Tourism Indochina: Cambodia golf Top 10

ASIA Golf: Golf holidays in Cambodia are a new introduction, yet pioneerng golfers are finding it a fascinating country in which to play a few rounds. Golf is a relatively new pastime in Cambodia yet is developing fast. Until the mid 1990s golf was unheard of in the country, but with its entry in to ASEAN and top Cambodian officials meeting on a regular basis with their contemporaries in the more developed golfing Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand it was only a matter of time until the popularity of golf grew. And what more could a nation ask for as a golfing ‘ambassador’ than the Prime Minister himself – yes Cambodia’s Premier Hun Sen, is an avid golf player with a handicap of 15.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's laid back capital, has 2 full scale 18-hole golf courses on its western outskirts. However, the real golfing excitement is in Siem Reap, the home of the magnificent Angkor Wat temples. In early 2007 the Sofitel Phokeethra Country Club opened, and this was followed in early 2008 by the Nick Faldo designed Angkor Golf Resort - it is claimed this course could emerge as not only the finest in Cambodia, but one of the best in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2009 Siem Reap’s third PGA-rated course, the Siem Reap Lake Golf Resort, opened making Cambodia a true golfing vacation destination.

Cambodia golf Top 10 after third round in:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-12-02):

Siem Reap (Cambodia) Dec 1 - Despite error-filled stretches on the front nine and over par cards, India's Harmeet Kahlon and Arjun Singh stayed in the top-10 of the leaderboard at the end of the third round at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open Saturday. Both Kahlon (73) and Arjun Singh (74) slipped from overnight seventh and sixth places, while Australian Adam Groom (70) held on to a narrow one-stroke lead over American Bryan Saltus (71). Groom is 13-under 203. The six other Indians who made the cut were all way behind. Four of them, Gurbaaz Mann (75), Rahil Gangjee (73), Vikrant Chopra (73) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (73) were all tied 48th at three over 219. Amandeep Johl, who started with a birdie and an eagle shot had a score of 74 and Rahul Ganapathy brought in a card of 81. Johl was tied 56th at four-over, while Ganapathy was 70th and last at 10-over. Kahlon, struggling with his form this season, had two bogeys for a 38 on front nine but had two birdies against one bogey on back nine for a total of 73. Arjun also had a poor front nine with a bogey on first and double bogey on seventh. He had two birdies and one more bogey on back nine. Groom, currently ranked 47th on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit, shot three birdies against just one bogey as he made his way to come closer to his maiden Asian Tour title. He is now 13-under-par 203. Saltus stayed in contention after a 71 with a similar performance by American Anthony Kang in the $300,000 Asian Tour event. Thai trio of Thaworn Wiratchant, Chapchai Nirat, and Prom Meesawat were four strokes behind the leader also in joint third spot having fired a 67, 68 and 69 respectively at the Phokeethra Country Club. England's Yasin Ali, who is ranked 70th on the money list, kept his hopes alive for a card next season when he blasted his second straight 68 to lie in lone seventh spot while Ted Oh of Korea posted a 69 for a 209 total in ninth place.

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Tourism Indochina: Review The Water Festival in Cambodia 2007

The Cambodian Water Festival (variously spelled in the original Khmer as Bon Om Touk, or Bon Om Thook, or Bonn Om Teuk, or Bon Om Tuk) takes place once a year, on the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk (usually in November). It celebrates a major natural occurrence: the reversing flow between the Tonle Sap and the Mekong River.

For most of the year, the Tonle Sap empties into the Mekong River. However, when the rainy season arrives in June, the Mekong rises, reversing the flow to dump water into the lake, increasing its size ten-fold. When the rainy season ends in November, the Mekong drops once more, allowing the current to reverse again, emptying the excess waters of Tonle Sap back into the Mekong.

This natural occurrence is celebrated in Cambodia with three days of festivals, fluvial parades, boat races, fireworks, and general merriment.

The Water Festival in Cambodia 2007:

Tourist is welcomed to visit Water Festival in Cambodia ( 23 – 25 Nov 2007 )

On the occasion of the Water Festival to be held from 23-25 Nov 2007, Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, in collaboration with the National Committee for National and International Festivals, will organize the ASEAN-Cambodia Traditional Boat Race, to be participated by all ASEAN Member countries.


