Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 30 October

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 30 October
Phuket tourism operators expect 1 million visitors in the first quarter of 2022
The head of the Phuket Tourist Association is optimistic about Thailand’s re-opening to vaccinated tourists from 63 countries, which starts today. Bhummikitti Raktaengam predicts the southern island will see 1 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of next year.
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Flights to Phuket from Kazakhstan hub Almaty resume today
Today marked the return of Air Astana flights to Phuket from Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, as 165 travellers arrived on a plane this morning. The flight marks a resumption of travel from the former Soviet Union republic and the currently 9th largest country in the world by area.
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Israel opens to vaccinated tourists on 1 November
After a period in which many efforts and attempts were made to find creative solutions to bring tourists back to Israel, the Ministry of Health accepted the recommendations of Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov and his office and approved tourist entry into Israel from 1st November 2021 subject to proof of vaccination.
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UK removes last 7 countries from COVID-19 travel ‘Red List’ from 1 November
The UK will remove next week the last seven countries on its coronavirus “red list”, which currently requires newly arrived travellers from these destinations to spend 10 days in hotel quarantine, transport minister Grant Shapps said.
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Countries where Australians can travel with no quarantine
Australians won’t have to spend a single day in quarantine when visiting nations including the UK, Italy, the US, and Greece.

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Its official! Vaccinated Australians can enter Singapore on November 8
Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced the expansion of the country’s Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme to include Australian passengers.
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AirAsia flies 113 weekly flights into Sarawak from 1 November
AirAsia welcomes the announcement by the Sarawak State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin to boost flight frequency into the state starting 1 November 2021, further easing the limitation of flights and reducing airfares.
Read more

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A First-Timer’s Guide to Yoga Retreats in Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia is known as "The Paradise Island" because of its reputation in the world as a tropical paradise of untold beautiful nature, idyllic mood and never-ending fascination. If you are finding an ideal place for a yoga retreat to recover yourself Bali is one of the top selections you can think about. Here are some short guides for you when planning a holiday and retreat in Bali.

1. Why is Bali the perfect place for a yoga retreat?

Bali, with its picturesque beauty combined with its natural serenity, makes for a perfect backdrop for yoga retreats. So, whether you want to have a self-care weekend with your gal pals, or reconnect as a couple, Bali has spaces for all kinds of travellers. For those wanting to begin or nourish a meditation practice, silent retreat centers, and courses are available in various ashrams. Bali is the ideal place to dive deeper in your yoga practice with world-class yoga teaching hosting retreats year-round. Affordable yoga teacher training centers, retreat centers, and studios are commonplace. Bali’s scenic views are bound to take a person deeper into her practice.

2. When is the best time for a yoga retreat in Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is from April to October, this is the tourist dry season. For a yoga retreat, on the other hand, you do not always only have to go for the nice weather and you can book a retreat (cheaper) all year round. For example, the humidity in the rainy season is perfect for yoga and the warm air, just like with hot yoga, ensures that your muscles warm up, making you more flexible.

3. Where can you find a yoga retreat in Bali?

Whether you are looking for something luxurious or affordable, there is something for everyone! Do you want to combine yoga with learning to surf? Then it is best to look at one of the yoga and surf retreats in Canggu, Seminyak or Kuta, places that lie on the coast. If you prefer to combine yoga with a relaxing environment and an ultimate wellness experience, go to Ubud in the middle of the island. Ubud is known for its multitude of spas. With over 1200 spas in Bali, you can find a variety of Acupuncture, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Qigong, and much more.
– The Yoga Barn Ubud Yoga Retreats
ADDRESS: Jl. Hanoman Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
You can’t have a list of the best yoga retreats in Bali without including The Yoga Barn, possibly the most famous yoga studio in Ubud. The studio’s retreat packages are very straightforward—choose a three-, five-, or seven-night retreat. Each comes with unlimited yoga, lodging in a shared or private room, and complimentary breakfast. Because the yoga barn sits in the center of Ubud, you’ll be near restaurants and cafes, hikes through rice fields, and popular sights like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tegenungan Waterfall.
– Balitrees Retreat Traditional Yoga Homestay
ADDRESS: Megati, Sedandan, Tabanan, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82162, Indonesia
To experience what a yoga retreat in Bali was like before it became popular with travelers, stay at Balitrees, a very traditional homestay. While there, you’ll practice Yoga Watukaru, a style developed in Bali in the 600s A.D. Yoga Watukaru has a strong focus on chakra, mediation, and flowing between poses, rather than holding them. Balitrees is in the tiny town of Sesandan and all retreats include lodging at the homestay, traditional Balinese meals in a group setting, unlimited Watukaru yoga, and community-run cultural activities like tours to waterfalls and visits to a butterfly garden. It’s also very affordable, as far as Bali yoga retreats go.

