscape and a splendid Eastern coastline, on which, there are more and more sprawling resorts open every year. And in 2015, Naman Retreat is the newest addition to that precious collection. Having the opportunity to recently stay here, I could not help but being fascinated by this truly unique luxury beach resort.

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aman Retreat is located on the “Five-Star Avenue” of Danang, a road that runs in parallel with the long stretch of whitesand beach of the city. On the other side of the road, there are two world-class golf courses in Vietnam including one that was designed by the legendary Greg Norman. So, Naman Retreat already wins the heart of golf lovers like me with its ideal location.

stayed at the Pool Villa One Bedroom. The interior is also designed with a concept of simplicity and minimalist with white and beige the principal tones, and bamboo and stone the most used material. Plus, the villa is surrounded by high walls, so you don’t have to worry that the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors will put your privacy during your stay on compromise. On the contrary, these large transparent windows make the villa an ensemble space of living, sharing and relaxing. But my favorite part of the villa I stayed in is the outside garden which features a private pool and a daybed where I could enjoy sunshine and take a sip of my favorite cocktail served in room.

Entering the resort, you can easily realize the use of a typical and traditional material in Vietnamese architecture, the bamboo. Simple but elegant, the presence of bamboo makes me feel like I am belong to a fresh sanctuary, unlike my ordinary world of concrete jungles, but somewhat similar to me or as I guess, to any Vietnamese who was born and raised in villages that nestled behind the bamboo trees. I was most impressed with the Coffee Club and the Sitini Bar, whose roofs are made out of intricately-bended bamboo. That of Coffee Club reminded me of the Vietnam House in Expo Milano 2015.

We cannot finish a talk about a resort without mentioning its spa. And the Pure Spa at Naman Retreat definitely lived up to my expectation. It is called a “no wall sanctuary”, as here you will see lots and lots of trees. The space here is absolutely dominated by green and green. Even you are in the massage room, you can still feel the sense of belonging to the nature thanks to the glass floor-to-ceiling windows. Here there are 15 luxury treatment rooms in total, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, gym and yoga pavilion, basically everything you need. My recommendations are talk with a consultant here at the resort, and find a suitable treatment program for you. Naman Retreat offers a Detox Journey that ranges from 3 to 14 days. The journey includes spa treatments, colon hydrotherapy, wellness therapies, physical activities and a healthy meal plans.

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Whether you are a traveling couple, a traveling family or a large group of friends, Naman Retreat will be a perfect plan for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the ordinary life, for immersing in a philosophy of holistic wellness and for purifying yourself and restoring balance of life.

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Song Saa

Private Island

China

China is fast becoming one of the most economically and politically significant countries to feature on the world stage, and is developing at a rate which renders it indispensable almost all major industries and world event. After bursting forth for a long period of repression and stagnation during the era of early communist rule and the people republic of China’s founder, Mao Zedong, China now has the world’s fastest growing economy and is in what has been described as a second industrial revolution. However,

So much more than

you believed!

China is also one of the world’s oldest civilisations, stretching back over 5000 years, and has made great contributions to much of the makeup of modern life, including developing paper, gunpowder, and paper money. So what existed before the modern stamp being newly placed on the world, and what is the story making up the fabric of Chinese history stretching before the days of the cultural revolution and the communist regime which we hear so little about. Most importantly what today comprises the variety

of life and landmass of the world’s most populous country, beyond just the world stage of the country’s capitals. This article will give a brief insight into the more untapped parts of a vast culture which, even as its modern strength shouts for attention on the world arena, still begs to be explored and understood. Let’s take a leisurely walk through examples of nature and culture for a more off the beaten track look at China’s magnificence.

LUXURY THAT TREADS LIGHTLY

in sight Travel in Style - Asian A: KOH RONG ARCHIPELAGO, CAMBODIA | T: +855 23-886-750 | E: +855 23-886-750

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Phoenix Ancient Town

Detian Waterfalls

The Detian waterfalls are the collective name given to a series of waterfalls sat on the border between Vietnam and China, stretching deep in the Guangxi Zhauang Autonomous Region. The magical panoramic scope of the waterfalls themselves gives a feeling of presentation, as if they were carved out of the hill side and left to form a point of gifted beauty. It’s the sort of feeling one gets from the archetypal clearing in the forest, a hidden location of exquisite beauty reserved only for the chosen few who happen to stumble upon it. This is not too far from the truth, with the waterfalls only being rediscovered recently, and many endemic plants being found exclusively within its sphere. The waterfalls are tiered on top of each other, making three layers of water weeping gently from one layer to the next. The scene evokes ideas of the many kings and poor men who must have used the spot to conduct the conclusion of a romance of a lifetime, which may or may not have ended up in a fairy-tale ending. The fact that the waterfalls have featured themselves in so many pieces of music and art seems that they themselves are the subject of infatuation. They are a sight not to be missed.

