Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand Travel Information

Tourism Indochina: ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting

2012-01-31T17:51:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2012-01-26): The Cambodia Minister of Tourism attended the 15th ASEAN Ministers Meeting under the theme of “Tourism For A Global Community of Nations”. In the Meeting, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers express a high appreciation to the continued progress in implementing the Tourism Strategic Plan 2011 -2015 and also the commitment to foster the implementation the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan so as to hit the defined target and strengthening of the tourism product quality via standardizing and human resources capacity building.

Throughout the meeting agenda of ASEAN Tourism Forum, ASEAN Tourism Ministers have endorsed ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, Home Stay and Spa and rewarded 10 ASEAN Green Hotels Standard in the Kingdom of Cambodia including 7 in Siem Riep, one in Phnom Penh, one in Battambang and another one in Preah Sihanouk province. In addition, with the same shared goal, ASEAN Tourism Ministers have supported ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy 2012-2015, aiming to promote and develop ASEAN to be a competitive destination.

The Marketing Strategy mainly focuses on Indian and Chinese and Intra- ASEAN Travelers and remarkably ASEAN inbound tourist is approximately 79 million with an increase of 7.4 %. Tourists from Korean, Japan and china are about 12 million, 2.4 million from India, and 34 million from Intra- ASEAN travelers. ASEAN expect to register approximately 107 million in 2015.

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Tourism Indochina: Asia Pacific News: Hong Kong Breaks Tourists Record in 2011

2012-01-24T16:25:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Hong Kong Breaks Tourists Record in 2011

HONG KONG: Tourist arrivals hit a record high in Hong Kong in 2011 with nearly 42 million visitors, boosted by a huge increase of people from mainland China, tourism officials said.

The number of holiday makers to the city increased 16.4 percent from 2010 to 41.92 million, with about two-thirds coming from mainland China, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in a statement late Thursday.

Mainland tourist figures jumped 23.9 percent year-on-year, helping to offset a decline of 2.4 percent from Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

"Looking into 2012, notwithstanding uncertainty in the global economic environment, the HKTB will continue to invest in promotions in different key source markets," board chairman James Tien said.

"We project there will be single-digit growth in visitor arrivals in 2012."

Tourism accounts for about 3.4 percent of Hong Kong's economy.

The former British colony, which was returned to China in 1997 but maintains a semi-autonomous status, is a shopping haven for many of mainland China's newly-minted who pack the city's numerous luxury goods stores.

However, there have been complaints by some tourists that they are strong-armed to go shopping by tour guides who often earn commission from local shops based on how much is spent.

Source: AFP/al

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Tourism Indochina: Advancing Cruise Tourism in ASEAN

2012-01-24T16:14:00.001+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Advancing Cruise Tourism in ASEAN

SINGAPORE: ASEAN's Tourism Ministers have agreed on closer collaboration to advance cruise tourism in the region at their recent meeting in Manado, Indonesia.

To this end, ASEAN will look at a series of workshops, co-organised with the industry, to share best practices and strengthen collaboration in port infrastructure development, development of regional itineraries and joint marketing.

Details were released by Singapore's Trade and Industry Ministry.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, S Iswaran, who attended the meeting, said: "This is a positive development for ASEAN tourism as we work towards a strong regional cruise tourism industry.

"Singapore will work closely with the member states and the industry to organise these workshops in the coming months. Collectively, we can bring out the region's strong diversity and promote greater tourism flows within ASEAN."

The meeting noted that a key enabler in advancing cruise tourism in ASEAN is to develop adequate port infrastructure to accommodate more cruise ships.

ASEAN countries can also work together to develop regional cruise itineraries and share experience in enhancing shore-side attractions and amenities at the various destinations.

The Ministry added that the opening of Singapore's International Cruise Terminal (ICT) this year will support ASEAN's goal to be an exciting cruise region.

The terminal will double berth capacity and allow Singapore to cater to the world's largest ships.

Speaking in support of ASEAN's direction, Mr Michael Bayley, executive vice president of International of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, said: "The ASEAN region enjoys many innate favourable factors for cruise development such as the huge population base and growing affluence that will drive demand for travel.

"Together with the more active developments in the cruise infrastructure here recently, ASEAN's cruise industry is now poised to grow beyond its infancy stage and in the long run, to make the region the next exotic cruise paradise of the East."

Source: CNA/cc

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Tourism Indochina: Asia Pacific News: Voluntourism on the Rise

2012-01-24T15:36:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Asia Pacific News: Voluntourism on the Rise

ANHUI: Soaking in the sights and sounds of rural China or visiting the homes of families affected by HIV and AIDS to better understand their needs may not be most people's idea of a vacation.

But an increasing number of people, foreigners as well as Chinese, are choosing this alternative form of travel called 'Voluntourism'.

'Voluntourism' or combining volunteer work with tourism is becoming an increasingly popular way of seeing the world.

In China, more people from major cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong are choosing to travel with a purpose.

Charity organization Chi Heng Foundation has organized 10 such trips since last year to visit AIDS affected families in rural China.

A day out at the park may not seem like the most interesting activity on a tour itinerary, but for these AIDS affected children, it is good fun and a way to forget their problems for a while.

Thomas Ho and his wife, who are from Hong Kong, brought their three sons, with the youngest at seven years old, along with them for a 'Voluntourism' trip.

Mr Ho said: "What's the point of bringing children to great cities, five-star hotels, what do they learn? But coming to a trip like this, the children will see a contrast of what they have and the life of people who don't have what they have."

Chi Heng Foundation's founder Chung To said: "Many of the children do not have HIV themselves but in a village setting where people sometimes are superstitious and relatively uneducated, some villages believe that these children brought the bad luck to the family, causing the parents to die. The children have been the scapegoat in some cases and even the relatives are not treating them well."

Many of the visitors were inspired by the children's resilience.

Fourteen-year-old Kevin Ho said: "They are not different in any way. It's just that their background is different but when we meet them, they are all like normal kids."

Another participant Tejinder Rajput said: "In a place that has lots of poverty, they are so positive and vibrant. They are smiling and it makes you wonder whether we have got it wrong. Living in the city with the stresses of working nine to five, these people are just free-spirited individuals."

A three day two night weekend trip to Anhui costs about US$500.

It covers accommodation, meals, as well as gifts for the children.

Source: CNA/fa

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Tourism Indochina: Minister of Tourism attended the ASEAN Ministers Meeting in ASEAN Tourism Forum

2012-01-22T16:02:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Minister of Tourism attended the ASEAN Ministers Meeting in ASEAN Tourism Forum

Indonesia- On January 10-15, 2012, Cambodian delegations, led by H.E Dr. THONG Khon, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom, attended the 15th ASEAN Ministers Meeting, the 13th ASEAN Ministers Meeting plus China, Japan and Korea, and the 3rd ASEAN-India Meeting in ASEAN Tourism Forum under the theme of “Tourism For A Global Community of Nations”, held in Manado, Indonesia.

In the 15th ASEAN Ministers Meeting, ASEAN Tourism Ministers have highly appreciated the continued progress in implementing the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2011-2015 which was endorsed during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Moreover, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers have jointly committed to further foster implementation of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan in order to accomplish the defined targets, namely strengthening of tourism product quality through standardizing the quality of various tourism products; endeavors in human resource capacity building in tourism sector via the stringent implementation of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) and last but not least, the joint promotion of ASEAN tourist destination.

In keeping with this spirit, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers have endorsed the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, ASEAN Home Stay Standard, and ASEAN Spar Standard, and at the meantime, approved and supported the initiatives of Cambodia in preparing the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard based on the Cambodian Clean Tourist City Standard. during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2012, ASEAN Tourism Ministers have conferred upon the Green Hotel Reward to the 10 Hotels in Cambodia, in which seven hotels located in Siem Reap province, one hotel in Phnom Penh, one in Preah Sihanouk province, and another one in Battambang province in addition to the existing 20 ASEAN Green Hotels in the country.

Concurrently, ASEAN Tourism Ministers have endorsed the ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy 2012-2015, aiming at developing ASEAN to be the competitive tourist destination, mainly targeting the Chinese and Indian source markets as well as the Intra-ASEAN Travelers (ASEAN for ASEAN).

It is remarkable to note that in 2011, ASEAN registered international tourists of approximately 79 million with an increase of 7.4% (in which tourists from China, Japan, Korea recorded 12 million, 2.4 million from India, and 34 million of Intra-ASEAN Travelers, and ASEAN will receive approximately 107 million in 2015.

Furthermore, the 11th ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting plus China, Japan and Korea have conducted in accordance with the agendas of cooperation of ASEAN+3 (China, Japan, Korea). The meeting has shared opinions and best practices and highly appreciates the strong tourism cooperation in the framework of ASEAN+3, thereby requesting to further encourage youth travelers, joint-promotion of ASEAN+3, connectivity of ASEAN+3, healthy and security cooperation by preparing the Memorandum of Cooperation-MOC on ASEAN Plus Three (ATP) Tourism Cooperation which is agreed to be signed in 2012 as well as further intensify the implementation of ASEAN Plus Three Work Plan 2007-2017. the ASEAN Tourism Ministers have highly appreciated the ASEAN-Japan Center and ASEAN-Korea Center for best endeavors in technically supporting ASEAN tourism development, and strongly welcome remarks by H.E Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) showcasing the progressive development of cooperation between ASEAN and UNWTO.

In particular, the 3rd ASEAN Ministers Meeting + India has mutually recognized the importance of tourism development between ASEAN and India, and agreed to sign the Memorandum of Understanding ASEAN-India on Tourism Cooperation. Whereby, ASEAN Tourism Ministers have welcomed the establishment of ASEAN Promotion Chapter Mombai and ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012.

Overall, ASEAN Tourism Ministers have supported and committed to urge up ASEAN connectivity by further encourage visa exemption between ASEAN member states and welcome the implementation of Common Visa (by introducing the formation of Minus X as experienced in ACMECS framework, Single Visa between Cambodia and Thailand), as well as further strengthen close cooperation in ASEAN Transportation service, particularly air connectivity by mean of the Full Liberation of Passenger Air Services by 2015. It is remarkable to note that the Opening of ASEAN Tourism Forum 2012 was highly presided over by H.E Boediono, the Vice-President of Indonesia with honorary participation of H.E Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of UNWTO and Tourism Ministers of ASEAN, China, Japan, Korea and India.

The next ASEAN Tourism Forum 2013 will be hosted in Vientiane, Laos from 18-21 January 2013. Source: MOT

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Tour By Sea Route is Popular

2012-01-11T20:27:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Tour By Sea Route is Popular

(Tourism Indochina:Date: 2007-10-28): An agreement to this effect was reached by the tourism authorities and relevant agencies of localities from the three countries at a meeting in the Phu Quoc island district, Kien Giang province, from October 24-25. There will be two trips a week along this line by a high-speed ship, capable of carrying 300 people. Visitors will depart from Vietnam ’s Ha Tien township, travel to Cambodia ’s Shihanouk Ville port city and finally arrive in an eco-tourism site in Thailand ’s Chanthaburi province. Kien Giang province, the Vietnamese partner in the project, is mobilising capital to upgrade its infrastructure and entertainment facilities in Ha Tien and Phu Quoc.

Phú Quốc is the largest island in Vietnam. The island is part of Kiên Giang Province, has a total area of 574 square kilometres (222 sq mi) and a permanent population of approximately 85,000. The district of Phú Quốc includes the island proper and 21 smaller islets. The district seat, Dương Đông, is located on the west coast, and is also the largest town on the island. The economy is centered around fishing, agriculture and a fast-growing tourism sector; Phú Quốc being one of the most popular tourist destinations of Vietnam. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phú Quốc island lies just off the Cambodian coast, 62 nautical miles (115 km; 71 mi) from Rạch Giá, 8.1 nautical miles (15.0 km; 9.3 mi) from Kampot province of Cambodia, and nearly 290 nautical miles (540 km; 330 mi) from Laem Chabang, Thailand. Roughly triangular in shape the island is 50 kilometres (31 mi) long north to south and 25 kilometres (16 mi) east to west in the north at its widest. A mountainous ridge known as "99 Peaks" runs the length of Phú Quốc, with Chúa Mountain being the tallest at 603 metres (1,978 ft). The island's monsoonal sub-equatorial climate is characterized by distinct rainy (June to November) and dry seasons (December to May). The annual rainfall is high, averaging 2,879 millimetres (9.446 ft). In the northern mountains up to 4,000 millimetres (13 ft) has been recorded. April and May are the hottest months, with temperature reaching 35 °C (95 °F).

Ha Tien is a seaside town in Kien Giang Province in Southern Vietnam. It is at the western end of the Mekong Delta close to the Cambodian border. Although a tourist spot it hasn't yet seen many western visitors due to its remoteness. As a result the English literacy of even the hotel staff is next to nothing. However, the opening of the border to Cambodia for international travelers recently is likely to change that in the near future. The bus terminal is west of the city center (it was moved there from To Chau on the other side of the bay around January 2008). There are buses from Ho Chi Minh City's Mien Tay terminal (about 8h) as well as from Can Tho and Chau Doc. The connection from Can Tho often requires a change in Rach Soi or Rach Gia from where it is about 1h. The border near Ha Tien (7km to the north) was opened for tourists in 2007. NEW!! NO VISA NEEDED; As of late 2010,it is possible for tourists of most nationalities to enter Vietnam via this border crossing without the need for a visa.It applies only for stays of up to 15 days,and you can only visit the so called "Special Economic Zone",which is essentially the town of Ha Tien,and the area between the town and the border,including Mui Nai beach.You must not travel further into Vietnam (There is some dispute over whether you can travel to Phu Quoc island having entered with this visa free entry). From Kampot you can get a motobike taxi for $9-10 or from Kep for $7 to the border on the Cambodian side. The road can vary in condition from paved and bumpy to packed dirt and bumpy, be prepared for a slightly white knuckled ride depending on the daring nature of your driver. Also, be aware that there seem to be Vietnamese drivers now waiting well inside the Cambodian side waiting to pickup (poach) prospective travelers to take them across the border into town. Your driver may stop here to talk with them and seem to suggest you go with them. A ride to town should be $3-4 or less (it is only 7 km and the road is well paved on the Vietnamese side.) If you can't agree on a price there you can simply have your Cambodian driver take you to the border where you can cross over and have the drivers on the other side fight over you.

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Siem Reap Named One of the World’s Best Cities

2012-01-04T15:53:00.003+07:00

Siem Reap Named One of the World’s Best Cities

Siem Reap was singled out as “one of the world’s best cities” in the latest annual reader survey published by renowned Travel + Leisure magazine. Citing the city’s evolution from “a cluster of riverfront villages in northwestern Cambodia into a full-fledged destination,” the magazine praised Siem Reap for its magnificent temple sites and myriad recreational and cultural attractions.

Siem Reap scored an 87.9 on a possible scale of 100 in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Cities Awards,” which ranked it the 2nd best Asian city, and the 7th best city in the world. In the write-up in their August 2011 issue, the widely circulated travel magazine highlighted must-see stops in town including Angkor Archaeological Park, boutique handicraft store Artisans d’Angkor, the McDermott Gallery (currently showcasing modern white and black Angkor Wat photography), and Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort.

Travel + Leisure is a monthly travel magazine with over 4.8 million readers. This year marks the 16th annual “World’s Best Awards” —a yearly survey ranking readers’ favorite cities, hotels, cruises, and spas. Cities were ranked based on their sights, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people, shopping and value.

In a press release announcing the winners, Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Nancy Novogrod said, “exotic destinations—places that convey a sense of authenticity and adventure—are ruling the day once again.” Source: MOT

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The Hotel Angkor Palace Resort & Spa Became as the Grand Soluxe Angkor Palace Resort & Spa

2012-01-04T15:06:00.003+07:00

The Hotel Angkor Palace Resort & Spa Became as the Grand Soluxe Angkor Palace Resort & Spa

Siem Reap, 1st August 2011 - The 5 star hotel Angkor Palace Resort & Spa in Siem Reap became officially known as the Grand Soluxe Angkor Palace Resort & Spa following a partnership with the Soluxe Hospitality Group, a Singapore-based international hotel chain owned by the China National Petroleum Corporation.

A joyous ceremony, presided over by H.E. Dr. Cham Prasith, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia was held at the resort’s premises to officiate the event that was graced by senior officials from China as well as government officials from the Kingdom of Cambodia.

ChairmanMr. Ly Hong was all smiles when he addressed the audience of more than 250 invited guests; proudly sharing how he came about establishing the resort and the progress leading to a partnership with the Grand Soluxe Hospitality Group to take his resort to the next level.

Besides being the hospitality arm of the dynamic China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) which own assets and business interests in more than 27 countries worldwide, the Soluxe Hospitality Group manages several brands of hotel chain including such names as the Grand Soluxe, Soluxe, Soluxe Courtyard and Soluxe Inn. Currently, there are over 60 luxurious Soluxe hotels located within China and in several other major cities around the world.

H.E. Dr. Cham Prasidth, in his speech, used an allegory of a marriage to exemplify the ideal match of the partnership between the Grand Soluxe Hospitality Group and the Angkor Palace Resort & Spa. His Excellency is confident that with this ‘Marriage’, there will be no more ‘Low season’ for the resort. His Excellency also advised the Grand Soluxe Angkor Palace Resort & Spa to maintain the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard accredited by the ASEAN Hotel Association.

Dr. Thong Khon told the audience that “tourism as a system is a prioritized sector which contributes towards building up socio-economic development, job opportunities, income generation, and improvement of livelihood and poverty reduction.” He emphasized “Tourism is a vital part of the economy since its revenue is directly integrated into the national economy, contributing towards enhancing GDP growth and stabilizing commercial balance.” His Excellency also strongly hopes that this new opening will attract more international tourists, especially Chinese tourist to visit Siem reap province as well as Cambodia. "

According to statistical projection, Cambodia will receive around 8 million international tourists in year 2020, of which Siem Reap-Angkor is expected to receive about half of which at around 4 million tourists; not taking domestic travelers into account. UNWTO forecasted that the Chinese outbound tourism will reach 100,000,000 tourists in 2020 in whichCambodia expects to receive 1,2% of this share.

The accommodation sector, in particular hotels, is today one of the leading services playing a core role in the tourism industry.The official opening of the Grand Soluxe Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is a true respond to the vision of the Ministry of Tourism; Improving the hotel industry quality and Promoting Cambodian tourism in the international market.

H. E. Dr. Thong Khon concluded his speech by recommending to the hotel management of Grand Soluxe Angkor Palace Resort & Spa to offer more facilities to the Chinese market such as Chinese language on signboards or food menu, and also to give high attention to the environmental protection in order to contribute to the vision of Siem Reap city to be an Eco City in the near future. Source: MOT

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Tourism Indochina: Sihanoukville is a Colourful but Tragic Upstart

2012-01-04T12:12:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Sihanoukville is a Colourful but Tragic Upstart

Sihanoukville (Krong Preah Seihanu), formerly Kompong Som and familiarly just Snookyville or even Snooky is a seaside town featuring Cambodia's best-known beaches.

In a land with thousands of years of history, Sihanoukville is a colourful but tragic upstart. A mere fifty years ago, a French-Cambodian construction carved a camp out of the jungle and started building the first deep-sea port of a newly independent Cambodia. Named Sihanoukville in 1964 after the ruling prince of Cambodia, the booming port and its golden beaches soon drew Cambodia's jetsetting elite, spawning the first Angkor Beer brewery and the modernist seven-story Independence Hotel which, claim locals, even played host to Jacqueline Kennedy on her whirlwind tour of Cambodia in 1967. Peace returned in 1997 and in the ensuing ten years Sihanoukville has been busy picking up the pieces. First visited only by a few intrepid backpackers, guidebooks still talk of walls pockmarked by bullets, but any signs of war are hard to spot in today's Sihanoukville, whose new symbol seems to be the construction site.

After 30 years of housing only ghosts, the Independence Hotel is up and running again, more and more Khmers and expats have settled down to run bars and restaurants, and the knowledge of what the New York Times dubbed "Asia's next trendsetting beach" is starting to spread.

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Tourism Indochina: Baphuon Temple Was Built to Dedicate to the God Shiva

2012-01-03T17:41:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Baphuon Temple Was Built to Dedicate to the God Shiva

The Baphuon (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបាពួន) is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia. It is located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. It is the archetype of the Baphuon style. The temple adjoins the southern enclosure of the royal palace and measures 120 metres east-west by 100 metres north-south at its base and stands 34 meters tall without its tower, which would have made it roughly 50 meters tall. Its appearance apparently impressed Emperor Chengzong of Yuan China's late 13th century envoy Chou Ta-Kuan during his visit from 1296 to 1297, who said it was 'the Tower of Bronze...a truly astonishing spectacle, with more than ten chambers at its base.' In the late 15th century, the Baphuon was converted to a Buddhist temple. A 9 meter tall by 70 meter long statue of a reclining Buddha was built on the west side's second level, which probably required the demolition of the 8 meter tower above, thus explaining its current absence. The temple was built on land filled with sand, and due to its immense size the site was unstable throughout its history. Large portions had probably already collapsed by the time the Buddha was added.

By the 20th century, much of the temple had largely collapsed, and restoration efforts have since proven problematic: a first effort begun in 1960 was interrupted by the coming to power of the Khmer Rouge, and records of the positions of the stones were lost. A second attempt started in 1995 by a team of French-led archeologists as of 2005 was still ongoing, restricting visitor access. As of November 2010, partial visitor access was once again allowed, though not to the central structure.

In April 2011, after 51 years, the archaeologists finished the restoration of the temple. King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia and Prime Minister Francois Fillon of France were among those who first toured the renovated temple during the inauguration ceremony on July 3, 2011.

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Tourism Indochina: Phnom Bakheng One of Three Hilltop Temples in the Angkor Region

2012-01-03T17:15:00.002+07:00

Phnom Bakheng (Khmer: ប្រាសាទភ្នំបាខែង) at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Hindu temple in the form of a temple mountain. Dedicated to Shiva, it was built at the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman (889-910). Located atop a hill, it is nowadays a popular tourist spot for sunset views of the much bigger temple Angkor Wat, which lies amid the jungle about 1.5 km to the southeast. The large number of visitors makes Phnom Bakheng one of the most threatened monuments of Angkor.

Constructed more than two centuries before Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng was in its day the principal temple of the Angkor region, historians believe. It was the architectural centerpiece of a new capital, Yasodharapura, that Yasovarman built when he moved the court from the capital Hariharalaya in the Roluos area located to the southeast.

An inscription dated 1052 AD. and found at the Sdok Kak Thom temple in present-day Thailand states in Sanskrit: "When Sri Yasovardhana became king under the name of Yasovarman, the able Vamasiva continued as his guru. By the king's order, he set up a linga on Sri Yasodharagiri, a mountain equal in beauty to the king of mountains." Scholars believe that this passage refers to the consecration of the Phnom Bakheng temple approximately a century and a half earlier.

Surrounding the mount and temple, labor teams built an outer moat. Avenues radiated out in the four cardinal directions from the mount. A causeway ran in a northwest-southeast orientation from the old capital area to the east section of the new capital's outer moat and then, turning to an east-west orientation, connected directly to the east entrance of the temple.

