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

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/

Read more...

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

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/

Read more...

Tourism Indochina: German 'Tourists in Danger' at Angkor

German 'Tourists in Danger' at Angkor

Germans are the self-declared world champions of traveling, and every year they spend nearly US$80 billion on flights, hotels and tours to escape their cold home country.

But some of their dream holidays turn into nightmares, with more than 2,500 Germans being sent to prison annually in exotic destinations.

Seven years ago the German Federal Bureau of Investigation (BKA) established a new department called International Coordination, with 62 officers in 48 countries enlisted to help prove guilt or innocence of their fellow citizens who are accused of drug dealing, sexual abuse, theft or even murder in foreign countries.

Germany’s most popular commercial TV channel RTL dedicated a new crime series to this department.

The series, IK1 – Touristen in Gefahr (Tourists in Danger) presents the adventures of special agent Florian Blessing and profiler Nadja Hansen, played by Tobias Oertel and Eva-Maria Grein. One of their first cases brought them – accompanied by a filming crew of 60 people – to Cambodia.

In the fictitious plot a young archaeologist, working on excavations in Angkor, is found dead, and his German girlfriend is accused of murdering him.

Director and author Jan-Martin Scharf chose Bayon and Ta Nei as the main temple locations, with additional filming in Ta Prohm, at the South and Victory Gate of Angkor Thom , and of course in front of Angkor Wat during sunrise.

“It’s an honor that we got permission to work in these famous and sacred places,” the director said.

Initially, the use of weapons in the temples and the brutal killing of a foreigner in Angkor were hard to accept for the Ministry of Information and the Apsara Authority, but finally they gave the green light.

But one scene with a landmine had to be expunged from the screenplay. “The authorities emphasized that all landmines were removed from the main tourist area and therefore we had to accept their concerns,” production manager Karsten Kilian said.

The leading actors came from Germany and Thailand, but up to 50 Cambodian extras were hired on each of the eleven shooting days. Among them were real policemen, firemen, restoration workers and four fake monks. Furthermore, three local police cars, a fire engine, an ambulance, a taxi and many tuk tuks were hired to create an authentic scene of crime next to Ta Nei temple.

The unfamiliar heat was a big challenge for the European crew members, but an even bigger challenge was importing trucks, equipment and 30 movie specialists from Thailand to Cambodia.

“Before we came to Angkor, we were filming episodes in Thailand for a long time and had recruited a great crew there,” director Jan-Martin Scharf said. “It was hard to convince the Cambodian government that we need these Thai people in Cambodia. Finally we got permission, but I was very surprised about the political tensions between these two neighboring countries.”

With regard to enthusiasm, curiosity and handicraft skills, the director considers Cambodia a film nation. “But compared with Thailand, Cambodia is still lacking some equipment and manpower,” he added.

“According to the leading actors, this is compensated by the kindness of the people and the splendor of the temples.”

“Angkor is amazing. Everybody should come here,” said Tobias Oertel, after a day of sightseeing. Eva-Maria Grein, who stars in another TV series called Kreuzfahrt ins Glück (Cruise into Happiness) since 2006 and has filmed in many foreign countries, agrees.

“I love Southeast Asia and its people who seem to be much happier than most of the Germans who live in wealth, but never smile.”

Filming for IK1 will continue in Hong Kong and Thailand until the end of March, with the north of Thailand doubling as remote areas of Laos, and the Thai island of Koh Lanta doubling as an island in Malaysia.

The four episodes will probably be broadcast on RTL in October this year, and if IK1 turns out to be a success among German viewers, four more episodes will be filmed in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana. Source:Phnompenhpost(23 March 2012)

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/

Read more...

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

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/

Read more...

Tourism Indochina: Cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap

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.

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/

Read more...

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

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."

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/

Read more...

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.

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/

Read more...

Tourism Indochina: Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Tourism Indochina: Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2008-06-03):

Cambodia opened has opened the new goal course near the famous temple of Angkor. The circus ground looks green and beautiful with the palm Tree of Cambodia. The Angkor Golf Resort gives a kind of sport tourism and adds more attractive the top destination of Cambodia where is called Siem Reap.


A land of treasure world’s heritage provides special features of modern golf facilities and services for the golfer .It could be interesting for the new explorer who aims to test the new experience golf in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is the first time of golf era in the land of Angkor Wat, which known as the foremost building and admirable architectural building in southeast Asia and the worldwide.


Nick Faldo has opened Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap and predicts great things for his company’s first course in Cambodia “Befitting a golf course designed by a master, Angkor Golf Resort has been built and constructed to the highest standards with every contour painstakingly shaped to meet Faldo’s discerning eye. But what is special about this course is that we, with the help of Nick’s expertise, have created something that will take golf to a whole new level in this country and the region.”, added Adam Robertson, Operations Manager of Angkor Golf Resort. Nick Faldo stated that “All of my favorite design elements: visibility, definition, strategy, challenge, variety, balance, playability and enjoyment are here at Angkor Golf Resort.”


