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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 the ‘Luxury Travel’ Category

Luxury Tented Camp Adventures

Nov 10th, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

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In four adventure-packed days, explore the lush wilderness of Northern Thailand whilst staying in comfort. During the day, trek through jungles, ride on the back of a local elephant, traverse the waters of the Mekong by boat and visit remote villages. In the evening, indulge in sunset cocktails, exquisite food, and relaxing massages before retreating to your luxurious tented accommodation. Adventure has never sounded so good! Click here to view tour.

Colonial Chic - Swishful Thinking

Oct 6th, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

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Like a living museum, Asia’s grand colonial hotels are the lavish legacy of the region’s colonial past. A stay in one of these properties provides a glamorous window into a time when the expanding empires of France and Britain cut mighty swathes across the globe. Wealthy traders and entrepreneurs, like the famous Sarkies brothers, flocked to exotic new outposts in the Far East and were quick to leave their imprint on the occupied territory. They imported familiar customs from their homelands and, above all, the familiar architecture to the native landscape.

Mostly built in the early 1900s, plush properties like The Oriental in Bangkok, Hanoi’s Sofitel Metropole, Vientiane’s Settha Palace and The Strand in Yangon provided a decadent refuge for the rich and privileged in these foreign lands. Lofty ballrooms, exquisite dining halls, sweeping stair-cases, and luxurious suites all supplied the lush backdrop to an endless round of parties and intrigues.

More than just a grandiose tribute to imperial decadence, these institutions set high standards in luxury and architecture that their current owners take pains to preserve. Most are now in the hands of luxury hotel chains, which have the funds necessary to maintain them. Thus, many of their historical traditions, such as high tea, Tiffin and classical French cuisine, happily live on.

From the rattan furniture and potted plants, to the marble floors and brass fittings, these great colonial hotels still evoke the opulence of their golden days in the 1920s and ’30s. They all offer welcome respite from sterile, modern and often charmless hotels by giving you the chance to experience the glamour of a bygone era.

To see the list of our preferred luxury hotels & resorts, click here.

Vietnam in Style

Sep 8th, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

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Vietnam is an incredible country, from the bustling street markets of Hanoi to the colonial grandeur of Saigon. With fifteen years of experience in Vietnam, nobody knows the country like the experts at Exotissimo! This private, guided nine day tour visits the highlights of this amazing country as well as its hidden gems, all the while receiving exceptional personalized travel services and staying in some of the region’s top luxury hotels. Click here to view our tour.

 Filed under: Luxury Travel, Vietnam Travel

Exotissimo Recommends - Knai Bang Chatt, Kep, Cambodia

Apr 30th, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Located in Kep on the south coast of Cambodia, this beautiful property consists of three villas, one of which was built in 1962 by a protege of Vann Molyvann, the renowned Khmer pupil of Le Corbusier. The exclusive residence boasts a wooden dining pavilion, reading room, large pool and garden and private bar, and the villa’s three buildings are linked together by outdoor staircases and passageways. Boasting as much indoor space as there are terraces, this home has eleven bedrooms beautifully appointed with Cambodian artefacts and antiques. There is also a large salt water swimming pool carved out of volcanic rock for romantic al fresco dining. Excursions to nearby sights can be arranged through the concierge and the property is also close to Bokor National Park, a vast tropical upland forest and one of the country’s largest protected areas.

Exotissimo Recommends - Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Apr 28th, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

A former guesthouse of King Sihanouk designed by French architect Laurent Mondet, this classic sixties structure has been converted into a calm oasis on the outskirts of bustling Siem Reap. The tranquil property offers a multitude of relaxing opportunities within its private garden enclave including a sultry curved slate swimming pool and fine cuisine is available in a dramatic setting at The Dining Room, previously the screening room of King Sihanouk. The 24 suites are decorated in a classic Indochinese palette of cool grey, pristine white, dark timber and ivory with private courtyards and soothing water features, and 12 feature private swimming pools. The Roof Garden offers pre-dinner drinks in the evening and invigorating yoga sessions at dawn, and the hotel’s spa features traditional Cambodian treatments and a range of soothing organic products. Click here for more information on Amansara in Siem Reap.

