Work is still under way to assess the scale of the devastation caused by the cyclone, which brought winds reaching 190km/h (120mph) to Rangoon and the Irrawaddy Delta area of lower Burma. Exotissimo Travel Myanmar's Yangon office reopened today (Tuesday) after the storm finally passed through the city. With no electricity or internet connection, communication was difficult but telephone lines were operating this morning and we have now been able to asses the damage and potential risks for travelers to Myanmar.

Dear Partners, Myanmar has experienced the worst cyclone in over 70 years. The storm hit Yangon, Pathein and the Bago area. Other areas of the country have been unaffected. Yangon itself was badly damaged. Many trees and telephone poles have fallen, damaging electricity and telephone cables. It will take time to repair the city. Currently, the Exotissimo Yangon office has running electricity and working telephones, as do some hotels in Yangon. Mobile phone service has resumed. Hotels in Yangon are trying to conserve electricity, and are limiting the use of air conditioning. Transportation costs have increased dramatically, and few restaurants have re-opened. Most tourist attractions are open, though Shwegadon Pagoda remains closed. Hotels and tourist destinations upcountry remain unaffected, and Exotissimo Myanmar is able to redirect tours around Yangon. Clients currently traveling in Myanmar are safe and visiting destinations outside of the city. International and...

Myanmar was hit by a powerful cyclone over the weekend. High winds caused widespread destruction in Yangon causing damage to buildings and homes and forcing trees to be blown over. The government has reported over 10,000 fatalities and over 3,000 people are missing. Electricity has been cut and parts of the capital are still flooded. Telephone access and internet contact are very difficult. All flights were canceled on Saturday. All Exotissimo clients in Myanmar have been contacted and are safe. For more information please contact Exotissimo Thailand in Bangkok: email: Thailand@exotissimo.com

This month, Exotissimo Travel is happy to announce you the birth of our ecotourism pages on our website at http://ecotourism.exotissimo.com/. Besides our new Responsible Tourism Guideline, Exotissimo is proud to be committed to local development and sustainable tourism actions throughout the region, please have a look to our different Ecotours to have a better idea. The site provides you tools to choose your criteria by activities or destinations. As well, in order to offer you a better perception of the countries, you will have access for each one to a short description to know more about the geography, the culture and the festivals. It could help you so much to decide where and when to visit these places. The purpose of these products aims to invite you to visit local communities and participate to improve their well-being and develop as well environmental awareness among locals and visitors. Ecotourism is currently one of the best ways to experience the local daily life and...

After the protests in September, the situation in Myanmar has now settled down and people are now back at work are trying to continue with their lives and businesses. We can't say that the situation is back to normal but we can say that it certainly looks that way on the surface. There are no protests, no disturbances, no large scale police or army presence and everybody seems to be going on with life as before. At this point it now appears to be safe to travel in Myanmar and the country seems to be as safe as ever. However there is still a curfew and precautions should be observed by anyone traveling to Myanmar. Our offices are now all open and our staffs are now back at their work stations. Internet access in Myanmar is coming back gradually although we still request clients to kindly send booking information by fax until further notice. Exotissimo Myanmar Fax: +95 1 255 428 The first tourists are now coming back into the country although Exotissimo has cancelled all arrivals...

Three hours from the capital is Hua Hin, the Thai royal family's favorite getaway, a cool retreat for Bangkok society and one of Thailand's best up-and-coming beach destinations.

The original backpackers' island paradise is now a fully fledged tourist paradise. At 15km wide, it is small enough to get around but big enough to hide the crowds and offer some unexpected coves, waterfalls and rainforest. This is the place where you find the picture postcard beaches with swaying palm trees and calm azure waters stretching out to the horizon.

This short cultural tour to Amphawa District in Samut Songkram will give you an opportunity to spend your short days living in simple 'Thai way” such as waking up early to make merit by giving some alms to Thai monks, joining a fascinating paddleboat journey along the waterways of Mae Klong River, visiting and shopping at local markets and trying some authentic Thai foods, sweets, drinks and juices.

Preparations for the 6th Koh Samui Regatta are well underway, with several top class entries already confirmed and a record level of sponsorship, including a number of leading brands. 'We may seem to have been quiet for the past couple of months,” said Grenville Fordham, managing director of this year's regatta organisers, Image Asia Events. 'But we've actually been working furiously behind the scenes getting to grips with the detail of organising an event away from our Phuket base,” he added.

Visit Siem Reap, home to one of the world's most impressive architectural wonder, the Angkor Wat Complex, comprised of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Banteay Srei, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm and countless other structures that spectacle the peak of the Angkor Empire.

