Around 2.00 AM local time this morning, a fire broke out at a warehouse in Yangon. It appears that the fire then hit a gas line as a large explosion soon followed causing reverberations throughout the city. Unfortunately several local residents were killed and many more injured- exact numbers are still unknown. It is a terrible tragedy and our sympathy goes out to the victims and their families.

We do wish to make clear, however, that this was an accident and not the result of a bomb. All Exotissimo clients and employees are safe and no hotels were affected beyond minor shaking.

If you have additional questions please feel free to contact us.

The influx of visitors to Myanmar this year has put investors on alert to potential opportunities in what many see as the opening up of one of the last virtually-undeveloped real estate markets in Southeast Asia. Investors are already looking closely at Myanmar in the hopes that economic sanctions could be eased after a series of reforms by the country’s new government.

Although there are a few cranes visible on the Yangon skyline and a small number of new projects in recent years, there’s been close to no new industrial or office space added since the 1990s mini-boom.  Other areas of opportunity include building serviced apartments, which cater to longer-stay businessmen. There are only 600 currently, and none built since the 1990s.

The government said 300,000 tourists visited in 2010, and more were expected to come this year. That number could increase dramatically. Next door, Thailand draws 15 million or more tourists a year, with similar attractions.

The Lonely Planet recently published their ‘Best In Travel 2012’ guide to give inspiration on travel destinations for the upcoming year. The places featured were voted for by their in-house travel experts, based on topicality, excitement, value and that special x-factor. Featuring high on the list at number 2 is Myanmar (Burma), a destination long served and promoted by Exotissimo Travel. The Lonely Planet sees Myanmar set to be a hot destination for travel over the coming year. With snow capped mountains on its borders and pure white sandy beaches, the country also offers timeless towns, a myriad of pagoda strewn plains and sweet friendly, fervently Buddhist locals.

We’ve always believed Myanmar to be a mysterious and marvelous country full of wonders and rich traditions. From the colonial architecture and market lined streets of Yangon to the never-ending temples of Bagan, one legged rowers of Inle Lake and 320ft high train journey over the Gokteik viaduct, Myanmar never ceases to amaze and inspire.

Our ‘Myanmar Overland Adventure’ is an all encompassing and extensive adventure tour that introduces local traditions, stunning landscapes and offers the chance to interact with the affable Burmese people.

The village library in Muang Shwe Lay has now been officially opened at a recent ceremony, after Exo Foundation offered financial support for the establishment and running of the project. The library has been a huge success, proving extremely popular amongst villagers whom show great appreciation for the facilities provided.

Since its soft opening in July 2011, nearly 200 new membership cards have been purchased providing additional revenue that will be important for future investment and its long term success. The 100 items every day that are currently being checked out are testament to its popularity.

In attendance at the opening ceremony was the Head of the Kyauk Ka Lart village group, an Inspector from the Information & Public Relations Township Department, local school teachers and the Head of the Village. At the end, two boxes of books and some chairs were presented to the library on behalf of Exo Foundation. Plans are now being made to increase the current size of the library to accommodate reading areas and further book shelves, and possibly even a classroom added. Exo Foundation will help guide and plan these developments with the villagers and staff at the library over the coming year.
To learn more about the village library and other projects please click here.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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