Southeast Asia boosts of some of the world’s best trekking routes. Contrary to popular belief, it is still possible to veer off the tourist trails in Thailand, as exemplified by Exotissimo’s Old Elephant Trail Trek. Tracing an ancient trading route between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai in the northern hinterlands, the tour can be shortened and customized to trekkers’ preferences.

In Myanmar’s Shan State, Kengtung Adventure is a fresh trekking experience that combines insightful encounters with hill tribes with easy, scenic walking trails unspoiled by hoards of backpackers. And who says trekking can only conducted in forested or mountainous areas? Trek Angkor and capture the awe-inspiring beauty of these architectural masterpieces from a different perspective - on foot! Just don’t forget to don a good pair of walking boots!

Home to rich hill tribe cultures, pristine landscapes and exotic wildlife, Laos is the emerging ecotourism destination of Southeast Asia. Authentic Laos invites the eco-conscious adventurer to experience hill tribe cultures in its rawest form through participation in community-based tourism, contributing to the villages’ development while trekking amid sweeping mountain vistas.

In A Blend of Calm in Southern Laos, you can look forward to exploring an unspoiled region that is home to highland tea and coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, the ancient temple of Wat Phou, and an ecologically-rich Siphandon (Four Thousand Islands).

For those with limited time but wish to have a taste of adventure, opt for Vientiane Natural Escape. In this idyllic tour, first cycle along the rustic lanes and serene temples of Vientiane, then learn about Laos’ indigenous flora and fauna in the Orchid Trek in Phou Khao Kway National Park before concluding with an overnight stay at an eco-lodge.

Green hotels and eco-lodges are not new concepts in Southeast Asia. In Thailand’s northern highlands, Lisu Lodge and Lanjia Lodge serve as sanctuaries for hill tribe cultures with a strong emphasis on community-based tourism to improve the quality of life of these remote groups. Down the southern Andaman coast in Phang Nga, Koh Ra Ecolodge appeals to the eco-conscious traveler with its green facilities and strong research arm in marine expedition and conservation programs.

Laos is indisputably Southeast Asia’s best destination in regards to ecotourism and this is evident by the number of eco-lodges in the country. One of our favorites is The Boat Landing Guest House, Laos’ best-known eco-lodge in Luang Namtha that adheres to rigorous environmental standards. Nestled amid the protected wetlands of Pakse, Kingfisher Ecolodge triumphs with its energy-sensitive policies and local purchasing policies. Set on the banks of the Mekong River north of Luang Prabang, Kamu Lodge offers an eco-friendly experience that brings visitors into close contact with nature and the ethnic Kamu people while funding the local children’s basic educational needs.

In neighboring Cambodia, Rainbow Lodge has garnered our attention. Besides rainwater harvesting and tapping into solar energy, the lodge is highly supportive of the training and development of its local staff. Perched atop the lush Sapa Mountains in Vietnam, Topas Eco Lodge is constructed with locally-sourced materials, fitted with solar panels and staffed by the indigenous community.

For travelers who aspire to stay in green hotels with a touch of luxury, then Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi - with an array of eco- friendly measures and awe- inspiring sea views - should be the top choice when opting for a beach stay in Thailand. In Myanmar’s Kachin State, the deluxe Malikha Lodge introduces guests to the sublime beauty of the Putao highlands while sharing benefits with the surrounding villages.

Moo moo… Let’s usher in the Year of the Ox!

2009 is the Year of the Ox according to the Chinese/Vietnamese astrological calendar. In Asia where a large part remains agricultural, the ox is a beloved symbol for its diligence and persistence. In Vietnam, Tet is the most important holiday in the Vietnamese calendar. Heralding the arrival of spring, it is also a time for family reunions, feasting on traditional food, visiting relatives and friends amid a jovial atmosphere. Most businesses and shops in the country will be closed as people return home to celebrate this festival with their families.

This year may not be seem the most bullish, but let’s embrace the tenacious spirit of the ox and weather all crises and difficulties that may come our way. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a healthy, joyous and ox-spicious year ahead!

Chuc Mung Nam Moi! Happy Lunar New Year! Xin Nian Kuai Le!

• Stay informed. Be familiar with the history, customs and biodiversity of the destination before embarking on the trip. Learn a few phrases in the local language.
• Respect cultural differences. Always seek permission before taking pictures of the locals. Respect local dress standards and dress appropriately.
• Protect the environment. Do not support illegal wildlife trade or purchase items made from endangered species. Do not touch limestone formations or coral reefs underwater.
• Green your stay. Stay in an eco-lodge. Reuse hotel towels and request housekeeping not to change the bed linens everyday. Turn off the lights, fans and air-conditioners when you leave your room. Use water sparingly.
• Minimize waste. Waste should be recycled or properly discarded. When trekking in remote areas, use toilet facilities provided and avoid polluting water sources. Minimize the use of plastic packages and opt for a recyclable shopping bag instead.
• Support the local economy. Buy locally made crafts or products. Bargain fairly, and with a smile. Enjoy local food at local restaurants.

