signature collection 2012 - 2013 - trails of indochina€¦ · pool villas with backdrop of...

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

10 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection Thailand 11

Most of Thailand’s population is Buddhist. In Buddhism, karma specifically refers to actions of body, speech, and mind that spring from mental intent that bring about a consequence. Which goes some way to explain why Thai people are renowned for being tolerent, warm and friendly.

Signature Collection, Thailand

Thailand 14

Signature Collection, Thailand

“We felt like royalty, from the moment we arrived in the land of smiles.”


In 2008, Bangkok ranked 3rd

behind London and New York

in Euromonitor International’s

list of Top City Destinations

with 10,209,900 visitors.

Bangkok

Glass towers and golden temples compete for the skyline prominence in Bangkok. Visually stimulating, adrenaline-inducing, foodie-satisfying Bangkok is a consumer and cultural mecca. Pick your transport—Skytrain, cab, tuk-tuk or riverboat—and go on an expedition of open-air bazaars, hip bars and street-food stalls. Or see it all in one fell swoop from the heights of a helicopter, one of the many tours Trails of Indochina can customize to help you navigate.

Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

The north lost its political dominance long-ago, but remains a region of significant cultural import. Founded in 1256 by a king’s wayward elephant, whose master trailed him to his resting place on the banks of the Mae Kok River, Chiang Rai is a cultural melting pot. Chiang Rai offers lookout points over the convergence of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos – the Golden Triangle. Southward, in the moated, walled and cobblestoned Old City of Chiang Mai, buildings are limited to three stories’ height, leaving the town a 700-year-old quaintness dating back to the former capital of the Lanna Thai. Surrounded by natural beauty and filled with intricate temples, the “Rose of the North” perennially blooms.

Southern Thailand: Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi

What they say about the Thai tropics is true. The Andaman Coast offers a great getaway for those wanting the combination of clear-water retreats and stunning national beauty. Krabi is the gateway to Than Bokkharani National Park; home to stunning emerald-green pools and wild gardenia. Not so far away are pristine sand and seas surrounding the isles of Samui and Phuket - a playground for the rich and famous, Trails of Indochina travelers alike escape modern day stress at some of the most luxurious resorts. Fly a zipline above Koh Samui, ride horses and elephants or sail around Angthong archipelago. The larger Phuket boasts excellent golf courses, unique Sino-Portuguese architecture and waterfalls aplenty. Paradise Found!

Thailand

Phuket

Krabi

Ayuthaya

Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai

Sukhothai

Koh Samui

MYANMAR

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

LAOS

Yangon

Vientiane

Phnom Penh

Hanoi

Gulf of

Tonkin

Gulf of

Thailand

Bangkok

THAILAND


Signature Days–Thailand

The Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok. Where dynasty and devotion meet: since 1782, it has housed the royal residence, throne halls and—within Wat Phra Keow—Thailand’s symbol, the glittering Emerald Buddha.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok. Set sail on small canals full of fruit- and vegetable-laden boats helmed by hundreds of Thai women, and pick fresh produce like a local at this uniquely Asian floating farmer’s market.

Bangkok City by Helicopter, A thrilling 50-minute heli-tour shows off the city’s key monuments and titanic temples. From your bird’s eye view, you’ll understand the intricate web that makes up this amazing capital of contrasts, from the ancient city to the modern infrastructure. Glide along the Chao Phraya River, eyes wide open—because what better way to get to know multi-faceted Bangkok than from above?

Learn to Meditate with Monks, Bangkok. Plunge into inner peace with monks who have spent their lives perfecting the art of meditation; soon you’ll find yourself calmer, more relaxed and exhibiting more grace under pressure.

James Bond Island, Phuket. You don’t have to be a daredevil spy for the island adventures offshore of Phuket, where you’ll spend a day kayaking, snorkeling, and on the trail of 007—visiting the isle from “The Man with the Golden Gun.”

Organic Farm Cooking Class, Chiang Mai. An organic farm in this fertile region is a foodie’s nirvana. You’ll learn to evaluate and make use of the ingredients that you hand-pick in the local Ruamchook market, plucked fresh from the chef ’s own garden. After this hands-on immersion home-cooking lesson, you’ll be an expert artist in authentic Thai curry and fresh-fruit dessert.


Perched atop the second tallest building in Bangkok, Tower Club at Lebua is full-on, five-star executive luxury. Take in breathtaking sights and lights of the city, including Chao Phraya River just below, from the private balcony of your plush suite, which is stocked with Bulgari products, sumptuously high-thread-count linens and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. From the Jacuzzi jet-filled, winding, open-air pool, test out the vibrant, Indian and Lebanese inspired Café Mozu. Or, Conde Nast Traveler-acclaimed The Dome rooftop dining complex stirs up a special flavor of its own through an extraordinary selection of different cuisines and

settings, including the world’s highest al fresco restaurant, Sirocco, and the seductive Sky Bar.

