Khiri Travel News Feed

Arts of the Kingdom

2008-06-30

A rare opportunity to view art created for Thai Royalty has opend for the public. The "Arts of the Kingdom " exhibition is currently open at the Ananta Samakorn Throne Hall of the Dusit Palace and reflects the work initiated under the SUPPORT foundation, under Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

The exhibition is open daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 19:00. Entrance fees are 150 baht (approx. US $4.50).

Preah Vihear Closed

2008-06-23

Cambodia closed the Preah Vihear ruins on Monday amid worries Thai protests over Phnom Penh's plan to propose the ancient temple for World Heritage listing will spill across the border - after it spilled into parliament and the courts.

Khiri Travel's offices in Bangkok and Phnom Penh are on full alert and look after the well-being of our/your clients

Hanoi Cyclo Ban

2008-04-25

As a result of the recent actions of the Hanoi authorities in traffic control, cyclos have been banned from the roads during rush hour: 6 - 8.30 AM and 4 - 6.30 PM.

Overland Singapore-Beijing

2008-04-01

China Premier Wen Jiabao, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh, Thailand Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda officially opened the Route 3 highway in Lao PDR on March 31, the last remaining stretch of road in an overland route joining Singapore and Beijing.

Before construction commenced on the new route, the highway was closed four months each year during the rainy season, limiting communities’ access to basic social services, and impeding trade and employment opportunities in the region.

Now that the new route is complete, the highway will be open year-round, and the driving time from Bangkok to Kunming will only take a little over one full day.

In Lao PDR, Route 3 passes by the ancient village of Khou Vieng, a former trading post from the 16th century.

The north-south road network from Kunming to Bangkok has been under development by Mekong nations and ADB for more than a decade. In addition to enhancing business and employment opportunities for Lao PDR, Thailand, and the PRC, the new route is expected to expand the number of tourists visiting all three countries each year.

Lao visa on arrival update

2008-03-07

According to the notice no. 589 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dated 11 February 2008, concerning visa on arrival with immediate effect, the passengers who are holding passports of the following nationalities: Bangladesh, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Rep., India, Iran, Iraq, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, can not be getting on board of QV flights to enter Lao PDR, and will no longer be able to obtain a visa on arrival in the Lao PDR, except those who have the official letter from the Lao government or Lao authorities concerned.

For the above mentioned nationalities, please obtain the visa at Lao Embassy at their country prior travelling to Lao PDR.

Khiri Travel's offices in Vientian and Luang Prabang are on full alert and look after the well-being of our/your clients.

Train to Laos

2008-02-29

A railway link between Thailand and Laos is scheduled to open this May.

Three-and-a half kilometres of tracks will connect the town of Nong Khai to Tha Na Laeng, across the border in the Lao PDR. The work is now around 80 per cent complete.

The French government has put up two million baht to fund a study into the feasibility of extending the tracks a further nine kilometres to reach the Laotian capital of Vientiane, according to the SRT.

Bokor Mountain Closed

2008-01-28

Bokor Mountain, a national park just outside the southern towns of Kep and Kampot, is under development by Sokimex. It starts with the long overdue upgrading of the road leading through the dense jungle to the top of the mountain, the site of old French hill station, founded in 1922 and long deserted. During the construction, Bokor will be closed for visitors. No time frame is known, but it could take up to two years to complete.

After the road is finished, Sokimex, already having developed the Sokha hotels in Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, will be building a 300-room hotel and golf course, reviving the location to it's former grandeur. Until then, Bokor will sadly no longer feature in our programs.

Tai Dam Festival

2008-01-09

Luang Namtha Province has many different minorities. All of them have their own individual culture and tradition.
One of the main ethnic groups in Luang Namtha is the Tai Dam.

The Tai Dam committee of management and promotion in Luang Namtha will organize the 4th traditional Tai Dam Festival from 8 - 10 February 2008.

The festival’s objective is to conserve the culture and tradition of the Tai Dam ethnic group for the next generation.
The festival will take place in Ban Nam Ngaen village in Luang Namtha district and province.

For more information, please contact:
Provincial Tourist Information Office of Luang Namtha
Tel: 086 211534
Email: ecoguide@laotel.com

Remember: event details can change, therefore please check that the event is happening before making any travel arrangements!

New water puppet theatre

2007-11-28

"Co Do Hue" water puppet theatre in Hue is brand-new, it opened in Sept. 2007. The 162 seats theatre is located at 49 Le Loi Hue (inside Century Hotel). Water puppetry is a traditional art form with the distinctive culture identity of Vietnam.