The above significant events would be a great opportunity for travelers to enjoy with the local national events, at night there will be people can see loo carton floating along the Basac River. There are variety of loo carton from different provinces, ministries, and companies. The Water Festival is also one part to strengthen the cooperation among all participating countries intern of culture, sport and tourism.


The complimentary seats will be available Free of Charge (FOC) for all foreign visitors, international guests and NGO delegates at the Ministry of Tourism's pavilion located at the north of the VIP pavilion. For this Free of Charge Seats will be provided to any CATA members who have foreign visitors, please kindly send the name list of participants (visitors) with Date and Time to our email either you visit our country individually or through other travel agent. All names list will be submitted to Minister of Ministry of Tourism (MOT). The Deadline for you will be made before 21Nov 2007.

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Tourism Indochina: Angkor Wat International Half Marathon

Tourism Indochina: Angkor Wat International Half Marathon

In 2007 Angkor International Half Marathon was celebrated on 2 December and other related events on a day before Angkor International Half Marathon. During that time, there were 2,157 participants from 39 countries and 1 region, that's more than ever before! This race has been taking place in one of the famous world heritage, considered as a world heritage site by UNESCO. This event composes of many types of race such Half Marathon Men/Woman, 21 km Wheel Chair, 10 km Men/Women, 5 km Women, 3 km Kids, Bike Race, and Bike Rally. The next celebration will be held on December 7th, 2008. Apart from Sightseeing in Siem Reap there are a lot of thing to do and enjoy in their festivals and events. Surely, it can be a good idea to get involve with the real festivals and events. The race is arranged to gather money for the physically challenged, able bodied run for this honest purpose. There is no age limit of the participants, eight to eighty everybody can run. Winning or loosing does not matter at all here; participating for such a grand reason is concerned as the most honorable fact. Participants come here to take part in the Bike Race and Half Marathon from almost every part of the world. The participants receive warm welcome and are provided comfortable accommodation. Angkor half Marathon in Siem Reap revives the spirit and bond of the Khmer people. If you are coming to Cambodia during this great opportunity, please do not miss the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon. Beside from enjoying Angkor half Marathon in Siem Reap, you can plan for the other Festivals and Events in Siem Reap which include Chaul Chnam (Khmer New Year) in Siem Reap and Angkor Photo Festival in Siem Reap. Rest assured that the wonderful city of Siem Reap won’t disappoint you!

16th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon:

On Dec 4, 2011, mark your calendars for the 16th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon. This is an annual event held at the Angkor Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia, with the purpose of helping landmine survivors, as well as saving the young Cambodians from HIV/AIDS, which is one of the major health-related problems in the country these days. Through the years, thousands of participants have been flocking to Siem Reap to join the event with the aim of bringing artificial limbs to landmine victims and advocating the fight against the global menace, HIV/AIDs.

This year year also marks the 6th the Angkor Wat Bike Race and Ride that will happen on Dec. 3, 2011. This is organized by Village Focus International through VF-Cambodia and mainly aims to support poor children and women at risk of human trafficking, drug abuse and other forms of exploitation. Proceeds of the event are used to provide health, education and protective services to hundreds of children and their families living in the slum areas.

Apsara Tours is very proud to be a part of promoting these events through our newly designed special edition package, purposely made to bring foreign runners and cyclists to Cambodia to support these causes and at the same time to showcase the country's tourism gems. Our 3D2N package starts from US $210 per person on twin sharing basis, which includes accommodation, some meals and Siem Reap city tour. Optional temple tours are also available for your choice, should you wish to explore the temple ruins and set your feet on the grounds where Miss Lara Croft was once on.

Visit website of Angkor Wat International Half Marathon Steering Committee...


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Tourism Indochina: Why Spanish Queen Visited Cambodia

Queen Sofía of Spain (born 2 November 1938) is the wife of King Juan Carlos I of Spain. She has been working closely with Dr. Muhammed Yunus on his Grameen Bank (or "Village Bank"), which offers microcredits to women across the world. Sofía has travelled to Bangladesh, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador and Mexico to support the activities of the organization led by Yunus.

Queen Sofia of Spain has also been a strong supporter of Somaly Mam's efforts and that of the NGO she founded, AFESIP (Agir pour les Femmes en Situation Précaire), in combating child prostitution and slavery in Cambodia. In 1998, Somaly Mam was awarded the prestigious Prince of Asturias Awards for International Cooperation in the presence of Queen Sofia.

