Asia Explorer Travel - Cambodia, Explore Undiscovered Asia

2011-09-30T09:06:00.001+07:00

Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia celebrated the 32nd World Tourism Day under the theme of “Tourism-Linking Cultures”

2011-09-30T09:05:00.003+07:00

On 27 September 2011, the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia celebrated the 32nd World Tourism Day under the theme of “Tourism-Linking Cultures”, presided over by the H.E MEN Samorn, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia with honorary participation of H.E Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, H.E HEM Chhem, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Dr. Harsh Varma, Director of Development Assistant, UNWTO, and Mrs. anne lemaistre, Country Director of UNESCO in Cambodia. On the auspicious occasion, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has conveyed a congratulatory message.

Birds Seen In Cambodia

2011-09-30T09:05:00.001+07:00

The forests and floodplains of Cambodia form refuges for many threatened bird species that have been extirpated from much of their former range. These include critically endangered waterbirds like giant and white-shouldered ibis as well as three species of critically endangered vultures. Great opportunity for bird-watching.

The Masked Fin foot is globally endangered, with estimates of less than 2,500 left globally, due to human disturbance and habitat loss. This mysterious fellow is seen in Cambodia.

Ministerial Meeting, Cambodia-Lao-Myanmar-Vietnam (Four Countries-One Destination)

2011-09-29T17:11:00.001+07:00

With in-principal authorization from the Royal Government of Cambodia, H.E Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism has led a delegation of the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and Cambodian troops to participate the 7th International Travel Expo 2011 (ITE-HCHM 2011) and the Ministerial Meeting of CLMV Countries, Cambodia-Lao-Myanmar-Vietnam (Four Countries-One Destination) from 12-15 September 2011 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

“ITE-HCHM 2011 is a good platform for all participants to market and promote their products and services to the world. This significant event is also to build on cooperation and relationship between our four countries (Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar, and Vietnam). CLMV (Four Countries-One Destination) cooperative scheme has soundly responded to the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP 2011-2015) aimed at developing ASEAN as a World-Class tourist destination and ASEAN-Feel the Warmth”, said H.E Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism said in the 7th International Travel Expo 2011.

Through this cooperative framework, H.E Minister is convinced that there will be active joint promotion and marketing, greater intra-regional connectivity, improvement and development of tourism products, and services with high quality. In reflection, it is expected to receive more intra-regional travelers and international arrivals to the CLMV countries and respective country.

In the 7th ITE-HCHM 2011, Cambodia has set up larger exhibition booth and brought 24 co-exhibitors in SECC Exhibition Hall in order to further intensify promotional campaign of Cambodia-Kingdom of Wonder, aimed at attracting more intra-regional tourists, international tourists and investors to Cambodia. Meanwhile, Cambodia has also organized special event of Cambodia Night which was held 14th September, 2011 at the five-star REC Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City with honorary participation of the Governor of Ho Chi Minh City, representatives from Embassies, delegations from Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar, Vietnam and numerous tour operators.

H.E Minister has emphasized that Cambodia was very successful in this year’s ITE-HCHM 2011 since most participants were interested in Cambodia promotional spots and art performance, particularly the Governor of Ho Chi Minh City who was fond of the Cambodia art performance and allowed the public art performance of Cambodian troops to be live-broadcasted via Ho Chi Minh City media on 15th September, 2011 from Saigon Opera House to showcase Cambodian traditional dances, music, unique Khmer cuisine, and to exchange the culture as well as to strengthen the close relationship amongst CLMV countries.

Siem Reap Named One of the World’s Best Cities

2011-08-22T16:04:00.000+07:00

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.”

Fully member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club

2011-08-08T11:41:00.000+07:00

Cambodia Bay has been recognized and officially inducted to be a fully fledged member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. On 22 January 2011, the Executive Board of ‘The Most Beautiful Bays in the World’ gathered to Cargèse (Corsica) in France and unanimously voted for the admission of the Bay of Cambodia to this prestigious fraternity and during its 7th General Assembly held later in the Republic of Senegal on 26 May 2011, the Bay of Cambodia was officially inducted.

