Starting on 30th March 2008, Siem Reap Airways will re-open their daily Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City route. This creates new options for interesting combination itineraries between Saigon, Siem Reap and beyond. The late morning/early afternoon departure times will certainly make connections convenient and relatively stress free.
From 1st March 08 onwards, Vietnam Airlines (VN) is introducing a new booking class for Economy Class seats on its domestic network. The new L-class seats will see an increase of 10-20%, depending on the routing when compared to the current M Class bookings. After 1st March, we expect the availability of M-class seats to be very limited.
Existing confirmed bookings will not be affected by any price increase.
At the end of the railroad line from Yangon, you will find a town populated with Kachin, Shan and Bamar peoples, along with a minority of Chinese and Indians. The locals here live simple lives, close to nature and wear their honest hearts on their sleeves. They are content with what they have, and do not yearn for the luxuries of other larger cities. Presently, travelers are allowed to visit Myitkyina without prior permission from the government.
The Market
The best place to visit with the locals is the morning market. It is a great place to take snapshots of people going about their daily lives as well as purchase Kachin sarongs (pasoe) and shoulder bags produced by local weavers.
The Museum
The Kachin National Museum or the Kachin State Cultural Museum, situated within the city center area is a nice place to learn about Kachin beliefs, history, culture, customs and tradition. The museum displays figures of the local minorities and tribes and their traditional dresses, looms and textile patterns, silverware, jewelry as well as household utensils musical instruments, weapons and models of houses lived by Kachin people.
The Gold
Kachin State is well known for its mineral riches, especially for its jade and its gold. During the dry season, those who wish to try their hand (and their luck) at gold prospecting may do so in Myitkyina. Visitors can learn traditional techniques in the Irawaddy in hopes of striking it rich.
For thrill seekers and nature lovers alike there has never been a more exciting way to explore the tropical rainforest! Included in the package is a visit to Mae Kampong village itself and its charming waterfalls. Contact us at Thailand@exotissimo.com for rates and booking.
Whereas Angkor Wat for some has become too touristy and commercial, Koh Ker is a nice alternative for a half day’s worth of touring. Just 100 km from Siem Reap, we recommend it to those looking for the echoes of ancient Khmer that can only be found in relative solitude.
The People
The pristine village of Mae Kompang lies just one hour from Chiang Mai and is widely recognized as a hotspot of biodiversity. In nearby Jae Son National Park, the Flight of the Gibbon offers an exhilarating opportunity to soar through the 1500 year old rainforest. High above the forest floor, this new unique activity enables you to view jungle life from a perspective previously reserved for a select group of researchers. We take you high into the canopy using an ingenious series of platforms, cables, trails and sky bridges.
The Social Development and Sustainable Tourism Project at Koh Ker has just launched an ox cart tour of the temples. The 1 ½ hour tour is a leisurely and quiet trip with a distinctly environmentally friendly perspective. The revenue from the trips goes into future projects in the area.
The Green Mango Restaurant in Hanoi has recently branched outward to the hotel business (and upwards). The Green Mango Hotel has just opened just the trendy restaurant there right in the heart of the Old Quarter. The Standard or “Silence” rooms are probably a bit too small for most of our clients, but FITs are sure to enjoy the Deluxe and the “Deluxe Sweet” rooms, complete with views of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter.
Conveniently located in the heart of Saigon, on stylish Dong Khoi Street (aka La Rue Catinat), the Ordinary Bed & Breakfast makes for a cozy home away from home in the big city. Just upstairs from a chic clothing store, the Ordinary B&B is truly boutique. There are only 12 rooms to this property decorated in a contemporary and almost “funky” Indochinese style. Bright colors are paired with antique replicas to create a decidedly new take on Vietnamese culture. The Ordinary B&B is certainly recommended for FITs looking for a little property with a lot of personality.