Phnom Bakheng is a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, home of the Hindu gods, a status emphasized by the temple’s location atop a steep hill. The temple faces east, measures 76 meters square at its base and is built in a pyramid form of six tiers. At the top level, five sandstone sanctuaries, in various states of repair, stand in a quincunx pattern—one in the center and one at each corner of the level’s square. Originally, 108 small towers were arrayed around the temple at ground level and on various of its tiers; most of them have collapsed.

Jean Filliozat of the Ecole Francaise, a leading authority on Indian cosmology and astronomy, interpreted the symbolism of the temple. The temple sits on a rectangular base and rises in five levels and is crowned by five main towers. One hundred four smaller towers are distributed over the lower four levels, placed so symmetrically that only 33 can be seen from the center of any side. Thirty-three is the number of gods who dwelt on Mount Meru. Phnom Bakheng's total number of towers is also significant. The center one represents the axis of the world and the 108 smaller ones represent the four lunar phases, each with 27 days. The seven levels of the monument represent the seven heavens and each terrace contains 12 towers which represent the 12-year cycle of Jupiter. According to University of Chicago scholar Paul Wheatley, it is "an astronomical calendar in stone."

Phnom Bakheng is one of three hilltop temples in the Angkor region that are attributed to Yasovarman's reign. The other two are Phnom Krom to the south near the Tonle Sap lake, and Phnom Bok, northeast of the East Baray reservoir.

Following Angkor's rediscovery by the outside world in the mid-19th century, decades passed before archeologists grasped Phnom Bakheng's historical significance. For many years, scholars' consensus view was that the Bayon, the temple located at the center of Angkor Thom city, was the edifice to which the Sdok Kak Thom inscription referred. Later work identified the Bayon as a Buddhist site, built almost three centuries later than originally thought, in the late 12th century, and Phnom Bakheng as King Yasovarman's state temple.

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Tourism Indochina: Sihanoukville Declaration on Multilateral Cooperation for Ecotourism Development

2012-01-02T19:29:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Sihanoukville Declaration on Multilateral Cooperation for Ecotourism Development

Under the aegis of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), over 300 participants from over 20 countries, comprising of tourism leaders and captains of the industry representing the public sector, private sector, academic institutions, civil societies and ecotourism stakeholders congregated at the 3rd World Ecotourism Conference 2011, at Preah Sihanouk Province, Kingdom of Cambodia, 3 - 5 October 2011; AND

The Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia; the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR; the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia; the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam, represented by the respective Honourable Ministers, Deputy Ministers and heads of delegates met at the 1st Ministerial Round Table Meeting on Multilateral Cooperation for Ecotourism Development on 4th October 2011, a parallel session held in conjunction with the 3rd World Ecotourism Conference at Preah Sihanouk Province, Kingdom of Cambodia, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Kingdom of Cambodia adopted the following declaration;

The Ministry of Tourism of Kenya and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania recognized the value and the importance of the Declaration;

....More details at MOT of Cambodia

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Tourism Indochina: The Great Khmer Empire Movie - The US $70 Million Movie in The Kingdom Cambodia

2011-12-28T16:34:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Great Khmer Empire Movie - The US $70 Million Movie in The Kingdom Cambodia

The Khmer Empire was one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. The empire, which grew out of the former kingdom of Chenla, at times ruled over and/or vassalized parts of modern-day Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, and Malaysia. Its greatest legacy is Angkor, the site of the capital city during the empire's zenith. Angkor bears testimony to the Khmer empire's immense power and wealth, as well as the variety of belief systems that it patronised over time. The empire's official religions included Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, until Theravada Buddhism prevailed, even among the lower classes, after its introduction from Sri Lanka in the 13th century. Modern researches by satellites have revealed Angkor to be the largest pre-industrial urban center in the world. The history of Angkor as the central area of settlement of the historical kingdom of Kambujadesa is also the history of the Khmer from the 9th to the 13th centuries. From Kambuja itself - and so also from the Angkor region - no written records have survived other than stone inscriptions. Therefore the current knowledge of the historical Khmer civilization is derived primarily from:

- archaeological excavation, reconstruction and investigation
- stone inscriptions (most important are foundation steles of temples), which report on the political and religious deeds of the kings
- reliefs in a series of temple walls with depictions of military marches, life in the palace, market scenes and also the everyday lives of the population
- reports and chronicles of Chinese diplomats, traders and travellers.

The beginning of the era of the Khmer Empire is conventionally dated to 802 AD. In this year, king Jayavarman II had himself declared chakravartin ("king of the world", or "king of kings") on Phnom Kulen.

Tourism Indochina: The Great Khmer Empire Movie - The US $70 Million Movie in The Kingdom Cambodia:

A famous Chinese action movie star Jet Li (Chinese name: Li Lianjie), and American movie actress Angelina Jolie are expected to be included in a new movie to be produced in Cambodia. In a press conference held on Wednesday in Phnom Penh, Thomas Magyar, a project manager for the planned movie, and Tony Schiena, a project coordinator and a Hollywood star said the film they had planned to produce will be named as “Great Khmer Empire.” They said the film might cost approximately 70 million US dollars and it will need about three years to make it, saying the large time span will be caused by the consultations with Cambodian government and historians on accuracy of the history as well as the script writing. Both Tony Schiena and Thomas Magyar said, to date, they are looking at several famous movies stars such as Jet Li, Chinese action star, Angelina Jolie, an American movie actress, John Cena, world’s famous wrester and South Korean movie actress Song Hye Kyo among others. The movie will focus on history of Cambodia, especially, during the glorious period in 11th and 12th century under the King Jayavarman the VII, who until today, considered as the great King of Cambodia and who finished up the building of Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.

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Tourism Indochina: Chinese Delegation Arrives in Cambodia

2011-12-28T15:43:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Chinese Delegation Arrives in Cambodia

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-02-04): A good-will delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) arrived in Phnom Penh on Wednesday on the final leg of a regional tour to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The delegation, led by Chen Jianguo, secretary of the CPC Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee, paid the visit here as guest of the Cambodian People's Party and Funcinpec Party. Source: Xinhua

The Communist Party of China (CPC), also known as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is the founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Although nominally it exists alongside the United Front, a coalition of governing political parties, in practice, the CPC is the only party of the PRC, maintaining a unitary government and centralizing the state, military, and media. The legal power of the Communist Party is guaranteed by the national constitution. The current party leader is Hu Jintao, who holds the title of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China.
The party was founded in July, 1921 in Shanghai. After a lengthy civil war, the party defeated its primary rival, the Kuomintang (KMT), and expanded into all of mainland China by 1949. The Kuomintang retreated to the island of Taiwan, which it still retains to this day. The party has fluctuated between periods of reform and political conservatism throughout its history. Both before and after the founding of the PRC, the CPC's history is defined by various power struggles and ideological battles, including destructive socio-political movements such as the Cultural Revolution. At first a conventional member of the international Communist movement, the CPC broke with its counterpart in the Soviet Union over ideology in the 1960s. The Communist Party's ideology was redefined under Deng Xiaoping to incorporate principles of market economics, and the corresponding reforms enabled rapid and sustained economic growth.

The CPC is the world's largest political party, claiming over 80 million members at the end of 2010 which constitutes about 6.0% of the total population of mainland China. The vast majority of military and civil officials are members of the Party. Since 1978, the Communist Party has attempted to institutionalize transitions of power and consolidate its internal structure. The modern party stresses unity and avoids public conflict while practicing a pragmatic and open (within the party structure) democratic centralism.

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Tourism Indochina: Tourism to Cambodia Jumped More Than 14 Percent

2011-12-28T15:01:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Tourism to Cambodia Jumped More Than 14 Percent

Tourism to Cambodia jumped more than 14 percent in the year to May, with Siem Reap posting the largest influx of foreign visitors, government figures show, although the Angkor temple town experienced a first-quarter dip in the number of arrivals from the same period in 2007.

Kong Sopheareak, director of the statistics department at the Ministry of Tourism, told the Post that Cambodia was on track to attract 2.3 million visitors this year, adding that political stability and infrastructure improvements had increased the number of tourist destinations in the country.

This diversification could be behind the seven percent drop in arrivals to Cambodia’s most popular tourist draw, the Angkor temple town of Siem Reap, tourism officials said Elsewhere in Cambodia saw a significant surge in visitors, such as coastal resorts and the northeastern provinces of Mondulkiri and Ratanakkiri, according to Sopheareak, who added that tourism was hoped to earn Cambodia some $1.64 billion this year. He dismissed concerns that the July 27 general election would impact the tourism sector, which is one of the few viable industries in the impoverished country.

Ho Vandy, president of Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, told the Post on June 10 that he too was optimistic that the polls would have little effect on arrival figures. Cambodia’s year-long political stalemate following general elections in 2003 had resulted in a 12 percent drop in visitors, he said.

Tourism is a fragile sector and if there is instability or unrest no tourists will want to come, so we hope all political parties will resolve any election issues peacefully,” he said.South Koreans continue to make up the largest group of foreign visitors, followed by Vietnamese and then Japanese, according to tourism ministry figures. Written by Nguon Sovan and Peter Olszewski.

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Tourism Indochina: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Continue To Support Cambodia

2011-12-27T17:23:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Continue To Support Cambodia

Angelina Jolie (born June 4, 1975) is an American actor and director. She has received an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards, and was named Hollywood's highest-paid actress by Forbes in 2009 and 2011. Jolie is noted for promoting humanitarian causes as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She has been cited as the world's "most beautiful" woman, a title for which she has received substantial media attention. Jolie made her screen debut as a child alongside her father Jon Voight in Lookin' to Get Out (1982), but her film career began in earnest a decade later with the low-budget production Cyborg 2 (1993). Her first leading role in a major film was in the cyber-thriller Hackers (1995). She starred in the critically acclaimed biographical television films George Wallace (1997) and Gia (1998), and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the drama Girl, Interrupted (1999). Jolie achieved wide fame after her portrayal of video game heroine Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), and established herself among the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood with the sequel The Cradle of Life (2003). She reinforced her reputation as a leading action star with Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) and Wanted (2008)—her biggest non-animated commercial successes to date—and received further critical acclaim for her performances in the dramas A Mighty Heart (2007) and Changeling (2008), which earned her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress. Jolie made her directorial debut with the wartime drama In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011).
Divorced from actors Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton, Jolie now lives with actor Brad Pitt, in an association notable for fervent media attention. Jolie and Pitt have three adopted children, Maddox, Pax, and Zahara, and three biological children, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne.

William Bradley "Brad" Pitt (born December 18, 1963) is an American actor and film producer. Pitt has received two Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one. He has been described as one of the world's most attractive men, a label for which he has received substantial media attention. Pitt began his acting career with television guest appearances, including a role on the CBS prime-time soap opera Dallas in 1987. He later gained recognition as the cowboy hitchhiker who seduces Geena Davis's character in the 1991 road movie Thelma & Louise. Pitt's first leading roles in big-budget productions came with A River Runs Through It (1992) and Interview with the Vampire (1994). He was cast opposite Anthony Hopkins in the 1994 drama Legends of the Fall, which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination. In 1995 he gave critically acclaimed performances in the crime thriller Seven and the science fiction film 12 Monkeys, the latter securing him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination. Four years later, in 1999, Pitt starred in the cult hit Fight Club. He then starred in the major international hit as Rusty Ryan in Ocean's Eleven (2001) and its sequels, Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007). His greatest commercial successes have been Troy (2004) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). Pitt received his second Academy Award nomination for his title role performance in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Following a high-profile relationship with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, Pitt was married to actress Jennifer Aniston for five years. Pitt lives with actress Angelina Jolie in a relationship that has generated wide publicity. He and Jolie have six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne. Since beginning his relationship with Jolie, he has become increasingly involved in social issues both in the United States and internationally. Pitt owns a production company named Plan B Entertainment, whose productions include the 2007 Academy Award winning Best Picture, The Departed.

Tourism Indochina: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Continue To Support Cambodia:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2006-12-29): The two have donated millions of dollars and teamed up with Dr. Jeffrey Sachs and his anti-poverty organization Millennium Promise on an economic-development program in northwestern Cambodia. Seventy MJP workers will work with Sach?s group on activities including rice planting, distribution of beds to fight malaria, school meal programs and providing medicine for clinics.
Jolie tells People, We have learned so much and I think we are on the right track. We hope people will travel to Cambodia. The people there have overcome so much. Pitt adds, It was incredibly moving to visit my son's country.

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Tourism Indochina: Jennifer Hawkins Visited Vietnam

2011-12-27T15:21:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Jennifer Hawkins Visited Vietnam

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2006-12-01): Jennifer Hawkins on December 1 arrived in Vietnam at the invitation of the Australian national television station, Seven Network. The universe?s most beautiful girl spent Saturday all day filming at Hoan Kiem Lake. Jennifer Hawkins looked like a travelling western backpacker, quite unlike how she did when she walked on the catwalk. Vietnamese people, who were at Hoan Kiem Lake on Saturday, did not realise that they saw Miss Universe. Meanwhile, many foreigners asked to take pictures with the beauty. It is cold in Hanoi these days. The temperature is hovering at 16oC. However, Jennifer appeared on Hanoi?s streets in T-shirts and shorts. She dropped into a fashion shop on Hang Dao street in the centre of Hanoi to buy an overcoats for children, and she was very pleased with what she bought. She did not hesitate to stay in the crowd to buy a stamp for a souvenir. Always smiling, waving hello, Miss Universe proved to be very friendly. This is the first time Jennifer has been to Vietnam, but she said she liked Vietnamese cuisine very much. There is only one thing she does not like in Vietnam: the bad traffic. The beautiful girl dares not cross the road if nobody helps her. Acting as the collaborator of the television shows on Seven Network, specialising in tourism, Jennifer will go to many other sites in Vietnam and Thailand. Her work in Thailand has been finished. In the next few days the beauty will go to Hue, Da Nang, Mui Ne. (Source: VNE)

Jennifer Hawkins (born 22 December 1983) is an Australian beauty queen, model and television presenter best known as Miss Universe 2004 and the face of Australian department store Myer. Hawkins was born in Holmesville, New South Wales, and currently resides in Sydney. She attended West Wallsend High School in West Wallsend, New South Wales. She is one of four children, and her parents are of Australian heritage. Hawkins was a former cheerleader for the Newcastle Knights rugby league team, and the Hunter Pirates basketball team and also worked as a model. It was as a model that she was cast as Miss Australia for the Miss Universe competition. Hawkins also worked as a choreographer for a dance team that toured Australia specialising in Hip-Hop and Ballet.

Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword" or "Lake of the Restored Sword", also known as Hồ Gươm - Sword Lake) is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life. According to the legend, emperor Lê Lợi handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) in the lake and hence gave it its present name (the lake was formerly known as Luc Thuy meaning "Green Water"). The Turtle Tower (Thap Rùa) standing on a small island near the centre of lake is linked to the legend. Large soft-shell turtles, either of the species Rafetus swinhoei or a separate species named Rafetus leloii in honor of the emperor, have been sighted in the lake. The species is critically endangered and the number of individuals in the lake is unclear.

Near the northern shore of the lake lies Jade Island on which the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple) stands. The temple was erected in the 18th century. It honors the 13-century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan Dynasty, Van Xuong, a scholar, and Nguyen Van Sieu, a Confucian master and famous writer in charge of repairs made to the temple in 1864. Jade Island is connected to the shore by the wooden red-painted The Huc Bridge (The Huc, meaning Morning Sunlight Bridge).

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Tourism Indochina: Former US president Bill Clinton Made a Surprise Visit to Cambodia

2011-12-27T14:13:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Former US president Bill Clinton Made a Surprise Visit to Cambodia

William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III; August 19, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation. Clinton has been described as a New Democrat. Many of his policies have been attributed to a centrist Third Way philosophy of governance, while on other issues his stance was center-left. Born and raised in Arkansas, Clinton became both a student leader and a skilled musician. He is an alumnus of Georgetown University where he was Phi Beta Kappa and earned a Rhodes Scholarship to attend the University of Oxford. He is married to Hillary Rodham Clinton, who has served as the United States Secretary of State since 2009 and was the Senator from New York from 2001 to 2009. Both Clintons received law degrees from Yale Law School, where they met and began dating. As Governor of Arkansas, Clinton overhauled the state's education system, and served as Chair of the National Governors Association. Clinton was elected president in 1992, defeating incumbent president George H.W. Bush. As president, Clinton presided over the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history. He signed into law the North American Free Trade Agreement. He implemented Don't ask, don't tell, a controversial intermediate step to full gay military integration. After a failed health care reform attempt, Republicans won control of Congress in 1994, for the first time in forty years. Two years later, the re-elected Clinton became the first member of the Democratic Party since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win a second full term as president. He successfully passed welfare reform and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, providing health coverage for millions of children. Later, he was impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice in a scandal involving a White House intern, but was acquitted by the U.S. Senate and served his complete term of office. The Congressional Budget Office reported a budget surplus between the years 1998 and 2000, the last three years of Clinton's presidency. Clinton left office with the highest end-of-office approval rating of any U.S. president since World War II. Since then, he has been involved in public speaking and humanitarian work. Based on his philanthropic worldview, Clinton created the William J. Clinton Foundation to promote and address international causes such as prevention of AIDS and global warming. In 2004, he released his autobiography My Life, and was involved in his wife's and then Barack Obama's campaigns for president in 2008. In 2009, he was named United Nations Special Envoy to Haiti, and after the 2010 earthquake he teamed with George W. Bush to form the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Since leaving office, Clinton has been rated highly in public opinion polls of U.S. presidents.

Tourism Indochina: Former US president Bill Clinton Made a Surprise Visit to Cambodia:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2006-12-06): SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton made a surprise visit to Cambodias famed Angkor Wat temples, where he impressed tourists by scaling the highest temple in the complex. Clinton, in Cambodia to tour AIDS-related projects and local organizations supported by his foundation, did not speak to reporters but shook hands with tourists. "I am so glad that the former US president came to visit the temples," said Cambodian visitor Pol Khim Pisith, who briefly saw Clinton before security officials pushed him away. "Bill Clintons visit will make our Angkor Wat more and more famous and attract more tourists," he said. Dressed in khaki trousers and a gray shirt, Clinton -- who is 60 and underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2004 -- climbed on the highest temple, surprising tourists who helped him up. "Clinton visiting the temples is a good surprise," Belgian tourist Andre Deceuninck told AFP as he tried to take a picture of the 42nd US president. "I didnt know he was coming to see the temples. I thought it was a joke."

But the heavy security -- from both US Secret Service and Cambodian officials -- frustrated many visitors. "I really wanted to see him but security officials did not allow me to go closer to him," said 78-year-old Buddhist monk Sim Son. The popular former president has already visited India, Thailand, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea as part of his Asian tour as special UN envoy for tsunami recovery and as head of his own Clinton Foundation. Clinton was scheduled to visit a hospital for children in Siem Reap later in the day before travelling to Vietnam.

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam to Cambodia by the New Travel Route

2011-12-26T16:14:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam to Cambodia by the New Travel Route

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-08-23): A sea service will bring tourists from Ha Tien Town to the famous beach city of Kep twice a week while four buses run between Rach Gia City and Kampot Town with four weekly departures. Businesses from the two provinces have reached agreements on five tourism infrastructure projects totaling over VND 60 billion (USD 3.7 million), in the hope of starting construction in year 2008. (Source: VNA)

Ha Tien is a seaside town in Kien Giang Province in Southern Vietnam. It is at the western end of the Mekong Delta close to the Cambodian border. Although a tourist spot it hasn't yet seen many western visitors due to its remoteness. As a result the English literacy of even the hotel staff is next to nothing. However, the opening of the border to Cambodia for international travelers recently is likely to change that in the near future. The border near Ha Tien (7km to the north) was opened for tourists in 2007. NEW!! NO VISA NEEDED; As of late 2010,it is possible for tourists of most nationalities to enter Vietnam via this border crossing without the need for a visa.It applies only for stays of up to 15 days,and you can only visit the so called "Special Economic Zone",which is essentially the town of Ha Tien,and the area between the town and the border,including Mui Nai beach.You must not travel further into Vietnam (There is some dispute over whether you can travel to Phu Quoc island having entered with this visa free entry). From Kampot you can get a motobike taxi for $9-10 or from Kep for $7 to the border on the Cambodian side. The road can vary in condition from paved and bumpy to packed dirt and bumpy, be prepared for a slightly white knuckled ride depending on the daring nature of your driver. Also, be aware that there seem to be Vietnamese drivers now waiting well inside the Cambodian side waiting to pickup (poach) prospective travelers to take them across the border into town. Your driver may stop here to talk with them and seem to suggest you go with them. A ride to town should be $3-4 or less (it is only 7 km and the road is well paved on the Vietnamese side.) If you can't agree on a price there you can simply have your Cambodian driver take you to the border where you can cross over and have the drivers on the other side fight over you.

Rạch Giá is the capital city of Kien Giang province, Vietnam. It is located around on the coast of Gulf of Thailand, 250 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. East of city borders Tân Hiệp and Châu Thành town, Gulf of Thailand surrounds west city, south of city borders to Châu Thành and An Biên town, north of city borders to Hòn Đất and Tân Hiệp. Rạch Giá city is the first city which Vietnam government applies "lan bien" project (build a new city out to the ocean to expand territory). "Lan bien" project expand the city to become one of the biggest new cities in the southwest of Vietnam. This project adds 2 more new wards in Rạch Giá. Beside that, several future construction projects such as industrial center Rach Vuot and urban city Vinh Hiep which will be started after finishing Lac Hong bridge project will expand Rạch Giá to the east.

Kampot is the capital of Kampot Province in southern Cambodia. The city is a quiet riverside town just a few kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand. Kampot was best known for its famous black pepper, which is still widely available in Cambodia. The fresh climate and soil type of Kampot as well as the experience from several generations of pepper farmers make this pepper unique and much sought-after by gourmets worldwide. It is also famous for its Kampot fish sauce. Kampot is the base for trips up the Dâmrei and Bokor Mountains. Stunning panoramic views over Cambodia and Vietnam can be enjoyed from the mountain tops. Waterfalls, boating and rafting on the river can be enjoyed in town, and popular attractions are the Kompong Trach caves with their ancient ruins and the durian and pepper farms. The little island of Koh Tonsay can be visited from Kampot by boat. Visitors can enjoy long stretches of golden sand and tasty local crab curry. Kampot is an up and coming tourist destination and the city has recently undergone many changes. There are a number of charming hotels, guesthouses and resorts in the towns of Kampot and Kep, while home stays can be found in the rest of the province. The province is connected to the rest of the country and Vietnam by well-maintained road.