IMEX, the world's premiere exhibition for MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition) Travel will take place in Frankfurt from 17th April to 19th April. Last year, a record 3,300 hotel groups, destination management companies, airlines and regional tourist offices from over 150 countries attended IMEX, and show organizers expect 2007 to be its busiest year yet. Mr. Erik Meriot, Director of EXO Travel Paris and Ms. Carine Battajon, MICE Manager, will be at IMEX to answer all of your questions. Stop by to see how we can help you arrange your next MICE event.

Listen to gibbons' calls in the jungle of Khao Sok National Park, inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife. Explore the lush rainforest, limestone mountains and glimpse of animals through these wonderful trekkings, elephant riding, raft boating and river canoeing.

Explore by your treks Sangkhlaburi, a district far northwest of Kanchanaburi, traditionally a Karen town, the land that hosts numerous caves, waterfalls, Karen and Mon villages, the Khmer- styled Prasart Muang Singh Historical Park and the vast Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary.

This trekking tour lets you having an opportunity to know and learn about traditional local variety of Shan tribe people in Pai, a small sleepy district in a valley of Mae Hong Son, through a homestay activity.

Take a cross- country cycling tour beginning from the charming capital Yangon, Mandalay with the scenic beauty of river bank, biking downwards to the ancient city of Bagan, the mystic Mount Popa to the colorful Burmese villages for their worshipped pagodas and monasteries, local markets and rustic living of people.

This 3- days tour gives you a community- based cultural trekking experience in Akha villages, to learn way of Akha tribe's living in Muang Sing and other remote areas, and to exchange cultures between yours and theirs. You will have personal interactions with villagers and have the opportunity to experience first hand from the Akha themselves, the Akha culture and way of life.

Travel to the far south of Laos that offers unrivalled remote districts, from Vientiane, Khamouan, Takhek, Savannakhet, Pakse, Tad Fan, Tad Lo to Done khone Island. Explore the southern Laos's enchanting natural beauty and gain an insight into the spiritual heart of southern Laotian people through temples, stupas and ceremonies.

This tour gives you an impressive experience in visiting Laos through biking along the undulating ridge roads with natural scenic views to admire and that bring you to meet different villages in Laos, local tribes and natural richness.

Trek to explore Siem Reap, gateway to the massive group of temples of Angkor with its rural charming cultures.

Trekking in Laos is the best way to discover Laotian people, their diverse cultures and ethic minority groups. This tour brings you to encounter rural ethnic people in Laos and to explore their rustic cultures, plus a city tour in the timeless slow paced city of Luang Prabang.

This 3- days cycling tour brings you to explore Siem Reap in Cambodia, not only its highlighted Angkor Complex, but also small local villages, markets, pagodas', to have an opportunity to interact with local passers- by and immerse in Cambodian cultures.

Let's discover the world's remarkable awesome historical site through this adventure trip and grasp the reasons why the Tomb Raider's film maker team chose the Angkor Complex in Siem Reap for its screen backdrops. Also experience the biodiversity of Tonle Sap listed as the World Ecological Wonder.

Experience both physical and spiritual adventure through hiking and biking in Siem Reap. Follow previous trotters' footprints to see the real Cambodia through the forested Angkor Wat Complex and Cambodian rural villages.

Fit yourself and take this biking tour in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Angkor. Also have a more laid back time along the Silhanoukville coastal beach. Be stunned by the breathtaking natural backdrops of Cambodia's provinces, local treats and French colonial buildings, worth to witness in every pace of your ride.

You will have an opportunity to experience different kinds of activities to discover charm and excitement of Vietnam in this comprehensive long tour. Stroll around bustling Saigon; Prepare yourself moderately active to enjoy cycling and trekking along the mountainous and valley areas like Sapa; immerse in the cultural heartland cities of Hue and Hoi An and the lush plains of Mekong Delta; and take the relaxing trip to Halong Bay.

This tour gives you a unique experience through traveling to the best and world renowned attractions in Vietnam, where you and your family will enjoy impressive sights and local specialties, with a little bit adventure in the tour itself.

Pedal your bike to discover Vietnamese life along the vast Mekong Delta that gives you a myriad of orchards, paddy rice fields, tiny villages, wooden bridges, canals, flowers and local temples and school.

Since opening in September 2006, the new Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has been facing capacity and technical problems. The Royal Thai Government and the Airport Authority of Thailand have therefore decided to re-open the old airport, Don Muang International Airport, as of 25 March 2007. Up until this moment we have had no official notification that any flights will move and it is still not clear exactly which airlines will operate from Don Muang. However it has been widely reported that low-cost airlines and some domestic carriers will operate domestic flights from Don Muang. Thai Airways International has also said that they will move some domestic flights to the old airport. We strongly advise you to double check any bookings that you make and make sure to inform your passengers if they will be flying from or to Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang. Please also mention clearly in your bookings to us which airport your clients will be arriving or departing from.

