“The first time Action Aid had ever taken volunteers from the UK to work on a project overseas and the first time Community Challenge had run a build in Cambodia. With the help of Exotissimo throughout the planning stage, the time we were in the country the build was a runaway success!” – John Butler, Community Challenge UK

On 25th November, Exotissimo started their first Community Project in cooperation with UK based agent Community Challenge and Action Aid NGO. A total of 21 volunteers, three Action Aid staff and two Community Challenge staff crossed the border in Poipet accompanied by two cameramen and a journalist to highlight this special event. The mission was to build two community centers in two of Cambodia’s poorest communities near Poipet town.

For one week Exotissimo provided all the logistical arrangements and guides for the volunteers and 8 months of intensive preparations went into this magnificent project. It was great to see the fully motivated farang (foreigners) help out the local communities to develop a better life. The volunteers each raised a significant amount of money in the UK to finance the building of these centers and on top of that came themselves to help the local people lay brick, pour floors and carry bags of sand.

This great example of Voluntourism was a physical challenge that the volunteers described as tough but incredibly satisfying. The local interaction with the youth groups on-site taught them a great deal about the local way of life and now the volunteers have seen first-hand that it is possible to truly make a difference. Exotissimo Cambodia thanks the volunteers, Community Challenge and Action Aid for their support and loyalty to the Cambodian people and will be looking forward to the next project in 2008!

In Siem Reap the crowds are easily escaped by just heading 10km out of town. Take a wonderful bicycle ride to Roulous Temple group and onwards to Kampong Phluck and enjoy a cruise through traditional floating villages before heading back to Siem Reap.

The last month the Exotissimo team has worked hard on day trips for people staying in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. If you had enough of all those cars, noise, tourists and people hassling you; join us in the countryside!

Kampot is known as one of the most laid-back places in Cambodia. It helps that it’s also one of the most beautiful places in Cambodia. Located on the banks of the Kampot River and just a stone throw from the Gulf of Thailand, Kampot is developing its scene with tasteful and atmospheric small restaurants.

Kampot is not only a beautiful colonial town with many colonial buildings still intact, it is also home to Bokor Hill. Bokor Hill, the abandoned French Hill station built in the 1920’s is situated on top of the 1079m high mountain. The 32km ride up is not for the faint at heart but definitely worth it. While some die-hards cycle to the top with our Exotissimo Adventure Team, others prefer to use one of the 4×4 drives.

The romantic Evason Ana Mandara Dalat is offering a promotion for all new bookings from 2nd January to 31st March 2008 (except for 7th-15th February). The offer provides an additional night’s booking for each night, with a minimum stay of three nights. A three night stay would be the equivalent of 2+1 (paying two nights and receiving the third free), and a four night stay 2+2 (paying two nights and receiving two nights free), etc. Welcome drinks, fruit basket, and access to Internet and the heated pool are included with this offer.

Just south of Yangon (and across the Yangon River), Dhala presents a very different village than the nearby big city. A picturesque image of Myanmar’s countryside, it is forever synonymous with the romance between Prince Nandar and Princess Hmwenon, the country’s local version of Romeo and Juliet. On the Okkala (now Yangon) side, the funeral pyre of Prince Nandar was set fire, whereas Princes Hmwenon’s was burned on the Dhala side. The smoke from the two pyres met over the Yangon River, as lives were united after their death.

This month, we are pleased to offer a new Orchid Trek through Phou Khao Kuay. In cooperation with the National University of Laos and Vientiane Orchidees, this tour will take flower lovers through the National Protected Area of Phou Khao Khoay, just an hour and a half from Vientiane. In addition to the gorgeous flowers, clients will visit with the villagers of Ban Hatkhai. This tour will promote both an awareness and a sustainable income in harmony with Mother Nature. It’s a nice eco-friendly addition to any visit to Vientiane.

The Jasmine Junk will set sail on 18th December 2007. The newest four star junk on Halong Bay, we expect it to give the Emeraude, the Bhaya, the Ginger and the Indochina Sails junks some healthy competition. Furnished with a 1930s aesthetic, the Jasmine will feature 22 spacious cabins, a restaurant and lounge. For those escaping to a romantic getaway, the two 25 square meter Jasmine suites come complete with private balcony and outdoor Jacuzzi.