Thứ Sáu, 30 tháng 12, 2022

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 30

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 30

Vietnam gets mere 3.6 million foreign tourists in 2022 despite early reopening
Vietnam has only received 3.6 million foreign tourists this year, or around 70% of its target.
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Russians flock to Thailand as tourism rebounds from collapse
Thailand is receiving an influx of Russian visitors, with data showing monthly arrivals doubling in November and up nearly seven times from September, far outpacing rises from other countries in the run-up to peak travel season.
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Vietnam voted Asia’s best culinary destination for first time
Industry experts and globetrotters have named Vietnam “Asia’s best culinary destination” at this year’s World Culinary Awards for the first time.
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Indonesia to Keep Loose Entry Rules for Chinese Visitors
INDONESIA has no plans to tighten restrictions for travellers from China, keeping its looser Covid-19 policy for international visitors despite a recent surge in cases.
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Philippines prioritizes Middle Eastern tourists for 2023
The Philippine government has announced that attracting tourists from the Middle East and neighboring Muslim-majority countries is among its top priorities for 2023.
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China-Laos Railway boosts travel, promotes tourism in Laos
The China-Laos Railway has significantly bolstered passenger transportation, greatly facilitated travel, and helped promote tourism in Laos since its launch in December 2021.
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The post Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 30 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

Thứ Ba, 27 tháng 12, 2022

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 28

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 28

Southeast Asian countries race to attract wealthy foreign tourists for longer stays
While Southeast Asian neighbors are vying for wealthy foreigners by launching ‘golden visas’ with maximum stays of up to 20 years, Vietnam still makes no headway with its one-month visa policy.
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Thailand extends e-visa service to nine more destinations
Thailand has extended its e-visa service to nine more countries, raising to 23 the number of countries and territories whose nationals can benefit from this service.
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Malaysia Airlines & JAL expand codeshare operations after new direct flights from Kualar Lumpur to Tokyo
Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines (JAL) have expanded their codeshare operations following Malaysia Airlines’ recent announcement to launch a new direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo, Haneda beginning on August 14, 2022.
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Longer Visa-Free Stays, Simplified Entry Procedures: Vietnam Hopes To Accelerate Travel Recovery In 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged to work closely with local agencies to assess and propose solutions to the Government so foreign visitors can enter Vietnam with ease.
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Capital A Partners Sivilai Asia to Launch AirAsia Cambodia
AirAsia Aviation Group, part of Capital A, has signed a joint venture agreement with Sivilai Asia to establish a low cost airline in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
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Russian Airline Eyes Laos as New Regional Air Hub
A Russian airline is eyeing Laos as a new potential regional hub — thanks to ongoing international developments, according to a top company official.
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The post Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 28 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 12, 2022

Southeast Asia Travel News| Update December 26

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 26

Cambodia’s Angkor Air starts first direct Siem Reap-Hanoi service
Cambodian carrier Angkor Air has launched its first direct service between tourist hub Siem Reap and Hanoi.
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Cambodia says foreign tourists not required to show $1,000 upon entry
The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism confirmed it does not require tourists to show $1,000 to $2,000 in cash upon entering the country.
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Indonesia starts offering 10-year visas to attract foreigners
Indonesia’s Second-Home Visa program that enables foreigners to stay in the country for up to 10 years came into effect Wednesday, as Southeast Asia’s largest economy seeks to attract more tourists.
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Oman’s SalamAir launches Muscat-Bangkok direct flights
Oman based airline SalamAir has launched a new three-times weekly direct service from Muscat to Bangkok – its second destination in Thailand after Phuket.
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Changi Airport reconnects with South Asian cities to pre-pandemic level, adds Pune as new destination
Singapore’s Changi Airport has re-established its link to all South Asian cities to the pre-pandemic level and added Pune to its network, reporting a strong rebound in passenger traffic, according to a media report on Sunday.
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The post Southeast Asia Travel News| Update December 26 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

