Myanmar’s interest in Western art first arose in early 20th century during the British colonial era but no art gallery was established until 1920. In the post-war period, several art galleries opened in Yangon, including Gallery Orient established by a group of young artists and Lokanat Gallery which still exists today with a variety of exhibitions each year. Exotissimo Myanmar has created specially-guided excursions for Asian art enthusiasts to explore the modern Burmese art scene in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. For more information, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

With the improvements in road travel in Cambodia, overland travel is emerging as a popular option and as a result we have added stops in Battambang to many of our recent products. The town and its surrounding countryside offer a diverse selection of touring options such as Angkorian ruins, Khmer cooking classes and rural tours to unique villages. La Villa Battamabang, a 7-room colonial style building, is our preferred hotel in the city. For a sample of our programs which include Battambang, click here: Grand Tour of Cambodia; Crossing Cambodia.

Introduced into Vietnam by the Americans in the 1960s and 70s, these funky jeeps can be rented for city touring or for a night out on the town. Up to 12 jeeps can be hired at any one time for touring within Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Each vehicle comes with a private driver and seats 3 passengers. For further information, email vietnam@exotissimo.com.

The Laos Association of Travel Agencies (LATA) has selected three Exotissimo excursions to feature in its annual ‘Responsible Travel Guide’ publication. LATA created the booklet to promote responsible tourism in the country and chooses a variety of programs that ‘aim to minimize negative economic, environmental and social impacts’ on Lao society. Luang Prabang by Electric Bike, Orchid Trek and Blend of Calm in Southern Laos were all recognized. Contact laos@exotissimo.com for more information on our responsible travel programs.

This half-day tour of Bangkok’s art galleries explores Thailand’s contemporary arts scene. The excursion visits the capital’s diverse gallery spaces and provides a good opportunity for art fans to experience cutting-edge art from Thailand and the region. The tour is guided by Steven Pettifor, a leading critic, curator and artist in Thailand. For more details, click here or contact thailand@exotissimo.com.

Surrounded by the sea and stunning limestone cliffs, the floating villages of Halong Bay are unique and make for a fascinating overnight stay. A floating house is used as the sleeping quarters for group sizes not exceeding 6 people. Guests are encouraged to interact with the locals to learn more about their daily lives. Sightseeing activities include a fishing excursion, visiting a floating school and discovering Bai Tu Long Bay where travelers rarely venture. Contact vietnam@exotissimo.com for more information.

Exotissimo is proud to be one of the official sponsors for Le Fruit Triathlon 2009. Taking place on 30 May in Mui Ne, the triathlon will kick off from Suoi Nuoc Beach at 3pm. This sporting event consists of three categories: Stamina Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon and a new Gecko Triathlon for kids. Organized by Viet Adventure, the funds raised will be donated to kids associations in Vietnam. Registration is now open.

Exotissimo Cambodia now offers luxury camping at unique temple and nature sites. Depending on guests’ preferences, exclusive safari tents can be set up on river shores, mountain tops, in the jungle or within the grounds of an ancient temple. Meals will be prepared by a private chef in comfortable dining set-ups. For discerning travelers seeking a truly exotic experience in Cambodia, a luxury camping getaway makes a good choice. Contact cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

The Luang Prabang Excursion is a 4-day package which allows travelers to discover the Lao heritage town at their own pace. Besides airport transfers and a 3-night stay at the Villa Maly boutique hotel, this flexible program also includes a variety of activities which can be scheduled at any time during the visit. Guests can choose their preferred timings once they have arrived for a one-hour massage, a dinner at Villa Maly’s Le Vetiver Restaurant, a half-day rental of an electric bike and a sunset dinner cruise on the Nava Mekong. This offer is only applicable for new bookings and is valid for travel until 30 September 2009. Click here to view the package.

From October through April, Exotissimo will be offering twice-monthly Seat in Coach tours from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. These Join in Tours are a great way for single travelers to experience the beauty of Vietnam with at a lower cost. Capitalizing on our fabulous rates at our preferred hotels, we are able to offer this tour at the incredible price of USD599 per person including domestic flights. Optional extensions to Angkor Wat or beach breaks are available on a non-SIC basis. Click here to view the full itinerary and rates or contact vietnam@exotissimo.com for more details.