Thứ Ba, 16 tháng 11, 2021

Southeast Asia Travel News | update 15 Nov

Southeast Asia Travel News | update 15 Nov

Langkawi welcomes international tourists
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 November 2021: Langkawi rolled out the welcome mat on Monday to mark the official reopening of the island to vaccinated international travellers.
See more

Bali wants to cut quarantine
DENPASAR, Bali, 16 November 2021: Claiming the easing of entry rules is not working, Bali’s governor, I Wayan Koster, is pressing the national government to reduce quarantine time for international visitors visiting the famous holiday island.
See more

Cambodia cuts quarantine
PHNOM PENH, 16 November 2021: Cambodia has phased out quarantine, the last obstacle preventing tourism recovery, allowing fully vaccinated foreign travellers access to the country’s tourist destinations starting Monday, 15 November.
See more

Singapore adds Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Sweden and Finland in VTL scheme
With the launch of the VTLs (Vaccinated Travel Lanes), there has been an upward momentum in travellers wishing to visit Singapore, may it be for business or leisure.
See more

Thailand delays reopening of entertainment venues to 15 January
The government in Thailand has announced it would delay the reopening of nightlife entertainment venues to 15 January despite pleas from the industry to make it sooner.
See more

Malaysia to reopen Langkawi to foreign tourists
The long wait is over! After 20 months, Malaysia finally starts to open up for international arrivals.
See more

The post Southeast Asia Travel News | update 15 Nov appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.

Thứ Năm, 11 tháng 11, 2021

Top 5 Luxury Hotels Quarantine Options for Travellers to Cambodia

To facilitate the quarantine of national and international travelers entering Cambodia through the Phnom Penh International Airport, the Inter-Ministerial Committee to Combat Covid-19 decided to launch the reservation service of five hotels: 

1. Courtyard by Marriott Hotel

https://ift.tt/3D9vb3f
Situated in the city center, less than a mile from the Royal Palace and the centuries-old Wat Phnom temple, Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh appeals to modern travelers with its contemporary design and array of amenities. Each level of our hotel builds on the guest experience. The Lounge and adjacent Terrace offer spaces to work, dine or relax with beverages, snacks and complimentary Wi-Fi. All-day dining at The Mekong highlights local Khmer and international cuisines. Guest rooms and suites overlook the city and river. Our outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center offer equally spectacular views as The Deck, a rooftop bar featuring creative cocktails and, on select days, a live DJ. Guests can also gather more formally in two intimate meeting spaces.

2. Sokha Hotel & Residence

https://ift.tt/3wCBt97

Sokha Phnom Penh is strategically located on Chroy Changvar peninsula, opposite to the Royal Palace and approximately 13 km from Phnom Penh International Airport offering breathtaking views of the majestic Royal Palace, Chaktomuk River and a wide sweeping view of the untouched green rural beauty of Chroy Changvar, Sokha Phnom Penh provides the peaceful, less busy side of the congested capital.
Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel boasts 523 spacious rooms and suites starting from 52 square metres, the largest deluxe room in the Kingdom, to 318 square metres for our Royal Sokha Suites. Decorated in contemporary elegance and balanced with Khmer hospitality, the hotel creates a wonderfully inviting feel for any stay.

2. Raffles Hotel Le Royal PP

https://ift.tt/3H9OD2d
Raffles Hotel Le Royal is one of the finest hotels in Cambodia, and is evocative of a bygone era. Built in 1929, this colonial landmark has had an interesting past and clientele, from well-known journalists reporting on Cambodia’s raging civil war to distinguished royalty, as well starring briefly in the film, The Killing Fields.

The hotel’s original wing is accompanied by a more recent addition, which accommodates tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites set around manicured gardens and attractive swimming pools. There’s also a spa, sauna and steam room, allowing guests to truly relax. In the evening guests can dine on Cambodian and French cuisine in the elegant on site restaurant, while the famous Elephant Bar is the perfect setting for an apéritif and a chance to soak up the colonial charm.

4. Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

https://ift.tt/3D5V6Zv
A stay at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra places you in the heart of Phnom Penh, within a 15-minute walk of Riverside and AEON Mall. This 5-star hotel is 1 mi (1.5 km) from Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument and 1 mi (1.7 km) from Independence Monument. Make yourself at home in one of the 201 air-conditioned rooms featuring free minibar items and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks. Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You’re sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 outdoor swimming pools, outdoor tennis courts, and a sauna.