Thứ Năm, 22 tháng 12, 2022

Southeast Asia Travel News| Update December 23

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 23

Vietnam tourism minister proposes granting e-visa to all markets
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung has proposed that the government consider granting e-visas to all countries and territories, instead of the current 80, to boost foreign tourist numbers.
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Vietnam eyes 8 million foreign tourists next year amid visa hassles
Struggling with disappointing numbers since the country reopened its borders after Covid, the tourism industry has set a target of just eight million foreign tourists in 2023.
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Emirates goes four daily to Bangkok
Emirates will start the new year in Thailand by adding a fourth flight between Bangkok and Dubai from 1 January 2023.
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Phuket’s boat show returns
The 2023 Thailand International Boat Show will be held from 12 to 15 January 2023 at Royal Phuket Marina, highlighting the combination of onshore lifestyle opportunities and on-water boating opportunities abound in Phuket.
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Electronic Visa on Arrival ( E-VoA ) Launched to Ease Traveler’s Entry Process to Indonesia
Indonesia is always committed to providing the best experience to any of its visitors. After previously launching the Second Home Visa and Immigration on Shipping (IoS) program, Indonesia launched another program to ease travelers’ entry process, namely Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA).
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Capital A Partners Sivilai Asia to Launch AirAsia Cambodia
AirAsia Aviation Group, part of Capital A, has signed a joint venture agreement with Sivilai Asia to establish a low cost airline in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Read more

 

 

The post Southeast Asia Travel News| Update December 23 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

Thứ Ba, 20 tháng 12, 2022

Southeast Asia Travel News| Update December 20

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 20

Attractive flights, visas needed for wealthy Middle Eastern tourists
Vietnam should launch more direct routes to the Middle East, offer an open visa policy, and even open new Halal restaurants to attract wealthy tourists from the Middle East, experts say.
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Government urged to remove visa hassles to rejuvenate tourism, airline industries
The tourism and aviation industries have again urged the government to ease visa requirements to speed up recovery post-Covid.
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Thailand eyes return of Chinese tourists during Lunar New Year holiday
Thailand expects to welcome back Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year holiday next month, or within the first quarter at the latest, as China begins lifting Covid-19 restrictions.
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Ethiopian Airlines returns to Singapore
Ethiopian Airlines will resume direct services to Singapore from Adis Ababa on 25 March 2023 using a Boeing 787 for the four weekly flights.
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AirAsia X resumes Kuala Lumpur-Taipei flights
AirAsia X has recently re-introduced flights from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei after Taiwan relaxed entry rules and ended Covid-19 lockdowns.
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The post Southeast Asia Travel News| Update December 20 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

Thứ Bảy, 17 tháng 12, 2022

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 18

Southeast Asia News | Update December 18

Singapore Christmas Wonderland Is Back
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay 2022, Singapore’s grandest holiday spectacle, has returned from 2 December 2022 to 1 January 2023.
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6 fascinating events in Angsana Laguna Phuket to celebrate the festive season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Angsana Laguna Phuket offers a variety of events ranging from beach parties to delicious cuisine and premium beverages to the most stunning fireworks.
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THAI resumes flights to Sapporo
Thai Airways International has resumed flights from the Thai capital to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, responding to a surge in holiday bookings featuring Hokkaido.
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Bamboo Airways makes Cambodia debut with Hanoi-Siem Reap flight
Signaling the revival of tourism prospects, Vietnamese leisure airline Bamboo Airways started its flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap on Sunday.
Read more

The post Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 18 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

Thứ Năm, 15 tháng 12, 2022

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 16

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 16

Thailand set to welcome 20 million tourists in 2023 and generate revenue of RM285 billion
Thailand is set to welcome 20 million tourists and generate tourism receipts of 2.38 trillion baht (US$64.5 billion – RM285 billion) next year.
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Hanoi-Hong Kong flights resumed after 3 years
A Vietnam Airlines flight departing from Hong Kong landed at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi on Sunday, marking the first commercial flight between the two destinations after a three-year hiatus due to Covid.
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Vietnam Airlines to resume China services
Vietnam Airlines is set to resume regular flights to China, Vietnam’s largest pre-pandemic tourism market, on Friday after a long period of suspension due to Covid.
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MAI expands its regional footprint with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Phuket & Phnom Penh
Myanmar Airways International (MAI), Myanmar’s largest carrier, is continuing its network expansion as the airline added three regional destinations with Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh (SGN) and Phuket (HKT) during Oct 2022 and the recently launched Phnom Penh (PNH), effective 23 November 2022.
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Vistara expands flights to Middle East

Vistara, a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines, launched daily non-stop flights between Mumbai (India) and Muscat (Oman) earlier this week, making it the airline’s fourth destination in the Gulf region.
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Tourisme Malaysia welcomes Singapore’s scoot resumption or direct flights to Kuantan
Tourism Malaysia today welcomes passengers boarding Singapore’s low-cost airline, Scoot, on its return flight to Kuantan, Pahang.
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Thai Vietjet to operate Chiang Mai – Osaka from THB 4,422
Offering further opportunities and flexible travel choices to its passengers, Thai Vietjet announces its new international service between Thailand’s top destination ‘Chiang Mai’ and one of Japan’s most popular cities ‘Osaka’, from Chiang Mai International Airport to Kansai International Airport, starting from 31 January, 2023.
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Tourists not affected by Indonesia’s new ban on sex outside marriage, Bali governor says
Visitors to Bali will not be put at risk by Indonesia’s newly ratified criminal code, the island’s governor said, dismissing concerns that revised laws which include articles criminalising sex outside marriage may scare away tourists from its shores.
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The post Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 16 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

