Focus Asia News, September 2007.
This edition's table of content:
September is here and business is booming as usual. Our summer production was on the rise, compared to last year. This month we launch the new content management system used for our website and soon available online at www.focus-asia.travel. The new web structure allows us to display most available content in three languages: English, German and Russian. This architecture allows us to make changes more easily to both the public and clients sections. The other interesting project due to be finalized soon is the thorough evaluation of all hotel providers throughout Indochina and Myanmar. Within weeks, you’ll be able to access online the full data concerning some 250 partner hotels!
Later this month, we begin our new fair season in Moscow, where we host our clients, prospects and guests at Leisure 2007. Our 44-square-meter booth (AS235) is the largest one at the fair for any private inbound operator; we’ll share it with Princess d’Aman Resort and Spa, an exclusive five-star resort located in Phan Thiet that is scheduled to open soon. For this event, we finalized the latest publication of Focus Asia 2008 brochure and printed 10.000 copies to be distributed throughout Russia to tour operators and agents. The third edition of this brochure includes 70 pages of useful editorial contents on Vietnam. Please visit us at the fair to pick up your own.
In August, Focus Asia hosted its first annual company meeting at Victoria Resort in Can Tho. The event was a true success for us all. Thanks to Irene Wong and Eric Simard from Victoria Resort who co-sponsored this event. Starting in November, Focus Asia clients will receive upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) a nicely designed booklet with special discounts and free gifts available at selected quality shops and service providers in the city. The booklet includes a Food & Beverage section with restaurants, bars, clubs; a retailer section with eyewear, jewelry, tailors, silk, and arts and crafts; a health beauty section with spas, massages, beauty treatment and more.
Vietnam News:
Vietnam: News Information
Vietnam has been voted as one of the 20 best travel destinations in 2007 by readers of the up-market travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. The annual country poll was conducted among 30,000 readers with evaluations based on 10 categories, including abundance of culture, variety of attractions, range of accommodation, and environmental friendliness. Vietnam enters the list this year for the first time, ranking 18th among the top 20 selected travel destinations. India takes the first position in this year’s list, compared with fourth place last year. The other top winning countries are Italy, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand scores highly for scenery and Italy has the world’s best food and climate while Thailand is singled out for its friendliness. Vietnam, Argentina, Chile, Japan and Egypt are the list’s newcomers.
The image of Vietnam tourism will be seen worldwide on CNN starting next month at "golden time". An official from the tourism administration said that CNN’s film-makers are expected to arrive in Vietnam in mid-September and they will complete a video clip about the image of Vietnam tourism by the end of the month. The move came after Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung early this month authorized the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to advertise Vietnamese tourism on CNN. The tourism official said the video clip would last for 30 seconds and be broadcast on CNN at "golden time" twice a day for 13 consecutive weeks. The video clip is expected to feature Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Wonder of Vietnam, with impressive sights and narration, he added.
Vietnam and India expect stronger tourism cooperation. Tourist companies from the central province of Binh Thuan signed many cooperation deals with partners in Calcutta, West Bengal State and New Delhi of India. The agreements were inked during the weeklong India-Vietnam Friendship Festival 2007 that kicked off in West Bengal State on Sept. 3. As scheduled, India will send a delegation of entrepreneurs, journalists and tourism executives to Vietnam in October to study the country’s tourism market. Nguyen Van Khoa, chairman of the Binh Thuan association of tourist businesses, said the province is targeting India in its overall plan to attract more foreign visitors. India is considered a potential tourism market for Southeast Asian nations as up to 6 million Indian holidaymakers toured the region last summer.
The airspace over Vietnam looks to get much busier as inbound tourism booms and airlines open new routes to accommodate demand. Thai Airways is leading the charge of international carriers, racking up an extra 17 flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, bringing the total number of flights to Vietnam to 31 starting in October. Japan’s All Nippon Airway will tack on an extra HCMC-Tokyo flight while newcomers such as Hong Kong Airlines will inaugurate its first flight on Sept. 9. Nok Air, a Bangkok-based budget airline, is also awaiting a license to begin operations into both Ha Noi and HCM City.
Domestically, Malaysia-based regional budget market leader Asia Airlines has announced plans to partner with leading Vietnamese shipbuilder, Vinashin, to operate flights inside the country. Asia’s first low-cost carrier is also set to kick off another run between HCMC and Kuala Lumpur. Not to be left behind, national flag bearer Vietnam Airlines also jumped into the fray by taking advantage of a surging influx of Republic of Korea-based businessmen. The country’s only international operator is kicking off new Ha Noi - Busan flights.
