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Edition 11
Soft Adventure
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D-Brief
Bangkok, 21 July 2011
Dear Partner,
This month, we introduce you to fun and exciting experiences for active travellers. The
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options we have assembled, under the theme “soft adventure holidays”, range from
participating in a traditional Bhutanese archery match to discovering the “Lost Valley of
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Sabah” by foot and quad biking in Cambodia.
Whether it is a nine-day trek through Bhutan or a two-hour family excursion, active
holidays can offer a unique experience to everyone with a reasonable fitness level. Soft
adventures are a great way to discover a destination and gain an insight into your hosts‟
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traditions, culture and way of life.
Join us to get even closer to the action!
Yours sincerely,
Your Diethelm Travel Team
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Soft Adventure
Soft adventure travel has been one of the
fastest growing trends in the travel Trekking & Archery in Bhutan
industry for a few years. Many holiday
makers are seeking new experiences
which take them out of the beach resorts Quad Biking in Cambodia
and bring them closer to nature and the
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local people. It does not have to be a
two-week trek to the Himalayas; simple Horseback Safari in India
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experiences like cycling and walking tours
or wildlife viewing can spice up every
journey.
Cycling Tour in Laos
Comfortable active adventure has become
the new way to experience the best of the
Maliau Basin in Malaysia
outdoors. A busy day‟s exploring the
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environment‟s flora and fauna, is often
followed by a glass of chilled wine and a Walking Tour in Myanmar
comfortable bed. After all, there is nothing
wrong with wanting adventure and a little
bit of luxury too. Join us in discovering Whale Watching in Sri Lanka
fresh and new ideas for adventure from
around the region. Click your desired
option and you will link to the particular Rock Climbing in Vietnam
theme.
Bhutan Trekking Adventure
Discover the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon by
embarking on a nine-day trekking and culture journey
through the valleys of Thimphu, Paro and Gangtey.
Whilst hiking through forests of juniper, bamboo,
magnolia and rhododendrons, breathe in the fresh air
and absorb the beautiful scenery. Stop at traditional
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Dzongs (fortresses) and monasteries, allowing you to
catch your breath and learn more about Bhutan‟s
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history and religion. With four solid days of 6 to 7
hours of walking, this itinerary is designed for the
active traveller who wants to combine sightseeing
with visits to traditional farmhouses. A hike up to the
famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger‟s Nest) and rafting
along the Pho Chu River, coming across stretches of
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Class II and IV rapids, are highlights of this itinerary.
This experience is all about getting close up and
personal with Bhutan‟s people and traditions. Walking
through rural villages and visiting traditional arts
schools, experience the Bhutanese way of life and
understand the country‟s unique history. In sync with
this sense of nature and freedom, the journey is
completed with a friendly archery match in the
company of the locals.
Archery – Bhutan’s National Sport
Archery, Bhutan‟s national sport, is played
throughout the year on different occasions. Each
village has its own archery field where teams
compete in elaborate, multi-day tournaments that
are great spectacles for every visitor. The sport is
played in an open area and targets are placed with a
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distance of around 120 to 150 metres from each
other. Each team is made up of 15 players, with
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every archer being allowed two arrows to shoot. The
teams shoot alternately and with every point the
teams celebrate on both ranges.
An important part of the game is the social aspect of
dancing and drinking. Each team, for example,
brings its own „cheerleading squad‟: A group of
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teenage girls who dance for their team and serve as
a source of entertainment and distraction. No one is
spared from their laughs and cruel comments aimed
to throw off the archer‟s game. Traditionally,
participants in the game can use almost any means
to distract or demoralise the other team, including
dancing in front of the targets. It is this aspect of
the game that makes archery tournaments in Bhutan
such a great experience.
Quad Biking in Cambodia
Off-road quad biking is a fun activity for the whole
family. ATV, all terrain vehicles, or quad bike tours
take you around Siem Reap, which is not only home
to ancient temples, but also extensive rice paddies
and local villages.
