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3 Nagas Renovates for the High Season
2008-06-04 03:40:00
The 3 Nagas by Alila will be renovated this summer, from May to June 2008. This upcoming high season will see a jump in traffic to Luang Prabang this year, and without a doubt the 3 Nagas is one of the nicest properties in the area. The 15 rooms and suites will be updated with ...
More About: Season , Laos , High

Hotel d?Lyon in Luang Prabang
2008-05-29 10:45:00
The Hotel d’Lyon is a new 3-star hotel recently opened in Luang Prabang. Sitting outside of town on the way to the airport, the 24-room hotel has is a good option for regional guests who may enjoy bathing in open air Jacuzzis. With room inventory being quite limited in Luang Prabang, the Hotel d’Lyon is ...
More About: Laos

Going Native in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
2008-05-23 06:37:00
Exotissimo Thailand is pleased to introduce our new city safaris. Available in Chiang Mai and Bangkok , they are unique day tours taking advantage of various means of public transportation. In Bangkok, your day begins with a SkyTrain ride and a public boat ride to Bangkok’s historic quarter for visits to the Royal Palace, Wat Po ...
More About: Native

Myanmar Cyclone Update
2008-05-06 09:09:00
Myanmar has experienced the worst cyclone in over 70 years. The storm hit Yangon, Pathein and the Bago area. Other areas of the country have been unaffected. Yangon itself was badly damaged. Many trees and telephone poles have fallen, damaging electricity and telephone cables. It will take time to repair the city. Currently, the Exotissimo Yangon office has ...
More About: Update , Myanmar , Cyclone , Nargis

Trekking in Huai Nam Dang, Chiang Mai
2008-05-06 05:38:00
Just an hour and a half from Chiang Mai , Huai Nam Dang National Park is filled with virginal forests, charming hilltribe villages and tons of flora and fauna. You can explore it on foot or from the back of a majestic elephant. Bamboo rafter down the Mae Taeng River is also available, and we recommend ...
More About: Karen , Trekking

Low Season Closures in Laos
2008-05-06 05:31:00
The Royal Ballet and Theater will be closed for two months, from 1st May to 31st June 2008 for its low season. The theater will still be available for special bookings. The Villa Santi will be closed from May to September 2008 to renovate during the low season. Likewise the 3 Nagas Restaurant will take advantage of the low season to redecorate, and will transfer management to the 3 Nagas Hotel. The embarkation dock for the Luangsay Cruise has been moved to Calo Pier and is no longer in front of Vat Xieng Thong. The new departure time will be 7:30, and a continental breakfast will be provided. Luangsay Cruises will be closed for the low season for the entire month of June 2008. Please contact Laos @exotissimo.com for further details.
More About: Season

Chin State Discovery
2008-05-05 05:06:00
The fascinating Chin people live on the hills west of the Irawaddy River in northwest Myanmar. Chin State is mountainous and villages are scattered across the many hills. Their hand-woven cotton and silk dresses are intricately designed and dyed, and a trademark of the Chin’s skill at textiles. In the past, even their dresses and beads have been valued as collectibles. Perhaps the most distinct feature of the Chin are their facial tattoos. This tradition is slowly being phased out, though there are many who still honor this practice. Kanpatlet and Mindat are two small Chin towns that are accessible by car from Bagan. Mt. Victoria or Natmataung, the highest peak in the region, is also close by. The area is great for hiking, trekking and birding. We think it’s a great place for a short soft adventure before or after exploring ancient Bagan.
More About: Discovery

AHA! In Angkor!
2008-05-02 04:58:00
Our friends at the gorgeous Hotel de la Paix have opened up a charming new restaurant in the old market area of Siem Reap, AHA. The ambiance is impeccable and very much in keeping with the Hotel de la Paix. This chic new restaurant will serve Khmer food in tapas-style, accompanied by a wide variety of wine. We are sure that hipsters from all around the world will go home raving about the AHA.

