Tourism Indochina: Restaurant association to start up in temple town

Restaurant association to start up in temple town

Siem Reap’s eateries are joining forces to form the Siem Reap Restaurant Association.

At a meeting of the Cambodian Restaurant Association in Siem Reap’s Casa Angkor Hotel last Monday, the board presented the idea of setting up a Siem Reap chapter.

Temple Town businesses were quick on the uptake, following the success of CRA in representing Phnom Penh-based F&B companies for the last two years. CRA now works on behalf of more than 50 companies, made up of over 100 outlets, from long-running favourites to smaller enterprises.

“We came to Siem Reap two years ago to attract businesses here,” explains Geert Vanbaelen, who is spearheading the establishment of the Siem Reap chapter, “But we were only new and the businesses here were afraid to join. Now they see the brands we’ve attracted, and they’re ready to get started.”

Geert says that the larger restaurant groups and hotel restaurants were the most enthusiastic, but he believes others will follow suit. The association will be assisted by the already-established Cambodia Hotel Association Siem Reap, which was represented at the meeting by its president, Emmett McHenry of Sokha Angkor Resort.

Geert, a former CRA treasurer who recently relocated to Siem Reap, says the establishment of the chapter will help businesses in a multitude of areas. “It’s a networking association, so it’s gets people together, it improves communication. It can represent restaurants with a common voice to the government, and will work to make food and beverage a leading industry in Cambodia.”

Vanbaelen also says the association works in communities, with schools and NGOs, educating and encouraging students to become interested in hospitality. The association has also lobbied the government to improve hygiene guidelines and to formalise inspections.

Another item on Monday’s agenda was the CamFood and CamHotel 2012 Exhibition which will take place in Phnom Penh in October. It will be held in Diamond Island Exhibition Center, and hopes to attract over 12,000 industry professionals.

CRA is now pushing for more representation from Siem Reap and Geert says, “Some restaurants and hotels came to the expo two years ago, but after our presentation in Siem Reap, a lot more were very motivated to get involved.”

CRA will encourage representation by providing transport for staff to the capital for the exhibition.

While also a showcase for products and businesses, the expo will be a showcase for staff too, with competitions in everything from bartending to bed-making, even a waiter race. Geert says, “I hope this year we will see some Siem Reap staff taking part. It will improve their skills and who knows maybe they’ll go on to work abroad?”

Source: Phnompenhpost/13July2012

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Tourism Indochina: Apsara studying ticket cost

Apsara studying ticket cost

Ticket prices for Angkor Wat will increase after a feasibility study is conducted by tourism experts, according to an official from the Apsara National Authority, the state-run body charged with maintaining the archaeological park.

The experts were determining how feasible increasing entrance fees for Cambodia’s UNESCO World Heritage site would be, but had not provided a date when they expected to present their results, authority general director Bun Narith said.

“They are looking into ways to increase the amount raised through ticket sales before we take the conclusions to the goverment for approval, pending which there will be an increase,” Narith said.

The plan would not directly increase the general entrance fee of $20 per person for a one-day pass, but was an effort to steer tourists towards less-visited locales in the park to ease congestion and wear and tear on the temples, he said.

Cambodian Association of Travel Agents president Ang Kim Eang said the study was a welcome look at Cambodia’s largest tourist attraction and the price of tickets in Cambodia was still inexpensive compared with those in neighbouring countries, but an increased entrance fee was not necessary at this time.

“We welcome the study prior to any specific increase, as a clear study will help ensure there is as little impact on visitors as possible,” Eang said.

According to Ministry of Tourism figures, visitors to Angkor Wat increased by nearly 29 per cent during the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2011.

Source: Phnompenhpost/13July2012

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Tourism Indochina: Siem Reap-based art movie inspired by travels

Siem Reap-based art movie inspired by travels

Hotel de la Paix, which is shortly to close its doors and re-emerge next year as a Park Hyatt hotel, has been immortalised in a Singapore-made art film, I Have Loved, directed and written by Elizabeth Wijaya and Lai Weijie.

