Exotissimo Cambodia recently appointed Sibylle Rotzler as the new Product & Internet Sales Manager. Based in Phnom Penh, she is responsible for developing new itineraries and promotional packages as well as overseeing internet sales in Cambodia. Sibylle grew up in Germany and graduated with a degree in Travel Management. Her background in the travel industry includes work experience in online marketing and MICE events management for European tour companies. She can be contacted at sybille@exotissimo.com.

In April, Miles Gravett was appointed as Adventure Department Manager of Exotissimo Cambodia while maintaining his position as operations manager in Siem Reap. He will remain based in Siem Reap and can be contacted at miles@exotissimo.com.

From October through April, Exotissimo will be offering Seat in Coach (SIC) tours from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, departing every first and third Saturday of the month. Capitalizing on our fabulous rates at our preferred hotels, these join-in tours are now available at an incredible price of USD599 per person including domestic flights, touring activities and accommodation. 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.

Flights to/from Pakse Airport will be suspended from 1 July – 30 August 2009 as the airport will be temporarily closed for renovation. During this period, the Lao Airlines will use Savannakhet Airport instead for flights originally scheduled to fly between Pakse and Siem Reap, Luang Prabang or Vientiane. The airlines will also provide shuttle services for passengers between Savannakhet and Pakse airports on the day of the flight. For any clients already booked or wishing to travel to Pakse during this period, Exotissimo will be sure to suggest and arrange alternative transportation as needed.

Exotissimo Vietnam clinches The Guide Award once again, affirming its position as a premier destination management company in the region.

Bangkok, Thailand (2 June 2009) – Exotissimo Vietnam has been honored with ‘The Guide Award’ for excellent performance during the 2008-2009 tourist season. This is the second year running in which Exotissimo has been recognized by The Guide, the tourism and hospitality magazine of the Vietnam Economic Times, as one of the country’s best tour operators.

The Guide Award is an annual event that honors the top achievers in Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality industry for their outstanding services and social contribution. The award will be presented during a ceremony at Ho Chi Minh City’s White Palace on 5 June 2009.

Commenting on this year’s recognition, George Ehrlich-Adam, General Manager of Exotissimo Vietnam said, “We are pleased to be a winner of the Guide Award once again. However, we are not resting on our laurels. This award encourages us to strive for better standards to provide our guests with a memorable time in Vietnam.”

House of Memories is a family-owned restaurant in Yangon. Set in a colonial style building, the restaurant is decorated with old-style fans, chandelier and the owner’s family memorabilia such as medals and photographs. The restaurant serves traditional Burmese cuisine with a wide variety of rice dishes as well as Western and Chinese dishes.

Opened in January, Ella Wine & Jazz Bar makes for a cozy evening with jazz music and a menu featuring snacks and a superb selection of wines, both of the classic and new world varieties. With the recent opening of Nest Angkor, Siem Reap now boasts a chic rooftop bar that is similar in style to the acclaimed Bangkok Nest. The innovative open-air architecture is furnished with white canvas sails and comfortable daybeds.

The Laos authorities have clarified the names of one of the border crossings between Cambodia and Laos. The village formerly known as Dong Crolor will now be officially referred to as Nong Nokkhien. Travelers should be aware that both names are still used by locals.

To help our valued agents take advantage of the best offers for June, we have compiled our top hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and other beaches into one extensive list. As an added bonus, we have thrown in a special offer on our Exotissimo signature excursions if any of the listed hotels are booked for stays in June. Click here to read more.

The Lanna Hill House is a luxury villa available for rental in Chiang Mai. Designed by a leading Thai architect, the property blends colonial and traditional styles with ample use of teak, rattan and bamboo furniture. The house consists of 4 double bedrooms, three with king size beds and en-suite bathrooms while the fourth comes with two single beds and a cot. There is also a restaurant, bar and 10-m swimming pool. The charming mansion overlooks green mountains and is recommended for families or small groups.

Halong Bay’s newest deluxe vessel, Halong Violet, will be launched on 1 November 2009 by the cruise company that owns Jasmine and Ginger junks. Constructed in the 1930′s Indochine style, Halong Violet features a dinning room, library, lounge, spa and gym. The 6 individually themed cabins are each fitted with a marble bathroom, Jacuzzi and private balcony. The junk will also sail to untouched areas of the bay with a longer overnight cruise.