 

5. Himawari Hotel Apartments

https://ift.tt/3D285LU
Perched on the idyllic setting of Tonle Sap River, banks of the Chaktomuk River, be immersed by the essence of serenity at Himawari Hotel Apartments; a five-star establishment. Enjoy splendid views of Mekong Delta in a tranquil resort haven. Be pampered in the Himawari Suites and Apartments where you can enjoy the privacy and comfort of home.

6. How can travellers do to book:

— Travelers shall select a hotel and make a reservation directly through the hotel websites and shall book hotel room at least 2 days prior to the departure.
— Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, travelers who have booked accommodations shall comply as follows:

o Present the necessary travel documents as in the case of regular travelers, such as a valid visa issued by a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate-General in the country concerned, a health certificate issued by health authorities which are recognized by the government of the country concerned, indicating a negative result for Covid-19 within 72 hours prior to the departure, a vaccination card or certificate and a certificate of purchase of health insurance that foreign travelers are required to purchase health insurance to cover for Covid-19 treatment.

o Present to the competent officials a copied document indicating that the accommodation has been reserved for a 3-day/7-day/14-day quarantine.

— In the event that the competent authorities find a high risk on travelers, those shall cooperate to follow the designated location by the competent authorities for undertaking the quarantine. Besides, the hotel reservation is unusable, the hotel will refund the deposit to the traveler. In this case, the traveler is required to deposit US$1,000 (for 7-day quarantine ) or US$ 2,000 (for 14-day quarantine) as regular travelers.

— The booking hotel shall arrange transportation for travelers from Phnom Penh International Airport to its location by complying with the applicable health measures.

— Users of this service shall firmly comply with the applicable health measures during the quarantine.

7. About Luxury Travel

What a wonderful escaping plan for you to do during your holiday! Just pick up your luggage and we will take care of the rest of the journey!
Lux Travel DMC has been turning over 15 years old in the travel industry sector within Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. With the prior experiences from the young and potential staff, we believe that these will be helpful for you when planning the holiday to Southeast Asia.  
Let us be a part of your memorable trip to Southeast Asia!

The post Top 5 Luxury Hotels Quarantine Options for Travellers to Cambodia appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.

Thứ Ba, 9 tháng 11, 2021

WOW VIETNAM

Vietnam now has world-class hotels and resorts, beaches and cuisine, in addition to its natural beauty, rich history and traditional culture. “WOW Vietnam” was created with an aim to attract discerning travelers, who wish to experience its defining characteristics: thrills, nature, heritage, festival, pristine, experiential travel, scenery and essence. As a travel expert, here is my definition of charm that the slogan of Vietnam tourism must be promoted in all trade shows, embassies, all media, travel players even local people. Depending on each market and need, the marketing campaign can be focused and bespoke such as endless discovery, food, nature, culture, shops…. Discover, dream, explore, indulge, relax and immerse in the cultural and natural heritage of Vietnam!

Thrills
The thrills offered are endless and span a wide range, including hiking, trekking, biking, kayaking, climbing, rafting, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, hot air ballooning, camping, yachting and more. Some of the locations where these activities can be enjoyed include Sapa, Halong Bay, Cat Ba Archipelago, Cu Lao Cham, the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Con Dao, the Phu Quoc Islands and many more.

Nature
Nature amazes visitors, from the green beauty of the national parks, reserves and rams cars, to the mountains, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and grottoes. Halong Bay is among the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visitors will discover the natural allure of Vietnam by indulging in a wide array of accommodations, tour packages and attractions at places such as Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ba Be, Halong Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang, the Central Highlands, Nam Cat Tien and many more.

Holiday to Vietnam

Holiday to Vietnam

Heritage
With its long history and unique way of life, Vietnam has a rich heritage. There are many interesting and diverse sites to be found around the country. Trang An has been just named a world heritage listed site, Vietnam now boasts 8 world natural and cultural heritage sites, not to mention many intangible cultural heritages. Should promote heritage as a national tourism brand locally and internationally.
UNIQUE AND FUN THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU ARE IN HUE, VIETNAM
Vietnamese lifestyles
Many colourful festivals can be enjoyed year-round. The time after Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is especially exciting. Other festivals include the Perfume Pagoda, Hung King, Kate, and Lim and Giay Festivals, just to name a few. 54 nationalities with 54 various cultures and lifestyles to discover in the country. Vietnamese is friendly and hospital, always with smiles.
UNIQUE AND FUN THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU ARE IN HUE, VIETNAM
Pristine
Many pristine islands and beaches are to be found in this tropical country. Vietnam has 3,620 km of coastline, with beautiful white sand beaches and world-class resorts. Of these, you should not miss the stunning sand and clear waters of My Khe, Cua Dai, Nha Trang, Ninh Van Bay, Quy Nhon, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc and the Con Dao Islands.

