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THE INSIDER by Akorn Southeast Asia September 2019
Want to know where to go for the most inspirational “Instagramable” pics?THE INSIDER by Akorn Southeast Asiasnapped the region’s most beautiful and not so well-known locations that will have your followers all 😍! Find out why Bangkok is our favorite foodie destination, get an update from our AKP Philanthropy project in Cambodia and discover immersive wellness philosophies with the woman behind COMO’s flagship operation in Bali, Indonesia.
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And a few words from our guests:
“We were extremely happy with our recent trip to Vietnam. With our guide's deep knowledge of Vietnam’s history and our tour destinations we departed with great respect, wonderful feelings and memories for the country and its people.”
Mark & Jane F., United States
Our Top 5: Where to Snap a Selfie in Southeast Asia
From lush green rice fields to quaint villages and spectacular coastal landscapes, Southeast Asia has some of the best backdrops in the world for amazing, awe-inspiring photo moments. Here’s how to keep your feed buzzing with our pick of the Top 5 most amazing Instagramable hotspots in Southeast Asia.
1. Going Green in Bali, Indonesia
The wild beauty of Indonesia’s postcard-perfect rice terraces is simply breathtaking. Gorgeous green cascading fields, sleepy farmhouses and mystical shrines make the terraces of Jatiluwih one of our favorite places. Developed as part of an intricate irrigation system of canals and dikes dating back to the ninth century – it’s no wonder these spectacular green fields are now protected by UNESCO!
2. Southern Beauty in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
A dream-like landscape of towering limestone karsts scattered across a vast reservoir, Khao Sok National Park is an unexpected treasure in the south of Thailand, a few hours’ drive from Krabi or Phuket. We recommend taking a boat out onto Cheow Lan Lake for sassie selfies amid stunning emerald lagoons or a hike through protected forests to discover rare Rafflesia flowers, hornbill birds and gibbons.
The yellow-painted walls and meandering alleys of Hoi An, Vietnam are always a hit, with French colonial buildings and Chinese mansions as well as the town’s famous Japanese covered bridge. Recently crowned best city in the world by Travel + Leisure readers, Hoi An is not only photogenic, but also has an exciting culinary scene with some of Vietnam’s best banh mi (Vietnamese baguettes), grilled pork and cau lau noodles.
4. Lost Paradise in the Myeik Archipelago, Myanmar
Largely untouched, this hidden oasis off the southern coast of Myanmar is a dream of white sand beaches, mangrove forests, diverse wildlife and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. The Myeik Archipelago is one of the region’s best-kept secrets with over 800 mostly uninhabited islands and a dramatic underwater world of colorful coral and tropical fish that deliver an endless stream of inspiring photos.
Luang Prabang’s many art-covered temples provide the perfect backdrop to the region’s most striking images. Richly decorated with glittering glass mosaics and intricate gold leaf stencil designs, many of the temples date back to the 16th century when the city flourished as the capital of the old Lan Xang kingdom. Wat Xiengthong is one of the city’s most celebrated examples of traditional architectural art and design where you can capture unique shots of lacquer-covered teak pillars beautifully contrasted with gold floral motifs.
The Definitive Guide to Bangkok’s Culinary Success
It’s no secret that Thai cuisine is one of the most popular culinary traditions in the world. Here, we take you into the world of delectable tom yum soups, fiery curries and mouthwatering noodles in the streets of Bangkok, one of our favorite foodie destinations, where the world’s best fine dining stand alongside celebrated street food and colorful local eateries.
Eat Local:Some of Bangkok’s best eats are found at wonderful street-side eateries and market stalls that you won’t find in any guide book. Join us for a feast of grilled satay skewers and lemongrass-infused mussels in hidden parts of Chinatown or get in amongst the locals haggling for the freshest coconut and the juiciest mangoes at the Silom morning market. For a more chilled out experience, try one of the city’s gourmet food halls like EatThai or the new SookSiam in the glittering IconSiam mall, where you can try a little bit of everything, from crispy coconut noodles to spicy fish curry in a comfortable indoor market-style setting.