Discover the charms of Laos through Vientiane and the well- preserved culture and nature of Luang Prabang, dubbed as the jewel of Indochina, before witnessing the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Pakse, the Hindu- influenced Khmer temples of Vat Phou. Also enjoy boat trip along the Mekong River to scenic islands and riverside villages. End this meaningful trip with the stunning Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, and other remarkable remains in Siem Reap.

Another great inspiring journey encompassing Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, to the world spiritual heritage of each destination from splendid royal palaces, fascinating colonial charms, holy temples to marvelous ancient ruins.

This tour offers to you the adventure trips on the Mekong River, to the nostalgic, lively and colorful cities of Vietnam, the awe- inspiring, solemn Angkor Complex in Cambodia. Experience the Indochina locals during enjoyable boat trips.

Escape to the sun, sand, sea destination in Thailand: Krabi, the Tropical Paradise. This is the perfect place to hideaway from all the city bustles. Unwind and treat yourself with a total relaxation in Krabi, with its breathtaking view of limestone cliffs and islands, white sand beaches and turquoise sea water merging with blue sky.

This eco-trip will take you to travel across the border of Thailand- Laos, on the mountainous landscapes of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chaing Saen, Chiang Khong, Luang Prabang and Kuang Si. Travel back to the 'Kingdom of Million Rice Fields” and the 'Kingdom of Million Elephants”, where richness of natural and cultural beauty and diversity of ethnic tribes awaits you to explore.

Relax on the Ngapali Beach or even get active for various water sports, including golfing and cycling, in the Bay of Bengal, inhabited by charming fishing village and coconut plantations.

Next July 26th to 29th, the 3rd Lao Ecotourism Forum will be held at Don Chan Palace, Vientiane, Laos under the theme "Bridging The Mekong Region". The purpose of this exhibition is to promote a high quality sustainable tourism approach, through the Mekong Subregion by inviting all the countries to participate. It aims to facilitate exchanges between all the stakeholders and expand ecotourism opportunities through the region to fight poverty and support environmental and cultural preservation issues. Exotissimo Laos and the Kamu Lodge will be there.

The 22nd of May will be the Biodiversity Day "B-Day". In Vietnam, under the theme "Biodiversity" and "Climate changes", some activities will be hold in Hanoi and in the Tam Dao National Park, 70km north from Hanoi. This day aims raising public awareness of biodiversity preservation. On the 19th of May, a "24 hours-Biomarathon" will be launch in Tam Dao.

Exotissimo introduces this trip that takes to you a breathtaking scenic sight of Vietnamese local inhabitants during the Bassac river cruise along Maekong Delta, passing en route the traffic of sand and rice barges, in scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards

This cruise trip with Exotissimo offers a sailing upstream to Mingun Pagoda Complex, in Myanmar, the breathtaking breeze and beauty of the river and the life on its bank. An overnight on board in Sagaing leaves to you a true relaxing getaway.

The central region is the home of Imperial Vietnam. Visit the historic town of Hoi An and tour historic and ancient pagodas, family chapels, museums, assembly halls and shops offering silk lanterns, paintings and high quality clothes, for which the city is famous for. Cruise along the Thu Bon River and gaze upon the picturesque scenery. Then walk through the Imperial city of Hue, last home of the Vietnamese kings.

The northern region is the historic heart of Vietnam. Located close to the Chinese border, Sapa offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, as this area resists the increasing modernization of the rest of the country.

The colors of Vietnam are numerous and we would like to show you every aspect of this colorful culture in our North Loop tour.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking, historical capital city of Myanmar while getting closer to local living of people. Visit the world famous golden Shwedagon Pagoda, take a sightseeing to the National Museum, the Sule pagada. Sitting relaxed on a local rickshaw, you are going to take a city tour to explore the art of colonial architecture and historical buildings.

Enjoy the typical tour in Yangon as the starting point, before entering the more stunning world of Myanmar's attractive destinations such as Bagan, Amarapua, Ava, Sagaing and Mandalay. River boating to the Inle Lake gives you a glimpse of the Intha local living with the river and a visit to In Dein explores to you the ancient stupas partly covered by vegetation.

Experience the rich and thrilling culture of one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. With a glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years, Myanmar's spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups.

Experience the rich and thrilling culture of one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. With a glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years, Myanmar's spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups.

Get a great insight into Cambodia's most scenic and culturally attractive locations such as the world famous Angkor Wat in Siem Reap or the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville.

This tour offers to you the adventure trips on the Mekong River, to the nostalgic, lively and colorful cities of Vietnam, the awe- inspiring, solemn Angkor Complex in Cambodia. Experience the Indochina locals during enjoyable boat trips.

This comprehensive tour of Exotissimo fascinates you with all the best in Vietnam, to experience natural beauty of Mekong Delta and Halong Bay, the World Heritage site proclaimed by the UNESCO, and Sapa's beautiful mountainous landscape with ethnic minority group, rich historical and cultural destinations like Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoi An and Hue.