Search Results formekong
Mekong Tourism Forum makes its way to Luang Prabang this June
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR (MICT), in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), announced that the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2025 will take place on from 25th to 27th June in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang. Revolving around the theme United Journey: Stronger Together, this year’s forum will bring together tourism leaders, professionals, development partners, and private sector representatives from across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to explore shared solutions and new approaches to sustainable tourism development. MICT Tourism Development Department director-general Phonemaly Inthaphome said: “The Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 reflects our region’s commitment to shaping tourism as a driver of shared prosperity. By convening diverse voices from across the GMS, we aim to build a common platform for dialogue and partnership, ensuring tourism development that is responsible, balanced, and beneficial to all.” MTCO executive director Suvimol Thanasarakij added: “This year’s forum will highlight how collaboration across borders, sectors, and communities can shape a more resilient and inclusive future for Mekong tourism. We look forward to welcoming all stakeholders to be part of this important conversation.” Regional cooperation via immersion Through open dialogue, immersive sessions, and cross-sectoral exchange, the forum aims to strengthen regional cooperation and amplify community-focused, responsible tourism across borders. MTF 2025 will feature discussions led by industry experts from across the tourism sector, thematic breakout sessions held at carefully selected off-site locations aligned with each theme, and the official launch of the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030. Delegates will also join thematic technical tours designed around hands-on, local experiences that include mulberry paper making, ecotourism visits, and learning traditional practices alongside local communities. All these offer an authentic perspective on Luang Prabang’s cultural and natural richness.
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office holds workshop for empowerment of women in tourism
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) held a four-day digital skills training workshop for women working in the tourism sector. Titled Enhancing Digital Skills for Women in Tourism Communities in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam – The Training of Trainers, the event was held in the Laotian heritage city of Luang Prabang from 24th to 27th September, and was done in cooperation with the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), and the Lao PDR Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism. 28 participants from both public and private sectors attended the event, and the in-person workshop addressed key issues such as digital marketing analysis and planning, promoting community based tourism enterprises online, and developing digital skills training for community-based micro and small tourism businesses such as homestays, guest houses, restaurants, handicraft outlets and local tour services. Participants also conducted field visits to community-based tourism enterprises, assessing their digital needs as real-life case studies. The workshop also held sessions on effective resource utilisation, planning, budgets, and setting goals for digital marketing. A need for stronger digital skills ASEAN-Japan Centre assistant director Naoko Fujikawa said that digital skills were crucial for marketing tourism products to the world. However, not many women in the tourism sector had opportunities to develop their digital marketing skills. Fujikawa said: “By empowering these women with the knowledge to connect their local tourism products to the global market, we are not only supporting their personal growth but also nurturing the sustainable development of their communities. Likewise, Phonemaly Inthaphome, director-general of tourism development for Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said: “Women have the potential to lead and innovate in tourism. By enhancing their digital skills, we are not just investing in individual capabilities, we are investing in the future of their communities.” These sentiments were echoed by MTCO executive director Suvimol 'Dee' Thanasarakij who noted that women made up more than half of the tourism workforce in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. However, many were informal labourers with limited access to education and opportunities. Thanasarakij said: “Through this training, we aim to empower women in local tourism communities with the digital skills needed to strengthen their businesses and gain greater exposure to the global market.” Fujikawa added: "We believe these participants will become catalysts for change, passing on their knowledge and driving innovation in tourism across their regions." After the event, Thanasarakij concluded: “We hope this training will create a ripple effect, with participants passing on their knowledge and skills to others, fostering resilience and growth across the region."
CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope offers a new tour for the holidays
CF Mekong River Cruises by CroisiEurope (CFM) announced that it is offering major discount deals on its New Discovery Tour Programme slated for the Yuletide holiday season. The new packages are a Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City itinerary that runs from 18 to 26 December, and a Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap route from 26 December to 3 January 2025. These nine-day/eight-night cruises aboard the boutique 14-cabin luxury teak Toum Tiou 2 (TT2) riverboat include all onboard meals, boat transfers and land excursions including tours of Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. Options for additional tours are available and are priced separately. Great value for a great trip The CFM New Discovery Tour Programme on the Toum Tiou 2, and the eight- day / seven-night Classic tours on the Toum Tiou 1 provide unbeatable value. On offer are unique experiences providing more adventure than a typical cruise as well as personalized service and cultural exploration. The CFM New Discovery Tour passengers enjoy the hidden treasures of the Mekong River, including traditional village visits and gentle hikes to the stunning Udong Hill. Included are motor and rowing boat tours of the magnificent Tra Su Forest, on-land walking and a variety of biking, kayaking, and sampan experiences - all tailored to suit individual preferences and ages. Highlights include a cable car ride in Chau Doc to the crest of Sam Mountain and tours of bustling Phnom Penh and HoChiMinh City. Passengers onboard the TT2 enjoy never-forgotten views of remote riverside hamlets, rice farms and ancient temples – hardly touched by the modern world – as the riverboat glides the meandering Mekong waterways. Exquisite vessels Fully panelled in teak, the TT2 is built for passenger privacy, intimacy, comfort and safety. Its design reflects a bygone era with international standard features including cosy air-conditioned double cabins with private en suite bathroom, a large lounge area, a panoramic viewing space to the front, a half-covered bar-restaurant to the rear and a roof patio. The heritage style of the TT2 is in harmony with Khmer and Vietnamese river culture.