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Tourism Indochina: A Triangular Air Travel Network over Western Cambodia was Formed as a World-Class

2011-12-26T14:47:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: A Triangular Air Travel Network over Western Cambodia was Formed as a World-Class

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonized Cambodia, and has grown to become the nation's center of economic and industrial activities, as well as the center of security, politics, economics, cultural heritage, and diplomacy of Cambodia. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, it was considered one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina in the 1920s. Phnom Penh, along with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, are significant global and domestic tourist destinations for Cambodia. Founded in 1434, the city is noted for its beautiful and historical architecture and attractions. There are a number of surviving French colonial buildings scattered along the grand boulevards. Situated on the banks of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers, the Phnom Penh metropolitan area is home to more than 2 million of Cambodia’s population of over 14 million. The city is the wealthiest and most populous city in Cambodia and is home to the country’s political hub.

Sihanoukville also known as Kampong Saom, is a province in southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand. This port city is a growing Cambodian urban center, located 185 kilometres (115 mi) southwest of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. The province is named after King Father Norodom Sihanouk and grew up around the construction of Sihanoukville Port. Construction on the port began in June 1955 and it was the only deep water port in Cambodia. The port was built in part due to the waning power of the French leading to the Vietnamese tightening their control over the Mekong Delta and hence restricting river access to Cambodia. Sihanoukville's beaches have made it a popular tourist destination.

Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia, and is the gateway to Angkor region. Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In the city, there are traditional Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake. Siem Reap today, being a popular tourist destination, has a large number of hotels and restaurants. Most smaller establishments are concentrated around the Old Market area, while more expensive hotels are located between Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and the town along National Road 6. There are a variety of mid-range hotels and restaurants along Sivatha boulevard, and mid budget to mid-range hotels in the Phsar Leu area.

Direct flight from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh ( Re Opened ):
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-08-22): A triangular air travel network over western Cambodia was formed as a world-class airport was re-opened on Monday in seaside resort Sihanoukville to embrace anticipated influx of foreign visitors. The network can apparently serve to link up the kingdom's major sight-seeing spots in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, so as to provide more selectable travel routes for those curious about this colorful country. "The re-opening of the airport is really good for our tourism," said Thong Khon, secretary of state at the Ministry of Tourism, adding that it is part of the ministry's strategy to connect Siem Reap and Sihanoukville by airlines to encourage tourists to extend their stay to enjoy the kingdom's sandy beaches after seeing the Angkor temples.

Upon the inauguration of the Sihanoukville International Airport, a former Soviet Union-made Antonov-24 propeller-driven aircraft from Siem Reap landed on the runway in its maiden flight with 11 passengers and four crew members on board. Currently, flights by domestic airliner PMT have started to shuttle between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap around three times a week, while the beach city's connection with Phnom Penh, some 300 kilometers away, is yet worth of air travel and can be easily handled with automobiles at around three hours' drive on the national road. Meanwhile, said Thong Khon, there is still another option for non-domestic travelers, who can first reach Sihanoukville by marine route and then transfer to Siem Reap by airlines and, of course, vice versa. The Societe Concessionnaire des Aeroports (SCA), a French- Malaysian joint firm entrusted to run the hub, is now in talks with several other airliners about using the airport, whose runway will be extended from the current 1,800 meters to 2,200 meters with a further investment of 200 million U.S. dollars to accommodate jet flyers such as Boeing 737 by the end of 2007, said Norinda Khek, SCA's communications and marketing manager. By then, international routes will also be opened, thus tapping the potential of Siem Reap's already established air links with countries such as South Korea, Thailand and China to expand foreign tourists' access to Cambodia, he said, adding that SCA, a subsidiary of France's biggest construction group Vinci, is licensed to operate the hub until 2040. The Sihanoukville airport was closed in the early 1980s due to financial difficulties. Renovation by SCA started in June 2006 to preliminarily extend the terminal and the runway suitable for propeller-driven aircraft to land. According to official statistics, some 280,000 tourists visited Sihanoukville in 2006, up by 30 percent over 2005. Among them 60, 000 were foreigners. In addition, tourist arrivals in Cambodia jumped more than 20 percent to about 1.7 million in 2006, bringing in 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in revenue for the government.

Each visitor was estimated to have spent some 700 U.S. dollars in Cambodia, while 300,000 local people have found jobs in the industry, according to the Ministry of Tourism, which expects to receive 3 million foreign travelers in 2010. ( Source: Xinhua )

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Tourism Indochina: New Golf Tour Launched in Southeast Asia

2011-12-26T10:56:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: New Golf Tour Launched in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic and volcanic activity. Southeast Asia consists of two geographic regions: Mainland Southeast Asia, also known as Indochina, comprises Cambodia, Laos, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Vietnam and Peninsular Malaysia, and Maritime Southeast Asia, which is analogous to the Malay Archipelago, comprises Brunei, East Malaysia, East Timor, Indonesia, Philippines, Christmas Island, and Singapore.

Tourism Indochina: New Golf Tour Launched in Southeast Asia:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-08-19):

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Southeast Asia will launch its own tour next month in an effort to raise the standard of local golfers. ADVERTISEMENT The ASEAN Golf Tour will take place from September to December, with events in Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. Organizers expect a field of 144 local players when the tour kicks off on September 5 with the $50,000 International Championships in Jakarta. "Many talented golfing professionals in Southeast Asia do not have enough chances to play competitive golf," ASEAN Golf Tour chairman A.C. Wong said in a statement. "The flourishing state of men's golf in Asia has resulted in the need to boast this new circuit." The region currently has 13 players in the top 50 on the Asian Tour order of merit, which has been topped by Thai golfers Thongchai Jaidee (2001, 2004) and Thaworn Wiratchant (2005) in recent years. Wong said there were plans to expand the tour next year with events planned in the remaining five ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) member countries; Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Brunei. Following the inaugural event, the ASEAN Golf Tour moves to Thailand (September 26-29) the Philippines (October 3-6), Vietnam (November 20-23) and finishes in Singapore (December 13-16).

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Tourism Indochina: The Middle East’s Religious Tourism Sector Values at $18 billion per Year

2011-12-22T17:09:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Middle East’s Religious Tourism Sector Values at $18 billion per Year

The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) is the leading network for shaping, enriching, and expanding the $18 billion global faith tourism industry. WRTA exists to bring the worldwide trade and North American religious consumer together for the primary purpose of promoting and providing quality travel experiences around the globe. As the source and voice for the religious travel industry, WRTA provides members opportunities to network, learn, contribute, and lead. WRTA embraces all segments of faith tourism: Pilgrimages, Missionary, Cruises, Leisure Conferences, Retreats, Destinations, Attractions, Christian Camps, Family, Student/Youth, Adventure and Volunteer Vacations.

Tourism Indochina: The Middle East’s Religious Tourism Sector Values at $18 billion per Year:
(TTN:May 2009): THE Middle East’s religious tourism sector – valued at $18 billion per year - can play a decisive role in driving the region’s short term industry revenues, says Kevin J Wright, president, World Religious Travel Association (WRTA). The Middle East is already the world’s largest driver of religious travel, tourism and hospitality, with the sector fuelling the region’s current annual tourism growth of 11 per cent per annum.
However, Wright insists specialist travel providers need to develop the best possible travel experiences to leverage income from the three billion people around the world who trace their religious roots and faiths to the Middle East.

“Religious tourism is recognised as one of the most resilient markets in the travel industry,” said Wright, who will conduct a seminar entitled The New Era of Religious Tourism at ATM. “Pilgrimages are not the sole driver of the religious market anymore and people of faith are increasingly seeking greater quality travel experiences across the full spectrum of sub-sectors which drive the industry,” he said. Saudi Arabia is the market’s primary driver, with the Islamic Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages seeing the Kingdom receive over six million worshipers annually. Here the religious tourism industry generated an estimated $7billion annually. Wright also identified Jordan and Palestine as growth markets.

“Ninety five percent of tourism in Palestine is religion based, while Jordan is targeting tourism revenues of up to $2.4billion, per year, by 2010 – over 60 percent higher than income generated in 2007,” he said.

Iraq was also emerging as a serious player in the sector. Areas of religious significance, such as Najaf, already welcomes eight million pilgrims a year, but a new airport will increase inbound capacity to over 20 million. Source: TTN

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Tourism Indochina: Cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap

2011-12-22T16:35:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-03-23): Luxury Travel Vietnam and Indochina Sails Mekong promote an unique voyage on colonial vessel replica which traverses down the magnificent Mekong River from 20 September 2009. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, March 21, 2009 RV La Marguerite Mekong River Cruise by Indochina Sails Saigon – Siem Reap Sets Cruise. Luxury Travel Vietnam and Indochina Sails Mekong promote a unique voyage on colonial vessel replica which traverses down the magnificent Mekong River, the longest river in the southeastern Asia region.

Travellers on the cruise will explore the mysterious of the Great Mekong River, which runs through Cambodia, Laos, Myanmmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Yunnan (China).
Deep in history and rich in culture, the Mekong boasts many fine attractions including ancient monuments, royal capitals and UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This histoire d'amour d'Indochine is a cruise of passion, innocence and affection, seen through the eyes of French novelist Marguerite Duras, who was born in Vietnam in 1914 during the French colonial period. RV La Marguerite a contemporary colonial vessel replica consisting of 46 luxurious cabins, transports you through a inspiring journey from Saigon to the legendary Siem Reap on an 8 days - 7 nights unique voyage. Tour prices start from USD $1050 net per-person double rates, this includes accommodation costs at deluxe rooms. The cruise can be booked at last minute, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules with pre and post cruise in Saigon and Sieam Reap.

The Luxury Travel Company is Asia's first luxury tour operator and full travel service agency. Luxury Travel is experienced in providing special services and unique tourism products to luxury global travelers.

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Tourism Indochina: The Executive Council of UNESCO Strolled Across the Causeway at Angkor Wat

2011-12-22T15:55:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Executive Council of UNESCO Strolled Across the Causeway at Angkor Wat

Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yai is Chairman of UNESCO's Executive Board. As a specialist in African languages, literature, alphabetization, oral poetry and the culture of African diasporas, Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yai has held professorships in Benin, Nigeria, Brazil, Japan and the United Kingdom. He participated in the development of UNESCO’s programmes in the field of African languages and culture and is Ambassador of Benin to UNESCO as well as a member of numerous international boards, committees and juries in the field of culture. Mr Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yaï was elected in November 2007 as Chairman of the UNESCO’s Executive Board.

At the time of his election Mr Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yaï was Ambassador Permanent Delegate of Benin to UNESCO, Member of the Executive Board of UNESCO and President of the Finance and Administrative Commission of the Executive Board.

During his mandate as Ambassador, Mr Yai was a Member of the World Heritage Committee, the Committee of the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture (IFPC), the International Scientific Committee of the Slave Route Project, the Jury for the designation of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage as well as for the Melina Mercouri and Simon Bolivar Prizes, a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Africa World Heritage Fund (AWHFD), President of the Culture Commission of UNESCO G77, of Commission IV (Culture) of the 32nd Session of the General Conference (2003) and Vice-President of the Executive Board (2001-2003).

Before his appointment as Ambassador, he was a Consultant for culture and language policy in Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Togo and Mozambique in the 1970s and 1980s. He taught as Professor at the Universities of Benin, Ibadan and Ife (Nigeria) and Florida (USA). He also acted as Director of the Institute of Cultural Studies, University of Ife, Nigeria and as Chair of the Department of African and Asian Languages and Literatures, University of Florida, USA.

Mr Yai holds a BA from the University of the Sorbonne (France) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Linguistics from the University of Ibadan (Nigeria). He was a visiting scholar at the Federal University of Bahia (Brazil), at the University of Birmingham (England) and at the Kokugakuin University in Tokyo (Japan).

A specialist in African literatures and languages, literacy, oral poetry and the cultures of the African diaspora, Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yaï, was born in 1942 in Benin where he received an African traditional education with sages and elders in his village.

Tourism Indochina: The Executive Council of UNESCO Strolled Across the Causeway at Angkor Wat:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-03-25): When the president of the Executive Council of UNESCO, Benin's Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yai, strolled across the causeway at Angkor Wat on Sunday evening, dressed in traditional African garb and accompanied by Cambodia's deputy prime minister and other high-level officials, he walked into a ferocious battle being fought by Angkorian warriors.

His walk on the wild side was a promenade into the past, represented by actors reliving the glory days of ancient Angkor during the reign of King Suryavaram II, as part of the Angkor Wat Night Festival, a cultural entertainment extravaganza that is now a nightly fixture within the hallowed precincts of the famous temple.

The show, staged by the Sou Ching Group in conjunction with Apsara and with the blessing of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, is massive - moving across the interior of Angkor Wat each night and culminating in a traditional dance show held on a stage with light gantries that have been permanently erected deep in the heart of the temple grounds.

About 250 employees now turn up each evening to stage the show, including more than 150 dancers and circus and martial arts performers, 45 night lighting technicians and engineers, and another 50 support staff.

The entire temple interior is lit up and wired for sound, with a dining area near the stage providing a five-course Khmer dinner for pre-booked guests.

On Sunday night, 85 VIP guests dined in the temple, including high-level officials from the government and UNESCO, in Siem Reap to investigate whether more temples should be earmarked for listing as World Heritage sites.

Unesco's presence at the function signals the organisation's green light to the nightly temple event. And, despite the fact that the show could be viewed as a commercial intrusion into the sacred temple that could make preservation purists balk, there has been no resistance to this development, organisers said.

"There has been no controversy over the show, absolutely none," said Jamie Rossiter, director of marketing for the Sou Ching Group Co Ltd.

Rossiter said Sou Ching launched the show, which had been in planning for more than six months, on February 9 amid a carnival atmosphere, with free admission for Cambodians for the first fortnight. Admission fees are now US$15 for foreigners and $3 for Cambodians.

"We had 600 to 700 people turning up when it was free. We were absolutely chocker around that stage area, and the people seemed to really enjoy it," Rossiter said.

"All the food vendors were turning up, which became a problem because at the end of the night there was food everywhere. Our lighting crew was spending an hour-and-a-half every night just cleaning up because it's a temple and we have to leave it in pristine condition. All the lights, all the equipment, gets packed away every night and then put out again. The stage is a permanent fixture, but everything else is taken away each night."

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Tourism Indochina: Hotel Rates Fell Dramatically

2011-12-21T17:21:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Hotel Rates Fell Dramatically

Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localised websites and telephone call centres.

Hotels.com gives travellers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over 140,000 properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities and availability and also specialises in providing travellers with accommodation during sold-out periods.

Tourism Indochina: Hotel Rates Fell Dramatically:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-03-26): Hotel rates fell dramatically last year, with the latest report from Hotels.com showing that the average hotel room price fell by 12% across the globe with drops in every continent.

Hotels.com’s Hotel Price Index found that room rates were only 1% higher in December 2008 than prices in January 2004.

“Room rates dropped significantly in the final three months of last year as hoteliers around the world cut prices to try to fill their rooms,” said David Roche, Hotels.com President.

“While last autumn, North America was the only continent to see the average room price fall, the latest Hotel Price Index shows the economic downturn is now affecting hotel prices on all continents.”

By region, European hotels dropped by 10%, North American hotels fell 12%, while Asia dropped by 2% for the fourth quarter of 2008.

“Price falls were most dramatic in North America, but Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America were not far behind,” continues Mr Roche.

“The good news is that there is some great value to be had for travellers. This year really will be the year of the deal.”

There were still spots of price increases, with the top five cities still experiencing high price index growth being Rio De Janeiro (63%), Geneva (34%), Shanghai (32%), Cologne (22%) and Zurich (20%).

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Tourism Indochina: Travelers Willing to Spend Extra on Different Cultural Experiences

2011-12-21T17:07:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Travelers Willing to Spend Extra on Different Cultural Experiences

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association working to promote the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.

Since 1951 PATA has led from the front as the leading voice and authority on travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region:

- In partnership with private and public sector members, PATA enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to-from-and-within, the region.

- The Association provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to over 80 government, state and city tourism bodies; nearly 50 international airlines, airports and cruise lines and many hundreds of travel industry companies across the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

- PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC) offers unrivalled data and insights including Asia Pacific inbound and outbound statistics, analyses and forecasts as well as in-depth reports on strategic tourism markets

- PATA’s events are create millions of dollars of new business each year for its members

- Thousands of travel professionals belong to 39 active PATA chapters worldwide and participate in a wide range of PATA and industry events.

- The PATA Foundation contributes to the sustainable and responsible development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific through the protection of the environment, the conservation of heritage and support for education.

Tourism Indochina: Travelers Willing to Spend Extra on Different Cultural Experiences:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-03-27): A survey has found that travelers are willing to spend extra on experiencing different cultures and more efficient and simple service.

Results were based on the Visa and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) ‘Determining Travel Preferences in 2009 and Beyond’ survey. It was conducted from 7 to 28 August 2008 with 5,554 respondents from 11 key Asia Pacific travel source markets.

Of the respondents, 57 percent said they would spend extra on experiencing different cultures.

Hassle-free service (54 percent), good customer service (53 percent), exotic destinations (53 percent) and cultural immersion programs (40 percent) were also on the top of the list.

Identifying what people are willing to pay more for on holiday gives the travel industry valuable insights into how best to attract tourists” said Greg Duffell, PATA President and CEO.

“From this information they can direct valuable marketing resources to create a win-win situation for both tourists and themselves.”

The Australians (56 per cent) and Japanese (55 percent) were more willing to pay for experiencing local culture, whilst respondents from China (67 percent) were bigger fans of cultural immersion programs.

In terms of gender, experiencing different cultures was the number one choice with 55 percent men and 59 percent women saying they would pay more for it.

Results also showed that women were more concerned with the location of a holiday, with 56 percent of women saying they would pay extra for an exotic destination compared to 51 percent of men.

“Exotic destinations in Asia Pacific are certainly helping to attract more people to the region as travelers look for something different and a contrast to the traditional and mainstream type of vacation”

Duffell said he expected the trend to continue as more and more travelers craved different experiences.

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Tourism Indochina: US Senator Jim Webb Made a Lightning Visit to Cambodia

2011-12-21T14:10:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: US Senator Jim Webb Made a Lightning Visit to Cambodia

James Henry "Jim" Webb, Jr. (born February 9, 1946) is the senior United States Senator from Virginia. He is also an author and a former Secretary of the Navy. He is a member of the Democratic Party. A 1968 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Webb served as a Marine Corps infantry officer until 1972, and is a highly decorated Vietnam War combat veteran. During his four years with the Reagan administration, Webb served as the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, then as Secretary of the Navy. Webb won the Democratic nomination for the 2006 Virginia Senate race by defeating Harris Miller in the primary, then won the general election by defeating the Republican incumbent George Allen. Webb's thin margin in the general election (less than 0.5%) kept the outcome uncertain for nearly two days after polls closed on November 7, 2006, and provided the final seat that tilted the Senate to Democratic control. On his sixty-fifth birthday, he announced that he will not seek re-election in 2012, saying that he does not want to spend his whole life in politics, and that he wants to return to the private sector.

Tourism Indochina: US Senator Jim Webb Made a Lightning Visit to Cambodia:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-08-20): Phnom Penh - US Senator Jim Webb made a lightning visit to Cambodia on Tuesday as part of a regional trip designed to 'invigorate the relationship' between the United States and South-East Asian nations. Webb is in the region in his capacity as chairman of the Sub-Committee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs for the US Senate's Foreign Relations Committee. His trip takes in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. At a press conference in Phnom Penh on Tuesday ahead of a scheduled meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Webb was asked about the ongoing crackdown by the Cambodian government against its opponents. The question followed a strong European Union statement issued earlier in August in which the EU warned that the government's actions could narrow Cambodia's democratic space. Webb would not be drawn on whether or how the US would exert pressure on Phnom Penh to respect democratic rights, saying only that the US wants to do 'what we can to encourage political diversity in Cambodia.' 'As a part of my visit here I met with the leaders of two of the opposition groups to hear their views, and we had [a] discussion with respect to the issues that you mentioned, and we will continue to listen to people from all sides,' Webb said. 'I listened in great detail to the concerns of the two opposition leaders on that topic.' He was more forthcoming on the Trade Act of 2009, a measure introduced by Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein to provide duty-free access to the US market for garments made in 14 least-developed countries. Cambodia, whose economically vital garment industry has been battered over the past year, would benefit from the passage of the bill. However the legislation is currently languishing in the US Senate. 'That issue was the subject of a pretty lengthy discussion with the minister of commerce, and I committed to him that we'll take a very close look at the legislation,' Webb said. Webb said one key concern is that labour standards in beneficiary countries should meet international standards. 'It's very important to the Democratic Party in the United States to make sure we have a fair playing field among our workers and workers overseas,' he explained. 'That being said, the minister made a very compelling case for us to look at that legislation and we will do that when we get back.' Webb leaves Cambodia later on Tuesday headed to Vietnam.

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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Ecotourism with TourismIndochina

2011-12-20T17:19:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Ecotourism with TourismIndochina

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism.

Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or "voluntourism", personal growth and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to environmental and social responsibility advocates.

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves visiting natural areas—in the remote wilderness or urban environments. According to the definition and principles of ecotourism established by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in 1990, ecotourism is "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990).

Tourismindochina is one of the online leading and responsible tour operator in the Indochina. We are fully licensed as International tour operators No:043-05 and recognized as leading luxury holiday and vacation organizer specialized in private and group in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. With local in-depth knowledge tour operators and tour guides who is enjoyable with traveling would be able to create and provide one of the most treasured holiday to suit everybody expectation including the most discerning travelers. Bayon Heritage offers from the most exciting and enjoyable trips ranging from free-easy tours to challenging activities, in-depth exploration of culture, history, tradition, and lifestyle with a different taste of cuisine with an enchanting unspoiled landscapes of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Ecotourism with TourismIndochina:

Ecotourism development is an emerging trend being developed for responsible tourists. Ecotourism is a current diversified form of tourism contributed to national economic growth. A new form of ecotourism development drives local community to a next stage to local livelihood improvement through alternative income, diversified job, capacity building and community empowerment.

Ecotourism development in Cambodian has been progressively developed in the northeastern area, where fabulous of biological species, life style and charming alongside region of the Mekong River, is not yet completely explored. With ecotourism development, community no longer predominantly depend on previous occupation, especially agricultural productivity, but having more opportunity to gain operational skills for ecotourism demands. Tourist involvement in ecotourism activities operated by local community is an act of stepping forwards to poverty alleviation responding to one of main millennium development goals.

With a wide variety of natural creational activities, you can enjoy cycling, trekking, boating, viewing landscape, and involving with local livelihood activities like agricultural activities which will immerse you a real combination of communities’ life experiences and natural tourism in Cambodia, a Kingdom of yet explored. Through accurate ecotourism activities, negative impact will be minimize, environmental and cultural experiences and respect will be built, experiences for both hosts and visitor will be provided, financial benefit will be contributed to conservation, community empowerment will be enhanced , and sensitivity of host environmental, political, social climate will be raised.

Cambodian communities are warm-hearted, friendly, and helpful. Tasting ecotourism and other types of tourism Cambodia is looking to serve, you will feel like you make your self at home as we greet you as resident and evoke you to revisit as family. Will you enjoy tasting ecotourism in The Kingdom of Wonder? Why not! We, Bayon Heritage Travel and Tours, could drive you to taste the environmental friendly and responsible tourism with our hard working colleagues committed to ensure your quality experience via good packages provision. Waiting no more to see a charming and yet explored of the Southeast Asia.