Two 50 minutes shows are organised every evening, 18:30 & 20:00.

Cambodia GetsNew Airline

2007-11-28

The Cambodian government signed a joint venture agreement with two Indonesian companies Friday, to form a new national airline to exploit the country's growing tourism industry. The new Cambodian airline, with no name at this time, is expected to begin flying in six months. Cambodia's previous flag carrier, Royal Air Cambodia, went bankrupt five years ago.

Vietnam Flooding Update 2

2007-11-13

Since yesterday it has stopped raining in Central Vietnam.
This is the 4th successive flood in Central Vietnam, but water levels in the city of Hue and the ancient town of Hoi An are receding.
Right now traveling from North to South by train/road is still impossible as a consequence of the flooding.
However expectations are that in about a week from now, everything will be back to normal again.

Khiri Travel's offices in Hanoi and Danang are on full alert and look after the well-being of our/your clients.

Vietnam Flooding Update

2007-11-11

Due to the very bad weather of the last few days Hue has been severely flooded and as a result the train to Hanoi is stuck at Hue Railway Station.
Most of Hue's tourist sites are flooded too.
The road between Hue and Hoi An was damaged as well and is temporarily out of service.

Hoi An itself has also been affected by heavy rains and is partly flooded.

Right now local authorities are working hard to repair the damage and getting road/train transport functioning again.

Khiri Travel's offices in Hanoi and Danang are on full alert and look after the well-being of our/your clients.

Vietnamese floods

2007-11-08

The severe flooding in Vietnam over the past 10 days has affected several of the central coastal provinces and Danang city, causing extensive damage to property and crops.

Landslides are reported to have occurred in several areas and VietnamNet newspaper reported that mud has blocked sections of a national highway.

Meanwhile, officials are taking preventive action against a tropical storm Peipah that will cause further damage, as expected to hit the country later this week.

Khiri Travel's offices in Hanoi and Danang are on full alert and look after the well-being of our/your clients.

Source: BBC News

The Sarojin wins the Award

2007-11-08

The Sarojin is delighted to announce it has won " Asia's Leading Boutique Hotel" for the second consecutive year at the World Travel Awards 2007 - the "Oscars" of the travel industry. The Awards were announced on 2 November 2007 at a gala ceremony in Bangalore, India attended by the global travel industry's most influential figures.

The Sarojin won " World Luxury Romantic Hotel Award" at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2007; is included in Conde Nast Traveler "Asia's Best Beach Spas 2007" and Conde Nast Traveler "Hot List Hotels and Spas 2006"; appeared as Conde Nast Traveler Front Cover October 2006;
Opened in October 2005, The Sarojin is charmingly ensconced on a secluded 11km white sand beach beside the Andaman Sea and just one hour north of Phuket Airport, Thailand. It boasts its own private excursions' guides, the elegant and inspired "imagineer" - the ultimate personal concierge, a luxury 38-foot boat, The Lady Sarojin, a fleet of adventure cars, excellent Thai and international cuisines with dining tables set in stunning locations, and the award-winning Pathways spa.
A year-round resort, The Sarojin prides itself on its attention to detail, offering exceptional personalized services and adventures 'just for 2".

Koh Samui flooded

2007-11-08

The island has suffered severe floods since Wednesday night when heavy rain fell across much of the South. After a brief lull, monsoon storms continued to slam the island late yesterday afternoon, hampering efforts to drain water from flooded areas.

Officials closed some sections of the main road around the island because of the flooding and at least 10 schools were also forced to close.

Mr Adisorn Kamnerdsi, Koh Samui district chief, said local authorities would be able to bring the flooding under control if the rain stopped soon.

However, the Meteorological Department said heavy rain, caused by a low pressure front, would continue to fall across the South for the next two days.

Apart from Koh Samui, floods crippled movement in four districts in Surat Thani and seven districts in nearby Nakhon Si Thammarat province, affecting thousands of villagers.

Nakhon Si Thammarat was hit particularly hard, with over 24 centimetres of rain yesterday, officials said, and over 30,000 people were affected by the floods.

About 20 families in tambon Pakpoon of Muang district were forced to evacuate their homes, Nakhon Si Thammarat's disaster prevention and mitigation unit reported.

