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Leisurely cruises down the Ganges, Vietnam steam...
Try out the longest river cruise anywhere on the Antara Ganga Vilas to explore India's fascinating Ganges or try steam trains in Vietnam.
Slow boats to everywhere
Fancy a 51-day float down the fabled Ganges River swaddled in luxury from Varanasi to Assam (with a stop in Dhaka)? The Indian-run Antara River Cruises (www.antaracruises.com/) has brought in its latest in river pampering in the shape of the Antara Ganga Vilas (above) — with 18 well appointed luxe suites. It does this 3,200km wander in style soaking in the culture and topography. For those in a rush, hop-on-and-off segments are possible. Or try a shorter vegan cruise that runs 11 days from Kolkata. Pick from catamaran cruises in Odisha exploring vast 'mini-Amazon' estuaries or a seven-night excursion serving up insights into Bengali textiles and skilled artisans. Several boats and itineraries are available. Wildlife and conservation champion Raj Singh is the driver behind these small-footprint cruises that barely ruffle the inrricate river ecology and offer welcome support to local communities.
Ambassador Cruise (above left, ambassadorcruise.com/) has launched its 'One Adventure Two Wonders' experience that takes visitors on an idyllic Vietnam coastline glide through Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay with their majestic limestone karsts. The three-day two-night cruises include sights around the bays, caves, and perhaps tai chi. The two luxe cruise boats that do these combined runs come with 39 and 46 well appointed cabins, all with private balconies. The much anticipated 27 September return of the reimagined (above right) Dusit Thani Bangkok (www.dusit.com/) in the all new mixed-use development of Dusit Central Park comes with a few perks for early bookers. From 1 May 2024 to 31 October 2024 travellers who book stays at the hotel (until 31 March 2025) get a US$75 credit for relaxing spa treatments and dining at one of the new F&B outlets at this hotel, long a haunt for royalty that once set the benchmark with its exceptional service and distinctive golden spire.
All aboard the Revolution Express
By late 2024 or early 2025 you could be steaming languorously on a puffing chugger bound from Danang to Hue. The Indochina Rail Tourist Service has teamed up with an operating parter to reintroduce steam-powered journeys from Danang to the old capital of Hue, passing through some spectacular countryside and the Hai Van pass. The Revolution Express will be pulled by a reconditioned 1960s French steam engine (one of the last in Vietnam) to pull ornate classic carriages from Danang to Lang Co and Hue (and back). The journey in each direction will take around four hours with inspired local station meals. Train stations en route are being upgraded with retail outlets and fancier restaurants. The route encompasses spectacular beaches, verdant paddy fields, hill views and heritage buildings.
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On 1 September 2023 Bhutan (above left, bhutan.travel/) brought the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) down to US$100. The levy is valid until September 2027. Young children get special concessions too. In early 2023 the government opted to drop all-inclusive tour fees (US$250) and began charging a flat US$200 per head for foreigners (with a special Rs1,200 rate for Indians). The freebie was over. Hotels and tour operators complained that this was killing tourism as foreigners now had to pay the $200 personal fee and fork out separately for hotels, transport, and meals. This resulted in the cut. Indians don't require a Bhutan visa. Maldivians and Bangladeshis are also exempt from visas. In April 2024 (above right) the mega-bed Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre (www.mercure-icon-singapore-city-centre.com/) arrived with an inventory of 989 keys. This Chinatown inspired creation features lobby LED artworks and catchy shophouse heritage depictions. This is entirely apt. As guests step out into the neighbourhood bustle they are immediatelty in the thick of the shophouse action from Club Street on to Ann Siang Hill and Duxton Hill. This Chinatown street is where some of Singapore's more venerable Chinese clubs first originated. Rooms at this Accor property serve up light-filled rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies and eco-friendly amenities.
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