Phu Yen: A guide to explore the beautiful land of Southern Vietnam

Source: Luxury Travel

Bliss
Holidaymakers have the choice of new and trendy boutique hotels, spas, golfing, cruises, shopping centers, restaurants and nightlife. With new luxury hotels and world-class golf courses that have recently opened or are set to open soon, and the introduction of luxury train journeys, exclusive cruises and upscale private tours spanning the length of the country, Vietnam is fast emerging as an exciting luxury destination in Asia.

Scenery
Spectacular scenery and a diverse landscape exist from North to South. Mountains, forests, nature reserves, rivers, beaches, and islands are all here to be enjoyed. Verdant patchworks of rice paddies and pointed lampshade-style hats are just a small part of what there is to be seen in this formerly war-ravaged country. Visitors will see more than the economic repression often portrayed on worldwide television and in newspapers. There is also natural beauty, a harmonious array of ethnic cultures, imperial monuments, timeless traditional villages, idyllic sea resorts and dynamic cities.

Can Gio Beach: Breath-taking place for a summer escape

Source: Luxury Travel

Essence
Vietnam boasts scores of traditions, lifestyles and religions. The friendly and hospitable population has been influenced by the cultures of China, France and America, and this is reflected in the country’s lifestyle, architecture, cuisine and art. Vietnamese cuisine is acclaimed worldwide and become the buzz words of all travelers.

36 Old Streets – A Soulful Part of Hanoi, Vietnam

Source: Luxury Travel

The post WOW VIETNAM appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update November 9

Malaysia and Singapore confirm travel bubble for vaccinated travellers
From November 29, vaccinated passengers can fly between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Singapore’s Changi Airport, without having to quarantine. Bloomberg confirms that both countries have agreed a travel bubble arrangement for what is one of the world’s busiest air corridors. It’s understood the agreement could also be extended to land crossings in the near future.

Read more

Requirements for international tourists coming to Vietnam
On 5th November 2021, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Document No.4122/HD-BVHTTDL on provisional guidance on piloting to welcome international tourists to Vietnam, in which there are requirements on immigration and health conditions.
Read more

Roadmap to reopen international tourism in Vietnam
On 5th November, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism decided the roadmap to resume international tourism in three phases, starting in November 2011.
Read more

Cambodia leads Asia for the highest percentage of the fully-vaccinated population

Cambodia is topping the list in Asia for the country with the highest percentage of fully-vaccinated individuals in its population. The country’s 16 million-plus population has seen around 82% receiving at least 2 doses of a Covid-19 vaccine since November 3, according to ourworldindata.org.
Read more

Hilton predicts travel trends for 2022
Post-pandemic travellers are predicted to embrace pet travel, reunion trips, contactless experiences, culinary adventures and sustainable travel, according to Hilton’s new global trends report which examined how travellers’ needs and interests have shifted in the wake of the pandemic.
Read more

AirAsia resumes flights to Phuket
AirAsia reintroduced its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket at the weekend as part of the island’s Phuket Sandbox programme.
Read more

The post Southeast Asia Travel News | Update November 9 appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update November 7

Indonesia relaxes more international entry requirements
The Indonesian government has announced further easing of entry restrictions for international travellers, and will add facilities to improve the quarantine experience for visitors.
Read more

Soft tourism openings expected for Hua Hin and Cha-am in last quarter of 2021
The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects a soft re-opening for the holiday destinations of Hua Hin and Cha-am during the last quarter of 2021. In total, deputy TAT governor Nithee Seeprae says both resort cities are only expected to receive 5% of 2019’s foreign tourist numbers.

Read more

PG readies to fly to Phnom Penh
Bangkok Airways will resume international flights on the Bangkok -Phnom Penh route starting 1 December.
Read more

Singaporeans are ready to resume travel
The end of the year holiday season is right around the corner and with high vaccination rates and Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) in place, Singaporeans are chomping at the bit to travel again.
Read more

Thailand recovery picks up pace
Thai Airways International and its subsidiary Thai Smile have resumed flights on 36 routes from their home base at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport.
Read more

The post Southeast Asia Travel News | Update November 7 appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.