Provincial officials were also closely monitoring coastal erosion in tambon Laem Talumphuk in Pak Phanang district where strong waves were pounding the coastline and threatening to destroy some fishing communities.

Khiri Travel's offices in Bangkok on full alert and look after the well-being of our/your clients.

Source: Bangkok Post

SGA flies CNX - HNG

2007-11-01

SGA airlines recently announced new route of “Chiang Mai – Mae Hong Son” from November 1-30, 2007 only. The flight will be added to the original three roundtrip of Thai airways (TG) flight.

Flight schedule

Flt 5E/DD 921 departs Chiang Mai 12:20 p.m
Flt 5E/DD 922 departs Mae Hong Son 13:15 p.m.

Flight time 35 minutes

SGA New “Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai”

Starting from December 1, 2007 until end of January 2008, SGA airlines will add late afternoon “Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai” flight with below timetables.

Flight 5E/DD 917 departs Chiang Mai 16:40 p.m.
Flight 5E/DD 918 departs Chiang Rai 17:40 p.m.

Flight time 30 minute and check-in 30 minute in advance.

Khao Sok Accident

2007-10-15

A flash flood swept away tourists and guides in a cave at Khao Sok National Park last Saturday. Six Western tourists and two Thai guides died from this accident. One tourist survived.

National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department chief Chalermsak Wanichsombat said park officials had warned the group against entering the cave, but the guides insisted on going.

Khiri Travel's itinerary offers a trekking to a hidden lagoon and cave in Khao Sok National Park, but this is a different place from the one in the news. Also our guides are instructed to follow instructions from park officials.

Khiri Travel's office in Bangkok is on full alert and looks after the well-being of our/your clients.

Typhoon Lekima

2007-10-04

Typhoon Lekima lashed Vietnam and southern China with torrential rains and high winds, killing at least seven people, damaging hundreds of homes and disrupting air, sea and train travel on Thursday, October 4, 2007.

The coastal region between Hue and Hanoi lies in the typhoon belt and is hot by tropical storms several times a year.

Khiri Travel is monitoring the situation closely and will be in touch with clients and their overseas agents should this be necessary.

Phuket Plane Crash

2007-09-17

Source: Bangkok Post / 17 Sep 2007

PASSENGER MANIFEST

123 passengers on board Flight OG 269, operated by airline One-Two-Go

Important telephone numbers:

One-Two-Go Hotline 1126

Bangkok Phuket Hospital 076-254421-9

Siriroj Hospital 076-249400

Vajira Phuket Hospital 076-361234

Mission Phuket Hospital 076-237220-9

Thalang Hospital 076-311033

British Embassy's emergency centre 02-3058333

Phuket Airport 076-351-144, 076-351166

* denotes those confirmed to have survived and/or hospitalised.