The Kingdom of Cambodia celebrated its induction recently on 11 July 2011 at the Independence Hotel in Preah Sihanouk Province under the highest presidency of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Lok Chumteav. DR. BUN RANY HUN SEN.

Also present at the celebration were Deputy Prime Ministers, Senior Ministers, Ministers, Secretaries of State, Under Secretaries of State of the kingdom of Cambodia. Representatives of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club including the vice-president himself and many stakeholders of the tourism industry were also amongst the more than 600 guests who joined in the celebration.

Cambodia Elected to be a Member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club

2011-08-03T14:45:00.001+07:00

The Official Visit Results of H.E. Dr. THONG KHON, Minister of Tourism, and Permanent Vice President of the Interministerial Commission Leading the Cambodian Delegations to Partake in the 7th General Assembly of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club and to Receive the Membership Certificate of Cambodia Bay, Toubacouta, Republic of Senegal, May 22-26, 2011.

With the greatest permission from Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Dr THONG KHON, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, Permanent Vice President of the Inter-ministerial Commission, has led a delegation to partake in the 7th General Assembly of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club and to get the certificate of Cambodia Bay as the fully-fledged member of the club which was held on May 22-26, 2011 in the Republic of Senegal.

The General Assembly Opening Ceremony was presided over by H.E. Djibo Leity Ka, Senior Minister and Minister of Environment and Nature Conservation of the Republic of Senegal with the honorable participation of H.E. Coumba Ndoffene DIOUF, Governor of Fatick Region, Senegal and Mr. Jérôme BIGNON, President of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, and the members of provincial-municipal governments, an addition to a number of regional chefs representing the fully-fledged bays member, as well as the new candidacy bays from other countries, together with representatives of Senegalese ministries, institutions, and authorities, aside from representatives of UNESCO, European Union, French embassy, international organizations, and the local officials which are made up of approximately 250 people.

The General Assembly was taken place on the theme of “Bays: Strategy for Climate Change Facilitation and Activities to be Carried out at the Local Level”. The General Assembly has made discussion on some main topics such as Littoral vulnerability to climate change, Fisheries Resources and Climate Change, Forest Resources and Climate Change. At the same time, the General Assembly has deeply discussed the candidacy of the 5 new bays.

At the Assembly, the Cambodian delegation has highlighted the importance of the club which is considered as the hub of international exchange for the coastal area development in a sustainable and responsible manner and of assisting in the encouragement of promotional campaign and tourist attraction. Meanwhile, the delegation has also pointed out a huge potential of natural resources and the uniqueness of the costal zone which has currently become one of the priority poles of socio-economic, trade and tourism development of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Actually, the Royal Government has taken into account of the coastal area development and management in a responsible manner based on the principle of “Development serves Conservation, and Conservation serves development”.

Interestingly, the Assembly voiced its compliment to Cambodia which has highly paid attention to Cambodian coastal area development and management in a responsible manner based on the integrated planning, coherent governance, and joint management of effective natural resource usage through gathering and bringing the joint responsibility and benefit together between public-private sector, the local people, especially community and this experience is also considered as a model for other nations’ bay management, which is a key factor to deal with the global challenge—the climate change. Furthermore, the Assembly has also expressed appreciation to the mention about strategic policy and up-to-date concepts of Cambodian Ecotourism Development following the two paths: Small Scale Based on the Community and Large Scale Based on Huge Investments Using High-End Technology.

Following the active and responsible discussion, the Club’s Assembly voted for the candidacy bays. And as a result, the 5 new candidacy bays were elected such as Jounié Bay (Lebanon), Horta Bay (Portugal), Roses Bay (Spain), Fort de France (Martini-France), and La Baule Bay (France).

On an auspicious occasion, the Assembly has also organized the certificate presentation ceremony of the newly fully-fledged member of the club: the Cambodia Bay and the Grikos Bay of Patmos, Greece.

