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BangkokHotel RecommendationVietnamVisit the bustling, intense Ho Chi Minh City(previously Saigon) and discover how theentrepreneurial Vietnamese have turned theircountry into one of Asia’s most populardestinations. The capital, Hanoi, has keptmore serenity as well as an exotic Old Townarchitecture. It is easy to travel in Vietnam;check out charming Hué, stunning Ha Long Bayand the lush Mekong Delta.BEYONDBANGKOKCambodiaEverybody heads for Siem Reap to experience thehuge temple ruins of Angkor Wat – the UNESCOWorld Heritage site at the top of most travellers’“must see” lists. But Siem Reap itself is also worththe journey – it has plenty of charm to offer.Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, is also worthy avisit. It’s French colonial atmosphere and stunningBuddhist architecture captivate all visitors.Bangkok is a gateway to a continent brimming with excitinglocations waiting to be explored. The easing of visa restrictions,more border crossings, better infrastructure and a plethora ofnew, affordable air routes offer a wider choice than ever.By Arild Molstad Photo Arild MolstadLaosLuang Prabang, once the capital of Laos (andalso a UNESCO site) has retained its dignifiedappearance and small-town ambience. Itscollection of pagodas and temples never fails toimpress. The unique Laotian mixture of Buddhism,Marxism and puritanism remains a largelyundiscovered experience for most travellers inAsia, as does Vientiane, with its Mekong riversetting against a backdrop of golden templesand processions of saffron-robed monks.Burma (Myanmar)Now a “must visit” destination, Burma does not yethave the capacity* to welcome hordes of visitors.Unforgettable attractions and encounters awaitthose who do make the journey to this countrywhere history is now being made: the thousandpagodas of Bagan; the beauty of Inle Lake; theIrrawaddy river trips. And, above all, its people.BaliIndonesia’s “Island of the Gods” deserves itsnickname. Despite its fabulous beaches andelegant hotels, it is the island’s unique culturethat captivates visitors who move beyond thetraditional tourist enclaves. Bali’s soul can befound in its villages, where extravagant festivalsand rituals give expression to the island’scolourful mix of Hinduism, Buddhism andanimism – and the islanders’ sense of beauty,harmony and reverence for all living things.* Burma has yet to offer so-called “Visa on Arrival”; youhave to secure a visa in advance. The fastest and cheapestway to do this is at the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok– usually it can be done in 48 hours. As for the otherdestinations on this page, visas are issued at the airportupon arrival. NB: Make sure your current passport has atleast another six months to run before you set out – andbring some passport photos to save time atthe immigration desk!Treat yourself to a stay at the lebua. The affordable hotel at themajestic State Tower is sure to make your jaw drop.Affordable luxuryin BangkokWith its golden crown gleamingbrighter and taller than theothers, the State Tower is home tolebua at State Tower and Tower Clubat lebua. It is a significant landmarkon Bangkok’s colourful skyline.Lebua at State Tower is locatedon the 21st to 25th floors and is anall-suite hotel where each of the156 suites are designed to offer youbreathtaking vistas of Bangkok andthe Chao Phraya River. Ranging insize between 66 and 266 squaremetres, each suite is the mostspacious in its category in the city.All suites have complimentary WiFiand Internet access.If you want to get even higher up,stay at Tower Club at lebua, where221 suites are located on the 51stto 59th floors. Features within eachsuite include Finesse mattresses,330-thread-count linen, down featherpillows, Acca Kappa amenities aswell as complimentary mini bar, WiFiand priority dining reservations atThe Dome. Guests also have accessto the Tower Club Lounge on the52nd floor, where complimentaryBy Marius Solberg Anfinsen Photo lebuacanapés and alcoholic and nonalcoholicdrinks are served daily inaddition to afternoon tea.The hotel has an open-air swimmingpool as well as a fully equipped gymoffering state-of-the-art equipmentalongside steam and sauna rooms.Lebua is the home of the renownedSirocco restaurant and Sky Bar.Sirocco rises an astonishing 200metres above the street and providesalfresco Mediterranean dining. Youmay recognise the restaurant fromthe Hollywood film The HangoverPart II.Lebua’s signature fine-diningrestaurant is Mezzaluna. Therestaurant is crescent-shaped withan open kitchen, so guests can seethe innovative twin chefs Thomasand Mathias Suhring creating theirculinary delights.Lebua goes the extra mile to makeyour stay a truly memorable onefrom start to end. And best of all, itwill not empty your wallet, so youwill have money to spend in theincredible city as well.Flight informationNorwegian will start flying to Bangkokfrom Oslo and Stockholm in spring 2013.For more information, visit www.norwegian.comRent a carTo find out where to rent a car at your destination,visit www.norwegian.com and click on “Car Rental”.Where to stayUnder EUR 200Lebua at State Tower★ ★ ★ ★ ✩Rooms: 136 at lebua and 221 at Tower Club.Location: On Silom Road, a 40-minute drive fromSuvarnabhumi International Airport and a ten-minute walkfrom the BTS Skytrain’s Saphan Taksin station.For more information and booking visitwww.norwegian.com/hotel12 Norwegian in-flight magazine13