Possible re-opening of Preah Vihear Temple Complex / Temple Road Work Resumes

Work on rebuilding the road to the Preah Vihear Temple complex has resumed after a three-month break brought on earlier this year by the rainy season. Construction of the stretch of the road between Preah Vihear province’s and the hill-top temple complex resumed Nov 2, when the area had dried out after the seasonal rains and should be complete some time next year. Unofficial Thai-statements announced an imminent opening (8th December 2002) for guests visiting Preah Vihear Temple entering via the Thai border. As many as 1000 tourists a day visited the temple until Thailand closed the crossing in December 2001. Please contact us for further developments.

$ 10.9 MillionABD Loan To Protect Tonle Sap

The Asian Development Bank approved a $ 10.9 million loan that will be used to promote management and conservation for the Tonle Sap basin. The Tonle Sap lake, which has been designed a UN biosphere reserve, is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is a source of livelihood for an estimated 1.2 million people.

Third World Buddhism Conference in Phnom Penh

More then 2000 Buddhist patriarchs and monks from 15 countries are expected to descend upon Cambodia from 5th to 7th December 2002. Some delegations plan to visit the Angkor Wat temple during captioned period.

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

Jean-Jacques Annaud is presently shooting his latest animal movie, named "Deux Freres" around Angkor Wat Complex and will finish his work by end of February 2003. 25 highly trained tigers, especially flown-in from all over the world, are the star - "actors" in this fantastic animal fable. For your information: this film-event shall have no direct incidence on ongoing visits of the Angkor Temples, since punctual sequences are shot inside a special built hangar by using man-made artefacts (Styrofoam), representing parts of the temples.

First Symposium successfully Implemented by Asian Trails Cambodia

The newly inaugurated Conference Center of the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital in Siem Reap has successfully implemented its first International Symposium (on Paediatrics & Perinatology in the Poor World for Poor People). The center consists of a medical library stocked with medical books and reference materials, four small lecture theatres that seat 60 students each, one theatre that seats 200 and one large hall designed to accommodate 600. These modern premises feature a wonderful open space, which is perfect for out-door functions, such as candlelight dinners or social gatherings. Please contact us for more information.

An Evening at Angkor with José Carreras - 6th December 2002

The Raffles International Hotels & Resorts is pleased to present "An Evening at Angkor Wat with José Carreras". This event is a charity concert featuring world-renowned tenor José Carreras against the backdrop of the magnificent Angkor Wat, one of the world’s famous heritage sites. José Carreras, one of the best tenors in the world, is performing at Angkor along with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and a cast of hundreds of dancers, singers and musicians from the National Dance Troupe of Cambodia

Asian Tourism Forum (ATF) Phnom Penh (January 20th – 28th, 2003)

Cambodia will host this extremely important event in Phnom Penh from 20-28th January 2003. ATF is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination and provides a platform for the selling and buying of regional and individual tourism products of ASEAN member countries. Cambodia is also proud to announce the launch of its "Visit Cambodia Year 2003-A World of Treasures".

Official Inauguration of Siem Reap’s New International Airport

On 6th December 2002 will take place the official opening of Siem Reap’s new International Airport, after a 2-years building phase. It’s generously designed shape and size will provide international standard facilities, such as large air-conditioned arrival/departure launches, VIP-Rooms, luggage belts, easy accessible Immigration -and custom areas, Public Telephones, Money Changer, Taxi –and In-Bound Agent boots and finally large parking areas being capable to absorb the fast growing visitors traffic.

The Sofitel Royal d’Angkor is proud to announce the venue of their new French General Manager, Marc Begassat, who formerly held the position of an Assistant Manager at the Sofitel Hanoi/Vietnam. Mr. Philippe Bissig, the out-going G.M., is beginning a new challenge in the position of a G.M. at the Novotel Apollo in Singapore.

Bopha Banteay Srey Restaurant is planning to unveil a new local restaurant near Preah Dak in March 2003, halfway between the famous temple of Banteay Srei and Siem Reap town (45km). Its outstanding location in the middle of the natural rice paddies makes it a perfect spot to view either sunrise –or sunset (east/west axis). The menu offers both traditional Asian -and Western cuisine and features the freshest of seasonal produce, as well as High Tea, crepes and homemade ice creams.

We would like to inform you that our offices are closed on December 10th (Tuesday/Human Rights Day). 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.

Asian Trails Cambodia is glad to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

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