THE ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ADVENTURE
THETHE PROFESSIONAL’SADVENTURE’S GUIDE GUIDE 2020 2020 EXPLORE OUR ASIA TABLE OF 14 MULTI-COUNTRY 36 CAMBODIA 56 MALAYSIA 16 CYCLING SAIGON TO 38 FAMILY MULTISPORT 58 CYCLING THE CONTENTS ANGKOR WAT CHALLENGE EXTRAVAGANZA HEADHUNTER’S HEARTLAND Lake Biwa 17 CYCLING CHIANG MAI TO 39 CYCLING REMOTE 4 ADVENTURE AND LUANG PRABANG CAMBODIA 59 BORNEO’S SALES OFFICES LOST WORLD TREK 18 TREKKING LUANG PRABANG 40 ANGKOR AND KULEN 5 WORKING WITH EXO TO HANOI MOUNTAIN TREK 60 SABAH WILDLIFE ADVENTURE SPECTACULAR ADVENTURE 6 THE EXO EXPERIENCE 20 VIETNAM 42 LAOS 62 JAPAN 8 ABOUT EXO 22 TREK AND CRUISE PU ADVENTURE LUONG NATIONAL PARK 44 VIENTIANE 64 KUMANO KODO & AMA AND HALONG BAY REDISCOVERED DIVERS 9 WHY EXO ADVENTURE? 23 MEANDERING THE MEKONG 45 NORTHERN LAOS 65 CYCLE NOTO PENINSULA Huizhou JUNGLES & TRIBES Mandalay Hong Kong 10 OUR RESOURCES 24 CYCLING VIETNAM’S 66 WESTERN JAPAN MULTI-
Bagan Nyaung shwe COAST: HUE TO NHA TRANG 46 MINI MULTISPORTS ACTIVITIY ADVENTURE 12 TRAVELLING NORTHERN LAOS RESPONSIBLY 26 THAILAND 68 MYANMAR 13 GOING CARBON Irrawaddy River 48 INDONESIA NEUTRAL 28 THE HIDDEN BEAUTY OF 70 EXPLORE IRRAWADDY Mekong River NORTHERN THAILAND 50 DISCOVER FLORES ON DELTA BY BICYCLE 76 OUR COMMITMENT TWO WHEELS TO YOU 29 TREK AND KAYAK THROUGH 71 TREKKING TRIBES AND
Danang THE SOUTHERN WONDERS 51 THE SUMATRA TREKKING TRADITIONS OF MYANMAR Hoi An HOANG SA CHALLENGE ARCHIPELAGO 30 INTO THE WILD AT 72 MULTISPORT - MIDDLE Andaman Sea Pakse MAE TANG 52 BALI FAMILY CULTURAL BURMA ADVENTURE ADVENTURE
EAST SEA Nha Trang Dalat
TRUONG SA ARCHIPELAGO Ho Chi Minh City 14 36 48 62 Phuket
TIOMAN KUCHING 20 26 42 56 68
Yogyakarta
COVER: CHIANG MAI, THAILAND EXO ADVENTURE CAMBODIA EXO ADVENTURE INDONESIA EXO ADVENTURE THAILAND [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] #296, Krous Village, Svay Dangkum Jln Bypass Ngurah Rai, No 157, Sanur, 29 Nimmanhemin Road Soi 11, ADVENTURE Commune, SIEM REAP District, Denpasar, Bali, INDONESIA Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 SIEM REAP Province, CAMBODIA TEL: +62 (0) 361 288 821 THAILAND AND SALES TEL: +855 (0) 63 964 323 TEL: +66 (0)53 895 083 EXO ADVENTURE MALAYSIA OFFICES EXO ADVENTURE LAOS [email protected] EXO ADVENTURE VIETNAM [email protected] Lot No. 8A-2, Level 8A, Bay 21,Jalan [email protected] 44/3 Ban Vat Nong, Khem Kong Road, Bayu 21, Off Jalan Istiadat, Likas 3rd Floor, 66A Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Luang Prabang, LAOS PDR 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Kiem District, Hanoi, VIETNAM TEL: +856 (0) 71 252 879 MALAYSIA TEL: +84 (0) 4 3828 2150
EXO ADVENTURE JAPAN EXO ADVENTURE MYANMAR Level 7-9, Nam Giao Building 1, [email protected] [email protected] 261-263 Phan Xich Long Street 1F Doria Shimogamo, No. 147, Shwegontaing Street, West Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh 19-2 Shimogamo Honmachi, Shwegontaing Ward, Bahan Township, City, VIETNAM Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0862, JAPAN Yangon, MYANMAR TEL: +84 (0) 28 3995 9898 TEL: +81 (0)3 4580 7464 - Ext: 111 TEL: +95 (0) 1 860 4933
WORKING WITH EXO ADVENTURE We offer a variety of ways to book or enquire about our services. Whether your communication preference is via online, e-mail, telephone, visiting one of our regional offices or a mixture of it all, our expert teams are standing by ready to answer any questions and process your bookings.