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Tourism Indochina: Indochina is a Special and Elegant Destination

2011-12-20T17:04:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Indochina is a Special and Elegant Destination

Indochina is a special and elegant destination you can find out the great taste of travel experiences. The mixture of travel experiences of the three countries -Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the magic of Mekong Delta River -will immerse you to the paradise gate way of Southeast Asia. You can start your journey with Indochina exploration, a three in one destination, which has become more popular in South East Asia. With Indochina exploration, you will explore a wide variety of recreational tourism activities and enjoy:

• ecotourism activities (canoeing, trekking, meeting indigenous people ,discover the Mekong trail and fresh water dolphin )and also responsible tourism
• city tours excursion and nightlife city
• the pristine beach ( Sun, Sea, and Sand )
• regional cuisine and leaning to cook
• interaction with friendly local resident
• line of natural , cultural and historical tourism

Start your traveling from Cambodia-heart of charming Indochina- where you can see famous Kingdom of Wonder with friendly resident-and continuously to Vietnam, where you can see fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese ancient influent architecture. Endlessly, go forwards your travel to Laos PDR, where you will see the best –preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, Tourismindochina is one of the online leading and responsible tour operator in the Indochina. We are fully licensed as International tour operators No:043-05 and recognized as leading luxury holiday and vacation organizer specialized in private and group in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. With local in-depth knowledge tour operators and tour guides who is enjoyable with traveling would be able to create and provide one of the most treasured holiday to suit everybody expectation including the most discerning travelers. Bayon Heritage offers from the most exciting and enjoyable trips ranging from free-easy tours to challenging activities, in-depth exploration of culture, history, tradition, and lifestyle with a different taste of cuisine with an enchanting unspoiled landscapes of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.

As one of the leading tour operators within this region and rank as the top destination management and holiday organizer, we have well established contacts from numerous airlines, hotels and resorts and ground operator that enable us to offer more comprehensive and competitive travel services.

Our Itineraries are well paced and operated under our direct attention to ensure your vacation and holiday are perfectly care and feel the same way as we do to each destination. Moreover, Vacation can be satisfied if it is custom-tailored to fit individual preference and requirement, so our program is designed to get right balance of comfort, exploration, relaxation, leisure and excitement to enrich the experience of life.

Being Informative operator, in-depth personal attention, be helpful and be truly friend lead us to what we are today and it has become a role of our behavior to our customer.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
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Tourism Indochina: The New Attractions of Pursat Province, Cambodia

2011-12-20T16:44:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The New Attractions of Pursat Province, Cambodia

Pursat Province (Khmer: ខេតុពោសាត់) is the fourth largest province in Cambodia. It is located in the western part of the country and borders clockwise from the north with Battambang Province, the Tonlé Sap, Kampong Chhnang Province, Kampong Speu Province, Koh Kong Province, and Thailand. It is located between the Tonle Sap and the northern end of the Cardamom Mountains. The Pursat River bisects the province, running from the Cardamoms in the west to the Tonle Sap in the east. Pursat is accessible by National Highway 5, by boat, rail and by numerous smaller roads. The capital, Pursat town, lies 174 kilometres north west of Phnom Penh by road and 106 kilometres south east of Battambang. Pursat offers a perfect access to both the Tonle Sap (just 35km far) and the Cardamom Mountains (right to the West). The name of Pursat refers to a type of tree. For the time being, Pursat receives few travellers and the two main attractions, the Cardamoms and the Tonle Sap require a little initiative on the tourist's part to visit. Pursat is predominantly accessible by the National Highway No 5 form Phnom Penh (174km) and Battambang (106km). There is also an old slowly train working between Phnom Penh and Battambang, which stops outside (2km) from Pursat.

Tourism Indochina: The New Attractions of Pursat Province, Cambodia:

Situated in northwester Cambodia, Pursat Province is rapidly gaining popularity as a leading area of ecotourism. It is gaining wide popularity as natural and historical tourist destination in Cambodia. This province offers a wide variety of nature to explore. When you are in Pusart Province, you can see a wide range of attractions such as the following:

• River Bank Park and SBOV REACH Pagoda, built at least 400 years ago
• Marble and Wood Carving Product and other domestic product
• Scenic Riverbank
• KOH SOMPOVMEAS, Island Park
• OKNHA KALNG MEUNG, a must see historic site
• KAMONG LUONG, the floating village in the Tonle Sap Great Lake with 10,000 habitants
• CHROK LA EING and VEAL VENG Waterfall
• LOK and LANG TRACH Mountain

Besides from these existing attractions, Koh Thas is a new island resort created in early 2009. The trip to Koh Thas from Pursat Province should take no longer than forty minutes. There you will see many small huts with straw roof where you can relax and taste a variety of traditional Khmer food. If it is hot, you can swim and rent a pedal boat shaped like a duck or a swan. Also you can glide along a cable cord that hangs above the Pursat River. Commonly, Koh Thas is a wonderful place to relax and take in Khmer culture.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
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Tourism Indochina: Siem Reap One of the Most Popular Destinations on Earth

2011-12-19T16:59:00.005+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Siem Reap One of the Most Popular Destinations on Earth

Siem Reap (Khmer: ក្រុងសៀមរាប) is the capital city of Siem Reap Province in orthwestern Cambodia, and is the gateway to Angkor region. Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In the city, there are traditional Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake. Siem Reap today, being a popular tourist destination, has a large number of hotels and restaurants. Most smaller establishments are concentrated around the Old Market area, while more expensive hotels are located between Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and the town along National Road 6. There are a variety of mid-range hotels and restaurants along Sivatha boulevard, and mid budget to mid-range hotels in the Phsar Leu area.

The Town is a cluster of small villages along the Siem Reap River. These villages were originally developed around Buddhist pagodas (Wat) which are almost evenly spaced along the river from Wat Preah En Kau Sei in the north to Wat Phnom Krom in the south, where the Siem Reap River meets the great Tonle Sap Lake.

The main town is concentrated around Sivutha Street and the Psar Chas area (Old Market area) where there are old colonial buildings, shopping and commercial districts. The Wat Bo area is now full of guesthouses and restaurants while the Psar Leu area is often crowded with jewellery and handicraft shops, selling rubies to woodcarving. Other fast developing areas are the airport road and main road to Angkor where a number of large hotels and resorts can be found.

Angkor Wat (Wat temple) is the central feature of the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the magnificent remains of the Khmer civilization. Angkor Wat's rising series of five towers culminates in an impressive central tower that symbolizes mythical Mount Meru. Thousands of feet of wall space are covered with intricate carving depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Opened on September 24, 2003, the Cambodian Culture Village assembles all the miniatures of famous historical buildings and structures of Cambodia. There are 11 unique villages, which represent different culture heritages, local customs and characteristics of 19 multi races. At each village, the tourists will be able to enjoy the excellent wood houses, carving, soft skill in stone, traditional performances in the different dance styles such as: Apsara dancing, performance of ethnic minorities from northeastern Cambodia, traditional wedding ceremony, Circus, Popular games, Peacock dancing, Acrobat, elephants shows, and boxing.

Two decades after the collapse of the Khmer Rouge, Siem Reap is finally regaining its footing as one the most popular destinations on earth.

Siem Reap is undoubtedly Cambodia's fastest growing city, welcoming over 100,000 international tourists every year and gaining recognition from locals as the 'tourist town'. The city comprises of over 116 hotels with continuing developments, a far cry from its mere two properties just three years ago.

Tuk tuk's are the best way to get around the city, drivers often knowing exactly where you want to go so long as you say it slowly. In some cases, drivers even have translation cards for major landmarks or tourist areas.

If you wander around independently, you will find that the most activity is in the Old Market Area (Psah Chas) which runs alongside the Siem Reap River. There, streets are filled with restaurants, spas, hotels, markets and bars. In particular, Pub St (where the name speaks for itself) turns into a hub of tourist activity at night, clubs pumping foreign pop and rock music while tuk tuk drivers scramble to grab the next customer stumbling out of a bar.

Apart from Pub St, the best place to be at night is at the Angkor Night Market, where over 200 huts showcase some of the best traditional Cambodian handmade products such as clothing, silk art, jewellery, scarves, wood and stone carvings and other handicrafts. If your feet are sore from shopping, head to the back of the market to get a US$2 foot massage or go to the market's Dr. Fish stall and have fish nibble the dead skin off your feet and legs!

But tourists simply cannot say they've been to Siem Reap if they haven't visited its biggest claim to fame - Angkor Wat. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is one of few UNESCO world heritage listed sites and Cambodia's most valuable monument. Angkor Wat is breathtaking, to say the least, and Siem Reap owes its booming tourist numbers to this majestic site.

With Angkor Wat standing as a reminder of such a grand past, it's no wonder that Siem Reap has picked up the pieces so diligently and drawn in the world once again.

Two decades after the collapse of the Khmer Rouge, Siem Reap is finally regaining its footing as one the most popular destinations on earth.

Siem Reap is undoubtedly Cambodia's fastest growing city, welcoming over 100,000 international tourists every year and gaining recognition from locals as the 'tourist town'. The city comprises of over 116 hotels with continuing developments, a far cry from its mere two properties just three years ago.

Tuk tuk's are the best way to get around the city, drivers often knowing exactly where you want to go so long as you say it slowly. In some cases, drivers even have translation cards for major landmarks or tourist areas.

If you wander around independently, you will find that the most activity is in the Old Market Area (Psah Chas) which runs alongside the Siem Reap River. There, streets are filled with restaurants, spas, hotels, markets and bars. In particular, Pub St (where the name speaks for itself) turns into a hub of tourist activity at night, clubs pumping foreign pop and rock music while tuk tuk drivers scramble to grab the next customer stumbling out of a bar.

Apart from Pub St, the best place to be at night is at the Angkor Night Market, where over 200 huts showcase some of the best traditional Cambodian handmade products such as clothing, silk art, jewellery, scarves, wood and stone carvings and other handicrafts. If your feet are sore from shopping, head to the back of the market to get a US$2 foot massage or go to the market's Dr. Fish stall and have fish nibble the dead skin off your feet and legs!

But tourists simply cannot say they've been to Siem Reap if they haven't visited its biggest claim to fame - Angkor Wat. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is one of few UNESCO world heritage listed sites and Cambodia's most valuable monument. Angkor Wat is breathtaking, to say the least, and Siem Reap owes its booming tourist numbers to this majestic site.

With Angkor Wat standing as a reminder of such a grand past, it's no wonder that Siem Reap has picked up the pieces so diligently and drawn in the world once again.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
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Tourism Indochina: Welcome to Banteay Chhmar Temple

2011-12-19T16:40:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Welcome to Banteay Chhmar Temple

Banteay Chhmar (Khmer: បន្ទាយឆ្មារ) is a commune (khum) in Thma Puok District in Banteay Meanchey province in northwest Cambodia. It is located 63 km north of Sisophon and about 20 km east of the Thai border. The commune of Banteay Chhmar contains 14 villages. The massive temple of Banteay Chhmar, along with its satellite shrines and reservoir (baray), comprises one of the most important and least understood archaeological complexes from Cambodia's Angkor period.

Like Angkor Thom, the temple of Banteay Chhmar was accomplished during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th or early 13th century. One of the temple's shrines once held an image of Srindrakumara rajaputra (the crown prince), probably a son of Jayavarman VII. The long Old Khmer inscription found at the site (K.227), and now on display in the National Museum, Phnom Penh, relates how this prince or a king (samtac) was protected on two different occasions by four royal servants, all of whom lost their lives in his defense. The inscription lists the names of these officials and informs us that their respective images were once placed in the four corners of the shrine.

The complex resembles Angkor Thom and other structures attributed to Jayavarman VII. It is one of two sites outside Angkor with the enigmatic face-towers. Besides that, its outer gallery is carved with bas-reliefs depicting military engagements and daily life scenes very similar to the well-known ones in Bayon.

The complex is oriented to the east, where there's a dried baray (about 1.6 by 0.8 km), which had a temple on an artificial island (mebon) in its centre. There are three enclosures, as typical. The external one, largely ruined, was 1.9 by 1.7 km and surrounded by a moat. The middle enclosure, provided with a moat too, is 850 by 800 m. It contains the main temple, surrounded by a gallery with reliefs 250 by 200&nbps;m which constitutes the third inner enclosure.

Besides the main temple and the mebon there are other eight secondary temples. Four stelae detailing Jayavarman VII's genealogy were placed (though they remain unfinished) at each of the four corners of the third enclosure wall, mirroring the stelae that occupied the four corner-shrines (Prasat Chrung) of the king's capital at Angkor Thom.

Preservation of Banteay Chhmar is currently being led by Global Heritage Fund, a non-profit organization based in California. The organization's efforts thus far have included training a local Khmer team to conserve the sandstone bas-reliefs of the temple complex. Ultimately, GHF seeks to conserve the largely collapsed temple complex as a ruin "with low-impact, safe visitor access via suspended cable platforms over the fallen structures, along with selective interventions for high-risk structures, bas-reliefs and towers." GHF is also assisting the Cambodian government with the UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination and inscription process.

Banteay Chhmar is The potential Community Based Tourism Site in Cambodia:

Located in the northwestern of Cambodia and in Banteay Meanchey Province, Banteay Chhmar consists a XII century Angkorean Temple Complex. It is now renovated by the Global Heritage Fund. It is also contains the both Baray- rectangular water reservoirs- from the ancient times and from the Pol Pot era.

Indeed, supporting tourism means supporting economic. As tourism is considered to be a significant tool for poverty mitigation, the site is developed under the theme of Community Based Tourism. Banteay Chhmar is identified as the potential for community based tourism (CBT) in sustainable way that can help enhance local livelihood to a better condition while the three dimensions of social, economical and environmental aspects are taken into account.

Visitors can explore the historical site and enjoy a wide range of community based tourism activities. You can taste the food prepared by the local women, do picnic in the temple compound, spend a night in traditional wooden home stay and visit the Mekong Silk center to experience the process of gaining silk product and consequently be able to purchase the local product. To get deeply exploration, you can also visit the hidden satellite temples around Banteay Chhmar which is the unique experience that not many people have had. Generally, it is possible to access but only by walking. Those satellite temples are:

1. Chenh Choem Trey Temple (Raising Fish): a temple from the 12th century, located on a small hill with a small pond in the wet season.
2. Yeay Korm Temple: a small and much damaged temple where it is estimated that about 80 % is ruined.
3. West Samnang Ta Sok Temple: a temple that lies inside a forest on a mountain.
4. East Samnang Ta Sok Temple: a temple that resembles the main temple.
5. Ta Prum Temple and Balang Temple: Ta Prum temple is a beautifully restored temple that is surrounded by a mote. The ruins of the temple Balang is located nearby.
6. Me Bun Temple: a ruined temple with loose rocks but well visited by the local villagers.
7. Yeay Chour Temple: a much damaged temple that is not very clean and has many people living nearby.
8. Ta Em Temple (Sweet Man): a small temple where people live just besides.

The roads leading to the temples are small ancient roads which are in bad condition and some of the temples do not even have roads connected to them. Both CBT members and tourists wish to improve the access to the satellite temples. Your involvement and participation in the community based tourism will help economically contribute to the community physical infrastructure improvement.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Visual Art and Circus Performance

2011-12-19T16:07:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Visual Art and Circus Performance

The culture of Cambodia has had a rich and varied history dating back many centuries, and has been heavily influenced by India. Throughout Cambodia's long history, a major source of inspiration was from religion. Throughout nearly two millennia, Cambodians developed a unique Khmer belief from the syncreticism of indigenous animistic beliefs and the Indian religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. Indian culture and civilization, including its language and arts reached mainland Southeast Asia around the 1st century AD. It is generally believed that seafaring merchants brought Indian customs and culture to ports along the Gulf of Thailand and the Pacific while trading with China. The first state to benefit from this was Funan.

The history of visual arts in Cambodia stretches back centuries to ancient crafts; Khmer art reached its peak during the Angkor period. Traditional Cambodian arts and crafts include textiles, non-textile weaving, silversmithing, stone carving, lacquerware, ceramics, wat murals, and kite-making. Beginning in the mid-20th century, a tradition of modern art began in Cambodia, though in the later 20th century both traditional and modern arts declined for several reasons, including the killing of artists by the Khmer Rouge. The country has experienced a recent artistic revival due to increased support from governments, NGOs, and foreign tourists.

Battambang (Khmer: បាត់ដំបង) is a province in northwestern Cambodia. It is bordered to the North with Banteay Meanchey, to the West with Thailand, and to the East and South with Pursat. The capital of the province is the city of Battambang. The name, meaning 'lost staff', refers to the legend of Preah Bat Dambang Kranhoung. Battambang is one of the nine provinces that is part of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. The Battambang Provincial Service of Culture and Fine Arts is a local government agency, responsible for providing information and directives on culture and fine arts from central government, to issuing performing permits to registered arts organisations in the province. It is responsible both to the provincial government on administrative and operational matters and to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in Phnom Penh on cultural matters.

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Visual Art and Circus Performance:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-12-11): Are you interested in Visual art and Circus Performance? If you are interested in these do not miss your opportunity to visit Phare Ponle Selpark, meaning “The Brightness of Art” in Battambang. There, you can find something special related to visual Art and performance. Phare Ponle Selpak is a social cultural center which is best known for its circus school, providing alternative program, keeping them safe. This school trains children and teenagers that come from difficult social background, which began in 1986 as a way to help young refugees overcome the trauma of war. This center offers a wide range of socio-cultural activities. Visitors can watch classes and lessons provided by the three artistic vocational training schools: performing arts like circus and theatre, visual art such as drawing painting, computer design an illustration and cartoon animation and modern and traditional music. The traveler can also participate in a drawing workshop in the rice fields around Battambang. Now PPS troupes perform annually throughout Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia and gather troupes from all over the world for the annual International Circus Festival, “Tini Tinou”, help in Battambang and Phnom Penh. The center provides weekly regular performance show on every Thursday of the week with ticket fee of 8 USD fohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifr adult foreigner and 4 USD for the youngsters. Interesting in exploring Cambodia’s visual art, you can join and enlighten Cambodia Visual Art and Performance at Phare Ponle Selpak (PPS). A meal can be enjoyed at the onsite restaurant, with everything being prepared and served by members of the community. If staying for more than one day, tourists can enjoy being hosted by a Cambodian family for the night.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
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Tourism Indochina: The Treaty on Waterway Transportation

2011-12-17T11:23:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Treaty on Waterway Transportation

Water transportation is the intentional movement of water over large distances. Methods of transportation fall into three categories:

- Aqueducts, which include pipelines, canals, and tunnels,

- container shipment, which includes transport by tank truck, tank car, and tank ship, and

- towing, where a tugboat is used to pull an iceberg or a large water bag along behind it.

Due to its weight, the transportation of water is very energy intensive. Unless it has the assistance of gravity, a canal or long-distance pipeline will need pumping stations at regular intervals. In this regard, the lower friction levels of the canal make it a more economical solution than the pipeline. Water transportation is also very common along rivers and oceans.

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is an intergovernment body charged “to promote and co-ordinate sustainable management and development of water and related resources for the countries’ mutual benefit and the people’s well-being by implementing strategic programmes and activities and providing scientific information and policy advice.”

The MRC is governed by its four member countries through the Joint Committee and the Council. Members of the Joint Committee are usually senior civil servants heading government departments. There is one member from each country. The Joint Committee meets two to three times a year to approve budgets and strategic plans. Members of the Council are cabinet ministers. The Council meets once a year.

Technical and administrative support is provided by the MRC Secretariat. The Secretariat is based in Vientiane, Lao P.D.R, with over 120 staff including scientists, administrators and technical staff. A Chief Executive Officer manages the Secretariat.

In April 2010, the Mekong River Commission convened a summit in Hua Hin, Thailand. All six riparian nations were in attendance, including China, Burma (Myanmar), Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Tourism Indochina: The Treaty on Waterway Transportation:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-12-21): The Treaty on Waterway Transportation, signed in Phnom Penh on the first day of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh’s three-day visit to Cambodia, legally binds Cambodia and Vietnam to reducing the official restrictions that have existed for cross-border navigation, according to the Mekong River Commission (MRC).

Both governments say that the move will free-up regional and international trade, help avoid delays and make river-based customs and immigration procedures more efficient and straight-forward, according to the MRC.

The Mekong body added the agreement also introduced a range of other measures that should improve efficiency and safety for vessels using the more than 65 Cambodian and Vietnamese registered internal ports.

The MRC – the intergovernmental body responsible for cooperation on the sustainable management of the Mekong Basin whose members are Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam – facilitated the agreement by assisting a legal task force in both countries, with funding provided by the Governments of Belgium and Australia.

“The Mekong and a range of other tributaries between Cambodia and Vietnam are now officially open. Now no one may legally stop river trade,” Mr. Mom Sibon, Secretary of State, Ministry of Public Works and Transport was quoted by the MRC as saying in Phnom Penh Thursday.

He was also quoted as saying that the agreement would in the long term increase export potential and help both Cambodia and Vietnam achieve their poverty alleviation goals.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hei Bavy, Delegate of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Chairman and CEO of Phnom Penh Port, was quoted, “This agreement, along with the recent development of Cai Mep Port in Vietnam, provide exciting opportunities for economic growth in Cambodia and development of Phnom Penh Port.”

“We can now realize the full potential of the Mekong River by transporting goods directly to the United States, Europe and Australia through Cai Mep Port,” added Mr. Bavy.

According to the MRC, the new treaty will open up Mekong waterways to a range of new possibilities for generating trade revenue.

“Through this treaty, the Governments of Cambodia and Vietnam have agreed to allow all waterway users to freely cross borders for the transport of cargo and passengers,” said Jeremy Bird, CEO of the MRC.

Mr. Bird added “This will help all vessels, including, river cruise ships by allowing better access to ports in the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and many more sites that attract tourists.”

MRC chief technical advisor Lieven Geerinck said, “Shipping on the Lower Mekong River has previously not been conducted in a consistent manner. Now shipping companies can plan with confidence when exactly their containers will arrive at destination. It is all about reliability”.

The new regulations cover the Mekong River, the Tonle Sap, Bassac and Vam Nao rivers, as well as a number of canals in Vietnam and apply to all kinds of vessels, including sea-going ships under foreign flag.

Both countries have agreed to grant to each other’s vessels “most favoured-nation treatment,” according to the wording of the treaty.

A Mekong Navigation Facilitation Committee will be established to implement and monitor the agreement. By Tuong Thuy

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Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
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Tourism Indochina: A Truly Natural Accommodation in Koh Kong

2011-12-17T10:52:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: A Truly Natural Accommodation in Koh Kong

Koh Kong is the most southwestern province of Cambodia. It is one of the biggest provinces in the whole country with a long undeveloped coastline and a mountainous, forested and largely inaccessible interior, which embraces part of the Cardamom Mountains, the biggest coherent rainforest of Southeast Asia. Its tourist attractions include abundant wildlife; big waterfalls and casinos on the border to Thailand, while an Export Processing Zone and new port facilities are being developed for international trade.