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The phoenix, the ancient mythical bird which ends its life in a combustion of flames only to be reborn anew from its own ashes, is in China a longstanding symbol of good omen and longevity. Phoenix Ancient Town is so named because as legend goes two of the famous birds flew over it and found the town so beautiful that they hovered above, transfixed and unable to leave. Even though, all these years later, the name stuck and the birds didn’t, the town remained preserved in an ancient beauty, itself taking on mythical status and now remaining

China, the country with the fourth largest landmass in the world, is still very slowly unravelling to the ‘foreigners’ who lie outside of it. The country offers styles of landscape and age old cultural traditions which have not yet even worked their way into the Western lexicon of cultural images and stereotypes. The country is largely still bubbling silently to a wider

one of the increasingly rare examples of what Chinese villages looked like before modernisation. The architectural style of hand crafted and ornamental bridges and mystifying towers and pagodas is a clear window into one of the most intuitively nostalgic and mystifying civilisations still to exist until today. The Miao ethnic group, predominantly settled here, have stuck to the their hard working attitude and simple life even through the onset of modernisation being demanded in the expanse of other parts of China.

world who knows nothing of the rich cultural practices and lives of its citizens. It is only now, as it begins to wake up to its own strength and presence within the world, that the world begins to wake up the historical beauty that has lain within it itself for thousands of years.

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How to Best Enjoy

the Temples of Angkor Ranked on top of the list of Top Wonders of the World by TripAdvisor in 2015, the Angkor temples in Cambodia. Most visitors follow the same ordinary and crowded route, but we believe that you can get off the beaten path and enjoy these extraordinary temples in a different and exciting ways. Here are a few tips to do that.

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What is the best time to visit the temples?

Which pass should I get?

Unless you are 100% sure that you can tolerate the scorching hot day in Cambodia (with temperatures exceed 40 degrees), April and May are not a good time to arrive and enjoy. June to October can be a bit more pleasant, however, you are likely to experience rain or even monsoon, which to me, is worse than the mere heat. That also means November to May is the best time to visit, but, keep in mind that prices will also be higher, sites will get more crowded.

If you are really into temples, architecture or history, then get a 7-day pass. A 1-day pass is for those who are limited of time of travel or simply resist staying for more than 2 days in Siem Reap. The most popular choice among traveler is the 3-day pass.

Which temples first? Most people visit the Angkor Wat first in the early morning because that’s the first one they will encounter on the way from Siem Reap. Then, they will work their way up north, to the ancient city of Angkor Thom and its famous temples: Bayon and Ta Prohm. However, we suggest you try the notion of “chronological tour”, that means you will visit the oldest temples first, then the newer. By doing this, you can avoid the crowds for the majority of your day whereas the visit will be much more interesting.

Before the visit: You should gain some basic knowledge about the temples as well as the history and culture of the Khmer Empire. You don’t need to do heavy research but at least knowing the meaning of the temples or which period the Khmer Empire belonged to will help making your visit much more meaningful

How to get in, get around and get back? There are several choices for this, you can take a taxi or a tuk tuk to get in between Angkor and Siem Reap, then walk on your own to explore the temples. A tuk tuk can also take you around all day long, but unless you’re concerned of your

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Some other small tips: stamina, this will cost quite a bit more. For those who would like to go by bike, keep in mind that the distances look quite short on the map but will turn out to be difficult in reality, especially during hot days.

Sleep early, rise early, and start your expedition before sunrise Ask you hotel in Siem Reap if they can wrap a breakfast for you so you don’t have to return to the hotel to have breakfast

Whatever you do, bring lots of water with you This is still an active religious site, the locals and many Buddhists still come here to offer prayers, so pay some respect by dressing appropriately. Make sure your shoulders and legs are covered. Travel in Style

Reasons Why

SongSaa is an Ideal Choice

Private Island

for Your Luxury Trip in

Cambodia

Are you determining to explore the temples of Angkor and would like to enjoy an indulging and luxury beach stay afterwards without having to apply for a second visa? If you ask us, we will have no hesitation to suggest the splendid Song Saa Private Island. And here are 8 reasons why:

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6. Responsibility All 27 luxury overwater, jungle and ocean view villas are built with sustainable materials with respect to the surrounding natural environment. Besides, Song Saa is also an active name in supporting the local communities in Cambodia with various responsible projects including The “Boat of Hope”, a transformation work of an old Cambodian fishing boat to the first floating education and sustainability center in the region.

