Charter VIP Flights in Vietnam
Take your travels to new heights by chartering luxurious private flights in Vietnam. Diethelm Travel works closely with Vietstar Airlines to provide VIP private flights offering guests added convenience and luxury aboard either a King Air 350 or LEGACY 600. For those looking to expedite the airport experience or charter private flights for special outings, with these VIP services, guests no longer have to wait in security lines or pay for extra baggage fees. Additional VIP perks include an optional luxury concierge, in-flight catering and VIP ground transportation. For more information, please contact info@vn.diethelmtravel.com
UFI x Diethelm Experiences
The Heart of Bangkok by Bike (Half Day) See a variety of unique spots in the heart of the city with a front row seat thanks to cycling. Dinner Cruise on the Loy Nava (Half-Day: Evening) Experience the Chao Phraya River complete with a relaxing dinner on board, picturesque views and traditional Thai dances. Bangkok at Night by Tuk Tuk (Half-Day: Evening) Take a famous tuk tuk ride to tour Bangkok’s highlights and taste delicious local Thai food. Ayutthaya with Upriver Lunch Cruise Enjoy a leisurely morning along the river with lunch, reaching Ayutthaya at a time when there aren’t many other tourists around. Bangkok Explorer Visit all the highlights around Rattanakosin, including traditional architectural sites, significant temples and the Grand Palace. Discover Bangkok: Flower Market, Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Thonburi Klongs Visit the highlights of Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin district paired with a fascinating canal boat tour. The Old Bangkok: Koh Rattanakosin See the best of old Bangkok in one day. Discover distinctive architecture, enjoy impressive views and a Royal Thai Cuisine lunch in an old-school restaurant, then visit the Jim Thompson House for a deeper understanding of Thai history, architecture and crafts. Jim Thompson Behind The Scenes Learn more about how famous Thai silk is made as well as the unique culture between Buddhists and Muslims mixed in the same community. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in an elegantly renovated old house that many people don’t know about. Market & Thai Community Lifestyle A perfect combination of must-see sites and activities outside Bangkok with hands-on experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves deeper into local life. For more information or booking, please contact our Concierge Service at +66 81 911 1504 and our team of professionals will provide you further support.
sustainable sojourns
Here at Diethelm Travel, we’re committed to supporting sustainability in all areas of our business – from implementing responsible tourism practices to helping protect our environment and resources. Below are just a few of the sustainable initiatives, programmes and organisations we’ve supported in recent months. saying good-bye to single-use plastic We’re proud to share that we no longer offer any disposable plastic water bottles on our overnight tours. Instead, we provide touring guests with complimentary reusable stainless steel water bottles during their journeys that they can take with them to continue supporting plastic-free living in their home country after finishing their trip. Empty bottles can be refilled inside the Diethelm Travel cars. Additionally, our tour guides and chauffeurs will assist clients with finding various refill stations throughout their journey. With this move, together we’ll be helping to eliminate around 800,000 plastic water bottles from entering landfills each year! offering marine biology awareness courses Tropical ecosystems provide important resources both locally and globally with coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves among the most diverse of marine ecosystems. At present, these ecosystems are severely threatened by human activities. Diethelm Travel is offering guests a two-day course in collaboration with a respected Kota Kinabalu-based Marine Research Foundation. Whilst experiencing the natural wonders of coastal Malaysia, our guests can learn from the experts and gain a deeper understanding of topics ranging from coral reef ecology to turtle preservation. On the first day of the course, guests attend a lecture covering coral reef ecology, biology and conservation for tropical fish and invertebrates, then visit a lush mangrove forest at Karambunai to identify various species associated with this habitat. On the second day, guests learn about the biology and ecology of endangered sea turtles, as well as conservation approaches and challenges before heading to the scenic Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park on Gaya Island. Here they are instructed in standard reef survey techniques, quadrant sampling, fish identification and more. For more information about this course, please contact inbound@my.diethelmtravel.com. meeting with the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism We’re passionate about exploring the world and opening up new, exciting destinations to travellers. When operating in a frontier, though, every decision can have a major impact, that’s why Diethelm Travel is honoured to have been part of a kick-off