Bucket-list travel often conjures images of scaling towering peaks or freefalling from dizzying heights. At DTH Travel, we’re here to break that routine and inspire your explorers to embrace the adventures that lie in between — and even beyond. Encounter with the Uncanny If your guests have a thirst for the mysterious and the mystical, then a visit to Lamanoc Island in Anda, Bohol, the Philippines should be at the top of their bucket list. This small, unassuming isle offers a gateway to a rich and enigmatic heritage, where nature and mysticism intertwine to create a truly unforgettable experience. The adventure leads through lush landscapes, where towering limestone cliffs stand as silent sentinels, guarding the secrets of the island. In these sacred grounds, local priests and medicine men once called upon nature spirits, offering rituals for bountiful harvests and safe journeys. Guests may even have the chance to participate in an offering, a moment that connects them with the island’s spiritual essence and allows them to honour the centuries-old customs of its inhabitants. The path delves deeper into the heart of the island, where caverns reveal ancient boat coffins and remnants of rituals long past. Prehistoric graffiti etched into rock […]

Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, is set to welcome a host of exciting events this Autumn – from record-breaking tug-of-war extravaganzas and martial arts celebrations in the birthplace of karate, to festivals bringing the historic Ryukyu Kingdom to life. September/ October 2024: Record-breaking tug-of-wars Large-scale tug-of-war events are a traditional hallmark of Okinawan festivals and the Itoman Great Tug-of-War, taking place on the 17th of September, is a spectacle not to be missed. Theatrics and performance are at the heart of this traditional celebration, which includes a procession of flag bearers leading a parade of dancers and performers whilst locals entertain the crowds dressed as figures from Okinawan folk law before the tugging begins. The prefecture’s capital, Naha, will also host the Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival from the 12th -14th of October – an event which welcomes tens of thousands of spectators and made its way into the Guinness World Record Book in 1995. October 2024: Celebrating martial arts in the birthplace of karate Okinawa is the birth place of karate, a martial art with roots that can be traced back 700 years on the islands. The sport is celebrated each year with a week of karate-themed celebrations in October including […]

EVA Air has won more accolades, this time from Travel + Leisure’s readers as one of the World’s Best International Airlines of 2024. Based on their experiences with cabin comfort, inflight service, customer service and value, readers responding to the publication’s annual “World’s Best Awards” survey ranked EVA 10th on the list. Survey results are available on the “Travel + Leisure” website. Travellers can book EVA flights in addition to learning more about routes and services through your local agency. The “World’s Best Awards” survey covers 125 categories and approximately 186,000 “Travel + Leisure” readers completed the 2024 survey, casting more than 700,000 votes for more than 8,700 unique properties, airlines, airports, hotels and cities. Therefore, EVA stands out from hundreds of airlines around the world, highlighting the comprehensive recognition of EVA’s service quality by passengers. EVA is one of only 10 SKYTRAX-rated 5-Star Airlines worldwide and has enjoyed this accolade for nine consecutive years. The airline has also recently won 16 separate awards, including eighth place among SKYTRAX’s “World’s Top 10 Airlines” and top spots for the “Best Premium Economy Class Airline Catering” and “Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in Asia”. It also earned AirlineRatings.com’s “Top 25 Best […]

Rebuilt from the ground up, the outstanding new property pays homage to the original hotel’s rich heritage while setting new benchmarks for service and design that will ripple through Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide. Breathtaking Lumpini Park views from every guest room are just one of the highlights. Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has confirmed that its reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel will officially open to guests on 27 September 2024, signalling an exciting new chapter for the company in Thailand and internationally. Completely rebuilt from the ground up as part of the Dusit Central Park mixed-use development, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok pays homage to its 50-year legacy while setting a new standard for luxury hospitality. Designed with discerning travellers in mind, the hotel promises to make history once again, establishing groundbreaking benchmarks in service and design. Rising on the same prestigious site as its predecessor, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok boasts a unique distinction: all 257 of its luxurious guest rooms boast breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park. Elegant, cantilevered window seats extend from each guest room, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the stunning panorama. The new hotel’s architecture pays […]