1. Secluded location

2. Excellence of service

Song Saa Private Island concludes of two idyllic tropical islands far from the coastal city of Sihanoukville. In fact, to get to this paradise-on-earth, you have to take a 35-minute boat ride. Thanks to this isolated location, what you will have ultimate privacy and intimacy for your stay while accessibility is not compromised. Does this remind you something of the Maldives?

Staying at Song Saa means all you need to do is sit back, relax and let the service team at the resort do the rest. This is a resort that has received several prestigious awards every year since 2012, including 2013 Best Hotels in the World by Elle Magazine (#4), 2014 Best Hotels in the World by Fodor’s Travel Awards or Top 20 in Asia & The Indian Subcontinent by Condeù Nast Traveller 2015 Reader Travel Awards.

7. The Song Saa Sanctuaries The spa here is designed of a brand new concept with no “centralization”. You can request a spa treatment in various places across the island: outdoor salas, beachfront or discreet villas nestled in the serenity of the rainforest. Therapists here range from Khmer practitioners, to yoga masters, ayurvedic therapists, some of which are internationally trained.

3. All-villa Size and space is another thing that you don’t need to worry about as Song Saa is an all-villa resort.

4. Experience overwater accommodation Apart from Song Saa, there are no other hotels or resorts that offer the opportunity to stay at an overwater bungalow. If you’d like to have this experience, you’ll have to go across the border to the southern islands of Thailand.

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5. Perfect for honeymooners

8. Always included activities

What you expect from your honeymoon is all featured in this stunning resort. Privacy, check! Pristine natural beauty, check! Sumptuous dining, check! Spa, check! It’s like staying in the Maldives.

For guests to thoroughly enjoy their stay in Song Saa, activities are included and always will be. From snorkeling around the islands, kayaking, picnic on deserted location, watching movie within your own villa to watching and getting close with the wildlife on the island, all are free for you and your beloved ones to enjoy without worrying.

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Food

Experiences

Taste the world in a good way - Explore authentic local culinary

Despite situated only a few minutes away from Phuket International Airport, Dewa Phuket enjoys an uninterrupted and pristine beach by the northern edge of the Sirinath National Park. An ideal choice for travel couples and families who seeks for seclusion combined with excellent service.

A: 65 Moo1, Tambon Sakoo Road, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand T: +66 76 37 23 00 E: reservation@dewaphuket.com

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Fruit tray in

Tet holiday Tet Nguyen Dan or more commonly known as Tet Holiday is the most important holiday in Vietnam. During this Lunar New Year, Vietnamese people place Five-fruit tray on the ancestral altar as the way they indicate their respect and gratitude to Heaven, Earth and deceased forefathers as well as their aspiration of prosperity, health and happiness. The fruits are carefully chosen and laid out on the crimson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lacquered wooden or small round aluminum tray or simply, a beautiful plate.

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The five fruits symbolize the five basic elements of Eastern philosophy: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Each element has one particular presented color so people will find the fruit which has that color to present the element. Specifically, metal is white, wood is green, water is black, fire is red and earth is yellow. The five fruits therefore demonstrate peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aspiration of five blessings: wealth, position, longevity, good health and security. Moreover, only the number of fruit type is counted rather than the quantity of fruit. The selection of fruit differs from one region to another according to the climate, fruit crops, local habits and customs. The difference is more genuine between the North and the South of Vietnam.

Five-fruit tray in the North In the North, people attach much important to color of the fruit which must present the five basic elements. Banana is indispensable in the tray of Northern people. It presents the hand of Buddha which protects humans. It has to make sure that the

hand of bananas is placed in the middle with the bananas pointing upright and faces outward. Pomelo or finger citron, apple, orange and persimmon are then put on the concave surface of the hand of bananas. Five-fruit tray can be ornamented with

scarlet chilies and small fresh leaves of kumquat. In the Northern concept, the fivefruit tray should be as much eye-catching and colorful as possible. Five-fruit tray in the South

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A Guide to

Sri Lankan Cuisine Most people will jump to the question: “Is it like Indian food?” when I mention Sri Lankan cuisine. It is no doubt that due to cultural influence and the geographical proximity, Sri Lanka is heavily influenced and somewhat overshadowed by the giant neighbor in many ways, including cuisine. However, despite several similarities, Sri Lankan cuisine to me is a refinement of Indian’s richness and a twist of typical seaside culinary culture. The country may be small, but the foods are incredibly and surprisingly rich. If you are just a traveler, it would take months to sample all the highlights. But to give you an “amuse-bouche” of what you may get, here’s a brief guide to Sri Lankan cuisine.

