Update on River Cruising Options
New 5 day program; Toum Teav stops early due to low water

Two new developments in cruising options between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap:
New 5-day Itinerary aboard Mekong Pandaw

As an alternative routing, we are offering a new Treasures of the Mekong 5 day cruise from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Aboard the Mekong Pandaw (or similar) the cruise first heads up the Tonle River for 2 nights before doubling back toward Phnom Penh and turning up the Mekong River to Kampong Cham for 2 nights. From Kampong Cham, the last day involves a drive to Siem Reap. During the low water season (February to June) some sections of the cruise may need to be done by land but all efforts will be made to ensure maximum cruise time.
For more details and pricing information please click here.

Toum Teav cuts season short
The extremely low water levels during this ongoing dry season impact on boat travel on Tonlé Sap Lake and Mekong. Toum Tiou and Toum Tiou II have to cut their 2009-2010 season short in order to prevent unnecessary overland transfers. The last trip of Toum Teav I will run from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh from 5-7 April 2010, while Toum Teav II will run from Saigon to Siem Reap from 4-11 April 2010. The new season 2010-2011 will start in July 2010 for both the Toum Tiou and Toum Tiou II boats.

In Siem Reap, Hotel de la Paix has created a new dining option in the Cambodian countryside. Guests will enjoy a romantic dinner of Khmer barbequed specialities in a traditional gazebo while a team of chefs and waiters is at-hand to provide personalized service. Priced at USD 300 for two, the package includes a tuk tuk transfer (return by private car), a Khmer barbeque dinner, champagne on arrival and a bottle of wine from the hotel’s wine list. This unique dinner experience can be included as an option in Exotissimo’s Angkor Romantic Escape, a 3 Days / 2 Nights program specially designed for couples in mind. Click here to view the program details.

Two charming boutique hotels have recently opened in Phnom Penh, adding to the growing hotel collection in the Cambodian capital.

Located just round the corner from the Royal Palace, the 18-room Mysteres & Mekong is an inviting boutique property set in a restored colonial villa in the center of the city. Surrounded by gardens in a quiet neighborhood, Mysteres & Mekong offers a calming escape from the city and boasts ample amenities including a swimming pool, wireless internet and in-room satellite television. The spacious rooms and relaxing atmosphere make Mysteres & Mekong a good base for travelers of all types and with cots and connecting rooms available, families are also welcome at this property. For more hotel information, click here. To download the hotel fact sheet, click here.

River 108 is a stylish boutique hotel situated right by the bustling riverfront of Phnom Penh. Overlooking the Tonle Sap River, each of the 12 rooms features art-deco interiors with modern amenities including free wireless internet and large flatscreen TV. The property boasts a café and a restaurant next door, while several popular markets, restaurants and bars lie within walking distance. For travelers looking for a stylish stay in the heart of the city, River 108 is an ideal option. For more information, click here. To download the hotel fact sheet, click here.

Using Siem Reap as a base, the new Cambodia Bird Watching and Nature tour combines history, culture and nature in a six-day itinerary. Angkor temple visits are interspersed with specialist-guided birdwatching excursions in the wetlands and exploration of the countryside, making this a great program for birding and nature lovers.

The first two days will be spent exploring the ancient Angkor temples, such as such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon and Ta Phrom, and include a tethered helium balloon ride and a private Buddhist blessing ceremony. Taking a break from temple touring on the third day, guests will visit the Sam Veasna Center to learn about Cambodian wildlife conservation efforts and to Ang Trapaeng Thmor wetlands to observe birds in their natural habitats. The fourth day goes into the countryside to visit remote temples with a hike up Phnom Kulen Mountains, as well as to the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity and the Landmine Museum. On the fifth day, a boat trip across Tonle Sap Lake to Prek Toal Biosphere provides a unique opportunity to spot migratory water birds. The final day is free for guests’ disposal. For the detailed itinerary, click here.

One of our most popular multi-country programs, the 12 Days / 11 Nights Essential Cambodia and Vietnam Tour, is currently featuring discounts of more than 20% on first class hotel stays. This promotion now makes a great way for travelers to learn about these two neighboring countries at an incredible price!

A day is first spent in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, before flying to Siem Reap to spend the next two days exploring the Angkor temples and Tonle Sap Lake. On the fourth day, a short flight takes guests across borders into Vietnam. A couple of days will be spent discovering the colonial architecture and bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City, and includes a cruise in the fertile Mekong Delta. Next heading to the central provinces, guests will visit the heritage port town of Hoi An, the Cham museums of Danang and the imperial history and architecture of Hue. The program’s final leg heads to Hanoi where guests can enjoy cultural excursions to lakefront pagodas and the Old Quarter in the Vietnamese capital before ending with a cruise on Halong Bay. For more program details, click here.

