Exotissimo News Blog

Starting from 1 October 2008, AirAsia will re-launch a daily flight service on the Bangkok – Yangon – Bangkok routing. This is certainly good news for all travellers who wish to visit Myanmar during the high season.

The majestic Shwedagon Pagoda saw damage to some of its complex’s structures during the recent cyclone disaster. Renovation works at the holy shrine commenced in early October and is expected to last three to four months. Bamboo scaffolds will cover the pagoda for workers to apply a fresh layer of gold leaves onto the stupa to maintain its splendour. Tourists can still pay homage to the pagoda during this renovation period. It is open daily from 4am to 10pm.

For tourists with a taste for adventure, Putao is an ideal place. A small town in the northernmost Kachin state, Putao possesses scenic spots and snow-peaked mountains with cold weather all year round. This area is especially famous for its rare flora and fauna, such as the rare black orchids, red panda, black bear and black deer which are all native to this region. Putao is also home to Southeast Asia’s highest mountain – Mt. Hkakabo Razi (5881m). Exotissimo Myanmar has planned some trekking itineraries with local experts from November 2008 to April 2009. To find out more, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

Aureum Resort & Spa recently announced its plans to expand its room inventory in its Bagan and Ngwe Saung branches. 42 deluxe units will be added to Aureum Bagan’s existing 72 rooms while Aureum Ngwe Saung will see an addition of 36 deluxe units to its current pool of 62 rooms. Meawhile, a Zen-style Sushi Bar has opened in the Aureum Ngapali. Lovers of Japanese cuisine will delight in the wide selection of sushi, sashimi rolls, saltwater prawn tempura and Japanese grill.

Destinations in the outskirts of Yangon do not pale in comparison to those in the city. With abundance of fresh air and minimal traffic in idyllic settings, these satellite towns and nature sanctuaries make interesting excursion sites.

Located just 12km from Yangon, Insein is accessible by car (45 minutes) or circular train (a 1 hour ride). The circular train ride offers a unique and pleasant experience of commuting with the friendly locals. Insein is a fascinating town that still bears vestiges of its British colonial days. A walking tour of the Locomotive Workship reveals a train depot that is still maintaining and repairing diesel engines up to this day.

Twante is a small delta town by the banks of Twante Canal. Accessible by ferry, you can see firsthand the day-to-day lives of the fishermen and farmers as you sail along the 33km-long Twante Canal. Twante is also noted for its pottery and weaving that produce works of high quality and craftsmanship.

The Moeywingyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary is a favourite haunt for bird watching enthusiasts. It is situated 110km from Yangon just off the Yangon-Mandalay Highway. This 40-acre sanctuary was created by damming three small streams during the British colonial administration period in the late 1870s. This wetland is a breeding ground for both resident and migratory bird species such as cranes, purple swamp hens and common moor hens. A motorised canoe service allows you to explore the sanctuary and observe the rich variety of birds.

Lying at the western foothill of Bago Yoma Mountain in the Taikkyi Township of Yangon Division, the Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp is dedicated to the conservation and research of elephants. Covering an area of 10 acres, the camp is an interesting place to watch how the mahouts train the elephants to understand and obey commands. A wide variety of wildlife takes refuge in the area, including green peafowl, gaur, barking deer, hill myna and many more. Your guests can ride on the elephants to explore the nearby villages and experience the natural scenery of the surroundings.

After a low season closure, Mandalay Marionettes Theatre has resumed its regular performances. Marionette shows are staged daily and special programmes are available upon request. Puppetry is an entertaining art form and will provide tourists with a better insight of Myanmar’s traditional culture.

Pyay is a popular destination for tourists because of the historical sites such as the ancient Pyu capital of Sri Ksetra and the variety of attractions around its vicinity.

To fill up the needs in the accommodation sector, Pyay Hotel is now open for both local and international guests. The hotel features 30 bungalow-style rooms, including 24 twin rooms and six double rooms. All rooms have air conditioning, mini bar, 24 channel satellite TV and hot-and-cold running shower.

Situated at 60 kilometres south-east of Bagan, Mt. Popa is well-known as the oasis in the desert of central Myanmar. Believed to house the most powerful nats (spirits) of Myanmar, Mt. Popa is an important worship centre. As you trek in the mountains with the forest rangers, you can immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of springs and sandalwood forest and catch a glimpse of the many rare butterflies and birds of Mt. Popa.

For more information, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

Exotissimo has set up an emergency fund with a donation of 20,000 USD, and over 15,000 USD has been donated by our generous travel trade partners. This fund will be managed by Exotissimo until we find a trusted and effective NGO or charity to take over.

Exotissimo Travel would like to say “Thank you very much” on the behalf of the poor victims in Myanmar for all the kind support and every dollar donated to help them through this difficult time.