Five-fruit tray in the South In the South, the meaning of fruit is more appreciated than its color. That is a reason why there are some fruit they avoid to use in five-fruit tray. In contrast to the North, Southern people avoid banana as banana and hardship are homonyms in Vietnamese. Similarly, they exclude orange which results from a folk idiom “Mandarin does, orange suffers” meaning a person

Travel in Style - Food Experiences

does something of which other suffers the consequences. Pear, apple, durian and bitter or spicy fruits are off the allowable list as well. Southern people favor custard apple, coconut, papaya, mango and fig whose meaning is a wish of affluent and full life. Regardless the difference between regions, Five-fruit tray is a beautifully cultural tradition of Vietnam. It is also a

spiritual symbol and an original product in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese in the Tet Holiday. In recent years, the living condition is improving so the arrangement of five-fruit tray becomes more flexible. People add more expensive and rarer fruits. However, they still preserve the name Fivefruit tray as the concept of a “perfect set of five”.

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Crab curries

The first thing you need to know is in this little island, almost every meal revolves around Rice and Curry. In fact, “rice and curry” stands for a synonym with food. Even world-famous fast-food brands such as KFC or McDonalds’ still keep rice and curry in several items on their menu. Rice cultivation in Sri Lanka has been around for almost 3.000 years. The island’s inhabitant used to have hundreds variations of rice in the past, however, the number reduced to 15 now, but they are the finest. But just like India, a typical meal is not complete without curry and a chunk of meats, from beef, pork, goat to fish. However, curries in Sri Lanka feature a thinner broth but the spice is still stronger than Indian or most Thai curries. If I had to pick one word to describe Sri Lankan curry, fiery might be perfectly correct. Apart from rice and curry, perhaps coconut is the most popular item used in a variety of Sri Lankan cuisine. The hearty and fatty juice is not used solely for drinking on the beach. It is also an integral element in authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The flesh of the coconut also finds itself in several common dishes, especially salads. Some foods are even eaten inside a coconut.

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No list of Sri Lankan food should be done without the presence of a seafood dish. Seafood like fish or shrimp can be served with curries, however, crab curries is my personal favorite while traveling along the coast of Sri Lanka. Sizable chunks of local crab meat absorbs the brilliance of Sri Lankan spices, altogether making an alluring food that keep diners wanting it again. The best way to eat this flavorful dish is by hands. It’s finger-licking good!

Dhal curry

Hoppers

No restaurants forget to include dhal curry in their menus. A mixture of onions, tomatoes and chillies is sautéed and combined together with local spices like turmeric, curry leaves, mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Fresh coconut milk is added to enhance the flavor and create a creamy texture. Dhal curry is mostly used as dipping gravy, eaten with curry and meat. Apart from being the most eaten curry in Sri Lanka, dhal curry is the perfectly symbolizes the characteristics of Sri Lankan cuisine: rich, spicy amazingly tasty.

Hoppers are the Sri Lankan equivalent of American pancake. The batter is a perfect combination of fermented rice flour, coconut milk and a little bit of sugar. The mixture is then put in an even and small wok. Depending on how much sugar is put in, hoppers can be sweet or savory. Two famous variations of hoppers are egg hoppers (in which an egg is cracked into the wok) and string hoppers (in which the dough is squeezed into strings just like pasta). Hoppers can be enjoyed as breakfasts and dinner with curries.

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Polos (Green Jackfruit curry) In Sri Lanka, the usage of many fruits is relatively liberal. You don’t usually use jackfruit for cooking, but in this country, they do. Jackfruit is consumed in various stages of ripeness, from starchy to green to ripe and very ripe. Polos is a distinctive Sri Lankan curry that features young green jackfruit. Bite-sized chunks of the fruit are boiled until soft then cooked with a delightful and harmonious mixture of onions, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, curry powder, chili powder, turmeric, mustard seeds and even pandan leaves. A standard dish at every Sri Lankan restaurant, polos feature a starchy texture of jackfruit, finely added with the quintessence of traditional spices.

Watalappam Desserts should be considered as a well-preserved heritage of Sri Lanka as they are influenced by the sweetness of Portuguese and Dutch with a light twist of British and Malaysian. You don’t have to run far to find a “sweet treatment” in Sri Lanka, especially if it’s watalappam, the country’s most famous and most popular dessert. Despite being similar to flan in the west, watalappam uses coconut custard pudding, which includes coconut milk, eggs, cloves, nutmeg and several other local ingredients. Watalappam is often eaten in religious festivals and social celebrations.