event for a new pilot project that’s creating a tourism social value chain assessment in Thailand and Myanmar. Organised by the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism, a multi-stakeholder initiative in Europe’s travel and tourism sector, Thailand’s Manushya Foundation and focusright ltd, a Swiss consultancy firm specialising in business and human rights, the initiative will conduct a social value chain assessment and develop an action plan for follow-up measures in both Thailand and Myanmar. By assessing and analysing the social impacts that tourism and business relationships can have in the region, followed by implementing concrete programmes to increase tourism’s potential positive impacts, the project’s goal is to provide practical guidance for tour operators on how to operate ethically and sustainably. making journeys of a lifetime more sustainable Thailand has long been known as the Land of Smiles but it’s also gained notoriety as the land of single-use-plastics. To combat this trashy trend, Diethelm Travel joined a 4-day “Innovation Workshop” held by Lab of Tomorrow, an organisation run by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. During the Bangkok workshop this September, Diethelm Travel met other experts from European and Thai companies, the Thai public sector and civil society to come up with collaborative, innovative business solutions that could reduce plastic waste in the tourism sector while benefitting all stakeholders. The four days were filled with inspiring work and ideas, the best of which will be developed further. OUR PEOPLE, OUR WORLD, OUR ACTION If you’d like to learn more about helping support our sustainable initiatives, please get in touch with us at here. Read more in Diethelm Discovery Magazine
sustainable luxury in Myanmar
While sustainability and luxury are rarely synonymous, the elegant, eco-friendly escapism provided by Wa Ale Island Resort on Lampi island in the Myeik Archipelago seems to challenge that idea. Boasting two Luxury Treetop Villas and eleven Luxury Tented Beach Villas beautifully designed and constructed using locally reclaimed materials to leave minimal environmental impact, this incredibly green retreat (where all the tap water is filtered and drinkable) offers no shortage of luxury. Designed with sustainability in mind, the resort does not have air-conditioning or a swimming pool, instead letting the villa’s natural ventilation and the surrounding waters accent one’s stay. While WiFi is available, there is no mobile service allowing guests to further unplug. Dive into nature and explore several habitats on the island, or simply lie on your airy veranda and finally finish that book. From the Kawthaung Jetty, travel by luxury yacht to the paradisiacal island. Wa Ale’s rocky shore is broken up by white sand beaches and mangrove forests. Spend a day snorkelling the archipelago’s abundant reefs and caves, kayaking or paddle-boarding through mangrove forests, or trekking jungle trails to experience the island’s untouched rainforest and indigenous wildlife. Or perhaps for something a little more leisurely, drinks by a flowing river at the enchanting River Café. Other days can be filled with visiting Moken villages and meeting members of the local fishing community, or observing the work being done at the Turtle Sanctuary and Island Conservation Centre, where you could be fortunate enough to see hatching baby sea turtles. The choice is yours. For more information or to book your escape, contact us at leisure@mm.diethelmtravel.com.
5-day taste of Luang Prabang
Those who think that Laos is just for backpackers couldn’t be further from the truth. The cultural capital and UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang may be budget-friendly, but those who are looking to indulge will find plenty of enticing experiences waiting. The crown jewel of Laos, this former royal capital– with gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop – retains a unique charm rarely found anymore. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia, protecting its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery, sense of timelessness and distinct architecture. On this five-day escape, guests discover the city with a thread of luxury woven throughout the stay. Starting with a short city tour and night market shopping, guests dive right into the town’s vibrant community. The second day begins with a cycling excursion through town before spending a leisurely afternoon in a private villa and witnessing a Laotian baci ceremony, a ritual blessing and “calling of the soul.” The following day serves up some adventure, cruising down the Mekong River to experience the one-of-a-kind Kuang Si Waterfalls and Pha Tae Ke Botanical Gardens. This Luang Prabang experience also includes scrumptious meals at some of the best restaurants in town plus a very special chance to interact with magnificent Asian elephants while trekking through the jungle. On the last day, a magical dawn journey on the Mekong allows guests to make merit and meet local monks who will bless them before their journey home. For more information or tailor-made itinerary, please contact info@la.diethelmtravel.com. Did you know? Luang Prabang mans City of the Buddha of Peace.
