SINGAPORE, 7 August 2024: Pandaw is rolling out the red carpet with refreshed Christmas and New Year sailings across Indian and Mekong region destinations scheduled for late December 2024 to early January 2025.
With no single supplement, specially crafted festive menus and festive onboard entertainment, three Pandaw expeditions celebrate Christmas and New Year on iconic rivers in India and Southeast Asia.
Here are the three river cruises headlining festive season celebrations
Vietnam and Cambodia
Classic Mekong Upstream 21 Dec 2024 – 28 Dec 2024
Pandaw’s Classic Mekong expedition sails from central Saigon. Embarking or disembarking in Vietnam’s bustling metropolis, the seven-night expedition takes intrepid travellers along the mighty Mekong River through the vast delta rich in human life and endeavours to the serene countryside of Cambodia.
There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong. Pandaw’s specially designed expedition ships are the perfect hosts to explore this delightful region in comfort and style. Travellers will experience authentic culture, people, and adventures as we sail off the beaten track in keeping with the Pandaw spirit.
India
Lower Ganges 26 December 2024 – 02 January 2025
There can be no river in the world as sacred as the Ganges River, and an expedition on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river wends its way through the lush countryside of West Bengal, which has culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A vibrant rural life abounds, and there is never a dull moment as we sedately ply this pleasant waterway.
You will start or end our newly updated seven-night itinerary in either the former colonial capital of Kolkata or Farakka, the location of the famous Farakka Barrage, where the sacred Ganges flows into the Hoogly River. With a one-way first-class train ticket included between Farakka and Kolkata, this is the perfect way to explore West Bengal in true Pandaw comfort and style.
Laos
Laos Mekong Downstream 18 Dec 2024 – 28 Dec 2024
Laos Mekong Upstream 20 Dec 2024 – 30 Dec 2024
Enjoy the splendour of Laos on Pandaw’s 10-night expedition on the Upper Mekong. Sailing between Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border and through Laos toward Vientiane, the old French capital, you will witness stunning scenery, meet amazingly warm and friendly locals, and learn about Laos’ national animal, the majestic elephant. We stop for three nights at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang with its dazzling wood-carved monasteries before heading deep into the mountains through rapids and gorges on our high-powered little Pandaw vessels.
BANGKOK, 7 August 2024: Anurak Community Lodge beside Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province has completed renovations and improvements to rooms and bathrooms, the main restaurant, public areas and water supply.
The award-winning 19-key ecolodge has also added nine new mountain bikes, bringing the total number of bikes available in a range of sizes to 15.
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The ecolodge’s main Hornbill restaurant, known for its spectacular jungle views, has been refurbished and its opening hours extended.
Jungle-style dinners are now prepared in a specially created bamboo sala, which has been relocated deeper into the lodge’s six hectares of wildflower gardens, which a veteran local landscape gardener has enhanced.
A newly drilled 120-metre well now provides high-quality pure water to the guest rooms, the kitchen, and the restaurant. New septic tanks have also been added.
In five rooms, new air-conditioning units and new bathrooms have been added. New mosquito nets and bigger high-quality towels are now in all rooms.
The local government has resurfaced the local approach roads to Anurak Lodge and nearby properties.
Sustainability is central to Anurak’s operations. Kitchen recycling and composting of waste food have been enhanced. The lodge’s Rainforest Rising project has been reinstated. Guests can buy a T-shirt and plant an indigenous species of tree in the gardens.
Anurak Community Lodge won the PATA Grand Award for Sustainability in 2020. The ecolodge is Travelife Gold certified.
Special rate
For Thailand residents, Anurak Community Lodge offers a special rate of THB2,750 per night for two people, including breakfast. Subsequent nights are available at THB2,150 per night. In September and October, the rate for two is THB1,690. The booking period is open until 31 August for stays until 31 October.
SYDNEY, 7 August 2024: Marriott International appoints Jason Nuell, a long-standing Marriott Associate, to the senior leadership position of Area Vice President Australia, New Zealand & Pacific (ANZP) following the retirement of his predecessor, Sean Hunt.
Nuell has relocated from Marriott’s Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) headquarters in Singapore to Sydney to oversee 46 operating hotels and 20 pipeline properties.
