Famous Australian chef, author and TV presenter spent 4 weeks in Myanmar and Thailand with Exotissimo this past month filming episodes for his upcoming ‘Greater Mekong’ cooking program. Nguyen, who rose to fame with his Red Lantern Restaurant in Melbourne, focused on a ‘farm to table’ concept, interacting with local vendors, farmers and chefs to film traditional, home cooked recipes. In Myanmar the crew of 6 visited Yangon, Inle Lake and Kengtung while in Thailand stops included Chiang Khong, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

Exotissimo arranged all ground services and assisted in the location-scouting for the shoot. And while the filming days were challenging all staff are proud to see their country’s cuisine represented in such a positive way.

Many of the stops made were part of Exotissimo’s existing culinary-themed tours. For clients interested in learning more about Burmese cuisine we recommend Yangon for Foodies or Myanmar Culinary Delights. For Thailand travelers, we suggest North Thailand’s Culinary Journey.

Keep an eye out for the December launch of the program on SBS, an Australian network.

Please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for more information.

Take part in a Laos cooking class to learn more about the country and its cuisine culture. From the rural setting of a lakeside farm on the outskirts of the city close to the Mekong, learn how to prepare Lao food with inside tips and tricks. Your guide and driver will personally collect your from your hotel in the late afternoon and take you to the Tamarind Cooking School. Here expert chefs demonstrate how to prepare authentic dishes before it’s your turn to try your hand at preparing some Lao cuisine. At the end of the lesson you will be given a cookbook to take home and hone your newly found culinary skills in your own kitchen.

Click here to view the full itinerary, or contact laos@exotissimo.com for more information.

The An Dinh Palace in the former imperial city, Hué, was the first site for which German restorers (now of GCREP) developed a joint restoration, which they implemented in several phases from 2003–2008. Investment was close to 500,000 Euros to restore the wall paintings and decorations.

The Palace is one of the classic structures of Hue imperial city, built on the northern bank of the An Cuu River under an order from King Dong Khanh (1886-1888) after his accession to the throne.

The tropical climate and inadequate maintenance had taken its toll on the building. Extensions, coats of paint and fixtures, along with the interim use of the palace as emergency accommodation and as a trade union centre had also taken their toll.

The conservation and restoration of the An Dinh Palace were carried out strictly to UNESCO standards, in compliance with the internationally ratified Venice Charter – which is by no means a matter of course in Vietnam.

The conservation and restoration of the wall and ceiling paintings at the An Dinh Palace was funded in the framework of the Cultural Preservation Programme maintained by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.

The An Dinh Palace is open once again to Vietnamese and international tourists. Today, entering the grounds from Nguyen Hué Street via what was originally the rear gate, one can revel in lotus ponds and beautiful trees before reaching the main building.

Our discounted ‘Tokyo Uncovered’ tour offers guests an immersive experience of Japan’s capital through the expertise of local guides and arrangement of special landmark visits. Also take part in Japanese traditions such as sushi making and an early morning visit to Meiji Shrine.

Now guests can take advantage of fantastic promotional prices valid until 30^th September 2011. Spend 5 days exploring and sightseeing this vibrant city with the choice of superior accommodation at the Park Hotel Tokyo or Deluxe option at the Mandarin Oriental. Book now and make super savings!

To view a full itinerary of this tour please, click here.

Wat Pho will host celebrations for nine days and nights after the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), registered its epigraphic archives as Memory of the World documentary heritage. The decision was made at the tenth Meeting of the International Advisory Committee for the Memory of the World Programme held in Manchester, UK, from 22 to 25 May 2011.

The celebrations are to take place from 19 to 27 November 2011 and held in an ancient manner similar to those organized during the reign of King Rama I. The 1,440 stone inscriptions made during 1831-1841 feature a wide range of knowledge such as history, Buddhism, literature, tradition, proverbs and health.

Experience the morning chanting rituals at Wat Pho and marvel at the grandeur of its throne halls and mysterious Emerald Buddha in our, ‘Chanting at Wat Po & Grand Palace’ excursion.

UNESCO has declared Vietnam’s 7th World Heritage Site: The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty. Located 150 km west of the capital Hanoi, the Citadel of Ho Dynasty are the remains of a late 14th century castle constructed from stone blocks. It was constructed according to Feng Shui principles by the Hồ Dynasty which started in 1397. It is a symbol of neo-Confucian architecture. Unfortunately the only remaining structure is the gate. Unless clients are particularly taken with this specific style, it may be worth waiting until further attractions are added in the area before making the long journey to its remote position.

Please contact vietnam@exotissimo.com for more information.

Asia’s continual rise as a travel destination has once again been proven in a recent survey held by a leading travel magazine. These findings reflect the high demand Exotissimo Travel has experienced for tailored programs to Asia, the area they both live and work in. Results from the survey showed Bangkok retaining its position for the second year as the world’s number 1 city. An intoxicating fusion of textures and flavors, Bangkok has always been a strong attraction to travelers both within Asia and across the world.

Exo’s day trips within Bangkok are amongst the most regularly booked, compiled by experts within Bangkok, they provide an excellent insider’s view to the ‘City of Angels’. Programs such as ‘Culinary Delight of Bangkok’ and ‘Absolute Art – Bangkok’ provide a great introduction to Thailand and its fascinating culture.

Siem Reap in Cambodia, home to the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, debuted at number 7. A long time favorite destination, Siem Reap is impossibly charming and adapted over recent years to meet the needs of international clientele. Exo’s soft adventure trekking modules within the area such as ‘Trekking Angkor – Siem Reap’ and ‘Trekking Kulen’, allow interaction with the stunning landscape and friendly locals.