Sapria Himalayana in Doi Pui/Doi Suthep National Park

During a trial run for our nature tours in Doi Pui/Doi Suthep national park we encountered the rare Sapria Himalayana. This flowering plant is related to the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. The Rafflesia is found in Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand. The Sapria is much much smaller than the Giant Rafflesia but we were delighted to come across this beautiful bright red flower.

It only blooms for 2-3 days. After blooming the flower becomes dark in color and decomposes slowly. The Sapria is a parasitic plant and is completely dependent on its host for water and nutrients. We saw several decomposing flowers and also several buds about to flower.

As always the walk was very pleasant and cool. The trail was a lot easier than the last time in August when it was very slippery. It was a joy to walk under the tall evergreen and deciduous trees. Lots of ferns, wild banana trees, pandanus and palms to enjoy.

Fish massage... all you need to know

For those who thought that Siem Reap in Cambodia is just the gateway to the temple ruins of Angkor: think again. Yes, great shopping too, on top of the list are stone carvings (even if heavy, do take a small one) and a couple of krama's. There's a the old market, and the much newer night market with tons of small stalls that sell local tea, incense, funny T-shirts and much more.





But there's more: fish massage is the latest craze. As the information given on the bill board (picture above) explains it: forget about men, go for fish. When looking for a foot massage, that is. So, when back from a long day at the temples, go to one of the many places i town that offer this new form of spa treatment. See if you can take it without breaking into laughter (or try to read the bill board without a smile).

Great deal at De La Paix - for our partners

Exclusively for our business partners we have a great deal at our #1 Preferred 5+ star hotel in Siem Reap, the Hotel de la Paix. As bookings for the 2010 summer season are coming in, a stay at this fabulous hotel is going to be within reach with the Pay 2 / Stay 3 action.





There are plenty of good reasons to stay another day in Siem Reap: let Khiri Travel arrange a day excursion to remote and little visited temple sites Koh Ker and Beng Melea, or visit a remote floating village community and take an ox cart ride, or simply chill and enjoy the art galleries and trendy cafes in the lovely riverside town.

Raffle winners report on their prize trip to Thailand

Louise Verbree and Linda Mans entered a contest organized by the famous Thai restaurant Baan Isaan in Nijmegen, The Netherlands and won a Culinary Adventure to Thailand organized by Khiri Thailand. Dutch-speakers can read Louise's impressions of the trip by following this link.

Non-Dutch-speakers, click there anyway, and see the slideshow of some very typical Dutch scenes, that includes an odd picture of a tuk-tuk roaming the streets of Nijmegen!