Relocated to Thailand with meager funds; intends to orchestrate extravagant getaways for the affluent elite.
In the heart of downtown Bangkok, Canadian travel entrepreneur Daniel Fraser uncovers a dusty industrial site in neighboring Laos, which could be the unexpected setting for an elite client's upcoming meal. Far from a film or TV location, Fraser is envisioning this old factory, with its steampunk charm, as the backdrop for a exceptional dining experience for his travel company, Smiling Albino.
Catering to the world's most discerning and affluent travelers, Fraser's mission is to provide them with once-in-a-lifetime adventures that Money can't buy in conventional luxury resorts. As part of their upcoming trip to the region, Fraser aims to offer his client an unforgettable lunch at the dilapidated factory.
While some may question the choice of location for a meal during vacation, Fraser underscores the importance of providing travelers with remarkable experiences that go beyond mere luxury. With the necessary resources to arrange extravagant experiences with DJs and celebrities, Fraser prefers to create immersive cultural journeys that highlight the region's unique charms.
The challenge lies in designing intricate experiences that cater specifically to each client, often involving months of meticulous planning and securing various permissions from government ministries. On this particular adventure, Fraser is planning an excursion to Kong Lo Cave, navigating a helicopter and a raft through the expansive cave, followed by a helicopter pickup and a sumptuous meal at a nearby guest house.
Fraser's endeavor towards crafting unforgettable experiences is not new; his connection with high-profile clients, including tech billionaires, Hollywood superstars, and Grammy winners, spans decades. Minding their desire for adventure and unique cultural encounters, Fraser has orchestrated awe-inspiring journeys that leave lasting impressions.
Smiling Albino was born in 1995, during Fraser's stint as an English teacher at Bangkok's Chitralada Palace School. His exceptional experiences with locals in the early 90s sparked the idea of founding a travel company that catered to the discerning traveler, distinct from the typical tourist trail. Although the industry was vastly different then, Fraser and his friend Scott Coates seized the opportunity, founding Smiling Albino with a mission to immerse travelers in the heart and soul of Southeast Asia.
Today, Smiling Albino boasts a team of around 40 full-time employees, catering to clients across Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The company continues to deliver remarkable, customized journeys that balance cultural richness, luxury, and adventure.
Traveling beyond conventional luxury resorts, Daniel Fraser plans to offer his client an extraordinary lunch experience at the dilapidated factory in Laos, reinforcing his commitment to providing unique lifestyle adventures for the world's most affluent travelers, as envisioned by Smiling Albino. In line with Fraser's decades-long endeavor to craft unforgettable, immersive cultural journeys for his high-profile clients, this lunch is just another step in the continuous pursuit of remarkable travel experiences.
