The Bai Tram is a true hideaway nestled in a secluded bay just south of Quy Nhon, a beach on the south central coast of Vietnam. All 7 villas are located right on the beach, with a spacious veranda overlooking the water. The exteriors reflect the traditional elements of local architecture, with thatched roofs, antique wooden doors and solid bamboo details, while the interiors reveals amenities and comfort for a luxurious stay.
Meaning ‘peaceful’ in the Hmong language, Lanjia Lodge is a new eco-friendly and community-based lodge in Kiew Karn Village, Chiang Khong District in Chiang Rai Province. It is nestled within a Hmong and Lahu village on a hill that overlooks the Mekong River and Laos. The eco-lodge features a total of 16 rooms spread across four local style thatched cottages. Guests can experience first-hand how sustainable tourism can play a positive role in the preservation of these ethnic minority cultures.
Rakhine state is home to many diverse ethnic tribes. Mrauk U is an ideal place to start a fascinating exploration of these unique culture systems.
The Thet is one of the oldest and smallest tribal groups from the age of Pyu. They are known by foreign scholars as Sakkya tribe and famous for their large earrings made of silver and bamboo. Visiting the Thet village, guests can enjoy the unique tradition and culture of this vanishing tribe in Myanmar.
After a scenic 2-hours cruise along the Lemro River, guests arrive at Nan Cha Laytoo Chin Village. These Chins called themselves Laytoo Chin or Arrow-throwing Chin. Many of the women bear facial tattoos. They began to tattoo the face at about thirteen years old and the process can take years. However, Chins under thirty years old can no longer tattoo their faces as this ancient practice is now illegal.
For additional information or enquiries about the itineraries, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.
Pandaw recently announced the availability of three weekly two-night cruises between Saigon in Vietnam and Phnom Penh in Cambodia, in addition to the seven and ten-night cruises from Saigon to Siem Reap. These products can be integrated into Vietnam and Cambodia land tours to offer a relaxing and picturesque interlude in clients’ vacations.
Set to be launched in September 2009, the RV La Marguerite is an eight-day historic voyage aboard the spacious colonial vessel replica. It sails between Saigon and Cambodia with port calls at Cai Be – Sa Dec, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham & area, Tonle River, Tonle Lake and Siem Reap.
Following major renovations, the upgraded Lao Spirit Resort is now ready to receive guests for the new season. The open-air restaurant underwent a substantial facelift while new coats of paint and refurbishments were given to the 5 traditional style bungalows. Nestled amid the jungles by the Nam Khan River, this resort in Luang Prabang will be welcomed by nature and adventure lovers.
An increasingly popular property, the Rottanak Resort is an oasis of calm in the heart of Battambang. A cluster of 10 traditional thatched roof bungalows, the boutique resort is the first of its kind in Battambang with its offer of a large outdoor swimming pool. The rooms feature minimalist décor, four-poster beds, open concept bathrooms and an outdoor seating area.
A new boutique hotel, Ariyasom Villa, recently opened in the heart of Bangkok. The hotel is a restored 1940s house with 25 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. The ‘Na Aroon’ Restaurant offers a fine dining experience and the ‘Som Sen Spa’ provides a soothing environment for relaxation. The Ariyasom is located near Phloen Chit Skytrain Station.
Soksay Thone is a newly completed lodge in Luang Nam Tha. Its proximity to the town centre makes it convenient for guests to explore the local market but yet far enough to be unaffected by the buzz. The lodge offers 20 rooms in 10 concrete bungalows.
Recently opened in Luang Prabang, the Bel Air Resort is a tranquil property set by the Nam Khan River banks. The resort features a huge manicured garden and a colonial building that houses the 6 classic and deluxe rooms. The Bel Air is a perfect place to unwind with picturesque views of the river and Mount Phousi.
In October, Bhaya Cruise recently added new luxurious boats in Halong Bay. The new 40-metre Bhaya II is appointed with 20 spacious suites and cabins with en-suite bathrooms, elegant restaurant, beauty spa, boutique library and large sundeck. Another new addition to the Bhaya family, the Bhaya Spirit, is a 20-metre boat that features a single-deck design with a spacious foredeck and restaurant. Its fully equipped kayaking facilities is often used to support the cruise programmes of the bigger vessels. In addition, the newly opened Bhaya Café in Halong City provides a convenient spot for cruise passengers to relax before embarking or disembarking from their ships.
A new cruise ship operator Paradise Cruises introduced two luxurious vessels in Halong Bay. Featuring 17 smartly designed cabins, the junks deliver the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Soft beds on the sun deck allow guests to lounge in comfort while surrounded by the stunning views of limestone formations. Targeting the high-end customers, other features on board include a beauty spa, massage area and dining room.