The Queen is an Honorary Member of the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts and of the Royal Academy of History. She has received Honorary Doctorates from the Universities of Rosario (Bogotá), Valladolid, Cambridge, Oxford, Georgetown, Evora, St. Mary's University, Texas, and New York.

Spanish Queen Visited Cambodia:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-01-31):

Phnom Penh - Queen Sophia of Spain will pay an official visit Cambodia on February 8 and 9 at the invitation of Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry said the queen will and visit Spanish-funded projects and tour the famous Angkor Wat temple complex in the northern city of Siem Reap.

The ministry announced the visit the same day it announced Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Ray would pay a separate state visit to the king, on February 6 and 7.

Calmy-Ray will also meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen, her Foreign Minister counterpart Hor Namhong, inspect Swiss-assisted repairs to the famous Banteay Srei temple at Angkor Wat and visit a children's hospital run by Swiss philanthropist Beat Richner, according to the Foreign Ministry.

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Tourism Indochina: Direct Bus Hochiminh City Vietnam-Siem Reap Cambodia

Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnamese: Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, listen), 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.

Siem Reap (Khmer: ក្រុងសៀមរាប) 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 Bus Hochiminh City Vietnam-Siem Reap Cambodia:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-02-02): Saigon Passenger Transportation Company (Sapaco Tourist) said the bus, running two times per week would cross the international border gate of Moc Bai in Tay Ninh province to enter Cambodia. Sapaco Tourist which operates on the HCMC-Phnom Penh route also provides passengers with traveling guidance. With a distance of 550km between HCMC-Siem Reap, the trip would take 8 hours and cost US$20 per one-way ticket and $36 for a round one. Tickets are available at 197 or 309 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1. Source: SGGP


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Tourism Indochina: The Mekong River Discovery Trail Project Encourages Local Fishermen

Tourism Indochina: The Mekong River Discovery Trail Project Encourages Local Fishermen


(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2007-12-04):

PHNOM PENH (AFP) - Cambodia and the UN have launched a joint project aimed at saving endangered Irrawaddy dolphins from extinction, the international body's World Tourism Organization said Tuesday.

The Mekong River Discovery Trail Project encourages local fishermen to work in dolphin-watching tourism instead of fishing, the UN agency said in a statement. Fishing nets often cause the death of Irrawaddy dolphins. "Local authorities believe fishing is depleting the dolphins' food supply. Fishermen will be encouraged to take visitors to see the dolphins and sell food and drinks instead," it said. It did not give financial details. Conservationists estimate that fewer than 100 Irrawaddy dolphins exist in the wild, but the Cambodian government has said the number could be around around 130 and could rise to 170 within the next five years. Thousands of the Irrawaddy dolphins, which have blunt, round heads and are almost white in colour, once swam in the Mekong -- which flows from Tibet to the South China Sea and has tributaries in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The project, which begins this month, will teach fishermen about tourism activities, the UN agency said, adding it hopes to draw tens of thousands of visitors. The Cambodian government said it would help build hotels in a bid to draw visitors. "No dolphins means no tourism. No tourism means no development," Tourism Minister Thong Khon said in the statement.

Tourism is one of the few sources of foreign exchange for impoverished Cambodia, which is still recovering from decades of conflict.

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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Festive Flotilla

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia Festive Flotilla


For fun, excitement, action and spectacle surely none of many boat racing events in the region match this four-day river gala in Phnom Penh.

It is colorful competition that engages the large portion of population connected to the country’s water ways. A swirl of color blankets the Tonle Sap River, as hundreds of boats cluster near its shores. From these banks the thousand of revelers throw up cheers to oarsmen and women who already themselves for race that pays tribute to the power of vital life source. Bonn Om Touk, or the Water festival, ushers in the fishing season and markets reversal of the current in the Tonle Sap River. Typically held near the end of November, when the Mekong sinks back to its normal levels, Bonn Om Touk is the most attended Cambodian national festival. Approximately 10% of the country’s population gathers to play games, give thanks to the moon, and watch the long boat race in Phnom Penh. Fireworks and a lighted flotilla of boats add to festivities. According to the Mekong River Commission, the Mekong is the 12th largest river in the world, and the 10th –largest by volume. From Tibet it run’s through China Yunnan Province, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, an estimated length 4,800 km. From June to September the Mekong is in full flood, as a result of torrential rain fall. The force of water coming down stream pushes again the current in Tonle Sap, causing it to flow backward in to the Great Lake, which swell to more than five times it dry season size. This surge and retreat drives one of the most productive fisheries in the world: in Cambodia alone basin provides breeding habitats more than 1,300 species of fish, and annual rise and fall of the river ensures a nutrient- rich environment topped only by Amazon.