A TIMELY HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT RESPONSE: SERVICES: DEVELOPMENT:
We know that a fast From the use of high- Because authenticity response is imperative quality vehicles to our and innovation are for success in our thorough guide-training at the heart of EXO, industry and, as your programs, we are we have specialised partners on the ground, committed to providing product teams in each we are committed to the highest quality of of our destinations. responding to every service possible. Our With local experts inquiry the same day or, preferred suppliers are who live and breathe at the most, within 48 all subject to regular our destinations, we hours. and rigorous training ensure that all of our programs to ensure that travel products are as quality is always at a authentic as possible. high standard.
4 exotravel.com/adventure 5 THE EXO EXPERIENCE experiences possible while exceeding expectations experts, Through the collective knowledge of our expert We invite you and your clients to ‘Experience Our Asia’ every step of the way. Our strengths in attaining this travel professionals, we are able to craft tailor-made and uncover the mystique and allure of this fascinating With great clarity of vision and purpose, our goal goal are many, but they’re all built from one simple itineraries and bespoke tours that guide travellers and endlessly beautiful part of the world. as the first-choice destination management foundation: Asia is our home, and has been for more through the highlights and hidden gems of Asia in a way company in Asia is simple: to deliver the most than 26 years. With this deep connection to the that puts their personal needs and desires centrestage. exciting, authentic and transformative travel region, we’ve amassed a passionate team of travel
6 exotravel.com/adventure 7 WHY EXO ADVENTURE?
LOCAL TEAMS, EPIC EXPERIENCES
Because real adventures require extra tools, planning, assets and safety considerations, we’ve created EXO Adventure as a specialised and semi- autonomous unit of EXO Travel.
This enables EXO Adventure to leverage the contracting and cost advantages of a large DMC while remaining nimble enough to provide the personalised services of a small tour operator. Consequently, EXO Adventure is able to deliver the sort of adventurous experiences that only small local teams with a deep passion for and ABOUT EXO ADVENTURE knowledge of adventure can execute.
For more than 26 years, EXO has pioneered adventurous work tirelessly to produce seamless and Throughout our destinations, our Adventure teams work seamlessly together travel in Asia. Whether cycling, trekking, kayaking or authentic journeys that exceed expectations. to ensure unfaltering safety precautions are put into place and that trip quality multi-sporting, our goal is always the same: to reveal the remains consistently high. wonders of Asia in new and exciting ways.
In each EXO Adventure destination we have local and indestination experts who specialise in crafting uniquely memorable adventures. With every proposal, our teams
8 exotravel.com/adventure 9 SUPPORT ON ROUTE In addition to the bike, cycling water bottle and helmet, we also OUR provide plenty of fruit, snacks and water to ensure each rider has the RESOURCES fuel they need to keep going. We also provide cool towels, an air- EQUIPMENT & SUPPORT conditioned support vehicle, first- aid supplies and spare bike parts.
We pride ourselves in satisfying even the most intrepid of travellers without ever compromising safety or comfort. With in- destination experts who live and breathe adventure, along with all the high-quality gear and support necessary, we make sure that every adventure goes without a hitch.
