ASIAN TRAILS Cambodia

Newsletter No 11 ~ September/October 2002

Siem Reap / Cambodia, 31^st August, 2002

Dear friends and colleagues,

Warm Greetings from Asian Trails Cambodia!

We are taking this opportunity to up-date you about changes and facts in Cambodia:

Cambodia News:

3 New Visa Points Open, Bringing Total to 7

Good news: Cambodia now issues visas at three more international checkpoints, enhancing more ways for travellers to enter Cambodia. The borders at Bavet (road to Ho Chi Minh City/Vietnam), and Kaom Samnor (by boat from/to Chau Doc on Mekong River/Vietnam), officially began deliver entrance visas on August 1^st,  but not yet implemented. The O’Smach border in Oddar Meanchey province (border to Thailand) have begun issuing them since August 18^th. The new checkpoints bring to seven the number of points where travellers can be issued visas upon entry, adding to the checkpoints in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Poipet and Koh Kong. More then 115’000 people have entered by land or boat this year according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Asian Trails has won its second Symposium to organize in Siem Reap

An important Symposium, backed-up by the European Commission, will unfold at the new Conference Center at Kantha Bopha Jayavarman VII Children Hospital in Siem Reap from 10^th to 13^th December, evoking Malaria Control Programs in the Mekong Region.

Please refer to our Newsletter No. 10, evoking the International Symposium of Paediatrics & Perinatalogy in the Poor World for Poor People (ISPP), held in Siem Reap from 11-14^th November 02. Asian Trails Cambodia is the sole official organiser of these two important Symposiums, which will fuel more guests into Siem Reap, though shall aggravate the already difficult accommodation situation.  

Asian Trails adds one more new Motor Vessel to its Flotilla on Tonle Sap Lake

Asian Trails Cambodia is proud to announce the launch of its newest Motor-Vessel on Tonle Sap Lake (operates between Siem Reap and Battambang or vice versa), with a seating capacity of 25 passengers, private toilet, large luggage compartment, comfortable pillowed chairs, sun-protection roof and can be chartered, though runs on an irregular schedule.

“Osmose Conservation” propose the possibility to stop en-route at Prek Tuol and transfer onto a smaller boat. You may enjoy a guided tour by an experienced ornithologist and observe the numerous birds in their natural habitat. Lunch can be served in a traditional house of the floating village of Prek Tuol.

Asian Trails now fully operates a Flotilla of 5 Motor-Vessels on Tonle Sap Lake.

International Arrivals To Siem Reap Rise Sharply

The number of tourists flying direct to Siem Reap from Bangkok, Saigon, Vientiane and Singapore increased by nearly 30 percent over the first five months of 2002, compared to the same period in 2001! The total number of arrivals by land, boat and the country’s two international airports was 315’000 during the first five months of 2002, according to ministry figures. Meanwhile, the number of foreign tourists visiting Angkor Wat during the first half of 2002 jumped to 212’690, compared with 121’278 during the first half of 2001.

“ Two Brothers” from French director Jean – Jacques Annaud is preparing to shoot in Siem Reap

The movie will begin filming in October and will tell the story of two tigers born in the 1920s in the jungle that, at the time, surrounded and sheltered the Angkor temples. In Siem Reap, the film crew will shoot scenes at Angkor Wat, Bantey Srei and Beng Melea temples. In addition to Siem Reap scenes will be filmed in Ratanakkiri, Kompong Chhnang, Kompong Cham and Takeo provinces. During the filming, temples may be closed to tourists.

Famous South Korean Stylist presents latest collection at Angkor Wat Temple (October 29^th, 02)

Fashion-Stylist, Andre Kim from South Korea, will present his latest Fashion-collection inside the Angkor Wat premise on October 29^th. Various local Khmer-Stylists participate with their own works, enlightening Angkor Wat for a memorable evening (more details will follow).

Les Nuits d’Angkor (27-28^th December 2002)

Contrary to our announcement in Newsletter No.10, the third edition of “les Nuits d’Angkor” will take place already from 27^th to 28^th December 2002, (instead of March 2003), on the site of Angkor Wat, specially illuminated for the occasion. The idea of associating the unique features of the Angkor Wat temple with cultural events is not a new one. Already at the time of the prestigious builder sovereigns, cultural expression was intimately bound up with the Court life. France places particular importance that Khmer culture may practice and express in the best possible manner in modern Cambodia. This event, supported by the French Association of Artistic Action, is placed under the high patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the French Embassy.

