Travel Agent - September 10, 2007 - (Page 29)

The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai (www.fourseasons.com; +66-53-298-181) is a wonderful oasis in the lush Mae Rim Valley. The 20 acres include extensive landscaped gardens, terraces overlooking two small lakes, lily ponds, waterfalls, a working rice farm and two resident buffalos (great for photo ops). Book one of the luxurious and palatial “residence rooms,” which are available with one, two or three bedrooms. These rooms feature their own plunge pool and terrace. The threebedroom Penthouse occupies the two upper levels with a spiral staircase leading to a bedroom with stunning panoramic views of the nearby mountains and countryside. A personal “Mae Baan” (private housekeeper) is provided for each residence. One of our favorite features of the resort is its cooking school, which opened in January 2003. A full-day class immerses travelers into the preparation, culture and customs of Thai cuisine. Guests will learn how to prepare various local dishes such as spicy salad, traditional soups and noodles, health and spa cuisine, Thai curries and special chef selections. The freestanding cooking facility is designed in traditional Lanna style with picturesque views of the nearby mountains, manicured gardens and a nearby waterfall. The open-air school allows for wonderful breezes, with eight individual cooking stations. Agents can contact General Manager Andrew Harrison A guest room at the Sofitel Riverside Chiang Mai (andrew.harrison@fourseasons.com) for VIP bookings. The resort pays 10 percent commission. For the budget-conscious traveler, Fondcome Village Resort (www.fondcome.com; +66-53-125-333) is a unique hotel set outside the city. The 50 rooms are decorated in Lanna style, but each room is different, reflecting the various hill tribes and cultures. You can choose your room at booking, or the manager will give a tour upon check-in so travelers can select their favorite design. What makes the resort truly worth a stay is the extremely friendly and courteous staff. Contact Uruporn Indhabhandhu (sales@fondcome.com), managing director, for bookings. Commissions are negotiable. The Real China Deal Book your clients now on a China & Yangtze SuperValue SM vacation from Paciﬁc Delight Tours so that they can enjoy the pre-Olympic excitement with fewer crowds. These itineraries include the most popular destinations in China – plus a Yangtze River adventure with Victoria Cruises, the largest 5-star ﬂeet on the Yangtze. Accommodations on the cruise feature deluxe amenities and a private balcony. 13 Day Historic Cities & Yangtze River SuperValueSM Shanghai, Yangtze River Cruise, Chongqing, Xi’an and Beijing Departures Dec. 07–Mar. 08: $2,298–$2,598* 19 Day Classic China & Yangtze River SuperValueSM Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River Cruise, Chongqing, Xi’an, Guilin, Guangzhou and Hong Kong Departures Dec. 07–Mar. 08: $3,413–$3,683* *Per person, double occupancy. Includes deluxe and ﬁrst-class hotel accommodations, transpaciﬁc air from Los Angeles or San Francisco, intra-China air, sightseeing, transfers and more. Government taxes and fees, including the Sept. 11th Security Fee, of up to $155 apply and are additional. Fuel surcharges included in tour price. All prices subject to change. Full commission paid on both air and land. 1.800.221.7179 www.PaciﬁcDelightTours.com Interested? Request #015. September 10, 2007 TravelAgent 29 http://www.fourseasons.com http://www.fondcome.com http://www.PacificDelightTours.com http://www.PacificDelightTours.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 10, 2007

Contents Editor's Letter News You Can Use Agenda: Fam Trips, Calendar of Events, Deal of the Week South America Rising: COVER STORY EUROPE: Undiscovered Croatia PACIFIC/ASIA: Chiang Mai: Hotspot of Northern Thailand LAS VEGAS: Las Vegas’ Inside Man Las Vegas News & Notes Las Vegas: The New Frontier PACIFIC NORTHWEST: A Gem on Oregon’s Central Coast FLORIDA: Hyatt Regency Miami Spruces Up Ensemble Update Agent Outlook: Cruising Today Nantucket Island Resorts Classified Marketplace Home-Based Travel Expo Update Advertisers’ Information People & Places Thailand Planner

Travel Agent - September 10, 2007

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