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Exotissimo Travel was established in 1993 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We are now one of the longest established inbound tour operators in Indochina, Myanmar and Thailand and one of the best known.

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Archive for December, 2009

Experience Thailand’s Untouched Wonderland at Khao Sok National Park

Dec 31st, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Khao Sok National Park is in Surat Thani province in Southern Thailand.  It is a haven of plants, animals and fresh air and is easily one of the most diverse national parks in Thailand.

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Khao Sok was declared a national park by the Thai government on December 22nd, 1980, making it the 22nd national park and covers an area of about 739 km2.  It consists of lush tropical jungles, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an island stubbed lake.  The national park receives the most rainfall in Thailand because the area is influenced by both the Northeast (Pacific Ocean) and Southwest (Indian Ocean) monsoons.   The park contains the country’s largest area of virgin forest and the jungle at the park is actually older and more diverse than the Amazon Rainforest.

The national park is home to a wide array of flora and wildlife.  Chance encounters with tigers, leopards, elephants, gibbons, deer, hornbills, the king fisher and a whole bunch of arthropods, amphibians and snakes are possible at Khao Sok.  The most famous attraction though is the Rafflesia Kerrii flower, which is known as Bua Put in Thai.  This rare red flower has a diameter of 50-90 centimeters, earning it the distinction of world’s largest flower (the largest kind though does not grow in the park, but three other species do).  Although beautiful in sight, the same cannot be said of its smell.  The flower gives off a strong odor, similar to compost because the flower is not pollinated by insects seeking nectar but by flies.   The flowers only blossom in January to early March, so if the flower is the main reason to come to the park, it is then best to plan accordingly.

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Exotissimo’s Khao Sok National Park Jungle Escape offers excellent trekking, canoeing and other adventure experiences in this beautiful nature sanctuary.  Peacefully kayak the Sok River or Chieow Laan Lake and admire the nature that surrounds you, trek through the jungles to beautiful limestone karst formations or rumble through the jungle on an elephant.  You can also see our suggested Thailand tours page for other memorable trips in the country or contact us if you have any questions.

 Filed under: Thailand Travel, nature

Mouse Dropping Chili: Dare to Try?

Dec 30th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Southeast Asian food can be hot!  Hot meaning spicy.  One of the most famous chilies in the region is the bird’s eye chili, found mainly in Thailand but also available in most parts of Southeast Asia.

The bird’s eye chili, otherwise known as Thai chili or comically referred to prik kee noo (mouse dropping chili) is one of the spiciest chilies in the world.  At one time it was even listed as the hottest chili in the Guinness Book of World Records but other even spicier chilies have later been discovered.  Prik kee nu chilies are green or red and about one inch in length, with the green ones indicating unripe chilies and the red as ripe ones.

Mouse dropping chili measures around 50,000-100,000 Scoville units in the Scoville scale.  The Scoville scale measures the spiciness of chili peppers by the amount of capsaicin in it.  Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in chili plants that stimulates chemoreceptor nerve endings in the mucous membranes.  In other words, it is the chemical in the chili that stimulates the ‘burning’ sensation we feel when we eat spicy food.  To compare bird’s eye chili to other spices, pure capsaicin is 15,000,000–16,000,000 on the Scoville scale, law enforcement pepper spray measures 5,000,000-5,300,000 Scoville units, Tabasco pepper measures 30,000–50,000, jalapeño and paprika weighs in at 2,500–8,000 and pimento is at 100–500.

Mouse dropping chilies are also used in different ways.  The chili can actually be grounded and used as a condiment in food, especially in noodles and soup dishes.  This is called prik kee nu bonn, with bonn meaning grounded.  The chilies can also be dried out in the sun.   The larger dried whole chilies are used to make curry paste and the smaller ones are usually kept for later consumption.  Finally, the chilies can be used to make ground fresh chili paste.  Salt, vinegar and garlic are added and the paste usually comes and comes in a small plastic jar, usually with a green lid.

So, you’ve tried the food and thrown in some spice into your meal as well.  All of a sudden, you feel this burning sensation and the feeling heightens even more.  What do you do to relieve it?  It seems natural that water should ease this, but that is not always the case.  Water can actually spread the ‘burning feeling’ from your tongue to your throat, compounding the situation even more.  Many people find yogurt, milk, ice-cream, chocolate and bananas to help.  In fact, the rice on your dinner table can also relieve the spiciness.

