Introducing these two Southeast Asian neighbors via a two week trip is Exotissimo’s very own and brand new Legacy of War. The title may be a little misleading as the main focus is not on the Vietnam War, but on these two countries instead. Sure, some war-related sites are visited such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Viengxay Caves in Laos which has just opened up to tourism, but overall, adventure and each country’s natural beauty as well as rural cultures are the primary focus.

The first five days of the program are spent in Vietnam, cycling through diverse landscapes as well as visiting various villages and towns in Northern Vietnam, starting from Hanoi. The region is also well-known for its limestone formations and rich tropical forests, a pure treat to the senses when one is on a bike and cycling amongst these natural wonders. Highlights include the spectacular countryside of Pu Luong National Park and Kho Mong Village nestled at the base of some magnificent limestone hills amongst others.

The adventure continues with a seamless border crossing into Laos and Viengxay in particular. The area was once home to 20,000 people who built secret underground cities during the Vietnam war. The place has only recently opened up, giving you and others a preview of the harsh living conditions during that time. Further cycling takes you deeper into pristine country where rural villagers welcome your arrival and introduce to you their daily lifestyle. Then, trade in the bike for your own two feet and revel in Laos’ dramatic waterfalls and verdant jungles. The program concludes in Luang Prabang, a scenic and atmospheric UNESCO town featuring preserved temples and a spiritually Buddhist ambiance.

Look out for more Laos and Vietnam tours. Exclusive passages into Asia is Exotissimo’s specialty.

German-Australian Gunther Deichmann is more than happy to cover the fundamentals, essential elements and tips of photography to you. His resume is quite extensive, with more than 30 years of experience working in 25 countries including an extensive detour in Asia. Read more about him and his accomplishments at http://www.deichmann-photo.com/bio.html.

“I am delighted to be working with Exotissimo on these unique photography workshop tours, remarked Gunther. Each destination covered has its own distinctive qualities and cultural practices that we expose ourselves to, capturing the essence with our cameras while learning new techniques along the way.”

These four tours cover most of Southeast Asia’s most desirable destinations such as alluring Vietnam, mystical Myanmar, stunning Cambodia and enchanting Laos. These programs are truly exclusive, giving you rare insight into each country’s unique cultural practices while learning about new photography techniques. It also does hurt that you are guaranteed to get more than a few perfect shots!

Each of the programs are quite extensive, ranging from 6-10 days. In addition, our coveted ‘Exo Touches’ are a major part of these programs, taking you to less-visited areas and connecting you with its people and culture.

As mid-January is starting to hit its stride many just ‘waking up’ from their holiday hangover. For those in Asia, and Vietnam, the holiday season is not quite over yet. That’s because on January 23^rd, Asians of Chinese ancestry will be celebrating their New Year while Vietnamese will be celebrating Tet.
Is there a difference between the two? Not that much. The festival marks the beginning of spring for both cultures. Chinese and Vietnamese also anticipate the festival weeks in advance. Many will thoroughly clean their house, prepare extravagant food and save money to buy gifts for friends and families. It is not that much different from Western families preparing for Christmas and the excitement many go through leading up to the day.

Just like the holidays in the West, many in Asia look forward to being with their families during their festive season. And similar to Christmas shopping, Chinese New Year/Tet markets, malls and shops are busy with locals scrambling to find gifts for their friends, family or loved one.

An individual’s ‘birthday’ is also commemorated on this day. Unlike Western customs where people age on the date they were born, Vietnamese and Chinese traditions recognize a person being older on the year of the symbol of the lunar calendar. Children say they were born in the year of the cat or the dragon instead of the actual date and numerical year they were born in.

The actual celebration varies from culture to culture, which can go on for two weeks but is usually reserved for three days. During the festive period, streets are decorated with red lanterns, Dulian (Chinese poetry) in most countries and Han Tu (Vietnamese versions of Chinese characters) in Vietnam.

And what is Chinese New Year/Tet without fireworks? During the festive period, the evening sky comes alive with an impressive and often emphatic light display.

In Vietnam many celebrate not one, but two New Years. First is the familiar Gregorian celebration. Next comes Tet, which coincides with the Chinese New Year. Unlike the Jan.1^st New Year we all know about, Tet does not have a fixed date. Instead, it is based on the Lunar Calendar and takes place on its first day of the first month. In 2011, it fell on Feb.3^rd and in 2012, on the festival will occur on Jan. 23^rd.

In Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, people can celebrate as much as three New Years! After Jan.1^st and the Chinese New Year, many will then hit the streets on April 13^th-15^th and celebrate the Water Festival. Songkran (Thailand), Thingyan (Myanmar), Pee Mai (Laos), Chaul Chnam Thmey (Cambodia) as they are called in their respective countries, are at first gentle water pouring ceremonies signifying respect, show of blessings, good wishes and cleansing for the incoming year. In modern times, Along with the gentle tradition, the streets have also become an H2O war zone, with locals of all ages engaging in water fights. This is also the hottest time of the year for these countries making their actions justifiable.

Many Indonesians will also rejoice three New Years. Along with Jan.1^st and Chinese New Year (called Tahun Baru Imlek and celebrated by Indonesians of Chinese ancestry), the Islamic New Year is also observed and celebrated. Called Tahun Baru Hijriyah by the locals, the holiday adheres to the Islamic calendar which is about 11 or 12 days shorter than the Gregorian. Last year’s celebrations fell on Nov. 26^th and 2012’s edition on Nov.14^th.

After the Christmas/New Year period, many start their countdown for the next set of holidays. You may not have to wait that long. Come to Asia and you can celebrate up to three New Years!

On January 12^th Japan was announced as the latest destination. The 7^th Exo country becomes the company’s first outside of the Southeast Asia region. Despite the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, the Tokyo office remained opened throughout, doing its part in encouraging visitors to return to the country. Thanks to the hard work of the team, the outlook for 2012 looks positive with excellent MICE and FIT bookings already confirmed.

The Exo Foundation, launched earlier in 2011, has successfully established itself as an independent charitable organization. Its aim is to preserve the region’s natural and cultural beauty for generations to come. Earlier in the year, The Foundation supported the opening of a village library in Muang Shewe Lay, Myanmar and is responsible for its upkeep, overhead costs, training, utilities, cleaning and purchasing of new books.
The past year has also been an exciting time for Exotissimo in terms of product development. Tours have been continually added, and new ‘untouched’ destinations have been opened up. A prime example is the Myeik Archipelago in Myanmar, where both a scuba and sailing tour revels this less-visited yet beautiful area of pristine beaches, azure waters, underdeveloped coastlines and scattering tropical islands.

2011 also saw us develop photography-based tours in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. These programs are primed for photo enthusiasts who would like to capture the best of Southeast Asia through the lens with accompanying photography experts.

It will definitely be another trying year for us, but we look forward to growing, expanding and in turn serving you better in 2012. Happy New Year!

The mood starts with the weather itself. Our destination countries get cooler around December, and for those in mainland Southeast Asia – it is the perfect relief from the heat and rain. All of our countries, especially in bigger cities, have already put up trees and lights by the beginning of the month, brightening up the evening sky and spreading the festive cheer. In fact, some of these cities’ decorations may even rival those in the West!

With the cooler weather, lower humidity and overall holiday mood in the region, Asia is naturally many people’s favorite place to spend the joyful period. To prepare you for the holidays, let’s take a look and see what people in our destination countries do to celebrate Christmas.

Vietnam:

Christmas stockings are as synonymous to the season as Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, snowmen and Santa Claus himself. But instead of stockings in Vietnam, children leave their shoes outside in front of the door on Christmas Eve.

Thailand:

December is a naturally merry month for Thais. The beloved King’s birthday (which is also Father’s Day) is celebrated on the 5th. Another holiday follows, this time it is Constitution Day on the 10th. Then it is Christmas, followed by New Year’s Eve. For some in the country, December features four holidays!

Japan:

In terms of lights, color and overall grandness of decorations, Japan sits right at the top. For the locals, the sights and sounds, of the environment is perfect for a romantic dinner with a loved one. Many also enjoy feasting on a Christmas tree cake on the 24th, a unique Japanese tradition.

Indonesia:

Many of the West’s traditions have made their way here. Turkey sale and consumption, cranberry sauce, pine trees and impressive light displays are prevalent amongst believers and enthusiasts. Many also organize charity functions and donations to help the less fortunate and spread the holiday cheer to them as well.

Laos:

Laid back Laos. The rhythm is relaxing and soothing as their Christmas celebration. There are patches of outdoor decorations scattered throughout the major towns. Expect to hear Merry Christmas from the locals as well!

Myanmar:

Myanmar is quite interesting when it comes to Christmas celebrations. The majority of the population is Buddhist, but there are some hilltribes (the Kachins in particular) who adhere to Christianity. Just like the West, they attend mass on Christmas Eve and participate in Christmas carols.