The Best in Luxury River Cruising: Aqua Expeditions, Peru and The Mekong
This year cruising is back and better than ever before with river cruising in particular seeing a huge 118% increase in popularity since 2019, with expedition cruises increasing by a whopping 131%*. For the best luxury expedition river cruises in some of the world’s most remote, biodiverse and hard to reach destinations, look no further than Aqua Expeditions. With luxury voyages taking place in The Mekong travelling though Cambodia and Vietnam onboard Aqua Mekong and exploring the Peruvian Amazon onboard Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon, Aqua Expeditions is the perfect choice for an unforgettable river cruise. Aqua Mekong: Mekong River, Cambodia & Vietnam Charting a luxurious passage on Southeast Asia’s longest river across Cambodia and Vietnam, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong showcases award-winning modern design with comprehensive amenities such as a spa, gym, and river-facing plunge pool. The vessel’s 20 spacious suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer ever-changing Mekong panoramas. For offshore excursions, the Mekong’s only fleet of private skiffs bring guests on small and highly personalized day trips led by expert local guides to landmarks, temples, and villages where tradition, spirituality and craftsmanship reside. The immersive cultural journey continues on board with locally inspired dining experiences crafted by Michelin-starred consulting chef David Thompson. The itinerary for Aqua Mekong permits guests to visit earth’s unspoiled sanctuaries and connect with the area in a unique, authentic, and responsible way. Whether its walking through verdant plantations, tasting fruits in a local’s home, to the sounds of traditional folk song, admiring one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temples in the region, witnessing the craftsmanship on Mekong’s ‘silk islands’ or exploring Phnom Peng by tuk-tuk, the itinerary is packed full of adventure, culture and wonder. Starting from $4,230 per person for 3-nights, $5,640 per person for 4-nights and $9,870 per person for 7 nights (in double occupancy) Aqua Nera: Amazon River, Peru Setting a new standard for luxury river voyages on the Amazon, the 205-foot Aqua Nera draws inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical black water lagoons, bearing the signature style that Aqua Expedition ships are known for. The vessel’s 20 design suites convey a sense of tranquillity, while the social spaces showcase refined elegance with a touch of drama. Revel in personalized luxury while exploring the depths of the Peruvian Amazon and savouring rainforest-inspired cuisine created by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Expert naturalist guides conduct small group excursions, rewarding guests with up-close wildlife encounters in the world’s most biodiverse rainforest. Starting from $4,335 per person for 3-nights, $5,780 per person for 4-nights and $10,115 per person for 7 nights (in double occupancy) Aria Amazon: Amazon River, Peru Aria Amazon is custom-built to explore the Peruvian Amazon and the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in comfort with minimal impact to the delicate Amazonian environment. On board, 16 luxurious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows reveal majestic river and rainforest views. The top deck features stylish amenities and extensive social spaces that include a jacuzzi, lounge and bar. Savor a comprehensive dining menu created by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s most accomplished chefs, known for creating refined cuisine from native Amazonian produce. Excursions are conducted in small groups by highly experienced crew and naturalist guides, assuring guests of rewarding wildlife encounters. Starting from $2,640 per person for 3-nights and $4,400 per person for 4-nights and $7,700 per adult for 7-nights. A recognized global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels of stylish contemporary design. Expect tailored five-star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew to-guest ratio with personalized service, world-class dining, and small group expert-guided activities and excursions, with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship.