Part of your Southeast Asian experience is to sample the tasty and sometimes very spicy food.  After trying it, why not cook it yourself and impress your friends back home?  While in Bangkok, you can take our Bangkok Tasty Treats – Bangkok day trip tour.  An authentic culinary experience awaits while you visit local markets, sample tasty food, learn about the ingredients used in the food enjoy a genuine Thai meal.  In Vietnam, we have two cooking classes which include our Half Day Cooking Class in Ho Chi Minh City and our Cooking Class – Hanoi tours.  Before preparing the dishes, you will meet your chef, head to the market to purchase the necessary ingredients and then back to the kitchen for your cooking experience.  If you are in Cambodia, you can also experience this with our Culinary Cambodia – Siem Reap tour.  These day trips are a great compliment to any of our Southeast Asian tours at www.exotissimo.com.

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Ratanakiri: An Immaculate Nature Haven in Northeast Cambodia

Dec 29th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

If you are looking for a varied adventure in pristine Cambodian nature, you should head to Ratanakiri in northeastern Cambodia.  Ratanakiri offers the keen explorer a haven of natural landscapes such as thick bamboo jungles, lush mountains and crystal clear waters.

The province of Ratanakiri is sparsely populated.  Its 150,000 inhabitants make up only 1% of the whole Cambodian population.  It is also the one of the quietest province in Cambodia in terms of infrastructure and development.

Banlung is the capital of Ratanakiri Province.  It is a small town, with about 17,000 people living in the provincial capital.  Banlung serves as the province’s commercial center.  One of the most interesting places to experience is the town’s market.  Ethnic minorities from all the surrounding villages sell their goods there creating an interesting and colorful atmosphere.

The geography of Ratanakiri Province is diverse.  It consists of rolling hills, plateaus, mountains and crater lakes.  Two rivers, the Tonle San and the Tonle Srepok flow from east to west right through the province.  Ratanakiri is also home to lush jungles, with almost 80% of the province covered in tropical rain forests.  To the north of the province lies the Annamite Range where an abundance of wildlife can be explored.

There are some spectacular must-see sites in the province.  Yak Lom is a clear volcanic crater lake not too far from Banlung.  The area around the lake is covered by jungle as well as hilltribe villages.  It is a great place for a swim, especially during the warm and humid afternoon.    Another area to visit is Virachey National Park, one of the largest protected forests in Asia.  Many visitors to the province never visit Virachey because it is so remote.  The terrain at the national park consists mostly of forests, mountains, grasslands and valleys with encounters of exotic wildlife and hilltribe villages a possibility.   The province is also home to numerous waterfalls including Tuek Cha Falls, a spectacular cascade in a jungle gorge with a zircon mine and even more hilltribe villages located nearby.

You can experience the province with Exotissimo’s Ratanakiri Experience adventure tour.  Travel along the Mekong River for a possible encounter with the rare and elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin and visit what the locals call ‘Tiger Caves.’  You can also see our suggested Cambodia tours page for other exciting experiences in this astonishing country.  If you have any questions about Ratanakiri or Cambodia, please contact us.  We are very happy to answer your questions.

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 Filed under: Adventures, Cambodia Travel

Cast Yourself Away to the Pristine Scenery of Phang Nga

Dec 28th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Phang Nga is a town (and the capital) of the southern province of the same name located approximately 800 kilometers from Bangkok. The town has a population of about 9600 people and covers an area of about 6.75km².  Most people come to Phang Nga for one reason which is to explore the bay.

Phang Nga Bay was declared a national park on April 29, 1981. It is a geological wonder filled with eye pleasing sites such as beautiful islets, limestone karsts, sunken caverns and other rock formations all rising out of the emerald sea.  You may have heard of James Bond and the numerous films about the spy agent.  Did you know there is an island in the bay called James Bond Island?  Koh Ping-Gan (its original name) got its memorable nick name because it is one of the settings in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”.  Another popular destination is Koh Panyee, otherwise known as Sea Gypsy Island.  The village in the island is built with stilts over the water with a giant rock formation guarding its rear.  Most people go there for lunch and handicrafts shopping after visiting James Bond Island.  After all the tourists leave, the village magically transforms into a sleepy community of fishermen.

While you are there, you can also visit other beautiful islands in the vicinity. These are some of the less visited spots in the area, but are still equally gorgeous and impressive.  One of these islands is Koh Hong.  The islet and the surrounding area are home to beautiful caves that are only reachable by kayak.  Take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch (since there will be no restaurant or eateries in the area) before continuing on your kayaking adventure to Koh Panak, where you will set up camp and admire the area under the starlit night.

