New Experience Myanmar: Birdwatching In Myanmar (Half Day)

Although most visitors to Myanmar enter and exit through Yangon, most rarely explore the city’s immediate surroundings – preferring instead to focus on its old world charms and contemporary trappings before flying off to other parts of the country. Among the many neglected attractions near the former capital is Hlwaga National Park, a 1540-hectare oasis of nature just 35km from the city.

 

The park is notable for its wildlife with barking deer, slow loris and a wide variety of snakes among its many inhabitants. It is most famous, however, for its bird life, making it a veritable paradise for twitchers.

 

With expert tuition from a local guide, this half-day journey ventures deep into the heart of the park where encounters with highlight species such as the Oriental Darter, the Raket-tailed Treepie and the Asian Fairy Bluebird are eminently likely. In addition to the bird species, guests may spot a glimpse of the rare Brow Antlered Deer.

 

Click here to see the full itinerary or get in touch with one of our expert travel consultants via [email protected]

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Myanmar

Dive into the latest from EXO Myanmar: News, travel inspiration and stories

  • Myanmar

    Dive into the latest from EXO Myanmar: News, travel inspiration and stories

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    Standing with Myanmar: EXO’s commitment to our team
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    Standing with Myanmar: EXO’s commitment to our team

    EXO Travel has been present in Myanmar since 1994, making us one of the longest established DMCs in the country. EXO Myanmar was the second EXO destination. opening just a year after our inception as Exotissimo in Vietnam. My first visit to Myanmar was in 1992, just as the country was first experimenting with opening for tourism. I will never forget the thrill of visiting somewhere that offered such a rich, extraordinary experience, like nowhere I'd been before. Myanmar, for me then, captured the essence of Southeast Asia's culture, history, and untouched beauty, along with the mysterious charm of a place that remained largely unexplored and unseen by many.  Over the years I have travelled to Myanmar many, many times and never lost that thrill.We've always been conscious of the political complexities in Myanmar. However, at EXO we believe that to truly appreciate the world, it must be experienced firsthand. We remain convinced of the transformative power of travel to dismantle barriers and cultivate mutual understanding. The advantages of fostering human connections, enhancing cultural awareness, and nurturing compassion, alongside promoting a sense of global community, make navigating these challenges worthwhile.Over the last 29-years we have facilitated travel to Myanmar for…

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    One EXO: Myanmar Talent Expands Across EXO Group
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    One EXO: Myanmar Talent Expands Across EXO Group

    Myanmar has an important part in the story of EXO. Shortly after establishing ourselves in Vietnam in ‘93, the ‘Golden Land’s’ mystique as an undiscovered destination combined with its charming people, culture and landscapes made for the perfect fit to expand our brand of pioneering travel. Launching in the country in 1995, we firmly believed that our presence in the country was important and meaningful, and that the world needed to experience the country’s incredible people and attributes firsthand to truly appreciate it. This is a belief that we still hold today alongside our team and family in the country, many of whom have been with us from the very start. With tourism in Myanmar remaining uncertain, we’ve been exploring new avenues for our Myanmar family. Their exceptional skills, passion and experience and the growing potential for remote work has enabled us to leverage their talents beyond the borders of their homeland. We’ve integrated Myanmar staff in our Thailand sales department, bolstering their experience with a recent inspection trip to Bangkok and surroundings. This trip, combined with in-person training, has equipped them with firsthand knowledge, enabling them to confidently transition to designing bespoke Thailand itineraries. Wah Wah Lwin, a member of…

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    Myanmar Reopening
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    Myanmar Reopening

    Summary of Myanmar reopening: Myanmar is technically open for travel. COVID entry regulations have loosened, especially for vaccinated travellers. However, the general political situation in Myanmar remains unstable since the change of government in February 2021. Multiple countries have issued strict travel warnings for Myanmar. In such cases, travel insurance generally does not offer coverage and is invalidated.   Please check the travel advice issued by guests' government; some embassies in Myanmar are not operating or may not have staff able to assist travellers in case a problem occurs in country. Please details regarding entry requirements below. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions at [email protected] Entry Requirements: 1)  Fill out health declaration form, which will be provided by the airline in flight, and present to authorities upon arrival. 2)  Submit proof of health insurance covering the cost of medical care in case of COVID-19 infection in Myanmar. This can either be supplied from guests' home country or purchased upon arrival. 3) Thermal Screening will be conducted by the authorities at the airport.