Viking Announces New Ship For The Mekong River
Viking has announced an expansion of its river fleet in Southeast Asia with the new Viking Tonle. Designed for the Mekong River, the 80-guest vessel will join its identical sister ship, the Viking Saigon, which debuted in 2022, and will sail between Kampong Cham, Cambodia and Mỹ Tho, Vietnam as part of Viking’s popular 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary. The ship is under construction and is currently scheduled to debut in October 2025. To meet strong demand for Mekong River voyages, Viking has added sailing dates in 2025 and has now opened the entire 2026 season for booking. “The rich history and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia have always made the Mekong River a fascinating destination for our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “With the addition of an identical sister ship in 2025, we look forward to introducing even more curious travellers to the treasures of this fantastic region in the years to come.” The Viking Tonle Built specifically to navigate the Mekong River, the new Viking Tonle will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the clean Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms have hotel-style beds and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a Veranda or French Balcony. Guests on the three-deck Viking Tonle also enjoy a Spa & Fitness Centre, Pool and open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck. Magnificent Mekong During this 15-day journey, guests explore the cultural treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia with 16 guided tours. Hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) bracket an eight-day Mekong River voyage on this unique itinerary, during which guests can enjoy exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi and attending a performance by Apsara dancers; tasting the distinctive fresh ingredients from bustling markets and local restaurants; wandering the Khmer temple complex of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visiting Ta Prohm, where jungle vines embrace ancient ruins; and seeing the sights of Phnom Penh by cyclo rickshaw. On the river voyage portion of the itinerary, guests can discover silk towns, fishing villages, monasteries and floating markets. Booking Details From now through to 31 December 2023, Viking is offering a £1,000 per person saving on 2025 river cruises inclusive of the Magnificent Mekong itinerary*
APT celebrates the maiden voyage of “Mekong Serenity”
APT has confirmed that the maiden voyage of its hotly-anticipated newbuild ship on Asia's Mekong River, the Mekong Serenity, is underway, as she makes her first sailing of the luxury 15-day Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights river cruise from Hanoi to Siem Reap. To celebrate, APT & Travelmarvel has launched a new Vietnam & Cambodia Winter Sale, allowing guests to secure a Q4 2023 or Q1 2024 Mekong adventure with a low deposit of just £99, and outstanding introductory savings on all December to February departures, when booked before 30 November 2023*. The Winter Sale deals include: - The 12 January 2024 departure of APT’s 15-day luxury, five-star Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights river cruise, from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, which costs from £4,995 per person, saving £2,050 per person. The price includes return flights, seven-nights of accommodation aboard the new Mekong Serenity, luxury hotel accommodation, luxury dining with 31 meals and onboard beverages, unique cultural experiences in up to 11 destinations, the services of an APT Cruise Director and expert local guides. Highlights include a special sunrise experience at Angkor Wat, dining at Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City, and experiencing a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony at a monastery in Oudong. The 20 January 2024 departure of APT Travelmarvel’s 14-day, flexible, four-star Essential Vietnam & Cambodia river cruise, from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, which costs from £3,195 per person, saving £2,000. The price includes return flights, seven nights aboard the RV Apsara, which has moved from APT to sail under the Travelmarvel banner and offer a five-star ship at a four-star price; hotel accommodation; 27 meals and select complimentary beverages served with lunch and dinner on board; the services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and expert local guides. Highlights of the trip include meeting with underprivileged children at Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) in Siem Reap and getting a glimpse into the organisation that supports them by providing a creative, educative and loving environment; a tuk tuk ride in Koh Pen; and seeing an authentic Apsara dance performance. About Mekong Serenity:Luxuriously spacious, Mekong Serenity has been custom-built for the brand, with a maximum capacity of 88 guests and some of the largest entry-level suites of any vessel cruising the Mekong River. On this maiden voyage, APT’s guests can soak in panoramic views of the bustling life along the Mekong from the ship’s spacious Sun Deck, recharge after a day’s exploring in the Serenity Spa and Wellness Centre or take a dip in the onboard swimming pool. Onboard dining options include the Horizon Bar & Grill, and the Indochine restaurant, which serves an authentic taste of Vietnam with a special five-course menu. The Harmony Lounge and Bar offers nightly entertainment such as Apsara dance performances.
Mekong Tourism Office promotes internships to plug tourism skills gap
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office has launched the Mekong Tourism internship finder on MekongTourism.org. The initiative is designed to address labour challenges faced by the tourism industry and to be a useful tool for interns seeking entry into tourism. The internship finder is primarily aimed at young people who are studying tourism and who would benefit from workplace experience. However, the internships are also open to people with aptitude, who are not yet in education or training. The tourism sector, which contributes about 16% of GDP to the whole Mekong subregion, according to ResearchGate.net, is grappling with skill shortages. This deficit is impacting the quality of services offered to tourists and the overall sustainability of the industry, says the MTCO. The Mekong Tourism internship finder programme will be a step towards resolving that issue, it says. Suvimol Thanasarakij “The MTCO invites tourism industry players in the Mekong region who are recruiting, or plan to recruit, to advertise internships on our website at no cost,” says Ms Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. “We want the next generation of tourism professionals to be well-equipped, not just in theory, but in practice. We want to elevate industry standards. First-hand on-the-job experience is vital to that process,” says Ms Suvimol. The Mekong Tourism internship finder will feature tourism internship opportunities in Cambodia, China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. The MTCO says that the project has four goals: facilitating hands-on experience, by working alongside existing professionals in travel and hospitality roles; imparting both technical and soft skills; ensuring that students are industry-ready upon graduation; and building connections between tourism businesses and students, including recent graduates. “We are confident that the internship initiative will enhance human capital development in the region and be instrumental in elevating the quality of services and experiences that the Mekong region offers to tourists," says Ms Suvimol.
