New in 2019: Akorn’s Wellness Journey through Southeast Asia

Discover ancient and uplifting traditions in the very places they originated, and find yourself moved on every level. Akorn has launched an exciting new wellness-inspired journey through Southeast Asia. Be blessed by monks in Thailand, experience almsgiving and meditation in the forest in Laos, cycle through the temple-dotted landscapes of Cambodia then unwind at a secluded island oasis in the Cambodian Riviera before ending in vibrant and bustling Vietnam.

“Our new wellness program represents the next-generation of luxury curated travel,” says Belinda Shillcock, Regional Managing Director of Southeast Asia, “The program combines the region’s time-honored health, wellness and relaxation rituals with some of Southeast Asia’s most exciting properties, from the designer chic of The Siam in Bangkok and the lavish explorer style of Rosewood Luang Prabang, the verdant rice fields of Phum Baitang in Siem Reap and finally to the newly opened Six Senses Krabey Island in southern Cambodia. We also incorporated time at leisure where you can design your own day and choose how you want to experience the nature and culture of this beautiful part of the world.”

The itinerary in brief:
Days 1-2 – Discover Bangkok, Thailand and experience traditional life in one of its oldest communities.
Days 3-5 – Partake in a baci ceremony, a Laotian welcoming ritual in Luang Prabang, Laos and experience guided meditation followed by a picnic breakfast beside a multi-tiered waterfall.
Days 6-8 – Witness sunrise at Angkor Wat and enjoy a chance to give back through our philanthropic project which provides rural villagers with access to clean water in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Days 9-11 – Design your days at a new private resort in Cambodia’s southern islands, where your options include a locally sourced Khmer cooking class, a rejuvenating spa treatment or a sunset cruise.
Days 12-13 – Bask in the vibrant and cosmopolitan culture of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Find out how to join our group departures on 9 October and 30 October 2019, or customize your own private Akorn wellness journey now.
See Full Itinerary Plan Your Journey Now

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Counting Down to Songkran

So New Year has come and gone, the decorations are back in the box and the rhythm of life seems to have returned to its usual beat. But the party is not over yet! Shake off those holiday blues and start packing for Southeast Asia where the local New Year celebrations are just gearing up.

Just around the corner, on 13-15 April 2019, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar will all celebrate their traditional New Year festivals. Songkran, as it is known in Thailand, is an important time of the year when people perform acts of merit by praying and making offerings to Buddhist monks. If visiting during this time, you can experience traditional customs and see how the locals ring in the New Year by pouring water on Buddha statues at their local temple. It is also traditional for the younger generation to pour water on the hands of their elders as an act of respect.

Celebrations take place in most towns and cities in the region. In Bangkok and major cities in Thailand, youths line the streets to bless passersby with a splash of water. The city is filled with revelers and although the crowds can be overwhelming, it is almost impossible to escape the infectious joy.

For a more laid-back experience, head over to Laos where the banks of the Mekong River are decorated with thousands of stupas made of sand to ward off evil spirits. A procession of orange-robed monks advances through the town while traditional Lao music plays in the background and lively dance performances and colorful costumes are displayed.

Get in touch to find out more about this annual celebration including where to go and what to avoid.
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Our Top 5: Trending Honeymoon Must-Haves for 2019

The proposal was perfect. The wedding day was more than you could have possibly imagined. Now comes the honeymoon you have both been waiting for. This is your chance as newlyweds to unplug, tune in to each other and explore your sense of adventure on a honeymoon that will inspire and excite.

1. Picture Perfect in Myanmar | Yangon, Myanmar

Add a touch of Myanmar flair to your honeymoon album and be photographed as Burmese newlyweds. The day begins with wardrobe as you select your perfect look from a range of intricate wedding dresses for the bride and traditional Burmese outfits for the groom. Hair and make-up professionals are on hand to complete your style before you take the spotlight, enjoying a playful time together in front of the camera.

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2. A Spiritual Connection | Bangkok, Thailand

Pause for a moment of reflection and stillness to receive a special blessing for your new married life at one of Thailand’s most beautiful and selective temples. Located just beyond the walls of the Grand Palace and dating back to 1864, wander the grounds and admire the elaborate murals in the main temple hall. In this sacred space, an esteemed monk arrives to bestow your marriage blessing, sprinkling drops of holy water to welcome peace and happiness into your union.

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3. On Top of the World | Sapa, Vietnam

Make your way by foot or bicycle through the iconic and picturesque terraced rice fields of Vietnam’s northern highlands. Soak up the breathtaking views in a place where time stands still. Discover the local Black Hmong, Red Dzao and Tay hill tribes who continue to live a simple life here. Experience their traditional ways and get a taste of the local cuisine. End the day by retreating to your private eco-lodge perched atop a nearby mountain overlooking this postcard reality.

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4. Tropical Island Vibes | Siem Reap, Cambodia

Your honeymoon is the perfect chance to celebrate and what better way than to spend your days indulging in each other’s company on an unspoiled tropical paradise. Be one of the first to experience the pristine beauty of these lush private islands in the Cambodian Riviera at a private resort. Enjoy romantic dinners on the beach or set sail on a chartered yacht, gliding through the emerald waters of the Gulf of Thailand with a cocktail in hand.

