Travel News Vietnam Thailand Cambodia Laos and Myanmar by Exotissimo Travel

Discover the Waterways of Southeast Asia on the Long-Tail Boat

Feb 9th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Whether you are cruising along the Mekong River or are travelling along Bangkok’s many canals, you will probably have boarded a long tail boat. Made famous by the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, the long and narrow hull as well as its long-tail engine, gives this boat its unique appearance and name. The long-tail boat is used around the waters of the region for different purposes. Fishing and the transportation of light cargo and passengers are the main uses for these boats.

The long-tail boat is made of different types of materials such as wood, metal and bamboo. All the boats consist of an engine (usually a second hand car or truck engine) which is mounted on an inboard turret-like pole. The long rod can rotate 180 degrees allowing the driver to steer the boat. The propeller is mounted directly on the driveshaft with no additional gears or transmission. The engine can also rotate up and down, providing a ‘neutral gear’ when the propeller does not touch the water. The advantage of this long driveshaft is that it keeps the engine relatively dry when the boat is moving. This basic design also allows different engine types and shapes to be attached to different kinds of hulls. This makes construction and maintenance of the boat simple.

Some long-tail boats can go as fast as 80 kilometers an hour. Because of this, passengers must be a little careful with their belongings because water splash back can occur. A little caution must also be taken when boarding the boat. The boats do sway on the water current and the edges of the boat can be slippery from the water splashing onto the boat.

The long-tail boat is a vital mode of transportation in Southeast Asia. Its distinctive appearance and abundance in the region’s many waterways make this boat almost synonymous with Southeast Asia’s image. If you are in Bangkok and would like to discover the city on a long-tail boat, then our Insight Klong Saen Saap – Bangkok is the tour for you. Discover the spiritual and cultural side of the city before capping off the day at with a boat ride to Jim Thompson’s mansion. If are thinking of a cruise along the Mekong while also experiencing the area’s natural environs and diverse cultures, then Exotissimo’s Along the Mekong: Southern Laos to Siem Reap tour is what you are looking for. Traverse along this scenic river while exploring beautiful temples and learning about the villagers’ lifestyle along the way. See our suggested multi-countries tour page for other memorable journeys into Southeast Asia.

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Filed under: Southeast Asia travel

Enjoy the Unique, Chewy and Sticky Rice of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam

Feb 8th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Isan (the Northeast region of Thailand) and Laos share many similarities. The language and culture of the two are so alike that many confuse one with the other. Another similar aspect between the two is the food, and in particular the main staple – sticky rice, which is also known as glutinous rice. Although it is synonymous with Northeast Thailand and Laos, sticky rice is also widely cultivated and consumed in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and in East Asia.

Sticky rice (known as Khao Niao in Thai and Lao and as Gao Nep in Vietnamese) has been cultivated for more than a millennium in the Southeast Asia region and over 2000 years in China. An estimated 85% of Lao rice production is of this type. Even when improved non-glutinous rice varieties were introduced through the Green Revolution in Asia in the mid-20th century, farmers still preferred their traditional sticky rice.

What makes sticky rice different from other types of rice is its texture. Although the grains remain whole after being cooked, it is stickier than regular rice while also being dry, rather than wet and gummy like non-glutinous varieties. Regular rice is boiled while sticky rice is steamed. Many people enjoy eating glutinous rice with their hands as it is easier to pull off a bite-size chunk and roll it into a ball. The rice ball is then dipped in a spicy sauce and/or consumed with accompanying meats or vegetables.

Sticky rice, when sweetened with coconut milk, can also be consumed as a dessert. This type of sticky rice is especially popular with mangoes and durians and is readily available throughout Thailand.

Sticky rice is cooked using a cone-shaped woven bamboo basket that almost looks like a conical hat. The bottom of the basket fits into a tall pot and a lid covers the top of the basket while the rice is being cooked over a burner. Added water produces steam that cooks the rice. The steam also helps keep the rice dry. The cooked sticky rice is then served in small round baskets with lids called Kra Tip or in small plastic bags, both intended to keep the rice warm by having some of the warm vapor circulating around the rice.

Sticky rice in Vietnam is typically served as a dessert or as a side dish. However, there are some dishes where the sticky rice is served in the main meal. Certain Banh dishes (Vietnamese cakes, buns, pastries or sandwiches) are made from glutinous rice. Xoi (sweet Vietnamese dish usually eaten as a dessert) and Che (sweet soup or pudding) also contain sticky rice.

