NEWSLETTER November 26 NEWS Saffron Travel News NEW TOURS Arts And Crafts 03 DESTINATIONS Your Travel Wish Lists 04 FEATURES Hotel & Restaurant Of The Month 05 FOOD CORNER Khmer Red Chicken Curry Saffron Travel is a boutique travel agency providing a full range of tourism services to in-bound visitors and travellers to South East Asia.
NEWS WTM London 26 Announcement Dear partners, friends and customers, See latest travel news on our website: www.saffrontravel.net On behalf of everyone at Saffron Travel, I would like to thank all who came to meet us at the WTM trade show. It was such a great occasion to get together with so many people from around the world who share the same passion to provide travellers with unique and memorable journeys. I wish you all huge success as you return from WTM London 26. Once again, our sincerest gratitude, Doan Huy Long Managing Director 4 Hotels In Vietnam Have Won Conde Nast Traveler s Readers Choice Award Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Park Hyatt Saigon, La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa and Villa Song Saigon have won the hearts of the readers of Conde Nast Traveller by making their names on the list. If the first 3 hotels have appeared several times and won Top Hotels in Southern Asia, this is Villa Song Saigon s first time.
NEWS 03 Vietnam Airlines Partners Finnair To Expand European Network See latest travel news on our website: www.saffrontravel.net Vietnam Airlines has agreed on a new codeshare partnership with Finnair that will enable it to expand its footprint in Europe. Vietnam Airlines flight code will be added to Finnair s flights connecting Helsinki with Bangkok and Singapore, and onwards to London and Frankfurt. Bookings for the shared flights are now open and the partnership has officially commenced on November 15 26. Besides the codeshare partnership with Finair, Vietnam Airlines announced that they have launched a codeshare and frequent flyer programmes with ANA at the beginning of their 26 winter schedules, commencing on 30 October 26. This covers 10 international routes linking Japan and Vietnam and allows passengers to travel more conveniently throughout the region. 04 Silk Air Launches Flights To Vientiane And Luang Prabang Silk Air has launched Singapore-Vientiane-Luang Prabang- Singapore flights, available through codeshare agreement with Lao Airlines. The airline offers three weekly flights on Monday, Thursday and Saturday from Singapore to the Laotian cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
NEW TOURS New tours recommended by Saffron Travel Arts And Crafts Across South East Asia The arts and crafts of South East Asia are wondrous with many traditions dating back centuries crucial to the expression of a variety of cultures and identities. Saffron Travel is happy to assist in organizing fascinating tours to discover and explore the region s rich craft and arts culture Silk Island, Phnom Penh Just one hour cruise from Phnom Penh is Silk Island, a peaceful destination with a long tradition of silk weaving. Along the cruise, admire the beauty of the Mekong River and the local life on the river banks. Upon arrival, enjoy an ox/horse cart ride to the village. See how a silk product is made. Most of the houses on this island are built high on stilts with workshops below. Guests might be surprised seeing the creativity of the people living here as they make full use of bicycle parts to make spinning wheels. Take the opportunity to interact with families who have preserved the old traditions of hand looming silk and dying it to bright hues. Guest are invited to try weaving an item as souvenir. Water Puppetry At An Artist s House, Hanoi Water puppetry is a tradition dating back as far as the 11th century. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waistdeep pool. Saffron Travel can take guests to meet a family engaged in making and performing water puppetry for 7 generations. Meet the artist Phan Thanh Liem and listen to the history of this unique art. The house itself is designed as a small museum with all types of related artifacts. Finally enjoy a show performed by Mr. Phan Thanh Liem and his family members.