Exo Recommends - Evason Villas, Dalat, Vietnam

Mar 10th, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

The Evason Ana Mandara Villas Dalat is completely unique in South-East Asia, comprising 17 deluxe, lovingly restored French colonial villas each constructed in the 1920s and 1930s and each attended by a personal butler.

The cool hills of Dalat provide a fitting backdrop for Six Senses’ latest luxury boutique resort venture. Outdoor hot tubs allow guests to take in the cool air and striking Central Highland vistas, while the open fireplaces and quintessentially colonial villa design will give a feeling of divine opulence.

The area around the resort offers plenty of activities and entertainment for guests - the stunning Dalat Palace Golf Course is beautiful and challenging and visitors can take a bike, pony ride or car to discover the local countryside, the town market and nearby minority villages.

For atmosphere, luxury, calm and sheer uniqueness the Evason Ana Mandara Villas in Dalat will soon be an essential part of every discerning traveler’s itinerary in Vietnam.

Exo Recommends - Mandarin Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mar 7th, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Spread over 60 acres of peaceful, natural landscapes including serene paddy fields and exotic plantations in the north of Thailand, each of the 144 rooms at this 5-star hotel are luxuriously appointed with all the conveniences and comforts you would expect. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, whirlpool and fitness centre and the hotel’s renowned Dheva Spa offers a wide range of traditional and signature treatments. With a team of highly-experienced Thai and foreign chefs, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi offers an excellent range of culinary options, from relaxed poolside meals, to fine Asian and European cuisines in architecturally unique buildings, all of which are designed to reflect the glorious opulence of the Lanna period. Stay luxury today at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai. Book your room now.

Luxurious Dining in Southeast Asia is the Order of the Day

Mar 5th, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

In a region famous for its delectable cuisine, fine dining options abound in Southeast Asia. From high-end hotel restaurants to specialty boutique cafes, there is staggering array of gourmet eateries ready to dish up whatever your heart or stomach yearns for. Here are just a few of our favorite opulent dining venues.

In a beautiful location adjacent to the Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s Arc de Triumph, Le Na Dao has grown from a hush-hush eatery of just a few tables to an established gourmet centre that has set a new standard in the city for fine no fusion, no foolin French cuisine. The name means “Stars in the Ricefield,” and indeed this little star regularly plays host to Vientiane’s best and brightest business folks and dignitaries. It’s romantic setting in a converted teak house, low-key lighting and live local music complete the experience.

A Yangon institution for fine French dining, Le Planteur has been dishing up gastronomical delights in Myanmar’s largest city since 1998. With a menu that is constantly updated to reflect the seasonal availability of fresh ingredients, every visit to Le Planteur is a new experience and the restaurant prides itself on having as many local patrons as foreigners.

In addition to exquisite entrees, mains and deserts, the restaurant offers a wide selection of French wines that can be matched to any dish and staff are trained to help customers make the finest choices.

On Ho Chi Min City’s Ngo Van Nam strip, the elegant Mandarin Restaurant is a paradise for all lovers of true Vietnamese food. A superb selection of fine, authentic cuisine is served in luxurious surroundings which are spilt over three levels and carefully designed to reflect the timeless splendour of a Vietnamese imperial palace. A cello, violin and piano are on hand for the nightly live performances which complete the elegant, turn-of-the-century atmosphere.

Phnom Penh’s Topaz Restaurant is a foodies dream given form. Its flawless service and top-notch French dishes never fail to impress, and the restaurant makes sure that your every need is catered to. Topaz provides everything, including fine French wines from its deep wine cellar and Cuban cigars from its walk-in humidor. The perfect meal is completed by the colonial Indochinese paired with live music from the upstairs piano bar.

With excellent restaurants like these, luxurious dining is the order of the day in Southeast Asia. To experience any of these luxurious senses of gourmets, select an Southeast Asia travel destination in your mind and prepare your bag! For luxury hotels, resorts and tours? Simply discover here.