When eating Isaan or Lao food, it is highly recommended to enjoy sticky rice with grilled chicken, larbs (spicy meat salad), Isaan sausages and spicy chili sauce made from fermented shrimp or fish. Vegetables and herbs that usually accompany Lao and Isaan meals can help ease the food’s spiciness.

Thailand, Laos and Vietnam are wonderful regions to visit if you are planning to come to Southeast Asia. The people are friendly, each country is filled with memorable sites and the food is just marvelous! Our Isaan Insight tour will take you on a unforgettable tour to this still relatively untouched region of Thailand. Discover the area’s unique culture and visit beautiful temples and serene national parks. You will, of course have many opportunities to savor the distinct taste of Isaan food. Exotissimo’s Overland Laos tour is a road trip to the country’s main attractions such as centuries old temples and imposing waterfalls. If you are in Vietnam and would like to learn how to prepare Vietnamese food, then our Cooking Class- Hanoi day tour is just for you. You can also see our suggested Thailand tours as well as our Laos tours and Vietnam tours for other memorable journeys into these wonderful and diverse countries.

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Makha Bucha – A Day to Repent your Sins in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

Feb 5th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Makha Bucha is an important religious festival observed by Buddhists in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month, which usually falls in late Febuary or early March. In 2010, it will occur on Febuary 28th. Makha Bucha is a public holiday and an occasion where followers of Buddhism are reminded of Buddha and his teachings. Many will go to a temple and perform merit making activities on this day. The spiritual aims of the day are not to commit any kinds of sins and to purify one’s mind.

Full moon days are a revered occasion in Buddhism and considered a holy day. On these days, people will make merits at their local temples. A good Buddhist will adhere to the precepts laid upon by Buddha, much like how followers of Christianity obey the Ten Commandments. Some of these precepts include avoiding consumption of alcohol, killing, stealing, lying and cheating. Some of the less ‘severe’ precepts are broken regularly by many (such as alcohol consumption) and Makha Bucha is a chance for people to seek forgiveness. The festival also reinforces the idea of pure and sacred path to enlightenment.

Makha Bucha commemorates the ordainment of Buddha’s first 1250 disciples who spontaneously came to see him and to listen to his sermon that day 2500 years ago. It is also said that on this day more than 2550 years ago, Buddha announced his passing away, which would happen three months later. He correctly predicted his death and it is now remembered as Visakha Bucha Day (which also happens to be his birthday and enlightenment day).

In the evening, most temples in Thailand hosts a candle procession called Wien Tien (Wien meaning circle and Tien meaning candle). With a candle, incense sticks and lotus flower in hand, people walk around the temple three times, once each to venerate Buddha, the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings), and the Sangha (monastic life).

Thailand, Cambodia and Laos hold strong Theravada Buddhist traditions, making this holiday a very important one in each country’s calendars. If you have any questions or are going to visit one of these countries during this day, you may contact us if you would like to tweak your itinerary with a temple visit and fully experience the festival. Discover the beautiful culture and heritage of these three countries with Exotisimo’s Colorful Capitals tour. Discover some of Southeast Asia’s most colorful cities with a tour to its historical sites and rarely seen locations. You can also see our suggested multi-country tours page for other memorable trips into this beautiful and captivating region.

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Filed under: Events & Festivals, Southeast Asia travel

Take Part with over 80,000 People at the Elephant Festival in Sayaboury, Laos

Feb 4th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

The Elephant Festival is an event organized by ElefantAsia to promote the conservation of these animals in Laos. The first festival was a huge success and has now become an annual event in February, with this year’s festivities taking place on February 20th-21st. Elephants, their trainers (called mahouts) as well as people from all over Laos gather in Sayaboury Province for this popular event with all kinds of activities and shows on display at the festival.

The Asian Elephant is the largest living land animal in Asia. The elephants can grow to about 2-3.6 meters tall and weigh 3,000-5,000 kilograms. Its habitat includes South Asia and Southeast Asia. This species of elephant is considered endangered, with less than 50,000 left in the wild and only 700 of those in the Laotian wilderness. In addition, there are only 560 domesticated elephants in the country. Throughout history, the animals have been tamed and trained for a number of reasons such as logging, milling, ceremonial purposes and as a military animal during warfare.

