Vietnam’s booming economy has again seen a rise of inflation since the start of 2011 and North Africa and Middle East turmoil have resulted in a sharp fuel price increases of 25-30% within March alone. We are trying our best to contain the increases with the suppliers and hold back on increasing our rates. However, given the amplitude of the price hikes, an increase of our rates will be unavoidable for new quotations as well as a ‘fuel surcharge’ on confirmed bookings from May, 2011.

Expected domestic airfare increases of 20% from Vietnam Airlines in March (See our March ENL) have not yet been approved but are now anticipated for end of April. We will keep you informed of developments and the deadlines to issue existing bookings at the old prices.  For more information on this issue please contact us directly at Vietnam@exotissimo.com

EXO CAMBODIA – Khmer New YearExotissimo Cambodia will close its office during the Khmer New Year from 14-16 April. For any emergencies during the national holiday please contact Mr. Sida NGET – Operations Supervisor in Phnom Penh office – (855 12) 908 097 and Siem Reap office Mr. Ol Vanda – Operations Supervisor – (855 12) 907 097 or Mr. David KING (Operations Manager – (855 12) 940 898.

EXO MYANMAR- Thingyan Celebrations
Exotissimo Myanmar will be closed for the New Year from 13-16 April inclusive. During this time, for any emergencies please contact Mr. Richard Moreau (G.M) 95-9 519 9580 or Ms.Thida (Sales & Operations) 95-9 99 26597 . Please note the official government closures are 12-21 April so many restaurants, shops and businesses may be closed during this time

EXO THAILAND– Songkran Celebrations
Exotissimo Thailand will close its office during Thai New Year from 13-16 April. During this time, for any emergencies please contact the Operations Department on +66 (0) 81 867 2806.

EXO LAOS– Bpee Mai
Exo Laos will be closed for New Year from the 14-16 April. During this time, for any emergencies please contact Mr. Henry Fenner (General Manager): +856 (0) 20 55 71 313 When in Laos dial: 020 55 71 313. Mr. Viengamphone Xongmixay (Vientiane Planning Supervisor): +856 (0) 20 5503 782 When in Laos dial: 020 5503 782 Mr. Bounmark Phimmasene (Vientiane Operations Manager): +856 (0) 20 2244 506 When in Laos dial: 020 2244 506.

BAC CAN, 14 March 2011-Ramsar Convention has named Ba Be National Park in the northern province of Bac Can in Vietnam as a “wetland site of international importance”. Regional assistant advisor for Asia-Oceania, Marian William, says Ba Be National Park is the most important wetland in the country and it is the only site that has a natural lake surrounded by a mountainous karst ecosystem.

Ba Be National Park covers an area of 100.48 sq km which is a home of 1,268 species of flora and fauna. The park acts a protective shield for a freshwater lake along with surrounding limestone and lowland evergreen forest. It is located 240 km northwest of the capital city Hanoi. The site earlier was designated as an ASEAN Heritage park in 2004. The Convention on Wetland, known as the Ramsar Convention-is an inter-governmental treaty that encourages member countries to maintain the ecological character of their wetlands regions.

Two Mekong region world heritage site towns, Luang Prabang, Laos and Hoi An,  Vietnam, gained top slots in a British travel magazine’s list of top 10 destination. Luang Prabang retained its number one position in Wanderlust travel magazine’s 2011 list with a score of 96.89%. Luang Prabang won the title from 2006 to 2008 before falling into seventh place in 2009 and then regaining the top slot in 2010.Vietnam’s Hoi An, a world heritage town near Danang in the central coastal region of the country came in second with 96% of reader votes.Hoi An was also selected as one of Asia’s top 10 destinations for 2010 by Smart Travel Asia, a Hong Kong-based online travel magazine. Wanderlust, launched in 1993, publishes eight editions and claims a circulation in 112 countries with over 100,000 readers.