On Friday December 27^th, for the “Kout Samut Tekdos” dance, you will have the opportunity to admire seventy dancers of the Royal Ballet, backed by traditional music of the Mahori Orchestra, from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

On Saturday December 28^th, you will be presented episodes of the Reamke (Ramayana) spectacle, showing in particular the Fight of the Giants and the Fight between the White Monkey and the Queen of the Fishes. The performance will be backed by the same musical group.

Angkor Wat May Get Visitors’ Center in 2004

For years, visitors to Angkor have wondered at the temples’ grandeur-and grumbled about the lack of information. With no on-site visitors’ center to guide them, no museum to give them background on what they’re seeing and little explanatory signage, tourists must make do by purchasing a guidebook or hiring a guide. In two years, such complaints may be a thing of the past. Visitors may be able to stroll through a collection of traditional-style wooden buildings; viewing exhibits on not only the temples but also Cambodian history, the environment and other topics. Detailed plans have been drawn, and ground could be broken in two or three months, provided the government has approved the project.

Latest news concerning Poipet (West-Cambodia) border crossing (on the road to Siem Reap)

Entering Cambodia at Poipet, coming from Aranyaprathet (Thailand): The Cambodian Visa-fee can now be paid in Thai Baht (approx. THB 900 for a Tourist visa and approx. THB 1125 for a Business visa) and in US Dollars (20.--).

Tourists Starting to Tickle Into Mondolkiri

Mondolkiri province – Water cascades over the 65-meter cliffs at Bou Sra every day in what would be a memorable stop for any eco-traveller. Blame a bad road, a shuttered airport and the more popular destinations of Ratanakkiri and Kratie provinces for all of the tourists who never witness the stunning views of Bou Sra, a double waterfall some 32km from Sen Monorom. Remote and rugged, this thinly populated province is home to the rarely-seen-in-Cambodia sights of avocado trees, turkeys and rolling, bare hills that turn neon green in the rainy season. The best years of tourism are still to come to Mondolkiri, Bou Sra is beautiful, but there are 60 more waterfalls in the region, and so far just eight of them have been made accessible!

Flood Reports Spark Concern in Prey Veng, Kompong Cham –and Kratie Province (along Mekong River)

In some parts of Cambodia, still-rising water levels are at levels comparable to 2000, when the worst flooding in decades caused millions of dollars in damage and the rising waters will aggravate the damage already done by the nation’s worst drought since 1995. The situation in Phnom Penh is normal and there is no flood threat in the capital. Programs remain the same and tours run as usual, however, due to this unpredictable situation, some of our tours to said region, may be affected thereof. Of course, we continue to assess the situation for you in Cambodia and keep you posted with relevant information for your up-date.

Rain Delays Work on Road to Preah Vihear Temple

Heavy rains have delayed road construction form Preah Vihear town to Preah Vihear Temple indefinitely. The road was scheduled to be completed this month, but its opening has been pushed back to early 2003 (February). The project, which commenced several months ago, aims to rehabilitate the 110km from the town to the temple near the Thai Border and at least 80km of the road are still not covered with gravel.

 Preah Vihear Eyed for World Heritage Status

The Preah Vihear temple could be a World Heritage site as soon as the end of next year, an official from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said. The Angkor temples, currently Cambodia’s only World Heritage site, were listed in 1992. It is not unusual for countries to have more than one site, Italy has 30, and China has 34, for example. The Unesco official said Preah Vihear deserves the designation. “It is Khmer architecture, but absolutely different from the Angkor Temples because it follows the landscape”. The temple has been almost inaccessible since the Thais closed their border checkpoint last year, claiming Cambodians living near the border were polluting a stream that flows into Thailand.

Airlines News:

President Airlines Announces Int’l Flights

Local carrier President Airlines announced to have started to operate three international flights per week, (Code-share with Eva Air) between Phnom Penh and Taipei, Taiwan, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The announcement comes as Cambodia is enjoying increasing tourist attention. The airline will operate with one 168-seat Boeing 737s and is also pursuing permission from the government to fly directly out of Siem Reap.

New Airline Announced

Cambodia’s newest air carrier, Mekong Airlines, signed a three-year lease on two planes at a ceremony last week, though two 150-passenger Airbus A-320s, built in 1992 and 1995. A third plane, a 48-passenger ATR-42 aircraft is being leased in France. Starting mid-September, Mekong Airlines will bring “super level of service” to the region on domestic flights between Phnom Penh, Battambang and Siem Reap, and flights abroad to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China. Mekong Airlines is also pursuing code-sharing relationships with larger international carriers and hopes to link with Europe, North America and northern Asia.

