19 May 2014
Audley have launched a new Southeast Asia brochure. Their extensive knowledge of the region means that they can advise clients on new ways to see classic sights, such as a Vespa tour of Saigon at night and a helicopter trip over Angkor Wat, as well as recommending off the beaten track options into areas where there are few other visitors. There are also options for homestays and small family run bed and breakfasts and lodges.
Highlights include:
Vietnam –a new Adventurous Vietnam 16 day itinerary that takes you from north to south, combining walking in the Tonkinese Alps with time to explore the extraordinary Phong Nha caves, the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and Bach Ma National Park. You will also visit Hanoi and the historic towns of Hue and Hoi An before heading to Saigon.
Cambodia – a focus on the resurgence of local culture and the restoration of colonial buildings with several new boutique hotels in Phnom Penh that are set in renovated old villas. Cambodia has a wonderful cultural legacy yet the Khmer Rouge did everything they could to erase evidence of this past. In recent years, traditional art forms that disappeared have been brought back to life. Audley highly recommend clients visit the Phare Circus in Siem Reap – a charity run initiative offering a mixture of theatre, music, dance, acrobatics and juggling. They also suggest a visit to a silk weaving farm, an Apsara dance lesson and attending a show by Children of the Bassac – a popular dance troupe.
Laos – a stronger focus on the remote north where a craggy and mountainous landscape has kept the modern world at bay. Opportunities exist to explore on foot, by kayak and on mountain bike. There is also the new Nam Nern night safari where you pay per sighting in order to incentivise the local community to protect wildlife in the region. Common wildlife includes Sambar deer, civet, sun bears, pythons and macaques.
Audley have also given more focus to the scenic town of Vang Vieng, once the preserve of backpackers. A government inititative to clean up the town means it now has much more to offer with good hotels and a range of activities including boating, trekking, caving and cycling. Its stunning mountain backdrop makes it an ideal place to stop for a few nights when travelling between Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
Thailand – Audley have included a feature on the beaches of Thailand to help clients choose the most appropriate option depending on their travel dates and the activities and type of accommodation that appeals. They have also included a page on Audley Gems – a select group of hotels that have been hand-picked by the Audley team for evoking the simple, non-commercial ways of Thailand several decades ago.
Myanmar – Audley have included a section on 'Off the Beaten Track' giving suggestions of more remote and adventurous areas. Some of these are subject to changing permit requirements or travel embargoes and so Audley constantly monitor the situation. They include Mrauk U and the chance to visit the Chin villages; the northernmost outpost of Putao and Myitkyina and Indawgyi Lake – an area with wonderful hiking opportunities.
They have also included the fishing villages and wonderful beaches of Ngwe Saung and the spectacular Mergui Archipelago in the south of Myanmar – over 800 unspoilt and idyllic islands.
Malaysia – a new Colonial Malaysia itinerary combines the modern cities of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur with the old towns of Penang, George Town, Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar and Taiping. Over the centuries the country has been home to many different fortune seekers from tin miners and rubber tappers to Chinese merchants and Indian traders. This itinerary demonstrates the profound influence of all these different cultures and their effect on modern Malaysia.
Indonesia – Audley suggest clients visit the east coast of Bali, away from the crowds in the south for a more authentic Balinese experience with beautiful countryside, traditional villages and relaxed coastal towns. They have designed a 12 day 'Bali Refound' itinerary visiting Ubud, Mount Agung, Tembok, Amed and Candidasa with some trekking and a local cookery course also included.
There is also a feature on the lesser known eastern islands including suggestions for exploring this area by boat. A number of options including schooners, luxury yachts and 'liveaboards' ply these waters and can take you to Komodo, Flores, Sumba, Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Papua, mooring in remote areas that are seldom visited by Westerners.
The Philippines – the new direct flight with Philippines Airlines has made the Philippines more accessible. Audley encourage clients to visit the quieter, more traditional areas such as Southern Luzon and the small coastal towns of Legazpi and Donsol famed for its whale sharks. They have also included a feature on Volcano Trekking on Luzon as well as offering 4x4 trips or scenic helicopter flights as ways of seeing them.
For further details and a copy of Audley's Southeast Asia brochure call Audley on 01993 838 100 www.audleytravel.com
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Issued on behalf of Audley by:
Jemma Hewlett PR
Tel: 01491 614660
