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Bangkok, 10 September 2010

Dear Partner,

Septembers‟ edition of D-Brief helps you to make the most of your time whilst shopping in

Thailand, Vietnam and China. We have handpicked six of the best shopping destinations in

the region. We suggest handy hints and the inside track of what to buy where.

Don‟t forget about „Passport‟, our quarterly offers brochure, with its unbeatable value

added holidays around the region. „Passport‟ provides you with interesting tips on what is

'hot' at the moment and ideas of new ways to discover our wonderful destinations, with

the convenience of booking by simply mailing passport@diethelmtravel.com.

Last but not least, join us on Facebook! We are sharing product updates, hotel reviews and

give you the latest news on www.facebook.com/diethelmtravel

Sincerely yours,

Victoria Sertic

Chief Sales Officer

Diethelm Travel Group

SHOPPING Bangkok

Bangkok's Jatujak Market - JJ for short - covering 35 acres and with some 15,000 stalls, is

a fantastic place to shop for Thai handicrafts, artwork, clothing, household goods and even

pets and plants. However, shopping at Jatujak can be exhausting; the place is sweltering,

crowded, a labyrinth of stalls and easy to get lost in!

Here is how to survive a day at JJ Weekend Market:

Carry a map: Get a free map of the

market at one of the information booths

once inside. We recommend the Nancy

Chandler version, widely available. Before

entering the market, earmark a meeting

point in case you get lost – the

strategically located Clock Tower, in the

market is always a good choice.

Prioritise: The market features items of a

wide variety of quality. For the higher

quality items, go to the area on the

western edge of the market, along

Kampaengphet 2 Road known as “Jatujak

Plaza”.

Relax and eat: Stop and have mango with

sticky rice or an iced tea at one of the

many food stalls or alternatively pamper

yourself with a 45 minute foot massage.

Bargain and buy: If you see something

you like, buy it on the spot. You will not

find the stall again for sure and

remember always to bargain; a totally

acceptable practice here.

Stay hydrated, stay sane: Go early.

Jatujak Market is open on Saturday and

Sunday from 8am to 6pm. Always carry a

bottle of water with you and dress

comfortably.

Bangkok’s Jatujak Market – It’s Definitely an Adventure!

While visiting Bangkok it is almost impossible not to

be dazzled by the shiny gold displayed in the shop

windows of Chinatown, Silom area and MBK mall. In

Thailand, as in many other Asian countries, gold

reflects a person‟s status, wealth and success and is

bought as an investment. The purer the gold, the

more yellow it will appear. This is exactly why gold in

Asia seems almost unnaturally yellow to a visitor. If

you wish to buy gold in Thailand, make sure you buy

from reputable shops and avoid street vendors. All

purchases should have a gold content stamp on it.

Once infected with “gold fever” do not miss out on

seeing the world's largest solid-gold Buddha at Wat

Traimit. This astonishing Buddha image is nearly 3

meters high and weighs over 5 tons. The discovery of

the statue was a pure accident. The statue was

covered in plaster, probably to hide it from Burmese

invaders. During transportation, the casket fell and

smashed revealing this splendid golden Buddha

image hidden inside.

Gold Fever in Thailand

Thailand, one of the older sources of sapphire in the

world, is known as the centre of gem treatment,

lapidary and trading for the stone. In Buddhism,

sapphires represent friendship and loyalty. Even

though the Greek word sapphires translates into "blue

stone", sapphires come in a rainbow of colours. The

treatment to improve the colour and clarity of

sapphires has reached its ultimate perfection here in

Thailand.

When deciding to buy a Sapphire, ensure you shop

around first as there is a wide range of cuts and

settings on offer. Compare prices at the wholesale

jewellery market on Mahesak Road just off Silom to

make sure you know what you are buying. It is

essential to purchase these stones from a certified

jeweller and you will receive a receipt marked

“Subject to identification and appraisal by a

registered gemologist”. A beautifully cut, polished and

set Sapphire is the ideal keepsake of your trip to The

Kingdom.

Sapphires – A Girl’s Best Friends

BangkokSHOPPING

“On Saturdays, I like to head to Bangkok‟s

Rajaprasong area, home to the city‟s most

luxurious shopping malls. There‟s no shortage of

fine dining, high-end retail brands and fancy

event spaces. I start-off my day with a croissant

and coffee at InterContinental‟s The Deli and

then visit the adjoining Gaysorn Plaza.