Hotel News of Phnom Penh and Provinces:

Hotel Cambodiana Phnom Penh proudly announces the end of its renovations on the 3^rd Floor, giving way to a brand-new Italian Restaurant, which is already the talk of the town in terms of succulent Italian dishes and a delicately chosen wine selection.

Sihanoukville’s boarded-up Independence Hotel-though by many locals to be haunted by ghosts-has been leased to Canadia Bank and is being renovated to the standard of a three-star Hotel. The posh hotel was built near the shore of Independence Beach in 1962 and was, until recently owned by the government. It sat unused through the turmoil of the 1970s and re-opened in 1982. Renovation will take one year and some rooms will be upgraded to four-star quality, most likely including a Nightclub or a Casino.

Hotel News of Siem Reap:

Salina Hotel is presently undergoing some substantial renovations, such as of all rooms (new tiles, furniture and up-graded bathrooms), as well as adding 40 new rooms in the back of the property, which may cause inconvenience. Works start at 8 a.m. to finish at lunchtime and continue at 2 p.m. to end at 5 p.m. Finally, the long-announced swimming pool will brake ground sometimes in September.

A new 4-star property, Apsara Angkor Hotel, plans it’s opening on 1^st October 2002. The range of rooms includes 122 Deluxe, 8 Suites and 2 Presidential Suite-rooms, as well as 1 Asian- and Western-style food Restaurant, Swimming pool, Banquet and Conference function rooms, Gym and Massage parlour as well as an open-air Apsara-Dance Platform. Located on the Airport road (10 minutes) and 15 minutes away from the Angkor Complex, it enjoys an excellent situation.

The latest newcomer in town, Casa Angkor Hotel, is ideally located in the heart of the city center, between the local market and Siem Reap River, though reflects the perfect hideout. Built in 1998 and newly renovated, this colonial-style designed hotel is tastefully furnished with 21 rooms (11 standards, 8 Terrace -and 2 deluxe-balcony rooms) and provides excellent services and good local -and International food. Coming October, Casa Angkor Hotel will unfold the construction of an additional 80-rooms, featuring a swimming pool and Conference facilities, next to the existing hotel.

Aman Resorts Hotel Group has taken over Villa Apsara, opposite The Grand Hotel d’Angkor, and already started its construction to build a new 5-Star hotel with 16 suites. No exact opening-dates are known yet.

No more rooms available in Siem Reap in December (November in Phnom Penh)!

The Heads of State and Government of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold their yearly summit in Phnom Penh from 2^nd to 5^th November. We therefore strongly advise you not to send any customers during this high-security event, since all Phnom Penh Hotel-rooms shall be requisitioned and the town totally sealed-off. This event will generate participants wanting to visit Angkor and shall congest the already difficult room situation in Siem Reap.

The event “An Evening at Angkor Wat with José Carreras” on December 6^th will draw numerous customers into town, though forcibly contribute to a tight room situation. Siem Reap is fully booked for this venue.

During an important religious reunion of more then 2000 Buddhist Monks in Siem Reap, from 3^rd to 10^th December, no more accommodation is available, except at Guesthouses and local managed hotels.

Restaurant News of Siem Reap:

The already famous FCC Phnom Penh (Foreign Correspondent Club) is launching beginning of October its new Club on Siem Reap’s River bench, wonderfully designed by Gary Fell, a U.K. architect. It features a 200-seat Garden –and Terrace Restaurant serving International -and Asian fusion cuisine, as well as Khmer dishes. Various shops will be available, such as Monument Book Shop, a Souvenir Boutique, a Delicatessen Outlet, a Travel Agency and a small business center.

We would like to inform you that our offices should be closed on September 24^th (Tuesday) due to the Constitution Day, as well as on October 5/7^th (Saturday/Monday-Bon Pchum Ben Day), October 23^rd (Wednesday-Paris Peace Treaty), October 30-31^st (Wednesday/Thursday-King’s 80^th Birthday).   

We shall have one person on duty for any assistance in case of an emergency. Other reservations and quotations will be replied after the holiday.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continued support!

Please do not hesitate to contact us should further assistance be needed.

http://www.asiantrails.com and http://www.asiantrails.com/cambodia/index.htm)

With kindest regards,

Asian Trails Ltd., Cambodia

Ken for Jacques Guichandut