The bay is one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand and Exotissimo has a three night Camping & Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay tour for a fulfilling excursion into the area.  Kayaking, picnic lunches, and beautiful limestone caves await you on this trip.  If you do not have much time in Phang Nga but would still like to experience the bay, then why not take our one day Phang Nga Bay Adventure – Phuket tour?  Cruise on the emerald waters and see the beautiful rock formations from your speedboat.  Who knows, you may even see a monitor lizard paddling the Andaman Sea, a monkey feeding on a shellfish or a sea hawk swooping down into the water for its catch.  You can also see our suggested Thailand tours page for other tour options into this beautiful and varied country.

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Merry Christmas from Southeast Asia

Dec 25th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

People do not normally associate Christmas with Southeast Asia.  Most of the citizens in the region are not even Christians.  However, you would be surprised to see how much of the holiday spirit is on display in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Christmas in Vietnam

During the 19th and 20th centuries, many Vietnamese converted to Christianity making Christmas one of the four most important festivals of Vietnam (the other being the birthday of Buddha, the New Year and the mid-autumn festival).  On Christmas Eve, many Vietnamese Christians attend Midnight Mass.  The tradition of presents under the Christmas tree is also prevalent in Vietnamese Christians’ homes.  Many will also enjoy their Christmas supper consisting of Christmas turkey, chicken soup or pudding.  One charming difference between Vietnam and the West is that children in Vietnam leave their shoes outside on Christmas Eve instead of stockings for Santa Claus.

Christmas in Thailand

Christianity represents 0.008% of Thailand’s population, with many concentrating in the northern part of the country.  Christmas is celebrated in Thailand by the masses nonetheless.  Decorations and songs can be heard as early as November and many Thais consider Christmas as part of the December and New Year festivities, with the King’s Birthday (and Father’s Day) being a holiday on the December 5th and Constitution Day being a holiday on the 10th of December.  Christmas Day, however, is not a holiday in Thailand, though many expats and Thai Christians take leave on that day anyway.  Like everywhere else in the region, Christmas corresponds with Thailand’s peak tourist season, so hotels are usually full.  Shopping malls and gift wrapping services in Bangkok’s major malls are very busy during this time.  You can also see Christmas tress being erected around the city, with the one in front of Central World shopping mall being the tallest in Southeast Asia.

Christmas in Laos

If you want to escape all the festivities associated with Christmas and just relax in serenity and peace, Laos is the place to go.  Although there are some Christians living in Laos, the festivities are not as prevalent as in Laos’ neighbors such as Thailand and Vietnam.  However, Christmas decorations are evident, if not scattered throughout Laos’ major cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang.  Laos is known for its laid back and peaceful atmosphere so if you want a quiet and peaceful Christmas experience, then Laos is the place to go.

Christmas in Cambodia

The decorations and jolly mood associated with Christmas is evident in Cambodia.  Many hotels and guest houses are fully adorned with lights, decorations and Christmas trees.  You may even see Christmas trees wearing striking tinsels, bells, garlands, figurines and multicolored lights on your site seeing tour around Cambodia.  Christianity was first introduced to the country in 1660 by missionaries with the current estimate of Cambodia’s population being Christian at 0.15%.  Like other Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia offers unique and exotic gift ideas.

Christmas in Myanmar

Compared to Thailand and Vietnam, there is not as much Christmas decorations in Myanmar.  That does not mean there are none though.  Like most of mainland Southeast Asia, Myanmar is not a Christian country, however the six tribes collectively known as Kachins are devout Christians.  For them, the festive season starts early in December and like other Christians, attend mass on Christmas Eve and participate in Christmas carols.

December to February are the best months to visit Southeast Asia.  The weather is cooler and dryer and the people are in the festive mood, whether they celebrate Christmas or not. You can visit Exotissimo at www.exotissimo.com and see our suggested tours in these five mentioned Southeast Asian countries.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.  We are more than happy to answer your questions.

Merry Christmas from South East Asia!

 Filed under: Southeast Asia travel

Sample a Taste of Cambodia with its Nutritious Cuisine

Dec 24th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

You cannot fully appreciate your experience in Cambodia without trying the food!  Not only is it exotic, it is tasty and nutritious!  Amok and Prahok are two of the countries’ most famous examples.

