Using Siem Reap as a base, the new Cambodia Bird Watching and Nature tour combines history, culture and nature in a six-day itinerary. Angkor temple visits are interspersed with specialist-guided birdwatching excursions in the wetlands and exploration of the countryside, making this a great program for birding and nature lovers.

The first two days will be spent exploring the ancient Angkor temples, such as such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon and Ta Phrom, and include a tethered helium balloon ride and a private Buddhist blessing ceremony. Taking a break from temple touring on the third day, guests will visit the Sam Veasna Center to learn about Cambodian wildlife conservation efforts and to Ang Trapaeng Thmor wetlands to observe birds in their natural habitats. The fourth day goes into the countryside to visit remote temples with a hike up Phnom Kulen Mountains, as well as to the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity and the Landmine Museum. On the fifth day, a boat trip across Tonle Sap Lake to Prek Toal Biosphere provides a unique opportunity to spot migratory water birds. The final day is free for guests’ disposal. For the detailed itinerary, click here.

We have recently updated our shopping and restaurant guides in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. These guides contains a list of recommended dining and shopping venues in both cities, allowing you keep in touch with Cambodia’s latest developments and to make good recommendations to your clients. To download the guides, click on the respective city name: Phnom Penh; Siem Reap. To view useful information of other Exotissimo destinations, click here.

The new 3 Days / 2 Nights Angkor Romantic Escape is a getaway package specially designed for couples to share unique experiences together in Siem Reap. Featuring stays in stylish boutique hotels, the program includes a tethered helium balloon ride and exploration of the Angkor temples on a private tuk-tuk and leisurely cycling excursion. Guests will also enjoy a Champagne sunset cruise on the Tonlé Sap Lake as well as a romantic picnic at Sras Srang water basin. On the last day, the program is capped off with a private blessing ceremony for two at a local pagoda. Click here to view the program details.

Introducing travelers to the history and rich culture of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, our 12-day Colorful Capitals multi-country tour gives a taste of the region from an insider’s point of view.

The program starts in Bangkok where guests will visit revered sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Po and Jim Thompson Museum with rides on tuk-tuks and taxi boats. Flying to Luang Prabang on the third day, the program tours the ancient city’s iconic temples, Mekong River and evening market with opportunities to learn about Lao culture through alms giving, a textile workshop and cooking course. The program continues to Vientiane where guests will visit famed temples as well as participate in a traditional baci ceremony. Crossing borders into Cambodia, they will spend another two days sightseeing in Phnom Penh before heading to Siem Reap to discover its Angkor monuments. The program ends with a flight back to Bangkok.

To view program details of Colorful Capitals, click here.

For clients looking to experience an Asian cultural festival, our Celebrate Khmer New Year tour is a great fit. In addition to temple touring and a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake, guests get to experience activities specially designed to immerse them in the local festive spirit. They will partake in a traditional blessing ceremony, join villagers for games and make merit with a charitable donation- each of which is an integral part of the three-day Khmer New Year. We recommend timing this tour to start on 14 April 2010 to coincide with the Khmer New Year celebrations. Click here to view program details.

New Luxury Option for Hue Dinner Cruises
La Residence Hotel and Spa in Hue is now offering dinner cruises along the Perfume River. Seating up to 25 passengers, the 2-hour cruise offers a Vietnamese set dinner and live traditional Vietnamese music and can be privatized for groups. Available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, these cruises provide a stylish way to sightsee Hue’s iconic river. Click here to view details of La Residence or contact vietnam@exotissimo.com to book the dinner cruise.

New Deluxe Cruise Option for Tonle Sap and Mekong River
The Jayavarman is the latest boat addition on the popular route between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Saigon. It is a 60-m deluxe riverboat with 27 cabins and suites as well as 800m² of public space across its 4 decks. Operated by Heritage Line Cruise Company, the Jayavarman has various river itineraries ranging from one to seven nights. The company does not operate the Phnom Penh – Siem Reap route during the low water season from April to June.

Along the Mekong is an exciting new tour specially created for travelers seeking an authentic experience in Cambodia. This 8-day tour is filled with responsible touring elements with visits to several charity-based initiatives to support the local community. The program highlights a visit to the rural Mekong island of Koh Trong by bicycle or horse-cart for an immersive local experience. Click here to view the detailed itinerary. Similar routing is also available on Along the Mekong: Southern Laos to Siem Reap that crosses the borders into Pakse, Laos. To view this program, click here.

Bangkok Airways (PG) flight services between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will be suspended with effect from 25 October 2009 and the last flights will be operated on 24 October 2009. The Cambodian government has not renewed the airline’s permit following the founding of the new national carrier Cambodia Angkor Air (K6).

Exotissimo Cambodia is rescheduling all flight bookings to Cambodia Angkor Air, which offers 4-5 daily flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on an ATR72-500 propeller aircraft, the same type of aircraft operated by Bangkok Airways on this route. The safety standards and services provided by Cambodia Angkor Air are of a similar standard to those of Bangkok Airways. For more information, contact cambodia@exotissimo.com.

In Siem Reap, Hotel de la Paix is now officially certified as a Virtuoso hotel. For bookings made through Exotissimo, clients are entitled to special benefits including a complimentary room upgrade (depending on availability) and 7-course Khmer meal for two at Meric Restaurant, a personalized welcome card from the General Manager, early check-in or late check-out (subjected to availability) and a 20% discount on Spa-IndoChine treatments (excluding blind massage). Contact cambodia@exotissimo.com for more details.

Combining relaxed sightseeing and visits to charity projects, Exotissimo’s new 6-day Cambodia tour is suitable for travelers looking to make a positive difference while on holiday in Southeast Asia. This program features visits to the Angkor temples in Siem Reap, a special circus performance by a children’s charity and a bamboo train ride in Battambang. Opportunities to support charity causes are incorporated into the tour, such as dining at charity-run restaurants and shopping for handicrafts made by locals employed under fair terms.

An optional extension to the coastal town of Kep can be added to this program. For tour details and pricing information, read here or contact cambodia@exotissimo.com.