By: Jonh Everingham


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Tourism Indochina: Phnom Penh Main Attractions

Tourism Indochina: Phnom Penh Main Attractions

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-03-23):

Many of Phnom Penh main attractions including, the National Museum and Royal Palace congregate along rive front. But this vibrant capital is filled with far more than culture and color, and some of the best places to witness and unmatched charm of the city are at its traditional markets.

The oldest markets are Psar Thom Thmei, Psar Kandal and Psar Chas, which literally translate to old market. Psar is thought to derive from Arabic word for bazaar and, indeed, many of Phnom Penh’s market scenes appear more reminiscent of a Turkish fair than an outdoor and market place in Southeast Asia. Located near the main post office by Wat Phnom, Psar Chas sells CDs, DVDs and books; religious offering such as shrines and fresh fruit, and vegetable, fish and poultry. Numerous tables set up out side the market offer shoe repair and shines, while hairdressers and make up shops occupied the inner portion. This is one of the few markets in the city that sells food late and many motorbike driver and local Khmers arrive at night for bit to eat. Stalls which fluorescent light sell Chinese style roasted duck and chicken and whole families come to enjoy bread with pâté, rice soup, friend meatball, and quail eggs, which are especially popular among Khmer women. Psar Kandal, near the river on street 13, also offers visitors a taste of local life. The markets boast an abundance of food stall where you can eat for as little as 2,000 Reils (US$ 0.5). It also sells house wares, hardware and children’s toys. Fruit and vegetable are not hard to come by but if it is coconut you are after, head to Psar Doem Kor, on Mao Tse Toung Boulevard near Inter-Continental, where truck loads of coconut are imported daily from Kompot Province. Psar Thom Thmei’s 1930’s Art Deco design has made it a Phnom Penh landmark. Laid out by French town planner Ernest Habrard, this airy, open market is the commercial hub of the city, offering from fried spiders to CDs. Literally “The New Market”, but better known as central market, Psar Thom Thmei’s central yellow dome sprout four wing, chockfull of stalls selling clothing, shoe, bags and souvenir, including coins, Khmer antique, silver plates, silk, stone, statuettes and bronze figurines. Beneath the dome sit rows of lit glass cases displaying tray of gold and silver jewelry. The Central Market is also famous for its fresh jasmine flower which Khmer use in their lavish wedding ceremonies and offer to monks on religious occasion. Price varies, but hard bargaining is conventional. The city’s second most visited is Psar Toul Tumpoung, or the Russian Market, a name earned for its popularity during 1980s among the city many Russian expatriates. A market has gain reputation for cheap DVDs and clothing, and is also hotspot for locals in searching snacks.

For the travelers, the markets present the large selection of Buddha image and woodcarvings, betel nut boxes, silk, silver jewelry and classic musical instruments.

(By: Prak Chan Thul)

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Tourism Indochina: Sihanoukville Takes off as a Tourism Hub

Sihanoukville (Khmer: ក្រុងព្រះសីហនុ - Krong Preah Sihanouk), 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.

The province is served by Sihanoukville International Airport, 18 kilometres (11 mi) from downtown, although it has a limited commercial operation. The planned flights between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap may encourage visitors to Angkor temples in Siem Reap to extend their stay, though the crash of a charter flight in Phnom Damrey on 25 June 2007 from Siem Riep, has caused concerns. The flights are scheduled to start on December 14, 2011.

Sihanoukville attracts tourists with its relaxed beach atmosphere when compared to Thailand's more developed ones. However, the city has attracted not only tourists, but several NGOs and foreign and national investors in the last years in order to develop not only the growing tourist industry, but its capacity as an international sea port and other sectors like textile and real estate. In Sihanoukville is also located the main factory of Angkor Beer, the Cambodian national beer.

Sihanoukville was the place of the last official battle of the United States army in the Vietnam War, although the incident took place outside Vietnam. It is known as the Mayagüez incident on May 12–15, 1975 between the US forces and the Khmer Rouge. Currently, visitors dive in Koh Tang, one of the Sihanoukville islands where the major battle to free the SS Mayagüez took place. Divers can see two shipwrecks 40 metres (130 ft) down.