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Basically a motorbike with four large very rugged
looking wheels, a quad bike can be driven by any
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teenager or adult. No driving license or prior quad
biking experience is necessary and, for those who
are a bit nervous about hitting the trails on a quad
bike, training is given by experienced staff before
departing for the tour. Practical lessons ensure that
you feel comfortable with the bike and do not
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encounter any difficulties operating the quad (which
is an automatic). Every participant is given clear
instructions and a helmet; smaller children ride
pillion. Once you are ready for the adventure, your
guide leads the way and off you go.
There are five different tours to choose from,
depending on your time at hand and your level of
driving. Contact us for more details.
Exploring Siem Reap and its surroundings
All routes are well-planned and offer glimpses of
local village life with great views of paddy fields and
temples. There are ample opportunities to stop and
soak in the views, take pictures and chat to the
locals.
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The Sunset Tour, Easy Ride Tour and Discovery Tour
are suitable for all levels including beginners.
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Starting late afternoon the Sunset Tour takes you
through 12 kilometres of countryside and ends with
a beautiful view of the sun as it sets below the rice
paddies. The Easy Ride Tour covers a route south of
Siem Reap and, with only 17 kilometres, is great for
travellers with limited time at hand. The Discovery
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Tour is the perfect way to see Siem Reap area in a
full-day and includes a visit to an orphanage and a
chance to meet the locals.
For the more adventurous and experienced drivers
there are both half and full day tours available
through villages and rice fields on bumpy dirt roads.
The route leads to the monastery of Pourk where
you meet and spend some time with the monks.
Horseback Safari in Rajasthan
There is no better way to experience the vast
expanses of Rajasthan than on horseback. During the
course of the horse riding journey, riders become part
of the breathtaking landscape, almost “at one” with
the surroundings. One gets to see historical
monuments and scenery, which might be missed on a
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more conventional sightseeing tour. A horseback
safari guided by professional equestrians ensures an
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experience of a lifetime!
Your ride starts near Jodhpur, a town with immense
history and great architecture, the Mehrangarh Fort
and Umaid Bhawan Palace being the more prominent
among them. The journey continues through the
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Bishnoi tribal belt, the “eco conservation tribe” of the
desert, who would die protecting their animals. This
is where you get to see the blackbuck and Indian
gazelle in large numbers around the areas the tribes
people inhabit. Next you move into dry farmland,
where one can see the use of oxen ploughing, carting
and irrigating fields. As dusk falls, you stay at either a
Fort, Palace or Rawla (a small mansion of erstwhile
nobility). These properties are still owned by
Travel at the Pace of Nature
aristocrats, who have gracefully converted their
homes to classic heritage hotels, combining
luxurious modern amenities with timeless traditional
charm.
As we approach the Aravalli Hills, you begin to
encounter the Rabari herdsmen - colourful nomadic
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shepherds who travel thousands of kilometres with
their flocks, searching for pasture for their sheep.
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The lakes near the hills are home to migratory water
birds and the odd crocodile relaxing in the sun. You
are now in a predominantly Jain (an Indian religion
emphasising the equality of all life) area and you get
to visit some marvellous temples like the one at
Ranakpur. As you start to ascend into the hills, you
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encounter hundreds of species of exotic forest birds
and fauna such as bear, wolf and leopard. The end
of the trip brings you to the erstwhile state of Mewar
at the historic fort of Kumbhalgarh.
Diethelm Travel India would be happy to arrange a
horseback safari especially tailored for you. Travel at
a pace that nature intended, taking in the lifestyle
and philosophy of India.
Cycling Tour in Vientiane
Discover the unknown face of Vientiane, one of the
smallest and most relaxed capitals in the world, by
bicycle. Get on your bike and explore the "real" and
simple rural way of life of this charming city, located
on the banks of the mighty Mekong River.
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Affectionately called “Southeast Asia‟s biggest
village”, Vientiane, with a population of just over half
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a million, is Laos‟ cultural and commercial centre.