Gaysorn, a one-stop luxury shopping centre, is

the home of choice for international high-end

brands, as well as famous Thai designers, such

as the Sretsis sisters. Around mid-day, when I

start to feel hungry, I take a leisurely stroll on

the skywalk towards Siam BTS station. Siam

Paragon, on the right-hand side just off the

station, boasts a Gourmet Market that is

roughly the size of an entire football field on its

ground floor. A must see! However, today, I

decide to have a light Italian-Thai fusion lunch

at Another Hound by Greyhound on the first

floor. After lunch I am indecisive which shop to

hit first.

Help is near; the mall has a team of stylists that

assists you to make the right choices. Spending

a few hours with a personal shopper requires

showing up to Siam Paragon‟s “Platinum Club”

and filling out an application. If you are

travelling with children, Siam Ocean World,

an aquatic wonderland the size of three Olympic

swimming pools awaits your discovery in the

basement of the shopping center. Your

teenagers on the other hand will find Siam

Centre, a shopping complex just next door to

Siam Paragon and aimed at young adults with

trendy shops, cute eateries and its own radio

station, a great venue to spend the day. To relax

and round off my day I head to Red Sky Bar at

Centara Grand @ Central World to chill out

whilst enjoying the breathtaking alfresco vistas

of Bangkok from the 55th storey, “open rooftop”.

Sabine Herzog, Account Executive, Diethelm Travel

Group

A Day of World Class Shopping in Bangkok

SHOPPING Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, one of the most well-known night markets in Thailand, is centered

on Chang Klan road, right in the heart of the City. If you are staying in the centre of town, it

is probably within walking distance of your hotel. There are hundreds of street-side stalls

and indoor arcades to visit, so prepare for a long evening. The bazaar is a great place to

shop for exotic and beautifully handcrafted goods, created by local artisans and skilled

craftsman from the surrounding villages. Use your bargaining skills when buying and you

will find great quality products at very affordable prices.

How to bargain:

Prices on any Thai market are variable

and you can often obtain a final figure

of between 10-50 percent lower than

the original asking price. The price

really depends on your negotiating

skills.

Always shop around to know the going

rate. The skills to bargain are to: take it

easy, use a big smile, practice your Thai

and don‟t take it too seriously. Being too

pushy, could leave you empty handed!

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Where to stay within walking distance of

the Night Bazaar:

From The Chedi, set on the banks of the

Mae Ping River, it is only a 5 minute walk

to the Bazaar. The elegant retreat

features 84 modern rooms and suites.

Stay at the Manathai, an intimate

boutique hotel with 29 rooms. It is tucked

away on a small residential Soi in the

centre of Chiang Mai.

A tranquil heaven awaits you at the

Rachamankha where children under 12

years are not permitted as the hotel is

decorated with beautiful Asian antiques.

Chiang Mai is well known for its silver jewellery and

is most prominent in the headdresses of the hill-

tribe ladies. Similar to gold, the headdresses are a

sign of wealth, distinction and standing within the

village. The pieces have been hand-made for

centuries in the surrounding villages; sometimes

you may even find old silver British coins in these

headdresses. Combined with beads or other stones,

they make a very trendy souvenir from Chiang Mai.

When buying their products, keep in mind

that most hill-tribe jewellery is made out of

approximately 60% silver mixed with other

metals as opposed to the 925 or sterling

silver (92.5% silver and the rest alloy

metals), which one normally buys. Hill-tribe

artisans do not have exact measurements

and will not stamp their products. However,

visitors to Chiang Mai buy the gorgeous silver

pieces for their beauty and not the silver

content.

If you who are interested in the art of

jewellery making, you should visit Nova

Collection. It is a boutique, workshop, art lab

and jewellery school that specializes in the

fusion of old Thai and modern jewellery.

Creative minds who have some time on their

hands can join one of the school‟s workshops

to produce their own silver pieces. No prior

experience or training is needed. Simply ask

one of our local guides for details.