Travel in Style - Food Experiences

Honorable mentions: Kottu roti: roti bread with vegetables, meat is an option to be added Lamprais: a Dutch name for lump and rice, consists of meat, rice and sambol chili sauce wrapped altogether in a banana leaf packet. Pol sambol: a tribute side dish or garnish used by blending grated coconut, onions, chili powder, lime juice, salt and Maldives fish. Gotu kola sambol: a local medicinal used in a salad dish with shallot, tomato, grated coconut, chili, salt, pepper and lemon as dressings. Wood apple: a pungent but sour and sweet fruit often enjoyed in a thick smoothie, in which the wooden apple is added with sugar and water.

Now if you are impressed with what Sri Lankan cuisine got in store, you will be disappointed to know that authentic Sri Lankan foods and ingredients can only be found within the country (unlike Indian). To really experience it, come and enjoy it yourself. You will definitely amazed by Sri Lanka, and its curries, beaches, people, history and nature. With a total number of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and plenty of stunning beaches, the small island country of Sri Lanka is an exciting yet underrated destination in Southeast Asia. If you are interested in Sri Lanka travel, take a look at our collection of tour packages for the country, or contact us here for any questions or inquiries. Travel in Style

CELEBRATING

6 NEW YEAR

MONTHS?

IT’S POSSIBLE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Asia

Insight

Dive deep to listen to the sounds catch the sights and feel the soul of Asia A close-up look into Asia’s local life . giving you insights of unique customs . culture . spirit and the rhythm of life.

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hristmas and New Year is the most wonderful time of the year, you often say? Well, for many people in Southeast Asia, it can even be better than that. They have the privilege to observe 2 New Year in one calendar, January 1st and their traditional grand festival which is different in different countries. So for travel enthusiasts, it’s possible for us to live the amazing moments of welcoming the New Year for 6 times in 12 months in Southeast Asia.

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. Western New Year

Everywhere in Southeast Asia, especially the big cities Where?

When is the next one?

January 1st If you could ever travel back in time and take a trip around Southeast Asia, it would not be easy for you to find a place to celebrate the New Year properly, like you often do in the West. But now the hard thing is to find a place that does not celebrate this worldwide festival. From Bangkok, Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Manila, you can enjoy a fine glass of champagne in a fine dining restaurant, do the countdown and watch the fireworks from the poetic river bank or a stunning rooftop bar.

. Lunar New Year

throughout Vietnam and in places which have large Chinese communities, especially Singapore When is the next one? February 8th Where?

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stop liberally using the term Chinese New Year, unless you mean the celebration in China or by the Chinese. The second most-observed New Year in the world occurs in several other countries which all share the Lunar Calendar. But in Southeast Asia, we recommend you to stay in Vietnam. The atmosphere during Tet (how the festival is called in Vietnam) is truly amazing. During the last 3 days of the Old Year, you will see lots of changes in the country. The city is

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considerably less crowded as many inhabitants return to their countryside hometown to gather with their family. Shops, flower gardens, markets are busier than ever. Then all of a sudden, life starts to slow down before the brink of the New Year. Tet shares some similarities with Chinese New Year, but it does have plenty of unique customs, from house decoration, traditional food, wishes and even taboos. Travel in Style

. Nyepi

Where? Bali, Indonesia When is the next one? 9 March

Nyepi or the Balinese New Year is also known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Day of Silenceâ&#x20AC;?. And it really is, an absolute silence from 6 AM to 6 PM for the first day of the year. During this observance, you will see no working, no entertainment, no shops open, no noise on the streets or on TVs and radios, even no traveling. People will all stay at home in silence, no talking to each others, even no eating at all. Even foreign travelers also have to abide to these restrictions and stay within the hotels. The only few exceptions are police patrolling on the streets to make sure prohibitions are being followed and emergency vehicles responding to serious cases such as life-threatening conditions or a women about to give birth. This may sound bizarre but it has a meaning. By staying silence and doing nothing, the Balinese people want to create a quiet atmosphere, devoid the burden of life as well as passion and greed of human nature, in order to purify Bhuwana Agung (universe) and Bhuwana Alit (human).