Thứ Tư, 14 tháng 12, 2022

Quick Notes For Travel Companies On Travel Trends 2023

The year 2022  remarks the return of travel after a long time because of the effect of the pandemic. All of us expect a strong growth back of travel for the year 2023.  How travel trends will drive tourism for the next year?  Here are some highlights of travel trends for the next years and some quick notes for travel companies from the travel experts at award-winning Lux Travel DMC.

1. Travellers want to get ‘off-grid’ but comfort

From the survey of booking.com, 55% of travellers are looking for off-grid style vacations to escape from reality. However, according to this site, off – the grid doesn’t necessarily mean “rough” as travellers want to combine off-the-grid with comfort. This may lead to a rise in out-of-city breaks, with properties that can fuel travellers’ desire for a remote trip potentially proving the most popular.

A quick note for travel companies: As people are looking to move away from cities and get back to nature, Your customers will prefer the boutique resorts which are far away from the centre instead of the accommodation in the centre. Lux Travel DMC has already completed the best of “secret hideaway collection 2023”. You can contact their travel experts to get the best recommendation for accommodation to stay in 2023.

Zannier Hotels Bai San Hô

Zannier Hotels Bai San Hô

 

2. “Step out of comfort” Zone

After a too long time without travelling away from their home, World Travellers seem eager to discover new cultures, experiences, and destinations. The result from Booking.com’s survey, 73% of respondents want to step out of their comfort zone during their trip abroad. Half of the world’s travelers want to experience a complete culture shock in 2023, whether traveling to a place with entirely different cultural experiences and languages or exploring lesser-known cities and going off the beaten path. 47% of travelers want to discover exotic dishes and taste food they’ve never tried!

A quick note for travel companies: Vietnam and Cambodia will be ideal destinations for helping travellers to experience new local things. Your customers will be recommended to stay at home stays. They can encounter nature, eat traditional food and learn about local culture from ethnic minorities during their trekking here. Each destination has different ethnic minorities with different cultures and lifestyles. Their visit also contributed help the local people preserve sustainably their ethnic heritage.

3. Multi-generation families still high in the next year

Travelling with three or even four generations of family members is becoming more popular. We’re seeing an increase in trips with multi–generational families all traveling together after Covid-19. When people realize that they need more memories for sharing together, travelling is the best way to connect all of the members of their family.

A quick note for travel companies: For multi-generation families tours, you should think about the destinations and activities which will be suitable for all members to join together. From islands, and beach towns to all kinds of entertaining and recreational activities such as trekking, kayaking, cooking classes, and cycling around rice paddies, you can arrange the perfect activities for kids and families all together in Vietnam and Thailand. Beach resorts with fun activities for kids are most recommended for family holidays.

4. Travelers of all ages are willing to pay for value-added services

According to a recent Virtuoso survey, 76 percent of travelers have accepted that we’re living in a “new normal,” which explains the growing demand for – and increased value of – an expert advisor who can save travelers time, energy and the headache of sitting on the phone for hours with customer assistance. Travelers want to find someone who really knows what they’re doing, has excellent connections, saves time, and has their back. “That is the reason why they need to find good travel advisors who can help them to arrange the best services for them.

A quick note for travel companies: Trying to be your experts at your destination. You can find the local travel DMC that can enrich your knowledge of destinations, itineraries, and tips for travelling…

5. Travellers may travel even off-season

In a recent survey, the majority of Virtuoso travelers said they’d be willing to visit a popular destination during the off-season. After a long time staying at home because of Covid-19, travellers are ready to travel as soon as possible. People trend to decide to travel to make up for the lost time as the way the Media described “revenge travel”. Therefore, they do not consider too much the time they start to travel. They can travel anytime. During the off-season, they may receive a higher promotion without the crowds at their budget.

A quick note for travel companies:
You should check with your local travel experts about the season of travel. The best time to visit Southeast Asia is between November and February. The rest time will be off-season in Southeast Asia. However, it might be a slight difference among countries in this region. You may ask your local travel DMC about the off-season in the destinations your customers are planning. During the off-season, the hotels/resorts may give your travellers extra special offers during the off-season. Do not forget to ask your local Travel DMC to update you monthly on these offers.