At the closing ceremony of the General Assembly, H.E. Dr. THONG KHON, Minister of Tourism, is honorably invited to be a chair and to deliver closing speech of the 7th General Assembly of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. His Excellency has expressed thanks for the club and Assembly’s support for Cambodia Bay until it becomes the fully-fledged member. Cambodia is firmly confident that being a member of the club will allow Cambodia coastal area to continue leading to international scene, especially contribute to sustainable and responsible development in the coastal area which will become the second attractive tourist destination following Angkor Wat—the first major cultural and historical tourist destination of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

It is noticeably that the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club is composed of 33 member bays from 27 countries; and in 2012, the 8th General Assembly of the club will be celebrated in Greece and Turkey.

Moreover, the Inter-ministerial commission for admitting Cambodia Bay to the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club is made up of H.E IM CHHUNLIM, Senior Minister and Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction—President, H.E MOK MARETH, Senior Minister and Minister of Environment—Vice President, and H.E.Dr. THONG KHON, Minister of Tourism—Permanent Vice President, with the participation of other relevant ministries and institutions.

Preah Vihear Temple World Heritage- Heritage Tourism Site Severely Hit by Rocket

2011-08-03T14:40:00.001+07:00

The Ministry of Tourism, Kingdom of Cambodia hereby presents its utmost compliments to the UNWTO’s past and ongoing amicable cooperation, support and assistance for the sustainable and responsible tourism development of Cambodia.

It has been a core focus on the trend of conservation and protection effort for heritage tourism in which UNESCO has made its greatest effort and endeavor to conserve and restore cultural and historical sites worldwide. Heritage tourism has manifestly showcased its potential in socioeconomic growth by generating the opportunities of revenue, additional income, employment, SMEs business pro-poor, sustainable and responsible tourism and especially its contribution to the conservation and protection effort of invaluable heritage treasures. Moreover, it has been highly appreciated by visitors about the grandeurs of history and substantially benefited host country particularly the local communities. Quite a number of Cambodia tangible and intangible heritages have been listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. In particular, the globally well-know ancient millennium-build temple of Preah Vihear is sacred place and was also listed by a plenary session of the UNESCO’S World Heritage Committee (WHC) on 7th July 2008 in Quebec, Canada.

However, it is our deepest regret to inform you that Thailand as one of WHC signatory states has discarded the global effort I conserving and protecting World Heritage tourism, has caused catastrophes on the innocent World Heritage “sacred Preah Vihear temple” and its peri-zone of Cambodia including a Buddhist Pagoda: Wat Keo Sokha Kiri Svarak were hit by rocket, artillery and mortar shells. Hence, it is really a grave sorrow for the innocent Preah Vihear temple and Buddhist pagoda. These acts are visible and undeniable contraventions to the UNESCO Convention on Protection and Conservation of World Heritage of natural and cultural resources, and negatively impacted on the world dynamically driven and focused conservation and development of heritage tourism.

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Angkor Tops List of "Most Recommended" World Heritage Sites

2011-08-03T11:26:00.003+07:00

A recent UNESCO / Trip advisor Survey reveals Angkor is the most recommended World Heritage site by a quarter millions travellers worldwide and that 72% would do more to help heritage conservation if they knew how.

TripAdvisor revealed the results to date of the biggest analysis ever conducted of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites around the world.

The two year partnership between TripAdvisor, and UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre launched in October 2009 to raise awareness of and gain travellers’ support to preserve natural and cultural sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Within the partnership, TripAdvisor will also donate up to $1.5 million (USD) of support to the World Heritage Centre to help monitor the conservation of the world’s most important cultural and historic sites.

Via on-site and email campaigns, TripAdvisor has, to date, collected nearly a quarter of a million (244,690) feedback submissions from travellers who have visited 789 of UNESCO’s recently expanded list of 911 World Heritage sites. The results provide a unique insight into the views and recommendations of travellers themselves. As part of the partnership, TripAdvisor shares the feedback to the World Heritage Centre so that it may better engage UNESCO member states in matters of site conservation.

TripAdvisor travellers have given the nod to Angkor, Cambodia as the number one recommended UNESCO site to visit in the world, describing it as amongst other quotes, “Absolutely breathtaking” and “One of the wonders of the world.” The second and third most recommended World Heritage sites are both in Italy and are respectively the Historic Center of Rome, the properties of the Holy See, and the Historic Centre of Florence.