Silver Jewellery from Northern Thailand

VAT refund: Before check-in at Bangkok International Airport, make sure to take your VAT Refund

forms, the goods themselves and your passport to the tax refund counter, located in the departure

hall. Pay the 100 Baht service fee and you will be given the refund. The forms are available at shops

displaying “Vat Refund for Tourists” signs in the City. The total value of the goods claimed for refund,

must be more than 5,000 Baht, with at least 2,000 Baht per individual receipt. Note that you have to

show the goods bought, so pack accordingly.

Payment/money: Major credit cards are accepted in most shopping centres, however additional fees

may be charged by both the retailer and your card provider. You are better off paying cash for small

purchases and at markets as bargaining for goods is best done with Thai baht. ATMs that accept Visa

and other credit cards are easily found (even at Jatujak Market) and dispense Thai baht.

Return & exchange: Generally purchases may be exchanged or returned for a refund within 7 days

from the date of purchase. This rule applies to most department stores and upscale shops. However, it

is not as widely practiced as it is in western nations – certainly not in smaller shops or markets.

Therefore, it is best to try out electronics in the store and make sure all parts are included. It also is a

good idea to try on clothes before buying them as Asian sizes might differ from Western ones.

Always double check and keep your receipts.

Shopping Tips and Hints for Thailand

SHOPPING Hoi An

Hoi An was one of the major trading centres

of Southeast Asia from the 16th -19th century.

With a colourful history of Chinese and

Japanese influences, Hoi An architecture is

very much influenced by these ancient

cultures.

Many of the town‟s original structures are still

intact today and UNESCO recognised Hoi An

as a world heritage site in 1999.

The charming old town of Hoi An can best be

discovered by taking a walking tour along its

narrow streets. Hoi An, possibly more than

anywhere else in Vietnam, retains its old

world charm as if time has stood still. Cycling

is another wonderful way to explore the Town

and surrounding scenery.

Exploring the Charming Shopping Heaven Hoi An

Ask our local guide for bicycle hire options

or escorted cycling itineraries.

While exploring Hoi An, you will notice

several different quaint streets with a

variety of shopping options. If you wish to

indulge in some retail therapy, head to Hai

Ba Trung south of Tran Hung Dao and

along Hoang Dieu, which are the main

shopping areas.

Why not combine your Hoi An shopping

spree with a relaxing day at an idyllic five-

star beach resort in Danang or venture on

for more culture to the historic town of

Huế. We would be happy to give you more

information about extension options.

Where to stay: Vinh Hung 1 Hotel is very conveniently located in the ancient town of Hoi

An. There are a total of 6 rooms in this 125 year-old Chinese trader's home. All are

furnished with antiques and have a window looking out to the Old Quarter.

A typical painter is Mr. Hoang Trong Tien (107 Tran

Phu Phu Street, +84511 3910964). Born in 1958,

Tien began painting in 1975. He was an in-house

artist for Central Vietnam Cinematic Company from

1978 until 1981. A very knowledgeable and

cheerful character, whose creations are individual

and a great investment.

Handicrafts & Paintings in Hoi An

Hoi An Town has become a centre for art and many

artists have moved into the area to open their own

galleries. Oil painting is probably the most common

medium you can find and the subjects of the art

range from the local scenery of Hoi An, to the ladies

traditional dresses and flowers.

Besides an array of art exhibitions, the town also

offers art services like making portraits and print

works.

o Round up your shopping with a visit to Tam-Tam

Café & Bar (110 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Tel: +84

510 3862 212). This historic and laid-back

restaurant, is renowned for its service and tasty

dishes.

o In our opinion, Hoa-Nhap Handicrafts (103 Nguyen

Thai Hoc Street, Tel: +84 5113910 168), is a must

for local handicrafts. All items for sale are made by

local handicapped people, with a majority of the

purchase price going to the artists themselves.

o Be sure to wear comfortable shoes to do your

shopping. Your high heels would only be destroyed

after a day on the town‟s cobble stoned streets, let

alone your feet.

o Tailors are everywhere is Hoi An and the key is to

find a good one. Should you decide to get a piece

of clothing made, shop around to make sure you

see and feel the choice of fabric quality.

Our recommendation would be to give all tailors at

least two days to prepare your garment. If you are

not entirely satisfied with the fit, keep going back

until it is right.