Eat with the Stars:With 27 Michelin-starred restaurants, Bangkok is a mecca of culinary excellence where you can feast on a variety of cuisines from around the world. Experience an innovative 25-course Indian menu at the two-starred Gaggan or try the sophisticated Thai creations of Saawaan which features organic rice paddy crab or squid from a fishermen's village. If you’re in the mood for something a little more local, head over to Jay Fai, a humble street stall that achieved Michelin fame due to its succulent seafood.
Eat and Learn:If you’ve ever wondered how the famous Thai papaya salad gets its spice or wanted to know how to make the perfect pad Thai noodles, then we recommend a culinary masterclass with one of the city’s best celebrity chefs. Learn the secrets of this ancient culinary tradition from the mastermind who created some of the city’s best kitchens at the award-winning Issaya Siamese Club and Namsaah Bottling Trust. This exclusive, hand-on experience is truly engaging for adults and families with children, giving you the insights needed to create delectable Thai meals at home.
Eat Trendy:For contemporary, authentic, local Thai eats, try one of our favorite in-the-know spots around town like 80/20, an upscale hipster bar that serves sinful crispy pork belly with fermented chili sauce alongside excellent craft cocktails. Or try Someday Everyday, where Chef David Thompson transforms his famous fine-dining favorites into hearty, home-style meals. Bangkok Bold serves up delicious curry crab or chili pepper mackerel while Err is our go-to place for its unique, urban rustic Thai cuisine.
Cultivating a Wellness Mind at COMO Shambhala Estate
Empowering guests to live healthier, happier lives, the COMO brand is inspiring a cultural change that focuses on continuous life learning and rebalancing through meaningful and highly personalized wellness experiences. We sat down with the inspirational Ram Hiralal, the woman behind the group’s flagship operation in Bali, Indonesia to gain an insight into COMO Shambhala Estate’s philosophy and its unique approach to wellness.
Q: What do you love most about living in Bali?
A: I have always loved the island, especially the area around Ubud. It is not only about beach or natural beauty, Bali has an enticing soul and spirit that has been preserved over time through the people and their culture - Balinese people live in a sustainable culture, maintaining a harmonious relationship and respect for nature. I lived in Bali for three years during my time with Four Seasons, so when the role became available at COMO Shambhala Estate, I jumped at the chance to move back.
Q: Any insider tips on where to eat and hang out?
A: Glow at COMO Shambhala Estate is the place to go for Balinese cuisine that is healthy and energizing but at the same time delicious. As for other restaurants, I would recommend Uma Cucina for Italian cuisine and Locavore in Ubud town.
Q: Can you explain the concept behind COMO Shambhala Estate’s wellness programs?
A: COMO Shambhala is guided by the principles of integrity, authenticity and results. More like personal journeys, our wellness programs are voyages of self-discovery created to align body, mind and spirit and encourage a life lived to its full potential. Our programs are based around four signature themes which cater for each individual’s needs, whether you are seeking improved physical health, body fitness or spiritual focus:
Ayurvedic– based on one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems this program is focused on restoring the balance with private consultations with our Ayurvedic doctor who then designs an itinerary that might include a detox, body treatments, a specific diet, private yoga, meditation or panchakarma.
Be Active- is aimed at guests looking to jumpstart a new fitness regime or enhance a current healthy lifestyle. Our one-to-one personal training sessions with fitness experts encourage optimal results whether you are seeking improved cardiovascular fitness or body shape and tone.
Cleanse– to improve wellness from the inside, this program increases energy levels, balances hormones, improves digestion and helps break cravings. Our experts create a safe and supportive dietary program with specific juice prescriptions and activities such as colon hydrotherapy.
Bespoke– consult with our wellness consultants and experts to design a personally-targeted program to achieve your own specific needs and goals.
Q: What does a typical day at COMO Shambhala Estate look like?
A: Each day begins with an early morning activity as part of our daily schedule, it could be our beautiful Estate Walk, a Sacred Springs Walk or a yoga or fitness class. A leisurely breakfast follows in our Kudus Restaurant. If you are on a Wellness Program, your meals are prepared according to your personal nutritional wellness plan, but you are free to enjoy the restaurant’s other offerings if you wish, we never enforce.