The TripAdvisor travellers’ feedback also highlights those World Heritage sites they consider need the most attention. At the top of UNESCO’s sites in ‘Worst Condition’ comes the Kasbah of Algiers in Algeria, described as a “crumbling site”. The site includes remains of old mosques, Ottoman-style palaces and traditional urban structures.

Because countries often hope to draw additional tourism following the inscription of their sites onto the WH List, traveller feedback from TripAdvisor can help them address some of the issues raised and improve tourism to their sites.

TripAdvisor is encouraging the contribution of reviews and opinions from its large and passionate community of millions of members to provide much needed information about the condition of World Heritage sites so they may be better protected. In order to compile traveler feedback on nearly 900 World Heritage sites across the globe, UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre invited TripAdvisor, via its millions of members and technological expertise, to provide traveler insights and support to the Centre.

As part of the two-year campaign, TripAdvisor has also pledged to donate up to $1.5 million U.S. of support, including a cash donation that will be allocated to UNESCO World Heritage initiatives. Travelers can learn more about how to help at www.tripadvisor.com/worldheritage.

According to TripAdvisor travellers, the “Top Ten” most recommended sites are:

Angkor, Cambodia
Historic Center of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See, Italy
Historic Center of Florence, Italy
Historic Areas of Istanbul, Turkey
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Scotland
Historic Center of Prague, Czech Republic
Venice and its Lagoon, Venezia, Italy
Works of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona, Spain
Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret’s Cathedral, London, England
Historic Center of Vienna, Austria

Cambodia's coastline awarded as world most beautiful bay - by Ministry of Tourism

2011-06-02T18:20:00.004+07:00

Cambodia's coastline awarded as world most beautiful bay - by Ministry of Tourism online news

PHNOM PENH, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Club of the World's Most Beautiful Bays has officially recognized Cambodia's coastal areas as its member, the minister of tourism, Thong Khon confirmed Tuesday.

The recognition was made after Cambodia's proposal in May last year.

"With the club's recognition, we have optimism that our clean and well-preserved beaches will attract more foreign tourists,"he said, adding"it will also be an impetus to encourage more investors to the areas."

Cambodia's coastline is stretching in the length of 450 km in four provinces of Koh Kong, Sihanoukville, Kampot and Kep.

It is the country's second most popular destination for tourists after Siem Reap's Angkor Wat temple, the world heritage site.

The club was established in March 1997, in Berlin, Germany. Including Cambodia, it has 27 countries as member with 33 bays to be recognized as the most beautiful bays in the world, said the minister.

According to the club's criteria, to be listed as the world's most beautiful bay, a bay must be under protection project with a wildlife and flora area. Also, it must be recognized by both local and regional level, and it must possess at least two features recognized by UNESCO in the cultural or natural assets categories.

Tourism industry is one of the main four pillars supporting Cambodian economy. In 2010, the sector received 2.5 million foreign tourists generating the total revenue of 1.75 billion U.S. dollars.

Editor: Mo Hong'e

The Most Beautiful Bay in The World

2011-06-02T14:53:00.010+07:00

The Bay of Cambodia has integrated the Most Beautiful Bays in the World

For two days, January 22nd and 23rd, the Executive Board of ‘The Most Beautiful Bay In The World’ gathered to Cargèse (Corsica) in France and officially confirmed the admission of the Bay of Cambodia to this prestigious fraternity

From 31 October– 4 November, the Most Beautiful Bays in the World delegation consisting of Jérôme Bignon, President, Bruno Bodard, Managing Director, and Nguyen Hoa Tam, Advisor for Asia, was received to carry out a visit of the Cambodian coastline. The visit was part of the coastline’s admission process to the network, following the agreement by the general assembly to accept the Cambodian candidature.

A meeting to present the coastline and for the exchange of ideas took place at Sihanoukville on 1 November, in the presence of the Ministers of the Environment and of Tourism, as well as all the governors concerned. In front of about a hundred officials, Jérome Bignon was able to conjure up our vision, namely: “To protect, to develop”.

A position that is all the more easy to understand given that the magnificent coastline is still untouched and that the recommendations on the subject of land management seem to be shared completely by the Government of Cambodia.

