Travel through Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Taiwan via boat, swimming and a variety of restaurants.
See three countries on one cruise through the Golden Triangle
Travellers to the Golden Triangle, the point in northern Thailand that converges with Laos and Myanmar, can now board a luxury, traditional-style two-cabin cruiser on the Mekong River between Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang. In Laos, Mekong Kingdoms is offering a private two- or three-night trip, depending on the direction of travel. The cruiser, Gypsy, is 41 metres long and has indoor and outdoor living areas, including a lounge and dining area. Rates start from US$5,450 (Dh20,018) for a three-night, four-day cruise from Luang Prabang, to the Golden Triangle, Thailand; and $6,950 (Dh25,528) for a two-night, three-day cruise in the opposite direction. Rates are per boat for up to four guests and include all on-board meals, Wi-Fi, excursions, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees and transfers, on-board activities, return airport or hotel transfers and gratuities. Mekong Kingdoms is part of Minor Hotels, which owns the Anantara brand – the latter has hotels in both locations. For more details, go to www.mekongkingdoms.com.
Intrepid launches a Taiwan expedition for foodies
An eight-day food trip in Taiwan with Intrepid is now available for booking. Fresh oyster omelettes, beef noodle soup, fried taro balls, xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings) and organic tea are all on the menu, as are sights including Yilan, Taichung, Sun Moon Lake and the Taipei 101. The trip costs from $2,225 (Dh8,173) per person, including accommodation, transport, most meals and guiding, for groups of one to 12. For more information, visit www.intrepidtravel.com.
Splash out on new SwimTrek trips in Vietnam and Indonesia
If you want to stay active and immerse yourself in your destination, SwimTrek, a swimming holiday company, has just launched two tours in South East Asia. One is a liveaboard boat and swimming trip through the Lessa Sunda Islands and Komodo National Park in Indonesia, while the other is a trip to north-east Vietnam and the Cat Ba archipelago. The landscapes are similar, with sheltered bays and karst islets to explore. In Vietnam, highlights are a full circumnavigation of the Ba Trai Do island and Cat Ba Island. Guests on both trips should be capable of daily swim distances of four to five kilometres. SwimTrek runs its Indonesia and Vietnam trips in June and October respectively. Prices start from £2,100 (Dh10,409) per person for a twin-share cabin in Indonesia and £1,050 (Dh5,204) for a superior twin/double room with ocean view in Vietnam. Packages include guide-led tours and full safety vessel cover, accommodation and all breakfasts and lunches. For more information, visit www.swimtrek.com.
