ABOUTAsia

This month we will be highlighting some of our favourite island destinations in Indochina. Song Saa Private Island has been a leader in developing Cambodia as a single country destination, setting the bar with their amazing work through the Song Saa Foundation and crafting that perfect feel of a Cambodian luxury escape.

Song Saa Private Island has recently earned a coveted spot on the Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List 2024 and also won The Change-Makers award from 2023 Pure Award. It’s a pleasure to see the dedication and passion Song Saa continues to deliver.

Happy New Year from all of us at ABOUTAsia Travel!

Thank you so much for an amazing 2023 and we are so excited for the new adventures of 2024. It has been a privilege to showcase Indochina to so many this year and we look forward to continuing to grow the ABOUTAsia experience next year.
#2024

ABOUTAsia Travels Senior Travel Advisors - Savonn and Sopisith headed to Saigon earlier this year to grow their knowledge of this vibrant city. After the hotel inspections they had plenty of time to try out some of the amazing experiences that we offer and provide an insight into these for our clients.

In September our intrepid operations team headed south, firstly into the jungles of the Cardamom mountains to visit Shinta Mani Wild, discussing client logistics but also to enjoying the environment and of course the zip-line.

They then traveled out to the stunning islands off the coast of Cambodia, staying at Six Senses Koh Krabey and Royal Sands Koh Rong before heading to Song Saa Private Island. Invaluable research into optional activities and boat schedules.

As an amazing year comes to a close we wanted to look back on the ABOUTAsia Team heading out and about around Indochina - researching and exploring the best possible experiences for our clients.

In July, Savonn and Naida headed to Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw in northern Laos to gain a deeper understanding of these stunning location. They enjoyed a mixture of luxury and adventure, from hiking to relaxing sunset drinks on the Mekong.

The Water Festival (Bon om Touk) is a three-day spectacular that involves colourful boat racing, royal appearances, fireworks and lots of cultural entertainment.

Bon om Touk has traditions that date back to the 12th century when the King's navy played an important role in the start of the fishing season. Ensuring bountiful rice and fish harvests over the coming year - you can see carvings at Bayon Temple that reflect this.

https://www.ft.com/content/8bd1bb31-d7e0-4cb7-9c03-ef6d141a0f5a

Laos unleashed Now in the midst of a major economic transformation, south-east Asia’s “land in between” sits at a fascinating crossroads

https://www.cntraveller.com/hotels/song-saa-private-island-cambodia

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia A tropical island getaway on the coastline of Cambodia

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/19/how-a-sleepy-town-in-cambodia-won-a-place-on-unsescos-culinary-map

How a sleepy town in Cambodia won a place on Unesco’s culinary map Battambang doesn’t have any Michelin stars but it does have street snacks like crunchy deep-fried bananas and turmeric-tinted minced-pork stuffed pancakes

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/angkor-grand-causeway-reopens-public

Angkor grand causeway reopens to public King Norodom Sihamoni presided over the November 4 opening ceremony of the Western grand causeway of Angkor Wat Temple. The causeway was closed to the public for many years while repairs were carried out.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cambodia-siem-reap-angkor-airport-angkor-wat-8362685

Cambodia’s Newest and Biggest Airport Aims to Bring More Tourists to Angkor Wat Cambodia has a brand-new airport for travelers flying directly to its popular attraction of Angkor Wat.

ABOUTAsia Travel would like to wish everyone a Happy Pchum Ben, also known as Ancestors’ Day. Pchum Ben is a time of the year when Cambodians commemorate their deceased ancestors stretching back seven generations. It is a time for family and coming together - and of course celebration.

We are thrilled that the remote temples of the Koh Ker Group have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This includes Prasat Thom, a seven step pyramid, Prasat Bram temples, Prasat Krahom or Red Temple and Prasat Ling. The best time of year to visit is October - December with lush green vegetation and combined with a visit to Beng Mealea and for the ultimate day out - jump in a helicopter for that WoW moment.

https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-hotels-in-asia-and-the-indian-subcontinent-2023

The best hotels and resorts in Asia: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards As voted for by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller.

https://nypost.com/2023/09/26/cambodia-is-much-more-than-angkor-wat-heres-why/

Now is the perfect time to have a holiday in a Cambodia — here’s why By 2026, the Asian nation expects seven million tourists (four million national and three million international) annually.

https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/travel/hotel-review-treeline-urban-resort-siem-reap-359529/

Hotel review: Treeline Urban Resort, Siem Reap Serenity, sustainability and style in this unique urban retreat.