Vo Huy Cuong, Head of the Air Transportation Service under the Vietnam Aviation Department, said the number of foreign airlines licensed to operate over Vietnamese airspace stood at 35 with a large number coming from Northeast and Southeast Asia. "Local carriers are confronting rivals such as Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines and budget airlines such as Tiger Airways and AirAsia," said the aviation expert. Domestic airports expect to welcome 19.5 million air passengers in 2007 against 16.7 million in 2006. The aviation industry has reported growth rates of 16 percent for air passengers and 14 percent for cargo transportation in 2006.
Pacific Airlines on Sept. 10 announced a plan to add more flights and launch new services on the Vietnamese domestic front this year and next. The airline also plans to offer cheap fares to further tap the growing local air travel market. Pacific's deputy director of sales and marketing Ha Nang Viet said the country's sole low-cost carrier would add two more flights to the daily schedule of seven flights between HCMC and Hanoi in November when the carrier received one more new Boeing 737-400. Viet told the Daily that Pacific expected to increase the daily number of HCMC-Hanoi flights to 11 as well as add flights to the daily schedule of three flights between HCMC and Danang from mid-2008 when the airline had six to eight Boeing 737-400s. Pacific will fly to new domestic destinations in addition the planned routes between HCMC and the central coast cities of Nha Trang and Hue.
A new luxury train with one first-class cabin and all the amenities began operating earlier this week from Hanoi to Lao Cai. The 9-hour trip will depart Hanoi at 11:50pm and leave Lao Cai at 12:30am. Currently, there are another five train companies operating daily between Hanoi and Lao Cai.
Hong Kong Airlines starts weekly HCM City service with weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The 2.5-hour flights travel from Hong Kong to Tan Son Nhat Airport at 10:30am and return at 11:15am, using a 165-seat Boeing 737-800 airplane.
New Evason Ana Mandara Villas open in Da Lat. The 57-room resort, restaurant and spa set in Da Lat (Central Highlands) has been opened by the Six Senses Resorts & Spas Viet Nam. The resort includes 17 fully restored French colonial villas built between the 1920s and 1930s. They retain the unique personalities of their original owners while being restored to their former glory.
Vietnam: Product Information
Ho Chi Minh City
International Terminal
The new Ho Chi Minh City International Terminal is completed and officially running since September 2nd. Ton San Nhat new four floors terminal was nicely built by a Japanese consortium, it can now accommodate up to 15 million passengers per year. The old international terminal is becoming fully domestic and standard procedure for luggages, customs and immigrations procedure remains almost as before.
Arrival facts sheet:
Arrivals are on the ground floor.
Some flights may be parked away from the terminal (only a short walk away).
The visa landing counter is on the left when passengers leave the airplane gate.
Immigration is located on the upper level.
Immigration desks are available for both ASEAN and non-ASEAN residents
Passenger’s baggage are available downstairs.
A currency exchange desk is located immediately after the customs desk.
Passengers can walk from international to the domestic terminal (100 - 150 m).
Non-passengers and guides must meet arriving passengers outside the terminal.
Taxis or a bus for pick up into the city is available outside the terminal.
Buses/cars can stay for a maximum of three minutes in front of the arrival gate.
Motorcycles are not allowed to come into the International terminal.
The left luggage counter is located on the ground floor of the Arrival terminal.
Departures facts sheet:
Departures are located on the second floor.
Only passengers can access the terminal.
All passengers must then move upstairs.
Trolleys are not allowed to be taken upstairs (smaller ones are available upstairs).
Passengers complete passport formalities and move into the departure lounge.
The departure lounge contains a few shops and a single restaurant that charges western prices (typically around US$3 for a soft drink). Passengers can walk from international to the domestic terminal (100 - 150 m).
The Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort and Spa has opened more luxury bungalows to provide local and international vacationers a relaxing vacation in the ambience of Vietnam’s countryside. Though ten new bungalows have gone up in the luxury property of Victoria Resorts and Hotels, the new homes highlight the harmony between buildings and greenery in a garden designed in a traditional Vietnamese country style. The additional bungalows, together with 50 newly upgraded villas, look simple and idyllic outside because of their thatched roofs and design, but are cozy inside with warm, comfortable and tranquil facilities. The new bungalows have more space for guests to take a shower or immerse themselves in a warm bath, more mirrors for them to take care of their beauty needs and several cable TV channels for them to entertain themselves.
