Over the past few year, Mae Kampong has become the home of several ecotourism activities. Among these, home stays are some of the most popular, and provide a great and unique experience to spend time with locals. You will learn about their customs and traditions while cooking dinner. During your stay, you will stroll through the coffee and teas field and villagers will explain the processing of fermented tea leaves and various handcrafts.

This is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Located in Lampang, the main objective of the National Elephant Institute is to develop elephant conservation in a sustainable way by proposing projects and other guidelines for communities that keep elephants. They can hopefully earn enough money through tourism rather than through panhandling or illegal logging.

As part of this project, Exotissimo is offering a homestay program in a genuine mahout village to welcome visitors interested in studying and experiencing the life of a mahout and his elephant. Guests will stay in the same house as the mahout, share in the mahout’s life and join in various communal activities. Contact us at Thailand@exotissimo.com for rates and booking.

Views from horseback are on the menu from the Royal Park View Hotel. Tourists are invited to the coffee, tea and pineapple plantations that surround Pyin Oo Lwin. This unique offering brings people closer to the organic daily lives of the local inhabitants. Horse-drawn carriages are another popular transportation option, and not to be missed by any traveler.

The National Kandawgyi Botanical Garden is a must see for all nature lovers. As the center of Myanmars flower industry, Pyin Oo Lwin is the perfect place to hold the annual Flower Festival. This year, the even will be held from 15th December 2007 to 15th January 2008. The area surrounding this resort town blooms in color, and the view is sure to inspire.

Mui Ne welcomes the gorgeous L’Anmien Muine Resort and Spa in the summer of 2008. This new luxury resort is comprised of a single building featuring 69 deluxe rooms, 20 luxurious pool villas and a wellness spa, The main building is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and private pools, reminding one that “luxury” and “spacious” are not only complimentary, but oftentimes mandatory. The Recreation and Seasports Center makes a host of activities available for guests, including windsurfing, beach yoga and volleyball. Of course, no resort would be complete without a swimming pool, tennis court and fitness center.

It is not surprising that it was a Dutchman who started the first biking tours in Chinatown. Exotissimo Travel Thailand recently organised a biking tour for French Incentive agents through the busy streets of this storied area of Bangkok and everybody loved it (even though we all got wet from a sudden rainshower halfway through the tour). The bicycle offers a truly unique perspective through one of the most authentic chinatowns in the world. The tour gently goes through alleys just one meter wide, busy marketplaces and mysterious temples before crossing the Chao Praya River and discovering the green heart of Bangkok with elevated walk (bike) ways through coconut plantations. Beneath Bangkok’s facade of modernization, there are hidden worlds of peace and tranquillity, a picture of real Thai life that has remained unchanged for countless decades. It is the identity of a city that is true to the Thai people, yet largely unknown to outsiders. Daily trips are (on a seat-in base) at 07:00 from Chinatown and finish around noon (we recommend you to head back to your hotel to take a refreshing shower before continuing sightseeing during the afternoon). If your clients know how to ride a bike, this is definitely the best way to discover Bangkok.

Just four hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne is the perfect antidote to the sometimes overwhelming hustle and bustle of the big city. Where Nha Trang is a serene sea-side resort, underneath the opulence of the high-end resorts, there remains a relaxed surfer vibe. The long stretches of beach coupled with the fresh (and sometimes strong) sea breeze make Mui Ne world famous for the surfing, wind-surfing and kite-surfing.

Besides its gorgeous beach and ocean tides, Mui Ne is famous for the red and white sands nearby. Almost a clichd image, no self-respecting photographer can resist taking a shot of those perfectly wind-sculpted sand dunes. Golfers need not fret, as the Nick Faldo-designed Ocean Dunes Golf Course is just a half hour away.

Mui Ne is the home of the many different resorts, but of those, the luxurious Victoria Phan Thiet, the boutique Cham Villas, and the off-the-strip White Sands Resort illustrate the variety that this small charming beach town can provide.

Nha Trang simply has every single activity that a sun worshipper may want. Besides the pre-requisite golden stretches of land and crystal clear waters, the coast is dotted with many island each with their own distinct character. The turquoise waters play host ot a variety of marine life, and snorkeling and scuba diving are perennial favorites. There are even mud baths to soothe the weary mind.

But Nha Trang is more than just a beach town. One of the larger cities in Vietnam, Nha Trang balances the crush of progress against its Vietnamese colonial charm. Where bicycles have become somewhat rare in Hanoi and Saigon, they certainly remain the popular mode of transport here. A colorful nightlife and interesting Cham ruins complete the portrait of a city that truly has it all.

There is no lack of choice for Nha Trang fans. The Evason Hideaway and the Evason Six Senses ensure luxury for even the most discerning tourist, while the Sofitel VinPearl is large enough to accommodate your largest incentive or meeting.

Exotissimo Myanmar would like to take the opportunity in conjunction with our partners in Myanmar to offer special familiarization trips for travel agents and their staff to visit and see the country and its people for themselves.

Exotissimo believes that tourism plays a significant role in the lives of many people and the continued and positive development of Myanmar and we are confident that experiencing Myanmar first-hand, will allow a better understanding of the country and its current situation. This fam trip will visit Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake. Please click here to see the detailed itinerary

Situated along a stretch of white sandy beach in Mui Ne and nestled in a tranquil garden is the Eden Beach Reosrt & Spa. This idyllic seaside resort is comprised of 154 charming rooms and bungalows tastefully appointed in a French colonial style. This “Capital of Resorts” ensures that there are plenty of dining options available via the Sea-Sun Flower and Coral Restaurants, as well as the Beach Pool Bar. A stay here reveals another Mui Ne, where a peace of mind is cultivated away from the busier sections of the beach.

Please kindly note that since 13rd December 2007, the Eden Beach Resort & Spa has been officially changed its name to the Sealion Beach Resort & Spa.