This month saw the start of planning for our latest project – a village library in Maung Shwe Lay, Myanmar. The fishing village of Maung Shwe Lay, south of Ngapali Beach, is a typical living environment for many rural communities in Myanmar. The village is self-sufficient yet lacks a consistent education system. Although villagers are eager to continue with their education, the nature of their lifestyles (relying on fishing and farming as a means to survival) often deem further study is an unrealistic prospect for most.
Maung Shwe Lay village has one primary school attended by approximately 200 students and a secondary school for 250 students. For higher education people have to leave the village for Thandwe or Yangon. A couple of years ago the village committee collected funds for the construction of a library building, which was successfully completed. Unfortunately, the library was never opened and operated due to a lack of funds for purchasing books. Having discovered this, Exo Foundation made the decision to consult with the villagers on the continuation of this initiative.
After a meeting with the village committee and an initial inspection of the site, Exo Foundation offered financial support for the establishment and running of the library. Opening a library is a great way to supplement formal education that is given to the villagers. And, moreover, providing free access to books gives the opportunity for further education and self-study to students and adults alike. To learn more about this exciting new project please, click here.

Japan’s Golden Route:

The ‘Golden Route’ traverses clients through Japan’s most distinctive sites from the neon lights of Tokyo to the soaring heights of Mt. Fuji. The 9-day program offers tremendous insights into the both the old and new faces of the country, demonstrating how these coexist together. Discover the epic beauty of Mt Fuji and Hakone National Park; participants will also get the opportunity to bath in an onsen – a synonymous Japanese experience. The tour concludes in the cultural capital of Kyoto, home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites just waiting to be explored. To view a full itinerary of this tour please, click here.

Art and Culture Japan:

Arguably more so than any other country, Japan conjures up ideas of art and design. Home to a rich and influential artistic legacy, this 12-day exploratory tour traverses clients through the country’s leading galleries and museums. The perfect choice of vacation for the culturally curious and art enthusiast, Art and culture Japan begins in Osaka before continuing on to Hiroshima and Kyoto, culminating in Tokyo. This Japan tour offers a comprehensive insight into the fascinating traditional and contemporary art of the country. To view a full itinerary please, click here.

Kyushu and Shikoku Explorer

Taking travelers on an adventure into two of Japans less visited islands, Kyushu and Shikoku, this 17-day tour offers extensive insights into this weird and wonderful country. A seamless blend of cultural exploration, stunning natural scenery and soft adventure the program promises a great introduction to Japan. Revealing both past and present cultural pastimes it serves to both educate and entertain. Clients will have the opportunity to experience traditional accommodation option and indulge in the world-renowned Japanese cuisine. To view a full itinerary of this tour, click here.

Discover Cambodia’s capital from an elevated perspective, with the news that Helistar are extending their services to Phnom Penh. Taking off from the VIP terminal of Phnom Penh International Airport, the French built Eurocopter and Robinson helicopter comes equipped with luxury leather seating, air conditioning and experienced expatriate pilots.

Tours encompass sightseeing around Phnom Penh and the confluence of the mighty rivers Tonle Sap, the Mekong and Tonle Bassac. Alternatively, you can take a scenic flight to Oudong, the temple mountain, or the rural province of Takeo. A great way to enhance a Phnom Penh stay! For more information please contact Cambodia@exotissimo.com

Two new day trips have been created targeting culture connoisseurs, collectors and those interested in exploring Yangon’s cultural scene. The city is filled with unique galleries and shops that are tucked away from the usual tourist areas, thus many travelers overlook the wonderful art and antiques of Yangon.

Art Galleries of Yangon- We have rerouted this program to incorporate some of the new galleries in town as well as classics such as Pansodan. With our local contacts we are able to arrange meetings with curators at some of the galleries – a great chance for travelers to learn about and discuss the evolution of Burmese Art. Click here to view the full itinerary.