The Angkor Golf Resort has been designed of 18 holes. The next phase of construction at Angkor Golf Resort will see an integrated resort and luxurious residential community. The resort will offer a relaxed and secluded lifestyle in the heart of Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination.


By CHHEM Samnang

Angkor Golf Resort offers the complete golf package for you and your guests. Simply contact us today for a tailor made package that suits your golfing needs and budget.
More about Angkor Golf Resort, please visit the Angkor Golf Resort site>>>

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/

Read more...

Tourism Indochina: The announcement from APSARA Authority for Bakheng Mountain, and Baphoun Temple in Siem Reap

APSARA Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap

APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap) is the Cambodian management authority responsible for protecting the archaeological park of Angkor. Founded in 1995, it is in charge of the research, protection, and conservation as well as the urban and tourist development of the park.

The announcement from APSARA Authority for Bakheng Mountain, and Baphoun Temple in Siem Reap

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-10-22)

The announcement from APSARA Authority for Bakheng Mountain, and Baphoun Temple in Siem Reap as followings:

1. 300-Person Limit for Bakheng Mountain Climbers Set: base on meeting on 18th October 2011 between the Apsara Authority and five Siem Reap tourist associations that focused on conserving the ancient site, which its damages caused by constant foot traffic of people wanting to see the sun rise and set over Bakheng Mountain. thus, Apsara Authority decided that:

- Only 300 visitors will allow to climb to Bakheng Mountain per time, not per day. It will be affected from 27th Oct 2011.

- All Visitors can stay as long as they like and tourists would be allowed into the temple between 5:30 am and 5:30 pm.

- The entrance way from the south is opened for climbing and the north will be exiting way.

- Apsara will cooperate with the Tourism Police and heritage protecting police and deploy the order tourism agents to facilitate and to show direction for tourists.

2. Re-open for visitors to visit Baphuon Temple: From 14th November 2011, Baphuon Temple will re-open again for both national and international visitors to visit.

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/

Read more...

Tourism Indochina: First Skal Club in Cambodia: Skal Intl Siem Reap Opened

Tourism Indochina: First Skal Club in Cambodia: Skal Intl Siem Reap Opened

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-11-27):

Skål International warmly welcomed the new Skål Club – Skål International Siem Reap, Cambodia into the Skål fraternity at the inaugural function of the Club on 22nd November 2008. This represents not only a new Club for Skål International but also a new Skål country for Skål International.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by 50 prominent tourism leaders, Vice President of Skål International, Tony Boyle from Australia, Skål Asia Area President, Earl Wieman and his wife Jenny from Taiwan and past member of Skål International Sunshine Coast, Australia, Ms Cherylynne Bullen who was employed as a relief accommodation Manager in Siem Reap during 2007 along with the very hard working Secretary of the Club, Ms. Annie Rivera.

20 Skål members were inducted on the night and were presented with their Skål membership certificates and Skål pins and there are a further 7 membership applications that are currently being processed.

Skål International Siem Reap Vice President, Mr. Khem Sophal said that the members of Skal International Siem Reap are very excited about the benefits of being part of Skal International and be able to network with tourism professionals throughout the world and have the opportunity to do business among friends in over 90 countries.

Skål, founded as an international association in 1934, is the largest organization of travel and tourism professionals in the world, embracing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry with 20,000 members in almost 500 locations in 91 countries.

Skål International is aiming at quality and supports sustainable development and responsible tourism. Skål International is an Affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization Business Council, one of whose missions is to promote ethics in business, particularly the Global Code of Ethics issued by the UN World Tourism Organization, which covers peace, the environment, security, pollution, human contacts and respect for local cultures. Skål International is also a member of the task force on the prevention of exploitation of children in tourism and is one of the sponsors of the Code of Conduct drawn up as a result of this task force.

Source FTN

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/

Read more...

Tourism Indochina: The Australian Funds-in-Trust

Tourism Indochina: The Australian Funds-in-Trust

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-12-15):

The Funds-in-Trust was created to support World Heritage-related activities in Asia and the Pacific region, with a particular priority to projects in the Pacific region, which is still one of the least represented regions on the World Heritage List.

The Australian Funds-in-Trust, established in August 2008 between the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the Australian Government, has been increased. A sum of $AUS830, 000 has been added to the Australian Government's first generous contribution of $AUS2.5 million. From the Funds-in-Trust, $AUS1.13 million will be used to support the development of a conservation and management plan for the World Heritage property of Angkor, Cambodia, through a project called Heritage Management Framework. The framework is designed to strengthen the technical expertise and governance of the Cambodian Government managing agency, APSARA, so that the benefits of tourism and development at Angkor can be shared fairly while ensuring environment protection.