In the mid-morning, we work towards your personal interests and goals with a selection of mindful activities where you are introduced to meditation or pranayama practice, or perhaps a Pilates class, cultural activity or wellness therapy.
Following a healthy lunch, the afternoons are for reflection, rest or more wellness therapies before an early dinner and a restful evening. We also offer a broad range of wellness talks - from Secrets of Longevity and Gut Health to Structural Alignment and Chakras for your own personal development.
Q: What can we expect from COMO Shambhala Estate in the future?
A: As a wellness retreat, COMO Shambhala Estate offers a 360-degree experience focused on the well-being of the mind, body and soul. We are always evolving and introducing new positive, holistic and healing experiences through all aspect of our wellness programs, whether it is through cultural activities or culinary trends.
Find out more about COMO Shambhala Estate’s all-inclusive wellness programs and discover more wellness, cultural and culinary experiences in Indonesia with Akorn.
Two years ago, Bong Khun had to walk several hours each day just to collect buckets of water from a relative’s house. Now, through the generosity of Akorn’s guests, this low-income construction worker living in rural Siem Reap has a clean water well right in his own backyard!
Since 2008, AKP Philanthropy has been installing deep water wells that provide a year-round source of clean water - vital for families living in remote rural parts of the country who are living in very basic conditions and have limited access to clean water.
AKP’s water wells come with bio-sand filters that remove 99% of bacteria from the water. To date, more than 1,300 wells have been installed, bringing fresh, bacteria-free water to more than 20,000 people in rural Siem Reap province. A contribution of US $500 can fund the installation of a well and lift people like Bong Khun out of poverty.
With easy access to clean water, Bong Khun has been able to grow his own vegetables, earning an additional income from the surplus he sells at the market. He has just bought a new cow – a sign of even bigger things to come for this hard-working family.
When connecting with Bong Khun or others like him, you have the opportunity to gain a deeper insight to the lives of the people in the destination you are visiting. Watch ournew videoto learn more about this life-giving project and get involved atakphilanthropy.org.
● The date has been set for Hanoi’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix with the Vietnamese capital to take center stage on 3-5 April 2020. Contact us for sample itineraries and ticket information.
● From December 2019, Flydubai will launch a new daily service from Dubai to Krabi, Thailand via Yangon, Myanmar – ideal for exploring the wonders of Myanmar before finishing off with a relaxed beach break in Krabi.
● Laos’ annual dragon boat race kicks off in Luang Prabang this week with over 50 oarsmen in each boat competing for victory on the Mekong River. The final race will take place in Vientiane on 14 October 2019.
● Vietnam prepares for the Mid-Autumn festival on 13 September 2019 with moon cakes and lanterns decorating the towns and cities.
● Akorn Myanmar is offering exclusive package rates for Ballooning in Bagan combined with Ballooning in Inle Lake. Witness Bagan’s spectacular temple-covered landscapes then be amazed by the tranquility and awe-inspiring beauty of Inle Lake.
● Indonesia has announced plans to move its capital to East Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo to ease the pollution and traffic in Jakarta.
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For more information about anything you have seen in this newsletter, contact us:
Looking for more INSIDER news, ideas and travel information?
We share with more travel insights and insider scoops in Southeast Asia, including our Top 5 spa retreats and an exclusive offer combining two of Cambodia’s most iconic properties. We also chat with a woman who is bringing quality Myanmar crafts to the world and highlight our most rewarding travel experiences with locals.
Hear about our favorite luxury villa experience in northern Thailand, keep up-to-date with our Top 5 must-dos after the sun goes down, get creative with multi-generational travel and meet an Akorn Insider who is preserving Laos’ royal arts traditions.
We unveil our pre/post tours in Indonesia and Singapore in partnership with Aqua Expeditions and reveal our Top 5 picks for Southeast Asia’s hottest restaurants. Find out how AKP Philanthropy is inspiring profound change in Chiang Mai through mushroom farming and meet the HeroRATs of Cambodia.