Victoria Express Undergoes Maintenance
2008-05-01 04:52:00
The ever-popular Victoria Express , connecting Hanoi to Lao Cai (and onwards to perennial favorite Sapa), will be undergoing its annual maintenance from 1st May to 30th May 2008. During this time, only one sleeping carriage will be available for each trip. Should your file be affected by this loss of capacity, Exotissimo Travel has already ...
More About: Vietnam , Maintenance

Adventure Cambodia; the responsible approach
2008-04-30 04:45:00
Cambodia’s empty roads, shady dirt paths and trails and welcoming communities are a real treat for cyclists and trekkers alike. The relatively flat routes and natural scenery have contributed to a rising demand of cycling and trekking holidays to Cambodia. Adventure Cambodia has adjusted its routes to make sure that you are able to visit the best of what the beautiful countryside have to offer. Lunching with local families, enjoying visits to countryside farms and non-profit organizations and sleeping in pagodas are all unique features that will create your perfect, memorable holiday. Adventure Cambodia understands the value of community-based tourism and supports the communities we meet on the way. Responsible travel has become an increasingly important feature for us and especially our adventure tours. We are continuing to add new elements to our tours to make sure we can accommodate this rising demand. Join Exotissimo on its cycling or trekking tours and get in touch with t...
More About: Cambodia

Cooking with Corlou
2008-04-29 04:41:00
Acclaimed French chef Didier Corlou, owner of La Verticale in Hanoi and On The Six Restaurant in Saigon has now launched a cooking school. Two programs are on offer - a market visit and cooking demonstration or a workshop on Vietnamese spices. Both courses are in Hanoi with the celebrated chef himself, and we are sure that foodies will love them.
More About: Cooking

A Night’s Rest Near Suvarnnabhumi - The Miracle Hometel
2008-04-28 03:46:00
For groups needing a hotel for the night just before their departure from Bangkok, there is always the Novotel Suvarnnabhumi. Of course, some find the Novotel a little “too nice” for an evening’s rest before an early morning flight home, and for that, we would like to introduce the Miracle Hometel. Just open, the hotel is just a 10 minute drive from the airport and offers the full-range of facilities, like swimming pool, fitness, etc. as well as shuttle bus transfers between the hotel and the airport so you will not need to book a separate car and guide for your clients. But above all, they offer a quiet place to rest in comfort before your clients board their flights onward.
More About: Rest

Discover Lao Culture through the Phuang Champa
2008-04-25 04:08:00
Puang Champa Cultural House is a small local organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Lao culture. The artists here work together to cultivate and develop traditional Lao dance, music, singing, lacquerware, textile working and other handcrafts. If you are organizing a very VIP tour or an exclusive, there is no better showcase of Lao arts than the Puang Champa. Their dedication to their art goes beyond simple performances, and this dedication creates a uniquely authentic evening of Lao art and culture. We at Exotissimo Laos are working with them to offer a nuanced event to expose our clients to authentic Lao art.
More About: Culture , Discover

Stay at the S15
2008-03-28 09:02:00
The S15 Sukhumvit Hotel has just opened at a great location in the heart of Trendy Sukhumvit (funnily enough at the mouth of Soi 15). Walking by this trendy boutique, your first impression is that you are walking by a hip furniture or interior decorating store. Within a five minute walk to the Nana BTS, the chic interior design of the 72 rooms and suites is perfect for those who would enjoy the nightlife at the famous Bed Supperclub. There is no pool here though, and instead aims directly for the technology crowd. Plasma televisions and DVD players abound in every room, with Wifi spread throughout the hotel for good measure. For those who think the Dream Hotel (just up the soi) is a little small, S15 with its larger rooms is a great alternative.
More About: Stay

Shwe Inn Tha Completes Deluxe Upgrades
2008-03-27 03:05:00
The Shwe In Tha Floating Hotel at Inle has upgraded all of their rooms from Superior to Deluxe . Situated entirely over Inle’s placid waters, the hotel is the best place to wake up after a day of exploring the local markets and monasteries nearby. All deluxe rooms are a spacious 49 square meters with all the amenities you’d expect at a world-class hotel. There’s even a pool situated directly on the lake. For more information, please contact Myanmar@exotissimo.com
More About: Upgrades