Cambodian food is inherently different from the cuisine of its neighbors.  The flavors used in Cambodian dishes come from spices and herbs with little uses of fats and meats.  Fish is the main meat used in Cambodian food.  Cambodian cuisine also tends to balance the four tastes (saltiness, sweet, sour and bitter) as equally as possible and also prioritizes texture over other elements.  Fruit and vegetables accompany many Cambodian meals, guaranteeing a healthy and nutritious meal every time.

Amok is a steamed fish and meat curry dish coated in thick coconut milk and Kroeung (a herb paste used in Cambodia for flavoring).  Galangal, lemongrass, turmeric and other spices and herbs are common ingredients in Kroeung.  The fish or meat is usually steamed (and sometimes baked) enclosed within a banana leaf.  The herb paste is added on later right before consuming.

The traditional and most popular ingredient in Amok is fish.  However, other ingredients can be used instead of fish such as pork, beef, tofu, bamboo shoots, eggs, chicken, seaweed and even escargot (snail).

Amok is the perfect introduction to Cambodia cuisine.  Compared to Indian curry, it is milder and because of the coconut milk in this dish, it is not too different from Thai curries.

Along with Kroeung, Prahok is a popular paste in Cambodian cuisine.  Prahok is a crushed fermented fish paste which accompanies rice and other dishes as a seasoning or condiment.  The dish originated as a way of preserving fish during the longer months when fresh fish was not readily available.

The paste can give off a strong and unique aroma, which may put some people off from trying Prahok, but like other Southeast Asian dishes, the taste is what defines the food.  Prahok is cooked or fried but usually never eaten raw because of the health risks involved.

If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and would like to try your hand in preparing Amok or any other Cambodia dish, then Exotissimo would like to recommend the Cambodia Culture & Cuisine tour.  Experience Cambodia’s unique culture in Phnom Penh as well as admiring the magnificent Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.  After your enlightening tour, your cooking instructor and you will head to the market, buy the necessary ingredients and then come back to the kitchen for your Cambodian food preparation experience!  If you are in Siem Reap and there is little time on your schedule, you may elect to pursue our one day Culinary Cambodia – Siem Reap package instead.  Cambodia is a diverse and wonderful country and you can see our suggested Cambodia tours page for other exciting experiences in this wonderful country.

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The Golden Triangle; A Captivating Region Beyond its Checkered Past

Dec 23rd, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

The borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge to form the infamous Golden Triangle. It is one of the main attractions of a Northern Thailand trip because of its history and geography. The area’s position along the Mekong and Ruak rivers adds to the appeal of this once massive opium producing region.

The Golden Triangle’s legacy of opium production, usage, trading and just about anything else related to the drug can be studied at the Opium Museum. The area may be famous for its opium producing past, but it is also visited for the spectacular scenery, interesting history, quiet and rustic village life and other activities. The Golden Triangle is mountainous, offering fantastic scenery and views into the neighboring countries. You can choose to admire the beautiful backdrop perched on an elephant or by cruising along one of the rivers on a bamboo raft.

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No trip to the Golden Triangle is complete without a visit to the bustling Thai-Burmese border town of Mae Sai, a trading town with a hilltop temple. Here, you will experience a busy market scene and see crafts and other products from both countries congregate into one place.

The Golden Triangle is a great place to visit and offers a nice change of pace from Southeast Asia’s beach and temple site seeing scenes. With Exotissimo’s The Golden Triangle & The Mekong River Luxury Adventure tour, a whole host of activities await. On this tour you will have an opportunity to be an elephant mahout and ride this magnificent animal through the bamboo jungles. A peaceful boat ride through the jungles of Northern Laos is also in the itinerary. Our Chiang Rai and the Far North and Discover North Thailand tours are shorter but still equally enchanting programs into this famous area.

If you are visiting the Golden Triangle from the Thai side, Exotissimo recommends a stay at the enchanting Ananta Resort & Spa Golden Triangle. This gorgeous property is nestled among landscaped gardens with excellent views of the surrounding countryside. To further assimilate you to the region, each room is furnished with authentic Lanna silk, hilltribe cottons, local ceramics and teak furniture. Each guestroom is also inclusive of an outdoor balcony, allowing you to soothe in the refreshing mountain air from your very own room.

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Unwind in Asia’s Most Relaxed Capital, Vientiane

Dec 22nd, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Vientiane (pronounced wiang-chan) is Laos’ capital and largest city.  There are about 200,000 people living in the city center, with over 730,000 in the Vientiane Prefecture.  The city’s relaxing atmosphere contrasts with other Southeast Asian capitals such as Bangkok, Thailand and Hanoi, Vietnam, making Vientiane feel more like a provincial town than a capital city.