On 22 December 2008, King Norodom Sihamoni signed a Royal Decree that changed the municipalities of Kep, Pailin and Sihanoukville into provinces, as well as adjusting several provincial borders.

Sihanoukville is located in the south of Cambodia. It is 230 kilometres (143 mi) southwest of Phnom Penh in a small Peninsula and Bahia. Beaches are the main feature that attracts national and foreign visitors. A small archipelago is embedded by the Sihanoukville Bahia off its south and west coast. The commercial and international port is located at the north west. The limits of its territory: North and West Koh Kong province, East Kampot province and south Gulf of Thailand.

Beaches that line the west contour of the city from north to south are Victory Beach, Lamherkay Beach, Koh Pos Beach, Independence Beach, Sokha Beach, Serendipity Beach, Ochheuteal Beach and Otres Beach. The most popular beaches are Ochheuteal, Sokha, Independence and Victory. Tourists can take water taxis to the nearby islands for diving, snorkeling, and game fishing.

The peninsula is separated from the central plains of Cambodia by the Damrei Mountains, especially the Bouk Kou. The city is also besides the Ream National Park (210 km2) and it includes the islands of Koh Thmei and Koh Sei.

Sihanoukville Takes off as a Tourism Hub:

As Sihanoukville take off as a tourism hub, Cambodia tourism authority and developers say that preserving the natural harmony and health of its beaches and coastline is the a priority. Officials in Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism have echoed concern about pollution as tourism grows in Sihanoukville, and say they are trying to take more thoughtful approach to development. With funding from Asia Development Bank (ADB) the government has advised a wastewater treatment project that will be implemented in coastal area currently under development to make sure water does not become polluted and that waste form development project does not reach the sea. “We have to develop these beaches with proper environmental protection,” says Dr Thong Khon, Secretary of State of Tourism Ministry.

The ADB funding will also go toward training lifeguard and building Watchtowers along popular beaches. Prime Minister Hun Sen himself lunched the project in Sihanoukville, on 2 August. Development plans for the region go well beyond the beach. To make Sihanoukville a more attractive destination for tourist the government is working for revamp Sihanoukville Kang Keng Airport so tourist can travel a circuit between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. The Air port would also make a transit to the airport in Rattanakiri Province, in Cambodia north’s east. According to the Cambodia Travel Agent Association, cruise to Sihanoukville are already popular, and carrying passenger from China, Europe and the United States dock at Sihanoukville’s port at least one each week. Tourism officials are also optimistic that a recent agreement reach by ASEAN to exempt member countries from paying visa fees when visiting other member countries will increase regional visitor traffic. Kun Kam Eng, a father of two, spent a recent weekend with his family on Ochheuteal Beach. “We are rich in having so many beautiful places to visit,” a 45 old was please to report as he looked out to the water. “I love the beaches in Sihanoukville, so I hope they always stay clean and fresh. Our Seawater is sweater is so clean, the sand is very white and the view of the sea is totally paradise. Sihanoukville Governor Say Hak is optismistic that Sihanoukville develop will help improve people lifestyles of people living in Sihanoukville municipality. As a part of this effort Prime Minister Hun Sen has strongly encourage people to engage in “home stay” business, renting local home to tourists. With the huge influx of visitors during national holidays, the home stay policy could help put money directly into villagers’ pockets. Sihanoukville is not only the paradise on Cambodia coast. Many islands have yet to see development for tourism and the beach in and around Kompot and Kep are idyllic.

Several hotels Mangers in Sihanoukville say their businesses base on the beaches and as long as beaches remain the main attraction for domestic and foreign tourists, the hospitality industry will continue to grow.

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Travel Indochina sets new standards in responsible tourism

Our collective impact on the environment is rapidly becoming a greater concern, and Travel Indochina has responded to this concern by showing travelers how they can make a difference while on vacation without sacrificing any of the fun.

With local offices in the region, the leading Asia specialist’s overseas team is able to hand-pick suppliers who operate in accordance with its responsible travel principles. Travel Indochina not only requires responsible behavior from its suppliers, but works closely with them to develop and set new standards in the tourism industry.