The film, produced by 13 Little Pictures in Singapore, was shot entirely on location in Siem Reap and many local landmarks are included, including Hotel de la Paix, and of course the temples are given a starring role.

According to the director's statement, the film features, “The splendor and illusion of the grand and cold Hotel de la Paix as a modern temple for privileged pilgrims gestures towards Resnais’ Last Year in Marienbad.”

Not sure exactly what that means, but hey it sounds good.

As for Siem Reap itself, the director’s statement says, “The landscape and architecture of Siem Reap and the Angkor temples are also characters in this film that explores contradiction on different levels.

The town of Siem Reap, compact and yet filled with contradictory building styles and transient tourists, is a metaphor for the frazzled yet searching and hopeful minds of the characters.”

The director’s statement also says, “The time- weathered temples form the emotional core of the film and visually allude to the ancient human soul – battered yet magnificent before the dust of modernity.”

According to the directors; the film’s plot is: “Marie goes to Cambodia in search of a romantic honeymoon but is confronted with the ambiguities of life and struggles with emotions and impulses beyond her understanding.

“I Have Loved is an intimate exploration of human consciousness, time and ways of remembering. After the death of her husband, Marie is haunted by an eclipsed memory – she cannot remember a key traumatic event as it happened.

Trapped in a Freudian cycle of mourning and repetition, she returns to Siem Reap to remember – so that she may forget.”

Director Elizabeth Wijaya told the Sinema website about the inspiration for the movie.

She said, “The idea came about from a trip we took in 2008. We went from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville,
Kampot, Kep, Bokor Hill and back to Siem Reap. We decided to set the feature in Siem Reap as we were interested in the paradoxes and dynamics of the interaction between the town and the millennial-old Angkor temples.”

Source: Phnompenhpost/29June2012

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Tourism Indochina: Angkor Wat bans tacky souvenirs

Angkor Wat bans tacky souvenirs

It was announced last week that smoking would be banned at Angkor temple sites, and this week local authorities added that there will also be a clampdown on tacky souvenirs and photos.

On Tuesday, Bun Narith, director general of the Apsara Authority told Insider that the smoking ban had been introduced to protect temples from ashes and fire and show respect to the monuments, the culture and the religion, as well as to promote health and comfort for visitors.

He added that the Apsara Authority prohibits the sale of certain “tacky” souvenirs such as ashtrays or drinking glasses that contained a sketch of the temple at the bottom of the glass.

Also prohibited is the practice of vendors superimposing photographs of tourists on an Angkor Wat background that is then printed on a souvenir and sold.

Apsara Authority director general Bun Narith said such sales practices and prohibited souvenirs were damaging the Khmer identity and pride and must stop immediately.

Source: Phnompenhpost/22June2012

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Tourism Indochina: New bus to Siem Reap

New bus to Siem Reap

A new luxury bus service from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap has arrived in the Kingdom. Giant Ibis, named for the rare national bird of Cambodia, is a US$13 per seat bus service that started operations on May 5.

The cost, which may seem over-priced for Cambodia, is quickly forgotten when you enter the startlingly luxurious bus and stretch your legs in the entire metre of leg room available.

“Fantastic, the service was really wonderful,” said Tony, 48 of the luxury busses, and Virak, 24, said: “It was great. The best bus I have ever been on.”

Currently the service runs twice daily at 8:45am and 12:30pm, but spokesperson Vibol Yoy has said they plan to increase the number of bus services in the near future.

The fully air-conditioned busses offer reclining seats, wi-fi, a large TV with a full selection of movies and a sound system above each seat that can be manually turned on or off.

The bus provides drinks and snacks and will even provide breakfast for the morning service.

The fleet of six luxury Hyundai Universe busses, owned by Royal Cambodian limousine service, is focused on quality to customers.