– Udara Bali Yoga, Detox & Spa Retreat
ADDRESS: Jl. Pura Kramat, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Seseh, Bali 80251, Indonesia
Interested in a less structured yoga retreat in Bali? Then consider a retreat at Udara Bali, which offers a build-your-own retreat option. Every day, you’ll have unlimited access to yoga ranging from Vinyasa flow to water yoga, as well as a daily 60-minute massage, full meals plus a tea service at the on-site organic cafe, and access to a spa with a steam room, jacuzzi, and plunge pools. You can do as little or as much yoga as you’d like in the ocean-view shala, making it an excellent retreat for anyone not quite ready to commit to full-time study.

4. What makes a yoga retreat in Bali unique?

A yoga retreat can be perfectly combined with your holiday in Bali. Book the retreat before or after the tour, or use the retreat as a base to discover the island.

Whether you are looking for something luxurious or affordable, there is something for everyone! With beautiful villas, accommodations in Bali are relatively cheap, so you can quickly find a gem.

The spiritual wellness culture is unique on this island. Combine your yoga retreat with a Balinese massage, wellness treatments, cooking courses, or learn to surf!

5. 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 A First-Timer’s Guide to Yoga Retreats in Bali, Indonesia appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.

A First-Timer’s Guide to Yoga Retreats in Bali, Indonesia

1. What are the best places for a yoga retreat in Bali, Indonesia?

Bali is recognized as a yoga, health, and wellness hotspot the world over because of its strong spiritual culture. The Hindu lineage is one of the reasons why yoga retreats in Bali have flourished, making yoga part of Balinese everyday life. Find secluded yoga retreats in the jungle and rice paddies of Ubud, or choose yoga retreats on the seaside in Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur, and Nusa Lembongan. This year-round destination is perfect for a yoga holiday and easy to combine with side activities as meditation, detox, and yoga teacher training.

2. Why is Bali the perfect place for a yoga retreat?

Bali, with its picturesque beauty combined with its natural serenity, makes for a perfect backdrop for yoga retreats. So, whether you want to have a self-care weekend with your gal pals, or reconnect as a couple, Bali has spaces for all kinds of travellers. For those wanting to begin or nourish a meditation practice, silent retreat centers, and courses are available in various ashrams. Bali is the ideal place to dive deeper in your yoga practice with world-class yoga teaching hosting retreats year-round. Affordable yoga teacher training centers, retreat centers, and studios are commonplace. Bali’s scenic views are bound to take a person deeper into her practice.

3. When is the best time for a yoga retreat in Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is from April to October, this is the tourist dry season. For a yoga retreat, on the other hand, you do not always only have to go for the nice weather and you can book a retreat (cheaper) all year round. For example, the humidity in the rainy season is perfect for yoga and the warm air, just like with hot yoga, ensures that your muscles warm up, making you more flexible.

4. Where can you find a yoga retreat in Bali?

Whether you are looking for something luxurious or affordable, there is something for everyone! Do you want to combine yoga with learning to surf? Then it is best to look at one of the yoga and surf retreats in Canggu, Seminyak or Kuta, places that lie on the coast. If you prefer to combine yoga with a relaxing environment and an ultimate wellness experience, go to Ubud in the middle of the island. Ubud is known for its multitude of spas. With over 1200 spas in Bali, you can find a variety of Acupuncture, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Qigong, and much more.

