The Pristine Lotus Spa Resort has just opened in the Inle Lake area. Decorated in the traditional Burmese architectural style, the resort consists of 52 suites and villas and counts a business center, spa, gallery and a café as amongst its facilities. Located near the natural hot springs in Khaung Daing Village, it is accessible by boat or car from Heho or Inle Lake.
Built by Khmer craftsmen with traditional tools and materials, the Kanika is the first luxury catamaran in Cambodia. The boat has a 100 passenger capacity and will primarily be used for sunset dinner or cocktail cruises on the Mekong and Tonle Rivers in Phnom Penh. A top rear deck is ideal for private parties of smaller groups. A strong supporter of sustainable tourism, the Kanika donates a part of its proceeds to Seametrey, a local children’s charity.
Our latest self-drive program in Thailand, ‘Scenic Roads from Sukhothai to Golden Triangle’, explores destinations such as Sukhothai and Golden Triangle as well as lesser known towns such as Nan and Chiang Saen. Exotissimo Thailand will make all necessary arrangements, including accommodation, car rental and a road map with suggested routes and activities. View the detailed itinerary here.
Exotissimo Myanmar now offers an opportunity for couples to experience the unique tradition of a Burmese-style wedding ceremony. The wedding ceremony will take place in a picturesque village near Bagan and follows all of the local rituals and customs. This program can be arranged as a day excursion or incorporated in to our ‘Seventh Heaven – Honeymoon in Myanmar’ package. View the detailed itinerary here or contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for more information.
Exotissimo Laos has created new day trips in Southern Laos. ‘Boloven Plateau Loop’ is a full day trip that explores the scenic beauty of the Bolovan highlands, including visits to the Tad Lo and Tad Fane waterfalls and a coffee plantation. Besides the century-old railway, ‘A Day on the French Railways’ ventures into Siphandon (’4000 islands’), waterfalls as well as an easy cycling trip on Don Khone and Don Det Islands. View more details here.
Located in the quiet Wat Po Langka residential area, the Heritage Suites Hotel is one of Siem Reap’s top boutique properties with 26 stylish rooms and suites. The facilities include a restaurant, saltwater swimming pool and spa. Part of the Relais et Chateaux alliance, this intimate property is recommended for couples or travelers seeking a hideaway experience in Siem Reap.
We are pleased to welcome Anton Jurgens as the new Adventure Manager of Exotissimo Vietnam. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast with over ten years of worldwide guiding experience with Backroads, an American adventure travel company. Anton recently completed a Masters degree in Sustainable Destination Management and International Development and has consulted on a variety of international tourism development projects. In his new position, he is responsible for developing and operating adventure touring opportunities in Vietnam. An American, Anton speaks English, French and some Spanish. Based in Hanoi, he can be contacted at anton@exotissimo.com.
Designed for Asian food fans, ‘Culinary Delight of Bangkok’ is a full day trip that introduces travelers to the unique flavors of Thai cuisine. Transferring by local transportation, the guided excursion explores Bangkok’s fresh markets, roadside stalls and specialty restaurants with plenty of opportunities to sample local food and desserts. View more details here.
Up north, the ‘Spirit of Chiang Mai’ is a half-day trip that captures the cultural essence of Chiang Mai. Besides touring ancient chedis and attractions in the city, the excursion also includes a visit to the iconic Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a mountain temple where guests partake in a private blessing ceremony by monks and observe the evening chanting ritual. Read more details here.
Exotissimo Vietnam is now offering instant confirmations for all FIT bookings made by agents from 13 June to 20 December 2009. For any booking of 2 to 6 people, you will receive immediate confirmation once the bookings have been validated by Exotissimo. This service will be applicable for hotels (excluding suites), Victoria Train (Hanoi – Lao Cai) and Mekong Cruises; tours with English/French/German-speaking guides and domestic flights (same day travel adjustments to flight times may be necessary).
Please note the following notes and conditions:
* Valid for up to 6 people until 30 September 2009
* Valid for up to 2 people until 20 December 2009
* Until 30 September 2009, bookings must be made up to 10 days before arrival
* From October to December 2009, bookings must be made up to 21 days before arrival
* If a hotel or a room category cannot be confirmed, Exotissimo will upgrade to the next higher room category or a same category hotel.
For further information, contact vietnam@exotissimo.com.
From now till 7 July 2009, the annual Chinlone (Cane Ball) Festival is being held at the Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay. Besides chinlone competitions, there are also folk performances and local food and handicrafts for sale. For travelers already in Myanmar who wish to attend, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for tour arrangements.