“We provide extensive road-safety and customer service training to all our staff. Our focus is on allowing people to have a happy and safe time when they use our service,” said Yoy.

The name behind the company comes from the rare, and once thought extinct, giant ibis, known in Khmer as tror yorng and in 2005 was declared as the national bird of Cambodia.

The population of the birds is thought to number only about 100 in the Kingdom, which is the largest population in the world.

The company has stated that it will give three cents of each ticket to help save the endangered bird.

The bus service travels through Kompong Cham province and crosses a small town called Skun, which is famous for fried spider, and they are apparently eaten regularly, indeed every day, by the locals.

The spiders are bred in holes in the ground, and the taste has been described as “interesting” by tourists.

The bus service will offer the opportunity for the more adventurous of it customers to sample the fried spider as the bus passes through the town.

Source: Phnompenhpost/17May2012

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Tourism Indochina: Flicks from around the world to screen at Angkor Wat Film Festival

Flicks from around the world to screen at Angkor Wat Film Festival

Cannes, Venice, Hollywood, step aside and make way. Siem Reap is the latest destination to become a movie Mecca, as the inaugural Angkor Wat Film Festival comes to town.

The Sofitel Resort will screen 31 films from February 17 to 19, welcoming guests and visitors to the viewings for free. Showing from 1pm to 11pm and including both shorts and features, all schedules and attention spans will be catered for.

The festival is the work of Emmy-awarding winning filmmaker, Tom Vendetti. Vendetti, who lives in Maui, Hawaii, said he was encouraged to bring a festival to Siem Reap by newspaper publisher Bernie Krisher. “I had met Bernie several years ago after working with him building a school in Cambodia,” he said.

“This is the first international film festival in Cambodia with the primary goal of preserving culture and the environment”.

With this idea in mind, most of the films on the program carry an element of environmental or cultural awareness, like Climate Refugees, which explores the impact of climate change on society, or Kipuka, a detailed study of Hawaii’s cultural identity.

“Siem Reap appeared to be the ideal setting for our event considering the monuments and profound history in the area,” Vendetti said. “Also, ecotourism is taking off in Siem Reap, which is promoting the culture and preserving the environment.”

Along with the movies there will be opportunity to meet some of the filmmakers in the flesh and hear them discuss their work on the final night, at a poolside dinner showing of one of Vendetti’s own works, When The Mountain Calls; Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan.

Vendetti, who also works as a psychologist, said he brings his two passions together to create his style of filmmaking. “I try to combine my interest in psychology and filmmaking to explore wisdom presented in ancient cultures and share the wisdom to promote happiness.”

He said one of the highlights of the program will be the Opening Gala which will feature Soul Surfer, a highly acclaimed true story about teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. The toast of Cannes last year, the film follows Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack at just 13 but went on to become a professional surfer.

The festival is truly global, featuring films shot in Fiji (Vendetti’s Fiji Firewalkers), the Serengeti (Milking The Rhino) and Iceland (Dreamland) to name but a few.

But of course, the host country takes centre stage with a number of Cambodian-made or based productions.

Born Sweet by Cynthia Wade is an award-winning documentary about a Khmer teen poisoned by arsenic who dreams of being a karaoke star.

Years of Darkness is another film by Vendetti, which tells of story of Sam Khong. After fighting for the Vietcong as a young teen, Khong was marooned in the US when the Khmer Rouge took power. The film follows him on his return to his birthplace in Cambodia almost thirty years later.

And no Cambodian film festival would be complete without the Kingdom’s own iconic filmmaker, Norodom Sihanouk. Two of the King Father’s works will be shown, La Cité Mystérieuse and Une Paysanne En Détresse. The latter, Peasants in Distress, is a love triangle set against the backdrop of war, political upheaval and UN intervention in the early 90s. Mysterious City was shot in 1988 during his time in exile.