Ta Tai waterfall is a semi-natural site located in Ta Tai village, Ta Tai commune, Smach Meanchey district, about 20 kilometers east of Koh Kong provincial town along National Road 48. There are 84 families living in this area. They earn their living by fishing and hunting. The waterfall has two stages. The first stage is 5 to 6 meters high; the second stage is 12 to 15 meters high. Ta Tai waterfall was developed as a model site in Koh Kong to attract local and foreign tourists.Ta Tai waterfall is also known as Ta Eysei waterfall. According to legend, a man named Ta Tai and his son went to the waterfall to fish because the waterfall was the joining point between fresh water and salt water. There was a storm and the resulting floods carried away Ta Tai's son.

Tourism Indochina: A Truly Natural Accommodation in Koh Kong:
(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2009-12-22): Are you looking for a new traveling experience in Cambodia? Rainbow lodge in Koh Kong Province might be your option. Many travelers have admired this place and even some consider as paradise. Why? Situated on the edge of the South of Cardamom Mountains protected reserve, Rainbow lodge offers it guest with its true unique riverside of Cambodia that many visitors fail to see.

Whether you are looking for a peace and tranquil landscape, adventure and excitement, or something just different from a little moment, Rainbow lodge can still deserve. Nature lovers will definitely adore this place with a respect to the environment and the green policy that promotes responsible and sustainable tourism. If you take look to the place you will see an exotic place filled with the diverse scenery intriguing. A food lover will enjoy the fresh and tasty Khmer and Western cuisine with relaxed atmosphere and friendly service.

Rainbow Lodge is located in the village of Tatai, 19kms south of Koh Kong town on the new highway 48 from Phnom Penh. Koh Kong town is 12 kms from the border with Thailand. However there is no direct route from Siem Reap and Battambang. You have to go through Phnom Penh and Thailand. Cambodia would like to welcome you to Rainbow Lodge and a new type of travel experience.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
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Tourism Indochina: Ecotourism Cambodia: Luxurious Floating Eco Lodge

2011-12-17T10:21:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Ecotourism Cambodia: Luxurious Floating Eco Lodge

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism.

Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or "voluntourism", personal growth and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to environmental and social responsibility advocates.

Koh Kong is a province of Cambodia. The name means "Kŏng Island Province". Its capital is Koh Kong. The most south-western province of Cambodia, Koh Kong has a long undeveloped coastline and a mountainous, forested and largely inaccessible interior which embraces part of the Cardamom Mountains and a section of Kirirom National Park. Its tourist attractions include casinos and waterfalls, while an Export Processing Zone and new port facilities are being developed for trade. After Cambodia’s liberation from the Khmer Rouge in 1979, Koh Kong was still quite unpopulated. After national government policy encouraged people to live in Koh Kong, there has been a net influx of people. It is estimated that the average annual growth rate in Koh Kong is 16 per cent, which has put pressure on the mangrove resources in the province. Koh Kong's towns have developed rapidly partially in response to market pressures from Thailand and because of in-migration from other parts of Cambodia.

Tourism Indochina: Ecotourism Cambodia: Luxurious Floating Eco Lodge:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-12-30): The 4 rivers Floating Eco-lodge comprise of 18 isolated accommodated tents with gourmet restaurant, a swimming pool and beauty message accompanying by pure fresh and atmosphere. Probably it is a unique luxurious eco-lodge in Cambodia and unique in the world, 4 Rivers floating eco-lodge provide a luxurious accommodation in harmony with truly natural and environmental friendly. Located in the Tati River, Koh Kong Province, It is a creative boutique resort of tranquility that deserve with high-end facilities.

The Tatai River is about 20 minutes from Koh Kong Province, 3 hours from Sihanouk Ville and 4 hours from Phnom Penh along highway 48. The rate of the tents is from 87USD in low season (May to September) and USD 102 in high season (October to April). While staying there, you can enjoy recreational activities by taking boat down to the river to experience mangrove forest waterway, and discovering village market, custom and natural cures and belief of the people living in Cardamom Mountain.

The place where it located comes up with the remarkable rainforest eco-region with more than 100 mammal species including numerous endangered animals and about 553 plus specie of birdlife, according to Wildlife Alliance. The fabulous and rich natural beauty that fills with diverse scenery in Cardamom Mountain is interesting to get explored and makes this luxurious floating eco-lodge wonderful to stay. Let start your world with panoramic view that 4 rivers can offers.

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Tourism Indochina: UNWTO: 880 Million Travelers Last year, This Year to be Better

2011-12-16T10:39:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: UNWTO: 880 Million Travelers Last year, This Year to be Better

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO/OMT) is a specialized agency of the United ‎Nations and the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a ‎global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.‎

UNWTO plays a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, ‎sustainable and universally accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the ‎interests of developing countries.‎

The Organization encourages the implementation ‎of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, with a view to ensuring that member ‎countries, tourist destinations and businesses maximize the positive economic, ‎social and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits, while minimizing its ‎negative social and environmental impacts.‎

Its membership includes 155 countries, 7 territories and over 400 Affiliate ‎Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations ‎and local tourism authorities.‎

Direct actions that strengthen and support the efforts of National Tourism ‎Administrations are carried out by UNWTO's regional representatives (Africa, the ‎Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia) based at ‎the Headquarters in Madrid.‎

UNWTO is committed to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, geared ‎toward reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development.‎

Tourism Indochina: UNWTO: 880 Million Travelers Last year, This Year to be Better:
(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2010-01-30): Many countries all around the world saw dramatic drops in lucrative tourism dollars last year, with the global average recording a 4% drop in international travelers says the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

According to the latest figures 880 million arrivals were recorded by people travelling for business, leisure and other purposes, a 4% drop from 2008 figures.

Despite this drop, the UNWTO says it saw a marked upswing in the fourth quarter, without which the figures would have been worse. Subsequently it has deduced that 2010 will see a rebound to the effect of some three to four percent.

"The global economic crisis aggravated by the uncertainty around the A(H1N1) pandemic turned 2009 into one of the toughest years for the tourism sector," said Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General.

"However, the results of recent months suggest that recovery is underway, and even somewhat earlier and at a stronger pace than initially expected."

Breaking 2009 into quarters, the first quarter saw international arrivals shrink by 10%, the second quarter saw a smaller drop of 7%, while the third recorded a drop of 2%. In comparison, fourth quarter 2009 saw an upswing of 2 %.

These recent figures also back a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report which stated that it was seeing a global recovery which was "significantly" faster than expected.

Source = e-Travel Blackboard: W.X

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Tourism Indochina: The Mountain Bike Trail Along Mekong Discovery Trail

2011-12-16T09:19:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Mountain Bike Trail Along Mekong Discovery Trail

The Mekong Discovery Trail takes you into the heart of the Mekong where the beauty of the river and the friendliness of the people create unforgettable river life experiences in northeast Cambodia.

The Mekong Discovery Trail is a network of safe, ecotourism journeys through some of the most natural and least populated parts of the Mekong.

The free trail guide provides maps, transport and accommodation options. You can travel on a small part of the trail, or all of it. You can travel alone or with a group. There are many options along the 180 km trail, which runs between Kratie and the Cambodian/Laos border. But remember to allow enough time to go with the flow of river life.

Along the trail, you will have the opportunity to see critically endangered Mekong River Dolphins, while minimising your impact on them and the habitats they rely on.

By using the Trail, you will also be assisting river communities, some of the poorest (but most welcoming) in Cambodia.

Tourism Indochina: The Mountain Bike Trail Along Mekong Discovery Trail:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2010-02-04): Are you eco-traveler and want a friendly travel? If so, then try a carbon free travel experience along the Mekong Discovery Trail. Without harming the environment and gaining green house gas to the atmosphere, you can ride the mountain bike to see a magnificent landscape of the Mekong River. Along the way, you will immerse remote local livelihood lifestyle and also help improve their livelihood.

The unique experience and specialty of the mountain bike trail is that you will drive yourself through one of the Mekong Biodiversity Hot Spots where local people and non-government organization pay much attention on biological richness preservation. When you are on Mountain bike trail, be alerted to bring plenty of water (difficult to find at remote village), spare parts, first aid kid and sun protection lotion.

This mountain bike trail along Mekong Discovery Trail can be done at Kratie or Steung Treng Province. The mountain bike can be rented or purchased in Phnom Penh. Find the one that suit you and go on with a carbon-free travel experience that serves the environment and help improve remote livelihood where you reach.

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Tourism Indochina: Tourism is a Major Foreign Currency Earner for Cash-strapped Cambodia

2011-12-16T08:33:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Tourism is a Major Foreign Currency Earner for Cash-strapped Cambodia

The tourism industry in Cambodia is the country's second-greatest source of hard currency after the textile industry. Between January and December 2007, visitor arrivals were 2.0 million, an increase of 18.5% over the same period in 2006. Most visitors (51%) arrived through Siem Reap with the remainder (49%) through Phnom Penh and other destinations. Other tourist destinations include Sihanoukville in the south east which has several popular beach resorts and the area around Kampot and Kep including the Bokor Hill Station. Tourism has increased steadily each year in the relatively stable period since the 1993 UNTAC elections; in 1993 there were 118,183 international tourists, and in 2009 there were 2,161,577 international tourists.

Most of the tourists were Japanese, Chinese, Americans, South Koreans and French people, said the report, adding that the industry earned some 1,400 million U.S. dollars in 2007, accounting for almost ten percent of the kingdom's gross national products. Chinese-language newspaper Jianhua Daily quoted industry official as saying that Cambodia will have three million foreign tourist arrival in 2010 and five million in 2015. Tourism has been one of Cambodia's triple pillar industries. The Angkor Wat historical park in Siem Reap province, the beaches in Sihanoukville and the capital city Phnom Penh are the main attractions for foreign tourists.

Tourism Indochina: Tourism is a Major Foreign Currency Earner for Cash-strapped Cambodia:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2010-03-04): PHNOM PENH (Cambodia) - South Korea has provided US$9.2 million (S$12.9 million) to Cambodia to build a new road that will circle the famed Angkor temple complex and reduce traffic in the area, officials said Monday.

The 21-kilometer road will be closed to trucks to reduce pollution, noise and vibrations that could damage the ancient ruins, said Soeung Kong, vice secretary-general of the Apsara Authority, the government agency that oversees the temples.

Construction will start this year and take three years to complete, he said. It will be the second road in the Angkor area funded by South Korea, connecting with existing roads to the north and northwest of the temples, said South Korean Embassy official Son Sungil. The first road extended south from the temple complex.

Tourism is a major foreign currency earner for cash-strapped Cambodia, which hosts nearly 1.5 million foreign tourists each year, mostly from South Korea, Japan and the United States. More than half of the tourists visit Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northwestern Siem Reap province.

The temples were built when Angkorian kings ruled over much of Southeast Asia between the 9th and 14th centuries.

Conservationists have long expressed concerns about tourism's impact. They say uncontrolled pumping of underground water to meet the rising demand of hotels and residents in the nearby town of Siem Reap may be destabilizing the earth beneath the temples. -- AP

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Tourism Indochina: AirAsia Causes Concern for Vietnam Airlines

2011-12-15T16:57:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: AirAsia Causes Concern for Vietnam Airlines

AirAsia Berhad is a Malaysian-based low-cost airline. AirAsia is Asia's largest low-fare, no-frills airline and a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia. AirAsia group operates scheduled domestic and international flights to over 400 destinations spanning 25 countries. Its main hub is the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Its affiliate airlines Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia have hubs in Suvarnabhumi Airport and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport respectively. AirAsia's registered office is in Petaling Jaya, Selangor while its head office is located in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Air Asia plans to open ASEAN regional headquarters in Jakarta by August or September 2011. The airline itself will maintain its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur for the time being.

AirAsia won the Skytrax World's best low-cost airline award in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011. It has the world's lowest operating costs at $0.035/seat-kilometre in 2010. It is also the first airline in the region to implement fully ticketless air travel system.

Vietnam Airlines Company Limited, trading as Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam. Founded in 1956 under the name Vietnam Civil Aviation, the airline was established as a state enterprise in April 1989. Vietnam Airlines is headquartered in Long Bien, Hanoi, with hubs at Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The airline flies to 46 destinations in 19 countries, excluding codeshared services.

Vietnam Airlines was officially formed in 1996, after bringing together several service companies. The company is overseen by a seven-seat management board, members of which are appointed by the Vietnamese Prime Minister. Vietnam Airlines was the major stakeholder in Vietnam's second largest carrier, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, but its share has been transferred to the Ministry of Finance, then subsequently, to the State Capital Investment Corporation.

With the core activity of the airline being passenger transportation, Vietnam Airlines also earns revenue from catering and the maintenance and overhauling of aircraft through a number of its subsidiaries. The maintenance and overhauling of aircraft is handled by Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company (VAECO), while the former is performed by Noibai Catering Services Join-Stock Company and Vietnam Air Caterer, who cater airlines that use Vietnam Airlines’ hubs. The airline also controls and operates its cargo division, Vietnam Airlines Cargo, using the airline’s luggage hold on its passenger fleet, as well as a number of dedicated aircraft. Vietnam Airlines owns 100% of Vietnam Air Service Company (VASCO)—a regional airline in southern Vietnam, and 49% of Cambodia Angkor Air—the national flag carrier of Cambodia.

The airline is ranked as a 3-star airline according to the independent research consultancy firm Skytrax. Vietnam Airlines became a member of SkyTeam on 10 June 2010, making it the sole Southeast Asian carrier to join that alliance.

Tourism Indochina: AirAsia Causes Concern for Vietnam Airlines:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2010-03-20): AirAsia’s plan for a joint venture with a local Vietnam carrier has jolted a nervous Vietnam Airlines into action, urging the government this week to stop the move.

Last month, the Malaysian budget carrier purchased a 30 percent stake in Vietnam’s local VietJet Air. The carriers announced soon after joint venture plans for a new budget airline which was approved by the Ministry of Transport.
According to Thanh Nien Daily, VietJetAirAsia will operate both international and domestic flights starting May.

However, in a letter to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Vietnam Airlines asked the government to prevent the venture from materialising.

The carrier said AirAsia’s stake in VietJet was only a ploy to enter the domestic market.

Vietnam Airlines said foreign carriers such as AirAsia and Jetstar were taking advantage of the government’s 30 percent cap on foreign ownership in a local airline.

It said the trend of foreign airlines coming into the country to purchase stakes in local carriers was bound to harm the local industry.

If the venture goes ahead, Vietjet AirAsia will compete directly with Jetstar Pacific, who has not raised any objection to the planned venture. Source ETB

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Tourism Indochina: Virgin Blue Orders 105 Planes

2011-12-15T16:44:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Virgin Blue Orders 105 Planes

Virgin Australia Airlines, formerly Virgin Blue Airlines, is Australia's second-largest airline as well as the largest by fleet size to utilise the Virgin brand. Now based in Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, the airline was co-founded by British businessman Sir Richard Branson and former Virgin Blue CEO, Brett Godfrey. It was established in 2000 with two aircraft operating on a single route, and suddenly found itself catapulted to the position of Australia's second airline after the collapse of Ansett Australia in September 2001. The airline has grown to directly serve 29 cities in Australia from hubs in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, using a fleet of narrow-body Boeing and Embraer jets and Airbus widebody jets.

After several years operating as a low-cost carrier it improved its services to become a so-called (self-described) "new world carrier" – essentially a business model with aspects of the "no frills" approach of low-cost carriers but offering services more in line with full-service airlines – in order to compete more effectively with Qantas in the business travel market. In 2011 it took the strategy further with new uniforms; new catering on board; new widebody aircraft to compete with Qantas on Perth – Sydney services; and the concurrent introduction of business class; together with a new livery and a renaming to Virgin Australia. Currently the airline is considered a four-star airline by research consultancy firm Skytrax.

Tourism Indochina: Virgin Blue Orders 105 Planes:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2010-04-02): Virgin Blue announced today its signing of an agreement with Boeing for its largest order of aircraft ever.

It has signed for up to 105 brand new 737 aircraft, completing nine months of negotiations between the carrier and the aircraft manufacturer.

The order includes 50 firm B737-800NG aircraft, with flexibility to convert to either B737-700 or B737-900, 25 additional firm delivery positions secured as options and 30 future purchase rights.

Virgin Blue did not disclose the pricing of the aircraft but said that it expected to finalise its funding arrangements for the aircraft soon.

Delivery is scheduled from June 2011 through to 2017, the carrier said.

The new aircraft is expected to replace Virgin Blue’s existing narrow body fleet, while the remainder will be deployed to new routes and boost frequency where demand dictates.

“Securing this agreement now places Virgin Blue in a strong position to prepare for steady future growth as domestic and short haul markets recover” said Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey in a statement.

“It will also ensure a turnover of aircraft to maintain the youngest fleet of modern aircraft which is crucial for maintaining our commitment to on-time performance and the lowest cost base possible.”

Source ETB

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Tourism Indochina: The Mekong Tourism Forum Works to Achieve Three Main Objectives

2011-12-15T16:20:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Mekong Tourism Forum Works to Achieve Three Main Objectives

The Mekong Tourism Forum provides a cooperative platform for stakeholders in the tourism industry to discuss the development, marketing and promotion of travel to, from and within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). It presents an inclusive, interactive and results-oriented opportunity to encourage public and private sector participation in representing the GMS as a single destination.

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) organized the first Mekong Tourism Forum in 1996 and led it for 10 consecutive years. The hosting of this influential annual event rotated among destinations within the GMS until 2005. In subsequent years private sector initiated events around the region continued to work towards the forum’s goals. The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) is revived the forum in 2010 taking place in Siem Reap, Cambodia, 7-8 May 2010 with the theme of “New Roads, New Opportunities”. MTF2011 will be in Pakse, Laos, May 27-28.

Tourism Indochina: The Mekong Tourism Forum Works to Achieve Three Main Objectives:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2010-04-08): This year's Mekong Tourism Forum will be held on May 7-8 the Angkor Century Resort and Spa, near to Angkor Wat the awe-inspiring Cambodian UNESCO Heritage Site.

The Mekong Tourism Forum provides a cooperative platform for stakeholders in the tourism industry to discuss development, marketing and promotion of travel to, from and within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). It presents an inclusive, interactive and results-oriented opportunity to encourage public and private sector participation in representing the GMS as a single destination.

"We are looking forward to hosting this influential networking gathering," said Dr Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism for Cambodia. "It will mark the progress of a pivotal business and travel industry forum initiated by the Asian Development Bank 14 years ago," he said.

The theme of the Mekong Tourism Forum 2010 is, "New Roads, New Opportunities". Business and government sector leaders will assess the latest tourism developments and investment opportunities along the regional road networks linking Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the southern China provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi.

Across the Mekong region, new areas with previously minor or no tourism infrastructure are now opening up along three main corridors: the southern coastal road from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam via Cambodia; the central east-west route linking Northeast Thailand to southern Laos and Hue in central Vietnam; and the north-south Kunming-Bangkok road through northern Laos.

"Today villages and towns along the way are benefiting from the arrival of tourists where there were none before," said Mason Florence, Executive Director of the Bangkok-based Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. "At the Mekong Tourism Forum we will discuss investment prospects and hear from tourism operators who are already taking advantage of opportunities along the new overland corridors."

During the forum at the Angkor Century Resort & Spa, panel discussions will be held on "Pioneering Mekong Tourism Products," "The Path to Community-based Tourism," "How Sustainable Tourism Can Drive Profit" and "The Road Ahead".

The Mekong Tourism Forum works to achieve three main objectives:

• To raise the profile of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) as a single tourist destination.

• To provide an industry-wide platform for the public and private sectors to address sub-regional tourism issues.

• To expand marketing networks and opportunities for promoting the GMS and its stakeholders, pool collective resources and create intra-industry synergy.

To help attract small and medium-sized tourism entrepreneurs and a diverse range of travel professionals, the MTCO, in conjunction with Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism, has reduced the cost of attending the Mekong Tourism Forum 2010 to a nominal US$50 for the two-day event and US$30 for members of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The registration fee includes access to all forum sessions, including two lunches and two dinners.

Financial support for MTF 2010 is being provided by the Ministry of Tourihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsm, Cambodia, the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and the USAID-funded ASEAN Competitiveness Enhancement project. Other travel industry partners are providing support in-kind.

Source ETB

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam in an effort to Draw Tourists to the Country

2011-12-14T10:45:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam in an effort to Draw Tourists to the Country

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism: The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is the government agency of Vietnam which manages tourist operations and activities throughout the country. It has full control in terms of business development, planning, public relations, personnel training, conducting research, and instructing and inspecting the implementation of policies and other regulations in the tourism sector.

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam in an effort to Draw Tourists to the Country:
(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2010-08-05): A two month campaign to reduce prices during the low season has been launched in the major cities of Vietnam in an effort to draw tourists to the country.

A number of shops, hotels, restaurants and transportation firms in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang have signed up to 'The Grand Sale' and agreed to reduce their prices by ten to 40 per cent during August and September, reported the Vietnam News.

"This is a good campaign," Hanoitourist director Luu Duc Ke told the news agency.

"Our company will co-ordinate with transport companies and hotels to provide discounts of 10 to 30 per cent."

Upon the presentation of their passport, tourists will receive a Tourist Privilege Card or shopping coupons for participating merchants.

As part of the larger 'Vietnam: Your Destination 2010' campaign, The Grand Sale is hoped to bring in increased revenue from tourist spending.

The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) with the Trade Promotion Department, the Ministry of Industry and Vietnam Airlines introduced the campaign following the success of similar programmes in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

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Tourism Indochina: Responsible Tourism in Cambodia

2011-12-14T10:22:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Responsible Tourism in Cambodia

Responsible tourism is an approach to the management of tourism, aimed at maximizing economic, social and environmental benefits and minimizing costs to destinations. Simply put, Responsible tourism ‘creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit’. The distinguishing characteristic of the approach is the focus on the responsibility of key stakeholders in the tourism sector, and destinations in general, to take action to achieve sustainable tourism development.

Responsible Tourism Trends(Programme 2010 - 2011-Snvworld): International tourists and tour operators are increasingly seeking tourism products and services that meet high socio-cultural and environmental standards. Especially European and North-American markets are highly motivated to travel in a responsible way. Chris Thompson, Travelife Sustainability Manager and Responsible Tourism Coordinator of FTO (Federation of Tour Operators), expressed that in the United Kingdom "at lease 2/3 of people walking into a travel agency are looking for authenticity, they are looking for something being put back into the local destination, and that we are actually enhancing livelihoods". Similar conclusions are drawn in SNV’s recent publication on the Responsible Tourism market: “Customers demand authenticity, dynamic and interactive experiences, and environmentally and (to a lesser extent) socially responsible practices”. Increased publicity on sustainability issues, especially those pertaining to global warming and poverty alleviation, has heightened consumer awareness on the importance of responsible purchases. Consumers are rightly demanding that tourism businesses operate as responsible members of the community. As a result, a growing number of large international tour operators aims to match their product offer to this market. “70% of international tour operators consider ‘sustainable’ and ‘responsible’ tourism important to the quality of experience they are able to offer their customers”, according to a global study by FTO (Federation of Tour Operators)”.