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. Songkran

Where? Laos, Thailand When is the next one? April

13th

Songkran is widely celebrated across the two neighboring countries of Laos and Thailand. The most famous tradition during Songkran that you may know is lots of people flocking onto the streets to soak friends and passers-by, even foreign tourists. The act of throwing water here is actually the giving of blessings to other people. In fact, water is also used to wash homes, monks or Buddha images. Sometimes water is even perfumed with flowers. Over the years, Thai and Lao people, especially the young also have developed a new tradition: throwing cream and white powder during the celebrations instead of just water. Travel in Style

. Chaul Chnam Thmey

Cambodia, some parts of Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam where Khmer people live When is the next one? April 14th Where?

Unlike the Lunar New Year in Vietnam when the best time is before the festival, this Khmer New Year is mostly about the first three days of the New Year. During the first day (Maha Songkran), people will burn incense sticks at shrines or light candles and pay homage to Buddha himself. They also use water to wash their face in the morning, their chest at noon and their feet in the evening. The second day (Vara Vanabat) is filled

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. Thingyan

by charity acts, helping the homeless, the poor. The third and final day of Chaul Chnam Thmey (Vara Loeng Sak) is the occasion for Buddhists to wash the statues of Buddha, and for children to wash their grandparents and parents. They believe that doing these will bring longevity, luck, prosperity and happiness in life.

Where? Myanmar When is the next one?

April 17th

The Burmese New Year called Thingyan certainly has some parts influenced by Buddhist. The history of it is also derived from a Buddhist version of a Hindu myth. The festival also shares a similarity with Songkran, and that is the soaking water tradition on the last day of the year. The water here symbolizes the wish to wash away bad luck and sins of the past year. Then, on the first day of the year, people stop throwing water. Besides, people release captive fish and birds as an act of merit. Some special

feasts are also held for monks (remember Myanmar is a Buddhist-dominated country). And in a country that possesses such a diverse cultural diversity, you will find many different Thingyan traditions in different part of the country. Do you know: Songkran, Chaul Chnom Thmey and Thingyan are all called The Water Festival by Westerners? They all last for three days and involve the tradition of splashing or pouring water at one other to welcome the New Year. Travel in Style

Colonial Architecture

in Southeast Asia

Since a long long time ago, intrepid travelers and merchants from the West have spent months on their ships to get to the fertile and sunny land of Southeast Asia. Through passage of time, more and more westerners were aware of this Promise Land. Backed by their superior colonial regime, the British, French, Dutchâ&#x20AC;Ś flocked here to establish their presence, both politically and culturally. In spite of eventual reclaim of sovereignty, it is inevitable that after decades, or even centuries, big cities in Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia or Singapore are now adorned with lots of aesthetic buildings. For a traveler with great curiosity like me, these colonial architectural presences are a great subject to study during my trips. After reclaiming sovereignty, the new governments still decide to keep the colonial buildings, even for the same purpose.

or this we have to start first in Hanoi, a city which used to be ruled by the French for almost 100 years. While taking a city tour around the city, you will definitely identify lots of French-style buildings on both sides of the streets. Although some of them are newly built by the Vietnamese, especially some boutique hotels in the Old Quarter, some others date back to before WWII. But the most celebrated and perhaps most impressive building must be the Hanoi Opera House which is modeled on the Palais Garnier in Paris. The faĂ§ade of this icon of Hanoi have witnessed several historic events of the city including the 1945 Revolution which later helped liberating Vietnam from the French rule. Today, The Opera House is still a venue of many grand concerts and performances in Vietnam.

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ike in Hanoi, Saigon also preserves numerous beautiful French buildings. Believed by many people to be designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Saigon Central Post Office still now serves Saigoneers to send out letters. The hall is just impressive, with high arch ceiling which runs long across the length of the building. The post office nowadays still attracts a big number of people, including travelers who want to take a glance of a masterpiece or simply to purchase a stamp, a postcard. Travel in Style

ot far from Saigon, Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia is also “hiding” some colonial buildings from the past. They are not big, but “quaint”. My favorites are the Commissariat which is more than a century old. Shuttered for decades, it was even featured in the Matt Dillon City of Ghosts. Although the French left Cambodia a long time ago and the country undergoes a great and rapid transform, I still feel like I belong to a city from 50 years ago. In many numbered streets and boulevards of the city, keep an eye and you will see several other old French architectural remaining, including the tower-topped Heritage Watch or the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Cambodia.

ot just Myanmar, Malaysia also has its share of charming Tudor-style buildings with neo-gothic and neo-renaissance. Interestingly, some colonial buildings in Kuala Lumpur, or Penang are a little bit hybrid. That means they were designed by British architectures, but later modified to a greater or lesser extent. A great example is the symbolic Sultan Abdul Samad Building in the heart of Kuala Lumpur which fused the influence of British general layout and the Moorish intricate decorations.

he neighbor of Malaysia, Indonesia, meanwhile represents Dutch architectural style, as the country was under rule of Holland for quite a long time. Several churches in the capital city of Jakarta date back as far as the 17th century (the Golden Dutch Era). Many streeets will remind you the streets of Amsterdam, where houses of 2 or 3 storeys rubbing shoulders. Somewhere else in this historic city, Portuguese presence also exists, like in the Tugu or Sion Church. Although relatively isolated, the Philippines also possess its own collection of colonial architecture. Wander along the streets of Manila’s Intramuros district or find your path on the cobble-stoned streets of Vigan where houses with iron balconies and elegant baroque churches make you feel like you’re belonging to somewhere in Spain!