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    Updates From Myanmar
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    Updates From Myanmar

    Our reduced team is working from home for safety reasons. Our concern is for them, their families, and their friends. The situation in Myanmar has been completely upended since February 2021. People are caught between Covid, an undemocratic leadership, and an economy spiraling out of control with a currency having lost 60% of its value since February. A far cry from what Myanmar was from 2011 til Jan 21. Emails do come through mostly although there are frequent cuts and mobile phone signal disruptions are happening. Should you not have heard from us after allowing for the usual response time, please contact us at [email protected]. See here press references from both sides inside Myanmar to allow you to make up your own mind: The New Light of Myanmar (government),  The Irrawaddy (opposition), Frontier Myanmar (opposition), Myanmar Now (opposition) Twitter: #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar Wednesday, 4 November 2021 A former US Senator on a private humanitarian mission recently met the junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.  Further charges were raised by the military against the editor of local newspaper Frontier Myanmar, a US national detained for the past 4 months. Neither Mr. Fenster's nor Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyers are allowed to talk to the…

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    Travel and Give Back
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    Travel and Give Back

    Travel doesn’t just have to benefit those doing the travelling and at EXO, we place communities and the environment in which we operate at the forefront of our operations. One of the ways we ensure how we walk the talk is by making it easy and transparent for agents to identify tours that are responsible. With our destination product teams on the ground scouting experiences that make a difference, our EXO sustainability team have created five categories to assess our short tours and experiences from a responsible travel perspective, including Carbon Friendly Cultural Interaction Social Impacts Local Benefits Make a DifferenceBelow we take a look at just some of the experiences and tours that are deemed exceptionally responsible, making a positive impact on the people and places visited.  Carbon Friendly Tours under this category involve walking, trekking, cycling or alternative forms of transportation that avoid or minimise carbon emissions, and where private motorised vehicles are used, CO2 compensation is given.Cycling from Southern Vietnam to Angkor Wat, Cambodia — There’s nothing more carbon-friendly than relying on your own body power to get around. A 12-day cycling adventure from Saigon to Angkor Wat will provide for some experiences that most tourists miss out on.  Follow…

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    Southeast Asia For Vegetarians
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    Adrift in Asia – Why Cruising is the Best Way to See the Region
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    Adrift in Asia – Why Cruising is the Best Way to See the Region

    Cruising as a tourist endeavour has truly stood the test of time and is one of the fastest growing travel sectors today.  Part of the reason for its success is the way it has diversified to meet the needs of today's more sophisticated and demanding customers. That's certainly the case in Asia where guests can indulge themselves in an amazing array of water-bound experiences on the region's rivers and seascapes. In many ways, travelling by boat is one of the most natural ways to navigate Asia. In areas such as the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, one of the most impressive stretches of water anywhere in the world, river vessels are an integral part of life. It is a similar scenario in other parts of the region such as Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. In Indonesia, meanwhile, boats are the main link between the countless islands that make up the archipelago. For guests, voyages in Asia vary wildly in scope and in style. The region's oceans brim with maritime promise. In Vietnam, karst-studded Halong Bay is arguably the nation's most compelling tourist must-see attraction. A visit to the north of the country is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid…

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    Asia for Once in a Lifetime Experiences
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    Asia for Once in a Lifetime Experiences

    Asia is a region of vivid landscapes, colourful history and myriad enthralling sights, sounds and scents, where it is easy to let the imagination run wild. From castaway lunches on paradise islands to bike rides around the ancient ruins at Angkor, Asia is endlessly generous when it comes to creating lasting memories. Yet, even in this privileged sphere, there are truly special journeys that stand out from the rest. China's epic scope and its widescreen landscapes make it a natural choice for a-once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Falling neatly into this category is the unforgettable ride on the world's highest train journey from the capital Beijing to Lhasa, the administrative, political and religious capital of Tibet.   With its blend of modern and ancient sights, Beijing makes a charismatic starting point for the journey. It is the ride itself that many would argue is the highlight. Extending nearly 2000 kilometres through some of the most spectacular landscapes in China; the line from Beijing to Lhasa rises to heights of 5072 metres above sea level and is fully deserving of its reputation as one of the greatest modern feats of engineering.  FROM BEIJING TO LHASA BY WORLD'S HIGHEST TRAIN 11 Days/ 10 Nights  Breatk-taking scenery abounds…

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    Mystical and Majestic Bagan
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    Mystical and Majestic Bagan

