We have launched an exciting 6 Days / 5 Nights tour that spotlights the cultural and culinary riches of Cambodia. In Phnom Penh, guests will be treated to shadow puppetry and classical dance performances and a traditional Khmer massage. Continuing to Siem Reap, guests get to experience Angkor temples from different perspectives – on an elephant’s back and from a helium balloon. A trip to Siem Reap’s countryside unveils indigenous craft techniques and the traditional ways of life on Tonle Sap Lake. Guests also get to uncover Cambodia’s culinary traditions in a hands-on cooking course and savor exquisite Khmer cuisine at some of the Kingdom’s best restaurants. Click here to view the itinerary or contact us at cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

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.

The past few years have seen the rising availability of good quality spas in Phnom Penh. A spa treatment makes a welcoming experience for travellers, in particular luxury clients, when they first arrive or about to depart from the city.

At the new O’SPA, a relaxing environment bearing aquatic features such as fish ponds, fountains and aquariums has been created. The spa has set and tailor-made packages as well as private rooms to provide guests with a rejuvenating experience. The O’SPA can service up to 7 guests at any one time with both men and lady masseuses available.

At the corner of Sisowath Quay, Amara Spa is popular for its hot-stone four-handed massages. The riverfront salon boasts of a zen interior and a rooftop pool. A male masseuse is available and a maximum of 20 guests can be accommodated.

One of the latest additions to the dining scene in Phnom Penh, the Van’s Restaurant serves fine French cuisine in colonial ambiance. Located in the city center near the Tonle Sap River and Wat Phnom, the restaurant is set in the restored colonial building that used to house the Indochina Bank. Diners can dine alfresco or in the air-conditioned interior. It is a popular dining venue for FITs and groups.

Dating back to the Angkorian period, the annual Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) is the most exuberant occasion in the Cambodian calendar. Held over a three-day period during the first full moon of November, the festival marks the reversal of currents in the Tonle Sap River and represents a thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing livelihood to the people. In Phnom Penh, many Cambodians flock to the river banks to watch the traditional boats race. In the evening, illuminated boats cruise along the river and complement the nightly fireworks display.
The Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, in collaboration with the National Committee for National and International Festivals, will arrange complimentary seats for visitors who would like to witness this event. Please contact us at cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

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.

Since 11 August, Exotissimo has relocated our Phnom Penh office to a better and bigger premise. We are now conveniently located at Norodom Boulevard, just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Palace and National Museum. The new office is very much welcomed as everyone now has access to the amenities of a good standard office. We are pleased with the bigger working spaces, comfortable chairs and new computers in a bright and airy environment. Our new address is 6th Floor, SSN Center No. 66, Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Please come visit us at our new location.

Phnom Penh’s hotel scene has been brightened with the addition of Almond Hotel. This hotel opened its doors in mid July and aims to accommodate the specific needs of its corporate clients while leisure tourists will also find themselves in a pleasant and secure environment. Rooms are bright, well designed and appointed. Room service, massage and spa facilities and free WiFi throughout the hotel are available to complement your stay. The Almond Hotel is located in central Phnom Penh with the Royal Palace and Independence Monument lying in close proximity. The roof terrace provides a nice view of the Tonle Sap River and surrounding town as you enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in hand. The hotel is currently offering attractive opening rates.

The Angkor National Museum opened earlier this year, and is a great way to add another dimension to any visit to the area. Cambodia’s Golden Era is revealed here through innovative mixed-media displays and exhibits. Audio tours are available to provide a closer insight of Angkor’s ancient history. Housed in the museum is a treasure trove of over 1,300 artifacts on display within eight galleries. The galleries are divided by the eras that define the Khmer Empire. The immense “Cambodian Buddhist Reflection” exhibition is the museum’s pride, featuring an astonishing 1,000 Buddha images. Certainly, a visit to the Angkor National Museum can be added to any itinerary, for groups and FITs.

A lot of people sat up and took note of northeast Cambodia when we began our Pakse to Siem Reap bicycle ride. It is a great way to journey across the region. We have spent more than two months in the region, and believe that there is more to the region than cycling alone.