The Nava Mekong is a traditional river boat that provides guests with a unique sightseeing-cum-dining experience along Mekong River. For lunch cruises, the boat sails up the Mekong River to Pak Ou. Traditional Lao music and dances are performed for dinner cruises in the evenings. The boat seats up to 40 passengers comfortably.

In November, Indochina Sails launched the operation of the Indochina Sails 3, bringing its total cruiser fleet in Halong Bay to four. The newest vessel features 15 luxurious cabins, including four deluxe suites with private balconies on the second deck. With designs inspired by the classic Oriental junks and equipped with modern amenities, the Indochina fleet is known for having the most charming and luxurious boats on Halong Bay.

Joining operations alongside Bassac I and II in Mekong River since November is Bassac III. Accommodating up to 24 passengers in the 12 air-conditioned cabins (each fitted with a private bathroom), this new boat also features a spacious restaurant, a large gallery, a front lounge and a mostly–covered upper deck. The Bassac III can take passengers on cruises up to seven days through Vietnam’s Mekong Delta as well as charter and set departure cruises from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.

If you would like to have further product updates or information that are not seen in this e-newsletter, please email our Vietnam Product Manager, Maeve Nolan, at maeve@exotissimo.com for further

Pandaw recently announced the availability of three weekly two-night cruises between Saigon in Vietnam and Phnom Penh in Cambodia, in addition to the seven and ten-night cruises from Saigon to Siem Reap. These products can be integrated into Vietnam and Cambodia land tours to offer a relaxing and picturesque interlude in clients’ vacations.

Set to be launched in September 2009, the RV La Marguerite is an eight-day historic voyage aboard the spacious colonial vessel replica. It sails between Saigon and Cambodia with port calls at Cai Be – Sa Dec, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham & area, Tonle River, Tonle Lake and Siem Reap.

In October, Bhaya Cruise recently added new luxurious boats in Halong Bay. The new 40-metre Bhaya II is appointed with 20 spacious suites and cabins with en-suite bathrooms, elegant restaurant, beauty spa, boutique library and large sundeck. Another new addition to the Bhaya family, the Bhaya Spirit, is a 20-metre boat that features a single-deck design with a spacious foredeck and restaurant. Its fully equipped kayaking facilities is often used to support the cruise programmes of the bigger vessels. In addition, the newly opened Bhaya Café in Halong City provides a convenient spot for cruise passengers to relax before embarking or disembarking from their ships.

A new cruise ship operator Paradise Cruises introduced two luxurious vessels in Halong Bay. Featuring 17 smartly designed cabins, the junks deliver the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Soft beds on the sun deck allow guests to lounge in comfort while surrounded by the stunning views of limestone formations. Targeting the high-end customers, other features on board include a beauty spa, massage area and dining room.

From now to 31 March 2009, Luangsay Cruise departs at 7.00am instead of 7.30am for trips from Luang Prabang to Houei Say. The extra travelling time is a safety measure deployed in view of the foggy river conditions.

Luxury river cruises are a novel way to explore the mighty Mekong River. Sailing to untouched parts of the river, these deluxe boats allow passengers to observe the local ways of life while relaxing in the comfort of a floating boutique hotel. Here are some luxury boats that ply the waters in Mekong Delta.

The Mekong Pandaw and Tonle Pandaw are long-time favourites that sail the Mekong River between Saigon and Siem Reap. Built and designed as replicas of colonial river steamers, both boutique ships are serviced by crews of mixed Asian nationalities. The ships also feature spacious cabins, wide promenade decks for relaxation and excellent dining and drinking options onboard. Combining luxury and comfort, both Pandaws offer unique opportunities to explore the tapestry of life and fascinating sites along the Mekong. Daily shore excursions are conducted by expert local guides.

Meanwhile, the Bassac II will expand its cruise service to Phnom Penh along Mekong River this October. For upstream trips to Phnom Penh, passenger can board the boat at Cai Be (three nights) or along the way in Can Tho (two nights). Similarly, the downstream journey starts from Phnom Penh and reaches Can Tho (two nights) and Cai Be (three nights). The Bassac II is entirely made of go sao, a rare quality Vietnamese wood. It can accommodate up to 24 passengers within the 12 cabins fitted with air-con and en-suite bathrooms. The ship also features a restaurant, a bar and a wide upper deck that is suitable for dinners and parties. The Bassac II boasts of modern amenities and comes equipped with the necessary safety features.

Come end July 2009, the Jayavarman is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage on the Mekong. Operated by the Heritage Line Cruise Company, the Jayavarman is a 60-m deluxe river boat that is built to the elegant fusion of French colonial and Indochine designs. The spacious boat consists of 27 cabins and 800m² of social space. Calling on various ports along the Mekong from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, the Jayavarman has various river itineraries ranging from one to seven nights.

The Royal Ballet and Theater will be closed for two months, from 1st May to 31st June 2008 for its low season. The theater will still be available for special bookings.

The Villa Santi will be closed from May to September 2008 to renovate during the low season. Likewise the 3 Nagas Restaurant will take advantage of the low season to redecorate, and will transfer management to the 3 Nagas Hotel.

The embarkation dock for the Luangsay Cruise has been moved to Calo Pier and is no longer in front of Vat Xieng Thong. The new departure time will be 7:30, and a continental breakfast will be provided. Luangsay Cruises will be closed for the low season for the entire month of June 2008.

Please contact Laos@exotissimo.com for further details.

The Pandaw IV will launch for its annual cruise on the Chindwin River and the northern tributaries of the Irrawaddy River this September. Guests will fly to Kalemyo and board the Pandaw IV to the town of Homalin, the gateway to the Naga homeland. The cruise then continues back down the Chindwin to the river port town of Bagan (and its many stupas) and onward up the northern Irrawaddy.

Guests may board the Pandaw for just the Chindwin portion of the cruise (10 days) or both the Chindwin and Irrawaddy portions (20 days).

For further details, please contact Myanmar@exotissimo.com

It is almost that time of year again, when the Emeraude has to go into drydock for its yearly maintenance. This year, it will be unavailable from 28th May to 5th July 2008. The Emeraude is a perennial favorite for those wishing to explore Halong Bay from its colonial decks. Please contact Vietnam@exotissimo.com in case your bookings are affected.

It certainly is getting crowded around Halong, but with good reason. The bay remains one of the top draws and to help satisfy this need the Classic Sails Junk has recently launched. A restored traditional Indochinese junk, its 6 spacious cabins and are luxuriously equipped to satisfy even the most discerning of customers, complete with standing glass showers and balconies. The VIP cabin has large windows overlooking the bay and its separate balcony.