Nuell joined Marriott in 2003 and his career with Marriott International has included a range of senior leadership roles across Southeast Asia, China, India, the US and Europe. Nuell was also awarded Marriott International’s Global General Manager of the Year Award while serving as the General Manager of the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa in 2011. He returned to Australia from Singapore, where he was Vice President of Customer Experience and F&B Design Services APEC.
Marriott International has opened six new hotels in the ANZP region since March 2023 (in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Port Moresby). There are another 20 agreements signed, taking the anticipated total hotel stock in the region to more than 60 properties by 2028.
SEPANG, Kuala Lumpur, 7 August 2024: AirAsia X (AAX) will resume flights between the Malaysian capital and Chongqing, China, this October, following an extended pause on the route since 2015.
AirAsia X (D7) will operate four weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chongqing starting 15 October 2024. With the addition of Chongqing, the airline will serve nine destinations in China, including Changsha, Xi’an, and Chengdu (Tianfu), totalling 53 flights weekly on routes to China.
Photo credit: AirAsia X.
AAX offers special promotional fares for flights to Chongqing from as low as MYR339, an all-in-one way fare to celebrate the return to Chongqing. This promotion is available for booking on AirAsia MOVE (formerly airasia Superapp) and airasia.com from now until 11 August 2024 for the travel period between 15 October 2024 and 28 March 2025.
All Malaysians are eligible for visa-free entry for tourism purposes to China for up to 15 days until the end of 2025. Chinese citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to Malaysia for 30 days until 31 December 2026.
Chongqing is touted to be the largest municipality in the world, with a population of nearly 32 million. Known as the “Mountain City,” Chongqing is built in a mountainous area and is also known as “The City of Fog” as it is often covered by a thin layer of mist, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere. Travellers who love breathtaking scenery and mouthwatering local delights will want to visit to enjoy the stunning views along the Yangtze River and Jialing River, experience the unique Liziba House-Crossing Metro, where a train runs through a modern flat building at Liziba Metro Station, and indulge in the intensely spiced Chongqing Hot Pot.
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Chongqing (CKG)
KUALA LUMPUR, 5 August 2024: Malaysia Airlines and Air Mauritius have reinstated codeshare agreements for flights between the two carriers after the codeshare pact was paused during the Covid pandemic.
The codeshares offer travellers enhanced flight options to explore destinations in Asia, Australia, and Africa beyond Malaysia and Mauritius.
Passengers will enjoy seamless travel experiences and benefit from the convenient connections offered from the airlines’ hubs in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) in Mauritius.
Malaysia Airlines customers will enjoy access to a broader network beyond the airline’s current offerings, including direct flights from KUL to MRU. For their next beach holiday, they can soak in the tropical paradise of Mauritius or explore the captivating landscapes of Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB), operated by Air Mauritius.
Meanwhile, Air Mauritius will codeshare on Malaysia Airlines’ domestic flights to destinations including Langkawi, Penang, Kota Bharu, Kuantan, and Johor Bahru. It will also be able to connect to various flights to international destinations from the MH Kuala Lumpur hub.
Malaysia Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer of Airlines Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “We are delighted to resume our codeshare with Air Mauritius as we expand our reach and enhance connectivity for travellers. This strategic move further solidifies Malaysia Airlines’ position as the gateway to Asia and beyond, providing seamless access for our customers to explore various destinations beyond our metal. We look forward to extending our Malaysian Hospitality to a wider customer base, ensuring they feel welcomed as guests to our home.”
Air Mauritius Chief Executive Officer Charles Cartier commented: “Air Mauritius is pleased to reactivate its collaboration with Malaysia Airlines, offering our passengers connections to numerous destinations across Asia and Australia via the Kuala Lumpur hub. Travellers from Malaysia will experience the warmth of our multi-cultural society and the richness of our diverse local cuisine and enjoy the convenience of connecting to Rodrigues, Reunion, South Africa, and beyond with Air Mauritius.”
SINGAPORE, 7 August 2024: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), announced Tuesday the delivery of its third and fourth Embraer E190-E2 aircraft scheduled for September and October 2024.
With the addition of the new aircraft, Scoot will launch flights to two new Southeast Asian destinations: Kertajati (Greater Bandung) in Indonesia and Malacca in Malaysia. Flights to Kertajati will commence on 28 September 2024, with a twice-weekly frequency, while Malacca will be served five times weekly from 23 October 2024.