The combination of habitat loss, expansion of agriculture, and hunting has left this beloved animal endangered. Estimates have the Asian Elephant to be totally extinct in Laos in 50 years if conditions do not improve. Laos, formerly known as Lang Xang, (the Land of a Million Elephants), enjoys a long history and culture with these animals. It would be a shame if the land of a million elephants has no more of these animals left in the wild.

ElefantAsia is a non-profit organization dedicated towards the protection of the Asian elephant. ElefantAsia is attempting to reverse this unfavorable trend towards the elephants by concentrating conservation efforts in three main areas: veterinary, educational and economical support. A lot of logging elephants get injured or are overstressed and do not receive adequate healthcare. In response, ElefantAsia is trying to find alternative employment for the elephants, such as ecotourism that can benefit the animal, the handler and the environment. However, logging still persists, so the organization offers mobile veterinary units to travel to the rural areas and offer free health care to the animals.

The Elephant Festival was first held in 2007 as a reminder of the delicate situation Laos and these giant animals face. It was a huge success and has now become an annual event. Elephants and mahouts come from all over the country to Sayaboury to attend this festival. Last year’s event coincidentally took place on February 14th, with a lot of the activities having Valentine’s Day themes.

There will be an elephant baci ceremony and monk blessing at this year’s festival. This moment further underlines the importance of the elephants to the people because baci ceremonies are usually reserved for auspicious Laotian occasions.

The festivities include a logging demonstration displaying the strength and agility display of these animals. They will obey a series of sophisticated commands from their mahout, again showing the intimate bond and communication man and elephant can share.

The elephants will also casually march their way through the crowded streets of Sayaboury, so all can catch a glimpse of these gentle giants. Others will shower themselves by the river and even go as far as diving into the water to cool off even with the mahout on its back.

The Elephant Festival is more than just an elephant-themed event. Last year, the event generated $2.8 million, according to the provincial finance department, and about $1.5 million was injected back into the Sayaboury community. Money from food, guesthouses, handicraft and marketplace sales all contribute much-needed income into one of Laos’ poorest districts. Slowly, this charming community is garnering a reputation as a must visit for visitors to Laos.

The Elephant Festival in Sayaboury is an anticipated event where Laotians from across the country as well as tourists gather to see these mammoth animals. Last year’s festival had over 80,000 attendees. If you are interested in the festival, you may contact us and have us include it in your itinerary. If you have the time, we would like to introduce a day tour where you can get up close and personal with an elephant. Our Elephant Adventure – Luang Prabang day trip will take you to the Elephant Park Project, not too far from Luang Prabang. You will climb aboard the back of an elephant and rumble through the beautiful scenery on a one hour ride. You will also visit the Elephant Asia Show, an outdoor museum focused on elephant preservation. The day trip is a great extension to our Luang Prabang Discovery tour.

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Filed under: Events & Festivals, Laos Travel

Mohinga – Myanmar’s Hearty and Tasty Fish Soup

Feb 3rd, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

A Myanmar tour itinerary would be considered incomplete if one does not try its colorful, tasty and often healthy food. One of the most popular of these foods and a definite must-try is Mohinga.

Mohinga is a fish soup with rice vermicelli noodles and is considered as the country’s national dish. It is usually eaten as a breakfast meal; however Mohinga can be eaten at any time of the day.

This soup is readily available throughout the country with roadside stalls and street hawkers selling ready to eat Mohinga. Some Mohingas contain freshwater fish such as catfish, carp or butterfish while areas near the sea tend to use saltwater fish.

Each region, city, town and even restaurant prepares Mohinga differently. The reason could be preference or availability of certain ingredients. There are so many differences that many of the cooks have a sign stating their name and origins, thus indicating to the public what kind of Mohinga is being served. Some add coconut milk to enhance the aroma and flavor while others add more fish paste. The main type of Mohinga is found in the south, where fresh fish is more readily available.

The cooked broth is kept boiled because the dish is best consumed while it is hot. Mohinga is usually accompanied with a colorful array of other foods such as tempura in the form of fried sliced gourd, fried onions, fish cakes and boiled eggs. Fresh or dried chili, lime or chopped green coriander leaves may also be added the dish as condiments.

Why not try Mohinga on your Myanmar trip? You can enjoy this hearty soup during breakfast at your hotel or during lunch at a local restaurant while uncovering the diverse history and culture of Yangon on our Full Day Yangon City Tour. Of course, there is much more to Myanmar than Yangon. The country is just opening up to the world and there are many fascinating destinations to be discovered. Take an enchanting journey through jade lakes, golden plains, bustling city streets and majestic pagodas with our thorough The Very Best of Myanmar tour. You can also see our suggested Myanmar tours page for other memorable trips in the mystical and charming country.