In June 2008, one of the tour operator’s most popular hotels, the Anantara Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, Thailand, was recognized by Forbes Traveler in the “World’s Most Responsible Hotels” category. Set in a stunning location, overlooking the hills of Myanmar and Laos, this magical property was recognized for the humanitarian efforts it has made in protecting the environment and promoting conservation. A highlight of a stay in this beautiful resort is a visit to the elephant camp, set in a lush bamboo forest.

Travel Indochina’s Business Development Manager, David Rothschild, explains why the hotel fits the bill: “The Anantara Golden Triangle exemplifies responsible travel for us. The sanctuary not only acts as a safe haven for the elephants, but in addition provides steady employment for its keepers and their families. This is just one example demonstrating the types of projects supported by Travel Indochina.

In addition to doing business exclusively with travel partners who practice responsible tourism behaviors, Travel Indochina seeks to support the people in those communities visited by its tours. For example, the company supports KOTO (Know One, Teach One), an organization that has trained nearly 250 Vietnamese street and disadvantaged kids to be chefs and service staff. In Cambodia, Travel Indochina supports the Angkor Hospital for Children, which provides inpatient and outpatient care to needy children. It also trains Cambodian health care professionals, and promotes public health initiatives in Siem Reap province and greater Cambodia. In Laos, Travel Indochina supports the work of Big Brother Mouse (BBM), a project aimed at publishing books for children to increase literacy levels in Lao PDR.

The Small Group Journeys and tailor-made travel arrangements offered by Travel Indochina allow for more genuine experiences with local people and their environments. Travel Indochina vacation experiences avoid the negative impacts of mass tourism. With group sizes limited to a maximum of 15 people, Travel Indochina’s customers benefit from opportunities for cultural exchange, with options such as home stays and eco-lodge experiences enabling social interaction with people from different backgrounds.

Travel Indochina differs from many other tour operators in that it employs local staff, wherever possible, in its overseas offices. This team is one of Travel Indochina’s most valuable assets and customers benefit from the responsible way in which they are looked after. Local staff members are well-trained, treated and compensated and their passion for their countries is widely recognized by Travel Indochina’s customers.

Mr. Rothschild explains: “Worldwide, we have a loyal base of clients who come back to Travel Indochina time and time again and it’s our team that makes the real difference. The combination of local English speaking guides and Western tour leaders means our customers get the best of both worlds and, as a result, our hand-picked itineraries are full of unforgettable experiences that travelers will not find with other companies.”


Source: Travel Daily News

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But rumours abound whether spirit of Jerry Garcia will move Bryan Saltus to defend title

But rumours abound whether spirit of Jerry Garcia will move Bryan Saltus to defend title DETAILS of the second Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open 2008 golf tournament to be held at the Sofitel Hotel's Phokeethra Country Club golf course in Siem Reap from December 8 to December 14 were unveiled at an extravagant launch earlier this week.

The launch kicked off with a welcome dinner in the Sofitel ballroom on Monday evening, followed by a press conference at Angkor Wat on Tuesday morning, followed by an official lunch, followed by a round of "friendship" golf for supporters, sponsors and the media.

Dignitaries present included Hor Sarun, deputy director of the Ministry of Tourism; So Mara, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Tourism; Bun Tharith, deputy governor of Siem Reap province; and Chau Sun Kerya, director of the Department of Cultural Development Museum and Heritage Norms.

Heavyweights from Thailand included Sofitel Southeast Asia vice president Christophe Caron and Suttiluk Samranyoo, deputy managing director of Thai Nakorn Patana Co Ltd, the Bangkok-based pharmaceutical giant that developed the hotel.

The Cambodian Open is the kingdom's only international golf tournament and is part of a record 2008 Asian Tour schedule of 30 tournaments with almost US$40 million on offer.

Asian Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia and is a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours, the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia.

The prize purse at this year's Cambodian Open is a handy $300,000, and the format is a 72-holes stroke event played in accordance with the Asian Tour regulations.

There will also be a pro-am event on the Wednesday before the tournament, in what is billed as "tournament week".

Asian Tour senior vice president Gerry Norquist was also at the launch and he said that, through the Cambodian Open, "this emerging nation will once again be showcased to the world. As the only professional golf tournament in Cambodia, the Asian Tour will greatly enhance the landscape of professional golf in Cambodia and hopefully unearth new home-grown talents."