explore the hottest Asia travel trends, tips and tours with Diethelm Discovery
Explore the hottest Asia travel trends, tips and tours with Diethelm Discovery Latest Issue from Diethelm Travel Group Showcases Eco-Friendly Escapes and More LONDON: 4 November 2019 – Diethelm Travel Group, an award-winning inbound tour operator servicing Asia, today released its newest issue of the self-published Diethelm Discovery magazine at WTM London. From high in the Himalayas to diving in the Maldives, Malaysia’s lush rainforests to the Mekong Delta’s watery pathways, Asia boasts a wealth of varied habitats, eco-systems and natural attractions. These distinct surroundings not only serve as picturesque backdrops to Asian adventures but also play a significant role in shaping the communities, cultures and cuisines that call them home. In this seventh edition of Diethelm Discovery, readers can learn more about some of the continent’s most stunning places and exceptional ways of travelling, such as kayaking in Sri Lanka, escaping to an eco-friendly resort on a Thai island or indulging in a restorative wellness retreat in the Philippines. With a focus on sharing the most unique destinations and nature-focused experiences across the continent, the magazine also covers special offers and travel tips, upcoming holidays and festivals, standout culinary experiences and more. Click here to download the digital version of the magazine. Hard copies are also available at WTM London from the Diethelm Travel team at booth AS801 and AS1050. “Diethelm Discovery is designed as a helpful resource for our agents and partners to stay up to date on the latest Asia travel trends so they can better serve their clients’ travel desires,” said Stephan Roemer, CEO of Diethelm Travel Group. “Along with revealing exclusive new products, in this issue, we’ve also asked some of our expert team members to share their personal stories of daily life and new rare experiences for a true insider’s look at Asia travel. Here’s to more Journeys of a Lifetime!” For more information on Diethelm Discovery magazine or request a hard copy, please contact press@diethelmtravel.com.
student career week at Diethelm Travel: Veera
Wherever Diethelm Travel goes, we always aim to give back to the community. For our corporate team in Bangkok, one of the ways we do this is by offering internships to secondary students as part of NIST International School’s Annual Career Week. This time around, we were delighted to host Veera who spent some time with our finance team, learning new skills and bringing fresh energy to our office. He kindly shared his thoughts on the experience which we absolutely loved reading, we hope you do too! Interning at Diethelm Travel Group was an extraordinary opportunity to expand my knowledge. More than that, it was a chance to experience work in the field that I’d like to pursue in the future. I was excited to seize this opportunity, and walking through the doors of Diethelm Travel was no disappointment. The staff welcomed me graciously and never hesitated to help when asked to do so. Furthermore, there was always a jovial atmosphere which created a fun yet professional workspace. I was mainly interacting with Khun Patama and Khun Nok, who taught me fundamentals about accounting and finance. On the Job During my experience at Diethelm Travel, I was engaged mainly in the ICS project as it was what I spent most my time doing — learning how to plan a project was something different. It was interesting to witness the number of edits each document had to go through to get the final nod. Moreover, I was also fascinated by seeing how useful Excel is when it comes to managing the money within the business. The best parts of working at Diethelm Travel Indisputably it can be said that the best part of working here for me is the way the staff treated me. They were extremely friendly and always offered to help me when I didn’t understand something. Nevertheless, they don’t fail to check up on how I am keeping up, as they were trying to ensure that I’m enjoying my work at all times. Furthermore, there was an amalgamation of being professional and having fun, which brought the best out of me. What I learned at Diethelm Travel During this internship, I learned several new things, whether it was expanding on my prior knowledge or even encountering new problems. For example, at the start of this internship, my familiarity with Excel was relatively limited. Now that I’ve worked with the staff, I have learned how to use the application more effectively. Moreover, working on the ICS project with Khun Patama allowed me to garner the skills required to execute a plan in the real world. It taught me the value of the smallest of details that could halt the success of the project. Other than the technical aspects of the business working here taught me discipline and self-management skills. Overall, this internship taught me a range of new skills that I can build on further in the future. [showimage url1=”https://www.diethelmtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/S__36397060-e1562317697758.jpg” url2=”https://www.diethelmtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Palm-and-Veera_2_Template_Website-Cover.jpg”]
student career week at Diethelm Travel: Palm
At first, travel may seem all about the places but, really, it’s about the people. From connecting travellers to local families, to building close relationships with long-term guides and travel partners around the world, and even supporting the next generation of travel professionals, people are at the core of all we do. Recently, for the third year in a row, Diethelm Travel Thailand hosted a Grade 9 student as part of NIST International School in Bangkok’s annual Career Week. Our student, Palm, spent the week at our headquarters learning more about the travel industry as a whole as well as what our different teams do on a day-to-day level. We asked Palm to share his experience and loved hearing his take on things! Palm’s time at Diethelm Travel Timorously walking from the BTS station towards the ITF building, I was intrigued by the sighting of many atypical anachronistic structures; from unique historical and cultural adaptations of Chinese shrines to probably one of the earliest Rolex resellers in Thailand. The ITF building, however, stood distinctly with its blue-tinted glass windows amongst all the acres of monotonous structures – an impression that was both reassuring and a little intimidating at the same time. Members