For those looking to explore more of Laos then the rural riverside town of Nong Khiaw is the ideal place!

Located north of Luang Prabang lies Nong Khiaw, a sleepy town nestled between two majestic mountains on the banks of the Ou River. Embrace the tranquillity of remote Laos and the traditional ways of life of the people who live there.

Nong Kiau Riverside Resort is the perfect retreat, situated right in the middle of this little paradise allowing you to absorb the rugged nature of northern Laos.

Mai Châu is a small town nestled in the midst of a lush valley, surrounded by emerald-green rice fields, located 130km far from Hanoi, offering you a peaceful getaway after some time in the city. Mai Châu will let you explore both the natural beauty of northern Vietnam and experience the local life of ethnic minorities.

Immersing yourself in the wonders of Mai Châu valley and stay at the wonderful Avana Retreat.

Explore the most southwestern province of Cambodia, Koh Kong to discover an undeveloped coastline, mountainous forests and several tropical islands.

The perfect spot to explore this region is the Canvas & Orchids Retreat. A great selection of experiences offered by the property allows for you to truly get away from the crowds and experience a retreat with a jungle expedition vibe.

Landlocked Laos is one of Asia's most enchanting destinations. Particularly the southern town of Pakse, which oozes French colonial style, where two rivers meet and highlights the laid back Lao culture. It is the the perfect destination to get away from the crowds and see a part of Indochina many miss.

And is a fantastic spot for you to get close to nature in all of its unhampered glory with Southern-Laos traditional style and hospitality.

Embark on an astounding journey through Cambodia and Vietnam on the Aqua Mekong!

Relax in comfort while you cruise through the ever changing river scenery and witness the life that thrives along it as you pass smoothly by.

Above all, you will be able to get a glimpse of the fascinating differing cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Drifting along the Mekong is all the more remarkable aboard Gypsy, a stylish riverboat made for four people with a thatched roof and interiors that are luxurious yet rustic.

Feel the charm of Laos on the most enchanting of private boats, Gypsy, as you discover an often missed part of South East Asia with ABOUTAsia Travel.

The Junior Suite at Capella Hanoi offers a glamorous interior that brings moments of delight that you will never forget.

Embrace the spectacular theatrics of this property, with all the attention to detail within the suite but also the leafy vistas it offers.

Raise a toast and relax into the extravagant lifestyle of the Capella Hanoi - in their Junior Suite!

Chic and refined, the Mekong Suite at Rosewood shows off Phnom Penh's sophistication.

Featuring residential-style living space and remarkable views of the legendary Mekong River. The perfect space to take in the modern skyline intermixed with historical landmarks.

After your ABOUTAsia Travel experiences in the capital, tying together the sad history and the positive future of Cambodia, these views will enable you to pull the full story of Phnom Penh together.

Looking to get off the beaten path whilst in Vietnam? Avana Retreat is the perfect escape. Offering a glimpse into local culture undiluted by tourism with alluring scenery composed of jungle, terraced rice fields, mountains and waterfalls.
The Senna Hilltop Pool Villa is our favourite, with stunning views across the valley and the perfect infinity pool. This really is the place to get away from the crowds!

Elegant and timeless, Amantaka Pool Suite

Offer a warm calming atmosphere with a spacious living room, library and study, as well as king-sized four-poster bed. Lounging by your own private pool will add up to a very relaxing experience.

The blend of contemporary Asian style, unassuming refined luxury and trademark exemplary service. Amantaka Pool Suite is an absolute dream!

We are thrilled to announce that once again our CEO and founder, Andy Booth, has been selected to be a Conde Nast Travel Specialist. Highlighting our ability to arrange the most unique and inspirational trips to the Indochina region.

As ABOUTAsia Travel celebrates its 15 year anniversary, we are entering a month of celebrations. With Khmer New Year just around the corner, we have been reflecting on the ABOUTAsia story.

We are proud of how we showcase Indochina to thousands of travelers in our unique “ABOUTAsia” way - the foundation of which comes from our famed “Angkor Without the Crowds” touring. But also how this success has also enabled us to help thousands of Cambodian students over the years.

The Khmer New Year also brings with it new opportunities in exciting product development in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Here’s to many more years to come.