The King Father is in good company. Many of the films in the festival have received accolades and acclaim. For a town with no formal cinema, the notion of becoming a destination for touring top films will be a hit with locals. As for the organisers, they’re hoping the Angkor Wat Film Festival will put Siem Reap on the map for more than just its temples. Source:PPpost

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Tourism Indochina: Hotel De La Paix Siem Reap rebranded to Park Hyatt

Tourism Indochina: Hotel De La Paix Siem Reap rebranded to Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt Siem Reap will be the first Hyatt-branded property in fast-growing destination, and 14th Hyatt-branded property in Southeast Asia.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has signed a management agreement with Hotel De La Paix for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Cambodia. Under the agreement, Hotel De La Paix Siem Reap, one of the country’s top-rated hotels, will be rebranded as Park Hyatt Siem Reap. The hotel will close on June 30, 2012 for a complete renovation and is expected to open as Park Hyatt Siem Reap in the first quarter of 2013.

Located at the center of one of Asia’s major emerging cultural destinations, the property, designed by award-winning Bangkok-based interior designer Bill Bensley, was voted as Cambodia’s No. 1 hotel by Travel + Leisure and ranked No. 29 on its World’s Best Hotels 2010 list.

“This globally recognized property embodies the distinctive experience that our guests expect from Park Hyatt along with a local character that amazes those visiting this wonderful country,” said Ratnesh Verma, senior vice president, real estate and development – Asia Pacific for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “We are thrilled to add this remarkable property to the Hyatt family, adding a jewel in our growing portfolio of hotels in Southeast Asia.”

There are currently 12 Hyatt-branded properties in Southeast Asia, with additional plans to introduce new hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Busan, South Korea; and Bangkok, Thailand, which support the company’s long-term goal of expanding the presence of Hyatt-branded hotels in the markets where its guests are traveling.

Park Hyatt Siem Reap will be situated nearby the renowned 12th century ruins of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site that researchers believe was one of the largest preindustrial cities in the world. The temples in the area number more than 1,000 and include Angkor Wat, the world’s largest single religious monument. The hotel will also be a short distance from Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, Cambodia’s second largest airport, which provides non-stop service to several major regional markets including Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore and Vientiane.

"We are excited to work with Park Hyatt and Bill Bensley to build on the success and achievements of our hotel in Siem Reap,” said Eddie Kiasrithanakorn, Managing Director, Hotel De La Paix Co., Limited, “and we look forward to creating new elements of luxury in terms of product and service for our valued guests. We believe that Park Hyatt will continue to strengthen our award winning community service programs and lead the development of the arts in Cambodia."

Park Hyatt Siem Reap will include 107 guest rooms and suites. The hotel plans to feature two restaurants, one bar and a retail bakery. The hotel will also feature meeting facilities, a spa, fitness center, and two swimming pools.

“We are honored to work with Hotel De La Paix Co., Limited to rebrand this renowned Cambodian hotel into Park Hyatt Siem Reap,” said Larry Tchou, managing director for Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “We are confident the hotel will deliver a new hospitality experience to guests visiting the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site or traveling in Cambodia.” Source : Hyatt Hotels Corporation(29th March 2012)

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Siem Reap Named One of the World’s Best Cities

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

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.

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Tourism Indochina: Palm Village: Natural and Khmer Style Guest Houses in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Tourism Indochina: Palm Village: Natural and Khmer Style Guest Houses in Siem Reap, Cambodia

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-07-09):

Located in Kok Chork, Commune, Siem Reap Province, “Phoum Thnot” which is known as “Palm Village” in English- natural Khmer style Guest Houses built of palm tree- are strange and unique houses that possibly serve those who love the natural beauty, quiet and privacy life. This natural resort was established in 2001 and finished in 2003.


The special feature of this resort is that it is a rare and first tourism village that represents and promotes a Khmer style lodging industry and also provides the real Khmer food in Siem Reap, the land of famous heritage site in South East Asia. Its popularity has increased since there are many natural lovers have accessed the site. In harmony with attraction diversification of Siem Reap’s master plan that is one of strategic solutions, the Palm Village itself helps diversify attraction in Siem Reap as well as Cambodia.