of the marketing team welcomed me; an introduction that quickly flushed away all the stress and anxiety experienced by a first-time, 16-year-old at a new workplace. In addition, being granted finger-print access to the front door on the very first day bestows a sense of belonging and genuinely reflected the easy-going, comforting and yet hard-working environment of the corporation all at the same time. The best parts of working at Diethelm Travel Thailand Though it may sound cliché to say, Diethelm Travel’s employees are exceptionally one-of-a-kind. Every member is supportive, friendly and approachable. These qualities make the Career Week programme very enjoyable, and nonetheless, make the two weeks pass by very quickly. Interning at Diethelm Travel also means that you receive the full genuine experiences of what it is like to operate within a workplace. From working office hours (9:00 – 18:00) to being assigned to create presentations, this career week allowed me to consolidate and strengthen my future intentions by widening my interest in business management to unexplored realms such as hospitality and service businesses. What to know before you arrive at Diethelm Travel Thailand Surrounded by a diverse range of Japanese, Chinese and traditional Thai restaurants, what is there not to like about Diethelm Travel’s location? Though being in the centre of the city means encountering waves and waves of employees/workers during rush hours, Diethelm Travel’s site grants access to public transportation systems such as the BTS, taxis and motorcycles that make travelling a whole lot easier. Apart from that, the company offices are situated on the 8th floor and is elevated enough for a glimpse at nearby vicinities; capturing a holistic view of Bangkok as a city and what it has to offer. What Palm learned at Diethelm Travel Thailand Apart from all the research, critical thinking and organisational skills acquired from this experience, working at Diethelm Travel provided me with a deeper understanding of how some businesses can be heavily reliant on consumer-based interactions. For example, one of our projects as the marketing team was to research and decide on a giveaway product that can express our gratitude as a corporation to our clients. Factors such as consumer loyalty are essential in service businesses and therefore, a lot of thought, professionalism and solicitude must be reflected through the chosen product. To sum up my experience at Diethelm Travel, I would like to start by thanking all advisors, colleagues, friends and especially Diethelm Travel Group, which has allowed me to come to partake in such a valuable experience and taught me very much. ‘Experience’ is a huge factor that determines future success and Diethelm Travel certainly has provided all the learning opportunities and skills I had hoped for. For that, I am forever grateful. [showimage url1=”https://www.diethelmtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Palm-and-Veera_Template_Website-Cover-2_Template_Website-Cover.jpg” url2=”https://www.diethelmtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/S__36397062-e1562317863138.jpg”]
feng shui for beginners: learn about the feng shui found all around Singapore
Feng shui You’ve heard the term ‘feng shui’ before but do you really know what it is? Feng shui, meaning ‘wind and water’, is the practice of designing our built environment to ensure the optimum flow of energy, or qi. Feng shui is widely used across Asia in the orientation of buildings, landmarks, home interiors and even burial sites. Originating from Chinese astronomy, the history of feng shui dates back over 3,500 years. While the traditional practice is still used, other branches and schools of feng shui have also emerged over the years. [showimage url1=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FengShui-for-beginner1.jpg” url2=””] The five elements of qi Feng shui focuses on the energetic properties of five elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal. Water is descending energy, wood is an expansive energy, fire is an ascending energy, the earth is a rotating energy, and metal is contracting, controlling and condensing. Every individual is born under one of these elements. Like astrological signs, they each come with character traits. Additionally, all colours, textures, shapes and forms have a corresponding element. The goal of feng shui is to harmonise all these elements within an environment to enhance the flow of positive energy. Feng Shui Cures Feng shui cures are objects that can be added to an interior to enhance its qi. The placement of cures within a space is particularly important and it is advised to move such objects if negative results occur. Fish tanks, fountains and water features introduce the water element while mirrors and wind chimes are used to represent metal. Houseplants represent both wood and earth which counteract negative financial issues and promote health and well-being. Finding Harmony in Feng Shui Although a cosmopolitan city, Singapore still retains much of its culture and tradition and now curious travellers can explore the important role feng shui plays in the city’s architecture and infrastructure. From 19th century cemeteries to modern-day skyscrapers, it is important that the appearance and placement of structures are not only aesthetic but also auspicious. Diethelm Travel’s local feng shui specialists are able to show guests firsthand how ancient art still plays a central role throughout today’s modern metropolis, particularly when it comes to building and city planning. For an interesting look at the city, travellers begin with a stroll through a Hakka cemetery built in the 1800s to learn how and why feng shui is applied to select the final resting place of one’s ancestors. Next, it’s time to drive down Orchard Road, Singapore’s centre of commerce and business, to see how buildings have been constructed to ensure prosperity and good fortune. From there, it’s on to Shuang Lin Temple, where a semi-circular pond with nine dragon heads spouting water, or ‘shui’, is believed to deflect the negative energy coming from a nearby highway. The last stop of the day is one of Singapore’s most iconic sites, the Marina Bay Sands, to learn how the structure of the three buildings has been specifically placed to enhance positive energy in the bustling financial district. To learn more about this feng shui-focused excursion in Singapore, please contact our team at info@sg.diethelmtravel.com.
All Aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express
Next stop: the golden era of train travel! Recently, Christian Sutton, our Director of Product & Contracting for Thailand, had the opportunity to journey aboard Belmond’s luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express. This iconic ride has long been on his Asia travel bucket list…and it certainly did not disappoint! Evoking a bygone era of sophisticated train travel, the Eastern & Oriental Express has captured travellers’ imaginations since its inaugural journey from Bangkok to Singapore in 1993. With train carriages modelled after Indochina’s colonial aesthetic, superb 5-star service and exquisite cuisine, the train offers one of Southeast Asia’s most luxurious experiences and timeless adventures with multi-day journeys between Bangkok and either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Here’s what Christian took away from the experience to share with other discerning travellers tempted to ride the rails. 1. The food is fantastic! There are many highlights on board the Eastern & Oriental Express but, in my opinion, the food will be what most sticks out in my memory for years to come. I have no hesitation in saying that the Eastern & Oriental Express’ cuisine and service meet Michelin-star quality. Every meal featured an impressive fusion of Asian and French dishes. The ingredients were, unsurprisingly, all of the highest quality and the bread and pastries were particularly good, all freshly baked and brought onboard at different stops throughout the journey. The experience is excellent for foodies as well as train aficionados! [showimage url1=”https://www.diethelmtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/EO-BAR-41-2.jpg”] 2. Included drinks in the price is a real plus. Fine meals need to be paired with fine drinks. House wines, spirits and local beers are included in the journey price, which means you don’t have to worry about an excessive bar bill at the end. The house wines were all excellent and changed daily, but you also have the option to order premium wines, Champagne and cocktails at an additional cost. [showimage url1=”https://www.diethelmtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/EO-ACC-PMN-01-e1560759184108.jpg”] 3. The experience is as much about the people as the journey. I travelled on my own but it didn’t take long to strike up a conversation and make friends with the other travellers. There is a lovely, intimate atmosphere aboard the train that creates a very sociable environment – everyone is there to enjoy themselves and share a special experience. I had a preconception that there would be a ‘stuffy’ atmosphere but it wasn’t at all and my fellow travellers were an eclectic, down to earth crew who were often making the journeys for a special occasion or as a bucket list trip. [showimage url1=”https://www.diethelmtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/EO-BAR-54.jpg”] 4. The service is truly 5 star. The Eastern & Oriental Express is very much a 5-star hotel on wheels with many of the staff having learned their trade in luxury hotels. Like hotels, there is a general manager on board and the onboard staff are incredibly attentive without ever being intrusive. [showimage url1=”https://www.diethelmtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/EO-REST-LUN-21-1.jpg”] 5. The journey will fly by! Being on my own, I was a little concerned that spending 48 hours unwarranted on a train might become a bit boring but quickly learned that my concerns were completely unnecessary. As well as being thoroughly wined and dined, Belmond ensures that guests enjoy every minute of the experience. Each morning after breakfast there was an off-train excursion lasting 2-3 hours, such as a hill trek in Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia and cycling in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Back on board, you can opt for a relaxing massage and never know what secrets the staff have up their sleeves. Before one of the dinners we were treated to traditional Thai dancing in the bar carriage…where you’re likely to spend a lot of time! The bar carriage has a formal yet fun, jazz club atmosphere (men are required to wear jackets before dinner) with the piano player, Pete, playing throughout the evening. The train also boasts a less formal observation carriage that is half indoors, half open-air. Here, you can enjoy more drinks and coffee or tea (available 24/7), sipping on your beverage of choice while watching the scenery pass by. For those who need to stay connected, excellent WiFi is available onboard in the observation car and cabins. I could have easily stayed another day on board! For more information, please contact our team at sales@diethelmtravel.com. [showimage url1=”https://dth.stagingurls.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/EO-EXT-DCK-28-1.jpg”]