In destination countries such as Cambodia, these international tour operators are looking to partner with local enterprises that promote comparable business management. This creates new opportunities for business links and serves as a marketing tool for Cambodian Responsible Tourism companies. Secretary of State from the Ministry of Tourism H.E. Kousoum Saroeuth said that “This is a good chance for tourism private sector in Cambodia to target and make profit from the responsible tourism market”. To accomplish that Cambodia needs to increase its focus on “responsible tourism” to keep up with foreign travellers and capture a growing market. These tourists want to ensure that their tourism experience impacts positively on the local host communities and environment. International tourists and tour operators are increasingly seeking tourism products and services that meet high socio-cultural and environmental standards.

Responsible Tourism in Cambodia to be commenced soon:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2010-09-29): The Responsible Travel Cambodia Program will launch in October 2010. This is a new business approach that requires design and implementation with clear motivation and commitment toward managing and developing of responsible tourism services in Cambodia.

This initiative is created and promoted by collaboration between SNV in Cambodia and The Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) with the purpose for business solution that positively contributes to poverty alleviation and praises local livelihood. The GOAL of Responsible Tourism Program is “to provide new, modern solutions for challenging facing tourism business today, including increased competitiveness in the rapid changing global tourism industry,” according to SNV Cambodia.

Strategic approach, advices will be provided to enable tour operators to profit from the practical responsible business management and to make good collaboration for positive changes in tourism sector in Cambodian as well as to appropriately respond to a emerging market trend in global tourism.

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Tourism Indochina: The Most Recommended World Heritage Site Worldwide is Angkor Wat

2011-12-14T09:41:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Most Recommended World Heritage Site Worldwide is Angkor Wat

World Heritage Site: A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance. The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 states parties which are elected by their General Assembly.

The program catalogues, names, and conserves sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. Under certain conditions, listed sites can obtain funds from the World Heritage Fund. The programme was founded with the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage,[3] which was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on November 16, 1972. Since then, 186 states party have ratified the convention.

As of 2011, 936 sites are listed: 725 cultural, 183 natural, and 28 mixed properties, in 153 States Parties. Italy is home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites to date with 47 sites inscribed on the list. UNESCO references each World Heritage Site with an identification number; but new inscriptions often include previous sites now listed as part of larger descriptions. As a result, the identification numbers exceed 1200 even though there are fewer on the list.

While each World Heritage Site remains part of the legal territory of the state wherein the site is located, UNESCO considers it in the interest of the international community to preserve each site.

Angkor Wat: Angkor Wat (Khmer: អង្គរវត្ត) is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors. Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture, with key features such as the Jagati. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas (guardian spirits) adorning its walls.

Tourism Indochina: The Most Recommended World Heritage Site Worldwide is Angkor Wat:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-03-07):

According to the quarter million of survey conducted under collaboration of UNESCO and Trip Advisor, it revealed that most recommended world heritage site worldwide is Angkor Wat , a human treasure in Kingdom of Cambodia and that 72 % of traveler would do more to contribute to world heritage site conservation if they know how.

Trip Advisor revealed the result of the biggest analysis ever conducted of UNESCO World Heritage Site around the world. This result collected via on site and email campaign of trip advisor from around a quarter of a million (244,690) feedback submission of travelers who have visited 789 of world heritage site list.

The two year- partnership between Trip Advisor and UNESCO world Heritage Site promote awareness to support cultural and natural site of world heritage site and also 1.5 million (USD) is donated by TripAdvisor to help World heritage Center in conservation.

According to Trip Advisor Travelers, the “Top Ten” most recommended sites are:

1. Angkor, Cambodia 2. Historic Center of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See, Italy 3. Historic Center of Florence, Italy 4. Historic Areas of Istanbul, Turkey 5. Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Scotland 6. Historic Center of Prague, Czech Republic 7. Venice and its Lagoon, Venezia, Italy 8. Works of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona, Spain 9. Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret’s Cathedral, London, England 10. Historic Center of Vienna, Austria.

We, Cambodian are very proud to have Angkor as the most recommended world heritage site ever recorded in the world among others site and pleased to warmly welcome for tourism in Cambodia, a kingdom of wonder.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Famous in Both Natural and Cultural Attraction

2011-12-07T23:03:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Famous in Both Natural and Cultural Attraction

Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. With a total landmass of 181,035 square kilometres (69,898 sq mi), it is bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.

Cambodia has an area of 181,035 square kilometers (69,898 sq mi) and lies entirely within the tropics, between latitudes 10° and 15°N, and longitudes 102° and 108°E. It borders Thailand to the north and west, Laos to the northeast, and Vietnam to the east and southeast. It has a 443-kilometer (275 mi) coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.

Cambodia’s landscape is characterized by a low-lying central plain that is surrounded by uplands and low mountains and includes the Tonle Sap (Great Lake) and the upper reaches of the Mekong River delta. Extending outward from this central region are transitional plains, thinly forested and rising to elevations of about 650 feet (200 metres) above sea level. To the north the Cambodian plain abuts a sandstone escarpment, which forms a southward-facing cliff stretching more than 200 miles (320 km) from west to east and rising abruptly above the plain to heights of 600 to 1,800 feet (180 to 550 metres). This escarpment marks the southern limit of the Dângrêk Mountains. Flowing south through the country’s eastern regions is the Mekong River. East of the Mekong the transitional plains gradually merge with the eastern highlands, a region of forested mountains and high plateaus that extend into Laos and Vietnam. In southwestern Cambodia two distinct upland blocks, the Krâvanh Mountains and the Dâmrei Mountains, form another highland region that covers much of the land area between the Tonle Sap and the Gulf of Thailand. In this remote and largely uninhabited area, Phnom Aural, Cambodia’s highest peak, rises to an elevation of 5,949 feet (1,813 metres). The southern coastal region adjoining the Gulf of Thailand is a narrow lowland strip, heavily wooded and sparsely populated, which is isolated from the central plain by the southwestern highlands. The most distinctive geographical feature is the inundations of the Tonle Sap (Great Lake), measuring about 2,590 square kilometers (1,000 sq mi) during the dry season and expanding to about 24,605 square kilometers (9,500 sq mi) during the rainy season. This densely populated plain, which is devoted to wet rice cultivation, is the heartland of Cambodia. Much of this area has been designated as a biosphere reserve.

Cambodia has a wide variety of plants and animals. There are 212 mammal species, 536 bird species, 240 reptile species, 850 freshwater fish species (Tonle Sap Lake area), and 435 marine fish species. Much of this biodiversity is contained around the Tonle Sap Lake and the surrounding biosphere. The Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve is a unique ecological phenomenon surrounding the Tonle Sap. It encompasses the lake and nine provinces: Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin, Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear. In 1997, it was successfully nominated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Other key habitats include the dry forest of Mondolkiri and Ratanakiri provinces and the Cardamom Mountains ecosystem, including Bokor National Park, Botum-Sakor National Park, and the Phnom Aural and Phnom Samkos wildlife sanctuaries.

The culture of Cambodia has had a rich and varied history dating back many centuries, and has been heavily influenced by India. Throughout Cambodia's long history, a major source of inspiration was from religion. Throughout nearly two millennia, Cambodians developed a unique Khmer belief from the syncreticism of indigenous animistic beliefs and the Indian religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. Indian culture and civilization, including its language and arts reached mainland Southeast Asia around the 1st century AD. It is generally believed that seafaring merchants brought Indian customs and culture to ports along the Gulf of Thailand and the Pacific while trading with China. The first state to benefit from this was Funan.

The Bay of Cambodia integrated :The World Class Most Beautiful Bay:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-03-12):

The executive board of “The Most Beautiful Bay In The world” has celebrated a two-day confirmation of admission of the Bay of Cambodia to be prestigious fraternity from 22nd to 23rd in France. Cambodia has been famous in both natural and Cultural attraction which attract million of tourists to the kingdom.

Let make yourself opportunity to Enjoy and Relax Cambodia’s Pristine Beaches – beautiful island and natural Ecotourism. More than world class attraction, Cambodian has a warmly smile welcoming you for pleasure tourism with amazing cultural asset you might ever seen.

Cambodia is not only recognized to the world for the magnificent Angkor- the most recommended world heritage site in the world and hundreds of temples- but also the world class beach as well. Then pristine beach and beautiful island with various recreational activities that you can make like: kayaking, scuba-diving and fishing would make you a fabulous experiences in one destination.

Tours Package in Cambodia: http://www.tourismindochina.com

Cambodia Domestic and International flight: http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/flights/

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Tries to Promote Coastal Tourism and Ecotourism

2011-12-07T22:30:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Tries to Promote Coastal Tourism and Ecotourism

Many coastal areas are experiencing particular pressure from growth in lifestyles and growing numbers of tourists. Coastal environments are limited in extent consisting of only a narrow strip along the edge of the ocean. Coastal areas are often the first environments to experience the detrimental impacts of tourism. A detailed study of the impact on coastal areas, with reference to western India can be an example. Some of the recent studies have led to some interesting conceptual models applicable for coastal tourism. The 'inverted funnel model' and the 'embedded model' can be good metaphors for understanding the interplay of different stake-holders like government, local community, tourists and business community in developing tourist destinations.

Ecotourism is a form of tourism visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism. Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or "voluntourism", personal growth and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to environmental and social responsibility advocates.

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Tried to Promote Coastal Tourism and Ecotourism:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-03-14):

From 1993 till now, Cambodia has attracted 1.4 million of Japanese Tourist which is one percent of Japanese total population; hence, this figure is still small. However Cambodia via the Ministry of Tourism and related development agency and relevant stakeholders are putting much effort to overcome such a big challenge.

Japanese Travelers travel around 17 Million over the world while 2.8 million visited ASEAN region in 2010. Cambodia can attract a small proportion of these other countries. Angkor Wat has been a popular destination serving Japanese tourist in Cambodia. Japanese tourists have a large contribution of spending in tourism sector. Attracting Japanese tourist, The Ministry of Tourism has been working hard to diversify products. Therefore, not only cultural tourism we try to promote coastal tourism and ecotourism. As Cambodia Bay was integrated to the world most beautiful beach which represents the world class beach since 21st -23rd Jan in French, we highly recommended for coastal tourism beside cultural tourism which is very famous for heritage site.

In addition to facilities and services we have to serves Japanese Tourist, Cambodia try to develop hotel, eco-lodges, golf courses, airport, harbor, convention centre, professional tourism and training schools in emerging destinations in Cambodia. For sure that connectivity and transportation are key player for tourism flow but the two countries will have direct flight at the end of this year by ANA, according to H.E. Hor Monirath- Ambassador of Kingdom of Cambodia to Japan; this would help accelerate Japanese tourist to Cambodia while this upcoming connecting flight will provide low -cost carrier services.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Tourism Indochina: Indochina Leading MICE and Leisure Destination

2011-12-07T21:49:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Indochina Leading MICE and Leisure Destination

Tourism Indochina: Indochina Leading MICE and Leisure Destination

Well, at first do you know the word MICE in Tourism field?

MICE Tourism – a term that has gained momentum worldwide in recent times has an equal share of popularity in India as well. Let us explore what is MICE tourism.

MICE = Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions.
Acronym MICE, if expanded, give a general idea about the term:

M = Meetings (To manage all arrangements; which is required in normal general Meetings)

I = Incentive (To organize incentive tour for your corporate)

C = Conferences (To organize meetings of wide level called conference and manage all arrangements for larger groups)

E= Exhibitions (To organize exhibitions at global level on various exhibition grounds)

Sometimes, ‘C’ and ‘E’ are referred to as conventions and events respectively.

In corporate world, meetings, conferences and exhibitions are organized at exotic tourist destination to encourage the employees and perk up their efficiency. Realizing the benefits to business with MICE, this trend has gained popularity in the industry.

MICE in tourism industry generally includes a well-organized program centered on a particular theme. These themes may include a profession, a hobby, or an educational matter. With its own trade shows (IMEX) and practices, such tourism has a specialized area. MICE events follow a process of marketing and bidding. Usually bid on by expertise convention department set in particular nations, this procedure is often performed several months or even years ahead of the actual event.

Famous MICE Destination – Using off-site workdays to motivate staff and improve their productivity is gaining popularity in the corporate world. Companies are also realizing the benefits to their business when regional dealer conferences, incentive trips and focused business meetings are organized in exotic locations which include sightseeing, recreation and shopping. MICE is used to refer to a particular type of tourism in which large groups, usually planned well in advance, are brought together for some particular purpose.

Tourism Indochina: Indochina Leading MICE and Leisure Destination:

As part of the recent Starwood Indochina road show in Australia, PCO and Wholesale customers were treated to a Thai feast at Sailors Thai in the Rocks. With all hotels in attendance having a key interest in the MICE & Wholesale, they have been enjoying the spotlight on the destination particularly with the strength of the Australian dollar.

There were some lucrative prizes provided by the hotels and drawn out on the night; 3 Nights at Aloft Bangkok & 3 Nights at Le Meridien Chiang Mai 3 Nights at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok & 3 Nights Sheraton Krabi 3 Nights at Le Meridien Phuket & 3 Nights at The Westin Siray Bay 3 Nights at St Regis Bangkok & 3 Nights at KM Khao Lak 2 Nights at Sheraton Saigon & 3 Nights Sheraton Nha Trang & 3 Nights Sheraton Hanoi 1 x 5 Nights at Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok

On their last day in Sydney before heading down to Melbourne, The Starwood team visited the team at the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The Starwood Thailand hotels showed their committed to the Australian market and keen to support any activities which will further promote the region.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam has recently launched its dynamic roadshow to promote the Indo-china region as a leading MICE and leisure destination. The roadshow was hold across three cities - Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, featuring over 21 Starwood hotels & resorts represented by sales associates and senior management from properties in Bangkok, Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Nha Trang, Hanoi and Saigon.

On this sales and marketing mission, the team visited tourism organization, top wholesalers and corporate companies across all market segments to underline the beauty of the destinations as well as introducing new brands and properties in the region. At the same time, Australian travel industry leaders were invited to embark on a culinary journey from a Thai feast at Sailors Thai in the Rocks to a special cooking class at St James Cooking School to explore the flavor of exotic Thai and healthy Vietnamese cuisines.

“Indo-china is a fascinating region for Australian travellers, it includes captivating countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, making it the perfect destination for a memorable holiday or incentive trip” said James Ramage, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, “The roadshow also allows us to demonstrate the power of Starwood as a whole, our global brands, our systems, our loyalty programs and the tangible benefits this brings to our customers”.

To support this roadshow, Starwood also introduced special deals to please both business and leisure travellers. For example, a tailor-made meeting package offering an immediate 10% discount on the master bills and two options of value adds. Also, Travel Agents Hot Rates starting at USD 84++ including breakfast for two and a discount in food and beverage. Source ETB

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Tourism Indochina: Discovery Mice in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

2011-12-05T23:32:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Discovery Mice in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Ecotourism is a form of tourism visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism. Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or "voluntourism", personal growth and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to environmental and social responsibility advocates.

DISCOVERYMICE acts as tourism event producers and planners be it local seminars, national conferences or international conventions in the Asia Pacific region or in other parts of the world, promoting among others responsible tourism, sustainable development, ecotourism, community-based tourism as well as conservation for tourism. Our network among ecotourism associations, universities, ecotourism communities, international environment bodies, cultural centres and Governments as well as 10,000 selected tourism professionals and experts have helped to deliver world-class events bringing together the Asia Pacific ecotourism fraternity.

3rd World Ecotoursm Conference to be held by Dicovery Mice in Sihanoukville, Cambodia:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-09-09):

Ahead of the 3rd 'World Ecotourism Conference', to be held by DiscoveryMice in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, UNWTO Secretary-General outlines the value of ecotourism and UNWTO's commitment to sustainable tourism development. This event will be celebrated in Sihanouk Ville Cambodia with discussion panel about ecotourism sustainable development of Minister of Tourism in Cambodia.

The Ministry of Tourism is pleased to collaborate with UNWTO and DISCOVERYMICE to deliver yet another productive platform for global ecotourism leaders to share, learn and network. .

Our proposed sustainable and responsible development of the Phnom Penh-Sihanouk Ville Ecotourism Corridor will provide a wide range of experiences from National Parks to pristine nature reserves, Dr. Thong Kun, Minister of Tourism.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Tourism Indochina: Air Boeing, First Boeing 747:8

2011-12-05T23:12:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Air Boeing, First Boeing 747:8

The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001. Boeing is made up of multiple business units, which are Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA); Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS); Engineering, Operations & Technology; Boeing Capital; and Boeing Shared Services Group.
Boeing is among the largest global aircraft manufacturers by revenue, orders and deliveries, and the third largest aerospace and defense contractor in the world based on defense-related revenue. Boeing is the largest exporter by value in the United States. Its stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Tourism Indochina: Air Boeing, First Boeing 747:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-09-12):

The first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental emerged from the paint hangar at Boeing’s Everett factory near Seattle on Sunday resplendent in the Lufthansa livery. The fuselage is painted in the classic Lufthansa White, while the tailfin and the Lufthansa logo on the fuselage are painted in Night Blue. The Lufthansa emblem on the tailfin – an encircled crane in flight – is offset in Night Blue against a Melon Yellow background.

After completing extensive ground tests, the aircraft will undergo initial test flights in November, and is scheduled to go into service next spring with the registration D-ABYA. Lufthansa is the launch customer for the passenger version of the Boeing 747-8 and has therefore been involved from the outset in the design of the aircraft. The Boeing 747-8 has been stretched by six metres compared with the Boeing 747-400. The new Jumbo measures 76.3 metres in length, making it the world’s longest passenger airliner.

The Boeing 747-8 is also setting new standards in terms of sustainability. For example, the redesigned wings with their state-of-the-art profile and ranked wingtips give the aircraft an aerodynamic advantage. In addition, the newly developed GEnx-2B67 engines offer greater fuel efficiency as well as reduced emissions and noise levels. The Boeing 747-8 consumes 13 per cent less fuel than the Boeing 747-400.

Lufthansa has ordered 20 Boeing 747-8s, which are due for delivery from the beginning of 2012 through to mid-2015, and also has options on a further 20 aircraft. Source ETB

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Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Tourism Indochina: International Travel Hits New Records

2011-12-05T22:54:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: International Travel Hits New Records

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), based in Madrid, Spain, is a United Nations agency dealing with questions relating to tourism. It compiles the World Tourism rankings. The World Tourism Organization is a significant global body, concerned with the collection and collation of statistical information on international tourism. This organization represents public sector tourism bodies, from most countries in the world and the publication of its data makes possible comparisons of the flow and growth of tourism on a global scale. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group. The official languages of UNWTO are Arabic, English, ‎French, Russian, and Spanish.

Tourism Indochina: International Travel Hits New Records:

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2011-09-14):

Financial woos have not slowed the international traveller as worldwide travel reached a new record with up to 440 million arrivals for the first half of 2011.

According to World Travel Organisation (UNWTO) statistics, the 4.5 percent rise on international tourism was lead by the 4.8 percent growth in emerging economies and saw 19 million more passengers take-off this year. .

Despite tough economic situations, Europe and the Sub-Saharan Africa saw a six and nine percent rise, while the Middle East and North Africa saw travel drop by 13 and 11 percent. .

The Americas also welcomed a six percent increase, while South America shot up by 15 percent for the period compared the first six months last year. .

“The sustained growth registered in tourism demand in such challenging times clearly makes the case for the sector and reinforces our call to consider tourism as a priority in national policies,” UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai said. .

“Tourism can play a key role in terms of economic growth and development, particularly at a moment when many economies, for the most part in Europe and North America, struggle for recovery and job creation. .

“We are very encouraged to see demand picking up in such important tourism destinations and call for continued support to these countries which are today fully ready to receive travellers from all over the world.” .

Mr Rifai concluded that despite the record breaking growth, tourism needs to “remain cautious”, particularly as “many advanced economies” face slow growth and high unemployment. Source ETB

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Tourism Indochina: Direct Flight from Japan to Cambodia

2011-12-04T17:33:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Direct Flight from Japan to Cambodia

Kumamoto is the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Greater Kumamoto has a population of 1,460,000, as of the 2000 census. It is not considered part of the Fukuoka-Kitakyushu metropolitan area, despite their shared border. Kato Kiyomasa, a contemporary of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was made daimyo of half of the (old) administrative region of Higo in 1588. After that, Kiyomasa built Kumamoto Castle. Due to its many innovative defensive designs, Kumamoto Castle was considered impregnable, and Kiyomasa enjoyed a reputation as one of the finest castle-builders in Japanese history. After Kiyomasa died in 1611, his son, Tadahiro, succeeded him, but Tadahiro was removed by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1632, replacing him with the Hosokawa clan. Former Prime Minister of Japan Hosokawa Morihiro is a direct descendant of the Hosokawa clan of Kumamoto. Another famous politician, former president of Peru Alberto Fujimori, also has roots in Kumamoto; Fujimori's parents emigrated from Kumamoto to Peru early in the 20th century.

Tourism Indochina: Direct Flight from Japan to Cambodia:

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2007-08-25):

Cambodia welcomed very first charter flight from Kumamoto Prefecture of Japan to Siem Reap on 11th – 15 August 2007. The charter flight-Angkor Airways brought 162 passengers including VIP delegation from Kumamoto International Center (KIC), other companies and Kumamoto People. Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, all the guests were warmly and friendly greeted by the Minister of Tourism, Siem Reap Governor and Cultural Dancing Troop. This charter flight was initiated by Mr. Tanigawa Masatoshi, Chairman of KIC and head of delegation in order to commemorate the 400 anniversary of Kumamoto Castle and to further strengthen the historical friendship and relation between Cambodia and Japan especially Kumamoto-Siem Reap. During this visit, the delegation also brought small trees from Kumamoto Castle called Kusunoki to plant in Cambodia as memory. Three trees were planted in Siem Reap province and one tree was planted in Phnom Penh city with the high presence of Siem Reap Governor and Mayor of Phnom Penh. All the guests were very joyful and excited with the good views and beautiful tourist attractions of Cambodia especially they highly appreciated the great achievement of mankind and world famous heritage of Angkor Wat. Moreover, the delegation promised to arrange more charter flights to Cambodia and hopefully this will lead to have regular flight from Japan to Cambodia soon. Source : MOT

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Tourism Indochina: The Windsor Plaza Hotel Organized Oktoberfest Beer Festival

2011-12-04T17:11:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Windsor Plaza Hotel Organized Oktoberfest Beer Festival

(Vietnam-hotels): The Windsor Plaza is located at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, mid-way between the business district and the historic Chinatown district (Cho lon). It takes you only few minute to access the majority of attractions in the City.

True sense of 5- Star Windsor Plaza Hotel is the combination of the whole world-class accommodation. As the tallest building in the city centre area, each of its rooms guarantees a spectacular view of a 360 degree of the City.

The hotel also offers professional services with the widest selection of shopping, entertainment, dining and meeting facilities in Vietnam. For boutique and perfect gifts, let come to An Dong Shopping Plaza. For entertainment, let join the America Discotheque- the largest disco in Vietnam, etc.