Brimming with lush forests, natural waterfalls, and captivating wildlife, Kertajati is an alternative destinationn for nature enthusiasts. Travellers can also venture to the nearby metropolitan area of Greater Bandung to soak up the local culture and its architectural gems. Malacca offers an equally interesting experience with its rich heritage of Peranakan culture. Travellers can savour authentic Nonya dishes against the bustling backdrop of night markets and explore the historical buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Besides new destinations like Kertajati and Malacca, Scoot will also deploy the E190-E2s and A320s to increase passenger capacity. This includes twice weekly flights to Pekanbaru using an E190-E2s and three weekly flights using an Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline will also increase flights from three to four weekly to Balikpapan and Makassar, starting in October 2024. From November 2024, the E190-E2s will also operate nine weekly flights to Davao, up from seven weekly, and from December 2024, four weekly flights to Vientiane, up from the current three weekly.
The addition of Kertajati and Malacca to Scoot’s network follows the recent announcement that it will fly to more domestic destinations from Subang near Kuala Lumpur starting 1 September 2024. Subang, located 28 km from the Malaysian capital, offers travellers an alternative to fly to and from KLIA.
Including the new destinations served, Scoot will operate 78 weekly flights to Indonesia and 115 weekly flights to Malaysia by October 2024, 37 weekly flights to the Philippines by November 2024, and four weekly flights to Laos in December 2024. The airline’s network will also expand to 72 destinations, providing more direct connections for travellers to non-metro cities across Southeast Asia and reinforcing Singapore’s status as a regional air hub. With the new Southeast Asian destinations, Scoot also hopes to inspire more travellers to unleash that adventurous spirit in them and embark on new getaways in the region.
Flights to Kertajati and Malacca are open for bookings as of 6 August via Scoot’s website, mobile app, and progressively through other channels, with all-in economy class sale fares starting from SGD92 to Kertajati and SGD69 to Malacca, inclusive of taxes.
Schedules for new Southeast Asian destinations: Kertajati (Greater Bandung) in Indonesia and Malacca in Malaysia.
HO CHI MINH CITY Vietnam, 7 August 2024: Vietjet has celebrated a significant milestone by welcoming its 200 millionth passenger, marking a new achievement in its sky connection journey between Vietnam and the world.
The 200th passenger, Sandeep Mehta, an Indian businessman, received a gift of complimentary flights for a year on Vietjet’s international.
In conjunction with this celebration, Vietjet also announced the launch of a new route linking India’s western city, Ahmedabad, with Vietnam’s famous coastal city, Danang, which will commence in October 2024.
The announcement was made at the Vietnam-India Business Forum in New Delhi, India, which was witnessed by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and business representatives from both countries.
Vietjet has pioneered direct service between Vietnam and India since 2019. Today, it operates seven routes with 56 weekly flights between the two countries, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with the major cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi, as well as popular Indian destinations such as Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, and others. Vietjet has transported nearly 1.3 million passengers between Vietnam and India so far.
BANGKOK, 6 August 2024: Reservations at the Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel are fast filling up ahead of its official opening to guests on 27 September 2024.
Dusit International’s reimagined flagship property has been completely rebuilt from the ground, paying homage to its 50-year legacy while setting a new standard for luxury hospitality. It’s an anchor feature of the Dusit Central Park mixed-use development.
Designed with discerning travellers in mind, the hotel promises to make history once again and establish groundbreaking benchmarks in service and design. Rising on the same prestigious site as its predecessor, all 257 rooms at the new Dusit Thani Bangkok boast uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park. Elegant, cantilevered window seats extend from each guest room, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the stunning panorama.
Bookings for the new Dusit Thani Bangkok are available now via dusit.com.
The hotel’s considerate approach to redevelopment was recently unveiled at an exclusive media event in Bangkok led by Dusit Group CEO International Suphajee Suthumpun. She emphasised the company’s commitment to merging contemporary trends with the timeless spirit of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok, which was the city’s tallest building when it first opened in 1970.