The Funds-in-Trust will also support the organization of a workshop on the future direction of the World Heritage Convention to be held in February 2009. This workshop, requested by the World Heritage Committee, is meant to reflect on global strategic issues, key challenges, trends and opportunities facing the World Heritage Convention in view of its upcoming fortieth anniversary in 2012.

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/

Read more...

Cambodia Travel, Cambodia Tours: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia Travel, Cambodia Tours: Siem Reap, Cambodia

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/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

A new Luxurious Hotel appears in Siem Reap map, Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia has grown up in all fields, especially in tourism that is one of six priorities in the Cambodian economic developmental process. Tourism is playing a pivotal role in the Cambodian socio-economic development. As the top hot sport tourism destination in Cambodia, Siem Reap Province is gaining wide popularity as natural and historical tourist destination in Cambodia while accommodation industry continuously growing.

Now this hot spot tourism destination offers you more choices for luxurious accommodation to stay in. The Sothea Luxury Boutique Resort is peaceful Siem Reap luxury hotel in Cambodia. This impressive hotel offers a unique architectural feature, combining a contemporary resort design with subtle images of traditional Cambodian art and craftsmanship.

It is a great deal to visit Siem Reap and enjoy the truly luxury accommodation - a one-of kind Cambodia Luxury hotel nestled within a tranquil refuge. Find your luxurious accommodation within Siem Reap and more in Cambodia with special price by dialing hotline (+855 583 483) or visit http://www.tourismindochina.com/ to book the luxurious travel.


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/

Read more...

Flight from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to Sihanouk Ville

Air traffic to Cambodia’s recently revamped Preah Sihanouk International Airport is on track to start from November, officials said last week. “I went to check all the technical equipment last Friday” State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) Secretary of State Mao Havannal told the Phnom Penh Post on Tuesday.

“Everything is in place and complies with international standards” he said referring to the refurbishments completed by Societe Concessionnaire des Aeroports (SCA). Mao Havannal said the launch of the airport would be presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen and top officials from France including French Prime Minister Nicholas Sarkozy. The launch will see national carrier Cambodia Angkor Air offer chartered services to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap from Sihanoukville. Soy Sokhan, SSCA undersecretary of state in charge of CAA, said the airline was still considering the feasibility of establishing regular flights on those routes. “Firstly, we need to complete a market survey looking at the number of tourists, and contact with travel agents who book passengers on cruises to get an idea of potential demand,” he said. According to Mao Havannal, Siem Reap Airways may be unable to fly from the airport as it has not registered any planes in Cambodia, a requirement for domestic operators to receive an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). “I don’t know for sure if Siem Reap Airways will be able to fly or not” said Mao Havannal. “It depends on the airline because we have already confirmed with them that if they want to resume their operations, they need to register an airplane [in Cambodia].

“It already completely complies with SSCA requirements and has satisfied concerns over its operations.” SCA will announce its flight schedule for Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanouk international airport on October 21.

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/

Read more...

Phnom Penh traffic strong, Siem Reap dips slightly

Full year figures are in for Cambodia’s two airports and while the airport serving the capital Phnom Penh held its own, the more leisure hub of Siem Reap dipped slightly as leisure travelers opted to stay at home.

Following years of dramatic growth levels Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) lifted by 5.6% to 1.69 million visitors from the 2007 level of 1.6 million passengers, holding steady amidst global uncertainties.

Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SEP), which services the world heritage site of Angkor Wat saw a marked downturn of leisure traffic, dropping 11.6% down to 1.53 million passengers for the full year from 1.73 million achieved in 2007.

Despite the fact the Phnom Penh serviced the capital city; traffic at the touristier SEP overtook PNH in 2006. This recent dip edges PNH back in front.

Forecasts for 2009 show that whilst the capital is expected to slightly grow its traffic numbers Siem Reap, on the other hand, is expected to continue its contraction.

Both PNH and SEP are managed by Cambodia Airports. The government run aviation body also runs Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), the country’s third, and newest, international airport which does not yet offer scheduled 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/

Read more...

First Skal Club in Cambodia: Skal Intl Siem Reap Opened

Skål International warmly welcomed the new Skål Club – Skål International Siem Reap, Cambodia into the Skål fraternity at the inaugural function of the Club on 22nd November 2008. This represents not only a new Club for Skål International but also a new Skål country for Skål International.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by 50 prominent tourism leaders, Vice President of Skål International, Tony Boyle from Australia, Skål Asia Area President, Earl Wieman and his wife Jenny from Taiwan and past member of Skål International Sunshine Coast, Australia, Ms Cherylynne Bullen who was employed as a relief accommodation Manager in Siem Reap during 2007 along with the very hard working Secretary of the Club, Ms. Annie Rivera.