A festival package is one of the best ways to experience Southeast Asia’s vibrant traditions firsthand. To immerse guests in the merry atmosphere of the upcoming traditional New Years this April, Exotissimo has created two unique festival packages:

Celebrate Khmer New Year is a four-day tour in Siem Reap that explores the colorful traditions of Chaul Chnam Thmey, the Khmer New Year. Guests will receive a special monks’ blessing, join locals in festive games and partake in a traditional ritual to pour water over sacred Buddha statues. The program includes excursions to explore the ancient Angkor temples, a cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake and a visit to a Khmer silk weaving workshop. We recommend starting this tour on 14 April to coincide with the 2010 celebrations. Click here to view the program details.

Celebrate Myanmar New Year a six-day festival package that visits Yangon and Ngwe Saung. Spending three days in Yangon, guests have a chance to join locals in ‘water wars’ along the streets and witness the street performances and dancing. The program continues to Ngwe Saung Beach where they can experience the festivities in a different setting and enjoy a relaxed beach vacation at the same time. Returning to Yangon, guests will partake in a merit-making session at the Shwedagon Temple to conclude the Burmese New Year celebrations. It is best to start the tour between 13 to 16 April to capture the most of the Thingyan festivities. For the detailed itinerary, click here.

Only accessible by boat, the 4 Rivers Ecolodge offers nature lovers a touch of rugged luxury in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains. The 19 floating, tented bungalows feature panoramic views of the Tatai River and its surroundings and the spacious interiors are equipped with modern conveniences. 4 Rivers also features a floating pool, fabulous restaurant and well-stocked bar as well as activities such as kayaking and nature walks. With a strong commitment to environmental preservation, the lodge was crafted from eco-friendly materials and employs local residents. Click here to view the hotel details.

Exotissimo Vietnam Lends a Helping Hand to Local Communities

In keeping with our responsible travel ethos, Exotissimo gives back to local charities and the disadvantaged in Vietnam in a number of ways:

Aid assistance in typhoon-struck province- A week after the devastating Typhoon Mirinae hit South-central Vietnam, the Exotissimo team arrived in Phu Yen Province to render aid to four affected villages. Altogether three tons of rice, instant noodles, cookers, blankets, personal hygiene kits were given out, totaling more than 2.000 USD in aid given.

Sponsor for a kids’ day out- Over 40 impoverished children from Mekong Delta villages in Ben Tre Province were sponsored by Exo Vietnam on a fun day out at the Water Park and the Botanical Gardens in Ho Chi Minh City. For most of the children this was their first time to the city and they were overjoyed at the opportunity. In addition, one child was given a year of scholarship sponsored by Exo Vietnam.

Sponsor for KOTO Charity Bike Ride- Proudly sponsored by Exotissimo Vietnam, the annual KOTO Charity Bike Ride was successfully held in Hanoi on 21 November 2009. Over 150 riders turned up for this event. KOTO is a not-for-profit restaurant and vocational training program for the disadvantaged youth in Vietnam.

Click here to view other causes your clients can support while on holiday in Vietnam. For more information, please contact Le Hong Lan, Project Manager for CSR and Special Projects, at honglan@exotissimo.com.

Exotissimo Cambodia Teams Up with Local Charity

Exotissimo continues to play a part in the development of sustainable tourism in Cambodia by teaming up with American aid organization Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI) in their inaugural Hidden Treasures Cambodia contest. This initiative seeks to identify and promote lesser known attractions in order to increase awareness amongst potential visitors and encourage tourist spending outside established areas. The winning destinations were offered consultation with Exotissimo Cambodia and media promotion. This year’s winners are:

o Peam Krassop – Mangrove forest in Koh Kong Province
o Chi Phat Ecotourism village in the Cardamom Mountains
o Chambok Community Based Waterfall – an ecotourism site in the Cardamom Mountains
o Ta Tai Waterfall – an ecotourism site in the Cardamom Mountains
o Phare Ponleu Selpak – an arts school and circus center in Battambang
o Banteay Chhmar – a cultural tourism site
o Kampong Luong Floating Village – an ecotourism site in Pursat Province

Click here to view other causes your clients can support while on holiday in Cambodia.

We have recently updated our shopping and restaurant guides in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. These guides contains a list of recommended dining and shopping venues in both cities, allowing you keep in touch with Cambodia’s latest developments and to make good recommendations to your clients. To download the guides, click on the respective city name: Phnom Penh; Siem Reap. To view useful information of other Exotissimo destinations, click here.

The new 3 Days / 2 Nights Angkor Romantic Escape is a getaway package specially designed for couples to share unique experiences together in Siem Reap. Featuring stays in stylish boutique hotels, the program includes a tethered helium balloon ride and exploration of the Angkor temples on a private tuk-tuk and leisurely cycling excursion. Guests will also enjoy a Champagne sunset cruise on the Tonlé Sap Lake as well as a romantic picnic at Sras Srang water basin. On the last day, the program is capped off with a private blessing ceremony for two at a local pagoda. Click here to view the program details.