H W

hile the French establish their presence in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the British also made their mark. In its prime, urban infrastructure in Yangon is regarded more extensive than that in most cities in the UK. Scattered across in the downtown area of the former Burmese capital city, several majestic architectural heritages, such as Yangon City Hall which is enlisted on the Yangon City Heritage List, the well-preserved Custom House, the iconic High Court Building which somehow reminded me of the Westminster Palace in London.

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owever, we cannot finish this topic without mentioning the old hotels, where we can now stay in the same room with many famous figures in the past, including Charles Chaplin, David Beckham, Neil Armstrong, Margaret Thatcher or Prince Edward. There are plenty of them across Southeast Asia. The Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi and the Strand in Yangon remain superior places to stay for luxury travelers from all over the world. Raffles own 2 old hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, plus one in Singapore. Raffles Hotel in the Lion City is perhaps best known for being the birth place of the iconic cocktail Singapore Sling. The scope of an article is too short to tell you more about the Western architectural marks in Southeast Asia. But for us travelers, these buildings, though big or small, 80 years old or 3 centuries old, are still fascinating attractions for us to explore, or to understand and appreciate more about an integral part of the culture and history of the destinations we’re traveling through.

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Best Places for

Firework Watching in Asia

Although fireworks arts are more developed in the West, Chinese are the first people to light up the night sky with vivid and booming artificial flowers. And as New Year approaches, we want to bring you some of the best places to welcome 2016 in style. You will find that Europe, Australia and America are not the only place to be for the firework admirers.

. Singapore

The scale and the level of sophistication of New Year Firework in Singapore are just getting better year after year as money funded for the lightshow keeps getting more thanks to economic development. As we traverse to the very first moments of the New Year, the iconic Marina Bay sees a stunning display of lightshow performance, prepared by some of the best artists in Asia, if not in the world. You won’t find it difficult to find a nice place to enjoy the fireworks, for example Gardens By The Bay, Merlion Park, The Promontory or especially The Singapore Flyer, where you get very close with the fireworks itself.

. Hong Kong

Every year, one of the world’s most dramatic skylines is lit up with impressive pyrotechnic performance which will eventually conclude with a majestic dragon dancing across the sky. You can find many places to watch the fireworks in Hong Kong, but the most spectacular points of view are from a leisure boat on the Victoria Harbor or on a rooftop bar of a skyscraper.

. Da nang

Despite being a relatively young and newly developing city, Vietnam’s 3rd biggest city is certainly on the rise in Asia’s best destinations to spend New Year in. Danang does not lack of experiences when it comes to fireworks festivities. In fact, it is the venue for the annual International Firework Competition which attracts participation from several teams across the world. The skyline of Danang is not filled with imposing skyscrapers so you will not be easily blocked of a good view of the display. However, if you still want the nicest place, try to arrive early to pick your place near the poetic Han River before it gets too crowded. A more exclusive choice would be a reservation on the rooftop of the Novotel Danang.

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. Dubai

One of the most luxurious cities in the world shows an opulent way of welcoming the New Year, with a truly spectacular firework display throughout the vertical height of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest structures we human beings have ever built. Even that you may have already watched it on TV before, your jaw will likely to drop as the pyrotechnics arts are being put on display. But the fun in Dubai doesn’t stop there. If you don’t wish to have to raise your head the whole time because of the sheer height of the tower, spend the magical moment with your family or friends in the World Islands or the Palm Jumeirah to witness a different dimension of fireworks.

. Tokyo

Other than the Chinese, the Japanese are believed to be the first people to make use of the fireworks to celebrate special holidays. So this is not something new in the Land of the Rising Sun, they have been doing it for quite a long time ago. There is more than one performance, the most famous and most beautiful can be watch across the Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo Disneyland or the Tokyo Tower. For many people, the New Year celebration in Japan’s biggest city reminds them of New York, where countless people flock onto the streets and parties is everywhere.