There is a legend on the founding of Vientiane. The great Laotian epic Phra Lak Phra Lam tells of a story about two royal brothers.  One of them left the great Lao kingdom of Muang Inthapatha Maha Nakhon because he was denied the throne in favor of his younger brother.  So, the out of favor brother (named Prince Thattaradtha) founded a city on the west bank of the Mekong River, that is today Udon Thani, Thailand.  However, a seven headed naga (a human deity taking a form of a snake) told the prince to cross the river and start a new city, which would eventually be called Vientiane.

Much like the saga, Vientiane is a charming place to visit.  The Lao capital is filled with tree lined roads that are dotted with temples and colonial buildings.  You can easily explore Laos’ capital by foot or by bicycle and see a city with Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences.  The backdrop of the Mekong River adds to the already soothing atmosphere of the city.

So, once you are in the capital, what should you do?  On Exotissimo’s Vientiane City Tour – Full Day package, we recommend a stop at Wat Sisaket.  It is a Buddhist temple built in 1818, designed with Thai architectural style.  The temple’s breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.  In the center of the courtyard is an ordination hall which contains more Buddha images and statues as well as beautiful murals of the Buddha’s past lives.  Wat Phra Keo is another destination we recommend you to see.  This temple used to be the resting place of the sacred Emerald Buddha (which is now housed at the Grand Palace in Bangkok).  It is now used primarily as a religious museum, displaying a collection of both Lao and Khmer artwork. There are also other marvelous places to visit on this tour.

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If you have less time, we also have a Vientiane City Tour – Half Day package.  But to fully appreciate the country, we recommend the Laos in Depth tour.  Not only will you experience Vientiane, you will also enjoy the country’s spiritual capital, Luang Prabang.  Stops to Kuang Si Waterfall, Pak Ou Caves and the quiet town of Vang Vieng are also included in the itinerary.  You can also see our suggested Laos tour page for other options into this fascinating and enchanting country.

 Filed under: Laos Travel, Sightseeing

Recreate your Meal with Southeast Asian Fish Sauce

Dec 21st, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

What is that salty, pungent brown liquid you may see in various kitchens and eateries in Southeast Asia?  You may have seen it being used as an ingredient in cooking or as a condiment to a dish.  Is it soy sauce?  No, close though.  It is nothing but good old fish sauce!

Fish sauce is a staple ingredient found in many countries in Southeast Asia.  Vietnamese, Thai, Lao, Burmese and Cambodian meals all have some hint of fish sauce in their food (either as an ingredient or condiment).  So, how is it made?  Genuine fish sauce is the water or juice in the flesh of fish that is extracted in the process of prolonged salting and fermentation.  Most of these fish are either anchovies (they are bountiful in the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea) or even smaller species that would otherwise have little consumption value.  For fish sauce to develop that distinctive fragrant scent and taste, the fish must be very fresh.  In fact, the process starts when the fish is taken off the boat.  The fish are rinsed and drained and then mixed with sea salt.  After that, the fish are kept in earthenware jars, sandwiched in between two layers of salt (one layer at the bottom and one layer at the top of the jar), covered with a piece of cloth and left exposed the Southeast Asian sun.  The jar will then be positioned to keep the fish inside from floating.  By doing this, the water inside are extracted out by the salt and fermentation process.  The jars will be left alone for the next nine months.  Occasionally, the jars will be uncovered so the sun can actually ‘melt’ the fish inside.  This separates top fish sauce from mediocre ones and gives the sauce its distinctive red-brown color.  After the long nine months, the liquid then goes through an extensive and thorough filtering process.  Finally, the sauce is bottled and ready for the masses.

So, now that you know how fish sauce is made, why not figure out what it is being called in Southeast Asia, so you can enjoy it?  In Vietnam, it is called nuoc mam.  The Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is famous for its fish sauce production.  In Thailand, it is called nam plaa and in Laos it is similarly called nam pa.  In Myanmar, fish sauce is called ngan byar yay and in Cambodia as teuk trei.  After tying out fish sauce, you can now taste the impact this brown liquid adds to your dishes.  It will be a fine addition to your kitchen sauces and condiments you may already have at home.  Try replacing salt with fish sauce on some of your favorite dishes.

Of course, there is more to Southeast Asia than fish sauce.  The region is home to some of the best beaches in the world, as well as magnificent structures, wonderful people and terrific natural landscapes.  You can see Exotissimo’s suggested multi-country tours or our Cambodia Culture & Cuisine tour or our Culinary Delights of Vietnam tour for unforgettable travel and culinary experiences in Southeast Asia.