Whether you come to Saigon for business or pleasure, Windsor Plaza Hotel with perfect value packages is truly what you are looking for.

Oktoberfest Festival:

Oktoberfest is a 16–18 day beer festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world's largest fair, with more than 5 million people attending every year. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since 1810. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the Munich event.

The Munich Oktoberfest originally took place during the sixteen days up to and including the first Sunday in October. In 1994, the schedule was modified in response to German reunification so that if the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, then the festival would go on until October 3 (German Unity Day). Thus, the festival is now 17 days when the first Sunday is October 2 and 18 days when it is October 1. In 2010, the festival lasted until the first Monday in October, to mark the 200-year anniversary of the event. The festival is held in an area named the Theresienwiese (field, or meadow, of Therese), often called Wiesn for short, located near Munich's center.

Only beer which is brewed within the city limits of Munich is allowed to be served in this festival. Upon passing this criterion, a beer is designated Oktoberfest Beer. Oktoberfest Beer is a registered Trademark by the Club of Munich Brewers. Large quantities of German beer are consumed, with almost 7 million liters served during the 16 day festival in 2007. Visitors may also enjoy a wide variety of traditional food such as Hendl (chicken), Schweinebraten (roast pork), Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstl (sausages) along with Brezn (Pretzel), Knödel (potato or bread dumplings), Kasspatzn (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkohl/Blaukraut (red cabbage) along with such Bavarian delicacies as Obatzda (a spiced cheese-butter spread) and Weisswurst (a white sausage).

Tourism Indochina: The Windsor Plaza Hotel Organized Oktoberfest Beer Festival:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-08-29):

The Windsor Plaza Hotel is preparing to organize the Oktoberfest Beer Festival 2007 highlighting German beer, food and other activities, which will be held in the hotel's Jade Ballroom from October 3 to 7. The hotel said that the five-day Oktoberfest Beer Festival will give everyone a chance to celebrate as well as enjoy live music performed by a German band named "Die Notenhobler", dance, eat German food and have a fun-packed party. At the opening ceremony, the Consul General of Germany will perform the "O'zapft is", which is the traditional tapping of the first beer barrel that signals the opening of festivities. Visitors can party the night away with all the draught Krombacher and bottled Schneider Weisse beers they can drink. The hotel says a champagne bar will also be open to everyone, and to complement the drinks will be a massive German buffet with plenty of sausages, sauerkraut, pork knuckles, pretzels and potato salad among others. Other entertainment and activities for attendees to enjoy include “Stoa-lupfa”, a German weight pulling contest, and the “Haut den Lukas'”, also a German power game where contestants swing a hammer to propel a small iron (called the mouse) past five levels and up to a bell that rings if they succeed. During the festival, the Jade Ballroom will also feature an art exhibition giving visitors the impression they are in Bavaria, the event's place of origin. Paintings by 50 local artists will be displayed on ballroom walls that depict Bavarian customs and traditions, surrounding everyone with colors and shades of a German countryside. The festival will open at 6:30 p.m. and last until late from Wednesday to Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Children under 16 may join in the fun on Sunday. Ticket prices start at US$30 each. However, prices will vary depending on the day of the week and the number of tickets bought. (Source: SGT)

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Vietnam Coastline Tour

2011-12-04T16:42:00.007+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Vietnam Coastline Tour

Cambodia Coastline: Member of the Club of the World's Most Beautiful Bays:

(Apsaratours: 17 June 2011):

Cambodia's coastline has recently been officially recognized as a member of the Club of the World's Most Beautiful Bays, after a proposal made last year by the Ministry of Tourism. This good news was brought back by Minister of Tourism Thong Khon, after the 7th World Congress held in Sine Saloum, Republic of Senegal, Western Africa on May 22-26, 2011.

The 450-km long coastal area of Cambodia which includes Koh Kong, Sihanoukville, Kampot and Kep, is now one of the 33 bay members from 27 different countries all over the world. The recognition has enticed great optimism that the country's well-preserved and clean beaches will draw more tourists, as well as investors, which will further boost the local economy and alleviate the residents' financial situation while living up to the goal of the Club which is “sustainable development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.”

Vietnam Coastline (Threeland):

Central and the coast line of Vietnam ( includes Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Phan Rang, My Lai, central highland...) is featured by lots of lovely beaches. With 3,260km-long coastline, Vietnam has numerous pristine plages, of which those in the Centre are highly recommended for their amazingly crystal water, rich of sunlight, less of rivermouths, and flat shore dotted by fishing villages; few of them have been developed as comfortable resorts like China Beach, Nha Trang or Phan Thiet. Yet, should you turn West, you will meet an absolute different topography near the Lao border ? the fertile plateaus cultivated for industry trees plantation and cattle farming. It's Tay Nguyen ? "the Plateau in the West". There are also lots of minority groups inhabit this area with those customs and conducts that are very unlike their brothers in Northern Vietnam. Their festive days and exciting daily life, the highland scenery and the sea and mountain resorts ? all make a voyage to the Centre of Vietnam so diversified and memorable.

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Vietnam Coastline Tour:

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2007-09-05):

The plan is part of a cooperation framework between Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand on opening a sea route linking southern coastal cities in the three countries. The Cambodia ministry said local businesses would invest some US$3.7 million in building infrastructure and services in the Kep, a Cambodian beach town, to serve the tourism route. Under the plan, tourists will travel on ship from Kep to Ha Tien in Vietnam and vice versa. The Cambodia government also has decided to upgrade the international airport in the coastal city of Sihanoukville to facilitate flights to and from Siem Reap. The number of tourists to Cambodia is on the rise, with nearly 2 million travelers in 2006. Along with the garments industry, Cambodia aims to make tourism one of the country’s spearhead industries. (Source: TTXVN)

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Tourism Indochina: Tourist in Phnom Penh Likes Traveling by Cyclos

2011-12-01T23:44:00.006+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Tourist in Phnom Penh Likes Traveling by Cyclos

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonized Cambodia, and has grown to become the nation's center of economic and industrial activities, as well as the center of security, politics, economics, cultural heritage, and diplomacy of Cambodia.

Once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, it was considered one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina in the 1920s. Phnom Penh, along with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, are significant global and domestic tourist destinations for Cambodia. Founded in 1434, the city is noted for its beautiful and historical architecture and attractions. There are a number of surviving French colonial buildings scattered along the grand boulevards.
Situated on the banks of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers, the Phnom Penh metropolitan area is home to more than 2 million of Cambodia’s population of over 14 million. The city is the wealthiest and most populous city in Cambodia and is home to the country’s political hub.

The common name for tricycle rickshaws, as used in Vietnam and Cambodia; a form of public transport consisting of a tricycle with the passenger compartment up front. Seats up to three passengers.

Less-than-brave tourists might want to avoid the cyclo’s low speeds and high exposure to city traffic, but intrepid travelers will appreciate the cyclo’s convenience and amazing ability to weave through congested streets.

Tourist in Phnom Penh likes traveling by cyclos to see the good view of the city: Foreign tourists who come to visit Phmon Penh prefer riding the cyclos to see the view of the city because the fare of riding is cheap and it is easy to take photograph.

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnamese Traditional Folk Music

2011-12-01T23:25:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Vietnamese Traditional Folk Music

Traditional Vietnamese music is highly diverse and syncretistic, combining native and foreign influences. Throughout its history, Vietnam has been heavily impacted by the Chinese musical tradition, as an integral part, along with Korea, Mongolia and Japan.

The ancient Indochinese kingdom of Champa also had an historical effect upon this music, because the Vietnamese court found it intriguing. However, even with these foreign influences, Vietnam has a unique musical tradition stemming from its native roots.

Vietnamese Traditional folk music festival kicks off:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-03):

Nearly 500 artisans, actors and folklorists from 14 provinces and cities nationwide gathered at a festival featuring the traditional folk music of northern mountainous ethnic minorities that opened in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang on October 3.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nong Thi Thanh Tam, head of the festival’s organsing board, said that the event, the second of its kind in the country, is a preparation for asking the UNESCO to recognise then singing and dan tinh, a traditional musical instrument of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic minorities, as world intangible cultural heritages. The festival not only is an exchange between artisans but also represents a respect for this unique kind of art and raise the sense of creating new then tunes, said Tran Chien Thang, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The then singing is a general performance of music, singing and dancing which is usually performed at traditional festivals, funeral and wedding ceremonies, providing a vivid reflection of the spiritual life and customs of the ethnic minorities. Dan tinh - the main instrument in the then singing - is a stringed musical instrument of plucking branch and consists of a neck, a resonator, surface, a head and strings. It has two kinds, two strings or three strings. During the development process, the ethnic minorities have created a plentiful and diversified then singing and dan tinh cultural space which is evaluated to have similar cultural values as the Space of the Central Highlands Gong Culture, Vietnamese Court Music and Quan Ho singing.

On the sidelines of the three-day festival, an exhibition featuring then singing and a workshop on how to preserve and develop the traditional music will be held. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: Best Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

2011-12-01T22:26:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Best Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-04):

Park Hyatt Saigon has been named "Best Business Hotel in HCMC" in the Annual Readers' Choice Awards conducted by Business Traveler Asia Pacific magazine.

The hotel announced that these awards were based on the results of a reader survey held throughout the Asia-Pacific region between May and July of this year. A total of some 16,000 poll forms were sent to the magazine's subscribers around the world. The hotel has also won second place in the category of "Best New Business Hotel in Asia Pacific". First place went to the Four Seasons in Hong Kong. The hotel has won a number of awards since it opened in 2005 including "Best Hotel in HCMC" awards in two publications this year; the luxury travel and lifestyle publication Destin Asian magazine's 2nd Annual Readers' Choice Awards in February 2007 and the Asia Money 2007 Travel Poll held by Asia Money magazine, a leading capital markets publication based in Hong Kong that boasts a global circulation among senior decision-makers from the corporate, investor and banking communities.

In November 2006 the hotel received recognition as the "Best Business Hotel in HCMC" in the 11th annual World's Best Business Hotels poll conducted, by Travel + Leisure magazine. (Source: SGT)

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

2011-11-30T23:54:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is the government agency of Vietnam which manages tourist operations and activities throughout the country. It has full control in terms of business development, planning, public relations, personnel training, conducting research, and instructing and inspecting the implementation of policies and other regulations in the tourism sector.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has submitted to the government a scheme on advertising Vietnam’s tourism on CNN, said Pham Huu Minh, Head of Tourism Promotion Department. Under this scheme, Vietnam will pay US$400,000 for a 30-second advertising clip to be broadcast for three months on the famous CNN channel. The clip will be broadcast several times each day during “golden hours” of CNN. Mr. Minh said that CNN had agreed to make the clip free of charge (worth around $40,000-$50,000). If the government approves, the clip will be broadcast on CNN in the third quarter of 2007. In the first four months of 2007, Vietnam welcomed more than 1.4 million foreign visitors, an increase of 12.5% compared to the same period of 2006.

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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Relation

2011-11-30T22:17:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Relation

Cambodia shares borders in the north with Laos and Thailand, in the east with Vietnam and in the southwest with the Gulf of Thailand. The landscape comprises tropical rainforest and fertile cultivated land traversed by many rivers. In the northeast area rise highlands. The capital is located at the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The latter flows from a large inland lake, also called Tonle Sap, situated in the center of the country. There are numerous offshore islands along the southwest coast.

Laos is a landlocked country bordered to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. Apart from the Mekong River plains along the border of Thailand, the country is mountainous, particularly in the north, and in places is densely forested.

Vietnam has a unique civilization and a highly cultured people. Most visitors to the country are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats.

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam tourism cooperation:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-06):

Tourism ministers of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam issued a joint declaration on trilateral cooperation at their meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on October 5. The three countries agreed to encourage their national tourism agencies to boost exchange of information and experiences in tourism development and promotion. They agreed to jointly hold and attend tourism events and tours and cooperate in personnel training. The three countries will take measures to facilitate tourists’ travel, boost tourism and cultural activities among their sister cities and heritage sites, as well as encourage public-private partnerships with regard to tourism development. Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that the meeting of tourism ministers of the three countries, the first of its kind, was an important milestone in boosting trilateral cooperation to a new height matching their potential. He expressed his belief that the scheme “three countries – one destination” would help build the three countries into a single tourist destination with diverse, unique and sustainable tourism products and high competitiveness in the region. Sharing the host’s view, Cambodia Tourism Minister Thong Khon and Lao Minister and Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration Somphong Mongkhonvilay said their meeting laid a foundation for stronger tourism cooperation among the three countries, which will contribute to fortifying sustainable tourism development in the Greater Mekong Sub-region and the ASEAN. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: Sene Dolta Festival Vietnam-Cambodia

2011-11-30T14:54:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Sene Dolta Festival Vietnam-Cambodia

The Dolta festival or the ancestors worship is one of three great festivals of Khmers. It is organized during three days, from August 29 to September 1 every year.

The festival is organized in commemoration of the parents, the missing relatives and to wish good to the alive ones. During the three feastdays, the activity of religion, belief, customs take place alternatively to express the specific culture of Khmers in the South.
The first day, each family tidies up the house, cleans and decorates the furnace bridge magnificently. Afterwards, four rice bowls are prepared on the table, fire lit and all the family celebrates the ceremony. Each one prays and pours tea to call missing close relatives to come to eat together. The first ceremony in the day is called the reception ceremony. In the afternoon, everyone washes to prepare and invite the ancestors to go with them to the pagoda to take part in the ceremonies. In the night, in the pagoda, people still organizes the festival with the participation of young couples who come to sing du-ke (traditional theatre of Khmers in the South), to dance Lâm thol...

The second day, after one day and night in the pagoda, one invites the ancestors' soul back house to eat and have fun before returning to the pagoda at the end of the festival.

The last day, each family still prepares the meals and the fruits like the first day to worship the ancestors and to say goodbye to them. Thus, this ceremony is called the farewell ceremony. Once the rites finished, the Dolta festival is also terminated. The festival is a characteristic which Khmers in the South contribute to the diversity, eminence of the Vietnamese culture. Once come to the festival of Khmers in the South, the visitors will understand better the people of this region as well as the influences of agriculture on their life.

More than 200 Khmer dignitaries, monks, nuns and people from Mekong Delta localities flocked to Can Tho City to celebrate the Sene Dolta Festival:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-07):

More than 200 Khmer dignitaries, monks, nuns and people from Mekong Delta localities flocked to Can Tho City to celebrate the Sene Dolta Festival. This year’s Sene Dolta Festival is being held from the 29th day of the 8th lunar month to the first day of the 9th lunar month, which falls on October 8-10. The event is the 2nd largest annual festival after the Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year) of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. Local Khmer people have gathered at pagodas to pray for bumper crops and pay tributes to their ancestors, and enjoy traditional song and dance performances and other light-hearted activities after a hard working year. To mark the occasion, leaders of Tra Vinh Province visited and presented gifts to 25 pagodas and 95 families of the Khmer group in the province. Meanwhile, an ox race was held in An Giang Province on October 9 with over 30,000 local people and domestic and foreign visitors coming to watch. The majority of the Khmer population, around 1.3 million people, is living in the southwestern region, which has 453 Khmer pagodas that are home to almost 10,000 monks and nuns. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: Tourists to Ho Chi Minh City on the Rise

2011-11-29T01:19:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Tourists to Ho Chi Minh City on the Rise

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly named Saigon (Vietnamese: Sài Gòn) is the largest city in Vietnam. Under the name Saigon, it was the capital of the French colony of Cochin-china and later of the independent state of South Vietnam from 1955 to 1975. In 1976, Saigon merged with the surrounding Gia Định Province and was officially renamed Hồ Chí Minh City after Hồ Chí Minh (although the name Sài Gòn is still commonly used.) The city center is situated on the banks of the Saigon River, 60 kilometers (37 mi) from the South China Sea and 1,760 kilometers (1,090 mi) south of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

Today, the city's core is still adorned with wide elegant boulevards and historic French colonial buildings. The most prominent structures in the city center are Reunification Palace (Dinh Thống Nhất), City Hall (Ủy ban nhân dân Thành phố), the Municipal Theatre (Nhà hát thành phố, also known as the Opera House), City Post Office (Bưu điện thành phố), State Bank Office (Ngân hàng nhà nước), City People's Court (Tòa án nhân dân thành phố) and Notre-Dame Cathedral (Nhà thờ Đức Bà). Some of the historic hotels are the Hotel Majestic, dating from the French colonial era, and the Rex Hotel, Caravelle hotel some former hangouts for American officers and war correspondents in the 1960s and 1970s.

The city has various museums, such as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History, the Revolutionary Museum, the Museum of Southeastern Armed Forces, the War Remnants Museum, the Museum of Southern Women, the Museum of Fine Art, the Nha Rong Memorial House, and the Ben Duoc Relic of Underground Tunnels. The Củ Chi tunnels are northwest of the city in Củ Chi district. The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, in District 1, dates from 1865.

Besides the Municipal Theatre, there are other places of entertainment such as: the Bến Thành and Hòa Bình Theaters and the Lan Anh Music Stage. The Đầm Sen Tourist and Cultural Park, Suoi Tien Amusement and Culture Park, and the Can Gio Eco beach resort are three recreational sites inside the city which are popular with tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is home to hundreds of cinemas and theatres, with cinema and dramatic ticketing revenue accounting for 60–70% of Vietnam’s total revenue in this industry. Unlike other dramatic teams in Vietnam’s provinces and municipalities, those in Ho Chi Minh City live on their own income and keep their theaters active everyday, and are not subsidized by the Vietnamese government. The city is home to most of the private movie companies in Vietnam. Like many of Vietnam's smaller cities, the city boasts a multitude of restaurants serving typical Vietnamese dishes such as phở or rice vermicelli. Backpacking travelers most often frequent the "Western Quarter" on Pham Ngu Lao street in District 1.

Tourism Indochina: Tourists to Ho Chi Minh City on the Rise:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-17):

In the first nine months of 2007, HCMC greeted an estimated 1.9 million foreign tourists, an increase of 13.7% year on year, reaching 71.6% of the yearly target, said the city’s Tourism Department. Of this figure, about 1.5 million foreigners visited the city by air, up 11% year on year, 25,000 foreigners came by sea, up 38%, and the overland visitors were up 25%. The number of foreign tourists surged over the nine months because the trans-Asia road route has been completed, more international border gates have been upgraded in the North-Western and Eastern provinces as the city’s promotion of caravan tours got underway. The five leading countries posting great number of foreigners to visit Vietnam are the US (up 8%), Japan (up 15%), Taipei (up 8%), the Republic of Korea (up 33%), and Australia (up 37%) year on year. In spite of not listing in top ten, the Russian tourists, mainly via MICE (meeting, incentive, conference, and exhibition) type, achieved a high growth (81%) and this is expected to develop strongly in Vietnam if the Vietnam tourism promotion campaign is carried out successfully.

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Tourism Indochina: Cruise Ships Bring Visitors to Nha Trang Vietnam

2011-11-29T00:54:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Cruise Ships Bring Visitors to Nha Trang Vietnam

Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is bounded on the North by Ninh Hoà district, on the East by the South China Sea, on the South by Cam Ranh town and on the West by Diên Khánh district. The city has about 300,000 inhabitants, a number which is projected to increase to between 500,000 and 600,000 inhabitants by 2020[citation needed] according to an estimation of Nha Trang Administrative Board Statistics.

Nha Trang is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers of backpackers as well as more affluent travellers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is widely considered as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival, held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and Miss Earth 2010 held December 4, 2010.Besides, Nha Trang was also approved to host 2016 Asian Beach Games.

Nha Trang is one of the most important tourist hubs of Vietnam, thanks to its beautiful beaches with fine and clean sand and the clear ocean water with mild temperatures all year round. There are several resorts - such as Vinpearl, Diamond Bay and Ana Mandara - and amusement and water parks, both in the city and on islands off the coast. The possibly most beautiful street of Nha Trang is Tran Phu Street along the seaside, sometimes referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway of Vietnam.

Lying off Nha Trang is the Hon Tre Island (Bamboo Island), with a major resort operated by the Vinpearl Group. The Vinpearl Cable Car, a gondola lift system, links the mainland to the five-star resort and theme park on Hon Tre Island.

Nha Trang is a stopover for annual yacht races starting in Hong Kong. In recent years, the city has welcomed many five-star sea cruises. In addition to sail boat racing, Nha Trang provides a rich variety of tourist activities for visitors. Island hopping, scuba diving, water sports and other sporting activities can be enjoyed in the city. The Nha Trang Tourist Information Center (a non-governmental organisation), located near the Cho Dam Market has been set up to provide information for visitors.

Cruise ships bring visitors to Nha Trang Vietnam famous bay:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-18):

Cruise ships bring visitors to Vietnam’s famous bay Bahamas’ Seveseas Mariner ship brought 674 visitors, mainly from Australia, Canada, Panama and the US to Nha Trang in the central province of Khanh Hoa on October 17. The visitors made a sightseeing tour of country landscapes and places of cultural interest in the province. They planned to leave for Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon of October 18. On October 12, another cruise ship Saphhire Peinceis, brought 2,650 tourists to the province.

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Tourism Indochina: The Vung Tau International Tourism of Vietnam

2011-11-29T00:19:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Vung Tau International Tourism of Vietnam

Vũng Tàu is a city in southern Vietnam. Its population in 2005 was 240,000. The city area is 140 km2 (54 sq mi) including 13 urban wards and one village. It is the capital of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, and is the crude oil extraction center of Vietnam. It is also known as one of the most beautiful cities of tourism in Vietnam. Located near Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong province, Vũng Tàu in association with these two places forms a triangle of economic power.

To most tourists, however, Vũng Tàu is more interesting for its extensive beaches. Tourists often prefer swimming at Back Beach (Bãi Sau) but sightseeing in Front Beach (Bãi Trước). Back Beach is well-known for its over 10 km of fine sand. As Vũng Tàu is only 130 km away from Ho Chi Minh City, it is a favourite resort destination for those wishing to get away from the city. In recent times, the number of foreign tourists visiting Vũng Tàu's beaches increased.[citation needed]. Vũng Tàu also allows access to nearby less visited beaches like Long Hai, Ho Tram and Ho Coc.

Vũng Tàu is also home to one of Vietnam's most well-known golf courses located at Paradise Vũng Tàu Golf Resort.

A big resort project has just been licensed by the Vietnamese government, the Saigon Atlantis. Upon competition, this entertainment project worth US$300 million in capital investment will include resorts, shopping, sailing. The investor of this project is proposing to raise the investment capital to US$4 billion.

Two other noteworthy entertainment projects awaiting licensing are Vũng Tàu Aquarium, which will cost USD 250 million, and Bau Trung, a Disneyland-like entertainment park which will cost US$250 million. This project includes Landmark Tower, a 88-story skyscraper proposed to be built and completed by 2010 in Vũng Tàu by a USA-based company, Good Choice Import – Export Investment Inc, once built will likely be the highest building in Vietnam. The project is under consideration for approval by the local provincial government.