Adventuring in Style

Mar 3rd, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

For well-heeled thrill seekers, Southeast Asia boasts an exciting range of exotic adventure holidays that come complete with lavish comforts and a splash of champagne. Camp in luxury and safari in style with these extravagant adventure options in Thailand and Myanmar.

Experience the under-canvas comfort of an Eastern safari in the magnificently appointed Four Seasons Tented Camp set in the heart of the Golden Triangle. This luxury jungle camp combines the tented concept of African national parks with a Thai tropical forest environment for a uniquely lavish adventure. With just 15 tented accommodations, exclusive adventure options at the camp include elephant mahout training and Golden Triangle excursions and in the evenings guests can unwind with campfire dinners and riverside drinks in the resort’s stilt-top bar.

At the eco-friendly, yet similarly sumptuous Malikha Lodge in the village of Mulashidi in Myanmar’s Kachin State, tents are decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture and feature private bathrooms and solar powered hot water and electricity overlooking the Nam Lang River. The camp is a comfortable base from which to explore Putau, and the focus of this exclusive lodge is on natural and cultural adventure. The main lodge is elegantly appointed with Jim Thompson silks and bungalows feature 400-gallon teak hot tubs.

Both camps are palatial havens of unrestrained luxury with tailor-made tents featuring custom-made furnishings reminiscent of 19th century adventure expeditions. And with canoe trips, elephant riding and spectacular trekking routes on offer, there’s certainly no shortage of activities for contemporary adventurers either!

We invite all discerning travelers to visit Exotissimo Luxury Travel Collection site which showcase some of the finest travel options to be had in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, together with some of the very best in Asia’s deluxe hotels, tropical hideaways and luxury cruises with the special touches that only Exotissimo can bring to your travel arrangements.

Seriously Stylish Travel in Southeast Asia

Feb 29th, 2008 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

For the ultimate is stylish travel, enjoy the timeless landscapes of Southeast Asia from your exclusive vantage point aboard luxurious locomotives and even hot-air balloons when the journey is the destination!

Experience the renowned majesty and splendor of the Eastern & Orient Express, with its comfortable and elegant compartments, delicious cuisine and superb service, in a journey through the heart of this remarkable region. Although the Bangkok to Singapore route has only been operational since 1993, the cars all ooze traditional colonial poise, mixed with Thai style and Malaysian grace. With antique brass fittings, gleaming wood paneling, large viewing windows, soft towels and 24-hour steward service, decadence is the mot du jour aboard the E&O.

Vietnam boasts another of the world’s finest rail experiences, where guests can travel between the charming cities of Hanoi and Lao Cai in real style on the 10 hour overnight Victoria Express.

Elegant wooden carriages with plush seating and luxurious sleeping cabins hark back to colonial-era travel and offer guests traveling to the Victoria Sapa Resort a uniquely romantic and memorable journey.

Cabins feature oversized windows allowing guests to really enjoy the lush, verdant scenes rushing past as they speed through the exotic landscapes of North Vietnam, or wander down to Le Tonkin restaurant car for a fine selection of wines and traditional Vietnamese and Western dishes. Reaching Sapa has never been more appealing.

Or head to Myanmar for the ultimate in stylish sight-seeing, and experience an adventurous aerial view on a romantic hot-air balloon ride over Bagan. Guided by gentle winds not exceeding 15mph, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Bagan’s 2,142 temples and pagodas as you glide over forests of glittering stupas laid out like a mystical chess board below. Romantic sunrise and sunset champagne flights are available from October to March, so you can raise a glass to traveling in style!

Are you attracted now, to travel on luxury and experience the best quality service from Exotissimo? Try Thailand In Style, the tour which brings you to the highlights and the best secrets in two of the most visited cities in the wonderful land of smiles: an amazing Big Mango Bangkok and the rose of the north Chiang Mai. Start your memorable journey with this comprehensive tour.

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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