Recently, Cambodia’s coastline has recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Bay in the World in Tambacounda in Senegal officially. So Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonder is not only serving for the magnificent Cultural, Historical, Community Based Eco-Tourism diversities destination throughout the country, but Cambodia's beach is the world class attraction for any leisures at the premier beach town, sporting miles of sandy beaches, picturesque island and warm tropical water as well.

Chi Phat Community

2011-05-25T17:15:00.001+07:00

Chi Phat is mainland South East Asia’s largest remaining tract of rainforest situated directly in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains which is situated in Koh Kong province in southwest of Cambodia on the banks of the Phipot River and comprises four small villages (Chi Phat, Chaom Sla, Kam Lort, and Teuk Laork) an area that has been severely affected by warfare, commercial logging, and hunting. Economic development was stalled for decades due to conflict, abuse of resources and communities by big traders, and the areas’ economic isolation.

The Chi Phat Ecotourism Site was established in 2007 by the environmental NGO called Wildlife Alliance. The Chi Phat Commune is made up of 2,500 people (around 550 families). The people are followers of Buddhism, but do not consider themselves to be very religious by nature. Each family cell is independently organized, with little or no social network to rely on. In the past, the people of Chi Phat experienced great suffering at the hands of the Khmer rouge regime, and are still struggling today to support their families.

Chip Phat offers a number of activities for those looking to travel off the beaten path. The site is located within the Cardamom Mountains and provides for views of diverse landscapes and wildlife, in addition to exploring small villages and ancient burial sites containing cultural artifacts. After arriving Chi Phat by boat, the various tours activities such as trekking, biking, motorcycling, bird watching tours are ready to gear up, the home stays from a single night to the multi overnight trips are available to accommodate guests as their local family members and friends.

Depending on the length of stay and the trail chosen, the traveler can: view wildlife, bat caves and ancient sites containing burial jars, relax at the numerous waterfalls and rivers, watch birds and nature by motorboat or paddle around in a tradition rowboat for mangrove forest view. The time spent at Chi Phat , however short or long , is coupled by the warm and hospitable atmosphere that the traveler will experience while staying at campsites arranged by local tour guides and/or guesthouse and home stays owned and operated by villages in the community. “Covering 6% of Cambodia, the Cardamom Mountains are home to endangered and threatened species like Asian elephants, Indochinese tigers, Malayan Sun Bears, Gibbons, and Siamese crocodiles as well as the Irrawaddy and humpback dolphins in coastal areas. The Cardamoms are part of the Indo-Burma hotspot, an internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot, hosting more than half of Cambodia’s 2,300 bird species”.

The Chi Phat Community, together with several NGOs & Responsible Tour Operators are developing ecotourism activities and facilities, which will provide a sustainable alternative livelihoods, help protect biodiversities and enhance their local natural resources.

Naturally, your positive impact of tourism at Chi Phat should be maximized economic profit to local people due to villagers are employed like: tour guide, cook, staff, locally owned home stay, other supplier chains and community fund which shall be distributed to build a village infrastructure, education, elder support and healthcare services etc.

Mechrey Natural Tourism

2011-05-25T13:57:00.003+07:00

Mechrey Natural Tourism is located in Peam Ta Our village, Keo Por Commune, Puok District, Siem Reap. 15 km on the south west of Siem reap. Just only 25 minutes drive, you will arrive at ancient-built port waiting to board the tourists on the boat to discover the attractive nature along the waterway. With one and a half hour exploration round trip, at first you will see a floating village where hundreds of families earn their living depending entirely by fishing in a traditional way by making 2 dollars a day in average. When you go further, there is an old pagoda constructed in 1964 on 2700 m2 island engulfed with water and a stopover to take photos of surrounding natural beauty such as floating houses, traditional fishing, people living, and children rowing boat to school. To travel further, you will go through an impressive flooded forests stretching over 24 km2. The forest is a habitat of hundreds types of fish and waterbirds and from November to May, hundreds of waterbirds will come to this area to look for foods as it is a safe and full of proteins for those birds, especially this area is only 6 km from Conservation of Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, where thousands of waterbirds live and breed. Visiting and Experiencing this newly discovered natural tourist Mechrey will help improve people living standard in the area, where formerly the area is a tug of war battle and no one ever take a look after peace prevail in the area.