To experience the real way of life and real travel in Siem Reap and Cambodia, Palm Village can be a good destination to relax and view the community life style. If traveling to Siem Reap Cambodia, DO NOT miss the golden opportunity to visit the heritage site and other attractions include Palm Village that many kinds of experiences and economically contribute to local resident and help enhance living standard and be apart of sustainable tourism development solution in Cambodia.


By CHHEM Samnang

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Tourism Indochina: The Oldest Bridge in Cambodia

Tourism Indochina: The Oldest Bridge in Cambodia

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-08-05):

Located in Kampong Kdey district, Siem Reap Province, the land of foremost world heritage site complex, Spean Brab Tes -Bridge of Indication- is the oldest historical bridge in Cambodia, which was constructed during the era of the King Jayavaraman the VII. This Bridge is about 1000 years old with the length of 80m and width of about 12 m. The special unique features of the bridge are its longevity and historical architecture. The bridge stays almost the same period of Angkor Wat which has been attracting millions of tourists to pay attention on until now. This bridge was the ancient Khmer Highway as the Kingdom was known as the Khmer Empire. With its underneath holes, the bridge not only plays substantial role in transportation sector but also in field of agriculture.

Tourism Indochina: Spean Prab Teus- Bridge of Indication, Kampong Kdey, Siem Reap

Unlike the Angkor Wat World Heritage Site’s reputation, Spean BrabTes is rarely known because it is located 60 Km away from Siem Reap Town. It takes about 1 hour to travel to the site by car. However, the Bridge is interesting to see due to its longevity and historical architecture which represent the best talent of the constructors and the strength during the Khmer Empire. Under pressure of the weather condition, the Bridge has struggled with an assailant for almost a century. To complete a kind the cultural tourism, the oldest Bridge visiting should not be missed. It will offer more experiences and historical clearness about the Khmer Empire.


Without hesitation, the Bridge could diversify the attractions in Siem Reap Province in accordance with tourism development master plan conducted under cooperation between JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and APSARA Authority. Also this plan has optimized that Siem Reap will have become the major tourism hot spot in South East Asia. Therefore, the Bridge would be a part of the crucial components accelerating the master plan’s optimization and spread out more reputation and satisfaction to both domestic and international tourists.


By CHHEM Samnang

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Tourism Indochina: Cambodia new domestic direct flight route from Siem Reap to SihanoukVille

Tourism Indochina: Cambodia new domestic direct flight route from Siem Reap to SihanoukVille

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-10-21):

One new Direct flight in Cambodia from Siem Reap to SihanoukVille Cambodia Angkor Air has a great pleasure to introduce a new flight from Siem Reap to Sihanouk Ville, a coastal area of Kingdom of Cambodia. The flight will be kicked off on 14th December 2011. Booking and reservation is available now. Email to : ticketing@tourismindochina.com

Cambodia Angkor Air is the national flag carrier airline of Cambodia, headquartered in Phnom Penh. It commenced operations on 28 July 2009. The airline is owned by the Cambodian Government (51%) and Vietnam Airlines (49%), the latter allowing for codeshare flights.

Cambodia Angkor Air was founded on 27 July 2009, replacing national airline Royal Air Cambodge, which had gone bankrupt in 2001, concentrating on serving tourist routes within Cambodia, most notably catering for visitors of Angkor Wat.

Destinations

Cambodia Angkor Air serves the following destinations.

* Cambodia:

--> Phnom Penh – Phnom Penh International Airport
--> Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport

* Vietnam:

--> Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat International Airport


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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/

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Tourism Indochina: Siem Reap Airways to add Ho Chi Minh City

Tourism Indochina: Siem Reap Airways to add Ho Chi Minh City

Siem Reap Airways International Co., Ltd is a defunct airline based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It operated domestic and international services. Its main base was Phnom Penh International Airport, with hubs at Bangkok International Airport and Angkor International Airport, Siem Reap.