While last year's inaugural Open didn't unearth a wealth of local talent, it did launch an American oddity into cult figure status on the Asian golfing circuit, in the guise of Bryan Saltus, a veteran attendee of 150 Grateful Dead concerts which, while in itself has nothing to do with golf, has everything to do with him playing golf. He said he had a "religious experience" at a Dead concert in Las Vegas in 1993 in the form of a dream that he would one day win the US Masters.

On August 9, 1995, Grateful Dead's leader Jerry Garcia died, and Saltus' reaction was to immediately turn pro.

He's been hacking around golf courses ever since, with his awkward style gaining him a modicum of recognition in Golfweek, which wrote, "It's hard not to be amused by his golf swing. Unorthodox hardly begins to describe it."

He surprised everybody, probably including himself, by winning the first Cambodia Open after edging out Australian Adam Groom.

He celebrated his maiden Asian Tour win by jumping into the lake near the 18th green, crediting the unlikely victory to a new putter, after tossing his previous putter into another lake after missing the cut by one shot the week before in Vietnam. And, of course, he dedicated the win to the Grateful Dead.

Can he do it again in Cambodia this year? Will he even appear? The Cambodia Open 2008 press release states he will "undoubtedly be amongst the contenders again." When pressed whether "undoubtedly" means there is doubt about whether he will front, Sofitel clubhouse manager Maximilian Kaendler said Saltus has signed on and would play if there were no preventive misfortunes such as ill health or injuries, Or perhaps a Grateful Dead concert.


Written by Peter Olszewski

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No room at the inn

The number of high-end hotel rooms serving luxury and business travelers is failing to keep up with strong annual tourism growth, officials say CAMBODIA is facing a shortfall of 3,000 hotel rooms in the face of tourist arrivals growing at an annual rate of up to 20 percent, said a tourism official in Phnom Penh.

"There is a shortage of about 1,500 hotel rooms in Phnom Penh and of about 1,500 rooms in Sihanoukville due to tourist growth and the business boom," said Kousoum Saroeuth, director general for the Ministry of Tourism.

"But the shortage is mainly for high-end hotels."

He added, "We have enough hotels and guesthouses for common tourists, but we need more high-end hotels for luxury tourists and business people."

He said that Cambodia had about 350 hotels with roughly 20,000 rooms, including 140 in Phnom Penh, 100 in Siem Reap, about 50 in Sihanoukville, with the rest in other provinces.

The hotel industry was a major revenue-earner but no figures were available on how much hotels earn every year, Kousoum Saroeuth said.

He noted that two million tourists were visiting Cambodia every year, generating revenues of about US$1.4 billion last year. He added that tourism was responsible for generating about 300,000 jobs.

So Mara, undersecretary of state at the Tourism Ministry, said that even with the shortfall, the industry had grown quickly to meet demand.

"The good side is that this industry is mostly owned by local investors, so revenues are not flowing out of the country," he said. "Tourism has grown about 19 percent year-on-year, so demand for accommodation will grow, too."

But Cambodian Hotel Association President Luu Meng said there was still too little investment in top-end accommodation.

"In this industry, what we need is high-class hotels for high-class guests. Currently, we have a lot of hotels, but only a few are top class," Luu Meng said.

He noted that the hotel industry was responsible for creating about 22,000 jobs in the Kingdom but that the industry carried risks for investors as it was vulnerable to economic downturns and political instability.

Regional hotels have also been affected by high fuel prices and increased airfares, as well as a slowing global economy, he added.

"Security and safety are the major priority for this sector, and road infrastructure comes next," Luu Meng said.

Kousoum Saroeuth said that, in a bid to strengthen the hotel industry, the Tourism Ministry would require hotels to obtain proper classifications or risk having their licences pulled.

The classification ranges from one to five stars, he said. "Since the sub decree on hotel classification took effect in 2003 ... only 15 out of 350 hotels in Cambodia have been classified: 12 in Siem Reap, two in Phnom Penh and one in Sihanoukville."

He said that, since 2003, the Ministry of Tourism has warned hotel owners to apply with the ministry for classifications, but most had ignored the notice.

"As soon as the new government is formed, if hotel owners still ignore having their hotels classified, they will be denied extensions to their operating licences, which they need to apply for every year," he said.

The hotel standards conformed to ASEAN rules, he said, and "will build credibility among foreigners as well as trust that the hotels they are staying in are as good as others in ASEAN. It will also allow hotels to promote themselves and strengthen their service."

He said that the classification procedures were not complicated and would take only three days to complete.


Written by Nguon Sovan

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