Filed under: Asian Gourmet, Myanmar Travel

The House of Bhrama in Bangkok, Thailand

Feb 2nd, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

The Erawan Shrine (known as San Phra Phom Erawan in Thai) is a large memorial used to honor the four-faced Hindu god Brahma (called Than Tao Mahaprom in Thai). It is located on the busy junction of Ploenchit and Rajadamri Roads, near the shopping complexes of Siam, Central World and Gaysorn Plaza in downtown Bangkok.

The Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 during the construction of the luxury Erawan Hotel. The construction of the hotel was pulled back by a series of unfortunate mishaps such as cost overruns, the loss of a marble shipment intended for the hotel, and not least worker injuries and even death. The laborers, now overwhelmed with superstition and fear, blamed the unfavorable construction start date and refused to continue working unless the land spirits were appeased. In desperation, the contractor contacted an astrologer who confirmed the laborers’ concerns. So, on November 9th, 1956 (a date carefully chosen by the astrologer) the shrine was inaugurated. After the shrine has been built, there were no more worker injuries and construction of the hotel went by smoothly. The effectiveness of the shrine made the spot one of the revered in Thailand.

The Erawan Hotel opened to much fanfare and worldwide fame and fared well for three decades. However, Bangkok started to develop at a rapid pace and more hotels with modern facilities were springing up. The hotel could not compete and was eventually shut down and replaced in 1991 by the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.

The shrine may look Buddhist in design, but in actuality, it isn’t. The god Bhrama originated from Hinduism. Many Hindu gods, spirits and beliefs carried over into Buddhism, thus making Bhrama a widely accepted figure amongst Thais.

Thais and foreigners visit the shrine and offer prayers, incense and flowers to Brahma, wishing for luck and prosperity. In return for seeing their prayers at the shrine answered, people will offer a teak elephant to Bhrama, which is on sale nearby while others will hire Thai dance troupes and a musical orchestra to perform for the deity.

Unfortunately, the shrine was headlined for the wrong reasons in the early hours of March 21st, 2006. A mentally ill man vandalized the statue with a hammer. For a short time, the shrine was closed to the public but officials re-opened it with photographs of Bhrama so worshippers can continue to pay their respects. The new statue was placed in the shrine on May 21st 2006. It is made of plaster, mixed with a mixture of gold, bronze and other precious metals, along with pieces of the old statue. Another statue, fully made of metal and from the same mold is kept at the National Museum as stand-by.

A procession of lion dancers and musicians accompanied the new image from the Fine Arts Department to the shrine at 11am where over 1000 people were waiting. The new statue was placed in the shrine at 11.39am when the sun was shining directly above the shrine.

If you are walking along the intersection of Ploenchit and Rajadamri Roads, you will surely notice the Erawan Shrine. The area is filled with people paying their respects and of dances and Thai orchestral music. It is surely worth a visit before heading off to one of the mega malls in the area while taking our Bangkok City Safari tour. Thailand is an intriguing country and its wonders can be explored with our Thailand Special Package tour. Take an extended tour of Bangkok before heading up north to Chiang Mai before unwinding on the sands and beaches of Phuket Island. You can also see our Thailand tours page for other suggested trips into the country.

Filed under: Sightseeing, Thailand History, Thailand Travel

Explore Thailand’s and Myanmar’s Underwater World in the Andaman Sea

Feb 1st, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

The Andaman Sea is one of the world’s best dive destinations. The sea is filled with beautiful corals and an abundance of marine life. The area attracts diving enthusiats from all over the world and its waters are suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.

The Andaman Sea, which extends into Myanmar and stretches into the Thai and Malaysian borders as a part of the Indian Ocean, is home to numerous uninhabited islands (occasionally settled by sea gypsies) and idyllic sandy beaches. November to April and June to September are the best months to dive here, but it is still okay to visit at anytime of the year. Most of the reefs around the sea’s islands are on the eastern side because of the southwest monsoon’s influence.

Phuket is home to some good dive sites and is Thailand’s largest diving center. The reefs around the area are in great condition, with hard and soft corals providing a myriad of colors for divers to wow at. Marine life is also plentiful around Phuket.