1. Mr Werner Adelhardt

2. Ms Lily Alon

3. Mr Alain Bembaron

4. Mrs Brigitte Bino

5. Mr Itzhak Biton

6. Mr Alexius Boerkamp*

7. Mr Jeanmarie Bonachera

8. Mrs Josiane Bonachera

9. Mr Chawapon Boonmeechai

10. Mrs Wanaporn Boonsung

11. Mr Robert Borland*

12. Mr Philippe Bregeard

13. Mr William Burke*

14. Mr Sinchai Chaiarun

15. Mr Jakkapon Chairitinanon

16. Mr Parinyawith Choosang*

17. Mr Alexander Collins

18. Mr Chirstopher Cooley*

19. Mr Jesada Dechakul

20. Mr Colin Denny

21. Mrs Sawitree Denny*

22. Ms Hofit Eliya

23. Mr Christoph Falchetti*

24. Mr Michael Falcone

25. Mrs Mahsa Fatoorehchi*

26. Ms Arisa Fayad

27. Ms Tal Feldman

28. Ms Isabella Freylikhman*

29. Mr Vladimir Freylikhman*

30. Ms Anne Furlong*

31. Mrs Laetitia Gambu

32. Ms Hila Gershoni

33. Mr Saeid Ghayoumi

34. Ms Sansa Ghayoumi

35. Mr Scott Harrow*

36. Ms Madia Hashemi*

37. Mr Parviz Hashemi*

38. Mr Peter Hill*

39. Mrs Susan Howell

40. Mrs Sara Izadine

41. Chawit Jitjamnong*

42. Mr Chowalert Jitjamnong*

43. Mrs Siriphut Jitjamnong

44. Mr Alireza Jodatfar

45. Mr Jahangir Jodatfar

46. Mr Mohammadreza Jodatfar

47. Ms Bethan Jones

48. Mr Simon Jonsson

49. Ms Khatha Kanchanasutha

50. Mrs Ladda Khawnoun*

51. Mr Nong Khawnoun*

52. Mr Nasser Bonab

53. Ms Mehrana Movahed*

54. Mr Abbas Movahed*

55. Ms Mullika Koysin

56. Mr Chakart Kulwanich

57. Ms Pratin Lainjumroon*

58. Mr Thibaud Lamere

59. Mr Sudprasong Laosiriwut

60. Mr Likhit Liengphansakul*

61. Ms Fermina Macaire

62. Mr Henri Macaire

63. Mr Chainarong Maharae*

64. Mr Porrawit Mahasup*

65. Mr Teerayuth Manoorakchinakorn

66. Mr Christopher Markensven*

67. Mr Jacques Marnef

68. Ms Kaninnat Martmuang

69. Ms Wantana Meesang

70. Ms Amnuj Meesil

71. Ms Maryam Taheri*

72. Ms Mojgan Mohebbianjedani

73. Ms Fereshteh Mokhlesukhchi

74. Mr Brain Mullery

75. Mr Di Naima

76. Ms Rotem Naouri

77. Mr Erik Nihler

78. Mr John O'Donnell*

79. Mrs Homeira Omdeekhodaitehrani

80. Mrs Pranee Panyakong

81. Mr Paiboon Phaphan*

82. Mr Sanya Phromarak

83. Mr Rasqul Pourmehr

84. Mr Mahmoud Pourmehr

85. Mr Suchip Prantoon

86. Ms Puengboon Ratnadilok na Phuket

87. Mr Raj Rattanaphon

88. Ms Claudia Rothmann*

89. Mr Clemens Rothmann*

90. Mr Pichai Rueathong

91. Mr Mehoi Safaebtabrizi

92. Ms Cho Safaebtabrizi

93. Mr Hossein Safaebtabrizi

94. Mr Thanavut Saikay

95. Ms Fahimeh Salek

96. Ms Linnea Sandberg

97. Ms Patcharin Sattayapongsaporn

98. Mr Stephen Saunby

99. Ms Busakon Saunjarun

100. Ms Sabine Schumacher

101. Ms Supalak Shueaw

102. Mrs Benchawan Sichaiin

103. Mr Witchupol Singhapol*

104. Mrs Helen Slater

105. Mr Neil Slater

106. Mr Marcel Squinobal*

107. Mr Chatree Suksawas*

108. Mr Somphot Sungkhaphong

109. Ms Jiranuch Suwannarat

110. Mr Farshas Tazhibi

111. Mrs Yajai Thanyakarn

112. Ms Rachel Toland

113. Mr Aaron Toland

114. Mr Apichai Trompronpitakkul

115. Mrs Siriluk Tuptanee

116. Mr Sirikorn Unsakul

117. Mrs Somluk Unsakul

118. Mr Meysam Valaie

119. Mr Benjamin Voigtmann*

120. Mr Francis Weston

121. Mrs Mary Weston

122. Ms Marie Whittington*

123. Mr Stefan Woronoff

HAN - HAL Shuttle Service

2007-08-09

On 1 August Emeraude Classic Cruises started a shuttle bus service between Hanoi and Halong Bay.
With a pair of 16-seat Ford Transit vans, the shuttle service will make daily departures from both Hanoi and Halong. The eastbound bus to Halong leaves from the Emeraude’s sales office at 59A Ly Thai To Street every morning at 8:30; the westbound bus to Hanoi leaves the Emeraude’s pier in Bai Chay each morning at 9:30. The shuttle costs US $35 return for Emeraude passengers.

www.emeraude-cruises.com

Vietnam Travel Update

2007-08-09

Due to heavy rains and resulting landslides part of the main railway has been damaged near Dong Hoi Station. As a result all train traffic between Hanoi and HCMC has been affected.

Khiri Hanoi, Danang, and HCMC are monitoring the situation closely and arranging alternative transport for clients where necessary.

Arts Centre Luang Prabang

2007-08-05

Opened in July, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is the first exhibition space dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of the traditional arts and lifestyles of Laos.

The centre gathered costumes and other precious items from seven ethnic groups in the north: Leu, Khmu, Hmong, Tai dam, Lanten, Yao and Akha . The highlight of the exhibit is a display of traditional costumes from each group.