    There are numerous stirring sights in Southeast Asia, but few are more spectacular than the ancient city of Bagan. Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, it is home to the densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world.  Comparisons are often drawn between Bagan and the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, but the two vast archaeological sites are very different in appearance and character. The Bagan temples are located on a large and fairly open plain, differentiating them from the ones in Cambodia, which often appear to be on the verge of being reclaimed by the jungle. During the 19th Century when Bagan was a central powerbase, it is estimated that as many as 13,000 temples and stupas once stood here. Approximately 2200 remain today, still an impressive number for any visitor to get their head around. FEATURED TRIP: BAGAN EXPLORER (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS) Be captivated by the spirituality, history and culture of Bagan. Explore the iconic temples, taking in the most famous monuments as well as many lesser-known pagodas. Then go beyond the temple zone to discover Bagan's mélange of traditional villages, beautiful landscapes and ancient customs. HIGHLIGHTS Explore Bagan's archaeological zone.…

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    EXO Explores – River Cruising & Beach Breaks, Myanmar
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    EXO Explores – River Cruising & Beach Breaks, Myanmar

    Myanmar's waterways are as integral to the country's character and soul as its golden pagodas and multitude of ethnic groupings. There are over 5000 miles of navigable river in the nation, and boat travel has traditionally been one of the main ways of getting around. These days, with domestic airlines and improvements in infrastructure making travel within the country a lot easier, the country's huge fleet of riverboats do less of a trade than in the past.  However, those with plenty of time on their hands will find that taking the watery route remains the most evocative way to appreciate the languid rhythms of Burmese life. While government ferries can be ramshackle, a number of private companies operate more luxurious itineraries on new vessels or upgraded relics from the British colonial era ranging from a day or two to over a week. The most important river in the country is the Irrawaddy, which is navigable all the way from its delta to the town of Bhamo in Kachin State during the dry season and even further in the wet season. The most popular Irrawaddy cruises take in the sights at Mandalay and Bagan while longer itineraries explore less charted, but…

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  • Myanmar

    Dive into the latest from EXO Myanmar: News, travel inspiration and stories

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See & Do

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    Keep Travel Dreams Alive
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    Keep Travel Dreams Alive

    The turn of a new decade brought cheer, optimism and aspirations of a brighter future. For many, it was a time of resolutions to live fuller lives, to focus on experiences more than things and to travel more. But the new decade also brought a storm. In just three short months, COVID-19 and its terrible impacts have swept across the world, casting doubt on the positive outlooks of many.  With an ever-growing list of travel restrictions, closed borders and concerns for safety, dreams of travel are now more distant than any other time in recent history.  While health is rightfully at the forefront of everyone's thoughts, the travel industry is bunkered up at the frontlines of what will be a hard-fought battle to see this storm through to the end. In these uncertain times, we'd like to remind you that we're here and we're not going anywhere. Because when everything settles down again, which it will, the world will continue being just as amazing as it's ever been — maybe more so! Keep travel dreams alive by encouraging guests to postpone their trips rather than cancelling them. We firmly believe, just as we always have, that travel makes the world…

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    Fantastic Beasts of Asia and Where to Find Them
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    Fantastic Beasts of Asia and Where to Find Them

    A wildlife encounter can provide an enriching element to any trip to Southeast Asia, and opportunities abound for animal lovers in this part of the world.  These unique experiences give a chance to learn more about some fantastic creatures from the people that work to conserve them.  THAILAND - Elephants When organised responsibly, visiting elephants and spending time with them can be an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Since 2015, EXO has been stepping up efforts with other operators and animal welfare organisations to improve elephant welfare and to educate and promote best practices.  We only recommend camps which reach our robust standard of assessment. In forested hills, an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, the Maeklang Elephant Conservation Community provides a home for rescued elephants in their natural habitat - as well as agricultural support and training for local farmers. Visitors can spend the day playing with, feeding and tending to these gentle giants, as well as joining them in a cleansing ‘mud spa’ as they bathe in the Maeklong River. Interact with these beautiful beasts and learn and participate in the centre’s work in protecting the elephants, wildlife and environment.  VIETNAM - Douc Langur  The Son Tra Peninsula - also known…

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    5 Strange and Wonderful Things About Japan
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    5 Strange and Wonderful Things About Japan

