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

Exotissimo Myanmar now offers an opportunity for couples to experience the unique tradition of a Burmese-style wedding ceremony. The wedding ceremony will take place in a picturesque village near Bagan and follows all of the local rituals and customs. This program can be arranged as a day excursion or incorporated in to our ‘Seventh Heaven – Honeymoon in Myanmar’ package. View the detailed itinerary here or contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for more information.

From now till 7 July 2009, the annual Chinlone (Cane Ball) Festival is being held at the Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay. Besides chinlone competitions, there are also folk performances and local food and handicrafts for sale. For travelers already in Myanmar who wish to attend, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for tour arrangements.

Myanmar’s interest in Western art first arose in early 20th century during the British colonial era but no art gallery was established until 1920. In the post-war period, several art galleries opened in Yangon, including Gallery Orient established by a group of young artists and Lokanat Gallery which still exists today with a variety of exhibitions each year. Exotissimo Myanmar has created specially-guided excursions for Asian art enthusiasts to explore the modern Burmese art scene in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. For more information, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

The months of October through March may be regarded as the best time to visit Myanmar, but from May to September travelers can experience the country from a different perspective. The crowds are lesser, hotels are cheaper and landscapes are greener due to higher rainfall. For this coming summer, Exotissimo Myanmar has created the following special packages to suit all budgets:

* Myanmar Luxury Holiday – 6 Days / 5 Nights
* Special Seat-In-Coach Tour – 8 Days / 7 Nights

Click on the tour names to view the detailed itineraries. For further information on these packages, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

Exotissimo Myanmar has developed new travel programs to Loikaw and Demawso in Kayah State which is home to stunning landscapes and rich ethnic cultures. Travelers can visit the villages and observe the distinctive customs and traditions of the Padaung tribe, which is best known for its long-necked women. Contact myanmar@exotissimo.com to find out more.

The lifeblood of Myanmar, Irrawaddy River is intricately linked to the country’s history, culture and people’s livelihoods. A cruise along the Irrawaddy is highly recommended for visitors to Myanmar. We have created several cruise tours along the Irrawaddy for clients who wish to experience the stunning views and ethnic villages along this mighty river. For details, contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

Taking place from 13 – 17 April 2009, Thingyan (or Myanmar New Year) is a great opportunity for travelers to observe the cultural traditions of Myanmar. The Myanmar people celebrate the Thingyan Festival by sprinkling or pouring water on one another, believing that all the evils and bad luck of the previous year will be washed away. Exotissimo Myanmar has created a Thingyan Special Package (a 6 Days / 5 Nights program from 12 – 17 April) to immerse clients in this merry festival. Click here to view the itinerary, or contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for more information.

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.