DESTINATIONS TWIN-CENTRES | ASIA


CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: NH Collection Samui Peace Resort; Victoria Memorial, Kolkata; Wat Arun temple, Bangkok PICTURE: Shutterstock/Arko 1988, fokke baarssen


“With plenty of flight availability between destinations, it


is a great option to combine a mainland stay with an island. Creating twin-centre itineraries isn’t just an exciting enquiry for agents, as bookings also often have higher margins.” Deborah Wadhams, head of long-haul product, Gold Medal


“Twin-centre holidays are a fantastic way to explore Asia’s


BEST FOR… BEGINNERS With Bangkok gaining Norse Atlantic flights from Manchester this summer and a boosted BA schedule next year, the Thai capital is one of the easiest gateways into Asia – and twin-centre trips in Thailand rank among many operators’ best-selling Asia holidays. Kuoni alone has seen 20% year-on-year growth


in Thailand bookings made through the trade. Sarah Weetman, the operator’s head of trade partnerships, says: “Whether it’s a classic Bangkok and beach escape to Koh Samui, or a journey into Chiang Mai’s cultural heartland and Krabi’s dramatic landscapes, Thailand truly has something for everyone.”


In Bangkok, clients can take tuk-tuks to elaborate


Thai monuments, including a wealth of golden Buddha statues, the Grand Palace and the tiled stupa of Wat Arun temple, or hit shopping districts and street markets. Clients then travel to Koh Samui, Thailand’s


second-largest island, where white-sand beaches, waterfalls, 4x4 safaris and rainforest hiking await. Or they can explore the NH Collection Samui Peace Resort, where complimentary kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, muay Thai workshops and cooking


classes are an antidote to the pace of the capital. Book it: Kuoni’s 10-night Bangkok and Koh Samui Twin-Centre trip costs from £1,699 per person, based on two sharing and a June 2026 departure. The price includes B&B accommodation, transfers, luggage and indirect flights from Heathrow with Qatar Airways. kuoni.co.uk


travelweekly.co.uk


BEST FOR… ADVENTURERS West Bengal’s bursts of colour are an epic introduction to India: clients can experience Kolkata’s melting-pot heritage in temples, synagogues and churches, supersized monuments built during the height of the British Raj and fragrant flower markets. For an extra selling point, suggest departing from Kolkata on a Hooghly River cruise, slowly exploring rural villages and artisan workshops while staying on one sleek ship. After the hustle and bustle of Bengal, the little-known Andaman Islands are just a two-hour flight away. Asiya Zargar, Indus Experiences marketing director, says: “They have a more ‘barefoot’ vibe than the Maldives; guests can go night kayaking and see nesting turtles from November to April, as well as snorkelling and diving. “For clients interested in history, the Andaman Islands have it in spades. They had a strategic location on the trade routes between India, China and southeast Asia, and vessels would stop there as early as the eighth century. Capital Port Blair is home to the Cellular Jail, where the British used to send freedom fighters and


political prisoners.” Book it: Indus Experiences sells a 15-day holiday to Kolkata and the Andaman Islands from £4,649 per person, based on two sharing on an October 2026 departure. The price includes indirect Emirates flights from Heathrow to Kolkata, a nine-night full-board Pandaw cruise, transfers and five nights with breakfast at Tilar Siro Andamans, on Havelock Island. indusexperiences.co.uk


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diverse and vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and authentic cuisine.” Chris Logan, commercial director, Tui UK & Ireland


“Typically spending less time travelling [than multi-


centre trips], twin-centres pair relaxation with a city stop. The best time to travel to southeast Asia is October to May, so it’s perfect for a winter escape.” Tamsin Ball, agency sales manager, Bamboo Travel


“Cambodia is trending – Siem Reap’s Angkor temples pair


seamlessly with Koh Rong’s beaches. Indonesia is popular, and Java’s cultural treasures and dramatic landscapes balance perfectly with Lombok’s laid-back charm. These combinations are easy to sell.” Melissa Nicholas, product director, Experience Travel Group


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