A private, non-profit entity, the Centre is located in a historic building in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main components of the Centre are displays on the ethnic peoples of northern Laos and their artisanal heritage and a handicrafts store promoting authentic, quality handicrafts direct from communities. Their facilities also include a café with a small library.

The privately owned centre is the brainchild of Ms Tara Gujadhur and Ms Thongkhoun Soutthivilay. Ms Tara is an American who worked as adviser to the Luang Prabang Tourism Office for three years before starting this project.

The Centre is open from 09.00 - 18.00, Tuesday to Sunday.
Entrance fee for foreigners is $2.20/person.

http://www.taeclaos.org/

Preah Vihear open again

2007-07-20

After a brief closure of 2 weeks, Prasat Preah Vihear is accessible again from the Thai side.

Entrance fees are now 400 baht for the Thai side, 5 baht for the borderpass, and 200 baht for the Cambodian side.

Cambodia wants the temple to be recognised as a World Heritage monument to help assure its continued preservation.
However Unesco's World Heritage Committee met recently and suspended a decision on Cambodia's request. The decision came after Thailand argued that the Thai-Cambodian border has yet to be demarcated and a joint management plan for the area is still being discussed.

Khiri boat in Halong Bay

2007-06-28

In World Heritage Site Halong Bay, Vietnam, 2 classic junks are sailing under Khiri Travel's colours!
Each boat has 8 bedrooms (2 single beds), private bathrooms, one restaurant (big enough for 30-40 guests) and one upper sundeck.

They can be booked for both group & private cruises.

In the next 3 months 2 more boats will don Khiri Travel's yellow and black.

New Thai-Camb. crossing

2007-06-25

Recently the Chong Sa-Ngam Thai - Cambodian Border crossing has become an international point of entry.

It's located just south of Phu Sing (Si Sa Ket, Thailand) and just above Anlong Venh on the Cambodian side.

This offers another route (besides the O'smach crossing) of entering Cambodia after visiting the famous Preah Vihear temple.

New Lao-Vietnam crossing

2007-06-22

Deputy Foreign Minister Phongsavat Boupha and his Vietnamese counterpart, Le Cong Phung, cut ribbons at the Sobhoun gate in Laos’ Phongsaly Province and the Tay Trang crossing in Dien Bien Province.
This crossing has been opened for tourists as international one since last month.
The gateaway on the Lao side is Muang Khua, on Highway 4. The road on the Vietnamese side continues to Dien Bien Phu.
Visa on arrival is available for Laos (crossing from Vietnam to Laos) but not the other way around.

Official Cambodian e-Visa

2007-06-15

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has launched e-Visa, which enables you to apply for a Cambodia tourist visa online. Instead of applying through Cambodian Embassy, all you need to do is to complete the online application form and pay with your credit card. After receiving your Visa through email, print it out and bring it along when you travel to Cambodia.

This e-Visa is accepted at the airports of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and the following bordercrossings: Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey), both for Thailand and Bavet (Svay Rieng) for Vietnam.

The website is well-organised and gives a good amount of related useful information: http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/

Angkor Pass Photo News

2007-06-14

For visiting Angkor and the other temples the rules are as follows:
The Angkor Pass is the entrance ticket to all the Angkor temples and monuments in the Siemreap area.
Visitors can buy the Angkor Pass - either 1 day, 3 days or 1 week - at the main ticket sales booths on the road from Siemreap to Angkor Vat, at the checkpoint on the road from the airport to Angkor Vat and at the checkpoint at Banteay Srei.

Angkor Passes for 1 day do not require a picture. The Passes for 3 days and 1 week do require a picture.
As per immediate the picture needed must be made at the ticket sales booths. Other photos are no longer accepted!

Liquid ban Thai flights

2007-06-01

From June 1 2007, air passengers flying out of Thailand will be prohibited from carrying liquids, with the exception of baby milk and medications, exceeding 100 millilitres on board. According to Thai Airways International president Apinan Sumanaseni, the Aviation Department is imposing the ban in line with the directive of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

The ban covers all kinds of containers, including water, beverage, cream, lotion, oil, perfume, hair gel, spray, bath gel, foam, toothpaste and deodorant.

Containers of lesser capacities are allowed but must be placed in transparent and re-sealable plastic bags.

Exempted from the ban are milk and liquid foods for infants and liquid medicines with proper prescriptions.