• The Yoga Barn Ubud Yoga Retreats
  ADDRESS: Jl. Hanoman Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
  You can’t have a list of the best yoga retreats in Bali without including The Yoga Barn, possibly the most famous yoga studio in Ubud. The studio’s retreat packages are very straightforward—choose a three-, five-, or seven-night retreat. Each comes with unlimited yoga, lodging in a shared or private room, and complimentary breakfast. Because the yoga barn sits in the center of Ubud, you’ll be near restaurants and cafes, hikes through rice fields, and popular sights like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tegenungan Waterfall.
• Balitrees Retreat Traditional Yoga Homestay
  ADDRESS: Megati, Sedandan, Tabanan, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82162, Indonesia
  To experience what a yoga retreat in Bali was like before it became popular with travelers, stay at Balitrees, a very traditional homestay. While there, you’ll practice Yoga Watukaru, a style developed in Bali in the 600s A.D. Yoga Watukaru has a strong focus on chakra, mediation, and flowing between poses, rather than holding them. Balitrees is in the tiny town of Sesandan and all retreats include lodging at the homestay, traditional Balinese meals in a group setting, unlimited Watukaru yoga, and community-run cultural activities like tours to waterfalls and visits to a butterfly garden. It’s also very affordable, as far as Bali yoga retreats go.
• Udara Bali Yoga, Detox & Spa Retreat
  ADDRESS: Jl. Pura Kramat, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Seseh, Bali 80251, Indonesia
  Interested in a less structured yoga retreat in Bali? Then consider a retreat at Udara Bali, which offers a build-your-own retreat option. Every day, you’ll have unlimited access to yoga ranging from Vinyasa flow to water yoga, as well as a daily 60-minute massage, full meals plus a tea service at the on-site organic cafe, and access to a spa with a steam room, jacuzzi, and plunge pools. You can do as little or as much yoga as you’d like in the ocean-view shala, making it an excellent retreat for anyone not quite ready to commit to full-time study.
  

5. What makes a yoga retreat in Bali unique?

A yoga retreat can be perfectly combined with your holiday in Bali. Book the retreat before or after the tour, or use the retreat as a base to discover the island.

Whether you are looking for something luxurious or affordable, there is something for everyone! With beautiful villas, accommodations in Bali are relatively cheap, so you can quickly find a gem.

The spiritual wellness culture is unique on this island. Combine your yoga retreat with a Balinese massage, wellness treatments, cooking courses, or learn to surf!

6. 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 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 A First-Timer’s Guide to Yoga Retreats in Bali, Indonesia appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 23 October

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 23 October

Centara expands Thailand Rediscovered Campaign

Following the overwhelming success of its Phuket Rediscovered campaign, Centara Hotels & Resorts is rolling out special deals in more key destinations across Thailand.
Read more

Singapore-Australia travel arrangement could materialise in days
The long-delayed Singapore-Australia travel bubble could be established in the next week or so, as both governments enter final talks on the arrangement, according to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald.
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Hua Hin calls for delay in reopening amid Covid-19 infections
Prachuap Khiri Khan, the Western province that is home to tourist magnet Hua Hin, may not be ready for reopening in just over a week. Amid spiking Covid-19 infections, some officials in Hua Hin are calling for a delay, pushing back reopening for the town until December.
Read more

Qantas group flights comeback faster
Qantas and Jetstar will bring forward the restart of more international flights to popular destinations from Sydney and operate regular flights to Delhi.
Read more

Bangkok resumes southern flight
Effective 1 November, Bangkok Airways will resume a daily direct service between Phuket and Hat Yai in South Thailand.
Read more

Vietnam Airlines to resume all domestic flights
Vietnam Airlines plans to resume flying on 40 routes by next month, prioritizing Hanoi, HCMC and Da Nang.
Read more

 

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Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a year-round travel destination when any time is a good time to visit any corner of the region. Every   traveller has a different favourite season. The best time to visit Southeast Asia depends on what they want to get out of their trip. Here are some suggestion for helping you to plan a trip to Southeast Asia. 

1. The Best Time for Good Weather in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia lies within the tropics close to the equator and has hot and humid weather. The average temperatures are around 27ºC/80ºF year-round. The hottest time of year is from May to June, with temperatures consistently around 38ºC/100ºF.

Southeast Asia has two distinct seasons: the wet and dry seasons. The wet season between June and October means many countries experience a high amount of rainfall.

Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam

The dry season between November and February is considered to be the best time to visit mainland Southeast Asia, such as Northern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, except for Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia as this period is when they experience their rainy seasons.