DESTINATIONS South East Asia is a paradise for shoppers seeking something authentic and unique with a touch of tradition. Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Siem Reap, Yangon and Luang Prabang are popular destinations for shopping high quality arts and crafts products. We have compiled a list of our favorite places including some local stores and brands that visitors have fallen in love with. Antiques Saffron Travel arranges arts and crafts tours across South East Asia If you ever wish to have some souvenir from the mountainous area of Vietnam but have not had a chance to go there yourself, Antiques is the perfect place with a wide range collection of antiques, cultural artifacts and arts from Vietnam s ethnic minorities. Address: 30 Hang Bun, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Mekong Quilts The store is specialized in high quality, hand crafted products. Buying products from Mekong Quilts, you are joining hands with and supporting the local communities of makers. The quilters are women from very poor rural areas. By quilting, they can increase their income helping to ensure their children can receive a good education. Address: 13 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 68 Le Loi, 1st floor, D1, HCMC 136 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Quang Nam
DESTINATIONS 03 Ock Pop Tok Ock Pop Tok serves as a resource centre focused on Lao textiles, crafts and culture. It provides visitors with a world of traditional Lao handicrafts and design. Address: 125/10 Ban Saylom Luang Prabang Lao PDR Saffron Travel arranges arts and crafts tours across South East Asia 04 Cambomania Shop Cambomania sells quality traditional and contemporary Cambodian handicrafts such as kramas, wooden and silver accessories, hand-forged blades from the prestigious Citadel Knife factory, sculptures and food products. Address: The Plantation hotel, The Pavillion hotel and The Tea- House hotel 05 Hla Day Hla Day is a shop specialized in traditional Myanmar crafts with a modern twist made by Myanmar artisans and the disadvantaged. By buying products here, you are genuinely helping to make a difference to the lives of local people. Address: 81 Pansodan Street, Yangon, Myanmar
FEATURES Hotel and Restaurant of the month recommended by Saffron Travel. Hotel Of The Month: Kiridara Ban Visoun Kiridara is located in Luang Prabang surrounded by historical sites, 600m from Mount Phousy and just 20 minutes from the Night Market, Wat Mai, the Royal Palace and the Royal Museum. It offers direct access and panoramic views of the Nam Khan River and the local village community giving you special insight into people the charming ancient city of Luang Prabang. There are only 2 villas at Kiridara Ban Visoun designed in contemporary Laos inspired architecture. Each features a private balcony, modern facilities, a kitchen and a dining area which is ideal for families or honeymooners. While its courtyard is a great spot for enjoying sunset, its dining and living space open onto a vast deck perfect for a barbeque or an evening cocktail. Restaurant Of The Month: Botanico Gastrobar With a unique and private environment, Botanico Gastrobar is a special venue for private parties, social gatherings or some relaxing and romantic moments with loved ones. Surrounded by over 2,000 plants of 40 different species, attentively cared for by a full-time gardener, this secluded garden in the heart of Phnom Penh offers a creative yet straightforward menu of tapas, salads, eggs and pancakes, sandwiches and burgers as well as a good collection of wines, beers and inventive cocktails. With the reputation of having the best coffee in town, this restaurant is highly recommended during your stay in Phnom Penh.
FOOD CORNER Khmer Red Chicken Curry / Samlaa Khaeng Awaken your senses with an aromatic chicken curry using coconut milk and tender sweet potato. This delicious dish is usually served at special occasions in Cambodia where Cambodians make the dish to share with monks in honour of the departed. Aromatic chicken curry Ingredients (serving 4): - 3 stems of lemon grass, finely chopped - 700g chicken thigh fillets - 4cm fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped - 600g sweet potato (kumara) - 3 garlic cloves, crushed - 150ml chicken stock - 1 large French shallot, coarsely chopped - 3 kaffir lime leaves - 1 long fresh red chilli, seeded, coarsely chopped - 1 tbs palm sugar - 1/2 tsp ground turmeric - 1 tbs fish sauce - 1 tsp ground coriander and fennel - 1 tbs fresh lime juice - 2 tbs rice bran oil - Fresh basil leaves - 2 x 270ml cans coconut milk - Steamed jasmine rice, to serve Preparation: - Process the lemon grass, ginger, garlic, shallot, chilli, turmeric, coriander and fennel in a food processor until a coarse paste forms. - Heat the oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the lemon grass mixture. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until aromatic. - Add half the coconut milk and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until the liquid is reduced and the paste starts to split. - Add the chicken, sweet potato, chicken stock, kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and the remaining coconut milk. - Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potato is tender. - Top with basil leaves and serve with rice.