Jun 5th, 2009 by admin | Comments: 0
Once again, Exotissimo Vietnam has been honored with ‘The Guide Award’ for excellent performance during the 2008-2009 tourist season. This is the second year running in which we have been recognized by The Guide, the tourism and hospitality magazine of the Vietnam Economic Times, as one of the country’s best tour operators.
The Guide Award is an annual event that honors the top achievers in Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality industry for their outstanding services and social contribution. The award will be presented during a ceremony at Ho Chi Minh City’s White Palace on 5 June 2009.
Said George Ehrlich-Adam, General Manager of Exotissimo Vietnam, “We are pleased to be a winner of the Guide Award once again. However, we are not resting on our laurels. This award encourages us to strive for better standards to provide our guests with a memorable time in Vietnam.”
Three cheers for our Exo Vietnam team!
May 19th, 2009 by admin | Comments: 0
While traditionally considered the ‘low season’, we think the months of May through October are an ideal time to visit Southeast Asia. The crowds are visibly thinner, the hotel prices are significantly cheaper and the short afternoon rain showers are surprisingly refreshing! Moreover, the landscapes are lush with rich hues of colors making it the most photographic time to visit Southeast Asia!
At Exotissimo, we ensure that there is something for everyone with our wide selection of tours, ranging from flexible packages to trekking expeditions to luxury beach breaks. With 16 years of operation and expertise in Southeast Asia, we have established fabulous relationships with our preferred hotels, so you can always count on us to secure promotions of the best value. To make it easier for you to access our superb deals, our new website features a promotions page that highlight all our current specials.
Apr 30th, 2009 by admin | Comments: 0
Southeast Asia is a food-lover’s paradise. Few regions can boast the diversity of tastes, colors and aromas of Southeast Asia. From tangy lemongrass to pungent plaa raa (fermented fish sauce), a visit to any part of Southeast Asia is sure to be a flavorful experience!
Enjoy authentic Thai tastes with dishes such as som tum (papaya salad) and tom yum kung (piquant shrimp soup). Vietnamese cuisine has earned a following throughout the world for the liberal use of fresh herbs - we suggest cha ca (fish simmered with dozens of herbs and spices) and banh cuon (rice rolls) for a good introduction to the local flavors. Cambodian food is relatively unknown compared to its neighbor’s cuisines, but try the amok (aromatic steamed fish) and you will think differently. In Laos, don’t forget the ubiquitous sticky rice and laap (minced marinated meat), and for the adventurous, the deep fried insects! In Myanmar, delve into diverse dishes that blend Chinese, Indian and Thai flavors in to a truly unique Burmese cuisine.
Apr 10th, 2009 by admin | Comments: 0
Mid-April is always a merry time in mainland Southeast Asia as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar celebrates the traditional New Year, also known as Songkran, Boun Pii Mai, Chaul Chnam Thmey and Thingyan respectively. Prepare to get wet (and sometimes powdery) when walking the streets of these countries during this period as throwing buckets of water on passerbys is part of the celebration. Just don’t forget to water-proof your camera and mobile phone!
Apr 4th, 2009 by admin | Comments: 0
Exotissimo recently launched a new website with a fresh design and several improved features. It is a culmination of many months of hard work to develop the perfect website to offer you the best online experience with us.
On the new Exotissimo website, a wide selection of tours and suggested itineraries are displayed, ranging from classic to adventure to luxury programs. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time to Southeast Asia, the new website provides destination information and tips to help you plan a unique vacation. We have also created a brand new promotions section to share with you the best hotel deals and tour packages in the region.
Come explore our new site and give us your feedback!
Filed under:
Adventures,
Asian Gourmet,
Cambodia Travel,
Cruise Travel,
Cycling,
Diving,
Eco & Community-Based Travel,
Golf and Sport Travel,
Hotels and Resorts,
Laos Travel,
Luxury Travel,
Myanmar Travel,
Sightseeing,
Thailand Travel,
Vietnam Travel,
trekking
Feb 19th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0
Southeast Asia boosts of some of the world’s best trekking routes. Contrary to popular belief, it is still possible to veer off the tourist trails in Thailand, as exemplified by Exotissimo’s Old Elephant Trail Trek. Tracing an ancient trading route between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai in the northern hinterlands, the tour can be shortened and customized to trekkers’ preferences.
In Myanmar’s Shan State, Kengtung Adventure is a fresh trekking experience that combines insightful encounters with hill tribes with easy, scenic walking trails unspoiled by hoards of backpackers. And who says trekking can only conducted in forested or mountainous areas? Trek Angkor and capture the awe-inspiring beauty of these architectural masterpieces from a different perspective – on foot! Just don’t forget to don a good pair of walking boots!
Jan 28th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0
These days, the mark of a good hotel is not just to provide impeccable service and lavish comfort for guests but to also minimize its impact on the environment. Hotels should make a conscious effort to make positive contributions to environmental conservation, community development and cultural heritage preservation.
Green hotels and eco-lodges are not new concepts in Southeast Asia. In Thailand’s northern highlands, Lisu Lodge and Lanjia Lodge serve as sanctuaries for hill tribe cultures with a strong emphasis on community-based tourism to improve the quality of life of these remote groups. Down the southern Andaman coast in Phang Nga, Koh Ra Ecolodge appeals to the eco-conscious traveler with its green facilities and strong research arm in marine expedition and conservation programs.
Laos is indisputably Southeast Asia’s best destination in regards to ecotourism and this is evident by the number of eco-lodges in the country. One of our favorites is The Boat Landing Guest House, Laos’ best-known eco-lodge in Luang Namtha that adheres to rigorous environmental standards. Nestled amid the protected wetlands of Pakse, Kingfisher Ecolodge triumphs with its energy-sensitive policies and local purchasing policies. Set on the banks of the Mekong River north of Luang Prabang, Kamu Lodge offers an eco-friendly experience that brings visitors into close contact with nature and the ethnic Kamu people while funding the local children’s basic educational needs.
In neighboring Cambodia, Rainbow Lodge has garnered our attention. Besides rainwater harvesting and tapping into solar energy, the lodge is highly supportive of the training and development of its local staff. Perched atop the lush Sapa Mountains in Vietnam, Topas Eco Lodge is constructed with locally-sourced materials, fitted with solar panels and staffed by the indigenous community.
For travelers who aspire to stay in green hotels with a touch of luxury, then Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi - with an array of eco- friendly measures and awe- inspiring sea views - should be the top choice when opting for a beach stay in Thailand. In Myanmar’s Kachin State, the deluxe Malikha Lodge introduces guests to the sublime beauty of the Putao highlands while sharing benefits with the surrounding villages.
We have developed strong relationships in our destinations and can offer you competitive accommodation rates. Our long history in the region enables us to open up the secrets of our destinations for you. We take you away from the mass-travelled routes. While you are travelling, it's also a comfort to know that one of our 14 offices is not far away. Exotissimo Travel consultants are on hand to deliver immediate service should you need it.
