Thailand 

Europe tour to visit existing (and some new!) agents

Our MD Edwin is currently still in Europe and has been visiting many existing agents as well as some new agents in Switzerland and the UK. Taking the time to meet our partners face to face, to really understand each other, conversations on experience in travel, discuss how we can support them to grow is of immense importance. Some key lessons learned from his trip: 

• Niche agents, who are experts in their specific destinations and excursions are growing. They are providing a clear added value to their clients (compared to agents that function solely as a “booking engine”). 

• Dare to be different! A first timer Thailand trip doesn’t have to include the floating market & James Bond island. 

• Select your client; the whole world wants to visit Thailand and as an agent you’re likely to get more requests for Thailand from people that are not necessary your target client and have the same vision as you do. It’s a blessing to pre-select from all enquiries and have a strong focus on enquiries of clients that fit to your company profile. Stick to what you’re good at and drop enquiries that don’t align with your company identity and clientele profile. 

• What’s the definition of an “highlights”? Is that the name of a city Chiang Mai for example, or the landmark visited in that city “Wat Phra That Doi Suthep” or the typical architecture and food of that city (no matter how famous it is on Instagram or in the classic tourist brochure itinerary that hasn’t changed since the 70’s). Edwin had many interesting discussions on this topic. Conclusion; try to define what makes the highlight unique and find a more unique alternative that actually makes the client feel special.  

• “Under tourism” does exist in Thailand; there is an abundance of unknows corners in Bangkok, provinces in the country that barely see any foreign visitors, national parks where only a few local birdwatchers seem to appreciate the beauty and not to forget the intangible aspects of the Thai culture that get no attention. As you see, there is plenty of opportunity to stay exited and hungry for new explorations. And let me be clear; some of the world’s worst examples of over-tourism also exist in Thailand and we work hard to avoid these. 

• Due to the Iran crisis, agents see less enquiries for Asia (fear of flying over, fear of not being able to fly back due to fuel shortages) while Europe, Africa and South America seem to be more popular. Many travellers have a “wait and see” attitude and agents expect these people to book last minute (and there is availability for the summer!). 

• International flight prices. Two days after the first Iran attacks, I checked for direct flights Bangkok to Europe and all rates from European and Asian airlines had been doubled or more. It was probably one of the worst examples in recent history how yield management was trying to benefit from a crisis. These super high rates seem to be coming down now, as customers reacted and said “in that case I don’t fly” and a quick online search shows tickets with various airlines offering direct flights between Europe and Bangkok for under 1,000 Euro return in May, June, September, October and even November. 

• July and August is high season in Thailand for Dutch and Belgium families; yet somehow the Germans and the British audience seem to think it’s too wet. Personally, we prefer July and August to travel as it’s Thailand at its greenest and most beautiful. And the rain? Refreshing IF it rains but that’s usually less than 10% of your time in Thailand. 

Overall conclusion from visiting agents: Thailand continues to be a very popular destination; the kind of destinations people go back to several times. It takes some time to explain clients that Thailand offers more than just the famous places they have heard off. Yet, once explained and experienced, the clients return and become regular clients and true ambassadors and fans of your travel agency.

Send Edwin an email if you would like to meet and discuss how to grow the number of happy clients to Thailand: edwin@exploration.travel 

 Thai hotels with strange or difficult to remember names that are actually GREAT

We seem to have a sixth sense to find these hidden gems all around Thailand, some of them with rather strange or funny names. A short list of our favourites: 

Hotel de l’amour: a very good 4-star hotel near the fantastic Phanom Rung Khmer style temple ruins, in the Northeastern region of Isaan (and no, it’s not a love hotel).

I Love Phants: supporting the excellent work of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand taking care of domesticated or rescued wildlife. Referring to the gentle giants, elephants, nothing else. 

High Season Resort: Luxury private pool villas and top service at this 5 star gem on Koh Kood Island. The owner had the auspicious thought that it would bring fortune, as it will always be high season.  

Phayamas Resort: an rather rustic island away from the crowds, and of course you can bring your swim wear and leave you pyjamas / pajamas at home.  