We are excited to announce our newest destination, Exotissimo Japan, is to open in March. Adding to our existing network of six destinations, the official opening of Exo Japan will see Exotissimo continue to grow our portfolio of destinations across Asia. Heading up the Japan team as Managing Director is former Vietnam Travel Agency Manager, Ines Zand, who will be working alongside Jarrod Stenhouse in the role of Product Manager. Our first venture outside of Southeast Asia marks a significant move for the Exotissimo Group. CEO Oliver Colomés’ said, “Japan is a sophisticated destination that offers everything we believe an Exotissimo travel experience should be, and more. We have started to invest and will continue investing in Product Development here, to come up with innovational touring options and offer new exciting products, Exo Touches and unique travel experiences to every market segment that we serve: FIT, Luxury, Adventure Travel and MICE.
Japan, an archipelago of more than 6,000 islands, is home to ancient traditions, unparallel natural beauty and one of the world’s most distinctive cultures. From the deep-set culture of Kyoto and tech-savvy Tokyo, to the rich artistic heritage that runs through out the archipelago – the opportunities for discovery and unique experiences are endless.

The upcoming Asean Tourism Forum will be hosted by Cambodia, between the 15-21 January 2011. For this event, Exotissimo Cambodia has been officially appointed ground handler for all transfers and transportation by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism. We will provide all airport transfers and transfers from the official partner hotels to the ATF 2011 venue on Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center. City & post tours can be booked at a designated travel desk at ATF.

The celebration of Vientiane’s 450th anniversary as the national capital city will take place this month from the 15th to the 21st of November. It has been scheduled to coincide with the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The general public will see the celebration of Vientiane 450th anniversary and the 35th anniversary of the Loa PDR from the 15th November but official ceremonies will be organized at That Luang Square & Nation Stadium on 18-21 November. A number of rituals and processions by Vientiane residents & people from provinces across the country will be on display, a trade fair and parachute performance are among the activities included in the celebration.

Fringing the Inle Lake in the Southern Shan State, the Red Mountain Vineyards make the perfect addition to a luxury tailor made Myanmar tour. Considered to produce the best wines in the country, made with locally grown grapes, all of the 400,000 plants have been imported from France and Spain. Clients will have the opportunity to observe the making of the wine before savoring a glass or two over a freshly prepared meal in the vineyards.

The last few days has seen the water levels begin to subside in some of the affected provinces. The most heavily affected area is the Nakhon Ratchasima province, a gateway to the northeastern region. The floods have spread to another 33 provinces in the northeast and the low-lying rice fields in the centre of the country, cutting off some roads and railways.

A minimal amount of flood water has now reached the outskirts of Bangkok, though all possible measures are being taken to prevent the flooding reaching the central Chao Phraya areas, with water flows from the Chao Phraya, Pasak and Rama VI Dams being controlled to manage the water volumes. 2.5 meter high dykes have been set up along parts of the river and the gates to the canals have all been closed to prevent excess river water getting into the inner parts of the city. The next 48 hours will be monitored carefully with the high tide is due on Wednesday and Thursday.
Inner Bangkok areas, including the Grand Palace near the river, business districts and big shopping malls are currently unaffected and safe. As of this morning our Klong Tours were still operating in the city. Out of the city, specifically in the Ayutthaya region, we are currently recommending to any clients to avoid cruise trips, as the waters are running high, though some suppliers are still operating these trips. In Ayutthaya the main roads and tourist sites are unaffected, with Wat Phanang Cheng and Wat Chai Wattanaram still open for tourists as usual. In Khao Yai, the main road can be used as usual, allowing visits to the Khao Yai Historic Park and Moo Baan Dan Kwen. However the Pimai Historical Park and Baan Prasat are currently affected by the flooding, with reports anticipating they should return to normal in a week.

All clients affected by the flooding have been contacted with arrangements amended as necessary. We will continue to keep you updated with any developments in the coming days.

Heavy rains have hit parts of Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, causing flooding across several areas in the region. Currently Central Vietnam, rural parts of Cambodia and the Northeast of Thailand have been affected.

There have been warnings that the flooding in Thailand may spread further South, though all possible is being done by the authorities to prevent this, and we will monitor this situation closely. All Exotissimo tours are continuing to operate as normal, and the weather conditions yet to affect any in country clients, with all of our operations working as usual.

To brace for possible flooding, triggered by northern run-off, rainfalls and high tide, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has closed all 157 sluices to prevent the water from the Chao Phraya River flowing into canals, and all 157 water pumping stations are prepared to pump water from areas along the Chao Phraya River. Flood prevention dikes, which are 2.5 metres high and 77 kilometres, and sand embankments were built in preparation to brace for high water levels.