Whilst compared to other Asian cities, the town
seems small and sleepy, however, Laotians consider it
to be full of activity in comparison to other towns in
the country. In 1545, Vientiane became the
administrative capital under the Kingdom of Lan Xang
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(Kingdom of a Million Elephants) and was rebuilt by
the French in 1828 to become the country‟s main city,
after the Siamese left it in ruins.
Even though the city does not feature as many
colonial buildings like its Vietnamese counterpart
Hanoi, baguettes and fragrant coffee can still be
found at every street corner.
Authentic Vientiane
Many interesting places where locals are going about
their daily life cannot be found by simply sightseeing
around the Capital, but by cycling through school
yards, along temples, markets and small local
restaurants, one gets a real insight into Laos. Cycle
along the residences of the former colonial rulers
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and explore alleyways lined with palm and wild
banana trees, rarely visited by foreigners. Around
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noon, your guide will take you to have a local lunch
at a small Lao restaurant and you can freshen up
over delicious Laotian specialities and an ice cold
Beer Lao.
The track is mostly flat and leads away from the
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busy streets over dirt roads, which are generally in
good condition. The tour is designed for participants
who know how to ride a bicycle and everyone with a
normal fitness level can participate. We assure you
that it is an ideal choice for families and plenty of
fun can be had by all. Contact us for full details.
The Maliau Basin - “Sabah’s Lost World”
Officially discovered by a pilot in 1947, the Maliau
Basin is an area in south central Sabah encircled by a
wall of steep cliffs, rising some 900 metres above the
jungle floor. About the size of Singapore and only
accessible at the point where the Maliau River exits
the basin, the first expedition to the area only took
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place in 1988. The explorers discovered a primary
tropical forest where time seemed to have stood still.
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The inaccessibility of the Basin has resulted in a place
where nature and wildlife coexist in perfect harmony,
boasting impressive waterfalls and canyons.
Over 1,800 species of plants have been identified in
the Basin, including 80 different kinds of orchids.
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Visitors are bound to see exotic birds, with the Maliau
Basin having the largest concentration of Helmeted
Hornbill, which one can hear croaking loudly in the
late evening. There are plenty of monkeys which can
be seen almost every day and other mammal species
including the Sumatran Rhinos, Malayan Sunbear and
Clouded Leopard. To date only about 2,000 people
have visited the Maliau Basin and less than fifty
Trek through the Maliau Basin
percent of the area has been explored. A true
“Jurassic Park without dinosaurs”!
For nature lovers and avid trekkers with a sense of
adventure, a visit to the Maliau Basin is a once-in-a-
lifetime experience. Diethelm Travel Malaysia can
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assist you in booking a three or six-day trekking trip
to the “Lost World”. The starting point for the trek is
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Kota Kinabalu from where it takes a half-day's drive,
partly over bumpy gravel, to reach the Maliau Basin
Information Gallery. Each visitor needs to register at
the Maliau Basin Study Centre before being allowed
to enter the Park. On the first day, visitors receive an
overview of the Basin and explore the area around
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the main lodge, which includes a night drive in
search of nocturnal wildlife. Subsequent days are
spent trekking through the basin and sleeping at
very basic camp sites.
Due to the remote nature of the Maliau Basin,
trekkers must submit a copy of their latest Personal
Insurance Policy covering them for emergency
helicopter evacuation if need be, as well as a Fitness
Certificate confirmed by a doctor.
Walking Tour Yangon
Immerse yourself into the hustle and bustle of
downtown Yangon and discover its amazingly varied
and colourful way of life, during a fascinating walking
tour. Yangon is widely known for having the most
extensive assortment of urban colonial architecture in
Southeast Asia; the downtown area is laid out in a
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grid pattern with Sule Pagoda as its central reference
point. Yangon has many magnificent buildings
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constructed in the early 20th century. Some are in a
state of disrepair, but one could argue it all adds to
their charm.
