October 10th, 2008
Cruising the Mekong in Style between Vietnam and Cambodia
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.
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.
The fascinating Chin people live on the hills west of the Irawaddy River in northwest Myanmar. Chin State is mountainous and villages are scattered across the many hills. Their hand-woven cotton and silk dresses are intricately designed and dyed, and a trademark of the Chin’s skill at textiles. In the past, even their dresses and beads have been valued as collectibles. Perhaps the most distinct feature of the Chin are their facial tattoos. This tradition is slowly being phased out, though there are many who still honor this practice.
The Kao Nam Na Resort is a wonderful new resort in Kanchanburi. Its small 16 rooms are perfect for those looking for comfort and in a charming little boutique. Kanchanaburi itself is known for its myriad soft adventure activities, and the Kao Nam Resort serves as a good contrast to those adventures. Think of the Kao Nam Na as a quiet oasis of style from nature’s frontier. A massage after a day of hiking is always a good idea.
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.
Snow is the last thing people think of when traveling through our destinations. Instead of lounging on the white sands of Ngapali or touring the serene waters of Inle, some may be looking for a good old-fashioned snowball fight. Mt. Phonkanrazi is situated in the northwestern part of Putao Township and is the most accessible snow-capped mountain in the region. 11,500 feet above sea level, it is a great place for amateur adventurers, hikers and mountaineers to explore that rarest of things in Southeast Asia, snow and cold weather.