Art and Antiques of Yangon – This new full day program starts in the Golden Valley neighborhood of Yangon with visits to two antique shops whose owners are a wealth of knowledge. Also in this part of town is a gallery established by one of Myanmar’s most famous artists and filled with contemporary and old art. The excursion continues to a street corner where a row of stalls are filled to the brim with antiques from various periods of Myanmar’s past.

A lunch stop will be made in an old colonial house which was once the headquarters of the Burmese Independence Army and contains, amid its collection of furniture and photos, Aung San’s desk and typewriter. In the afternoon the trip ventures down town to the art galleries and antique shops near Bogyoke market. For more information, click here.

Contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for booking or further details.

It is with great pleasure that we can announce the launch of a new Exotissimo service for our valued agents. From May 26th 2011 we will be running a regular series of webinars, on offer to all of our partners, presenting a range of training topics to you, live from the destinations that we work in. Every week, one of our expert Product Managers, across each of the seven Exotissimo destinations will present to you up to the minute information on our destinations, ranging from new products, Exo Touches, emerging destinations and classic destination training.
A ‘Webinar’ allows online delivery of a PowerPoint presentation, via the internet in real-time. All that is needed to listen to an Exotissimo Webinar is an internet connection and set of headphones or a phone line. The week before each webinar, we will send an invitation to the session, which will contain simple instructions on how to sign up. Please act quickly if you want to attend as places are limited!

May 26^th

‘Mingalabar Myanmar’

Anne Courtney – Cruickshanks, Myanmar Product and Adventure Manager

A great overview to Myanmar and its seemingly endless travel options. Introducing the classic destinations and showcasing some of the more hidden places and the touring options available in each.

June 8^th

‘Vietnam New Products and Destinations’

Maeve Nolan, Vietnam Product Manager

A 40 minute webinar featuring what’s hot for 2012 including new hotels & resorts, stand alone products and the best of the Exotissimo Vietnam touring portfolio.

June 16^th

‘Laos for Beginners’

Georgie Walsh, Laos Product Manager

A classic introduction to this lesser known destination.  Introducing to you the best of the country, its hidden gems, and main attractions and why Exo offer the best in Laos touring options.

June 22^nd

‘Bali and Lombok – The Highlights’

Arta Wibawa, Indonesia Product Manager

The most visited island in the world’s largest archipelago, Bali offers more than just beaches for visitors.  Talking you through Bali’s touring highlights and introducing the islands of Lombok, a must listen!

June 29th

‘Introduction to Angkor’

Sibylle Rotzler, Cambodia Product Manager

The jewel in Cambodia’s crown and high on most visitors must see list, in this webinar we present to you the main sights of the Angkor complex and its environs, the latest news and our must do Exo Touches

6^th July

‘Exotissimo’s Thailand – Beyond the Beach’

Soonie Wattanahongsiri, Thailand Product Manager

Thailand is well-known for its glorious beaches. Join us for this webinar to see what touring options can enhance an Exotissimo Thailand itinerary and why this fascinating country is about more than just sun, sand and sea.

13^th July

‘Exotissimo Japan Welcomes You’

Jarrod Stenhouse, Japan Product Manager

An introduction to Exotissimo’s Japan.  For those looking to improve their knowledge on the latest Exo destination, and take a first glance at the dynamic new products on offer.

All Webinars will take place at 14:00 Bangkok Time (+7 GMT)

Our new Chiang Mia Bike and Adventure programs make for the perfect addition to a Thailand tour. Traversing the diverse and scenic landscape of Chiang Mai alongside a local guide, travelers will be immersed in the unique cultures that inhabit the region while enjoying some soft adventures en-route.

