In River Kwai Nature & Adventure – 3 Days / 2 Nights, we now have three touring options on the second morning, allowing clients to choose an activity based on their interests. The options are: (a) visiting the Hellfire Pass Museum and trekking along the 4-km Memorial Walking Trail, (b) canoeing down River Kwai followed by a 10-km easy bike ride through the rainforest or (c) exploring Erawan Waterfall and Phra That Cave in Erawan National Park. View the program here. For inquiries, contact thailand@exotissimo.com.

There are many ways to explore the bustling city of Saigon, however, none is as exhilarating as on a chauffer-driven Vespa scooter! Joining the city’s iconic mass of motorcyclists on the road, the program will lead clients through the beautiful streets to visit the city’s best landmarks: Notre Dame Cathedral, Municipal Post Office, Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. We will also take the client off the beaten track to the oldest quarter in the city. A driver & helmets will be provided. Contact vietnam@exotissimo.com for more details.

Self Drive in the Scenic South – 7 Days / 6 Nights is one of our many unique itineraries developed in southern Thailand. In this program, Exotissimo Thailand will make all necessary arrangements, including accommodation, car rental and a road map with suggested routes and activities. Our Thailand Product Manager Soonie says, “Once you get behind the wheel, you will be enthralled by the sweeping views, amazing wildlife, superb Thai cuisine, friendliness of Thais and much more. Simply an unforgettable road trip!” Contact thailand@exotissimo.com for more details.

Taking place from 13 – 17 April 2009, Thingyan (or Myanmar New Year) is a great opportunity for travelers to observe the cultural traditions of Myanmar. The Myanmar people celebrate the Thingyan Festival by sprinkling or pouring water on one another, believing that all the evils and bad luck of the previous year will be washed away. Exotissimo Myanmar has created a Thingyan Special Package (a 6 Days / 5 Nights program from 12 – 17 April) to immerse clients in this merry festival. Click here to view the itinerary, or contact myanmar@exotissimo.com for more information.

The Angkor Archaeological Park has announced a program to maintain a sustainable environment for Angkor. Only cars, tuk tuks, motos, mini-vans with 12 passengers or less, and electric cars will be allowed within Angkor Thom. Operated by local authorities, each car comes with a professional driver and seats a maximum of 9 passengers. There is no time limit for the electric car rental, however the cars will not be able to operate in other sections of the archaeological park. Advance reservations are highly recommended and the rental charge is US$3 per person. Exotissimo will keep this in mind when completing your client’s bookings for larger groups by offering the choice of electric cars or splitting the group into separate smaller vans. For more information, please contact cambodia@exotissimo.com.

In this three-day adventure in Chiang Mai’s highlands, guests will trek through majestic jungles and across mountain ridges, ride on an elephant’s back and float on a bamboo raft along a meandering river. Nights are spent in Karen village homestays, the best way to get in contact with these friendly ethnic communities. This trip will make an authentic experience for clients interested in hill tribe cultures. Click here to view the itinerary or contact thailand@exotissimo.com for further information.

Biking Challenges in MyanmarOrganized by Bike World (Myanmar) with sponsorship from Exotissimo Travel Myanmar and other local partners, the Amateur Mountain Biking Challenge was successfully held at Hmawbi Township in Yangon on 11 January 2009. 51 participants including expatriates took part in this challenge. Bikers rode uphill on the dirt tracks from Wa Net Chaung Village to Pan Ta Pwint Taung (One Flower Hill) for approximately 16 km before finishing at the first village. For clients who wish to explore Myanmar on similar biking challenges, Exotissimo Myanmar has several biking packages ranging from easy routes to difficult trails. For more information, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

Exotissimo Thailand is pleased to offer a series of exciting new itineraries that originate from Phuket. These tours include 3D/2N The Village Experience, 13D/12N Southern Thailand Discovery, 3D/2N Biking – Koh Yao Expedition, 7D/6N Community and the Island Retreat, 7D/6N Self Drive in the Scenic South and It’s Time for Cooking (a private cooking class). Please contact thailand@exotissimo.com for more information.

Pindaya in Shan State is famous for its scenic beauty and antique pagodas. The ancient capital of Bagan is a treasure trove of Myanmar culture. The picturesque Inle Lake is renowned for its natural scenery and traditional uniqueness. Now guests can enjoy the beauty of Pindaya, Inle and Bagan from a bird’s eye view on hot air balloon rides in each of these destinations. These exclusive flights will give guests an unforgettable experience. The Balloon Safaris Inle & Bagan tour is only available in December 2009. View the itinerary here. For more information, please contact myanmar@exotissimo.com.

The non-profit Khmer Architecture Tours is now offering unique tours of Phnom Penh’s contemporary architecture. Tours are guided by Cambodian architects and architecture students with a focus on the buildings of the late 1950s and 1960s, a culturally and politically vibrant time in Cambodia. Places of interest include the Olympic Stadium, university buildings on the Russian Boulevard and the 1960s houses and villas in Toul Kork.