Mountain bike - Trek X-Caliber 7
Mountain Bike - Trek X-Caliber 7 or Trek 4500 With hydraulic disc brakes and front suspension, KAYAKS TREKKING OUR BIKES these bikes are designed to take a beating. They can Whether on the sea, in a river or We offer unique and diverse We have a fleet of high-quality handle almost any terrain, on or off road. Available in all on a lake, we have a kayak that’s routes with varying levels bikes for every occasion, with destinations. able to perfectly accommodate of difficulty to suit every trained mechanics and vehicles the conditions. We also provide adventurer. Our trips are led by adapted to support cycling Hybrid Bike - Trek FX 3 or 7.2 FX Hybrid bike - Trek FX 7.2 kayaking life vests and back professionally-trained trekking tours. Clients can choose With plenty of gears, up-right handlebars and a rests, as well as plenty of fruits, guides who are experts in whichever bike they prefer. lightweight, these bikes are extremely versatile and snacks and water to ensure navigation and managing group We are also happy to suitable for all riders and most surfaces. Available in that kayakers are comfortable, dynamics. Additionally, they’re recommend the most suitable Japan and Vietnam. safe and have all the fuel they also highly knowledgeable bikes for each adventure. need. A support boat is always about local cultures, and Road Bike - Trek Domane SL 5 or Domane 2 nearby in case anyone needs a well-trained in remote medical For smooth riding, speed and efficiency these bikes are break, and first-aid supplies are aid. For overnight camping, ideal for riders who value the lightweight advantage of always at hand. we provide high quality tents carbon and also prioritise comfort and value. Available in to protect guests from the Japan & Vietnam. elements as well as comfortable bedding to ensure a proper Road bike - Trek Domane SL5 night’s rest. 10 exotravel.com/adventure 11 GOING CARBON NEUTRAL
Starting from October 2019, we’re taking a bold step to become the very first DMC in Asia to go carbon neutral by compensating for the carbon emissions generated by all EXO offices and staff across the globe. We can now also offer guests the option to offset the carbon footprint of their entire trips. By carefully measuring the carbon footprint of our supply chain in coordination with expert organisations, our Travel Consultants can provide you TRAVELLING with a carbon offset price per trip at the time of quotation. This enables you to sell trips to guests that are totally carbon RESPONSIBLY neutral based specifically on their trip. The carbon is offset through various initiatives in the region As one of Asia’s top destination management companies, including reforestation, forest and wildlife biodiversity we proudly accept the role we have as stewards of our protection, changing the energy sources people use, and destinations and the people living in them. Beginning with mangrove habitat rehabilitation. a comprehensive Responsible Travel Policy shared widely among our partners, we take leadership in sustainability By convincing your guests to offset the carbon of their trips, in many ways. you’ll be having a much needed positive impact on this planet - and you’ll be surprised by how cheap it is to do so! We are actively engaged with the Travelife Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme, the industry’s most stringent CSR certification process and, to date, have attained Travelife Certification in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia. Our travel products are not only sustainable, but also support community based tourism (CBT) projects and local organisations. These ventures range from exploring wild Asia with knowledgeable indigenous guides to experiencing gibbon calls or staying with a hill tribe family. We have also joined 40 other industry leaders in signing the World Travel & Tourism Council Declaration Against Illegal Wildlife Trade in Tourism.
12 exotravel.com/adventure 13 MULTI-COUNTRY ADVENTURE
JAPAN
MYANMAR LAOS
Hoang Sa THAILAND VIETNAM CAMBODIA
Truong Sa
Phu Quoc
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE
INDONESIA
IMMERSIVE Discover the best places Asia has to offer while enjoying a new twist on outdoor experiences through EXO Adventure. Cycle along the Mekong River MULTICOUNTRY and be captivated by bewitching cultures, traditions and landscapes. Trek TOURS VENTURING through the unspoilt mountain frontiers of northern Indochina or embark INTO ASIA’S on multi-sport adventures while kayaking, trekking and cycling. Not one day is wasted in these immersive multi-country tours that venture into the MOST BEGUILING most beautiful spots of each Asian destination. DESTINATIONS
14 exotravel.com/adventure 15 CYCLING SAIGON TO CYCLING CHIANG MAI TO ANGKOR WAT CHALLENGE LUANG PRABANG 12 Days / 11 Nights 11 Days / 10 Nights
Follow the Mekong River upstream to the ancient ruins of Enjoy spectacular sceneries from cycling the mountainous landscape Angkor Wat. Cycle through small lanes, over bridges and of Lanna Kingdom Chiang Mai to the serene UNESCO town of Luang through the maze of rice paddies, fruit orchards and small Prabang. Pass by Sri Lanna National Park, cross the Mae Kuang Dam villages to see life on the Mekong Delta. Hop on local ferries by longtail boat, witness life of the Tai Lue people before crossing over and arrive at Angkor to explore the ancient temples and rural to Laos. Pedal rural roads, homestay with the Hmong people and visit villages of Cambodia, gateways, and walls that was once a a responsible elephant camp for a true blue cross country adventure! thriving metropolis of its time. HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS ·· Freshen up at one of the most beautiful limestone Bua Tong ·· Travel by land and water and follow the Mekong River Waterfall in Thailand. upstream to the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. ·· Visit Cultural Hall at Wat Sri Khum Kam, a unique Shan style ·· Take local ferries, paddle small riverways and cycle through structure temple. local villages with spectacular landscapes of the Mekong Meet the ethinc Tai Lue and Hmong people with homestay Delta. ·· experiences in the mountains. ·· Explore the ancient temples of Angkor that was once a reigning and thriving metropolis during the Khmer Empire.