Want to update the latest Southeast Asia holiday on the travel trend in 2023?
Founded in 2005, Lux Travel DMC is an award-winning DMC that fills a niche in the luxury market. The Lux Travel DMC specializes in high-quality travel services with an emphasis on authentic luxury travel and unique experiences in Southeast Asia. To update the latest travel trend and products in Southeast Asia, you may contact the Lux Travel DMC team at sales@luxtraveldmc.com

 

 

The post Quick Notes For Travel Companies On Travel Trends 2023 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

The Return Of The Most Luxurious Cruise To Mekong Delta

A river voyage through the Mekong delta is the ideal way to immerse yourself in authentic experiences and make memories to last a lifetime. Especially, the return of Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise turns this voyage to become one of the most recommended luxury cruise tours for the year 2023.

1. An extraordinary odyssey on the finest of river cruise ships with Aqua Mekong

To fully explore the life and culture of the Mekong Delta, an Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise is a worthwhile experience for high-end travellers. At Aqua Expeditions, our fleet of luxury cruise ships elevates a five-star experience with modern design, a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, and dining menus by award-winning Consulting Chef David Thompson, who incorporates the Mekong’s culinary traditions with locally -sourced ingredients to create indigenous-inspired dishes. A heartfelt personal service that caters to every guest’s needs and desires. Travellers can enjoy a five-star all-inclusive voyage on Aqua Mekong voyages are all-inclusive. All you need to feel truly at home on the Mekong are taken care of, so you can fully enjoy every moment from beginning to end.

2. What are the highlights of the journey?

+ The discovery of the ancient treasure
The travellers also have the opportunity to discover from Colonial French style in SaDec(Vietnam), ancient pagodas in Chau Doc (Vietnam) the lost treasure of the ancient heritage of Cambodia such as the Angkor Wonder, an ancient lost city of Angkor which rose like a zenith out of the Cambodian jungle,  Udong the royal capital of Cambodia for more than 250 years, Phnom Oudong (Hill of the Victorious) and Phnom Preah Reach Throp (Hill of the Royal Fortune), the city was the location of many royal coronations.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

 

+ Exploring the true local Mekong Delta

Travellers on board will explore the Mekong delta through landmarks, temples, and villages where tradition, spirituality, floating markets, and craftsmanship reside. Besides, they also embark on an inspiring journey of local flavors with a dining experience crafted by Michelin-starred consulting chef David Thompson. All food and drinks on the cruise are created based on the cultural identity of the Mekong Delta, so they have a unique flavor that cannot be found anywhere else! Cruising combines cycling and kayaking, so travellers can get to experience a slice of authentic Mekong life and culture in different ways.

mekong-vietnam-cambodia-tour

Source: Lux Travel DMC

+ The touch of the nature

Not only that, but on the trip, you can enjoy the fresh air with the chirping of more than 70 native bird species in the Tra Su flooded forest, which is a flooded forest that features the typical ecosystem of the Mekong Delta. You can wake up at dawn for an excursion to the fragile wetlands of the Tonle Sap Lake, home to the 22,000-hectare Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary. It is a wonderful opportunity for contemplation as you wind your way along the peaceful hyacinth-clogged waterways.

3. How many options can the travellers get?

The travellers may plan ahead with our 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries aboard the Aqua Mekong. Here are two popular options for cruising between Vietnam and Cambodia

Option 1: Aqua Mekong Discovery Cruise 4 days from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh city

Our 3-night Mekong Discovery Cruise offers travelers with limited time a richly rewarding adventure, either heading upriver in Cambodia by exploring the Tonle Sap River, or downriver between Phnom Penh (PNH), the eye-opening capital of Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh (SGN) in bustling Vietnam.

Start the day with a guided meditation on a sundeck overlooking the emerald greenery around the river, then travel in luxury amidst captivating landscapes along the Mekong River, from the Silver Pagoda and Art Deco of the Cambodian capital to the fascinating, modern Vietnam. Sail into the agrarian heartlands of the Khmer and Vietnamese people, little touched by the modern world, making indelible memories as you cycle and kayak far, far off the beaten path.
View the tour

Source: Lux Travel DMC


Option 2
: Aqua Mekong Expedition Cruise 8 days from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap

If the travellers can expand their time and budget for planning the trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. Here is the suitable option for them. Joining our full 7-night Mekong Expedition Cruise allows us to share with you all the mysteries and wonders we have discovered between the Mekong River, Tonle Sap Lake, and the diverse cultures thriving in our midst.
View the tour

Important notes: During low water season, cruise vessels are not able to travel up to the Tonle Sap Lake due to the water level. Airplane transfers via Cambodian Angkor Air are included in your cruise fare in order to continue your Cambodian adventure with us to Siem Reap and its ancient lost city of Angkor Wat. Requests for flight changes and/or upgrades are not available. Please kindly inform our Reservations team should you choose to remain in Phnom Penh after disembarkation.