International tourism fair kicks off in Vung Tau City:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-20):

The Vung Tau international tourism fair 2007, opened in Vung Tau City, southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province on October 19. The five-day fair attracted local businesses and those from 12 foreign countries and territories, including Australia, Canada, China, India and the Republic of Korea. On display at 250 booths are high-tech products applied in banking, information technology, telecommunications, transportation and handicraft items. During the fair, series of cultural activities, such as food and art shows and a workshop on how to attract foreign visitors to Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province will be held. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: Halong Bay World Cultural Heritage Site in Vietnam

2011-11-28T00:38:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Halong Bay World Cultural Heritage Site in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a popular travel destination, located in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. Administratively, the bay belongs to Hạ Long City, Cẩm Phả town, and part of Van Don district. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes. Ha Long Bay is a center of a larger zone which includes Bái Tử Long bay to the northeast, and Cát Bà islands to the southwest. These larger zones share similar geological, geographical, geomorphological, climate, and cultural characters.

Ha Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km2, including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone. The core of the bay has an area of 334 km2 with a high density of 775 islets. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate. The geo-diversity of the environment in the area has created biodiversity, including a tropical evergreen biosystem, oceanic and sea shore biosystem. Ha Long Bay is home to 14 endemic floral species and 60 endemic faunal species.

Historical research surveys have shown the presence of prehistorical human beings in this area tens of thousands years ago. The successive ancient cultures are the Soi Nhụ culture around 18,000–7000 BC, the Cái Bèo culture 7000–5000 BC and the Hạ Long culture 5,000–3,500 years ago. Hạ Long Bay also marked important events in the history of Vietnam with many artifacts found in Bài Thơ Mout, Đầu Gỗ Cave, Bãi Cháy.

500 years ago, Nguyen Trai praised the beauty of Hạ Long Bay in his verse Lộ nhập Vân Đồn, in which he called it "rock wonder in the sky". In 1962, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam listed Hạ Long Bay in the National Relics and Landscapes publication. In 1994, the core zone of Hạ Long Bay was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site according to criterion vii, and listed for a second time according to criterion viii.

Star Cruises resumes tours to Halong Bay Vietnam:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-21):

The Star Cruises group will cooperate with the Saigon Tourist Corporation (Saigontourist) to resume weekly tours to Halong Bay in northern Quang Ninh Province as from December, 2007. The group, which operating 20 cruise liners, plans to use the Super Star Libra and Super Star Virgo ships to carry tourists to the UNESCO-recognised world heritage site. As scheduled, the two ships will leave Hong Kong, China, for Halong every seven days with around 1,000-2,200 tourists aboard. Previously, the Star Cruises group used to offer Halong Bay tours on its Super Star Leo and Super Star Gemini ships, carrying 80,000 tourists every year on average to Halong Bay. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: Free Hanoi-Bangkok Flight

2011-11-28T00:11:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Free Hanoi-Bangkok Flight

Air Asia, AirAsia Berhad is a Malaysian-based low-cost airline. AirAsia is Asia's largest low-fare, no-frills airline and a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia. AirAsia group operates scheduled domestic and international flights to over 400 destinations spanning 25 countries. Its main hub is the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Its affiliate airlines Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia have hubs in Suvarnabhumi Airport and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport respectively. AirAsia's registered office is in Petaling Jaya, Selangor while its head office is located in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Air Asia plans to open ASEAN regional headquarters in Jakarta by August or September 2011. The airline itself will maintain its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur for the time being.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as (New) Bangkok International Airport, is an international airport serving Bangkok, Thailand. It was officially opened for limited domestic flight service on 15 September 2006, and opened for most domestic and all international commercial flights on 28 September. The airport is currently the main hub for Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai Airlines, and Thai AirAsia. It also serves as regional gateway and connecting point for various foreign carriers.
The airport is located in Racha Thewa in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan Province, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of downtown Bangkok. The name Suvarnabhumi was chosen by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and refers to the golden kingdom hypothesised to have been located somewhere in Southeast Asia.

Tourism Indochina: Free Hanoi-Bangkok Flight: Air Asia offers 20000 seats for promotion Bangkok to Hanoi

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-23):

Air Asia’s new promotion offers free Hanoi-Bangkok flight. Air Asia is also offering free flights between Bangkok and cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani in the North eastern of the country. Seats must be booked between October 4 to 31, 2007, and travel must be made between October 15, 2007 and January 31, 2008. Only 20,000 seats are available for the promotion. The free flight includes one-way airfare only and excludes fuel surcharges, taxes and applicable fees. Seats may be purchased online at www.airasia.com and from Air Asia’s sales office in Hanoi at 30 Le Thai To Street, Hanoi. The sales office is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6. p.m. Thai Air Asia is the only low fares airline operating both international and domestic flights from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. (Source: CPV)

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Tourism Indochina: Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Site in Vietnam

2011-11-27T23:43:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Site in Vietnam

Hội An is a city of Vietnam, on the coast of the South China Sea in the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is located in Quang Nam province and is home to approximately 120,000 inhabitants. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The city possessed the largest harbour in Southeast Asia in the 1st century and was known as Lâm Ấp Phố (Champa City). Between the seventh and 10th centuries, the Cham (people of Champa) controlled the strategic spice trade and with this came tremendous wealth. The boats still used today in Hoi An probably have the same hull shape as those used by the Champas for ocean voyages.

The former harbour town of the Cham at the estuary of the Thu Bồn River was an important Vietnamese trading centre in the 16th and 17th centuries, where Chinese from various provinces as well as Japanese, Dutch and Indians settled. During this period of the China trade, the town was called Hai Pho (Seaside Town) in Vietnamese. Originally, Hai Pho was a divided town with the Japanese settlement across the "Japanese Bridge" (16th-17th century). The bridge (Chùa cầu) is a unique covered structure built by the Japanese, the only known covered bridge with a Buddhist pagoda attached to one side.

Hoi An clocks in high numbers of Thai tourists:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-23):

Visitors from Thailand to the old town of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam have seen a sharp increase with more than 4,000 booking tours to the world heritage site. Hoi An welcomed nearly 2,000 Thai tourists on October 22 and over 1,600 the previous day. The town was recognised by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a world cultural heritage site in 1999...

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Gives Tourists a Glimpse of Life in Rural Areas

2011-11-24T23:05:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam Gives Tourists a Glimpse of Life in Rural Areas

A bike tour through the western and northern sections of Vietnam gives tourists a glimpse of life in rural areas including the ethnic people in the Central Highlands. That's an ideal cycling route avoids crowded highways and intense climbs and sticks to peaceful village roads shaded by trees, green fields and orchards. While crossing the Cu Mong or Hai Van passes, tourists are able to stop roadside to contemplate the sunrise or sunset and admire the beautiful view on one side lies giant mountains, while on the other are picturesque beaches.

Tour participants are not required to bike for the entire trip; participants ride a maximum of 50 kilometres a day. Cars, canoes, and boats cover the distance not traveled on bike. To ensure the health and safety of riders, professional medics often accompany the tour. Of Saigontourist’s bike tours, its trip to the western portion of Southern Vietnam is its most popular. The tour departs from Ho Chi Minh City and stops first in Long An Province. Tourists then travel by car to Tan An District to visit the Cao Dai Holy See. Following the religious site, the tour rides 20 kilometres. along the Bao Dinh Canal to My Tho. On the way to My Tho, tourists stop by orchards to enjoy fresh coconut juice and fruit. Next, tourists visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, which was built in the early 19th century and houses a collection of bronze statues carved in the Mekong Delta. The tour then travels to the port to visit Thoi Son Islet in Tien Giang Province by canoe. On the second day of the journey, the tour heads to Ben Tre Province. The group travels leisurely through village roads to view the landscape, get fresh air roadside and speak with locals. Tourists can visit the village market and green fields to see firsthand the cultivation technique of the farmers and life in the country. On the third day, tourists visit Cai Mon District to see a number of activities of the local people including fishing, cooking, leisure and sport. Tourists take part in a home-stay at the home of a Cai Mon resident and eat ca loc nuong trui dish (grilled snakehead fish), taste local rice wine and listen to don ca tai tu (amateur southern folk music). The following day, tourists travel by ferry to visit the center of Vinh Long Province and continue to ride through Long Ho village for 20 kilometres. to Ba Can to visit the village of the Khmer people and a market specializing in tofu.

The journey continues to Can Tho Province for tourists to visit the floating markets of Phong Dien and Cai Rang. Tourists then ride for 20 kilometres. to Bang Lang Park. The tour concludes with a car ride back to Ho Chi Minh City the following day. (Source: SGT)

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Tourism Indochina: AirAsia Tries to Pursue Venture with Vinashin

2011-11-24T21:06:00.002+07:00

AirAsia Berhad (MYX: 5099) is a Malaysian-based low-cost airline. AirAsia is Asia's largest low-fare, no-frills airline and a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia. AirAsia group operates scheduled domestic and international flights to over 400 destinations spanning 25 countries. Its main hub is the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Its affiliate airlines Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia have hubs in Suvarnabhumi Airport and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport respectively. AirAsia's registered office is in Petaling Jaya, Selangor while its head office is located in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Air Asia plans to open ASEAN regional headquarters in Jakarta by August or September 2011. The airline itself will maintain its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur for the time being.

Vinashin is a state-owned shipbuilding firm in Vietnam. Vinashin was one of Vietnam's leading industrial concerns, and entered into a partnership with Damen, Kongsberg, and Hyundai. Vinashin was heavily indebted, and executives have been arrested for mismanagement. but it has been claimed that further restructuring would allow debts to be repaid within a year. Vinashin folded under a debt burden of $4.5 billion in 2010;as of March 2011, it was being restructured.\

Tourism Indochina: AirAsia Tries to Pursue Venture with Vinashin

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-10-28):

The Government Office issued a statement on October 16 rejecting Vinashin's proposal for expansion to the air transport market, which was submitted following the signing in Malaysia on August 31 of a letter of intent with AirAsia.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung witnessed the signing ceremony while he was in Malaysia. An AirAsia executive, who asked not to be named, told the Daily on Wednesday that the Malaysian airline was pursuing the plan to make VinaAirAsia Vietnam's second budget carrier after Pacific Airlines. AirAsia will give Vinashin full support to go ahead with the establishment of VinaAirAsia with some US$30mil in registered capital, the executive said. The planned airline will be 30% owned by AirAsia. Late last month, Chin Nyok San, head of business development at AirAsia, told the Daily that preparation was underway and that VinaAirAsia could begin service in six months' time. However, the Government has not approved the shipbuilder's proposal to expand its operations to civil aviation, meaning that the joint venture has virtually come to a dead end. The Government's refusal of Vinashin's proposal came as domestic carriers, especially Pacific, have expressed concern that VinaAirAsia could fuel a competition which they do not want. Pacific holds only 15% of Vietnam's aviation market and the rest by Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam Air Services Co. (VASCO), also under the umbrella of the national flag air carrier. Airlines and travel agencies have estimated that six million Vietnamese travel by air in Vietnam a year, and the demand would jump 20-30% this year. Civil aviation service is a conditional business though Vietnam's law allows foreign investors to own up to 49% of a joint-stock air carrier. Qantas Airways is a good example as this Australian group earlier this year acquired a 30% stake worth US$50mil in Pacific. Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon said the Australian group needed more time to restructure Pacific during his visit to Vietnam earlier this month, and this might be seen as one of the reasons for Pacific to oppose the VinaAirAsia plan. Pacific CEO Luong Hoai Nam told the Daily on Wednesday that Pacific had expressed outcry over Vinashin's planned venture with AirAsia, which earlier intended to invest in Pacific but no deal was struck. Nam explained 30% of the capital AirAsia planned for Pacific comprised tangible and intangible parts while it was difficult to evaluate the intangible assets. If the intangible assets were not included, the AirAsia investment planned to pay for Pacific's stake was much lower the offer by other investors, including Qantas. Local media quoted Lai Xuan Thanh, deputy head of the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV), as saying that the authority had not received an application for VinaAirAsia. However, he noted Vietnam would license two or three airlines between now and 2010, with priority given to new locally-owned airlines rather than foreign-invested ones. The AirAsia executive said AirAsia and Vinashin had not officially proposed setting up VinaAirAsia. AirAsia operates the daily flights from Thailand's Bangkok and Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi and vice versa, with average seat occupancy of 80% for this year.

AirAsia has increased the number of its daily flights to and from Vietnam to 10 although it entered this market only in October 2005. It plans to launch services to HCMC some time this year. (Source: SGT)

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Tourism Indochina: Vietnam One Among the Most 10 Attractive Tourism Destinations For Chinese

2011-11-24T00:09:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Vietnam One Among the Most 10 Attractive Tourism Destinations For Chinese

Firstly, why we can say that?

Well, Most travelers to Vietnam are attracted by the country’s wonderful natural beauty: From the green rice fields in the north to the fascinating bustle of the Mekong Delta in the south. Vietnam however is also a country with a long history and ancient traditions. It has many historic attractions and old temples. The most amazing tourist attractions in Vietnam like Nha Trang, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong River (Mekong Delta), Mui Ne, Sa Pa Terraces, Phu Quoc, Hoi An, Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi), Thien Mu Pagoda (Hue), and Ha Long Bay...

Another reason is that, Vietnam is also shares its border with China, so Chinese people can come to visit Vietnam easily.

Vietnam is among ten attractive tourism sites for Chinese:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-11-01):

Vietnam is one among the most ten attractive tourism destinations for Chinese travelers, according to the China National Tourism Administration. Other nine top destinations of Chinese tourists are Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, Thailand, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia, the United States, Singapore and Malaysia. China remains Asia 's largest source of outbound tourists, Zhu Shanzhong, a tourism promotion official with the China National Tourism Administration told Xinhua news agency. Nearly 30 million Chinese travelled abroad in the first nine months of the year, up 17% as against the same period of last year, according to the administration’s statistics. Last year, about 34 million Chinese people travelled abroad. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: Caravan Promoting Tourism Field and Exhibition Marketing

2011-11-23T23:41:00.002+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Caravan Promoting Tourism Field and Exhibition Marketing

Well, Do you know Caravan?

A travel trailer or caravan is towed behind a road vehicle to provide a place to sleep which is more comfortable and protected than a tent (although there are fold-down trailer tents). It provides the means for people to have their own home on a journey or a vacation, without relying on a motel or hotel, and enables them to stay in places where none is available. However, in some countries campers are restricted to designated sites for which fees are payable.

Travel trailers and caravans vary from basic models which may be little more than a tent on wheels to those containing several rooms with all the furniture and furnishings and equipment of a home. They are used principally in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand and are rare elsewhere...

In the United States and Canada, the history of travel trailers can be traced back to the early 1920s, when those who enjoyed their use were often referred to as 'tin can tourists'. As time progressed, trailers became more livable and earned a new name in the 1930s and 1940s, which was the house trailer. In the 1950s and 1960s, the industry seemed to split, creating the two types that we see today, that of the recreational vehicle (RV) industry and mobile home industry. Today travel trailers are classified as a type of RV along with motorhomes, fifth wheel trailers, pop-up trailers, and truck campers.

News related to Caravan:

Vietnam China caravan roadshow ends

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-11-01):

The Vietnam-China Caravan Roadshow 2007, which aimed to promote Vietnam’s image and products in the Chinese market, ended its tour on October 31. Starting from October 27, the roadshow joined cultural activities with local people in China’s Guangxi Province and featured Vietnam’s image through a photo exhibition. The success of the roadshow, the first of its kind, is expected to open an opportunity for Vietnam to organise similar roadshows to ASEAN member countries. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: Night Market (Phsar Reatrey) in Cambodia

2011-11-23T23:07:00.004+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Night Market (Phsar Reatrey) in Cambodia

A new Phnom Penh night Market (Phsar Reatrey) is located on the river front and aimed squarely at visitores and tourists, offering a wide and varied selection of the Cambodian handicrafts silk, art curios and souvenirs.

Moreover, visitors will have an atmosphere offers a much relaxing retail experience than as a typical local market.With a festive vibe and items to please young and old, foreigner and local, the night market appears to be a promising addition to the city’s shopping scene.

the night market will show you with the local products and post the interesting and want to buy, and you will get what are the hand made and fruit by natural grow, and you will say these are good quality local products.

This night market is opening fron 5pm to midnight, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays only.

News related to the market starting:

Cambodia night market will be started on 09 Nov 2007...

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-11-06):

Cambodia night market will be started on 09 Nov 2007 In order to improve tourism development in Phnom Penh Cambodia to comply with management of poverty reduction and encouragement of Khmer production, particularly the process of one village one product, the City Hall will organize the Night Market locate along Preah Sisovath Blvd infront of Wat Onalom. All kind of seling products are the achievement of khmer artisan producer, craftman. The night market will be weekly opened on09th Nov 2007 from 18:00-24:00 from Friday to Saturday. Source (CATA)

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Tourism Indochina: Introduction to Vietnamese Handicraft Villages

2011-11-22T22:42:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Introduction to Vietnamese Handicraft Villages

In the past, after harvest time, Vietnamese people made handicraft works to meet their own needs. Their products are very skillful and sophisticated, even though they are farmers and do not specialize in handicrafts. The techniques were kept secret, but taught to relatives or fellow villagers.

The village, therefore, became a very important institution in the handicraft industry. The village's name became the trademark of handicraft products made by its villagers. Đình làng- the village's temple became the place of worship and tổ nghề the man who first taught the villagers to do these handicraft works.

When urbanization came to Vietnam, many people came to towns/cities and professionalized in the handicraft works they had done in their old village. They did not compete with one another but gathered in phường/hội, the new form of handicraft village, to help others to improve.

The Vietnamese government has recognised about 1500 handicraft villages, of which about 300 are traditional handicraft villages. These villages maintain the country's handicraft heritage.

Vietnam Festival celebrates handicraft villages:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-11-13):

Festival celebrates handicraft villages

A festival honouring handicraft-making villages, which play an important part in Vietnamese culture, kicked off in Hanoi on November 14.
The festival showcases 200 prominent handicraft villages out of the 2,000 villages throughout the country that produce handiwork art and craft, from pottery to kites.

The Bat Trang pottery village, which lies about 15km from Hanoi, brings to the event simple but delicate products.

The Bat Trang pottery exhibit also includes a tea set that can serve up to 250 people, a feat considered the largest so far. The set can use up to five kilos of tea for one sitting.
The Doi Tam drum makers are also making some noise with their showcase of 60-drum set to be played by 60 girls for a 7-minute performance.

A competition of hand-made kites made by artisans nationwide will take place during the festival in which a 12m four-flute-carried kite made by Dong Anh District artisans is expected to fly. Apart from showcasing hand-made items, the festival will give visitors the chance to enjoy love song duets, songs of strolling blind musicians, water puppet and traditional children plays, and the art of calligraphy writing. Ten Japanese businesses are taking part in the festival. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: The Central Highlands in Vietnam

2011-11-22T22:04:00.005+07:00

Tourism Indochina: The Central Highlands in Vietnam

Geographically, the Central Highlands of Vietnam is an area of stunning natural beauty which extends from the Cat Tien National Park in the south as far as Quang Nam in the north. For practical purposes most visitors to the region will travel between Dalat in the south and Kon Tum in the north.

This region is not visited by many tourists so the transport options of the coastal route are not available. We hired a vehicle with driver to travel from dalat to Hoi An over five days and these days were without doubt the highlight of our time in Vietnam.

Travelling through Vietnam via the magnificent Central Highlands is a fabulous alternative to the much trodden coastal route. To do so by public transport can prove quite challenging as local bus services are the only option. Also it is necessary for foreigners to carry permits in order to be allowed into parts of the Central Highlands.

We took this route as a 5 day private tour beginning in Dalat and ending in Hoi An. We travelled in a 9 seater Mercedes accompanied by a guide and driver. Each evening our guide, Phu, and driver, Tam, stayed at the same place as us and took us out to local restaurants that they knew and which would be impossible to go to without a local connection. This was a tremendous and most unexpected addition to what was the highlight of our time in Vietnam. If you're travelling from the north you head inland from Hoi An and follow the route described in this section in reverse.

Vietnam Exhibition features unique culture of Central Highlands:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-11-19):

Exhibition features unique culture of Central Highlands

An exhibition on space of gong culture, a UNESCO-recognised “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritages of Humanity,” opened in Central Highlands Dak Lak Province on November 19. The event is part of the Central Highlands Gong Festival scheduled for November 21-24 in an effort to uphold the unique culture heritage. Documents, objects and valuable images featuring cultural characteristics of each ethnic group in the region are displayed, attracting the attention of both local people and foreigners. It also provides visitors a good chance to have better understanding on gong culture. (Source: VNA)

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Tourism Indochina: Hanoi The Attraction Place in Vietnam

2011-11-22T21:12:00.003+07:00

Tourism Indochina: Hanoi The Attraction Place in Vietnam

Wikipedia: Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. Its population in 2009 was estimated at 2.6 million for urban districts, 6.5 million for the metropolitan jurisdiction. From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam. It was eclipsed by Huế during the Nguyen dynasty as the capital of Vietnam, but Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam. The city is located on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is located at 1,760 km (1,090 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City. October 2010 officially marked 1000 years since the establishment of the city. On this occasion, Hanoi was named by Frommer's travel guide as one of the world's "Top Destinations 2010".

Hanoi features a warm humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa) with plentiful precipitation. The city experiences the typical climate of northern Vietnam, where summers are hot and humid, and winters are, by national standards, relatively cool and dry. Summers, lasting from May to September, are hot and humid, receiving the majority of the annual 1,680 millimetres (66.1 in) of rainfall. The winters are short, relatively dry, and mild, while spring can bring light rains.

As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered one of the main cultural centres of Vietnam, where most Vietnamese dynasties have left their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike. Even when the nation's capital moved to Huế under the Nguyễn Dynasty in 1802, the city of Hanoi continued to flourish, especially after the French took control in 1888 and modeled the city's architecture to their tastes, lending an important aesthetic to the city's rich stylistic heritage. The city hosts more cultural sites than any city in Vietnam, and boasts more than 1,000 years of history, and that of the past few hundred years has been well preserved.

A city between the rivers, built from lowland, Hanoi has many scenic lakes and sometime is called "city of lakes". Among its lakes, the most famous are Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Halais Lake (Hồ Thiền Quang in Vietnamese), and Bay Mau Lake. Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is the historical and cultural center of Hanoi, and is linked to the legend of the magic sword. West Lake (Hồ Tây) is a popular place for people to spend time. It is the largest lake in Hanoi and there are many temples in the area. There are small boats for hire and a floating restaurant.

In 2007, Hanoi welcomed over 1 million foreign visitors:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-11-20):

Hanoi welcomes over 1 million foreign visitors

The number of foreign tourists to Hanoi in the first 11 months of this year is estimated at 1.15 million, equivalent to 95% of the city’s yearly plan and up 11.5% over the same period last year. Strong growths have been seen in the numbers of visitors from China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, France and the US. The Hanoi Tourism Department has designed many new tours such as health treatment tours, helicopter sightseeing and visits to local celebrities.

The department is working on a file to propose that the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognise the Thang Long Imperial Citadel as a world cultural heritage. (Source: VNA)

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