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.

Myanmar has experienced the worst cyclone in over 70 years. The storm hit Yangon, Pathein and the Bago area. Other areas of the country have been unaffected.

Yangon itself was badly damaged. Many trees and telephone poles have fallen, damaging electricity and telephone cables.

It will take time to repair the city.

Currently, the Exotissimo Yangon office has running electricity and working telephones, as do some hotels in Yangon. Mobile phone service has resumed.

Hotels in Yangon are trying to conserve electricity, and are limiting the use of air conditioning. Transportation costs have increased dramatically, and few restaurants have re-opened. Most tourist attractions are open, though Shwegadon Pagoda remains closed.

Hotels and tourist destinations upcountry remain unaffected, and Exotissimo Myanmar is able to redirect tours around Yangon. Clients currently traveling in Myanmar are safe and visiting destinations outside of the city. International and domestic flights are running normally.

Travel to and around Myanmar remains safe, and Exotissimo Myanmar is ready to handle any requests.

For urgent communication, please e-mail Exotissimo Travel at exoyangon@exotissimo.com. We will fax any urgent correspondence directly to Exotissimo Myanmar.

Exotissimo Myanmar can still be reached by phone and fax.

Tel: (951) 255 266 / 255 388 / 255 427 / 255 120 / 255 160 / 255 171 / 255 170
Fax: (951) 255 428

* Ma Pauk (Operations): +95 9 512 1231
* Den (French): +95 9 519 9581
* Nwe Nwe (Sales Manager): +95 9 992 6597
* Kay (Direct Sales): +95 9 501 9045
* Su Su Tin: +95 9 200 5643

The Exotissimo Travel Group is setting up a fund immediately with an initial donation of 10,000 USD to buy houses and rice. These are the two things that are urgently in need. If any agents want to contribute to this fund, they are all welcomed.

For your information a bag of rice is 40 USD to feed a family of four for a month. A house costs 200-300 USD.

Contributions of any size are welcome. Even small donations can make a large impact on someone’s life during this trying time.