4. When is the best time to start the journey?

Unlike the usual summer or winter, the Mekong River has two distinct seasons: low water from August to November and high water from December to August. Sailing aboard a river cruise ship on the Mekong, travelers also find that there’s always something fascinating to experience throughout the year.

+ During high – the water season on the Mekong, from mid-August to November, the Tonle Sap lake becomes accessible to river cruise ships because the Tonle Sap river connects the lake to the Mekong swells. Guests who travel during this period can visit floating villages and the Prek Toal Bird Reserve. Ships can also dock on the shores of the lake, just 45 minutes away from Siem Reap.

+ Otherwise, the low-water season on the Mekong from December to mid-August sees a lower water level in the Mekong and reduced flows. The Tonle Sap lake is inaccessible from the Mekong via the Tonle Sap river during this period, making the lake inaccessible to river cruise ships. That said, this period is also an opportunity to see a quieter side of local life on the Tonle Sap lake. During the low water season, the cruise can dock only at Phnom Penh in Cambodia (other than Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam) and let travellers take a quick  45 – minute flight from the Capital to Siem Reap if they wish, compared to a back-breaking six-hour bus ride on an uneven country road.


5. Best price Guaranteed for all travel partners

The price will start from 4.350 USD/per person for the journey of 4 days from Vietnam to Cambodia. Children under 12 years old will receive a 20% discount. This price will be different in the high season and off-season. We are offering a very special promotion for all travel partners from now until August 2023. You may send us your enquiries via email at sales@luxtraveldmc.com.

Want to book or tailor-made the luxury cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia?

Lux Travel DMC specializes in customizing luxury tours in Southeast Asia.  If you want to tailor the luxury cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia to your interest, you may send your inquiries to our Lux Travel team at sales@luxurytraveldmc.com. The Lux Travel DMC team will be available for sending you the response within 24 hours

The post The Return Of The Most Luxurious Cruise To Mekong Delta first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

Chủ Nhật, 11 tháng 12, 2022

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 9 December

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 9 December

Northern Vietnam to enjoy sunny days this week
Hanoi’s temperatures would be around 12-22 degrees Celsius for the entire week, while high-altitude locations like Sa Pa would see temperatures between 6-12 degrees, according to U.S. weather forecast service AccuWeather.

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Vietnam aviation authority plans 9 new airports
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) wants to build nine more airports in the country, including two in the northern mountains and one in a special economic zone.

Read more
Sea and islands tourism to stimulate recovery
Việt Nam’s tourism has been gradually recovering since the country officially opened its doors to all visitors in March, hosting 2.7 million international tourists and 100 million domestic arrivals with total revenue of VNĐ457 trillion (US$18.2 billion).
Read more

TAT counts 10 million tourists
Taken at face value, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has something to shout about based on the latest Immigration Bureau data that shows the country welcomed 9.78 million “foreign tourist arrivals” counting from 1 January to 5 December 2022.
Read more

The post Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 9 December first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 6

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 6

HCMC to launch overnight cruises on Saigon River to boost waterway tourism
HCMC tourism authorities plan to launch overnight cruise vessels with 100-200 cabins on the Saigon River starting next year.
Read more

Best hotels in Vietnam
Dazzling mountains, a spectacular coastline, long white-gold beaches, enigmatic cities, rich cultural traditions and incredible food — Vietnam has a lifetime of sights and sensations. Compared to its neighbours Thailand and Indonesia, Vietnam’s tourism industry is relatively new so you won’t find the same enormous array of places to stay.
Read more

Vietnam enjoys strong rise in Indian tourist number
An average monthly rise of 51% was seen in the number of Indian tourists to Vietnam in the first 10 months of this year, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).
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Rid Malaysia of ‘cheap vacation spot’ tag, the minister urged
The Malaysian Tourist Guides Council has called for immediate upgrades to tourism facilities and attractions so that Malaysia will be seen as more than just a cheap holiday destination.
Read more

Siem Reap gains air link to Danang
Cambodia Angkor Air sets its starting fare at USD99 for the one-way, two-hour flight from Siem Reap to Danang in central Vietnam.
Read more

 

The post Southeast Asia Travel News | Update December 6 first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.