The Similan Islands region is a popular stop for dive enthusiasts. The islands (there are nine in total) boasts numerous and thriving coral reefs and an awesome display of marine life. There is a good chance that a diver may see chevron barracudas, manta rays or leopard sharks in these waters. The Surin Islands also boasts excellent dives. The scenery is not that much different from the Similan Islands, but sightings of sharks and large marine animals are more common here.

Tarutao National Park is one of the continent’s oldest marine parks. The area has over 30 uninhabited islands and some excellent reefs. The visibility here is one of the best in Thailand. Koh Lipe also boasts exceptional dives and is quickly becoming a popular island getaway destination.

Krabi offers shallow fringing reefs and some beautiful limestone formations in varying sizes. Visitors to Krabi may also take the time to kayak into the limestone caves. The Phi Phi Islands have been growing as a popular dive base over the last 20 years. The area boasts a wide variety of coral reefs and marine life along with great visibility. The Koh Lanta area is another excellent dive destination. Divers should expect to see beautiful coral reefs, manta rays, whale sharks and other colorful marine life. Hin Mouang Island has one of the deepest drop-offs in Thailand with depths exceeding 70 meters.

A dive in the Andaman Sea is guaranteed to offer colorful scenes of ocean life. The reefs and abundance of marine life is some of the continent’s best and a dive in these waters are sure to offer a lifetime of memories. Exotissimo’s Beach Escapes at Koh Lipe tour is the perfect trip for dive enthusiasts. Not only will you get to relax at one of Thailand’s beautiful islands, you will also have the opportunity to plunge in some excellent dive waters. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea from Myanmar with our Myeik Liveaboard Cruise tour. Spend three nights onboard a boat as we take you to islands filled with exotic marine life. A trek through the islands’ jungles and a peaceful kayak on the Andaman waters are also in the itinerary. You may also see our Thailand tours page or Myanmar tours page for other memorable trips into these wonderful countries or contact us if you have any questions.

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Filed under: Diving, Myanmar Travel, Thailand Travel

Hop on a Songthaew with the Locals in Thailand and Laos

Jan 29th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

The streets of Thailand and Laos offer visitors a wealth of commuting options. Tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, buses and rickshaws are available and in the bigger cities, taxis. In addition to these alternatives, a strange looking vehicle roams around as well.

The songthaew is an adapted pickup or small truck used as a share taxi. There are two sets of benches on either side of the rear for passengers to sit on, thus garnering the name songthaew (translated into two rows). A roof covering the two rows of seats is usually attached, with plastic sheets or curtains covering the sides, protecting passengers from the rain. During rush hour, it is a common sight to these vehicles crowded with people, with some hanging on by the edges.

The songthaew in towns and cities have a fixed route, much like a bus. Passengers travelling in the same direction as the vehicle may use the share taxi to get to their destination. After waving their hand, the passenger will tell the driver the destination. The driver will agree to take the passenger there if it is in his route or drop the person off at the nearest possible point. After agreeing to a fee, the passenger rides the songthaew. Inside the vehicle are buttons used to sound a bell or alarm. If commuters want to get off, they will press that button (it helps the driver too because he can’t remember all the stops passengers want to get off at). The person hops off, pays the fare and goes about their day.

There are also songthaews that run between cities and towns. These will usually have a fixed price and are non-negotiable. Prices are a little high, so this is a disadvantage if someone was travelling alone, but if in a group, the fee can be shared between everybody.

Thailand and Laos are two fascinating countries to visit. Each presents unique cultures, sights and experiences that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. Experience the best of both countries with Exotissimo’s Bangkok to Laos, North to South tour. Start off in the modern city of Bangkok before whisking away to the laid-back lifestyle of Laos. See our suggested Multi-Country tours page for recommended trips into Southeast Asia. You can also contact us if you have any questions or if you would like to include a songthaew ride in your itinerary.

Filed under: Laos Travel, Southeast Asia travel, Thailand Travel

Discover the Smoothness and Comfort of Thai Silk

Jan 28th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Thailand is famous for its smooth silk. Thai silk, one of the finest and sought-out fabrics in the world, is a product with unique manufacturing processes and exceptional colors and patterns.

Silk and the art of weaving were believed to have originated in ancient India and China at around 2640 B.C. Chinese merchants spread the practice and garment to Asia through trade. Some archaeologists have discovered the first threads of Thai silk to be over 3000 years old.