20 Skål members were inducted on the night and were presented with their Skål membership certificates and Skål pins and there are a further 7 membership applications that are currently being processed.

Skål International Siem Reap Vice President, Mr. Khem Sophal said that the members of Skal International Siem Reap are very excited about the benefits of being part of Skal International and be able to network with tourism professionals throughout the world and have the opportunity to do business among friends in over 90 countries.

Skål, founded as an international association in 1934, is the largest organization of travel and tourism professionals in the world, embracing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry with 20,000 members in almost 500 locations in 91 countries.

Skål International is aiming at quality and supports sustainable development and responsible tourism. Skål International is an Affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization Business Council, one of whose missions is to promote ethics in business, particularly the Global Code of Ethics issued by the UN World Tourism Organization, which covers peace, the environment, security, pollution, human contacts and respect for local cultures. Skål International is also a member of the task force on the prevention of exploitation of children in tourism and is one of the sponsors of the Code of Conduct drawn up as a result of this task force.



Source FTN

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/

Read more...

Cambodia Tourism Grows

Cambodia reported visitor arrivals from January to August 2008 jumped 10.1% over the same period of 2007 to 1,398,557.

Siem Reap Angkor arrivals climbed to 722,944 visitors, with a 51.7% share, while Phnom Penh and other destinations brought in 675,613 visitors for a 48.3% share.

Foreign arrivals to Cambodia by all mean of transportations in August 2008 reached 156,098, an increase of 3% over last year. This included flights scheduled through the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and all international border check points.

Phnom Penh International Airport visitor arrivals slipped 1.9% to 43,793 in August, representing a 30.4% share of the total, while Siem Reap International Airport welcomed 39,449 visitor arrivals for a 27.4% share.

Travellers arriving via land and waterways, which made up about one-third of the total number of arrivals, soared 34.6% to 61,292. Visitors arriving by land comprised 56,637 for a 36.3% share, while the number arriving by waterways jumped 36.3% to 4,655 visitors.

South Korea maintained its position at the top of the charts with 14.4% of the market from January top August 2008. Other key markets included Vietnam with a 10.0% share, Japan (7.5%), the United States (7.0%) and China (6.2%).

Most of the top long-haul suppliers showed gains including Thailand (+34.6%), France (+12.2%), the UK (+14.8%) and Australia (+23.9%). Taiwan fell 22.2%.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/

Read more...

Volunteers clean temple site

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/

Read more...

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.


Source Phnom Penh Post

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/

Read more...

Will there a wall around Preah Vihear Temple

According to reports from some agencies in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is planning to build a "Berlin-style" wall to shut-off Thailand and develop tourist facilities around the still disputed Preah Vihear Temple by its own.

The Cambodian government will build a series of walls at "complicated border areas," while still calling for talks to mark and properly demarcate the frontier, Camdodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith and a government spokesman told reporters at a press conference.

"Both sides should start to discuss to plant border markers from undisputed border areas to the complicated border areas and some complicated border areas will be built with border markers or concrete walls," Khieu Kanharith said.

"Cambodia will allow private companies to invest at least $2 million dollars at the Preah Vihear Temple to set up cable cars for tourists," he explained, adding that the government is also trying to rebuild an existing road to the temple.

It seems that the Preah Vihear border gate to Thailand will only be opened again, when the situation there is stable, but foreign tourists could visit the temple from the Cambodian side. At the moment, authorities have closed the temple grounds to visitors. For decades, the only way to get to Preah Vihear was through Thailand, because the temple is situated atop a sharp cliff on the Cambodian side (http://www.tourismindochina.com/history-cambodia.htm).

Cambodia and Thailand share a border of over 800km with only 73 demarcation markers, the Cambodian official said on Sunday. At a meeting on Aug 18-19, Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers agreed to arrange second-phase troop redeployment at the disputed border area near the temple.

They agreed to a meeting of the Cambodian Temporary Coordinating Task Force and the Thai Regional Border Committee on Aug 29 in Cambodia to discuss the troop redeployment.The two foreign ministers also agreed to recommend to their governments that the next meeting of legal experts and the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee be convened in early October, to discuss the issues related to border survey and demarcation of the relevant frontier sectors.

On July 15, Thai troops went into the border area to fetch three trespassers who had intended to claim Thai sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple. The incident triggered a military standoff, as troop strength on each side grew to more than 1,000 soldiers. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (or World Court) in Den Haag/Holland decided that the 11-century temple belongs to Cambodia (http://www.tourismindochina.com/preah_vehear.htm).



By Reinhard Hohler, eTN Ambassador, Chiang Mai

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/

Read more...