2. The Best Time for Beaches in Southeast Asia

If you hope to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the sea, generally speaking, the best time to visit Southeast Asia’s beaches is from November through early April when the weather is sunny and dry, and it’s not too warm or too cool.

The beaches in many countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are at their best. But if you would like to enjoy your beach vacation in Indonesia (like Bali) and Malaysia’s east coast (like the Perhentian and Tioman islands), the best time to go is between April and October.

If you’re traveling to the beaches during the wet season, you should expect some rainy days but there will also be days where it only rains for a short while and then the sun comes out. You’ll find that hotel and resort prices are considerably cheaper.

Krabi, Thailand

3. The Best Time to Avoid the Crowds in Southeast Asia

The peak season: November through February is a great time to travel in Southeast Asia — except for the crowds. During this time, go to the busy places, such as the Grand Palace in Thailand and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, as early or late in the peak season as you can.

The off-season: March through May is the hot season in Southeast Asia and June through October is generally considered to be the wet season. It’s not exactly ideal weather conditions but you can expect fewer crowds.

It is not uncommon for daily rain in the wet season but as the rain is so predictable (it usually rains in the afternoon and at night), it’s easy to plan around the weather. This means it’s no problem to travel in Southeast Asia during the off-season as long as you plan well.

 

4. The Best Times to Visit Different Countries in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a large region. It is warm all year round. No matter when you visit, you will find a place that matches your interests and preferences.

The weather and climate are different in different countries but they are roughly divided into two patterns.

Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines have three main seasons: Dry season is from November to February. The hot season is from March to May. The wet season is from June to October
Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore have two seasons: Wet season is from October to March. The dry season is from April to September

Generally speaking, the best time to visit most places in Southeast Asia is from November through February when the weather is dry and cool. Wet monsoon rains fall from June to October in most countries.

5. The Best Times to enjoy the festivals in Southeast Asia

Asia is a colourful continent full of exciting events going on at any time of year, including religious, traditional and cultural festivals.

For a truly immersive travel experience, it’s a great idea to time your trip so that you can observe, or even participate in, some of the best cultural festivals in Asia.

Here, we’ve compiled a shortlist of some of the most famous festivals in Asia in some of the most popular countries for holidays in Southeast Asia. With thousands of traditional Asian festivals to choose from, we hope this list inspires you to get involved in the celebrations and book your next trip to coincide with one of the holidays celebrated in Asia every year.

1. Songkran – Thailand (April)
2. Loi Krathong – Thailand (November)
3. Nyepi – Bali (March)
4. Tet – Vietnam (February)
5. Thaipusam – Malaysia (January)
6. Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) – Laos (April)
7. Naga Fire Ball Festival – Nong Khai, Thailand (November)
8. Phuket Vegetarian Festival – Thailand (October)
10. Bon Om Tuk (Khmer Water Festival) – Cambodia (November)

Source: Luxury Travel Vietnam

6. Quick Facts about the Weather in Southeast Asia to Help You Plan Your Trip

The period from November to February is the dry season in Southeast Asia. Most travellers choose to visit this region during this period.
March through May is the hot season in Southeast Asia and June through October is the rainy season. The weather is not very good but you will see fewer crowds and lower prices for flights and accommodation.
Not all countries in Southeast Asia share the same seasons at the same time. There are some regional differences. Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines have three main seasons: the dry season (November to February), the hot season (March to May), and the wet season (June to October). Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore have only two seasons: the wet season (October to March) and the dry season (April to September).

Source: Luxury Travel Vietnam

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 Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia appeared first on Luxury Travel's Blog.

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 20th October

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 20th October

Luxury yachts ready to return to the Andamans 
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with their pristine clear waters and sandy beaches, are making a comeback as travel measures ease for international yachts.
Read more

AirAsia cuts fares to Sarawak
AirAsia welcomes the announcement by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to further relax travel requirements into Sarawak, allowing thousands of Sarawakians residing in the Peninsula to return to their home state.
Read more

Cambodia re-opens e-Visa for tourists and investors
The government yesterday decided to reopen e-visas for all those coming to Cambodia, just four days after it announced the quarantine period for different types of vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.
Read more

