The S15 Sukhumvit Hotel has just opened at a great location in the heart of Trendy Sukhumvit (funnily enough at the mouth of Soi 15). Walking by this trendy boutique, your first impression is that you are walking by a hip furniture or interior decorating store. Within a five minute walk to the Nana BTS, the chic interior design of the 72 rooms and suites is perfect for those who would enjoy the nightlife at the famous Bed Supperclub. There is no pool here though, and instead aims directly for the technology crowd. Plasma televisions and DVD players abound in every room, with Wifi spread throughout the hotel for good measure. For those who think the Dream Hotel (just up the soi) is a little small, S15 with its larger rooms is a great alternative.

The Shwe In Tha Floating Hotel at Inle has upgraded all of their rooms from Superior to Deluxe. Situated entirely over Inle’s placid waters, the hotel is the best place to wake up after a day of exploring the local markets and monasteries nearby. All deluxe rooms are a spacious 49 square meters with all the amenities you’d expect at a world-class hotel. There’s even a pool situated directly on the lake. For more information, please contact Myanmar@exotissimo.com

Our friends at the Victoria Angkor Wat have put together a great way to discover the new Nick Faldo designed golf course, the Angkor Golf Course. This three day/two night package provides just enough time to relax on the links while exploring the highlights of Angkor Wat. And while golfers walk the greens, the non-golfers can of course avail themselves of the Victoria’s lush spa treatments and perennial colonial charm.

Starting 31st March 2008, Lao Airlines will restart their flights between Vientiane and Luang Namta. 2008 should be a busy year for Laos, and we are glad to see that there will be additional options on the busy Vientiane-Luang Namta corridor. The route has been closed since October 2006, and its re-opening is timely, and welcome. Lao Airlines will fly this popular route on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For the budget conscious, a nice new boutique has opened up in the heart of Chiang Mai. The Sira Boutique offers 17 rooms on its four stories, with free Wifi, DVD player, bathtub and cable TV. You certainly get a great value for its price. The Thai-UK management brings a touch of world-class service that is sometimes lacking in some of the smaller boutiques, and we trust that you will not be disappointed. A lack of elevators is the only downside, as the stairs can be quite steep. The Sira is probably best avoided by seniors and families with children, though a great option for other FITs and small groups.

Starting 1st April 2008, the Nikko Royal Lake Hotel will be rebranded as the Chatrium Hotel under new management. The Chatrium Suite Hotels & Resorts Group is currently managing two other hotels, the Chatrium Riverside and Chatrium Suites in Bangkok, and will soon open the Chatrium Hotel Shanghai (in 2010). We expect that under the new management, the Chatrium (or Nikko) will continue to maintain its high level of service for all its guests.

While following the Old Elephant Trail, our intrepid explorers came across Le Musikee Resort. This property is one that can be rightfully labeled off the beaten path (ironic given how we found it), as it is five hours from Chiang Mai and an hour and a half from Pai, in the heart of the Karen hinterlands. It is perfect for those looking for an authentic hilltribe experience, with activities based upon their daily lives: trekking, rice planting, fishing, etc. The cozy bungalows ring a large lawn area where campfires and bonfires are lit nightly. The dirt roads leading to Le Musikee are a bit difficult, and we recommend it rather for adventurous (and school) groups.

Effective February 18th, Exotissimo Laos is continuing with its structural re-organization. Mr. David Jaillet is moving from his duties as Operations Manager to new challenges in re-opening our local travel agency.

Ms. Chloe Chomienne will be taking over the Inbound Reservations Department after working in our local travel agency and a brief stint working for Carlson Wagonlit. We have faith that David and Chloe, with the support of Exotissimo Laos General Manager Laurent Granier will be able to efficiently handle your requests in good order.

Kachin National Manaw Park is situated near Myitkyina. In the compound, all buildings are built according to Kachin traditional style and design. Kachin houses are always divided into two parts, half for the owner and his family, and the rest for guests. It is believed that houses with Manaw pillars (similar to totem poles), house elders can take part in the Manaw Festival.

Words fail to describe the Legend of Angkor Wat Show. The only true way to comprehend the glory and the pageant is to experience it first hand. Running only from 5th December to 31st January 2009, the show tries (and succeeds) to recreate the glory of the ancient temple city using brilliant lights, haunting songs and hypnotizing Apsara dances. This is probably the most impressive annual event at the ancient temple complex.