On 28 July 2009, Cambodia launched a new national carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air (CAA) as a joint venture with Vietnam Airlines. Flying on ATR-72-500 aircrafts, CAA services domestic routes between Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville as well as regional routes from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. The Ho Chi Minh City flights are well connected to many Vietnamese destinations with the extensive Vietnam Airlines network.

Attractive CAA promotional fares are now valid until 31 August 2009. The long-awaited Siem Reap-Sihanoukville route is scheduled to be opened in October. Contact cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

We are offering 10-15% off our Angkor Discovery tour for travelers arriving between 15 August- 15 September 2009. The four day package is ideal for first time visitors to Cambodia and includes touring the Angkorian temples, a boat trip on the Tonle Sap lake, private blessing in a temple and visit to small rural villages.

Prices start at 236 USD for first class rooms and 306USD for superior accommodation (Based on two persons sharing). Click here to see the full itinerary and pricing.

On Siem Reap’s Wat Bo Street, the Selantra Restaurant is a stylish dining outlet with an art gallery devoted to works by young Khmer artists. The Selantra boasts a menu of Khmer and international dishes as well as a large selection of wines and cocktails. It is suitable for private dinners or groups up to 85 guests.

Located in the quiet Wat Po Langka residential area, the Heritage Suites Hotel is one of Siem Reap’s top boutique properties with 26 stylish rooms and suites. The facilities include a restaurant, saltwater swimming pool and spa. Part of the Relais et Chateaux alliance, this intimate property is recommended for couples or travelers seeking a hideaway experience in Siem Reap.

After 10 years of extensive construction, the 150-km stretch of road between Siem Reap and the border town of Poipet is finally completed. The Thai-Cambodian border can now be reached in a record time of 2 hours. Instead of a bumpy 10-hour trip, the time taken for the overland journey from Siem Reap to Bangkok, including all immigration formalities, is now reduced to a smooth 5-6 hour trip.

During the rainy season, Exotissimo cruises on the Tonle Sap Lake will set off from Kampong Tkov instead of Chong Kneas. This will provide a more private and pleasant experience as the port town of Kampong Tkov is less frequented by tourists. From there, it is a 30-minute cruise to Kampong Phluck with its beautiful stilted huts and impressive submerged mangrove forests, or a 1.5-hour cruise to Kampong Kliang, the largest community on the lake. During the dry season, both villages can be reached by road, with Kampong Phluck and Kampong Kliang a 30-minute and 1-hour drive respectively from Siem Reap. Cruises on the Tonle Sap can be combined with a visit to the Roluos Group temples or activities such as ox-cart rides and meals or homestays in local houses for a taste of rural Cambodian living.

Exotissimo Cambodia now offers luxury camping at unique temple and nature sites. Depending on guests’ preferences, exclusive safari tents can be set up on river shores, mountain tops, in the jungle or within the grounds of an ancient temple. Meals will be prepared by a private chef in comfortable dining set-ups. For discerning travelers seeking a truly exotic experience in Cambodia, a luxury camping getaway makes a good choice. Contact cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

Sala Bai, Ecole Paul Dubrule and Shinta Mani are tourism schools in Siem Reap that provide young Cambodians with hospitality skills training in a professional working environment. Travelers can visit these schools for an informative tour of the facilities, have a chat with the students or sample culinary creations prepared by budding chefs. A visit to one of these hotel schools is a great way to make a positive contribution while holidaying in Cambodia!

In Siem Reap, Exotissimo Cambodia now offers a unique touring vehicle – an original M151 MUTT Jeep. Besides providing a rugged and adventurous way to explore the famous Angkor temples, this 1970s jeep also offers a scenic and fun ride to outlying temples such as Beng Mealea and Koh Ker or the hilltop sites of Phnom Kulen and Kbal Spean. Contact cambodia@exotissimo.com for more information.

The Angkor Entrance Fee has been restructured. The 3-day pass is now valid on any 3 days within a calendar week instead of 3 consecutive days. The ticket will be valid from the moment of purchase. This will allow visitors to better appreciate the wealth of cultural sites within the Angkor complex while interspersing their temple touring with other activities in and around Siem Reap. Exotissimo Cambodia offers a variety of excursions in Siem Reap, ranging from adventures, golf, culinary, charity and culture to allow clients to discover the wonders of Cambodia. For more information, contact cambodia@exotissimo.com.