“For over five decades, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok was a beloved landmark, a true ambassador of Thai hospitality for global travellers,” said Suphajee. “As we embarked on its reimagination, we were committed to honouring that legacy while exceeding the expectations of today’s sophisticated guests. This meant meticulously preserving elements of the original hotel and seamlessly blending them with a fresh, modern design. Throughout this process, we stayed true to the vision of Dusit’s founder, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, and owner, Chanin Donavanik, to showcase Thai culture, art, and gracious service in a way that resonates with contemporary travellers and adapts to evolving preferences. Sustainability remains a core focus for Dusit, and this commitment is also reflected in the new hotel’s design and operations. Ultimately, we aim to deliver an unparalleled guest experience while preserving the warmth and service that have always been synonymous with the Dusit Thani name.”
Natapa Sriyuksiri, Managing Director of Dusit Estate and Group Creative Strategy for Dusit International, noted the main challenge in designing the new Dusit Thani Bangkok was capturing the essence of the original hotel’s warmth and character while ensuring a fresh, modern aesthetic.
“The original Dusit Thani Bangkok had a soul of its own, and our goal was to translate that spirit into a contemporary space equipped for the future. We started by reinterpreting the original hotel’s unique design elements through a modern lens. This involved studying the hotel’s distinctive interiors and architecture to identify patterns we could modernise or reference in new creations.”
Envisaged by Architects 49 International Limited and OMA Asia Hong Kong Limited, a division of the esteemed Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to architecture and urban planning, the new hotel’s architecture pays homage to the unique style of its predecessor. Its elegant interiors, exquisitely crafted by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm André Fu Studio, seamlessly blend the original hotel’s rich heritage with contemporary Thai aesthetics, incorporating warm colour tones and subtle traditional motifs for a modern interpretation of classic Thai artistry and craftsmanship.
Further honouring the hotel’s storied past, a signature ‘Heritage Floor’ designed by Thai interior design firm P49 Deesign & Associates Co. Ltd captures the spirit of the original property. This floor is adorned with exclusive artworks by local artists, each inspired by the hotel’s legacy.
The reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok goes beyond design to celebrate its heritage. The original hotel’s iconic golden spire, a beloved landmark, has returned and is now contained within a new, three-times-larger spire. Guests can also admire paintings and murals from the original hotel’s Benjarong Thai Restaurant, including the restaurant’s meticulously preserved main pillars, which were carefully removed and reinstalled in the new hotel’s main lobby. The intricate carved teak ceiling from the same restaurant has also been meticulously reassembled and given a new life within the new hotel.
“By reimagining elements from the original Dusit Thani Bangkok and focusing on exquisite craftsmanship throughout the entire design process – from architecture to décor to furnishings – we’ve woven a connection between the hotel’s past and present, creating a timeless harmony guests will experience throughout the entire new hotel,” said Natapa.
The four key pillars of Dusit Graciousness — Service (personalised and gracious), Locality (uniquely linking guests to the local community), Well-being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa); and Sustainability (social, economic, and environmental) — that inspire the guest experience at Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide also influenced the new hotel’s design.
“Dusit Thani hotels, wherever they are in the world, are carefully designed to serve as a unique reflection of the communities they serve, creating places to see and be seen and bringing value far beyond the property’s walls,” said Ms Sriyuksiri. ‘The new Dusit Thani Bangkok is the epitome of this commitment. No inch of space has been wasted in our pursuit of hospitality excellence. With an unrivalled Thai-inspired design that becomes progressively more modern towards the building’s golden spire, we’ve gone to great lengths to ensure the aesthetics of each area serve as the stage for lasting memories to be made. There’s a genuine sense of theatre, too. Large, open windows in the ballroom and lobby seamlessly connect the hotel’s vibrant energy with the surrounding Lumpini Park, showcasing both the stunning cityscape and the exciting events happening within. This innovative design ensures the new Dusit Thani Bangkok stands out as a unique landmark, a true icon for a new era of Thai hospitality.”
Beyond aesthetics, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok also incorporates Feng Shui principles for a holistic guest experience. “Our goal,” explained Mr Somkiat Lo-Chindapong, Deputy Managing Director of Architects 49 Limited (A49), “was to seamlessly integrate world-class design with the legacy of the original hotel, and this included marrying ancient Feng-Shui wisdom about wind and water with modern architecture. This approach is evident in the building’s positioning within Dusit Central Park, ensuring each guest room offers unobstructed views of Lumpini Park through large bay windows with a luxurious gold finish. These breathtaking vistas act as ‘golden frames of memories,’ drawing positive energy into the hotel while creating lasting impressions for guests.