How Hello is Done in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

Dec 18th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Sa wat dee. Sabai dee. Chum reap suor.  Greetings!  We have just said hello to you in Thai, Lao and Cambodian.  Of course, the proper way to greet somebody is to perform the Wai (as is called in Thailand and Laos) or the Sampeah (as it is called in Cambodia).

The roots behind this gesture can be traced back to India and is still used today.  Anjali Mudra (as it is called in India) is derived from Sansrit meaning salutation sign.  The purpose of the gesture in ancient times was to show that all the people greeting each other were not carrying weapons.

So, what is this Wai / Sampeah?  Are they the same?  Well, they are in fact very similar.  It is a graceful greeting gesture practiced throughout Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.  The greetings start with the hands held together, similar to a praying gesture.  Then all you have to do is say your greetings and bow your head.  This gesture is also done when saying thank-you or apologizing.  The higher the hands are held in relation to the face and the lower the bow, the more respect or reverence the giver of the Wai / Sampeah is showing. Examples include prayers, greetings to monks and when showing respect to holy and royal images and monuments.

Locals usually perform this gesture to their elders or to important people such as professors, politicians or royalty.  Most of the time, you only have a couple of seconds to determine this, so just Wai / Sampeah anyway if you are unsure. You should also take note that if someone offers you a gesture you should immediately return it (or at least acknowledge it) because failure to do so is considered rude.  This can be tough if your hands are full of shopping bags or if you are carrying hot soup, but a slight head nod would do.

Here are some general guidelines to the gesture.  You shouldn’t perform the Wai / Sampeah to anyone who you are paying for service.  This could be waiters, cab drivers, etc.  You also shouldn’t be greeting young toddlers (or others who obviously look younger than you) in this way.  You shouldn’t perform the gesture to your friends as you will end up looking silly for this.  However, if you are leaving a party or other social gatherings, you should Wai / Sampeah everyone, as this is the polite way to excuse yourself from the event.  You should also perform the gesture before receiving a gift as a thank you sign.  When listening to a Buddhist sermon, you should also hold your hands throughout the session.  Passer-bys of important and sacred monuments perform the gesture as well, with drivers even momentarily taking their hands off the steering wheel!

So, now you know a bit about how to greet people in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.  Why not come over to these three beautiful countries and try your new greeting skill?  Come and experience the amazement of Thailand with our suggested Thailand tours page, discover the marvels of Angkor’s magnificent temples by viewing our recommended Cambodia tours page or soothe in the laid back lifestyle of Laos with our advised Lao tours.  We also have excellent multi-country tour to these three beautiful countries and more.  We are always happy to answer your questions, so please feel free to contact us if you have any.

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Why Travel with Exotissimo?


Local Knowledge
- Our 16 offices in Southeast Asia are staffed with locals and expatriates who have a passion for their countries and for travel. This invaluable local knowledge enables us to recommend the best places on your tailor-made Asia tour.

A direct line to Asia- When you book with Exotissimo you are dealing with a person on the ground who can provide you with the latest updates as well as quickly access the best deals in the region. The result: faster, more direct replies and fantastic savings.

Freedom to create your own unique itinerary- Whatever you dream, we can make it happen. We know everyone has their own unique travel style and that’s why we work with you to create a personalized itinerary tailor-made to suit your needs.

Best available prices- With our network of suppliers, we can access the best rates and latest promotions and pass these savings on to you.

Authentic Experiences- We take you to the hidden spots, introduce you to the locals and give you a true experience. Your guaranteed to get a sense of the culture and return home with unforgettable memories.

Informed advice- We don’t just send you a program that is mass produced, we listen to your requests and create a new program for each traveler.

Hassle Free Traveling- We take care of it all- from start to finish- allowing you to relax and enjoy discovering Asia. After 16 years operating a travel agency in Asia, we know how to plan a seamless holiday.

 

Where to find us


No matter where you are in Asia, you can rest assured that our network of offices are just a phone call away to help you should you need any assistance.

We have offices in:

            Vietnam Tours- Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang
            Thailand Tours- Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket
            Cambodia Tours- Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
            Laos Tours-  Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse
            Myanmar Tours- Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake and Mandalay

We also have specialized teams to handle specific requests. Our Luxury Travel agencies knows the most opulent properties, gourmet dining options and exotic destinations suited for the most discerning travelers while our Adventure Departments researches undiscovered trails and hidden villages for an adrenaline-pumping vacation.

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