The airline was established in 2000 and started operations on 3 November 2000 with a wet leased Bangkok Airways ATR 72 aircraft. It was a wholly owned subsidiary of Bangkok Airways of Thailand, and shared that airline's fleet.

Siem Reap Airways served the following destinations:

* Cambodia - Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
* China - Hong Kong
* Thailand - Bangkok
* Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City
* Laos - Pakse

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2008-09-17):

Siem Reap Airways International (FT) will launch a new air link between Siem Reap (REP) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) on a daily non-stop basis beginning October 26 onwards.

The new service will be operated by A319 with 138 seats in capacity. Flight (FT 981) leaves Siem Reap at 1100 hrs and arrives Ho Chi Minh City at 1155 hrs. From Ho Chi Minh City, flight (FT 982) leaves at 1240 hrs. and arrives Siem Reap at 1335 hrs.

Currently, FT flies from Phnom Penh to Bangkok, Siem Reap, Hong Kong and from Siem Reap to Pakse (Laos) v.v.


By ETN

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/

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Tourism Indochina: Temple watch: The trip to Banteay Chhmar

Tourism Indochina: Temple watch: The trip to Banteay Chhmar

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-10-13):

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.

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.

Temple watch: The trip to Banteay Chhmar

The remote temple site of Banteay Chhmar is one of the greatest little-known wonders of northern Cambodia. Its scale is huge, and it originally covered an area twice that of Angkor Wat. Little remains of its original walls, but the central sanctuary within the moat has some remaining Bayon face-style towers. There are also impressive bas reliefs on the inner sanctuary walls.

This vast site is quite overgrown, and it's a wonderful place to visit in the rainy season. It's situated 70 kilometers north of Svay, also known by the Thai name Sisophon, and it's very close to the Thai border. It is unaffected by the border tensions at Preah Vihear and is jealously guarded by the Cambodian military which has a large camp nearby.

There is work in progress to restore the eastern walls and plans to restore parts of the interior of the temple. The supervisor of the work told me that the trees will eventually be removed and new ones planted outside.

Road conditions on my last visit in late September were very bad after heavy rain. It took over two-and-a-half hours by 4WD to get there from Siem Reap, but the return journey in dry conditions took less than half that time. Conditions won't improve until Route 6 is paved. Admission remains $5, and records show on average only one visitor signs in each day. So Banteay Chhmar is one of the best large temple sites to really get far away from the madding crowd.

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/

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Tourism Indochina: Volunteers clean temple site

Tourism Indochina: Volunteers clean temple site

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-10-16):

STAFF from the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa in Siem Reap held a morning cleanup of the Bayon temple in Angkor Thom on September 27, as part of the Victoria Group's annual Green Day Project.

Similar events were held for the five Victoria hotels in Vietnam, although the cleanup in Sapa was cancelled due to a storm.

This is the third consecutive year that the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa has participated in the Victoria Group's annual Green Day Project, which originated five years ago. Resident manager Vorana Na Champassak said that the staff participated voluntarily, in lieu of a regular work day. "This is a great way to give back to the community," Champassak said.

Last year, when the staff cleaned Angkor Wat, there was a staggering amount of rubbish, and several tonnes of garbage were collected. Even though Angkor's temple grounds are now kept relatively clean by hired companies, almost 100 of the hotel's staff trekked to Bayon in a parade of honking motorcycles and created teams to clean the site.

The hotel coordinated its efforts with local authorities who were receptive to the idea.

"The response from local authorities has been very good," said marketing and communication coordinator Lina Nguyen. "More and more, they think it's important to protect the environment."


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/

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Siem Reap, Cambodia : The small cycle and big cycle road around Angkor Area will be closed temporary

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.

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.

Recent flooding in Siem Reap by the heavy rain, APSARA Authority which manages the Temple and Tourism area in Siem Reap announces that the small cycle and big cycle road around Angkor Area will be closed temporarily for 24 seats bus.

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/

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