Prek Toal Bird Watching

2011-05-25T08:58:00.008+07:00

The Tonlé Sap "Large Fresh Water River", but more commonly translated as "Great Lake" is a combined lake and river system of major importance to Cambodia. The Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997. The Tonlé Sap is unusual for two reasons: its flow changes direction twice a year, and the portion that forms the lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons. From November to May, Cambodia's dry season, the Tonlé Sap drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. However, when the year's heavy rains begin in June, the Tonlé Sap backs up to form an enormous lake.

For most of the year the lake is fairly small, around one meter deep and with an area of 2,700 square km. During the monsoon season, however, the Tonlé Sap river, which connects the lake with the Mekong river, reverses its flow. Water is pushed up from the Mekong into the lake, increasing its area to 16,000 square km and its depth to up to nine meters, flooding nearby fields and forests. The floodplain provides a perfect breeding ground for fish living and producing center to feed Cambodian people. With its magnificent flooded forests, we bring you to a new unrevealed destination named Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary.

Each year, millions of fish come to spawn in the seasonally flooded forest surrounding the lake, attracting myriad water birds. Villages along the shores live with the rhythm of the season and the floods. Prek Toal is one of the most attractive floating fishing villages on the Tonle Sap lake, with a school, hospital, restaurants, shop and even a pagoda. Just behind the Prek Toal village are flooded forests with bird sanctuaries. Every year, between December and March, thousands of birds come to fish and to breed here.

In Sangker River, two hours boat trip from Siem Reap or Battambang (during a higher level of water), lies a magnificent Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve. The 31,282 hectares reserve is a haven for many bird species, including large water birds, such as Black-headed Ibis, Brahminy Kite, Herons, Kingfisher, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle to name a few. Prek Toal is known to be the best water bird breeding ground in Southeast Asia. According to one local NGO Osmose, about a decade ago many birds are in near extinction since the locals over harvested their eggs. Today, the NGO helped the locals improving their lives through income generated from sustainable tourism.

Naturally, your positive impact of tourism at Prek Toal should be maximized economic profit to local people and natural sanctuary at the area, and they shall provide a sustainable alternative livelihoods, help protect biodiversities, and enhance their local natural resources.

Sambor Prei Kok

2010-07-28T10:51:00.077+07:00

Sambor Prei Kuk Temple (SPK): “Abundant Forest Abundant Temple it was originally named by the local villagers” The ancient city where monuments of SPK are found today was identified as Isanapura, the capital of Chenla in 7th century. They are discovered 280 temples at SPK complex by University of Waseda 2000 & 2007 which are able to visit 64 temple only remain of them are ruined in the forest. Chenla was a former vassal of the Funan kingdom that was one of the first state in Southeast Asia, but it gradually gained its power and eventually King Citrasena Mahendravarman of Funan in the early 7th century. It located north of Kampong Thom, the capital of Kampong Thom province, Cambodia .

Kampong Thom is roughly halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh on road Nº 6 that runs north of the Tonle Sap Lake. It takes three hours from Siem Reap to Kampong Thom; the distance is about 154 Km and from Phnom Penh’s the distance is about 160 km. The road from Kampong Thom to Sambo district where the ruins are located, is still unpaved and bumpy. It is an all-season road but pretty rough in the rainy season. The distance is about 37 km.

Sambo Prei Kuk is comprised of 3 principle groups within the site as a whole - the Prasat Sambor (North Group) , Prasat Tao (Central Group), and Prasat Yeay Poeun (South Group). Each individual group houses some very impressive temple ruins throughout, depicting pre-Angkorian art, and this will most likely figure as one of the most impressive Cambodia tourist attractions for the true temple enthusiast who will certainly be in their element here, and with any lucks, have the place to themselves. Within each walled group are Prasats in a varying state of decay, which focus around one main temple in the center. On each is carvings which also differ dramatically in terms of preservation and legibility. These carvings and temple designs are strikingly similar to many of the designs for the successive Angkor Temples, and the Khmer artwork displayed here is in the most part an absolute pretext for generations to come.

