We are pleased to announce that we have been nominated in the ‘Best Asian Tour Operator’ category at the 2011 World Travel Awards. Hailed as the “Oscars” of the travel industry, the awards seek to raise the standards of customer service and overall business performance throughout the international industry. Now In their 18^th year of operation the World Travel Awards have evolved to represent a global search for the very best travel and tourism brands.

After a rigorous selection procedure, Exo emerged with a ‘Best Tour Operator’ nomination for the third year in a row, thus confirming its position as a leader within the Asian tour industry. As a company Exotissimo have contributed significantly to the benchmarking of ‘experiential’ touring within Southeast Asia. In sharing their intricate knowledge of the region they have helped create the ultimate Asia travel experience, establishing a unique style of insightful and rewarding tourism.

CEO Olivier Colomés said “Once again to be recognized as a leading force within the industry is both an honor and a great achievement. Our 18 years of experience in the region, has left us with a great deal of knowledge to share with clients who wish to see Asia through unique and intriguing perspective. To be nominated by such a prestigious committee is testament to the innovative product we create and the dedicated team who drive it.” Vote for Exo now by clicking, here.

Vietnam Airlines will increase airfares by an average of 22% from 02^nd May 2011. A formal notice has not yet been received and new tariffs have yet to be issued, however, we recommend to issue all confirmed bookings immediately and before Saturday 30^th April at the latest to avoid paying higher fares!

All bookings confirmed now, but issued after 02^nd of May will be charged with the new higher rates. If some names are missing for some groups, our sales teams will ask you to try as much as possible to provide us with their names ASAP to avoid the increase.  If tickets were issued before the increase and clients have to cancel, a cancellation fee will apply, which would be still lower than the expected increases. If you have any further questions or queries contact your regular sales consultant or vietnam@exotissimo.com

Beginning in Luang Prabang, travelers can use their time here to better acquaint themselves with the ethnic populations inhabiting the country with a visit to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center. Take the time to absorb the faded grandeur of the city that fuses traditional Buddhist architecture with provincial French to mesmerizing effect. Time spent in the spiritual capital affords travelers omnipresent Laotian experiences including the feeding of the alms to the monks, temple exploration and local exhibitions.
Leaving the charm of Luang Prabang behind, the tour takes an intrepid twist in heading north to Nong Khiaw, a rustic town on the banks of the Ou River. Absorb the tranquil rhythms of river life that surround the town, idyllically squeezed in between some of the most visually spectacular limestone mountains to be found north of Vang Vieng. A definite highlight of this 8-day itinerary is the excursion to the ‘Hidden City” in Viengxay. During the Vietnam War locals took refuge here, establishing everything from hospitals to schools inside a network of caves. To see more about this fascinating tour please, click here.

Previously closed until June 05th 2011, Hue’s Phu Bai Airport will now be closed from May 05th – June 17th 2011 for urgent runway maintenance. All confirmed bookings May 05th – June 05th have been adjusted and agents with confirmed bookings 06th June-13th June will be contacted. All flights into Hue during this period will be rerouted or rebooked to/from Danang by airlines without fee for all issued tickets. Other central region airports close to Hue include Dong Hoi to the north however flights to and from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are limited. For any future requests Sales Consultants will suggest new routes according to requested programs. For any further questions contact vietnam@exotissimo.com.

Vietnam’s booming economy has again seen a rise of inflation since the start of 2011 and North Africa and Middle East turmoil have resulted in a sharp fuel price increases of 25-30% within March alone. We are trying our best to contain the increases with the suppliers and hold back on increasing our rates. However, given the amplitude of the price hikes, an increase of our rates will be unavoidable for new quotations as well as a ‘fuel surcharge’ on confirmed bookings from May, 2011.

Expected domestic airfare increases of 20% from Vietnam Airlines in March (See our March ENL) have not yet been approved but are now anticipated for end of April. We will keep you informed of developments and the deadlines to issue existing bookings at the old prices.  For more information on this issue please contact us directly at Vietnam@exotissimo.com

Exotissimo Myanmar has developed two new programs based around Burmese cuisine. The itineraries not only focus on food-related visits but also ensure a greater understanding of the local culture.

Yangon for Foodies is a half day trip which starts with a visit to one of the busiest morning markets in town. It then traverses the city in search of the best local delights, from the sweet (homemade donuts) to the more unusual (a famous stall for le pet thoke, fermented tea leaf salad) and concludes with lunch at a popular local curry house. Along the way travelers get to experience the daily lives of the local people, the importance of food in their culture and a traditional Burmese tea shop. Click here to see the full itinerary.

Culinary Delights of Myanmar is an 8-day program blending classical touring with food-related adventures. Highlights include dining in local spots such as Yangon’s Chinatown, a curry house in Bagan and a night market in Mandalay, visiting cottage industries making local delights in Bagan and two cooking courses — one with a local family and one in a well-known Burmese restaurant. Click here to see the full itinerary.

Please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for more information

Effective from 28 April 2011 Vietnam will launch a new route from the northern port city of Haiphong (which is located 1 hour from Halong Bay), to the central coastal city of Danang and vise versa.  Flights will depart 5 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays by ATR72 aircraft. This new route offers an excellent advantage rather than driving 3.5-hours to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport however flight departures are only in the evening departing Haiphong at 2045  2230 to Danang and leaving Danang for Haiphong at 1830  2005. As a smaller aircraft is used flying time will be longer than the Hanoi – Danang route and will take 1hr 35min. Also best as an option for FITs and not GIT’s as seat availability may be limited due to the size of the aircraft.

Just 2 hours up river from Luang Prabang lies a unique eco-lodge experience. The Kamu Lodge, is situated next to a ethnic hill tribe village where the accommodation takes its name from. Set back from the river, Kamu Lodge’s 20 luxury canvas tents enjoy spectacular vistas and setting. A stay at Kamu seeks to educate and integrate guests with the Kamu tribe and encourage experiences of some of local activities, including rice planting, walking, a local village visit and traditional fishing techniques. To view rates please, click here.

Exotissimo is pleased to announce a 10 day join-in culinary tour of Vietnam departing on 11th Oct, 2011. Led by Daniel Hoyer, the author of Culinary Vietnam as well as four other cookbooks and has resided in Hanoi Vietnam for nearly three years. His enthusiasm for Vietnamese food and the people is contagious and you are sure to enjoy this gastronomic exploration. Using food as the focus and a window into the culture, Daniel will lead you through Vietnam from north to south.
Hoyer’s experiences and insight into this exciting culinary destination allow you to experience Vietnam from a unique, intimate and well-informed perspective. The tour is not soley about food, it uses food as a catalyst for understanding the people and eating great food will benefit from this tour. You will interact with locals in each location and even stay in an ethnic minority home in Sapa. For more info on this program please, click here.