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New Year Traditional Costumes

around Asia Each country has particular habits and customs to celebrate this special occasion but they share some things in common such as decorating the house or dressing up. People normally buy the new splendid outfits

but some countries choose to wear their traditional costumes. In this festive special edition, we will take a look at the five countries in Asia with impressive traditional costume during their New Year Celebration.

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Fashion

We understand that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fashionâ&#x20AC;? is an indispensable part of travel! Both fashion and travel reflects your taste and style as during travel time you are completely free to express yourself. We share with you the latest trends of travel fashion and interesting stories of local customs anywhere you wish to travel to.

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hina is well-known for its longstanding history and rich culture. In Lunar New Year, red color is the most dominated color in this country as it presents the good luck in Chinese concept. While women wear elegant Qi Pao (or Cheongsam), Chinese men dress up classy Chang Pao (or Changshan). Those outfits were introduced during Qing Dynasty and last until now to become a symbol of Celestial Empire. The Qi Pao which is a one-piece fitting dress with short sleeves, short hemline and flower-button ornaments presents the femininity, modesty and sophistication. The Chang Pao has four slits, bottom down the left front with particular horseshoe-shaped sleeves. In order to catch up with the fashion trends, some features are added to make those attires more stylish and modern. For instance, Chinese men can combine Changshan with western overcoat, fedora, or scarf while the cheongsam has adapted the shorter length, sleeveless style and slender waist. Qi Pao and Chang Pao not only embellish the New Year Event, they also manifest the nostalgia and national pride of Chinese citizens.

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ike people in many other Asian countries, Japanese people prefer bright colors for their costume in New Year. The Kimonos in this special occasion are adorned with flowers such as sakura blossom or temple photographs in order to make them more appealing and prominent. The traditional Kimono is considered is one of the most complex costumes because it includes several components. There are three main parts which is underclothing, outer kimono and the belt. The underclothing has an inner kimono named Nagajuban and maybe Hadajuban which is like an undershirt to avoid Nagajuban being soiled. They are tied down by a thin sash called a Koshi Himo. After wearing outer kimono layer, the colorful belt called an Obi will go around the waist. Obi consists of five different parts named Obiage, Obidome, Obijime, Obi makura and Obi ita. Additionally, Japanese people put on the split toe socks (Tabi) and traditional kimono footwear (Zori). Kimono for women often contains motifs such as flowers, trees and mountains to show natural love whilst menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kimonos are much simpler and have dark and luxurious colors with no patterns.

eople in Korea wear Hanbok as a custom practiced during New Year holiday. Hanbok plays an important role in expressing culture and beauty of this country. Even though the shape is not really tight to the body and the style is to cover fully the body, Hanbok still elegantly shows the charming and amiable character of Korean women. This traditional costume has typically bright and flamboyant colors which enhance the cheerful and lively atmosphere of New Year. Hanbok for women comprises of outerwear (Jeogori)

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and gown (Chima); the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costume consists of outerwear and big- leg opening trousers with pockets (Baji). The outerwear has one largest part named Gil, decorative ribbon in the collar (Git), white collar (Dongjeong) and fabric belt (Goreum). The whole family wearing Hanbok together and visiting each others are considered one the best images in Korean New Year event.

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ogether with peach blossom, apricot blossom and kumquat, the image of Vietnamese women in Ao Dai has becomes a sign of Tet – the most important event of a year. Ao Dai – Vietnamese national costume is a tightfitting silk tunic worn over pants. This is a discreet but absolutely charming outfit. The tunic consists of front flap and back flap, the high round collar with long sleeves. There are hooks in a row used as holes and fasteners from collar to the waist. The pants have large pant legs and normally in blank colors. Vietnamese women tend to choose bright and fresh colors such as red, yellow and pink in Tet Holiday as they present the luck and happiness. Whereas Vietnamese men choose to wear Western suits to be more courteous and gentle.

he Laotian traditional costumes are Sinh for women and Salong for men which are worn in special occasions. Sinh is long silk skirt, blouses and scarves. Laotian women also get coiled hairstyles and many gold accessories when wearing Sinh. Sinh has three main parts which are Hua Sinh – the head of sinh; Phuen Sinh – the body part which normally has two colours and Tin Sinh – the foot of Sinh which is dedicately and sophisticatedly embroidered. Sinh has a variety of designs and materials as each will show the social positions. Salong in the other hands is the traditional costume for men. They are big pants or pleasant pants which are worn with a shirt, knee-lenth white socks and a Pha Biang – the ceremonial shawl. Sinh and Salong not only present the Laotian culture but also present the kindness and beauty of Laotian people.

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