IWTA speaks with Michelle Gao Booking.com Regional Manager, Mekong region
IWTA speaks with Michelle Gao Booking.com Regional Manager, Mekong region Background: With over 15 years experience in online travel media and online travel agencies, Michelle is now the Regional Manager of Mekong Region, Booking.com based in Bangkok and oversees Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos markets. After graduating with an MBA from Tsinghua University, she joined TripAdvisor to expand its Chinese market when it first came into the country and then Booking.com to set up its Beijing office and expand business into the North China region. Aside from her rich experience in growing business and exploring business opportunities, she is also a ICF certified coach, passionate in coaching and growing people. If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to nominate, please visit our page and complete a nomination form! NOMINATE SOMEONE NOMINATE YOURSELF
IWTA speaks with Anh-Thu Van Do General Manager Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Mekong Region Lufthansa Group
IWTA speaks with Anh-Thu Van Do General Manager Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Mekong Region, Lufthansa Group Background: Born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam, travel has always been part of her life. her dad was a tourguide before and specialized in European destinations. Her dad always spoke to her about Lufthansa and after he was finished tour guiding he started a travel agent and booked a lot of Lufthansa. Once Anlee graduated she was looking for a job and the apprenticeship position was open in Lufthansa, she applied and got it. She felt she was right at home and as we say, from here the rest is history. Summary: Being in aviation she is passionate about connecting people and places. Airlines plays such a big part of making this happen. Her excitement about the industry has taken her career with Lufthansa Group that spans over 15 years. Listen to all Interviews on your favourite RSS Platform
Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 from 25-27 April in Cambodia
The 2023 Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF 2023), hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and co-organised by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, will take place 25-27 April in Sihanoukville city, the capital of Preah Sihanouk province. The Forum will address the theme “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalisation.” Tourism Ministers, tourism leaders, NTOs, NGOs and private sector representatives, will discuss ways to rethink post-Covid tourism in China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam as a collective and dynamic sub-region.The conference programme has been designed to address job creation, gender equality, food safety and hygiene, digital transformation and a more geographically dispersed tourism approach, so that the benefits of the travel industry spread beyond over-touristed hotspots. At the Forum, tourism experts and political leaders will address five key ideas on 26 April: rethinking tourism to put people and planet first; developing local food production networks with a focus on safety and hygiene, while reducing food waste; using new digital technology to boost tourism startups and small- and medium-sized businesses; improving training so that tourism workers have the skills to adapt; and advancing equality of opportunity and fair treatment for women in the private and public sectors of tourism. “The post-Covid- 19 tourism landscape now provides clear opportunities for us to take stock and rethink tourism for the better,” said Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism for Cambodia. “With my tourism colleagues from around the Greater Mekong Subregion we will work hard to ensure that tourism re-establishes itself as an engine to create sustainable prosperity for our citizens. The MTF 2023 agenda has a clear focus and will address those issues,” he said. The challenges of improving local food networks, to enhance safety and hygiene, will be addressed by Luu Meng, a legend in the Cambodian culinary scene. The panel on smart tourism and digitalisation will be moderated by Ben-Jie Lim, Group Head of Delivery, SuperApp, AirAsia. The expert panel debate on advancing human capital will be led by Peter Semone, the Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, who will also keynote the Forum. Veronica Mendizabal Jaffre of the Asian Development Bank will lead the panel session on women’s empowerment in tourism in the region. As Preah Sihanouk province is the host destination, on 27 April delegates will have the opportunity to join many of the local excursions and post-tours such as Sihanoukville city tour, Koh Rong Island, diving, mangrove tour, kayaking, and community-based ecotourism exploration. Each trip will showcase sustainable tourism practices in the destination. The MTF 2023 will also host a Sustainable Tourism Exhibit comprising over 20 exhibitors, showcasing responsible and sustainable tourism, community-based tourism and local community products. The exhibit will run on 25 and 26 April. An estimated 150 international delegates are expected to attend the MTF 2023, which is free to join for leaders of the travel industry.
Mekong Tourism
Pu'Er Mekong Tourism Co.,Ltd., Simao District, Puer, China China
Mekong Tourism
Pu'Er Mekong Tourism Co.,Ltd., Simao District, Puer, China China
Bassac Boat – Transmekong
Mekong River
Victoria Mekong Cruises Joint Venture Limited
Can Tho, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ, Vietnam
No Event found matching your search.
Return To Home