signature collection 2012 - 2013 - trails of indochina · the luang say residence, luang prabang...
TRANSCRIPT
MyanmarThailand BaliVietnam LaosCambodia
Signature Collection 2012 - 2013
Operations offices: Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Bangkok, Yangon.
Follow our trail. Create your journey.
Introduction 3
Dear Travel Partners,
After twenty years in the travel industry and more than ten years developing Trails of Indochina into one of the leading specialty tour operators in the region, I would like to share with you my personal travel philosophy.
I believe travelers are curious individuals, open to new experiences and to connect with people from other cultures. I know, because travel is my life. When our team designs your travel itinerary, we do so with excitement in our hearts, confident that we can deliver an innovative program which offers a highly personalized experience.
One of my personal passions is to search for new opportunities to better present my country and its heritage. Most recently, I was involved in the rescue and renovation of five eighteenth-century garden houses in my hometown of Hue. In developing the Ancient Hue Cultural Complex, I am able to share with visitors the original architecture of the traditional wooden-house and a taste of fine Royal cuisine.
As you read these travel narratives, I’d like you to remember we share this journey together. Some time back, fate took my sight but through knowing in my heart what your eyes will see and what your soul will experience, I see again.
John Tue Nguyen, Founder & CEO, Trails of Indochina
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The god Erawan is taken from former Laos Royal Standard.The white elephant is a common royal symbol in Southeast Asia, Laos’s three– headed pachyderm refers to the three former kingdoms, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Champasak that made up the country.
Signature Collection, Laos
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Laos Full bleed gatefold panoramic
Signature Collection, Laos
“Tranquility and calm marry here in Laos”
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Laos is landlocked; its thickly
forested landscape consists
mostly of rugged mountains,
with some plains and plateaus.
The Mekong River forms
a large part of the western
boundary with Thailand,
whereas the mountains of the
Annamite Chain form most of
the border with Vietnam.
Lovely Laos can at times feel uncharted, with its pristine nature and minimal tourist traffic. You’ll feel magically transported back in time, to a place where cars remain few and far between and markets, not malls, cover all earthly needs. The delightfully simple, home-cooked native cuisine, which emphasizes fresh, bold flavors will excite your palate. Off-the-grid adventures in the caves of Vang Vieng, the 4,000 Islands in the Mekong and the lost temple of Wat Phou will inspire your imagination.
One of the sleepiest capitals in the world, Vientiane is awash with leafy boulevards, century-old temples and beautiful colonial structures. It also hosts a calendar-full of fun and fascinating festivals. Time your trip to the boat racing or full-moon festivals, for example, and get excited for cultural immersion in these age-old traditions.
Luang Prabang is made for walking, relaxing and quiet contemplation, a world away from the frenetic pace of the modern daily grind. Wake up early and observe the awe-inspiring Tak Bat, the daily alms offering to the monks. Take a short drive into the jungle for a play-date with elephants. Beneath a skyline dominated by lush Mount Phousi, the pretty side streets, intimate spas and shady temples will revive your weary body and soul.
Laos
LAOS
MYANMAR
CAMBODIA
VIETNAM
Yangon
Vientiane
Phnom Penh
Hanoi
Eastern Sea
Gulf of
Tonkin
Gulf of
Thailand
Bangkok
THAILAND
Vang Vieng
Luang Prabang
Pakse
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Laos– A Bespoke Journey
We begin in Thailand’s far north, near its border with Myanmar and Laos, a mysterious area known as the Golden Triangle—where two rivers and three countries dramatically meet. Once infamous for producing much of the world’s opium, the area today is home to dozens of distinct ethnic minorities and is an important trade hub for gems and jade.
After crossing the river into Laos, you’ll board the Luang Say cruise for an overnight sail to quaintly Luang Prabang, where time seems to have stood still. Ascend to sweeping views from mountain-tops—which contain the perfect air and soil for some of the best coffee-growing in the world. You’ll meet a local expat who has devoted a decade to helping the hill tribes produce a rare highland Arabica bean that provides an alternative livelihood to opium-farming and brews the most-delicious Luang Prabang Espresso.
You’ll be honored with the Baci Ceremony, based on the ancient belief that humans are a union of 32 organs and the “kwan” (soul). The chanting village elders will summon your kwan and restore your equilibrium, imparting blessings for good fortune. The mysteries continue with a visit to the remote and enigmatic Plain
of Jars, where 1,500-year-old stone urns fill the landscape.