    Every country has its quirks and curiosities. Whether an unusual food (like Vegemite or lutefisk), an odd landmark, a cult-like TV show obsession, or eye-raising cultural events, there are one-of-a-kind characteristics and oddball charms unique to every culture. In this blog post we celebrate some of the wacky things we love about Japan. 1) BATSU GAME SHOWS Game shows are already weird in and of themselves, but Japan elevates the format. Who can forget the Nuru Nuru Treasure Hunter AKA ‘Slippery Stairs’ segment of TBS’s All-Star Kanshasai variety show that went viral, where celebrities tried -- and failed -- to clamber up lubricated steps? There is an entire genre of games called batsu where contestants are penalised with hilariously painful punishments. And then there are your garden variety show challenges, such as going on a date in a backless tuxedo or trying to guess which piece of furniture is made of candy. Some shows are so good they’re even adopted overseas -- see American Ninja Warrior, Fear Factor and Hole in the Wall (Human Tetris), which have more than borrowed from Japanese inspiration. 2) MASCOT FEVER  Mascot culture thrives in Japan. Mascots -- called yuru-kyara -- compete every year in…

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    Malaysia’s Hidden Paradises – Why it is Asia’s best beach destination
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    Malaysia’s Hidden Paradises – Why it is Asia’s best beach destination

    Malaysia has the region's third longest and, arguably, one of its most beautiful coastlines. Between the eastern and western coastlines of Peninsular Malaysia and nearly half the circumference of Borneo, the third largest island on earth, there is an overwhelming number of exotic beach destinations ripe for discovery. For travellers looking for a perfect blend of tropical beauty and tranquility, there are options aplenty.  So the next time you recommend a unique beach destination to clients travelling to Asia, keep in mind some of these incredible options Malaysia has to offer. REDANG ISLANDS Redang Island Comprised of nine idyllic islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the Redang Islands are the epitome of `paradise.' With crystal clear waters, bleachwhite sands, peaceful luxurious vibes and its own airport with daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to boot, it's a wonder the Redang Islands remain so pristine. For guests looking to add a beach leg to their trip in Malaysia, this may very well be the best and most easy-to-add addition to their itinerary. Getting There: With direct flights from Kuala Lumpur's Subang Airport and Singapore's Changi Airport, getting to the Redang Islands is a breeze.…

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  • Heritage Line, Mekong" alt="">
    Adrift in Asia – Why Cruising is the Best Way to See the Region
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    Adrift in Asia – Why Cruising is the Best Way to See the Region

    Cruising as a tourist endeavour has truly stood the test of time and is one of the fastest growing travel sectors today.  Part of the reason for its success is the way it has diversified to meet the needs of today's more sophisticated and demanding customers. That's certainly the case in Asia where guests can indulge themselves in an amazing array of water-bound experiences on the region's rivers and seascapes. In many ways, travelling by boat is one of the most natural ways to navigate Asia. In areas such as the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, one of the most impressive stretches of water anywhere in the world, river vessels are an integral part of life. It is a similar scenario in other parts of the region such as Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. In Indonesia, meanwhile, boats are the main link between the countless islands that make up the archipelago. For guests, voyages in Asia vary wildly in scope and in style. The region's oceans brim with maritime promise. In Vietnam, karst-studded Halong Bay is arguably the nation's most compelling tourist must-see attraction. A visit to the north of the country is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid…

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    EXO Self Guide – Your Very Own Pocket Travel Guide
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    EXO Self Guide – Your Very Own Pocket Travel Guide

    Asia has such a dizzying array of places to see, things to do, and foods to taste that the sheer variety of options can sometimes be overwhelming! To make travel easier than ever, we've developed our very own Self Guided App. This all-encompassing pocket guide displays everything guests need to experience, and the best of Japan, right in the palm of their hand!Self Guide has the best insider knowledge and info on popular places and undiscovered treasures for more than 30 cities. All guests need to do is download it from Google Play or App Store and they're ready to go.For added convenience and practicality, Self Guide works offline, so there are no data or roaming fees. The main page has all the guests' important information including your company's details, which can be customised with your logo, as well as 24/7 emergency contacts and a customised itinerary with flight details, trip agendas and modes of transportation which include time schedules and directions for everywhere guests need to go.Each day, guests will have preloaded daily itineraries in both English and the local language to stay on track. The built-in Location Guide showcases local attractions, shopping areas, restaurants and more. Guests can…