Sambo Prei Kuk is one of the main tourist attractions in Kampong Thom that covers 70% surface consisting of forests and plateau, rich in natural resources which are good for agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry. The (SPK) Conservation and Development Community has 7144 members in 7 villages (11/2010). It was set up by the World Food Programmed in 1998. In 2000, Waseda University from Japan started implementing its conservation project.

The university set up the existing community structure as the Sambo Prei Kuk Conservation and Development Community. Visitors will certainly enjoy the temples but there is more to explore. Sambor district has beautiful rural countryside and the lifestyle is very traditional. Visitors have the opportunity to be part of the local daily life for a day or for a couple of days. You can stay with families, cycle over pretty rural roads through villages, enjoy authentic Cambodian food at unique locations, try your hand at various handicrafts, learn to cook Cambodian food, practice traditional Cambodian dance, home stay accommodation and much more. Above all you will enjoy the unique hospitality of the local population. All the services you enjoy will benefit the community directly. There are seven supplier chains in the local for hosting arrival tourist: Home stay, food, cooking class, local tour guide, bicycle rental, ox-cart riding & Khmer traditional dance show.

Although the number of visitors is still considered as one of the most important economic growth sectors that contributes to poverty reduction in Cambodia. However, mainly due to a lack of infrastructure and organized tours the rural population hardly benefits from tourism. The untouched and overgrown temples of Sambor Prei Kuk are a unique pre-Angkorian attraction.

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2010-07-28T10:50:00.021+07:00

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ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 Hailed as Resounding Success

2010-07-28T10:50:00.019+07:00

PHNOM PENH, 21 January 2011—The immensely successful 2011 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), hosted by Cambodia, officially came to an end on Friday, January 21st, after 8 full days of business networking and cultural exchanges amongst tourism ministers, leaders of national tourism offices, travel agents, and tour operators from all ten ASEAN nations. Over 3,000 delegates from all corners of the world attended the forum this year, and Cambodia offered an exciting range of cultural and entertainment options that made ATF 2011 unforgettable.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination and the most important activity of the ASEAN tourism cooperation framework. The annual event—held this year from January 15-21, 2011—involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member nations of ASEAN: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The closing ceremony of ATF 2011, which took place on Friday, was held in Phnom Penh’s Naga Hotel Ballroom. All the delegates, decked in sharp formal attire, gathered to toast to the accomplishments of the forum and to celebrate the collective initiative to turn ASEAN into one united tourist destination fueled by sustainable tourism development.

Delegates were treated to singing and dance performances by Cambodia’s most revered celebrities and artists. The evening’s proceedings also included a striking fashion show showcasing a cutting-edge modern take on traditional apsara dresses and headwear. Hundreds of cameras flashed as the models strutted down the stage with brightly colored gowns adorned with wings, small straw cages, and sequined accessories. The night wrapped up with the government of Cambodia thanking all the delegates and presenting awards and certificates to individuals who helped organize ATF 2011.

ATF 2011 was a wonderful success, and delegates were already looking forward to the next year. The 2012 ATF will take place in Manado, Indonesia. The theme of ATF 2012 will be “ASEAN Tourism for a Global Community of Nations.”

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 Kicks Off with a Bang in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2010-07-28T10:50:00.017+07:00

PHNOM PENH, 15 January 2011— The 2011 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), hosted by Cambodia, officially kicked off on Saturday with a highly anticipated opening ceremony featuring a booming fireworks display and a spectacular lineup of entertainment performances. The widely-publicized extravaganza, held at the Diamond Island Convention & Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh, exhibited an unprecedented level of grandeur and attracted over 3,000 delegates including tourism ministers, leaders of national tourism offices, travel agents, tour operators, and members of regional and international press corps.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination and the most important activity of the ASEAN tourism cooperation framework. The annual event—held this year from January 15-21, 2011—involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member nations of ASEAN: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

This year’s forum marked the 30th anniversary of ATF, and Cambodia—the honored host country—made sure the occasion was an utterly unforgettable one. On the evening of the opening ceremony, delegates enjoyed a sumptuous open-air catered dinner on Diamond Island, which was transformed by hundreds of tables bedecked in sheets of golden silk. Once dinner finished, delegates were invited to the show arena, where they were graciously welcomed with speeches by Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sok An, and Minister of Tourism Dr. Thong Khon.