Thứ Năm, 4 tháng 11, 2021

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 2 November

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 2 November

Cuc Phuong National Park of Vietnam honoured as Asia’s Leading National Park 2021 by the World Travel Awards
This is the third continuous year that Cuc Phuong National Park has won the award of Asia’s Leading National Park (2019, 2020 and 2021) by the World Travel Awards.
Read more

Ha Noi is one among “The Best Cities for a Workation”
Together with Hoi An ancient town and Ho Chi Minh city, Ha Noi is on the list of “The Best Cities for a Workation” that was recently released by the UK travel website Holidu.
Read more

Asiana Airlines reopens direct flight to Phu Quoc island
Asiana Airlines Inc, the second-largest carrier by revenue of the Republic of Korea (RoK), has decided to reopen a direct air route to Phu Quoc island in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang.
Read more

Dream Cruises marks first anniversary of post-pandemic cruising in Singapore
Dream Cruises will celebrate its first-year milestone in resuming cruise services for the Singapore market on November 6 with World Dream.
Read more

Indonesia relaxes more international entry requirements
The Indonesia government has announced further easing of entry restrictions for international travellers, and will add facilities to improve the quarantine experience for visitors.
Read more

The post Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 2 November appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.

Thứ Ba, 2 tháng 11, 2021

Things you need to know when Thailand reopens with no quarantine

As of November 1, vaccinated international arrivals from at least 63 countries can visit Thailand with minimal restrictions.  Travelers must take 2 RT-PCR COVID tests (72 hrs before flight and on arrival day at the hotel), And Antigen self-test kit on day 6-7. They  must stay in SHA Plus hotel at least 1 day while waiting for the result. Here’s what you need to know when Thailand reopens

1. Who can travel to Thailand with no quarantine?

Fully vaccinated travelers who received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines at least 14 days before their travel date.
Those who positive for COVID-19 needs a medical Certificate of Recovery that show recovered from COVID-19 and 1 dose of vaccine no later than 3 months
Children under 12 years travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians with RT-PCR COVID tests 72 hrs before flight
Must have a negative RT-PCR result issued no more than 72 hours before the travel date

2. When can travellers go to Thailand?

From 1 November
– No quarantine
– At least 1 Day in SHA+ hotel
– After the negative result, free to travel to any part of Thailand

Krabi, Thailand

Krabi, Thailand

2. Where can travellers visit in Thailand?

The Sandbox program has been rebranded as Blue Zones, and as of November 1, the following areas of Thailand are categorized as Blue Zone

Bangkok
Krabi
Chon Buri (Banglamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Ko Si Chang, and Sattahip – Na Jomtien and Bang Sarey)
Chiang Mai (Mueang, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng)
Trat (Ko Chang)
Buri Ram (Mueang)
Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin and Nong Kae)
Phang-Nga
Phetchaburi (Cha-Am)
Phuket
Ranong (Ko Phayam)
Rayong (Ko Samet)
Loei (Chiang Khan)
Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport)
Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao)
Nong Khai (Mueang, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, and Tha Bo)
Udon Thani (Mueang, Ban Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yung, Nong Han, and Prachaksinlapakhom)

4. What are the requirements before travellers go?

– Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
– Health insurance covering COVID-19 during the total stay in Thailand. A minimum coverage of 50,000 USD
– Copy of the payment confirmation at SHA Plus hotel no less than 1-night stay
– Copy of booked and payment confirmation of 1 RT-PCR tests and an Antigen Test Kit.
– Negative RT-PCR result issued no more than 72 hours before the travel date
– Certificate of Entry (COE). Register online, https://ift.tt/2KSlujL
– After 1st of Nov, COE will be no longer needed. But travelers require to apply the entry through www.tp.consular.go.th

EXOTIC HONEYMOONS WITH VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA TOUR PACKAGES