Thai silk begins when a small silkworm (more related to caterpillars than worms) emerges from the eggs of a silk moth. The silk itself is produced from the salivary gland of these animals, who feed on white mulberry leaves. They spin their cocoons when they change from a larva into a pupa. The cocoon is made of one long thread, measuring about 500-1500 meters in length. The Khorat Plateau in Northeastern Thailand is considered the center of the silk industry in Thailand where weavers raise silkworms for the sole purpose of making Thai silk.

Raw silk at first is bumpy and uneven and comes in a variety of colors ranging from light gold to light green. Weavers extract the cocoon from the mulberry leaf and boil it so the silk thread separates, allowing the weavers to easily extract the fiber. The weavers then wash the raw silk threads, bleach it and then dye it because the natural yellow coloring of Thai silk yarn has to be removed. For the bleaching process, the silk threads are submerged in large tubs of hydrogen peroxide. The dried and dyed silk is then ready to be spun, either by hand or by machine.

Hand woven silk combines the grace, skill and precision of the weaver along with its unique fabric and design, making each hand-made silk garment exclusive. The weaving process is a long and tedious task. Machine woven silk, however is much faster and is produced in the masses, resulting in an end-product that is still good in terms of quality but lacks the character and originality of the hand woven ones.

Silk can be tailored into just about anything. Shirts, neckties, dresses, pillows and blankets are just some of the items that can be made entirely out of Thai silk.

Follow in the footsteps of one of Asia’s most famed silk merchants and discover more about silk in Thailand with our The Silk Route of Jim Thompson – Bangkok day trip tour. Begin the tour with a visit to Jim Thompson House, located along a canal in the city. You will also stop by at a Cham Muslim village whose artisans used to weave for Jim Thompson. They will also teach you about their history and traditions. Thailand is also the perfect destination for a family vacation. Our My Family in Thailand tour lets you and your loved ones experience the beauties of the country while also providing entertaining experiences for the kids. Enlighten yourself with the country’s culture as we take you to the must-sees and rarely visited sites. End the tour as you lie down on the beach and watch your children play in the ocean. You can also see our recommended Thailand tours page for other memorable trips into The Land of Smiles.

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Filed under: Thailand Travel, Thailand culture

Home Sweet Home for the Spirits in Southeast Asia

Jan 27th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Many households and businesses in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand have a shrine placed in a corner of their establishment. Some are simple in design while others literally look like miniature palaces. Contrary to what some people may believe, this is not a Buddhist tradition but rather one stemming from Animism before the arrival of Buddhism in the area.

Spirit houses are placed in the front corner of homes and business buildings because in Animism, it provides an ideal shelter for the celestial beings that would protect the establishment if given the proper respect. According to the belief’s oral history, the spirits are good or bad but usually mischievous more than anything else. The spirits demand utmost respect from humans or else disastrous interferences would happen. For example, if a person wishes to start a business or expand on his/her current one, the spirit can cause the business to be unsuccessful if the person does not inform or ask permission from the spirit.

Spirit houses may come in many different sizes and styles and can be made of wood, concrete or brick. At certain times the spirits are invited down only for special occasions and this is when temporary spirit houses are built. The style of the shrine depends on which spirit the home/business owner wishes to invite and how much money the person is willing to spend on the spirit house. For luck, people may place small statues, figurines or symbols in the spirit house, such as animals, furniture or a married couple. Surrounding the spirit house is a balcony where people can place incense stick, candles, flowers, food or drinks as offerings to the spirits.

Home/business owners will have to invite a medium for advice on when and where to position the spirit house, which are both determined through astrological calculations. The best days are usually on Wednesday or Thursday during the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 9th or 11th waxing or waning moons. Most mediums suggest the spirit house be placed on the north side of the establishment and not under the shadow of the building. Once a site has been determined, the home/business owner will choose between nine types of ‘lucky woods’ to use as a foundation for the shrine. Each of these woods symbolizes different aspects the owner may yearn from the shrine and spirit such as wealth, protection, luck or happiness.

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s paradise tourist destinations. The region has it all, warm beaches, tropical climate, exotic foods, serene lands, interesting culture and friendly people. Exotissimo’s Southeast Asia Discovery tour offers you the chance to experience the wonders of the region. Experience bustling metropolitan cities and glittering temples while you meet the people, learn about their culture and sample the region’s tasty foods on a journey to the main tourist sites and beyond. Our Colorful Capitals tour introduces you to some of the region’s present and past capital cities. Discover each city’s heritage as you marvel at their historic structures and monuments and experience its culture by participating with the locals in their customs. You may also see our recommended Multi-Country tours page for other memorable trips into the region.

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