After the welcoming speeches, over 600 singers, dancers, and artists from the Ministry of Fine Arts took to the stage, treating delegates to a host of brilliant song and dance acts that showcased both traditional and contemporary art forms. The performances embodied this year’s ATF’s theme—“A World of Wonders and Diversity” perfectly, not only by presenting the incredible diverse offerings of Cambodia, but of all of ASEAN. Highlights of the evening included hundreds of dancers clothed in resplendent costumes acting out the Ramayana, a fashion show featuring stunning Khmer fashions from pre-Angkorian to modern times, and a choreographed end sequence incorporating all the flags of the ASEAN nations. State of the art sound effects and pyrotechnics elevated each performance to a whole new level.

Finally, in a magnificent ending to the ceremony, delegates watched as the Phnom Penh sky was set aglow with an array of multi-colored fireworks that bloomed above the city’s Tonle Sap river. The jaw-dropping display, viewed by participants of the ATL from Diamond Island, lasted a full 30 minutes and made for a remarkably memorable welcome and official start to ATL 2011.

The Most Beautiful Bays in the World officially welcomed in the Kingdom of Cambodia

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A Most Beautiful Bays in the World delegation consisting of Jérôme Bignon, President, Bruno Bodard, Managing Director, and Nguyen Hoa Tam, Advisor for Asia, was received to carry out a visit of the Cambodian coastline. The visit was part of the coastline’s admission process to the network, following the agreement by the general assembly to accept the Cambodian candidature.

From 31 October – 4 November, a Most Beautiful Bays in the World delegation consisting of Jérôme Bignon, President, Bruno Bodard, Managing Director, and Nguyen Hoa Tam, Advisor for Asia, was received to carry out a visit of the Cambodian coastline. The visit was part of the coastline’s admission process to the network, following the agreement by the general assembly to accept the Cambodian candidature.

A meeting to present the coastline and for the exchange of ideas took place at Sihanoukville on 1 November, in the presence of the Ministers of the Environment and of Tourism, as well as all the governors concerned. In front of about a hundred officials, Jérome Bignon was able to conjure up our vision, namely: “To protect, to develop”.

A position that is all the more easy to understand given that the magnificent coastline is still untouched and that the recommendations on the subject of land management seem to be shared completely by the Government of Cambodia.

At the end of the trip, the delegation was received at Phnom Penh, by Monsieur Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister, who congratulated the work done and reaffirmed his fervent wish to see Cambodia join our network.

(*photo : Jérôme Bignon, Most Beautiful Bays in the World President, meets Monsieur Sok An, Vice Prime Minister, accompanied by the Minister of State charged with Land Management, Monsieur Im Chhun Lim and the Minister of Tourism, Dr Thong Khon, with Bruno Bodard and Nguyen Hao Tam also present.)

Phnom Penh, new destination

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Starting 27 March 2011, Air France will begin operating a new service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital. Flight bookings and ticket sales are now open.

The three weekly flights between Paris and Phnom Penh, with a stopover in Bangkok, will be operated by Airbus A340-300 equipped with 275 seats (30 in Business, 21 in Premium Voyageur and 224 in Voyageur-Economy), and subsequently during summer 2011 by Boeing 777-200ER equipped with 309 seats (35 in Business, 24 in Premium Voyageur and 250 in Voyageur-Economy).

Flight schedules between Paris and Phnom Penh

Paris-CDG / Phnom Penh
AF 274, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Departing at 19:30, and arriving in Bangkok at 11:50, the following day,
Departing for Phnom Penh the same day at 13:20, arriving at 14.35
Phnom Penh / Paris-CDG
AF 273, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Departing at 20:15, and arriving in Bangkok at 21:30
Departing for Paris the same day at 22:55, and arriving at 06:10, the following day.

Flight times allow customers to benefit from convenient connecting opportunities to and from destinations worldwide at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

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