A bridge too far
U Bein Bridge over Taung Thaman Lake near Mandalay in central Myanmar, a region that gets its fair share of local and foreign visitors, is deteriorating and there is a growing concern that the bridge will collapse.
The historical bridge, which was erected more than 160 years year, has become a Mandalay landmark, with photos of it appearing all over the world. The Myanmar government has formed a committee and charged it with ensuring U Bein Bridge is preserved. A possible move includes the banning of bicycle and motorcycle traffic. – Eleven Media/ANN
Laos looks for well-heeled tourists
Laos is seeking to attract more international tourists who would spend more money during their time in the country than regional visitors from other Southeast Asian nations, according to a spokesman for the Lao tourism industry. More than 3.3 million tourists visited Laos last year, injecting US$513.5 million into the economy. However, most spent only a short time – and little cash – in Laos. – Vientiane Times/ANN
Scenic in Sanya
Anantara Vacation Club invites club owners to experience the serene beauty of Sanya at the new Anantara Sanya on the island of Hainan. Located 25 minutes from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Anantara Vacation Club Sanya is a luxury development with three two-bedroom suites that are appointed to accommodate up to six guests. It has large private balconies with sweeping ocean and mountain views. The resort is located near many of Hainan’s favourite cultural and recreational attractions. Visit www.AnantaraVacationClub.com.
Nonstop from Beijing to Siem Reap
Air China is launching direct flights from Beijing to Siem Reap from Sunday. The flights, CA825/6, will be operate on Wednesday and through the end of the year and increase to four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and, Sunday) starting next ear. The airline is also planning to expand its Southeast Asia schedule with services between Beijing and Chiang Mai and Wuhan and Chiang Mai, plus increased frequencies on its Beijing/Bangkok and Beijing/Phuket routes. Visit www.AirChina.com.
A trip through the Camargue
The Camargue bikeway has recently been introduced to this area of southern France and makes use of an old railway line with a 16-kilometre track that runs from Arles to the hamlet of Mas Tibert. Cycling is the perfect way to explore this idyllic marshland on the Mediterranean coast that’s famous for fierce bulls, flamingos and, if you visit at the wrong time of year, swarms of mosquitoes. Authorities say the Voie Verte, or Green Track, will ultimately stretch 36 kilometres from Arles to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone. The track surface is not suited to racing bikes or town bikes.
Travelling heavy with SQ
Singapore Airlines has upped baggage allowances on its international flights with 50kg allowed in Suites and First Class, 40kg in Business Class and 30kg in Economy class. For flights to and from the United States, where a per-piece allowance applies, customers travelling in Suites, First Class and Business Class will be entitled to check in two pieces of luggage of up to 32kg each, up from 23kg previously.
KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members will continue to enjoy an additional 20kg of baggage allowance across all travel classes, or one extra piece of checked-in baggage when travelling to or from the United States and Brazil. Visit www.SingaporeAir.com.sg.
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