Singapore Airlines (SIA) have recently announced from 30 March 2025, SIA will have a daily service from London Gatwick to Singapore and beyond, up from the current five-times weekly services. Flight SQ309 operates from London Gatwick’s North Terminal, departing at 10:15am and arriving in Singapore at 6:20am the next day. Singapore is the perfect gateway, with connections across Asia, Australia and New Zealand from award-winning Changi Airport. Onboard passengers can sit back and enjoy world-class service, award-winning wine, gourmet cuisine, and complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi. Passengers can explore popular destination across Asia like Bali, Lombok, Phuket, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Manado, Tokyo or Seoul. Singapore Airlines have Australia covered with seven gateways including: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Or nonstop flights to New Zealand with gateways to Auckland and Christchurch from Singapore.

Taiwan’s beauty is a blend of breathtaking natural wonders and rich cultural experiences. Picture yourself watching the mesmerizing sunrise over the towering peaks of Alishan, or enjoying a cup of traditional tea in the lantern-lit teahouses of Jiufen. Each moment in Taiwan is truly unforgettable. Relax in soothing, mineral-rich hot springs, explore the lively night markets, or swim with ancient sea turtles in crystal-clear waters. From releasing lanterns at the PingXi Sky Lantern Festival to feeling the thrill of Yanshui’s Beehive Fireworks, Taiwan promises a bucket list journey that will stir your soul and ignite your sense of adventure. 1. Alishan Sunrise over the mountains Alishan, nestled deep in the mountains of central Taiwan, is known for enormous ancient cypress trees and mossy trails that radiate its unique magic in Taiwan’s most ancient forest area. For a unique experience, we recommend you to jump on the Zhushan Sunrise Watching Train which will take you to the glorious sunrise over the distant 11-peak Mt. Jade massif for a breathtaking view. 2. Tea Tasting in Old Town Jiufen It is essential to visit the tea houses in Jiufen which are set in a beautiful renovated old building decorated with the classic red […]

Ok, let me start by making two things clear. I am old – industry veteran is inadequate description, Guru is more appropriate. Secondly I have had a rather privileged lifestyle, totally justified I hasten to add. I have travelled to probably 90% of the world’s countries, sometimes on a frequent basis. In the PATA region the only countries I have yet to visit are Australia and New Zealand – and one of those is on my 21st list. I started visiting South East Asia in the mid 1970’s. Tourism was in its infancy. Regional airports tended to be military bases. You travelled around mainly by local ferry or road. Cuisine was authentic with no options. Hotel choice was frequently limited to this one or that one! So in the years since the 70’s I have travelled back numerous times. Thailand could soon be welcoming me back for the 200th time, Bali at least 100 plus. Most places were ticked off my various lists way back. And not just visiting but also real experiences. Zip wiring in Chiang Mai, walking with elephants in Chiang Rai, river rafting in Bali, hot air ballooning over the temples of Angkor and vespa tours around […]

Jumeirah Olhahali Island is delighted to present an exclusive wellness programme in celebration of World Wellness Weekend, taking place from 20 to 22 September 2024. This specially curated event aligns with the five pillars of wellness established as an annual, pro bono initiative to support the United Nations’ goal of Good Health and Well-being for All, including sleep and creativity, nutrition and immunity, movement and vitality, mindfulness and serenity, and purpose and solidarity. With one bespoke activity per day aligning with each of the five pillars, guests can indulge in purpose-nurturing experiences such as: • Purpose and solidarity: A variety of treatments such as Sodashi Heart Chakra face and body alignment, designed as a fusion of healing modalities to bring balance and harmony to the chakra system while restoring the skin’s complexion. • Movement and vitality: Guests will have access to active pursuits throughout the resort such as dancing classes and mat Pilates. • Mindfulness and serenity: Through activities to promote and practice mindfulness and concentration, guests can book sessions including prana, trataka and Tibetan singing bowl meditations. In the privacy of their contemporary villas, visitors can also indulge in customised bath rituals for guests of all ages, with soothing […]