Best of Chiang Mai by Bike - 3D2N

Cycle through the elating scenery of Chiang Mai on this 3-day soft adventure that goes in search of tumbling waterfalls, elephant camps and rustic village life. Ascend mountain roads and be rewarded with sensational panoramas. Gain authentic insights into life in the remote hinterlands of northern Thailand when you weave your way through villages admiring the flora and fauna en-route. On this Best of Chiang Mai by Bike Tour clients will cycle along the Ping River, visit ancient ruins and leave the experience with a better understanding of the misty mountains and colorful hill tribes that equate to charming Chiang Mai. To view this tour please, Click here

East of Chiang Mai by Bike - 2D1N

Beginning in Chiang Mai, travelers will embark on an adventure into the diverse sceneries of rural Thailand that include mountainous backdrops, lush forested plains, tranquil green rice paddies and everyday scenes of rustic living. Visit local markets, revered temples and natural mineral springs. Guests can look forward to comfortable accommodation and a beautiful riverside lunch. For more information on this tour, click here.

Sri Landa National Park Biking Adventure – 2D1N

Our 2-day Sri Lanna Biking Adventure explores the diverse terrain of northern Thailand by bike, kayak and an exhilarating long tail boat ride. Beginning at the tumbling Bua Thong Waterfall, the adventure continues past fruit orchards and emerald green rice paddies while soaking up the sprawling panoramas of the rich fertile valleys. Spend the evening on a floating raft . Awake to one more day of intrepid adventure as you leave Mae Taeng to continue back to Chiang Mai along the Ping River. To view a full itinerary please, click here.

Northern Family Adventure- 6D5N

This 6-day Chiang Mai Northern Family Adventure has been designed to enthrall both adults and children alike. Fusing an action-packed itinerary consisting of soft adventure, cultural immersion and architectural and scenic exploration offering an unmatched opportunity for families to experience the great outdoors together. To view a full itinerary please, click here .

Hoang Tang Tourist Co Ltd and AAPC Singapore Pte LTD have decided to terminate the management contract of the Mecure Gerbera. As of the 30th of April 2011, the hotel has been trading under the name: Gerbera Hotel Hue and will no longer be operated by Accor. For more information please contact, Vietnam@exotissimo.com

As we approach the low season, many hotels and properties have announced closures or renovations during this period. Our travel consultants will offer suitable alternatives for accommodation during this time and we will plan inspections of these properties when completed to ensure they continue to operate at Exotissimo’s expected service level.

YANGON:

• Traders Hotel: Deluxe rooms will not be available from May – September while they are renovated.
• Kandawgyi Lake Hotel: Renovations will begin in June and are expected to be completed by early October. Plumbing, painting, refinishing the floors and painting are taking place but not causing full closure of the hotel. They are also expanding their parking lot so some noise will occur during the daytime hours.

BAGAN:

• Thiri Marlar: Fully closed for the second phase of their room renovations from 1 May – 30 September
• Hotel @ Tharabar Gate: Superior rooms partially closed for renovations from 1 May – 30 September

GOLDEN ROCK:

• Golden Rock Hotel: fully closed for room renovations from 23 April to 30 September.

INLE LAKE

• Serenity Resort Inle Lake: will reopen on 1 May after two months of renovations on the rooms
• Villa Inle Resort & Spa: New property from the Tharabar Gate Hotel Group will open 1 October 2011 with 16 lakeside villas
• Aureum Hotel Group: New property expected to open 1 October 2011

NGAPALI AND NGWE SAUNG:

• All regularly scheduled flights will cease operations on 1 May 2011. There will be sporadic flights until September- please ask your travel consultant if one is available on your preferred date of travel.
• All hotels will be closed except Bayview Ngapali
• Ngapali Bay Villas & Spa: New property also from the Tharabar Gate Hotel Group expected to open in October 2011. The beachfront property will feature 4 Beach Suite Villas and 28 Sea View Deluxe rooms.

PUTAO:

• All flights will stop operating 1 May 2011 and are scheduled to restart 30 September 2011 Malikha Lodge and Putao Trekking House will both be closed during this period.

After a period of repair, the tethered helium balloon at Angkor has been reinstalled and has been operating as normal since the 29th March. The 15 minute balloon ride takes you 200m straight up for an amazing aerial view of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. To find out how you can work this into an Exo itinerary please contact, Cambodia@exotissimo.com