17th March 2016 – Following continued demand from customers, Asia specialist operator Insider Journeys (formerly Travel Indochina), has come up with new ways for independent travellers to discover the culturally-rich and visually-stunning landscapes of Thailand and Burma through the eyes of the local people who live there.

The operator's newly-created 'Thailand & Burma' Private Travel guide is packed full of ideas on how to experience these two incredible countries as an insider, with a huge range of inspiring ideas to whet travellers' appetites, enabling them to create their perfect trip from a selection of carefully crafted city and beach packages. With every package including a range of bespoke benefits exclusive to Insider Journeys travellers, including complimentary meals, room upgrades, and cocktails, customers can rest assured they are getting great value on their journey. Among the choice of new private travel packages are:

Thailand – Hidden Beaches: Aava Resort & Spa (7 days from £220pp)

Hidden away from Thailand's better known beaches, this tranquil paradise offers 7 days of sun, sea and serenity. An isolated boutique hotel set on a 9km stretch of beach in Khanom, in south east Thailand, the Aava Resort & Spa provides unique wildlife experiences with the chance to spot rare pink dolphins. Additional benefits secured for Insider Journeys travellers include one night's free accommodation, breakfast every day, return transfers (including boat transfers), and a 10% discount off room rates as standard.

Burma – Cruising & Beaches (16 days from £2,233pp)

This 16-day private itinerary takes travellers on a journey of discovery revealing Burma's rich architecture, cultural cities, historical regions, idyllic beaches and rural villages. Highlights of the trip include the opportunity to spend time with the unique communities that live on Inle Lake, an unforgettable two-night cruise down the Irrawaddy, and a stay at the picturesque Ngapali Beach. Prices include 5 internal flights in Burma, 13 nights' accommodation, a two-night river cruise, private touring, entrance fees and daily breakfast plus some additional meals. 

Thailand – Chiang Mai City Explorer (4 days from £305pp)

Customers can discover the cultural city of Chiang Mai in north Thailand, discovering its local art scene, unique northern Thai dishes, local handicrafts at Warorot Market and the historic old city gates. Holidaymakers can also enjoy free time to enjoy Thailand's most walkable city and relax at a local restaurant overlooking the Mae Ping River.  Exclusive benefits secured for Insider Journeys travellers range from complimentary late checkout, to a bottle of wine upon arrival.  

Burma – Mandalay City Explorer (3 days from £289pp)

This city tour gives travellers the chance to explore Mandalay and venture to the ancient capital of Ava and Sagaing Hill to see the 'World's Oldest Book'. Customers of Insider Journeys will visit the teak wood Bagaya Monastery; see the beautiful carvings at the Golden Palace Monastery; immerse themselves in Burmese culture at a local pottery village; and take in the wonderful views from Mandalay Hill, for a true insight into this fascinating city. Exclusive benefits include an Insider Journeys Mandalay City guide for every traveller.  

Full of inspiration and ideas for private travel throughout Thailand and Burma, Insider Journeys' new travel guide makes it easy for customers to design their own bespoke, private holiday while benefiting from a range of exclusive inclusions negotiated with Insider Journeys handpicked hotels.   

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Editor's notes

Insider Journeys has been operating small group journeys, tailor-made travel and river cruises to the 'real' Asia for 22 years, formerly under the name Travel Indochina. Today, the company features the widest range of itineraries and departures to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos than any other tour operator in the UK, as well as a large variety of journeys to Thailand, Burma, China and Tibet, India, Japan, Bhutan, Mongolia and Sri Lanka. Unlike many other travel companies, Insider Journeys limits its group size to a maximum of 16 people. These smaller groups enable travellers to gain the best from both worlds – greater access to the local culture and Insider Experiences, and plenty of opportunity for independent exploration.

For more information on Insider Journeys, please visit www.insiderjourneys.co.uk or telephone 01865 268 940. The operator's continually-updated blog also features a range of travel resources, see www.insiderjourneys.co.uk/blog.  

For media information and images, please contact Sarah Habicht or Cliona Keane at Hume Whitehead on 0845 498 9987 or email sarah@humewhitehead.co.uk or cliona@humewhitehead.co.uk.