“Hidden Gems of Lanna” is for those looking for a new and rarely seen side of Thai culture. The itinerary goes to many hidden and remote areas, but we believe that transportation should prove no problem, and this tour is suitable for all age groups. Please e-mail Thailand@exotissimo.com for more information.
At the beginning of February, the Nam Kha and Nam Phan restaurants have closed. Both have been providing luxury dining experiences in downtown Saigon for years. However the Vietnamese government has re-purposed the locations of these two properties, forcing their closure. Please contact Vietnam@exotissimo.com for further information.
This Spring, we’re pleased to announce a promotion with the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake. This gorgeous property had its soft-opening in mid-December, and we believe it is a good alternative for when hotels in downtown Hanoi are full. Set entirely over the waters of Hanoi’s Westlake, the Intercontinental is a worthy entrant to the 5-Star hotel scene.
Now until 30th April
Deluxe Room = USD 242 / Single Supplement = USD 198
Deluxe Westlake View = USD 308 / Single Supplement = USD 264
From 1st May to 30th June
Deluxe Room = USD 198 / Single Supplement = USD 154
Deluxe Westlake View = USD 264 / Single Supplement = USD 220
This year marks Movenpick’s entry into Vietnam. The brand will renovate and manage the Omni Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and the Guoman Hotel in Hanoi. The 350-room Movenpick Hotel Saigon (Omni) will be located in Phu Nhuan district, minutes away from Tan Son Nhat airport, while the 150-room Movenpick Hotel Hanoi (Guoman) is right in the heart of downtown Hanoi. Both properties are popular with business travelers and incentives, and we expect this to continue underneath the Movenpick brand.
Arisai is a great new restaurant for good Mediterranean food. Set in Luang Prabang’s old town, it is a great option for FITs and small groups (less than 8 persons). Opened by native who studied in France, Arisai is part of a wave of restaurants bringing modern cuisine to Laos. It is the place to go for those looking for a wide selection of wines to accompany their dinner.
It is almost that time of year again, when the Emeraude has to go into drydock for its yearly maintenance. This year, it will be unavailable from 28th May to 5th July 2008. The Emeraude is a perennial favorite for those wishing to explore Halong Bay from its colonial decks. Please contact Vietnam@exotissimo.com in case your bookings are affected.
The Mekong Deck restaurant is a new dining option in Vientiane. A small restaurant, it is for those small groups looking for a casual atmosphere with a touch of sophistication. Local bands play cover songs of past and present pop hits. Its location with views of the Mekong (and Thailand beyond) makes it the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail. The Mekong Deck is also a good option for small incentives, with privatization available.
The Killing Fields will be closed on February 26th, 2008. The Fields are a Buddhist Memorial to Cambodia’s tragic history. Visiting here can be a very emotional for many. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and rest assured we will adjust our tours as necessary for this day.
This January, the Spain-based Sol Melia group took over management of the Sunrise Nha Trang. The Sunrise is a good choice for those who wish to be located in Nha Trang (and access to the city’s selection of restaurants and bars) while being close to the beach. Tran Phu Road lies between the hotel and the beach, so for those unwilling to cross the street, the Sunrise has a gorgeous Roman-style swimming pool and a Qi Spa. The Sky Bar is a good place to share a quiet evening cocktail.
This month we are excited to introduce our new module “Hidden Gems of Lanna.” This tour is designed right from the start for those with adventurous souls. Starting from Chiang Rai, the tour moves north towards the Golden Triangle, visiting ancient Chiang Saen and the Thai Lue village of Haat Bai before staying at the border town of Chiang Khong, the only place where the giant Mekong catfish (up to 300kg!) can be caught. The tour continues onward to newly opened Doi Phatang for stunning views of Laos and then to the salt wells of Bo Klua. Visits to Doi Phu Kha National Park and with the Malbri people, the legendary “Spirits of the Yellow Leaves,” are also included.
Due to the passing away of Princess Galyani (the sister of the king of Thailand), the Grand Palace is only partly open for visits (starting from Wednesday January 2nd 2008 until further notice). Wat Phra Kaew temple which includes the Emerald Buddha and the whole temple compound can still be visited normally. Exotissimo guides will offer all their clients instead a visit to Vimanmek Palace after Wat Phra Kaew, or suggest a walk over to the nearby amulet market or a visit to Lak Muang (city pillar).