Thai-based Phuket Air has applied to the State of Secretariat for Civil Aviation to start up "Angkor Air" as a joint venture with Cambodian investors, but few details are now know and no permission has yet been granted. The new airline is planning to offer flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Meanwhile, President has announced daily round-trip Phnom Penh-to-Bangkok flights, with the first one scheduled on a 168-seat Boeing plane. The Airlines launched its first international service in August with flights between Phnom Penh and Taipei, Taiwan. President Airlines will continue its domestic service from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Battambang and Ratanakkiri.

The new Phnom Penh Pochentong Airport is ready to go on schedule on 1st November, just on-time for the yearly summit of ASEAN in Phnom Penh, from 2nd to 5th November.

Siem Reap’s new International airport will be ready to open in January 2003, after a 22-months construction phase.

The rehabilitation of Sihanoukville's airport is scheduled to be finished by November this year. Ariston (a Malaysian Company) has already been granted a government license to run a new airlines called "Bayon Airline", which will link Sabah, (Borneo/Malaysia), with Sihanoukville and then direct visitors to Siem Reap province.

A Thai-assisted repaving project of an old, disused road in Koh Kong province has been delayed by heavy rains, but will get back on track by November. The resurfacing of the road with laterite, a type of gravel, is the first step of the project that began in January 20 01 and is scheduled to be completed in two years. The 160-km road starts in Sre Ambel district and runs to Koh Kong town. The second phase of the construction, covering the road with asphalt, will begin when the laterite phase is done (November 2002).

The Naga Clinic (in co-operation with Bangkok Hospital), under the Management of Dr. Garen (from France) opened its doors on 1st November on the Airport Road No 6 in Siem Reap. Specialized Hospital-staff from Thailand, France and Cambodia are able to treat patients in a highly sophisticated infrastructure, greatly responding to lacking facilities in town.

Jean-Jacques Annaud with Pathé Film France Shoots Animal Movie in Angkor Wat

Jean-Jacques Annaud is presently shooting his latest animal movie, named "Two Bothers", around Angkor Wat Complex and will finish his work by end of February 2003. The Film-crew will however conduct film-shootings at exposed temples, such as Angkor Thom (25-28th October), The North Gate of Preah Khan (28th Oct.-1st November), Kbal Spean (8-14th Nov.) and Beang Mealea (15th Nov). Please be informed that their venue may possibly hamper visits of said temples.

M/V Mekong Express, which operates fast boats between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on Tonle Sap Lake, shalll completely stop its operation as per from 7th October and not as previously announced on October 28th. However, the company was unable to come-up with a new date of resumption of services. We have therefore rescheduled our esteemed customers on regular speedboats (please contact us for further information).

M/V TOUM TEAV is fully operating services (possibility to charter) from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Kratie and Saigon (v.v.). For more information please check www.toumtiou.com

Amanjaya Hotel, ideally located on the famous Sisowath Quay and overlooking the Tonle Sap River, is planning to open its doors on 3rd November. It will be equipped with 22 rooms (19 Deluxe & 3 Corner-Suites) and is specially designed and furnished to provide luxuries of a first class hotel (French Manager, Mr. Alexandre Babot). All rooms are delicately decorated in Khmer Style and are fully equipped with all necessary amenities, such as a 24hr Butler-service, Internet Hook-up, CD-Player, In-House Cable TV, Balcony with River-view and especially its talk-of-the-town "K-West" Restaurant. Obviously one of the first addresses in Phnom Penh, this luxury property responds to a fast growing demand.

The newest superior-class property in town is the Star-Royal Hotel, located on the riverside of Tonle Sap. A few rooms overlook the Sisowhath Quay and the Tonle Sap River and are fully equipped with all necessary amenities, as well as a rooftop restaurant with a breathtaking view on the Royal Palace and the waterfront.

Formerly known Monorom Holiday Villa has changed its name to Holiday Villa Phnom Penh. Effective 26th September, phone -and fax numbers, as well as their email address have changed as follows:

Tel: (855 23) 990 888 and Fax: (855 23) 990 999, E-mail: holidayvilla@camnet.com.kh

Amansara is nestled on the Siem Reap River (opposite the Grand Hotel) and was once the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk. Each of its 12 suites are air-conditioned, have ceiling fans, telephone with twin lines for Internet access, room safe and a CD music system. Amansara (Australian/Indonesian Management) provides "The Dining Room" Restaurant, which offers both traditional Asian and western cuisine, The Gallery Boutique, a Roof Terrace that offers casual seating on large scattered cushions and a uniquely shaped swimming pool measuring nine –by 17th meters. Opening: 20th December 2002.

Angkor Village has added 6 additional deluxe rooms to its existing 46 and a brand new Jacuzzi near the swimming pool with massage facilities. Furthermore, they plan to add a new Elephant trek to discover Kbal Spean and the River of the Thousand Lingas, to already existing Elephant treks, such as climbing on top of Phnom Bakheng to enjoy the sunset or ride through the South Gate to & around The Bayon Temple (please contact us for more information).

Victoria Hotel (5-Star), perfectly located on the Royal Park and next to the Grand Hotel, is scheduled to open its doors with 130 deluxe rooms in July 2003. The future G.M., Christian Decaudin from France (former Manager of Victoria Hotel Can Tho/Vietnam), is already in town to monitor ongoing works.

Apsara Angkor Hotel postponed its official opening to the 1st November 2002 due to technical problems (instead of 15th October). Mr. Candido Peruggini, the new G.M. from Canada is closely monitoring the situation.

Asiantrails is proud to announce a new dimension of out-side caterings conducted in various locations in –and around Angkor Wat. For example at the Wat Atveah Temple (15mins from town), underlined with a fantastic Shadow Puppet Theatre Show and followed by an unforgettable Candlelight dinner. Furthermore we propose a nice picnic lunch near Angkor Wat at individual straw huts (floor seating), as well as at the tranquil Wat Svay Romeat Pagoda, next to the cool waters of the Eastern Barray. A lovely decorated carriage, pulled by two little horses, ride customers from Pre Rup Temple to a traditional wooden house for lunch, located in the deep Cambodian country-side where time stands still. Or enjoy a memorable lunch at the ruins of Spean Ta Keo, partially overgrown by massive fig and silk-cotton trees.

We would like to inform you that our offices will be closed on November 9th (Saturday/Independence Day) and from November 18th to 20th (Monday to Wednesday/Water Festival). We shall have one person on duty for any assistance in case of an emergency. New reservations and quotations will be replied after these holidays.

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.

With kindest regards,

Asian Trails Ltd., Cambodia

Ken for Jacques Guichandut