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End of Year wishes

Xmas travel blessings from SE Asia and an interview for you to know more about our team

Seasons greetings from Asia my way

2023 was a great year for Asia My Way, and we couldn’t have done that without your trust and support  – our dearest travellers. We are delighted to have been able to bring to you the enchanting beauty of our destinations, and we hope that you have acquired some unforgettable memories during your travels.  We will continue to work on more travel products that allow you to discover the hidden treasures that our destinations have to offer.

The team at Asia My Way would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, and a New Year filled with boarding passes and brand new adventures!

Christmas in South East Asia

Although not an official bank holiday, South East Asian countries still have their own way of celebrating Christmas. It is a dazzling spectacle of diverse cultures coming together. If you are travelling to these countries for Christmas, you’re in for a treat, and we are giving you here some suggestions for sustainable gifts that you can bring back to friends and family.

THAILAND

In the Land of Smiles, where cultural diversity thrives, Christmas is an occation where the city streets and landmarks come alive with breathtaking light displays that rival the stars in the night sky. Don’t miss the chance to witness Bangkok illuminated. You’ll be mesmerized by the magical ambiance created by the beautifully decorated malls and markets.

Gift suggestion: Silk, Soap and Spa products, Hilltribe Handicrafts, Spices.

VIETNAM

A tapestry of traditions and joy. Christmas in Vietnam is celebrated through the vibrant sparkling lights and festive decorations. As many Vietnamese are Christian, churches around the countries are also beautifully illuminated for the occasion.

Gift suggestion: Ceramic, Lacquerware, Traditional Dó paper.

 

CAMBODIA

Cities such as Phnom Penh come alive with joyful celebrations and colorful parades during Christmas. Streets are embellished with twinkling lights, and locals gather at churches to celebrate this special occasion. Join in the festivities, sample local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming culture of Cambodia.

Gift suggestion: Basketry, Betel nut boxes, Silk, Handmade soap.

LAOS

Christians in Laos are a small minority, less than 2% of the population, but for them, Christmas is the biggest celebration of the year. They hold special church services with music and food, invite neighbors and friends, and use it as a chance to express their faith.

Gift suggestion: Champasak Coffee, Tea, Carvings, Basketry.

Southeast Asia offers a unique blend of warm weather, vibrant festivities, budget-friendly options, diverse cuisine, and adventurous activities that will make your holiday season truly memorable. Don’t hesitate to plan your next year winter holiday to one of these country fora unique Christmas experience.

meet the team

To be able to end 2023 on such a good note was a team effort, and we are grateful more than ever to have such a dedicated team that have worked tirelessly to find new places and activities to highlight the beauty of our destinations. In this blog post, we would like to introduce Ms. Adeline Loyer – Product Manager in our Luang Prabang office.

HELLO ADELINE, CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND YOUR TEAM ?

 

Hello ! Originally from France, I arrived in Laos 7 seven years ago and fell in love with the city of Luang Prabang, in the North of the country, where I’ve been living ever since.

In September 2022, I joined Asia My Way to manage the project of opening a representative agency on Luang Prabang’s main street, in order to meet directly with travelers and offer them unique activities & experiences, enabling them to discover the country, its culture, and its people, while following a sustainable development approach.

To achieve this, I was lucky enough to be able to count on the support and expertise of the Asia My way team who has already been in the region for over 20 years. I also set up a local team dedicated solely to running the agency. Today: Onkeo, my right-hand man and assistant store manager, who has been with us since the opening, and Sone, who recently joined us and who handles sales and operations with brio. We also have a team of accountants who handle all the financial side of things.

What do you think sets Laos apart from its neighbours in terms of tourism?

 

Because of its specific geographical (no access to the sea) and economic-political (slower development than neighboring countries) characteristics, Laos, a small, forgotten country in South-East Asia, has long been upstaged by its better-known neighbors, who are more popular with international tourism. 

From my point of view, what makes Laos so special is its preservation: unspoilt natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, verdant rice paddies, spectacular waterfalls, cultural sites steeped in history and the majestic Mekong River. Laos has managed to preserve its cultural authenticity and traditional charm. Compared to more developed tourist destinations such as Thailand or Vietnam, Laos offers a more immersive experience of local culture.

What’s more, although tourism is growing in Laos, many areas remain relatively unexplored and offer opportunities for adventure off the beaten track. Travelers can discover remote ethnic villages, little-known caves and archaeological sites, seemingly unexplored jungles and more. This diversity of experiences attracts travelers in search of adventure and exploration.

Finally, it’s hard to talk about Laos without mentioning the Laotians, their generous and warm nature, their sense of welcome, sharing and hospitality, their authenticity, simplicity and smile. To visit Laos without meeting its people is to miss the very soul of the country.

 

What kind of experiences do you offer your travelers?

At Asia My Way Laos, the choice of experiences on offer is quite varied, so we always try to stay as close as possible to our customers and listen to their requests!

The proximity and openness of our Luang Prabang agency to the outside world, to the street, to passers-by, is very representative of our approach and the team’s attitude towards travelers. Meeting people and exchanging ideas are key to better understanding your way of traveling, and to offering experiences that are as close as possible to one’s desires, whether they be adventurous, off the beaten track, cultural, discovering Laos through local gastronomy, religion, traditions, experiences adapted to family trips, relaxing experiences, immersive experiences, and so on.

 What experiences would you like to suggest to Asia My Way customers?

While it’s hard to choose from such a multitude of experiences, I do have my personal favorites, and I’d definitely start with a sunset cruise on the “Khopfa Mekong Cruise”. 

This boat takes you out on the Mekong River, offering you an incredible view of this legendary river, the surrounding mountains and nature, and the small town of Luang Prabang – golden with the last rays of daylight on the way out, lit up with a thousand lights on the way back at nightfall. A wonderful team, unpretentious and attentive, who know how to make you feel at home.

Like many people, the way to my heart is through my stomach, so it’s impossible for me to visit Laos without discovering, tasting and even learning about the local cuisine, during a cooking class at “Khuamordin” for example, what an opening onto Lao culture, visiting the market, discovering local herbs and spices as well as new utensils and techniques, to concoct superb local dishes, to be shared with your hosts.

Although my heart is in Luang Prabang, when I feel like getting away from it all, the sweet town of Pakbeng is only a day’s boat ride away – yes, you notice I have a penchant for cruising 😉 !

Away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, Pakbeng is a little haven of peace where the soul can rest and recharge, and opposite, hidden in the jungle, one of the country’s best conservation projects sure to delight nature and animal lovers. At the Mekong Elephant Park, you can meet the Asian elephants – an endangered species – with the utmost respect for the animals. You can even sleep in small bungalows within the park, in the heart of the Laotian jungle.

If you’re lucky enough to venture into the south of the country, you’ll be well rewarded for your patience with transport: local tea and coffee plantations, mysterious caves and breathtaking waterfalls dotting the countryside that characterizes the south of the country. 

Luang Prabang’s last nugget for eating and drinking, “Lost in Baan”, hidden away in a small pedestrian street, offers original fusion cuisine and unique cocktails in a warm and vibrant atmosphere.

Don’t hesitate to contact Adeline to plan your next travels