Majestic Halong Bay from the Sky with Hai Au Aviation A trip to Halong Bay is a bucket-list item for many, with its stunning landscapes being one of Vietnam’s most famous attractions. To make this experience truly unforgettable, consider taking to the skies with Vietnam’s only seaplane service. Hai Au Aviation offers a unique opportunity to view Halong Bay from a bird’s eye perspective, soaring above the emerald waters and towering limestone formations. This scenic flight provides unparalleled views and is perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Add this extraordinary aerial adventure to your itinerary for a truly memorable trip. Hai Au Aviation’s scenic seaplane flights offer a breathtaking aerial perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage site. As you soar above the emerald waters and towering limestone karsts, you’ll witness the bay’s awe-inspiring beauty in a way that no other mode of travel can match. This flight is a true bucket-list experience, providing unparalleled views of the bay’s iconic islands and hidden coves. This flight offers an unforgettable adventure, perfect for capturing stunning photos and creating lifelong memories. The combination of the bay’s natural wonders and the thrill of using a seaplane makes this experience one that cannot be missed. Make […]

Shizuoka boasts a variety of community-based experiences – enjoy fresh, locally-produced food, explore its rich natural landscapes, engage with local cultures, and so much more. Take a look at some of the experiences unique to Shizuoka: Wasabi fields and Tofu-making workshop Experience a unique culinary adventure in Japan. Immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, and flavours by exploring the beautiful wasabi fields and learning about wasabi cultivation. Discover the secrets of Tofu-making using locally sourced ingredients. Get hands-on experience in creating this versatile and nutritious staple food. For more information, click here. The traditional dyeing technique Hamamatsu Chusen tour ‘Chusen Some’ is a traditional dyeing of ‘Yukata’ (traditional Japanese summer kimono style wear) which has been passed down since the mid-18th Century. In this tour, visitors can observe the authentic dyeing craftsmanship and a hands-on experience dyeing your own special ‘Tenugui’ (Hand Towel) at the factory. For more information, click here. Green tea farm experience in Kawane Kawane is a small town, a one hour train ride through the mountain along the river, where you can see real local farmers and experience their own heart-warming Omotenashi. Your experience will include sightseeing, harvesting, studying green tea, cooking and also tea experience. […]

When we think of local travel, we often imagine staying with a local family, enjoying traditional meals, and engaging in age-old crafts. Or even immersing on local festivals, customs, and other hands-on experiences. While the essence of local travel is deeply rooted in tradition, there’s an exciting new wave of innovation transforming these journeys. This modern approach seamlessly blends cultural heritage with contemporary elements, offering travellers fresh perspectives on local culture. DTH Travel presents some examples for inspiration below. Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains Steam Beer “Your Beer Keeps the Forest Standing.” Cardamom Tented Camp Ecolodge, an award-winning luxury camp nestled in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, has launched this unique local conservation beer with this impactful tagline. More than just a beverage; it’s a movement for ecological preservation. Every bottle sold contributes to funding the conservation efforts of 16 forest rangers, who work to protect 18,000 hectares (180 km²) of lush lowland evergreen forest in Botum Sakor National Park, Cambodia’s largest. The lodge’s commitment to conservation extends to the local community as well, which is evident in their choice of supplier. Partnering with Flowers Microbrewery in Phnom Penh, the lodge selected a hybrid steam beer that gives spotlight to homegrown flavours. This collaboration […]

For the second consecutive year, the award ceremony of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 concluded successfully on 16 July in Hong Kong. The event attracted about 1,000 of the world’s bar investors, mixologists and media representatives to Hong Kong to witness the ascension of Asia’s king of mixology. Hong Kong’s Bar Leone made history, earning the top spot on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars – Bar Leone is the first to enter the list for the first time and claim the top spot immediately. This also marked the fourth consecutive year that a Hong Kong bar was named the region’s best, reinforcing the city’s position as the gastronomy capital of Asia.