Shopping Hints and Tips for Hoi An

SHOPPING Hoi An

Hoi An has two centuries of Japanese merchants influence from the period around the 16th

& 17th century; during this time they often hung tube shaped lanterns in front of their

houses. The lanterns provided light to the entire commercial quarter at night and then

locals began hanging lanterns outside their homes as this was thought to bring luck to the

town.

Every 14th day of each Vietnamese lunar month, on the full moon night, the town

celebrates the Legendary Night Festival. Only during this time is all artificial lighting turned

off, vehicles are not allowed on the streets and the locals walk the moon and lantern lit

streets in old traditional costumes. When visiting during this festival you will see locals of all

different ages reciting poetry or performing traditional Vietnamese operas. A really cultural

enriching experience and one we highly recommend.

These colourful lanterns are made from 100 percent jacquard silk fabric which is stretched

over a narrow bamboo frame. They can easily be transported back home with you as they

fold together and can simply be expanded like an umbrella when you arrive home.

Visitors who are interested in the art of lantern making should visit the Ha Linh Workshop

(72 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Tel: +84 510 392 3037) or join Diethelm Travel on a tour to

explore the back-roads of Hoi An by bicycle: On our ride through the picturesque surrounds

of Hoi An, we will visit a family making the famous lanterns. There, you can try your hand

at the craft. Our guides will be happy to give you more information.

Colourful Hoi An Lanterns

SHOPPING Hanoi

Hanoi is a great city in which to get out

and about in. No doubt simply strolling

around and getting lost in the Old Quarter,

will be a highlight of your stay.

The Old Quarter is easy to find so ask your

taxi driver to drop you off at Hoan Kiem

Lake. From the red bridge, cross the street

and you enter a different world dating

back to the 13th century.

The narrow sidewalks and many artisans

and shops all contribute to the atmosphere

of the Old Quarter. In its hey day, the

streets were lined with merchants

specialising in a particular trade, ranging

from silk merchants to jewellery traders.

Some of these artisans can still be found in

the Old Quarter today. Hang Thiec Street

(Tinsmith Street) is best known for making

candle sticks, opium boxes and oil lamps.

o On weekend‟s, a night market is open

along the pavements in central Hang

Ngang and Hang Duong, when the

area becomes pedestrianised.

The flea market-style vendors sell

mostly tourist trinkets.

o Take a break at Tamarind Cafe, serving

vegetarian dishes set in very laid-back

surroundings. Even if you are not

vegetarian, this cafe‟s food is mouth-

watering and located on Ma May

Street.

o A good place to meet up when you

have had enough shopping is

Highland‟s Coffee, Vietnam‟s own

version of Starbucks. The shop is

located on the fourth floor of probably

the most prominent building on Dong

Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. A real treat!

Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Lacquer ware

Lacquer is a natural varnish which comes from a type of cashew tree. In

Vietnam, it is said that the lacquer from trees in the province of Phu Tho is the

best quality in the country. Hanoi is famous for its lacquer ware crafts and you

will find many workshops and boutiques both producing and selling these

wares. While some pieces are designed to be used on an everyday basis such

as rice bowls and chopsticks, many people choose to display the lacquer ware

as ornaments rather than use them.

Most of Vietnam's leading painters attended Hanoi University of Fine Arts, and

around Hang Bong Street you will find numbers of galleries that display

modern lacquer pieces. The best shops will offer to arrange for packing and

international shipping if you require.

Clothing & accessories

It is now very popular in Hanoi to find old blending with the new. You will

discover lots of stores like this with stunning creations by up and coming young

Vietnamese designers. They use traditional designs as inspiration and give

them a modern fashionable slant. Styles tend to be more simple, but are high

quality and all hand-made. Handbag guru Christina Yu, best known for her

unique label Ipa-Nima, has chosen Hanoi as her base, although her creations

are sold in London and Hong Kong. Best of all are the bespoke fashion

accessories you can buy for a bargain such as one-of-a-kind hats and

handbags made by local artisans. Totally unique and you will be the envy of

your friends back home.

What to look out for in Hanoi?

Our recommendations in Hanoi for where to buy

Vietnamese clothing and lacquer ware are:

„Mirror Mirror‟ is the shop of young designer Ha

Truong. She mixes, matches and creates interesting

designs that work well with many different body

shapes (1 Truong Han Sieu).