And in the category difficult to pronounce, some of our favourite partner hotels are: La a Natu a beautiful design resort at a Pranburi beach, Suan Glang Na in wonderful heritage town of Phrae and Punyashthiti Villa at the charming waterfront in Chanthaburi.

La a Natu at Pranburi Beach

Suan Glang Na in wonderful Phrae 

Punyashthiti Villa at the waterfront in Chanthaburi

An easy one to remember and an excellent remote beach stay is Baba Ecolodge 

A Love Letter from Koh Jum Island 

The wooden long tail boat is waiting at the small pier, quiet, no ferries, catamarans or speed boats. We cruise along mangroves, small islands and arrive at the twin island of Koh Jum and Koh Pu. A little settlement appears in the distance, a bit like in a pirate movie scene. But the welcome is a big smile and a happy dog waiting in the crystal-clear water. Arrived in paradise! 

It is my second time here and I have missed this special place. Koh Jum has somehow missed the wake-up call of the tourism industry and still enjoys its happy- sleep. The long beach, the hidden bays, the 80’s style reggae bars, fresh fruits and smoothies, the outstanding local seafood restaurants and slow island life invites to completely unwind and enjoy this little gem.  

It feels a little bit like a time machine coming here. Small empty islands roads, a few scooters with locals here and there and maybe a few foreigners at “Middle beach”, where most of the mini marts and accommodation is located. The mostly Muslim island has truly kept its charm, welcoming visitors with open arms and curiosity. Somehow unbelievable that within view is Phi Phi Island, reaching daily tourist hordes of more than 5,000 (!) people.  

It is a pleasure to still be able to enjoy places like this, where the local community and visitors still remain in a healthy balance and where island hospitality is still genuine. I will be back!

Our recommended stays on Koh Jum:  

Koh Jum Beach Villas: a private resort with individual luxurious villas.  

Joy Bungalow are small and tasteful bungalows on the backside of the main beach.  

Banyan Bay Villas is situated in a private little bay, small villas with beautiful views and great for families.  

Horizon Beach Resort located at the main beach area (still very quiet!), great budget option with more rooms available.

Situation in Myanmar

The end of March saw the inauguration of general Min Aung Hlaing as president of Myanmar and a full cabinet of ministers who have changed from a military uniform to civilian clothes. As part of the Myanmar new year celebration, some political prisoners were released and sentences reduced – see also this Guardian article and this article that includes a recent picture of Aung San Suu Kyi moved from prison to house arrest.

The situation on the ground? People are tired of the war, tired of the daily bombing in the remote areas and feeling hopeless / don’t see a solution. People are in survival mood, already for 5 years and have adapted, learned how to cope with the shit.

The economy is really bad, cost of living increases, electricity is cut off every day, often for 8 hours. The kidnapping of youngest to send them to the army continues as does the bombing, burning of villages and other violence.

Many people think the current moves is a superficial attempt by Min Aung Hlaing to consolidate his power. The ‘emperor’ tries to change clothes but apart from that nothing really changes.

On a geopolitical level, we see that some governments see this as a new step towards less violence or somehow stability (although not democratic). With all the wars going on worldwide, reality is that there is not much interest in Myanmar…..

This hurts….as always, Myanmar seems to be forgotten, not important and also, because I see how action from Western governments is often limited to words and statements.

Anyway, we have to move on and so do the Myanmar people. With or without help from outside. With Counselling Corner, we do what we can to support people mentally and that’s going well, helping monthly over 3000 people to talk about their emotions.

IF we have clients who want to visit Myanmar, we check if they understand the current situation and have the right expectations. We then arrange the trip providing in-depth knowledge as we let our guides talk freely about the current situation and check our due-diligence to ensure the money spend by clients goes to the people who need it most.

Places that can currently be visited are Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Kalaw and Inle Lake.

What to read / Listen

Season two of Netflix series The Believers raises the stakes as faith, money, and power collide in a darker, sharper story. Still buzzing across Thailand, it’s even popped up at a Bangkok temple festival screening—blurring the line between fiction and reality.

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Edwin Briels and his team have been creating experiences for travellers for over 20 years. Edwin Briels continuously finds new paths to travel and new experiences to show clients the story of Myanmar and Thailand and engages you in a fascinating journey through this part of Asia with the most fascinating stories.