Enjoy the panoramic scenery on a nature trek along the Tjampuhan Ridge. Visit the flamboyant hilltop home and studio of a famous Balinese-based artist. Indulge in a relaxing massage and a delicious Royal High Tea in a luxury tent.
Nyepi 2018 (Balinese New Year)
Balinese New Year – known as Nyepi – falls on Saturday, 17 March 2018. Our office in Bali will be closed on 16 March 2018.
Nyepi is known as “Silence Day” because the island is completely silent for 24 hours. Nyepi officially begins at 6:00am on 17 March and will end at 6:00am on 18 March.
Myanmar Family Adventure
This article is a guest post by Ian Woods, Group Business Development Director for ICS Travel Group
Myanmar, the Golden Land, lives up to its reputation. I was fortunate to take a family vacation to Myanmar, joined by my parents who are visiting from the United Kingdom. Of course we booked our journey through ICS Travel Group because of the expertise with multi-generational travel and knowledge of how to accommodate the various needs of different age groups.
The flight from Bangkok to Mandalay is short, and after clearing Customs and Immigration we were met by our guide, who was carrying an ICS Travel Group sign. We were presented with a welcome packet including all the necessary documentation, vouchers and contact information for our guides and the local ICS Travel Group offices.
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Tet 2018 (Vietnamese New Year)
From 15 – 18 FEB 2018, Vietnam will celebrate Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year) or “Tet” as it is more commonly known. Our offices in Vietnam will be closed from 14 – 20 Feb 2018.
Tet is the biggest and most popular festival of the year
Preparation for the Tet holiday is a special and significant affair and begins well in advance of the holiday. Many Vietnamese cook special holiday foods and thoroughly clean their own home as well as the gravesites of their ancestors. Vietnamese begin cleaning early in an effort to get rid of bad luck before the New Year begins. One can not sweep during the holiday because one would be sweeping away the good luck. Painting one’s home, polishing all kitchen utensils and planting new flowers is common. Many people, especially children, purchase new clothes and shoes to wear on the first day of the year. Another well-known – and popular – custom during Tet is to put money in a red envelope and give it as a gift to children.
The first person to visit your home during Tet is considered a forecast of the coming year
To all our parters, team members, and friends in Vietnam, we wish you a safe and prosperous Tet!
Portraits of Inle
After breakfast board a boat and cruise to Kyay Sar Kone village on the western bank of Inle Lake. Meet with artisan boat builder U Than Hla. His building techniques have been passed down through the generations and U Than Hla is now teaching his son these traditional skills.
Portraits of Bagan
Spend the day meeting some of the inspiring people that live in Bagan. Meet U Myo Nyunt, a local expert on archaeology and the former Deputy Director of Bagan’s Department of Archaeology. He will reveal fascinating stories behind the sacred sites, as well as telling you about the conservation efforts and Bagan’s plight for recognition as a U NESCO World Heritage Site.
Portraits of Mandalay
Spend the day meeting some of the inspiring people that live in Mandalay. Gain an insight into their lives by asking questions and listening to their fascinating stories.
Portraits of Yangon
Spend the day meeting some of the inspiring people that live in Yangon. Gain an insight into their lives by asking questions and listening to their fascinating stories.