Located at Wat Preah Inkosei in a village near central Siem Reap, the Shadow Puppets Workshop is an initiative set up by the non-profit House of Peace Association. Visitors can show their support for this traditional Khmer art form by watching a shadow puppet performance or buying a handmade puppet souvenir. Workshop admission is free but donations are appreciated. A visit to this workshop can be combined with an excursion to the Angkor Park. A second workshop is located along NH6 on the way to the airport.

The Angkor Archaeological Park has announced a program to maintain a sustainable environment for Angkor. Only cars, tuk tuks, motos, mini-vans with 12 passengers or less, and electric cars will be allowed within Angkor Thom. Operated by local authorities, each car comes with a professional driver and seats a maximum of 9 passengers. There is no time limit for the electric car rental, however the cars will not be able to operate in other sections of the archaeological park. Advance reservations are highly recommended and the rental charge 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.

In this three-day adventure in Chiang Mai’s highlands, guests will trek through majestic jungles and across mountain ridges, ride on an elephant’s back and float on a bamboo raft along a meandering river. Nights are spent in Karen village homestays, the best way to get in contact with these friendly ethnic communities. This trip will make an authentic experience for clients interested in hill tribe cultures. Click here to view the itinerary or contact thailand@exotissimo.com for further information.

Biking Challenges in MyanmarOrganized by Bike World (Myanmar) with sponsorship from Exotissimo Travel Myanmar and other local partners, the Amateur Mountain Biking Challenge was successfully held at Hmawbi Township in Yangon on 11 January 2009. 51 participants including expatriates took part in this challenge. Bikers rode uphill on the dirt tracks from Wa Net Chaung Village to Pan Ta Pwint Taung (One Flower Hill) for approximately 16 km before finishing at the first village. For clients who wish to explore Myanmar on similar biking challenges, Exotissimo Myanmar has several biking packages ranging from easy routes to difficult trails. For more information, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

Since 21 January 2009, Vietnam Airlines has started to operate thrice-weekly direct flights from Hanoi to the southern coastal city of Quy Nhon. Located between Danang and Nha Trang, Quy Nhon boasts miles of unspoiled beaches as well as hidden tropical forests in its vicinity. Life Resort Quy Nhon and Bai Tram Hideaway are both excellent beach hotels located in Quy Nhon. Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City still operate as normal.

Exotissimo Thailand is pleased to offer a series of exciting new itineraries that originate from Phuket. These tours include 3D/2N The Village Experience, 13D/12N Southern Thailand Discovery, 3D/2N Biking – Koh Yao Expedition, 7D/6N Community and the Island Retreat, 7D/6N Self Drive in the Scenic South and It’s Time for Cooking (a private cooking class). Please contact thailand@exotissimo.com for more information.

Exotissimo Travel has always been enthusiastic about helping the local communities in our five destination countries. On 28 January 2009, Exotissimo Cambodia donated office equipment to ‘Assisting Cambodian Orphans and the Disabled Organization’ (ACODO) to support the charity’s projects and 68 children. ACODO seeks to help Cambodia’s disabled and orphaned children by equipping them with life and vocational skills.

Pindaya in Shan State is famous for its scenic beauty and antique pagodas. The ancient capital of Bagan is a treasure trove of Myanmar culture. The picturesque Inle Lake is renowned for its natural scenery and traditional uniqueness. Now guests can enjoy the beauty of Pindaya, Inle and Bagan from a bird’s eye view on hot air balloon rides in each of these destinations. These exclusive flights will give guests an unforgettable experience. The Balloon Safaris Inle & Bagan tour is only available in December 2009. View the itinerary here. For more information, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

Vietnam’s first private carrier, Indochina Airlines (formerly named Air Speed Up) has started its commercial passenger flights since December 2008. It is currently operating daily services from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and Danang and vice versa on its two Boeing B737-800 aircrafts. .

To encourage responsible travel in Luang Prabang, Exotissimo Laos has designed a sight seeing tour using electric bikes. An emissions-free mode of transportation, an electric bike allows the user to pedal manually or to rely on the battery-powered, rechargeable motor. This half-day eco-friendly trip starts at either 9am or 2pm. Guests will ride to the Phosy Market, Ock Pop Tock, Elephant Asia Show and the Traditional Art & Ethnology Center. Contact laos@exotissimo.com for more information.