16 exotravel.com/adventure 17 HOI AN ROSEMARY BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA, VIETNAM Located just a kilometre from Hoi An Ancient Town and Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Rosemary Boutique Hotel & Spa is a 4-star luxury boutique hotel & spa that is perfectly-placed with a variety of services to Slow down and soak in the wonders of Laos and pamper and please the most discerning guests. Vietnam with a memorable trekking adventure. Between Luang Prabang and Hanoi, discover a With 91 sumptuously-designed rooms, all truly modern and TREKKING sophisticated, Hoi An Rosemary Boutique Hotel & Spa also offers region filled with unspoiled nature that is also plenty of amenities like a swimming pool, restaurant, conference LUANG teeming with wildlife. Walk through traces of room, gym, and a relaxing, modern spa. In addition, there are many PRABANG military history, encounter ethnic hill tribes and tours that take guests to visit the scenic, traditional villages, to experience the magic of Southeast Asia. embark on some excellent shopping, or even cooking Hoi An’s TO HANOI traditional dishes. 13 Days / 12 Nights HIGHLIGHTS With a professional, enthusiastic and friendly team, Hoi An Rosemary Boutique Hotel & Spa is a perfect stopover for any traveller’s journey ·· Experience hill tribe culture with homestays for when discovering Hoi An, it’s ancient town, and the surrounding area. a closer look at the traditional Thai and Khmu ethnic groups. ·· Visit historic sites during the Vietnam-America SIRIPANNA VILLA RESORT & SPA, war by hiking to the Vieng Xay Caves and CHIANG MAI, THAILAND crossing the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. Siripanna located in the middle of a natural habitat, offers a family- Trek in Nam Et Phou Louey National Park for a like service in the typical Lanna style, which will enchant guests ·· through all it has to offer during their stay. Their unique Lanna services unique camping experience and chance to spot offers a quality that will provide guests with excellent experiences exotic wildlife. from the accommodation, natural spa and exquisite dining options. Ranging from a la carte through to the most amazing Lanna style banquets, the resort can make all occasions happen. Find the stay at Siripanna filled with wonderful memories and happiness, found from the warmth and hospitality of their friendly staff.
THE RIVER RESORT, CHAMPASAK, LAOS The River Resort is a haven for casual elegance in nature in the south of Laos. Entering the property by stone walkway across evergreen rice paddy, guests enjoy a verdant, naturally landscaped parkland with 400 metres of stunningly beautiful Mekong riverscape. The resort features 28 stylish, spacious villa style rooms with either panoramic views of the Mekong River or lush views of rice paddy fields. All rooms have indoor and outdoor showers and private front terraces for casual relaxation.
The open-air riverfront sala features fine Western and Lao cuisine, dining alfresco, a bar, and rooftop terrace for private parties and meetings. Guests enjoy two infinity pools and Thai/ Lao and aromatic oil massage at the Spa. Enchanting sunset cocktail cruises on the Mekong are offered on its two Riverboats with stops at a sandy beach on Turtle Island to watch spectacular sunsets. Day trips to UNESCO Wat Phou, the hills of Bolaven Plateau or the fabled 4000 islands are also offered. 18
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