Led by a knowledgeable Diethelm Travel guide, start
your walk at the Yangon River to see the busy
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harbour area. Here, ferries leave for Pathein in the
Delta and for upcountry towns along the Ayeyarwady
River; a hive of activity with porters loading huge
sacks of rice, street vendors, trishaws and ferry
passengers can be seen. During the walk, catch a
glimpse of Chinatown with its Chinese medicine shops
and the colourful vegetable, fruit, fish and meat
markets, busy with locals bargaining and trading their
products.
Close Up Yangon
On 26th Street you will pass the old Moseah Yeshua
Synagogue before entering the Indian Quarter. Then
you visit Shwe Bontha, perhaps the most photogenic
of all streets, with its leafy sidewalks, pavement tea-
shops and magnificent colonial buildings. This is
where all the gold (Shwe means gold) merchants
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buy and sell in a local version of a stock exchange.
Walking through Mahabandoola Garden, you see
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Sule Pagoda, City Hall and what was once the
largest department store in Asia and now sadly
unoccupied, before walking round the impressive
High Court building into Pansodan Street for the
homeward leg. Passing stalls selling second-hand
and photocopied books and the Myanmar Port
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Authority building, you arrive at the Strand Hotel,
itself a stunning colonial building, to conclude your
walk. Enjoy a well deserved refreshment or
afternoon tea in colonial grandeur.
Diethelm Travel Myanmar offers an easy three hour
stroll through the Capital, perfect for witnessing
Burmese culture, traditions and history.
Sri Lanka - Home to the Blue Giants
The pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, is a
paradise for beautiful creatures of the deep. Home to
the largest animal on earth, the Blue Whale, the
waters surrounding Sri Lanka, boast 26 of the 80
species of cetaceans in the world. These include the
Humpback Whale, Sperm Whale and Byrdes Whale. It
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is believed that some whales are resident while
others are migratory, crossing over to the Arabian
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Sea, passing Dondra, the southern tip of the island.
The waters also teem with several species of dolphins
including the Spinner Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin and
Risso‟s Dolphin. These amazing creatures can be seen
throughout the year, as the 105 rivers of Sri Lanka
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carry an abundance for food to the ocean all year
around. The rivers in conjunction with the upwelling
at the edge of the continental shelf bringing in cool,
nutrient-rich water, guarantee the dolphin‟s food
chain in the warm tropical seas surrounding the
island.
To see a blue whale or school of dolphins at sea is
something most of us can only dream of, so why not
use this opportunity to make a dream come true?
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Whilst visiting Sri Lanka, one cannot miss out on an
up close and personal glimpse of the whales in their
natural habitat!
Be a part of this experience and venture out on an
escapade in search of the rare giants of the ocean.
Dondra, off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a
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haven for whales. December, January and April are
the peak months in which sighting whales is almost
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a guarantee.
If you are in the mood for some friendly chatter or a
splendid display of performance acrobatics, you are
able to watch the playful dolphins off the shores of
Kalpitiya, at the north-western coast of Sri Lanka.
The best viewing time is usually November to March,
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when one can spot up to 200 dolphins, at any time.
Delve into the natural habitat of these ocean
treasures in either motorized boats or trawlers.
Alternatively, enjoy a magnificent aerial view by
venturing out on an air expedition by helicopter or
seaplane. Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka can arrange all
the options mentioned.
Rock Climbing on Cat Ba Island
Halong Bay with 1,960 islets, most of which are
limestone, is one of the most naturally beautiful
locations on the planet. Just observing the beauty
from a junk or kayak may simply not be enough for
some visitors. From Cat Ba Island, an island of
approximately 140 square kilometres, visitors can
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venture out to discover the adjoining National Park
and neighbouring islands, by climbing on the exotic
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rock formations that make Halong Bay unique.
Rock climbing is relatively new to Vietnam and
climbing high over the turquoise waters of Halong
Bay is certainly an experience that will stay with you.
As you try climbing on multiple rock faces, you not
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only enjoy a view of Halong Bay, but also connect
with the beauty of the area by physically engaging it.