“Blending old-world charm with modern elegance, there simply is no other building like it in Bangkok. It is instantly recognisable as the Dusit Thani Bangkok, inside and out. Furthermore, the seamless connection to Lumpini Park and the upcoming roof park at the heart of Dusit Central Park ensures nature is truly at the heart of the guest experience.”
To complete this luxurious sanctuary, the new hotel features just 257 guest rooms – a thoughtful reduction from its predecessor’s 517, prioritising spaciousness. These exquisite rooms, starting at an impressive 50 square metres, were designed by the aforementioned André Fu Studio to seamlessly blend traditional elegance with modern luxury while uniquely framing the expansive park views beyond.
In addition to the luxurious rooms, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok boasts a unique urban wellness concept, delivering well-being experiences beyond the spa, as well as 10 restaurants and bars, including new venues created in collaboration with renowned chefs and mixologists. The hotel boasts over 5,000 square metres of dedicated meeting and event space for business travellers and event planners. The centrepiece is one of Bangkok’s largest grand ballrooms, featuring a dramatic eight-metre ceiling and a panoramic view of Lumpini Park. Additional meeting spaces cater to both intimate gatherings and large-scale events.
Additional elements of Dusit Central Park, including ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200 sq m Roof Park, are all slated to open in 2025.
About Dusit Hotels and Resorts Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.
SINGAPORE, 6 August 2024: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, a hotel franchising company reported record growth in Asia Pacific for the first half of 2024 according to a statement released Monday.
It confirmed the introduction of four new brands and the signing and opening of 120 and 74 hotels, respectively. The expansion has driven an 8% year-on-year net room growth, equivalent to 15,100 rooms in the first half of this year.
“Wyndham’s record signings and strong performance in Asia Pacific reflects sustained growth powered by a travel resurgence in the region in 2024. This record performance underscores Wyndham and their business partners’ confidence in the growing travel demand,” the hotel group explained.
Key takeaways
The hotel group says the strong growth is attributed to Wyndham’s positive performance in Mainland China, where the company signed 104 hotels, contributing to a 22% increase in hotels signed in APAC as compared to the previous year.
In the past five years, over USD275 million in investments have provided Wyndham partners and owners with top-tier technology, including next-gen property and revenue management systems.
Global passenger demand rose 11%, with Asia Pacific leading at 27%. This reflects a positive travel industry outlook for Asia Pacific, aided by eased Chinese visa rules and domestic tourism recovery.
“Across Asia Pacific, we have seen a strong growth momentum in the tourism sector in 2024, and our growth reflects our confidence as well as that of our business partners in the rising travel demand. We remain focused on our Owner First philosophy, providing unparalleled support to help our owners succeed and delivering incredible experiences to guests as we continue to grow across the region,” said Wyndham Hotels & Resorts President, Asia Pacific Joon Aun OOI.
PATTAYA, 6 August 2024: Royal Cliff Hotels Group’s five-star sports & wellness facilities, Fitz Club – Racquet, Health & Wellness, and Cliff Spa, have earned Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024.
This award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among Tripadvisor’s top 10% of listings worldwide. This recognition emphasises Royal Cliff as a leading wellness destination, offering guests an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting them to embark on a journey of healthy and active lifestyle.
At Cliff Spa, guests can immerse themselves in tranquillity while being pampered by highly skilled therapists. They will transport you to a realm of bliss with world-class spa treatments tailored to revitalise your body, mind, and soul, all offered in panoramic sea-view treatment rooms. In addition to these treatments, guests can enjoy the sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi, leaving them revitalised and refreshed.
For those seeking an active getaway, look no further than Fitz Club, which has won the Tripadvisor award for two consecutive years. Fitz Club offers each guest a plethora of activities, including Tennis, Squash, Table Tennis, Swimming, Thai Boxing Classes, Personal Training and more. Whether you aspire to build strength or simply embrace a healthier lifestyle, the expert trainers are committed to helping you succeed.
“Congratulations to Fitz Club and Royal Cliff on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024,” said Tripadvisor Chief Growth Officer John Boris.
“Traveller’s Choice honours businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business in 2024 and beyond.”
Check out all the reviews and discover more about Fitz Club and Cliff Spa
About Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Pattaya Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels and an array of leisure facilities that delight and entertain travellers worldwide.To secure the premium experience you deserve, visit www.royalcliff.com, call reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext: 2732, or email [email protected].