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5. Tales of the Mekong | Thailand to Laos

Go with the flow and spend two magical nights on the river on a floating home for two. Inspired by the architecture of the upper Mekong, your private river boat showcases the region’s unique woodwork and features a traditional thatched roof. Take in this quiet landscape as you drift through the peaceful scenes of northern Laos and Thailand where humble local farmers and fishermen spend their days.

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Digging into History with Archaeologist, Dr. Noel Hidalgo Tan

Sifting through the lost history of Cambodia, uncovering centuries-old cave paintings in Laos and capturing never-before-seen footage of ancient landscapes in Myanmar are all part of a days’ work for Senior Specialist in Archaeology, Dr. Noel Hidalgo Tan of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Archaeology and Fine Arts (SEAMEO-SPAFA). We caught up with the intrepid explorer in between digs to find out more about his passion and what’s new in the world of archaeology.

Q: Please tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to become an archaeologist?

A: In my former life I worked in journalism and wrote for several newspapers. Archaeology is not that much different - you go out into the field, you find a story, and then you come back into the office to write about it! Both jobs offered the chance to go out, explore and learn something new.

Q: How long have you lived in Thailand and what do you love most about living here?

A: I have been in Thailand for four and a half years now. There is lot to love about Bangkok - I'm a city person and this city certainly bustles. Food is plentiful, varied and delicious, and as a travel hub it's easy to get to anywhere in Asia from here.

Q: What do you see as important trends in archaeology in Southeast Asia?

A: Archaeology shares a lot of connections with tourism in Southeast Asia. Some of the most popular must-see places are ruins of ancient temples, such as Angkor in Cambodia, Borobodur in Indonesia, Bagan in Myanmar, My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam and Ayutthaya and Sukhothai in Thailand. Many small communities across the region are also developing and safeguarding their local sites to promote tourism. Our work in archaeology helps people understand the story of these places.

But the most important issue these days is sustainable tourism at these sites. Mega-sites like Angkor attracts over two million visitors a year, and Angkor Wat alone receives 6,000 visitors a day! Wear-and-tear, carrying capacity, conservation and preservation of sites are all related.

Q: You have conducted field research in places like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. What are the major finds that you have been involved in?

A: I have had the good opportunity to excavate the temples of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm (the famous Tomb Raider temple with all the roots growing around it). One of my major discoveries was of invisible paintings on the walls of Angkor Wat.

However, a lot of my work relates to researching and documenting rock paintings in the more remote areas of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. Most of these paintings are prehistoric or the early metal age, often located in spectacular locations. In Laos, I was looking at cliff painting sites overlooking the Mekong River, using drones to capture images of the paintings located 12-30 meters above the surface of the water.

Q: So what do you consider the most impressive archaeological sites to visit in this region?

A: Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor in Cambodia tie for the title of most impressive. Bagan is impressive for the amount of temples - over 2,000 remaining today, while the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap has really good tourist infrastructure, so it's really easy to visit a lot of sites in a few days.

Q: Ayutthaya is a popular destination for tourists and an easy day excursion from Bangkok. Can you give us a few insights about the ancient capital that people might not know about?

A: Probably the most visited temples by day tourists are Wat Maha That with the iconic Buddha head wrapped in the roots of a strangler fig tree, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet with the row of stupas. People might not know about the violent events that led to Ayutthaya being what it is today - the sacking by the Burmese in 1767, which led to many of the buildings being torn down and statues being demolished. So the ruins of Ayutthaya aren't just ruined over time, they are ruins as result of a great war that eventually led to the foundation of Bangkok.

Besides the temples, the old foreign communities along the Chao Phraya south of the royal island are also worth visiting - the remnants of the Portuguese community and church, as well as the Japanese village and the restored Dutch East Indies (VOC) house are testament to the international relations enjoyed by Ayutthaya in the 15-16th centuries.

Q: Is there something that visitors should know or prepare in advance before a visit to an archaeological site?

A: It's very important to refrain from touching the surfaces of sculptures and murals - they do have a detrimental effect on their long-term stability and also not to climb on sculptress and ruins. It's not only a safety issue, but also a mark of respect since most of these sites are also sacred. Especially in Myanmar, where taking off footwear is mandatory before visiting any temple, it's a good idea to bring a small bag to carry your shoes around in.

Meet Dr. Tan on a private excursion with Akorn to uncover more unknown histories of Southeast Asia, including a day in Ayutthaya by helicopter.
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More Insider News from Around the Region

• Vietnam’s coastal regions are now more accessible than ever with the launch of Qatar Airways’ direct flights to Da Nang four times per week and Bangkok Airways’ direct flights from Bangkok to Nha Trang, also four flights per week.

• The date for the coronation of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn has been set with an elaborate three-day ceremony to be held on 4-6 May 2019.

• Planned renovations at Sofitel Metropole Hotel Hanoi have been postponed until further notice.

• La Residence Hue has been rebranded to Azerai La Residence Hue, the second in Adrien Zecha’s Azerai collection along with Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta.

• Yangon’s circular train track is undergoing development, with plans to modernize the line’s stations, tracks and trains by 2023.

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