Following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana on 27 July 2011, Thailand is in a period of national mourning. For the 15 days following 27 July, Thai Palace protocol requires that public social events should be low key and restrained.

In the 100 days following 27 July anyone planning to visit the Grand Palace should wear dark colours or black.  Please inform your clients of this adjustment in requirements for entry to the Palace that will remain in place until the beginning of November.

If you have any questions please contact Thailand@exotissimo.com

Throughout August and September, Exotissimo Travel will host a series of FAM trips to each of its destination countries across Southeast Asia.

Each trip showcases the understanding Exo has developed in delivering immersive and experiential tours. It’s a fantastic opportunity for travel agents to familiarize themselves with Exo’s work ethics, tour guides and their delivery of the product. Encompassing hotel inspections, the trips give a thorough cross examination of Exo’s products.

The trips have been selected from an extensive range of tours that are available to travel agents now. Programs chosen cover a range of experiences from cultural to culinary, and adventurous to luxury, while demonstrating value for money and unprecedented insights into local customs.

Discover the ‘Unseen Highlights of Thailand’ as our expert guides and staff members take you on this excellent FAM trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, stopping at our favorite destinations. Join our tour from 20 – 27 August 2011. Simply click here for more information

Indonesia continually increases in popularity and it’s easy to see why after visiting this paradise. Our FAM trip ‘Two Islands – Java and Bali’ includes scenic train rides, watching the sunrise over Bromo volcano and white water rafting. Places are filling fast so please click here for more information and to secure your place.

Please click here to see our full list of FAM trips available.

Exotissimo Travel has been selected for inclusion in the Mekong Responsible Tourism E-Guide publication following their commitment to provide responsible and sustainable tours. The exclusive E-Guide is designed to give worldwide exposure to industry leaders working sympathetically in the areas they operate.

Developed with funds from France’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, it has become a valuable reference for responsible tourism in the Mekong region. Only featuring responsible tour operators that function within the seven destinations spanned by the Mekong, Exotissimo were noted for their extensive coverage of the region and commitment to work within the positive criteria looked for by Mekong Tourism.

The selection process takes into account factors such as; providing more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people and a greater understanding of cultural, social and environmental issues; minimizing negative economic, environmental and social impacts; generating greater economic benefits for local people; involving local people in decisions that affect their lives and making positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

These are core values noted by Exotissimo Travel in their development of any tour and have been paramount in their establishment of Exo Foundation, a charitable foundation established as a supplementary branch of Exotissimo.

Since being crowned as the best city in Asia by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine readers, the small art village of Ubud has become a must visited city during a holiday to Bali. Its location 300 hundreds meters above sea level gives it the perfect temperature to relax in. Situated right in the center of the island with a strong cultural history, it contains the perfect blend of what travelers are looking for in a holiday.

Accomodation is easy to find in Ubud with more top end hotels opening over coming months. From hundreds of home stays to super deluxe hotels on the banks of the Ayung River. We always recommend making bookings early as it can be difficult finding availability during the peak season of July-September.

Spend the day by walking in the centre amongst buzzing art shops, hop from one museum to another, Ubud offers numbers of way to experience its core atmosphere. ‘Bali’s Art Capital‘ is one of the day trips specialy designed to do this without having to follow the herd of the buzzing tourists.

Please contact indonesia@exotissimo.com for more information.

For the upcoming high season, Exotissimo will be offering sailing cruises in the Myeik Archipelago. Both charter and Seat-in-Coach (join in tours), will be available aboard 2 sailing boats, the SY Colona II and the Wanderlust. Each boat features air-conditioned cabins, large sundecks and full safety equipment.

Our Sailing the Myeik Archipelago program includes a 5D4N cruise through the 8000 islands of this region. Travelers can swim, snorkel, kayak and take light treks on the uninhabited islands. The cruises commence and return to Kawthaung port in the far south of the country, a town which is accessible by land via Phuket in Thailand or from Yangon by flight.

Scuba Diving programs are also available for certified divers.

Myanmar’s Myeik Archipelago (also referred to as Mergui), opened to tourists in 1997 but due to its remote location has been rarely explored by visitors. The area’s coral and sea life has not suffered the effects of global warming nor been affected by tsunamis the way that other regional reefs have. In addition to the colorful corals and sea fans, Myeik also features manta rays, whale sharks, lobsters, crabs, monkeys and dozens of bird species.

For more information on these programs contact myanmar@exotissimo.com

A relaxing and stress free 3D2N tour that allows guests to soak up the best Vientiane has to offer. It’s ideal for families or couples looking for a relaxing break. Tour the capital city of Laos with visits to its famous tranquil temples and a delicious lunch before watching the sun set over the Mekong River. Travel to Khou Khao Kway National Park and trek through the lush jungle before stopping at majestic waterfalls to admire the beauty of the area. Be amazed by the splendor of this jungle and held in awe at the fascinating orchids which dominate the floral landscape. Stay overnight at the Ban Pako Ecolodge on the banks of the Nam Ngum river. Enjoy the natural sights of Ban Pako then relax in a herbal sauna or indulge in a Lao massage. Guests can cool off by floating down the river in a tyre tube for a memorable experience. Click here to see the full itinerary.

Please contact laos@exotissimo.com for more information.

Our 6D5N ”Trek Angkor’ tour reveals the Kingdom’s secret charms by visiting places many travelers don’t usually don’t get to see. Our 6D5N ”Trek Angkor’ tour reveals the Kingdom’s secret charms by visiting places many travelers don’t usually don’t get to see.

Visit Wat Athvea and wander through picturesque villages with rice fields now flourishing and releasing a beautiful fragrance. Finish the day with a breathtaking view and cocktail from Phnom Krom hill. A private monk blessing at sunrise revitalizes your body before hiking up Phnom Bok hill and on to the picturesque temple of Banteay Samre. Trekking from Angkor Wat to Angkor Thom is a unique way to see a number of magnificent ruins. Glimpses of small temples can be spotted amongst dense jungle, towers appear looming overhead and the verdant jungle along the way is simply breath taking. Daily treks are between 10-15km but taken at a gentle and enjoyable pace. We have selected boutique hotels to match the character of this relaxing and charming tour. Click here to see the full itinerary.

Please contact cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

From July 1 to August 26, the official climbing season of Fuji-san is in full swing with 300,000 enthusiastic climbers (around 30% foreigners), making the climb to the top of the 3,776m volcano.

Exotissimo Japan offers two exciting itineraries which include the Mt Fuji climb, available exclusively in July and August.

We time our climb perfectly so after a rest at a mountain hut, you will reach the summit to see one of the most breathtaking sunrises on the planet. An opportunity not to be missed!

Choose from these two exceptional tours now available through Exotissimo:

Mount Fuji and Izu Summertime Adventure

Sunrise from Mount Fuji’s Summit