„Apricot Gallery‟ holds works by Vietnam‟s most

well-known contemporary lacquer painter, Dinh

Quan, as well as other artist of the current

vanguard (40B Hang Bong Street).

„Things of Substance‟ mostly sells cotton and linen

clothing with a touch of Eastern influence; perfect

for that elegant look in hot weather (5 Nha Tho).

„Hanoi Moment‟ sells a small selection of porcelain

and lacquer flatware. The pieces are nicely

presented so at a glance you can see their entire

collection (101 Han Gai Street).

Charming Boutiques and Great Galleries in Hanoi

SHOPPING Beijing

The Xiushui Market or Silk Street Market is currently one of the busiest shopping places

in Beijing. A couple of years ago, this place was a colourful collection of open-air stalls,

selling silk products, garments and souvenirs. In 2005 this market moved across the

road, into a modern seven storey's high shopping complex and on weekend‟s attracting

more than 50,000 visitors. Nowadays the Silk Street Market is one of the best places for

fashion, cheap luxury designer brands and traditional Chinese handicrafts.

Naturally shopping in Asia would not be complete without plenty of food outlets, for a

refreshing drink or a tasty bite. Inside the Xiushui Market you can find a branch of the

famous Quanjude Restaurant, well-known for its mouthwatering Quanjude Peking Roast

Duck and pancakes.

The well trained sales agents at the market speak fluent English which makes it easier

for you to bargain with them. This definitely is a place where you need to bargain hard to

get a reasonable price. Also, if possible, try to slip clothes on over your own ones as sizes

seem to be smaller than at home.

How to get there? Take the Beijing Subway and get off at Yonganli Station. Look for the

Northwestern Exit of Yonganli Station, which has direct access to the Xiushui Market.

Spend a Day at Beijing’s Xiushui Silk Street

SHOPPING Beijing

“Wangfujing definitely is the most prestigious

area to do your shopping in Beijing. I normally

leave my house at 9 am and take the subway to

Tian Anmen Square station from where I can

easily access the Grand Hyatt Hotel. I always

pack my sunglasses as I will need them while

enjoying a coffee on the hotel‟s terrace in the

crisp morning sun. From here I enjoy the

fabulous view over the Forbidden City. It

makes me feel like a Chinese princess from past

dynasties. After a small breakfast, I walk to

Oriental Plaza, where international brands like

Tiffany, Burberry, Coach, Channel, Prada, Anna

Sui as well as luxury jewellery stores, cosy

restaurants and cinemas can be found. After a

couple of hours at Oriental Plaza, I exit the mall

through the west gate and start my Saturday

walking adventure. I stop at the Beijing

Waiwen Book Store to buy a nice book about

Chinese history and get a Chinese traditional

costume for my next cocktail party made at one

of the many dressmaker stores. In the

afternoon, I like to visit the Xin Dong An

Department Store to buy poria cake, a

popular imperial pastry. This is also a good

opportunity to visit Beijing‟s oldest photo studio

(Zhongguo Zhaoxiang Guan; 180# Wangfujing,

Beijing) where the first pictures of Chinese

Governors in the 1950‟s were taken. Once I

have shopped enough for the day, I start

looking for my dinner at the Wangfujing

Snack Street. Without doubt, you will have a

once in life time experience tasting deep fried

insects, salted cattle tongue, assorted

dumplings, Tand Hu Lu (traditional sugar-coated

fruits), barbecued lamb and spring rolls. My

favorite is still roasted duck. Later in the

evening, I take a taxi back home.”

Julia Shi, Managing Director, Diethelm Travel China

A Full Day Shopping Experience at Wangfujing, Beijing

Jade: This ornamental stone is extremely important for

the Chinese people. For them this precious stone

stands for beauty, grace and purity. It can protect

against evil spirits and it brings good luck to the

person who is wearing it as a talisman. It is said that

the stone gives healthy energy and can absorb toxins

from the body. One of the most well-known places in

Beijing to buy jade is the Dragon Land Superior Jade

Gallery (Beijing Zhenfu Xi Road). Here you will find

numerous pieces of beautiful jade: ornaments,

jewellery and handicraft articles.

