Falling on the full moon day of Thabodwe (the eleventh month in the Burmese calendar), Mahamuni Pagoda Festival will take place on 8-9 February this year. During this festival, thousands of Buddhist pilgrims make their ways to Mandalay to pay homage to the highly revered Buddha image in Mahamuni Pagoda. The temple compound is usually crowded with street vendors selling thanaka (traditional make-up), handicrafts and local snacks. It is worth visiting Mahamuni Pagoda during this period to witness Myanmar’s many colorful traditions and cultures.

Sakuran is a new waterfront bar that has recently opened in Vientiane. A completely glass building decorated with black furniture and white paintings, it is a great place to chill out after working hours (open from 6pm, closed on Monday) with a wide selection of cocktails.

Another new addition to Vientiane’s bar scene is EZ Bar, which opened in December last year. This purple-themed bar aims to be the top spot for Vientiane’s night life with a live band performing every evening from 6 – 11 pm. It also offers a great selection of drinks and finger food.

The Angkor Archaeological Park has announced a program to maintaining a sustainable environment for Angkor. Only cars, tuk tuks, motos, mini-vans with 12 passengers or less, and electric cars will be allowed in to Angkor Thom City. Operated by local authorities, each electric car comes with a professional driver and seats up to 9 passengers. No time limit is imposed on the car rental, however, these cars are not allowed to operate in other sections of the archaeological park. Advance reservations are highly recommended and the rental cost of these vehicles is US$3 per person. Exotissimo will keep this in mind when completing your client’s bookings for larger groups by offering the choice of electric cars or splitting the group into separate smaller vans. For more information, please contact cambodia@exotissimo.com.

Bridges Across Borders Southeast Asia (BABSEA) is organizing the Second Annual Kep Trio 2009 which is comprised of a half marathon, 10k run and 10k bike ride. Taking place over the weekend from 28 February to 1 March 2009, the races will lead participants through the beautiful coastline and countryside of Kep. This fundraiser is specifically designed to support Hand in Hand Cambodia, BABSEA’s 5-year integrated community development project. Registration is now open.

Congratulations to Thida Myint who has been promoted from Exotissimo Yangon’s Sales Manager of English Department to Director of Sales and Operations, effective since 1 January 2009. Having been with Exotissimo for the past nine years, Thida possesses an in-depth understanding of the company operations and has garnered good working relationships with international tour operators. She will oversee the sales and operational facets of all departments and guide the business development strategies of Exotissimo Myanmar. Thida can be contacted at thida@exotissimo.com.

Two new Laos-Thai border crossing points have opened in Sayabuli Province in Laos. These new points are located in Botene and Nam Ngeun, which link Laos with Loei and Nan Provinces in Thailand. Travelers crossing in to Laos should note that Visas on Arrival are not available at these checkpoints.

Moo moo… Let’s usher in the Year of the Ox!

2009 is the Year of the Ox according to the Chinese/Vietnamese astrological calendar. In Asia where a large part remains agricultural, the ox is a beloved symbol for its diligence and persistence. In Vietnam, Tet is the most important holiday in the Vietnamese calendar. Heralding the arrival of spring, it is also a time for family reunions, feasting on traditional food, visiting relatives and friends amid a jovial atmosphere. Most businesses and shops in the country will be closed as people return home to celebrate this festival with their families.

This year may not be seem the most bullish, but let’s embrace the tenacious spirit of the ox and weather all crises and difficulties that may come our way. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a healthy, joyous and ox-spicious year ahead!

Chuc Mung Nam Moi! Happy Lunar New Year! Xin Nian Kuai Le!

Note:

Exotissimo Vietnam will be closed from 26 – 29 January (Monday – Thursday) for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). For emergencies during this period, please contact:

* Mr. Long (English and French): +84 () 9 1380 1350 (in Vietnam dial: 09 1380 1350)
* Mr. Dominik Schaufler (German): +84 () 9 0999 2797 (in Vietnam dial: 09 0999 2797)
* Ms. Saskia Butin (Spanish): +84 () 9 3857 9734 (in Vietnam dial: 09 3857 9734)

The dry season from November to May is the best time to visit Myanmar as travelers have greater mobility in and around the country. This period is also marked by many colorful festivals, such as Independence Day in January, Union Day in February, Peasants’ Day in March and Thingyan or Water Festival in April. Thingyan – Myanmar’s New Year – is the merriest of all Burmese festivals. Recommending travelers to visit Myanmar from now till Thingyan, Exotissimo Myanmar has created the following special promotion packages:

* Promotion Luxury Stay in Myanmar – 6 Days / 5 Nights
* Special Seat In Coach Tour – 8 Days / 7 Nights
* Celebrate Myanmar New Year – 12-17 April 09

For more information, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

Exotissimo Thailand has created special tour packages for our valued partners in the Land of Smiles. In addition, we have also received some great promotions and discounts from our preferred hotels in Thailand. Don’t miss out these specials! Please log in to our Travel Trade Section for a full listing of the promotions in Thailand. For more information, please contact thailand@exotissimo.com.

Several hotels in Siem Reap are featuring attractive promotion packages for the coming summer season. Tara Angkor, Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa and Borei Angkor Hotel are offering ‘stay 3 nights, pay 2′ and ‘stay 4 nights, pay 3′ discounts from 1 April to 30 September 2009. In addition, Angkor Palace, Angkor Village Resort, Hotel de la Paix, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort and Khemara Angkor are also offering ‘stay 3 nights, pay 2′ deals which are available on request. Please contact cambodia@exotissimo.com for more details.