The holiest site in Laos, the golden That Luang, is found in quiet Vientiane. Some of the country’s most talented artisans, too–just ask Sandra Yuck, a Canadian whose workshop here produces high-quality home accessories handmade by local woodcarvers. Your goodwill visit today will also include a donation to a worthy Non Government Organization of your choice.
Then it’s back to the river, where for three days long-tail boats and the luxury Wat Phou Cruise transport you to temples pre-Angkorian and hidden in a forest, the untamed paradise known as the 4,000 islands and the remnants of an old French railway. Cap your trip at the “Niagara of the East,” the rushing Khong Pha Peng
waterfall whose stunning hydropower perfectly sums up your Laotian overwater adventure.
Our journey through Laos is dominated by the mighty Mekong,
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The Luang Say Residence, Luang Prabang
Venture back in time to a life of old-world luxury at the grandiloquent Lang Say Residence, a tropical garden refuge in Luang Prabang. The expansive property contains just 24 suites in six pavilions, connected by a walkway spanning a series of lily- and palm-dotted ponds. Sweeping mountain views and refreshing high-altitude breezes are ushered through balconies and large terraces.
Recline on your drawing-room divans and king beds elegantly draped in white netting, and pen your postcards from antique style wooden writing desks.
Take in the local flavor at 1861, the cocktail lounge appointed with hunting trophies, historical books and botanical displays, and at the aptly named sumptuous restaurant, La Belle Epoque.
La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang
The pioneer of luxury in Luang Prabang, La Résidence
Phou Vao is a peaceful sanctuary boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Phou Si temple. Poised enviably atop a hill just five minutes from the heart of town and nestled within three hectares of lush gardens, its 34 spacious suites reflect the heritage of Lao architecture, emphasizing local styles and materials: shimmering rosewood, rich fabrics and freeform marble baths.
One of the highlights of your visit will be a dinner al-fresco or in the restaurant, with French-influenced local cuisine. This Orient-Express hotel is beloved for its open-air spa beside a water-lily pond and its infinity-edge pool, which is nothing less than spectacular. Soak up the atmosphere and relax in a resort of utter tranquility, whose ambience perfectly echoes that of the sleepy World Heritage–Listed town spread out below.
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Amantaka Resort, Luang Prabang
In the heart of Luang Prabang, immaculately renovated colonial villas make up the peaceful Amantaka Resort. With only 24 suites, most with pools, the hotel named to Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List prides itself on maintaining intimacy and the highest level of service. A beautiful blend of French and Lao influences, “Amantaka” is derived from aman, Sanskrit for ‘peace’, and Tipitaka, meaning ‘the teaching of the Buddha’ —and it’s the sheer definition of harmony.
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Choosing Trails of Indochina
Trails of Indochina was established in 1999, the realized vision of Mr. John Tue Nguyen, current CEO, Founder and sole owner. Without a specialty operator based in Vietnam focused on bringing to life the standards expected of our global audience–particularly in the area of luxury travel that was not being catered to at the time, John sensed a unique opportunity for his native country.
We have grown considerably since our inception, stretching our legs outside of Vietnam and currently employ more than 160 staff across six destinations in South East Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Bali. Our positive growth has come through increased demand from a list of loyal industry partners and their clientele to further explore this still somewhat undiscovered region.
Our range of Signature Experiences, something that differentiates us from our competitors, keeps us absolutely at the forefront of the industry. This, coupled with our unrelenting focus on consistency and reliability in delivery, is a potent combination.
Our determined voyage has seen Trails of Indochina develop into a globally competitive, multi-award winning organization that has never shifted from its vision: to deliver absolutely unique and completely tailored signature experiences in Southeast Asia to the highest possible global service standards.
Follow our trail. Create your journey.
Headquarters
10/8 Phan Dinh Giot StreetTan Binh DistrictHo Chi Minh City, VietnamTel (84 8) 3844 1005 Fax (84 8) 3844 [email protected] North America Sales Office 4100 Birch StreetNewport Beach,CA 92660, USATel (1) 888 444 0212Fax (1) 949 486 5913 [email protected] Australia Sales Office
PO Box 4045 Maroubra South NSW 2035, AustraliaTel (61 2) 8003 4595Fax (61 2) 8347 [email protected]
United Kingdom Sales Office
67 Old High StreetOxfordOX3 9HT, UKTel: (44) 7882 [email protected] Mexico Sales Office
Av. Tintoreto 119-2Col. Ciudad de los DeportesMéxico DF 03710, MéxicoTel (52) 5598 [email protected]
www.trailsofindochina.com