Calligraphy: Calligraphy is the art of “Beautiful Writing”.

In Asia, especially China, it is not only a technique for

writing Chinese characters, but also an unique art of

expression and learning discipline.

People do not need to be able to read these Chinese

characters, to appreciated its beauty. In Old Beijing,

especially the streets of Dazhalan and Liulichang are

famous for their high quality calligraphy stores. Here

you can easily meet with a Calligraphy Master and learn

about this form of art. And of course: don‟t leave the

shop without a nice piece of this abstract art.

What to look out for in China?

Always ask for receipt: With this receipt you can

return your purchase in case you have a quality

problem, ask for a full refund or exchange the item.

Chinese customs may ask you for receipts when you

leave China; have them to hand.

Antiques: When buying antiques, make sure that

they carry a wax seal. This indicates that the piece is

authentic and that it is allowed to be taken out of

China.

Payment/money: Although all major Credit Cards

(Master Card, Visa and American Express) are

accepted in most of the big department stores, it is

still recommended to pay with cash.

Shipping: If you want to buy larger items (like

furniture), check first if they can be shipped.

Carefully check the costs and conditions. For large

items, we recommend you arrange international

shipping, which is the easiest and cheapest way to

send furniture home.

Shopping Hints and Tips for China

SHOPPING Tibet

What would a trip to Tibet be without buying some of the exquisite local souvenirs

either for yourself or family and friends. When travelling through this unique

destination you will definitely not be disappointed by the variety and beauty of the

typical Tibetan arts and crafts. In Lhasa you will find one of Tibet's best shopping

districts: Bakhor Street. This is the oldest street in Lhasa and where the pilgrims

come to walk in a clockwise direction around the Jokhang Temple. All the houses

along this street are little shops, selling local handicrafts and souvenirs such as

“Thanka‟s” , prayer wheels, prayer flags, butter-lamps and Tibetan-style hats.

Besides “simply” shopping, the street is a lively place to watch the colourful people. It

is frequently visited by the locals who come to do their own shopping. In short: it‟s

just the perfect place to sit, enjoy a cup of salty yak butter-tea and watch the

colourful stream of people passing by.

During their travel through Tibet many tourists become aware of the traditional

Tibetan Medicine which has both Chinese and the Indian influence. Various local

herbs are used in the medical supplements and are very easy to get on local markets.

Herbs like saffron, aweto (Caterpillar Fungus) and snow lotus can be found on the

market-square, opposite the entrance of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.

Handicraft and Artwork from Tibetan Artisans

For those who want to take some of Tibet‟s culture

home, the purchase of a Thangka painting might be

interesting. The Thangka is traditionally a painting on

silk, depicting a Buddhist event or a historic scene in

the Religion. Very popular as souvenirs as not only do

they illustrate Buddhist history, but they can be folded

and easily carried home.

A Thangka artist is being trained and tested for more

than ten years before he becomes an authorised

Thangka painter. To complete a Thangka, with all its

ritual procedures, can take more than one year.

Diethelm Travel has connections to a well known

Thangka Master from the Tashilunbu Monastery. He

was appointed a Thangka portrait painter for the 10th

Panchen Lama. By visiting his Thangka school,

travellers can learn about the long training and what is

required to make a Thangka. Meanwhile, if you wish to

purchase a Thangka, the proceeds will be used for the

monastery‟s refurbishment.

The Art of Painting Tibetan Thangkas

When visiting a Tibetan Temple or Shrine it is an

ancient custom to bring an offering. It is said that

“giving and receiving go hand in hand, like

breathing-in and breathing-out”. Our guides will help

you to purchase some auspicious items, to hand-

over to a monk, during a chanting session.

Some typical offering items are :

Yak butter candles: When entering a Tibetan Temple

it is impossible to miss the thousands and thousands

of small yak butter candles. Also their typical smell

cannot be missed…. According to good Tibetan

tradition, offering yak butter candles to temples and

shrines will bring good luck and merit.

Khata: A silk white scarf. This gift honours monks,

teachers and elderly. The Khata symbolizes purity

and aspiration.

Be Part of a Tibetan Offering Ceremony

COOKING

• Clean the duck, removing and discarding any excess fat in the cavity.