Cambodia:

Christmas celebrations are prevalent here with lights, snowmen, Santa Clauses and reindeer decorating the country’s major towns and cities. And just like the rest of the world, the locals enjoy wearing Christmas hats, especially those with flickering red lights.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Exotissimo Travel!

On Sunday 27^th November Exotissimo Cambodia delivered 10 tons of rice seed to local farmers in Kompong Thom province. A presentation was made to 776 families who will benefit from the donation valuing $5,000 US. Each family received just over 13 kilograms of the rice seed which after harvest will produce 1 ton of rice.

Meng Hieng, Managing Director said, “Giving rice seed will sustain the farmers longer than providing rice to cook. The province of Kompong Thom was severely affected by the recent flood and this donation will help the farmers at the time when they need to plant the seeds.”

The Minister of Tourism, Dr Thong Khon was present and thanked Exotissimo for the donation in his hometown province.

Japan has all the makings for a memorable holiday destination. The southern beaches and island of Okinawa, with its tropical climate and laid back ambiance, may remind some of the paradises in Southeast Asia. But there is much more.

Japan is a vast country, consisting of about 7000 islands. Within the country’s vast area is a variety of landscapes ranging from snow filled mountains, hills, temperate forests, traditional villages and of course the brightly colored futuristic cities that many of us have associated with the country.

The cuisine, loved by many throughout the world, is obviously at its best here. Whether savoring for sushi or watching the skilled chef creating teppanyaki dishes, Japan is a country renowned for its gastronomy.

Come and experience the wonders of The Land of the Rising Sun. Nippon, as known in Japanese, is definitely a country of contrasts, with traditional rural settlements and high speed bullet trains co-existing side by side. From the gracious hospitality of the kimono wearing geisha to the suit-clad businessman, Japan embraces its visitors with warmth and sense of mystery like no other country.

The possibilities in The Land of the Rising Sun are endless. See what Exotissimo has on offer as you browse our Japan tours.

The country offers a fine mix of ancient ruins, ageless towns, glittering temples, countless pagodas, varying landscapes as well as azure oceans and soft beaches. Going beyond the attractions, Myanmar is a country where the people constantly greet visitors and travelers with its ever present warm and genuine smiles. Many who have visited agree that Burma is blessed with some of the sweetest people in the world.

Slowly but surely, Myanmar is opening up to the world for travel. Just stepping foot into the country alone is enough to awe visitors. There’s a feeling of being a pioneer, a unique traveler and one who have visited an exotic world.

Take a look at Exotissimo’s Myanmar tours page for some travel ideas into the country. Ranging from weeks long detailed tours of the country to family themed trips and beach escapes, these carefully crafted programs ensure that the true essence of Myanmar is experienced and embraced.

Perhaps Rudyard Kipling said it best when he wrote “This is Burma. It is quite unlike any place you know about.” And this still holds true today.

Unfortunately, the smiles are few and far in between nowadays as Cambodia is experiencing some of the worst flooding in years. Many families are forced to evacuate their homes and others have limited access to food and water.

The children at Green Gecko are doing their best to change all of that. Who are these children? What are they doing to help? What is Green Gecko? Green Gecko is a home, school and family for 70 children who previously lived and begged on the streets of Siem Reap. The NGO provides security, education, love and opportunities to these children through their formative years and into their adult lives, empowering them to achieve their full potential. The project also supports the children’s families and the broader community through long term health, education and training initiatives.

What these children are doing is remarkable. Starting on October 19^th 2011, they are using what little saving money they have from their own food spending to buy rice, canned fish, soy sauce and clean water to families that need help. This initiative immediately caught the attention of Hotel de la Paix, Golden Banana Boutique Hotel and Resort, Heritage Suites Hotel and last but not least, Exotissimo Travel. All helped in packing the food and water to three villages and 400 families in the outskirts of Siem Reap. Another 470 families in Kampong Thom received the same assistance. Further initiatives are planned for other affected areas in the coming weeks.

“As a leading tour destination management company in Southeast Asia, we feel it is our duty to help the people of the region whenever they are in need,” said Hamish Keith Chief Operations Manager of Exotissimo Travel. “This is an excellent initiative and fine spirit shown by the children at Green Gecko to get this going. We are proud to work alongside them as well as our friends from the hotels.”

A truly inspiration gesture indeed! Already facing tough times and hardships, these children are more than willing to sacrifice what little they have in order to restore happiness to Cambodia’s people and bring the famous smiles back to their faces. People truly do define what a country is all about.

Anyone wishing to help should contact go.cambodia@exotissimo.com or go to http://www.razoo.com/story/Floodreliefcollaboration to donate online.