Since 1 December 2008, the entrance fees for many museums and historical parks in Thailand have increased significantly, sometimes more than 100% from the previous rate, e.g. National Museum: 40 to 200 Baht, Royal Barge Museum: 30 to 100 Baht, Ayutthaya Historical Park: 30 to 50 Baht. For all previously quoted tours (including series), Exotissimo has decided to absorb the price differences and keep our promise to operate the tour as they were quoted. However, our reservations team will automatically include the increase in entrance fees for all new quotations. Contact thailand@exotissimo.com for more information.

TAT has recently begun lighting up ancient Sukhothai at night. From 19:00-21:00 each weekend night, visitors will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the ancient Lanna empire. Private light and sound show with snacks and drinks, traditional Thai performance, fireworks and Lanna lantern floating can be arranged in the park at night.

Just an hour and a half from Chiang Mai, Huai Nam Dang National Park is filled with virginal forests, charming hilltribe villages and tons of flora and fauna. You can explore it on foot or from the back of a majestic elephant. Bamboo rafter down the Mae Taeng River is also available, and we recommend a homestay with the Lahu and Karen peoples. Check out some of our exciting trekking programs in this gorgeous area. Contact us at Thailand@exotissimo.com for rates and booking.

Kachin National Manaw Park is situated near Myitkyina. In the compound, all buildings are built according to Kachin traditional style and design. Kachin houses are always divided into two parts, half for the owner and his family, and the rest for guests. It is believed that houses with Manaw pillars (similar to totem poles), house elders can take part in the Manaw Festival.

The pristine village of Mae Kompang lies just one hour from Chiang Mai and is widely recognized as a hotspot of biodiversity. In nearby Jae Son National Park, the Flight of the Gibbon offers an exhilarating opportunity to soar through the 1500 year old rainforest. High above the forest floor, this new unique activity enables you to view jungle life from a perspective previously reserved for a select group of researchers. We take you high into the canopy using an ingenious series of platforms, cables, trails and sky bridges.

For thrill seekers and nature lovers alike there has never been a more exciting way to explore the tropical rainforest! Included in the package is a visit to Mae Kampong village itself and its charming waterfalls. Contact us at Thailand@exotissimo.com for rates and booking.

This month we are excited to introduce our new module “Hidden Gems of Lanna.” This tour is designed right from the start for those with adventurous souls. Starting from Chiang Rai, the tour moves north towards the Golden Triangle, visiting ancient Chiang Saen and the Thai Lue village of Haat Bai before staying at the border town of Chiang Khong, the only place where the giant Mekong catfish (up to 300kg!) can be caught. The tour continues onward to newly opened Doi Phatang for stunning views of Laos and then to the salt wells of Bo Klua. Visits to Doi Phu Kha National Park and with the Malbri people, the legendary “Spirits of the Yellow Leaves,” are also included.

“Hidden Gems of Lanna” is for those looking for a new and rarely seen side of Thai culture. The itinerary goes to many hidden and remote areas, but we believe that transportation should prove no problem, and this tour is suitable for all age groups. Please e-mail Thailand@exotissimo.com for more information.

Khakaborazi National Park was established to conserve the vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to Myanmar, including the rare orchids and medicinal plants found at the foot of the mountains. The park is also home to large exotic animals takin, musk deer, blue sheep, black barking deer and the leaf deer. It is a paradise for nature lovers and ecotourists. Tours to Taphungdan village at the base of Mount Khakaborazi are nice additions to wildlife, orchid and birdwatching treks.

The last month the Exotissimo team has worked hard on day trips for people staying in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. If you had enough of all those cars, noise, tourists and people hassling you; join us in the countryside!