Nick Faldo + Victoria Angkor Wat = Golf Bliss
2008-03-26 02:52:00
Our friends at the Victoria Angkor Wat have put together a great way to discover the new Nick Faldo designed golf course, the Angkor Golf Course. This three day/two night package provides just enough time to relax on the links while exploring the highlights of Angkor Wat. And while golfers walk the greens, the non-golfers can of course avail themselves of the Victoria’s lush spa treatments and perennial colonial charm.

Vientiane-Luang Namta on Lao Airlines
2008-03-26 02:45:00
Starting 31st March 2008, Lao Airlines will restart their flights between Vientiane and Luang Namta. 2008 should be a busy year for Laos, and we are glad to see that there will be additional options on the busy Vientiane-Luang Namta corridor. The route has been closed since October 2006, and its re-opening is timely, and ...

Que Sera at the Sira Boutique
2008-03-25 02:37:00
For the budget conscious, a nice new boutique has opened up in the heart of Chiang Mai. The Sira Boutique offers 17 rooms on its four stories, with free Wifi, DVD player, bathtub and cable TV. You certainly get a great value for its price. The Thai-UK management brings a touch of world-class service that is sometimes lacking in some of the smaller boutiques, and we trust that you will not be disappointed. A lack of elevators is the only downside, as the stairs can be quite steep. The Sira is probably best avoided by seniors and families with children, though a great option for other FITs and small groups.

Nikko Royal Yangon Now Chatrium Hotel
2008-03-24 04:51:00
Starting 1st April 2008, the Nikko Royal Lake Hotel will be rebranded as the Chatrium Hotel under new management. The Chatrium Suite Hotels & Resorts Group is currently managing two other hotels, the Chatrium Riverside and Chatrium Suites in Bangkok, and will soon open the Chatrium Hotel Shanghai (in 2010). We expect that under the new management, the Chatrium (or Nikko) will continue to maintain its high level of service for all its guests.

Adventure Along the Old Elephant Trail
2008-03-21 05:24:00
While following the Old Elephant Trail , our intrepid explorers came across Le Musikee Resort. This property is one that can be rightfully labeled off the beaten path (ironic given how we found it), as it is five hours from Chiang Mai and an hour and a half from Pai, in the heart of the Karen hinterlands. It is perfect for those looking for an authentic hilltribe experience, with activities based upon their daily lives: trekking, rice planting, fishing, etc. The cozy bungalows ring a large lawn area where campfires and bonfires are lit nightly. The dirt roads leading to Le Musikee are a bit difficult, and we recommend it rather for adventurous (and school) groups.
More About: Adventure

Department Changes at Exotissimo Laos
2008-03-20 05:12:00
Effective February 18th, Exotissimo Laos is continuing with its structural re-organization. Mr. David Jaillet is moving from his duties as Operations Manager to new challenges in re-opening our local travel agency. Ms. Chloe Chomienne will be taking over the Inbound Reservations Department after working in our local travel agency and a brief stint working for Carlson ...

Kachin National Manaw Park, Myanmar
2008-03-19 05:08:00
Kachin National Manaw Park is situated near Myitkyina. In the compound, all buildings are built according to Kachin traditional style and design. Kachin houses are always divided into two parts, half for the owner and his family, and the rest for guests. It is believed that houses with Manaw pillars (similar to totem poles), house elders can take part in the Manaw Festival. The Manaw Festival is normally held in January, featuring the cultural heritage of the local tribes. There are a variety of dances providing visitors with the rare sight of these peaceful people celebrating in a burst of music and color. Kachin peoples gather on this occasion to celebrate weddings and the harvest. Money and donations are offered to the local guardian spirits, the Nats.
More About: Myanmar

The Astounding Legend of Angkor Wat Show
2008-03-18 05:05:00
Words fail to describe the Legend of Angkor Wat Show . The only true way to comprehend the glory and the pageant is to experience it first hand. Running only from 5th December to 31st January 2009, the show tries (and succeeds) to recreate the glory of the ancient temple city using brilliant lights, haunting songs and hypnotizing Apsara dances. This is probably the most impressive annual event at the ancient temple complex.