On top of these privileges, you’ll also have access to the exclusive Tower Club Lounge, where you’ll enjoy Continental breakfast, free flow of alcoholic drinks and canapés throughout the day amid lebua’s signature sweeping views.

Tower Club at Lebua, Bangkok

Lying along the peaceful banks of the Mae Ping River in central Chiang Mai, The Chedi epitomizes the best in urban resort living with its choice of 52 Deluxe Rooms and 32 Chedi Club Suites. Designed in contemporary Asian style, a fusion of East and West, every room and suite at The Chedi is equipped with private courtyard and spacious bedrooms connected to an open balcony offering vistas of the river and quiet mountain ranges.

The Chedi Chiang Mai also offers spa services, fine dining venues, business and recreational facilities as well as proximity to cultural attractions. It is an inspiring, modern retreat in the heart of Chiang Mai city.

The Chedi, Chiang Mai


Reached by river boat, in Thailand’s exotic bamboo jungles, where three countries meet, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle offers an unforgettable experience in luxurious accommodations. All-inclusive adventures cover every detail: enjoy hours interacting with elephants–training and trekking to Golden Triangle excursions; formal campfire dinners; and riverside drinks in the stilt-top bar.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle Chang Rai


A truly magical place uniquely nestled amidst tranquil rice paddy fields, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is located in the lushly beautiful Mae Rim Valley, and minutes from the artistic and cultural heritage of Thailand’s northern capital. From the exclusive Thai cooking school to the acclaimed spa and flawless service, enjoy a signature Four Seasons experience within spacious Lanna-style pavilions and pool villas with backdrop of majestic mountains.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

An away-from-it-all hillside resort on the mystical Gulf of Siam. Spacious Thai villas are wrapped in tropical gardens, conserved coconut groves and the amphitheatre of sky, sea and islands. Enjoy the forest spa. Dine at hillcrest or beachside. Splash in the private bay. And explore a pristine world of beaches, reefs, rainforest and sunshine. Revel in the many faces of Thailand.


Thai Wellness– A Bespoke Journey

Steady your breathing, quieten your soul, and spend two invigorating weeks in Thailand learning diverse and age-old paths to holistic well-being—while also seeing the country’s important sites.

What better place to experience Thai massage than its birthplace, with a two-hour treatment at Wat Po in Bangkok? What better teacher of meditation than a monk? Live a day in a monastery, meditating, chanting, giving alms, performing rituals and communing with nature. Visit The Middle Way retreat, vision of the Great Master Luang Pu Wat Paknam and the Most Venerable Phrarajbhavanavisudh, who will train you in Buddhist teachings, meditation and the skills essential to continuing your practice in everyday life.

Master organic, farm-fresh Thai gastronomy with a local chef. An unforgettable day bonding with gentle-giant elephants near Chiang Mai will soothe your spirit. A snorkeling and kayaking adventure among the marine life, sea tunnels, coral gardens and white-sand beaches of Angthong Marine National Park will get your blood pumping—as will sessions of stress-reducing yoga. Claudia Jones, wellness director at Samahita Yoga Thailand, guides you through a yoga retreat filled with home-cooked meals, fresh juices, nutritious supplements, and classes on cooking, self-massage and reflexology.

Throughout (and especially at the famed Four Seasons Chiang Mai) there will be ample time for relaxing spa treatments and massages. You’ll even take a tutorial in massage therapy, that way you can carry Thai wellness with you wherever your path ahead leads.

Thai style massage involves

stretching and deep pressure.

It is usually performed on the

floor and no oils are used.

It is known in Thailand as

“nuat phaen boran” translated

as “massage the ancient way.”

Thailand is a country of infinite possibilities; here is just one journey.


W Retreat, Koh Samui

Thai-influenced modern design has never looked this cool. An ultra-chic and cutting-edge aesthetic featuring beloved W whimsy is awaiting you at the secluded and exclusive W Retreat Koh Samui.

For the ultimate relaxation, turn to the “Beach Ambassadors,” who ensure you never lift a finger or toe; or the spa, which has the only Mexican Temascal-inspired therapy in a hotel within Asia.

The 73 all-private-pool residences, bounty of restaurants and beachfront bars, and trademark Wherever/Whenever service offer anything you could possibly search for.

So turn your attention to attractions like the nearby Big Buddha, local Thai kickboxing exhibitions and the stunning sunrises and sunsets found on this unhurried, uncrowded, unspoiled north shore of the island. The curtain is going up in paradise, and you’ve got front-row deck chairs.

106 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection

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

signature collection 2012 - 2013 - trails of indochina€¦ · pool villas with backdrop of...

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