Our friends at the gorgeous Hotel de la Paix have opened up a charming new restaurant in the old market area of Siem Reap, AHA. The ambiance is impeccable and very much in keeping with the Hotel de la Paix. This chic new restaurant will serve Khmer food in tapas-style, accompanied by a wide variety of wine. We are sure that hipsters from all around the world will go home raving about the AHA.
With excellent new infrastructure and accommodation options opening in April, Stung Treng and Kratie are great places to visit from Phnom Penh. Alongside the Mekong and with local communities providing new eco-tourism services, the new route gives more reasons for adventure travelers to rejoice. Scenic boat rides from the border to Stung Treng, birdwatching, dolphin watching and short island exploration make for a great experience in northeast Cambodia. If you have ever wondered what life was like along the tenth largest river in the world, this is your chance to find out!
To complete a great trip, we can arrange a temple stay at one of Cambodia’s most famous pagoda’s – the One Hundred Pillar Pagoda. The route is appropriate for most travelers but does require some physical activity from time to time. Be an explorer, break ground and have an adventure with Exotissimo in northeast Cambodia!
This 16-room hideaway was designed with the environment in mind, and offsets its carbon footprint in partnership with local NGOs. Located along the river, the Quay is a short stroll from the National Museum, the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the charming cafes, shops and galleries that dot Phnom Penh. The 3-star Quay is perfect for small groups and FITs looking for a stylish, modern place to rest their heads after exploring the nooks and crannies of Phnom Penh.
The S15 Sukhumvit Hotel has just opened at a great location in the heart of Trendy Sukhumvit (funnily enough at the mouth of Soi 15). Walking by this trendy boutique, your first impression is that you are walking by a hip furniture or interior decorating store. Within a five minute walk to the Nana BTS, the chic interior design of the 72 rooms and suites is perfect for those who would enjoy the nightlife at the famous Bed Supperclub. There is no pool here though, and instead aims directly for the technology crowd. Plasma televisions and DVD players abound in every room, with Wifi spread throughout the hotel for good measure. For those who think the Dream Hotel (just up the soi) is a little small, S15 with its larger rooms is a great alternative.
The Shwe In Tha Floating Hotel at Inle has upgraded all of their rooms from Superior to Deluxe. Situated entirely over Inle’s placid waters, the hotel is the best place to wake up after a day of exploring the local markets and monasteries nearby. All deluxe rooms are a spacious 49 square meters with all the amenities you’d expect at a world-class hotel. There’s even a pool situated directly on the lake. For more information, please contact Myanmar@exotissimo.com
Granted, flights to Ko Samui are a bit more expensive than to Phuket but for that price difference, your clients will experience a genuine “holiday in paradise.” A flight with Bangkok Airways comes complete with free access to the Bangkok Airways lounge (and its free snacks, drinks and internet facilities), and the brand new airport in Ko Samui still has all the charm of the old one with small trains to transfer passengers to the luggage belt and then again to the arrival terminal and the open air lobby. Ko Samui airport itself creates a “festive” holiday, one that is seen in the faces of most clients upon arrival.
When to go?
“When NOT to go” is an easier question to answer. The rainy season in Samui lasts from September through November, and its best to avoid the island during these months. In Phuket, it rains from June to September, so during these months, why not send your clients to Samui?
Which hotel to stay?
If your clients are looking for luxury and good service the Napasai hotel on Ko Samui is the best choice. The hotel is situated in a large garden and has a private beach and beautiful pool. It may not be the best beach on the island but it is a stunning property with excellent service and delicious food. Other recommended deluxe hotels are the Sala Samui, Sila Evason, Karma and the recently completed Kamalaya resort.
On Phuket we would recommend Bundarika resort which is on a very quiet beach and has stunning pool villas. The Bundarika is a great place for those looking to focus on their “health and well-being.” Other recommend hotels are Evason Phuket, Twin Palms and of course the Paradise Koh Yao which is on a stunning island about 30 minutes by speed boat from Phuket.
Other very good choices are Zazen resort (which is going to extend the number of rooms next year and will be closed for a couple of months at the end of 2008). The junior ocean view suites at the Rocky Resort are something truly special. In Phuket it is a bit more difficult to find a boutique hotel but the Manathai (same owner as the Manathai in Chiang Mai) did a very good job and is not too far from the beach (just cross the street, walk 2 min through the park and you’re on the beach).
Ko Samui or Phuket?
Firstly we recommend you to check the period clients are going to the beach and avoid the rainy season. (A beach in the rain is no fun.) Secondly if your clients are looking for charming hotels on the beach and an ‘island’ or ‘tropical paradise’ atmosphere we would suggest to look first at Ko Samui. Flights might make a trip there more expensive, but the extra expense is definitely worth it. And don’t forget to book your clients on a boat trip through the Marine National park for a snorkelling trip – they will love it.
The Malikha Lodge is in Mularshide Village, Putao in Kachin State of Myanmar, and is the only deluxe accommodation north of Mandalay. This deluxe hotel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the craggy mountains. Its eight luxury bungalows and spa create the perfect haven from the many adventures available in northernmost Myanmar. Guests also have easy access to elephant rides and nature treks through primordial forested ridges and snow-capped peaks. You’ll be telling your grand children’s children about the amazing adventures you had here.
A lot of people sat up and took note of northeast Cambodia when we began our Pakse to Siem Reap bicycle ride. It is a great way to journey across the region. We have spent more than two months in the region, and believe that there is more to the region than cycling alone.
There aren’t nearly enough nice boutique hotels in Cambodia. And we are happy to announce that we have found a new favorite in Phnom Penh. The Quay Hotel opened up earlier this year and has established itself as THE oasis for sleek modern living in Phnom Penh. Sleek lines and silhouettes characterize the furniture, rooms and hotel itself.
For the budget conscious, a nice new boutique has opened up in the heart of Chiang Mai. The Sira Boutique offers 17 rooms on its four stories, with free Wifi, DVD player, bathtub and cable TV. You certainly get a great value for its price. The Thai-UK management brings a touch of world-class service that is sometimes lacking in some of the smaller boutiques, and we trust that you will not be disappointed. A lack of elevators is the only downside, as the stairs can be quite steep. The Sira is probably best avoided by seniors and families with children, though a great option for other FITs and small groups.
As hotel prices (and occupancy) in Phuket are increasing rapidly many clients are asking for beach alternatives while visiting Thailand. Ko Samui has always been a very popular destination. The hotels on Ko Samui are smaller in general, have a bit more boutique atmosphere and are predominately located directly on the shore. Interest in the area is increasing as many Exotissimo clients are looking for destinations away from the more “traveled” mass tourist destinations.
There are plenty of beautiful, small and very charming superior category hotels in Ko Samui. They exude an aura lacking from the larger and sometimes colder hotel resorts one finds on Phuket. Some examples are Le Paradis composed of Thai traditional houses beautifully converted into private bungalows. The ouses are authentic and sacrifice no comfort within its beautiful gardens. Le Paradis is located on Chaweng beach which means the best sand and clear crystal waters on lie on one side of the resort, and restaurants, shops and bars are on the other.