HCMC to reopen inter-provincial tourism from next month
Ho Chi Minh City, a major tourist hub, plans to resume tourism with other localities where Covid has been under control from Nov. 1 until the year-end.
Read more

Bangkok Airways announces its Winter flight schedule 2021
Bangkok Airways has announced its Winter flight schedule from 31 October 2021, onwards.
Read more

THAI announces its winter flight schedule 2021- 2022
Including 7 routes between Thailand and European cities in support of the Phuket Sandbox programme, 10 routes between Bangkok and European cities, and 19 routes between Bangkok and Asian cities.
Read more

HCMC to reopen inter-provincial tourism from next month
Ho Chi Minh City, a major tourist hub, plans to resume tourism with other localities where Covid has been under control from Nov. 1 until the year-end.
Read more

 

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Covid-19 Cases and Death declines in Southeast Asia

Covid-19 Cases and Death declines in Southeast Asia. These countries are leaving their “zero Covid” policies behind and shift strategy to “learn to live with Covid-19
In general, over two weeks, there has been decreased straightly the new Covid-19 cases in Southeast Asia as the result of all solutions against Covid-19 and the pushing vaccine strategies strongly. Now, most countries in Southeast Asia are leaving their “zero Covid” policies behind and shift strategy to “learn to live with Covid-19” however it’s quite slow. Here are some overviews of the covid-19 in some countries in Southeast Asia:

Indonesia – New cases have fallen to less than 2,000 per day. These are the lowest rates in 12 months. Restrictions are being eased across the country for the 20 per cent of the population who are fully vaccinated. A slow economic recovery is predicted for the fourth quarter. (Source: EIU, Growth outlook for Indonesia worsens among Covid-19 outbreak, accessed August 2021). Consumer spending will be sluggish. On October 14th, the Indonesian Government allow foreign travellers from some limited countries include: China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand but they must have 5 -day quarantine and Covid-19 testing.

Malaysia – Malaysia’s COVID-19 exit plan is taking shape. As vaccination rates rise, eleven more economic sectors across service and retail industries will be permitted to reopen. Operational capacity for offices in Phase Two states has been expanded depending on staff vaccination rates. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri has signaled publicly that his administration is opposed to lockdowns. They plan to reopen in December 2021.

Vietnam – Strict social distancing measures in major cities have been imposed since June. All non-essential business activities are closed. All public transport and delivery services have been suspended. From 21 September, the Vietnamese government removed the isolated policy in Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City (on October 1). On October 8, Vietnam is expected to set criteria for vaccine passports recognizing all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, (WHO), the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the European Medicine Agency (EMA), and Vietnam’s Ministry of Health.
Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring provinces of Binh Duong, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, and Long An have reached an agreement on the commute of workers and experts between the five localities. Businesses would be allowed to transport staff by company vehicles and those that are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 and have a negative test certificate.
From October 10, Vietnam allows some domestic flights from and to the big city such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc… Then they open for interprovincial passenger road transport, train services on October 12. Yesterday, the government allowed the resumption of on-site dining, taxis, and hotels in Hanoi.

The Philippines – A pilot of localised lockdowns has commenced. This policy aims to curb COVID-19 cases while allowing businesses to reopen at a limited capacity. Under the new system, Alert Level 4 areas are those with high and/or increasing COVID-19 transmission and high total-bed and ICU utilisation rates. Oxford Economics forecasts that the third quarter of 2021 is unlikely to record strong growth (Source: Philippine Star, 20 September).

Singapore – Restrictions are being tightened. The recent Delta outbreak has resulted in around 2,000 new recorded cases of COVID-19 per day. This is despite 82% of the population being fully vaccinated. Working from home is now the default practice. Gatherings are limited to two people per group with one gathering per day. However, hospitalization from COVID-19 is now extremely rare. According to recent data, only 1.7% of positive cases require oxygen supplementation and 0.2% require ICU care.

Thailand – Vaccination coverage is improving. The central bank has reported a further deterioration of the economy since June, owing to tighter lockdown restrictions. Private consumption is falling, and the Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center has lowered projections for economic growth in 2021. From July, they open Phuket. In October, they open more islands and they plan to fully reopen to vaccinated travellers by November 2021 without quarantine to UK, Germany, Singapore, USA, China.

Southeast Asia Covid-19 tracker

 

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