More guidelines can be found in our Exo Cares booklet. Click here to read more.

Following months of extensive research and fieldwork, we are pleased to unveil a challenging expedition that explores the pristine forests of Thailand’s northern hinterlands. Reviving an ancient trade route, the program offers intrepid travelers an unparalleled insight into the region’s rich biodiversity, cultures and customs.

The Old Elephant Trail: Trekking Thailand’s Highest Peaks is a 7 Day / 6 Night trek that starts from Mae Surin National Park in Mae Hong Son Province along the little known Old Elephant Trail. Centuries ago the route was busy with merchants traveling between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai but with the construction of a road in the 1950s, the trail was abandoned. After years of solitude, the trail is now the perfect route for adventurous travelers.

Traversing over ridgelines and through dense forests, travelers will trek through some of Thailand’s most remote natural areas and be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of lush forests and wildlife-spotting opportunities in the mountains. Evenings are spent amongst the locals as trekkers camp down in tents and home stays in hill tribe villages, providing an up-close experience with these traditional communities. Travelers will be accompanied by Exotissimo and local Karen guides for the entire trek.

Trekkers who embark on this challenging trail are recommended to possess a reasonable level of fitness as the terrain can be steep and undulating on some days. However, adventure enthusiasts of average fitness levels should not be deterred from this program as long as they make sufficient preparations for the expedition.

Find more adventure tours in Thailand here.

A region marked by a diverse mix of landscapes, wildlife and cultures, Southeast Asia has no lack of ecotourism destinations. Calling Southeast Asia our home, we love to showcase the beauty of the area through environmentally-friendly and culturally-sensitive tours.

In Southern Thailand, travelers can explore the verdant rainforests, gorgeous limestone cliffs and fascinating hiking trails in our Exploring the Thai Peninsula tour. A Blend of Calm in Southern Laos offers the nature- loving adventurer an opportunity to seek out the stunning geographical landscapes and natural wonders of the southern Mekong region. In Northern Vietnam, Sapa to the Sea is a fantastic journey that begins in bustling Hanoi, followed by a trekking exploration of the mystical Sapa hills and the Red River Delta before culminating with an overnight cruise on the magnificent Halong Bay.

Encompassing the Akha Experience (a genuine ecotourism trek), the Authentic Laos tour leads travelers deep into the Lao’s northern highlands to experience indigenous highland cultures in its rawest form while contributing to community development. In northern Thailand, Tham Lod Trek provides a perfect opportunity for firsthand experiences of ethnic hill tribe cultures with local home stays. Tucked away in northeastern Myanmar, Kengtung Adventure presents intrepid travelers a chance to explore the scenic mountain valleys and distinctive local cultures of the Shan State.

For travelers wishing to minimize their carbon footprints, a cycling tour is a great way to explore Southeast Asia at low carbon cost. Hanoi to Saigon Bike Ride traverses along Vietnam’s Red River in the north, heritage towns in the central provinces to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. In Cambodia, the tranquil beaches, rustic countryside vistas and the magnificent Angkor temples constitute impressive backdrops in Coast to Angkor Cycling. Presenting the best of Myanmar’s natural splendor, Bike and Trek the Shan Hills is an exhilarating voyage that weaves through green plateaus, jade lakes and indigenous tribal cultures of the far northern Shan State. For adventurers who are not satisfied with merely exploring a single country, Exotissimo’s Cycling the Mekong: An Eco-Experience tour spotlights the diversity and similarities across borders with plenty of opportunities to meet locals along the way.

Embrace the rustic charm and sublime beauty of Southern Laos in this relaxing 3 day- 2 night cruise along the Mekong River. Sailing upstream or downstream between Pakse and Champassak, the cruise allows exploration of the Oun Moung Temple and Wat Phou, two of the region’s most awe-inspiring Khmer archaeological treasures. This river journey also brings passengers to some of the most remarkable Lao landscapes – the 4000 islands of Siphandon and the impressive waterfalls at Phapheng. To view this tour, click here. 

Click here to view more tours in Laos.

Be transported back to the nostalgic charm of yesteryear aboard the Emeraude, a luxurious replica of a grand colonial steamer. Opt for a refreshing swim, explore one of the countless lagoons on a kayak, or simply breathe in the stunning vistas of limestone karsts rising spectacularly above the emerald waters as you weave through Halong Bay. On the way back to Hanoi after the overnight cruise, an optional stop can be made at a local village to enjoy the captivating performance of traditional water puppetry, a distinctive art form of the Red River Delta. Click here to view tour.

For more tours in Vietnam, click here.

Which better way to experience Cambodia than a cruise through its lifeblood, the Tonle Sap? This leisurely 3 day-2 night cruise aboard the Toum Tiou boat meanders through the river’s tranquil waters past the rustic countryside and flooded forests. Step off the boat to visit beguiling villages and ancient ruins, and travel past floating markets on your way to Siem Reap. It is no wonder that this cruise ranks highly amongst our favourite Cambodian experiences. View tour here.

To view more Exotissimo tours in Cambodia, click here.