Almost everyone, no matter the age or experience,
can enjoy rock climbing. It can be as easy or
technically difficult as the climber wishes it to be,
depending on the terrain that is being climbed.
Vertical Halong Bay
Safety is very important and all guides are
experienced climbing instructors following the
highest international standards of safety and
excellence. The climber is paired with his or her
guide who secures the ropes and safety equipment,
which is regularly checked and maintained to ensure
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the highest level of safety.
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A climbing adventure up one of Halong Bay‟s rock
faces, supported by fellow travellers and an
instructor, offers a great way to actively challenge
yourself, conquer fears and enjoy a sense of
accomplishment.
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Rock climbing tours lasting from only few hours to
excursions of up to three days can be arranged
through Diethelm Travel Vietnam. No matter the
level of experience and fitness, a small adventure
awaits everyone in Halong Bay: various activities
from kayaking to trekking or visiting a local farming
village can be included in this itinerary.
Burmese Roasted Eggplant Salad (Khayan dhi pope thote)
This Burmese speciality is wonderfully intense, not Preparation Method
only from the aromatic crispy garlic and fresh To get that lovely smoky flavour, place the
coriander, but also because the roasted eggplant eggplants whole on a flat baking sheet lined
gives it a distinctive smoky flavour. The chopped with foil. Pierce the eggplants with a knife to
peanuts and sesame seeds add a crunchy texture to stop them bursting during cooking. Place under
the soft flesh, which is dressed with garlic oil, fish a hot grill for 15-25 minutes turning them
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sauce and lime juice. occasionally. Be sure to let the skin colour and
char. While the eggplants are grilling, make the
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crispy garlic and oil. Heat the oil in a small
Ingredients
saucepan and fry the garlic until golden and
2 medium eggplants
aromatic. Remove with a slotted spoon and
2 small shallots, thinly sliced & soaked in
cool. Drain the shallots and squeeze them in
cold water
your hands to remove any water. Pop them in a
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
bowl.
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2 tablespoons peanut oil
When the eggplants are ready, cool a little until
garnish
they can be handled. Cut them in half and
1 teaspoon dried shrimp, pounded into floss
scoop out the flesh into the bowl. Mix in 1
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
tablespoon of the frying oil and the garnishes.
1 teaspoon roasted peanuts, chopped
Taste and adjust the seasoning so there is a
small handful of fresh coriander, chopped
balance of salt and sourness. Serve while the
½ lime, juiced
salad is still a little warm.
1 tablespoon fish sauce
Recipe source: hsaba.com
Recipe
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Visa & Borders
Singapore Visitors in need of a visa for a social visit can
For most nationalities no travel visa permit is either submit their visa application online (e-
required if they wish to visit Singapore as Visa) through a local Singaporean contact with a
tourists. However, visitors must be in possession SingPass account or apply for a visa at the
of a passport valid six months beyond date of nearest Singapore Overseas Mission.
departure and have onwards travel documents
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to the next destination on them. The following documents are needed to apply
Nationals holding British and Irish passports for a social visit visa:
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may stay a maximum of 30 days, for other • Completed visa form
nationals the maximum length of stay without • One recent passport-sized colour photograph
visa is 14 days. • Photocopy of the applicant‟s passport
biodata page
Foreigners holding travel documents issued by • Local contact‟s Singapore identity card
the following countries will require a visa to (original and copy)
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enter Singapore: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Please remember that regulations can change at
Moldova, Russia, China, Tajikistan, short notice and all visitors are advised to check
Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, with the High Commission or the Embassy
Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, before leaving the country of residence. For
Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi more details please visit the website of the
Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of
Yemen. Singapore at http://www.ica.gov.sg.
Keep in Touch, Be Informed!
Summer 2011
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Diethelm Travel Group
Kian Gwan II Bldg, 14/F
140/1 Wireless Road,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 660 7000 / Fax: +66 2 660 7027
E-mail: sales@diethelmtravel.com
www.diethelmtravel.com