Siem Reap Airways re-opens SGN-REP Route
2008-03-17 07:39:00
Starting on 30th March 2008, Siem Reap Airways will re-open their daily Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City route. This creates new options for interesting combination itineraries between Saigon, Siem Reap and beyond. The late morning/early afternoon departure times will certainly make connections convenient and relatively stress free.
More About: Route

VN Airlines Increases Fares
2008-03-17 07:36:00
From 1st March 08 onwards, Vietnam Airlines (VN) is introducing a new booking class for Economy Class seats on its domestic network. The new L-class seats will see an increase of 10-20%, depending on the routing when compared to the current M Class bookings. After 1st March, we expect the availability of M-class seats to ...

The Oxcart Tours of Koh Ker
2008-03-12 02:54:00
The Social Development and Sustainable Tourism Project at Koh Ker has just launched an ox cart tour of the temples. The 1 ½ hour tour is a leisurely and quiet trip with a distinctly environmentally friendly perspective. The revenue from the trips goes into future projects in the area. Whereas Angkor Wat for some has become too touristy and commercial, Koh Ker is a nice alternative for a half day’s worth of touring. Just 100 km from Siem Reap, we recommend it to those looking for the echoes of ancient Khmer that can only be found in relative solitude.
More About: Tours

Sleep in Style at the Green Mango
2008-03-10 03:18:00
The Green Mango Restaurant in Hanoi has recently branched outward to the hotel business (and upwards). The Green Mango Hotel has just opened just the trendy restaurant there right in the heart of the Old Quarter. The Standard or “Silence” rooms are probably a bit too small for most of our clients, but FITs are sure to enjoy the Deluxe and the “Deluxe Sweet” rooms, complete with views of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter.
More About: Style , Sleep , In Style

Tuck into the Ordinary Bed & Breakfast
2008-03-05 04:05:00
Conveniently located in the heart of Saigon, on stylish Dong Khoi Street (aka La Rue Catinat), the Ordinary Bed & Breakfast makes for a cozy home away from home in the big city. Just upstairs from a chic clothing store, the Ordinary B&B is truly boutique. There are only 12 rooms to this property decorated in a contemporary and almost “funky” Indochinese style. Bright colors are paired with antique replicas to create a decidedly new take on Vietnamese culture. The Ordinary B&B is certainly recommended for FITs looking for a little property with a lot of personality.

Northern Thai Walkabout
2008-02-26 03:31:00
This month we are excited to introduce our new module “Hidden Gems of Lanna.” This tour is designed right from the start for those with adventurous souls. Starting from Chiang Rai, the tour moves north towards the Golden Triangle, visiting ancient Chiang Saen and the Thai Lue village of Haat Bai before staying at the border town of Chiang Khong, the only place where the giant Mekong catfish (up to 300kg!) can be caught. The tour continues onward to newly opened Doi Phatang for stunning views of Laos and then to the salt wells of Bo Klua. Visits to Doi Phu Kha National Park and with the Malbri people, the legendary “Spirits of the Yellow Leaves,” are also included. “Hidden Gems of Lanna” is for those looking for a new and rarely seen side of Thai culture. The itinerary goes to many hidden and remote areas, but we believe that transportation should prove no problem, and this tour is suitable for all age groups. Please e-mail Thailand@exotissimo.com ...
More About: Northern

Nam Kha and Nam Phan Restaurants Close
2008-02-25 03:02:00
At the beginning of February, the Nam Kha and Nam Phan restaurants have closed. Both have been providing luxury dining experiences in downtown Saigon for years. However the Vietnamese government has re-purposed the locations of these two properties, forcing their closure. Please contact Vietnam@exotissimo.com for further information.
More About: Restaurants , Close