• Tie a piece of string around its neck. Pat dry. • Bring 25 cups of water to the boil and turn off the

heat. • Put the duck into the water and turn it backwards and

forwards for about 1 minute. Remove. • Bring the water to the boil again and repeat the

previous step. • Do this twice more (total four times). • Hang the duck in a cool, draughty place for about 5

hours. • Mix the coating ingredients with 10 tablespoons hot

water and brush the duck all over with the mixture. • Hang to dry for a further 4 hours and apply a second

layer of coating. • Pre-heat the oven to 450oF / 230oC. • Put a roasting pan in the oven with a wire rack in it,

making sure that there is a space of about 5 cm between the rack and the pan base.

• Place the duck on the rack, breast side up, and roast for 8 minutes.

• Turn the duck over using a towel, not a fork, and roast for a further 8 minutes.

• Reduce the temperature to 350oF / 180oC and turn the duck breast side up again.

• Roast for 20 minutes. Lower the temperature to 250oF / 120oC and roast for 10 minutes.

• Increase the heat again to 450oF / 230oC and roast the duck for about 10 minutes.

• At this point you have to watch carefully to make sure the skin of the duck does not burn.

Ingredients:2.5 kg Duck40 pieces Chinese pancake 6 Spring onions1/2 Cucumber, sliced2 Red chillies

For the Coating1 tablespoon Malt sugar, honey or molasses1 teaspoon Corn flour1/2 teaspoon Vinegar

For the Sauce2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce1 tablespoon Peanut butter1 tablespoon Sesame oil1 tablespoon Chinese yellow wine

• Turn off the heat once the skin has turned a rich deep red. • Cut the spring onions into 5 cm lengths, shred the tip of each

piece and put it in iced water for 10 minutes. Cut the cucumber into similar lengths.

• Decorate each piece with a red chili ring. • Blend together the sauce ingredients over a low heat. • Carve off the skin on the back of the duck. • Hold the knife horizontally and carve the skin and meat from

the breast and legs, cutting at an angle of 15o. • Arrange the skin and meat on a large plate and serve it with

Chinese pancakes and cucumber, spring onions and the sauce.

Source: www.asianonlinerecipes.com

Recipe of the Month - Famous Peking Duck

Visa Section

CHINA

Every tourist travelling to China must get a visa

prior to arrival. This usually is an easy and

trouble free process. Tourist visas for individual

travellers can be obtained directly through a

Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home

country. Two passport photographs are required

along with a completed application form.

The Visa fees vary considerable, depending on

the source of the visa, the applicant‟s nationality

and the time taken to get it. Please note that

there is no „visa on arrival‟ for tourists travelling

to China.

If you wish to obtain the visa via Diethelm

Travel in Bangkok, the following items must be

supplied to our office in Bangkok:

o Original Passport

o Two passport-size photos

o Visa fee of USD 45 per person

(except US nationals who are charged USD

180 per person)

The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok requires at

least five working days to process the

visa. Therefore, allow sufficient time in Thailand

to complete the visa application process. If such

arrangements are not possible, we suggest you

to secure the visa before your client‟s arrival in

Asia at the nearest Chinese Embassy or

Consulate in your country.

Important notes:

o Visa fees are subject to change without prior

notice.

o Visas can only be requested via Diethelm

Travel in connection with bookings of travel

arrangements.

o A multiple-entry visa is essential if you plan to

re-enter China, especially if you plan to visit

either Hong Kong or Macau.

o Many regions, such as Tibet and other remote

areas, require special permits for tourist travel.

Diethelm Travel can help you to secure the

appropriate permits.

Entry into ChinaBo rde r s

Unbeatable Special offers – „PASSPORT‟

„Passport‟ provides you with exclusive value-

added offers which we have negotiated on

your behalf.

Go to www.diethelmtravel.com to read, down-

load or print a copy. Newsline

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updates, information and special promotions from

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– just click on the link in our newsline.

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D - B r i e f

Diethelm Travel GroupKian Gwan II Bldg, 14/F140/1 Wireless Road,

Bangkok 10330, ThailandPhone: +66 2 660 7000 / Fax: +66 2 660 7027

E-mail: sales@diethelmtravel.com

www.diethelmtravel.com