A Unique and Magical Dining Experience in Saigon at Noir. - Dining in the Dark!
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Welcoming the Green Season in Laos
24th May 2016
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Dear Travel Partners,
Today, amongst other news, we would like to tell you more about the "Green Season" in Laos - and why this is possibly the best time of year to visit! It's common misconception that it rains constantly at this time of year, in fact, it often only rains at night. There are many benefits to visiting the country at this time of year - mainly the beautiful landscapes filled with rice paddies are picture-perfect, lush and green, it's less busy with tourists and the temperature is a lot more comortable!
We would also like to introduce you to some of our new tours that we are certain your clients will enjoy.
If you have any questions at all or would like more information about any of the articles featured, please do not hestiate to contact your Sales Manager in charge.
Sincerely,
Your Focus Asia Team
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LAOS
Focus on Textiles - Create your own souvenirs at Ock Pop Tok
Our team has inspected this tour for you...
The philosophy behind Ock Pop Tok was and continues to be, to empower women through their traditional skills, and promote Laotian textiles and crafts across the globe.
To do one of their workshops is a great introduction to the world of Lao textiles and finally you try a bit of everything and dye your own scarf and create your own truly unique souvenir.
During this course you will get a brief introduction about how silk is produced by the silkworms, and the cocoons of the worm will be processed to silk yarn, later see the women weaving at the looms still using the traditional patterns. 
Before you choose the colour for your own scarf and also two more colours for dying to silk skeins, you will be introduced to the world of natural dying and learn which plants, leaves, roots and trees will help you to create different colour. Then, well prepared the fun begins: You have to prepare the plants you need for your colour - together with the others in the group you start to cut, peel and so on - before you start to cook these. Some of the pots look like a witches' cauldrons, a lot of steam rise and the inside the pot some strange colours will brew...
Time to put your scarf into one of these strange brews (if you want to, you can also work with some batik effects), cook it and rinse it. Now you just need to wait until your scarf and the silk skeins are dry. While you're waiting, enjoy a typical fresh Tamarind juice and stroll around the beautiful garden, or watch the artisans working until your own souvenir is ready to take home.
Working with real Lao artisans, you will discover the beauty and secrets of Lao textiles. Ock Pop Tok offers a wide range of classes in silk weaving, natural dyes, batik drawing and bamboo weaving.
There are two natural dying sessions daily: 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, situated in the beautiful gardens directly on the Mekong River.
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LAOS
New Vientiane Half Day Walking Tour
 We recommend doing this tour in the morning or late afternoon as it can be hot during the middle of the day. During this guided tour we will explore the capital of Laos, visiting the major tourist sites and local markets, with a stop for food and drinks.
You will be picked up from your hotel by local TukTuk. Take a short ride to Phatuxay monument (Victory Gate) where we will begin to walk down Lane Xang Avenue. We will then visit the Talat Sao (Morning Market), where you can find an abundance of locally made handicrafts and local cuisines. It's time to try a selection of local snacks prepared by your guide.  Our next stop at COPE center (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise), will give a unique insight into some of the history of Laos during the Indochina War. 500 metres from here the Wat Si Muang is famous for bringing good luck and wealth. The next temple will be Wat Sisaket, which was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, rather than the Lao style, and thus has a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof.
We will then stop to take photos in front of the Presidential Palace, originally built for the French colonial governor it has also served as residence of the royal family. Next we reach Anouvong Park, the prefect place to taste a traditional "Lao Coffee" or fresh fruit shake. Passing in front of "Le Banneton", feel the remainder of the French colonial influence here and enjoy a fresh croissant.
Upon arrival at Setthathirath, there are a series of temples: first Wat Mixay, then Vat Ong Teu known as an educational institute that provides widespread teaching of the Theravada Buddhism, ending with Wat Haysoke.
The tour will conclude on the banks of the Mekong River, where you will take a TukTuk back to your hotel.
Focus Asia Tip -- we highly recommend staying until sunset for some great photos and beautiful scenery!
Walking distance: approx. 5km.
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LAOS
Time to Enjoy the Green Season - Time to visit Laos!
Many people think that during this time is will rain constantly and it is not worth visiting Laos - but this is not true! Actually, there are some great benefits to visiting the country during the "Green Season"(May to September) when, after a long, hot "dry season," the nature will change completely:
- You will see green Rice Paddies, wonderful blooming plants and flowering trees (Frangipani Trees, Flamboyant), the vegtation will be lush and there will be a lot of butterflies in the jungle areas.
- There are clear skies, spectacular sunsets and fantastic cloud formation.
- Temperatures are not unbearably hot, short refreshing rain showers from time to time make the weather much more comfortable. These rain showers are often during night time.
- Great lighting for photos - bright colours, less tourists and less crowde.
- Slow down a little - enjoy the quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
- And finally - excellent hotel rates!
 For example, the centrally located Sanctuary Hotel***+, the cosy Villa Maly****+ and the Victoria Xienthong Palace located on the Mekong River all offer Special Promotions of "Stay 3 Pay 2" from May to September.For more details, please check with your Sales person in charge or check our online Tariff.
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CAMBODIA
Angkor Park Pass Required for Zipline Site
 Please note that as of 15th May 2016, Angkor Archaeological Park Ticketing Booth requires all Flight of the Gibbon clients to have an Angkor Park Pass in order to access the zipline site.  This change does not affect prices for the Flight of the Gibbon, however clients will need to organise their own Angkor Park Pass or buy an Angkor Park Pass directly at the ticket booth on the way to the zipline site.  If you would like more details about this, please contact your Sales Manager in charge.
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