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    Spiritual Awakening in Luang Prabang, Laos
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    When it comes to being persuasive to visitors, Luang Prabang is a seasoned charmer. Nestled at the confluence of the mighty Mekong and Nam Khan rivers with forest covered mountains forming its backdrop, the town remains the countries number one draw.  Evocative scenes are not difficult to come by in the one-time Royal Capital. As the early-morning mists roll away from the Mekong, the streets fill up with saffron-robed monks collecting their daily alms, a ritual preserved for centuries - and more so here than anywhere else in Buddhist Asia. The gentle chimes of temple bells resound throughout the day, while the sound of diners chattering over riverside cocktails or gourmet meals defines the unobtrusive evening clamor. Although modernity has encroached in the shape of slick new cafes and hotels, Luang Prabang remains very much in touch with its past. The city is UNESCO World Heritage-listed, which means that most of its unique combination of cultural wonders such as royal palaces, traditional Lao wooden style buildings, French colonial architecture and ornate temples remain safeguarded. Highlights include Wat Xieng Thong and Phou Si Mountain, which is located atop a hill overlooking the city and offers incredible views across the city towards…

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    Idyllic and Untouched – Lombok & the Gili Islands
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    Idyllic and Untouched – Lombok & the Gili Islands

    Known as the 'Island of the Gods', Bali's prominence as a destination is rightfully huge. In recent times, growing numbers of visitors have been looking a little further east to Lombok, where the fabled Gili Islands have emerged as one of Indonesia's premier beach havens.  For those who relish both comfort and exoticism, however, there is no better place than Bali. Many visitors barely scratch the surface of the island's deeply complex and spiritual Hindu culture, preferring to spend their time surfing the island's fabled breaks, relaxing in opulent resorts or enjoying life to its fullest in sleek beach clubs and international-class restaurants. The island's magical tapestry of enchanting temple ceremonies, vivid-green rice terraces and comfortable living, however, can be easily found in places such as the cultural center of Ubud, laidback beach towns like Lovina and Amed and in the glorious hinterland. Just to the east, Lombok is very different in character. The island is predominantly Muslim and is drier and more arid than Bali. Its highlight, the Gili Islands, with their coral reefs, stretches of white sand and friendly locals, however, offer perhaps the most blissful beach experience in Indonesia. MULTIDAY TOURS BALI AUTHENTIC (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS)…

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    EXO Explores – Western Honshu & South Japan
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    EXO Explores – Western Honshu & South Japan

    The southern reaches of Japan don't get as much tourist footfall as the areas around Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, but they are no less alluring. Western Honshu, known as Chugoku, is best known for the legacy of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, its main city. However, visitors can experience everything from peaceful mountain scenery to exquisite seafood and culinary encounters with the potentially lethal fugu (blowfish), a specialty of the town of Shimonoseki on the far western trip of Honshu. Beyond western Honshu lies Kyushu, the third largest island of Japan and the most southwesterly of its four main islands. Rugged and mountainous, and rich in volcanic activity, the island is a favorite of hikers. The peaks of the Kirishima chain are ripe for exploring while the fearsome Mount Aso is the country's most active volcano. Excellent trekking can also be found on Shikoku, where pilgrims have walked clockwise around the island for more than a millennium, following in the footsteps of Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi. Far removed from Japan's main four islands and stretching south to within 200 kilometers of Taiwan, Okinawa shows visitors yet another side to the country. Known for its friendly, sub-tropical, climate and string of…

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    EXO Explores – Art & Architecture in Cambodia
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    EXO Explores – Art & Architecture in Cambodia

    Aesthetics have long played a central part in the culture of Cambodia. The temples at Angkor are widely recognised as one of history's crowning architectural achievements. Meanwhile, a few generations later, the colonial and post-colonial eras ushered in a new age of Khmer creativity , reflected in everything from architecture to music, film and art. The dark days of Khmer Rouge rule and its aftermath served to stunt this blossoming, but guests visiting today can appreciate the country's unique artistic heritage in a number of often-indulgent ways. Available journeys vary in scope. In the capital Phnom Penh, a vibrant architectural scene can be appreciated through informative walking tours, while a similar experience can be enjoyed in sleepy Battambang. Other unforgettable memories can be created through sunrise appreciation of the temples at Angkor and an insight to Cambodia's incredible artistic heritage with one of the country's most innovative creative collectives. OUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCES  PHNOM PENH ART & ARCHITECTURE TOUR In recent times Phnom Penh has slowly rebuilt its artistic spirit, drawing from a new sense of optimism brought on by Cambodia’s rapidly changing society. Tour around the famous 1960s architecture, before lunch at one of the city’s…

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