5. How should travellers prepare for visiting Thailand?

– Before departure
+ Book flights to Thailand
+ Book and prepay SHA Plus-certified hotel
+ Book and prepay RT-PCR tests and an Antigen Test Kit
+ Buy Insurance covering COVID-19 treatment (minimum 50,000USD)
+ Proof of vaccination
+ Show a negative RT-PCR test no more than 72 hours before travel date
+ Download and register the Mor Chana Mobile App
Arrival
Transfer directly by the approved transportation provider
First RT-PCR on days 0 -1 at the booked accommodation or pre-arranged COVID-19 test center.
Stay
Wait for your first RT-PCR result in your own hotel room (Should be available within the day)
After a negative result, free to travel
Self-tested with an Antigen Test on day 6-7
For more information, please contact the Royal Thai Embassy in your country.Sweden : www.thaiembassy.se Norway : www.thaiembassy.no Denmark: www. Thai embassy.dk Finland: https://ift.tt/3EFPVAe
Thailand Beaches: 5 Off-The-Beaten-Path Islands

Source: Luxury Travel Vietnam

6. Test & Go: Quarantine – Free Entry Requirements

From 1 November 2021
6.1. Travel by air from the approved countries. Currently, Thailand has approved quarantine-free entry for arrivals from Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, USA, and Hong Kong.
Must have been in the approved countries for 21 days or more. Transit/transfer from the approved counties is not allowed.
For returning Thais and foreign residents, it is not necessary to be in an approved country for 21 days or more, as long as they are travelling from Thailand to the approved country/s and return within the last 21 days.
6.2. A Certificate of Entry (COE) or a proof of registration for entry Thailand via a specified platform. Currently, the COE can be applied online https://ift.tt/3nrMWTu
6.3. A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued any more than 72 hours before travelling.
6.4. A Medical Certificate of Recovery is also required from those having a lab result with COVID-19 detected to show that they have recovered from COVID-19 no later than 3 months.
6.5. An insurance policy, with coverage clearly identified as no less than US$50,000, which should cover the cost of the treatment and other medical expenses associated with being infected with COVID-19, including in-patient hospitalisation for the whole duration in Thailand. *Except for Thai citizens who are entitled to the national health insurance system.*
6.6. A payment confirmation for no less than a 1-night stay upon arrival at the approved quarantine facilities (Alternative Quarantine – AQ, Organisation Quarantine – OQ, or Alternative Hospital Quarantine – AHQ), or SHA Plus-certified hotel.
The prepayment should cover both the 1-night accommodation, the required RT-PCR COVID-19 test, and an Antigen Test Kit (ATK).
Thailand Luxury Tours with Golf Vacation
6.7.  Certificate of Vaccination (fully vaccinated).
– For those fully vaccinated, proof includes a Certificate of Vaccination with a vaccine approved by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) (see here) or the World Health Organisation (WHO) (see here) no less than 14 days before their travel date.
– And a Certificate of Vaccination with at least one dose of the approved vaccine at least 14 days before their travel date.
Travellers under 12 years of age, travelling with their parents or guardians, are exempt from this vaccination requirement but must have a Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued any more than 72 hours before travelling.
6.8. Undergo the entry screening (health screening and Immigration procedures) upon arrival at Thailand’s International Airport, and submit all the required documentation to the officials.
6.9.  Then proceed directly by the approved airport transfer to the pre-arranged COVID-19 test centre, or the reserved accommodation and undergo the required RT-PCR COVID-19 test on Day 0-1.
Travellers must download and install the specified alert application (MorChana), and must wait within the accommodation only for the test result, which should be available within the day.
6.10. If testing negative for COVID-19, travellers can go anywhere in Thailand.
Each traveller will receive an ATK that they have prepaid when booking the accommodation.
Any traveller experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must immediately get a test done, using the provided ATK. If experiencing no symptoms, travellers must use the provided ATK for COVID-19 self-testing on Day 6-7 and show the result to the staff at the hotel or accommodation, as well as record the result (bot detected and non-detected) in the MorChana App.
Hotel/AQ staff must recommend that travellers self-monitor themselves for at least 7 days. If any traveller experiences COVID-19 symptoms, Hotel/AQ staff must immediately notify the officer in charge of communicable disease control in their respective area.
For travelling from Thailand to other countries, travellers are advised to follow the guidelines and measures announced by the respective country of their destination.

7. About Luxury Travel

What a wonderful escaping plan for you to do during your holiday! Just pick up your luggage and we will take care of the rest of the journey!
Lux Travel DMC has been turning over 15 years old in the travel industry sector within Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. With the prior experiences from the young and potential staff, we believe that these will be helpful for you when planning the holiday to Southeast Asia.  
Let us be a part of your memorable trip to Southeast Asia!

The post Things you need to know when Thailand reopens with no quarantine appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.