Furthermore, beginning 20th January, Bai Tho Junks will move from Beo Wharf. Recent changes in weather have made the roads leading to the wharf unsafe, and the new embarkation and disembarkation point at Ga Luan Wharf promises to be safer.
After being closed for months, the former Empress Hotel has been completely renovated. The new Eastin hotel is decorated in a contemporary style with a decidedly Thai twist. This superior category hotel is a good value for FIT or groups looking a modern and stylish hotel for a good value. The Skytrain is just a short walk away from the Eastin making for easy transportation throughout the city. And its central location means the Grand Palace or the Sukhumvit area are just a 15 minute cab ride away (that is if you can avoid Bangkok’s famed traffic jams).
The Classic Sails Junk has restaurant, terrace bar, reading and sunbathing areas arranged to optimize the gorgeous views of the area while minimizing the noise from the junks operation. There is only one way to truly enjoy Halong Bay, and as people continue to flock to Hanoi, the Classic Sails is a nice alternative for when the Emeraude and the Ginger fill up.
The Governor’s Residence in Yangon has re-opened after two months of upgrading its amenities and facilities. The new Governor’s Rooms have been remodeled, updating its charming traditional decor with modern luxury, including flat-screen TVs and Wi-fi Internet access.
One of Exotissimo‘s favorite boutique hotels in Chiang Mai and Phuket (Mana Thai) has a little sister: The Banthai Village hotel has had its soft opening (official opening in February) and is located in the small lane right next to the Mana Thai in Chiang Mai. The decoration is similar (contemporary, stylish with local Lanna decoration) the service is very friendly, natural and helpful and the rooms are a bit bigger then Mana Thai.
Located in a beautiful valley on the edge of Doi Suthep National Park, the Patara Elephant Farm was founded in 2000 as part of an elephant breeding program. Throughout the day, the owner of Patar will personally lead clients through the life of an elephant owner. During this day, they will learn how to approach elephants in the bush, unchain, feed, and bath the tuskers, and eventually climb up for a unique ride through the surrounding paddy fields and jungle. With only 6 elephants, the farm keeps an intimate atmosphere that is particularly suitable for families with children.
Ask your Exotissimo tour operator at the Bangkok office to include this new program called “FULL DAY ELEPHANT OWNER” – Exotissimo tour code: ETHA/CMEO and send your clients on a really unforgettable elephant experience.
Tourist from in total 20 countries can apply for a visa on arrival at the airport in Bangkok – this procedure can take up to 2 hours so please inform Exotissimo in case your clients want to apply for a visa on arrival. Examples are people from India, China, Hungary, Poland and Russian Federation.
Attention, tourists from for example Venezuela or Andorra are not allowed to apply for a Thai visa on arrival and they have to apply for a tourist visa at the Thai embassy in their home country BEFORE travelling to Thailand. Immigration rules are very strict in Thailand and there is no possibility to make exceptions or to arrange a last minute visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa on arrival (like for example in Myanmar or in Vietnam).
Please always check for updated information about visa requirements for the nationality of your clients the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.mfa.go.th.
As of January 1st, the Novotel Garden Plaza Saigon is under new management. With this change, the Singaporean based Parkroyal brand has returned back to Saigon. The 193-room Parkroyal Saigon has recently received extensions as part of its rebranding. Situated conveniently 2km from Tan Son Nhat airport, the hotel and its 300 person ballroom is good for business transfers and a good alternative for those looking for a quieter moment outside of Saigon’s busier districts.
This January, we are celebrating 15 years of Exotissimo Travel. In 1992, our founders came to Vietnam and saw all the country had to offer. Although over the years we have spread our operations to other countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has always been the heart of our operations. Thanks to your support and patronage, we have become one of the leading travel companies in the region. These past 15 years have been wonderful, and we look forward to many more.
Starting 1st February 2008, Bai Tho Junks will have available English or French speaking guides for groups of FITs and for groups larger than 10 pax. These guides will continue to accompany guests throughout their trip, on-board and on any excursions to the many islands and caves of Halong Bay.
It certainly is getting crowded around Halong, but with good reason. The bay remains one of the top draws and to help satisfy this need the Classic Sails Junk has recently launched. A restored traditional Indochinese junk, its 6 spacious cabins and are luxuriously equipped to satisfy even the most discerning of customers, complete with standing glass showers and balconies. The VIP cabin has large windows overlooking the bay and its separate balcony.
The hotel is most people’s vision of the ideal boutique hotel. The quiet elegance of the mansion, coupled with the beauty of the lotus gardens which surround it, lend an air of peace and tranquility which belies the convenience of the location, just a few minutes from downtown Yangon.
Have the classic elephant camps become too touristy for your clients? Is the Thai Elephant Conservation Center too long or do your clients find the talks on conservation a bit wearying? Exotissimo has discovered the perfect new alternative, one that is both authentic, small, and separated from other tourist groups.
Many tourists with European nationality visiting Thailand are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand but this is NOT for every European Nationality. Tourists from example from US, Brazil, UK, France, Spain and Germany can enter the kingdom without prior visa arrangements.