Intercontinental Hanoi West Lake is opening late 2007. The hotel is centrally located in Hanoi, just 40 minutes drive from Noi Bai International Airport and 10 minutes by taxi from a wide range of shopping and other facilities. Set entirely over the waters of historic Westlake and adjacent to the 800 year old Golden Lotus Pagoda, the hotel offers 359 stylish guest rooms and suites; five cutting edge restaurants and bars; a ballroom and four event rooms, all in a tranquil residential setting. Guests staying in their suites will benefit 24-hour butler service. Guest rooms showcase contemporary Vietnamese design at its best. The spacious interiors feature cream walls and dark timber, complemented by rich textures and vibrant colors. All rooms are equipped with an LCD television, large private balconies and either Hanoi, pool or full lake views.
Victoria Hotels & Resorts has informed us that as from the 1st of September 2007 onwards, the minimum number of persons required for making a buffet meal arrangement in their hotels will be changed from 15 to 40. The company will honor all existing confirmed bookings made prior to this announcement.
Renovation at Metropole Hotel Saigon covers the exterior along room and lobby from now until Oct. 10, 2007. The work will be carried out only between the hours of 9am to 5pm. Efforts have been made to minimize noise disruption.
Emeraude Classic Cruises solves a logistical challenge for travelers. The cruise operator launched shuttle-bus service between Hanoi and Halong Bay. With a pair of 16-seat Ford Transit vans, the shuttle service will make daily departures from both Hanoi and Halong. The eastbound bus to Halong leaves from the Emeraude sales office at 59A Ly Thai To Street every morning at 8:30; the westbound bus to Hanoi leaves the Emeraude’s pier in Bai Chay each morning at 9:30.
Vietnam: Product of the Month
The recently opened Ancient Hue cultural complex features ceremonial bronze urns, a well and a lotus pond, around which are positioned five authentic Hue houses that date from 1800s and early 1900s. Named after five nearby villages (Kim Long, Van Thanh, Van Xuan, Ngoc Ho and Gia Vien), these royal houses allow visitors to glimpse Hue’s splendid past and to experience the court’s enduring cultural legacy. Ancient Hue‘s chef mixes local specialties with Asian and European flavors to create memorable modern–day royal feasts. Rounding out the fine dining experience are creative cocktails that blend premium liquors with local fruits and an impressive international wine list. Open 9am to 11pm daily, Ancient Hue offer a full range of dining and leisure options. More than a restaurant, Ancient Hue is a cultural complex devoted to creating unique travel experiences.
Vietnam: HOTEL OF THE MONTH
The Nam Hai in Hoi An sets a new standard of 5-star luxury hotel in Vietnam. It is situated on a 35 hectares (86 acres) of land on Ha My Beach, a stunningly picturesque section of the world famous China Beach with its unspoiled stretch of white sands. The Nam Hai Hoi An features 60 beautiful villas and 40 pool villas; each occupies its own section of landscaped gardens and boasts views of the South China Sea and nearby Cham Island. Ideally located 30km (19mi) south of Danang and 11km (7mi) north of historical city of Hoi An in Central Coast. The Nam Hai Hoi An complements spectacular beachfront living with renowned cultural historical attractions that reflect the true spirit of Indochina. In keeping with GHM Hotel's tradition of providing guests a culturally inviting experience. The Nam Hai stands for all the charm of true Vietnamese hospitality.
Vietnam: SPECIAL DEALS
Special promotion for boat ticket from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh and return is being offered by Vinashin Can Tho. This offer is valid until Dec. 31, 2007 and departure time is around 8am at Victoria Chau Doc’s pier.
Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara Resort in Nha Trang (ENH) is offering a stay of min. 4 nights, pay 3 nights only that is valid until Dec. 19, 2007. Offer based on minimum of 4 nights. So it would be 4+1, 5+1, 6+2, 7+2, etc. Additional benefits include welcome drink at Pearl Farm, sparkling wine on arrival to villa, welcome amenity, weekly managers cocktail party, windsurfing (request in advance), kayaking, snorkeling, weekly try dive (request in advance). Booking code is: SD31
Evason Ana Mandara Villas Dalat (EDR) is offering a stay min. 2 nights, pay 1 night only valid until Dec. 19. (except for national and public Holidays). So it would be 2+1, 2+2, 3+2, 4+3 etc. Additional benefits include welcome drinks, welcome fruit basket in room, free usage of Internet, free usage of heated swimming pool. Booking code is: SD11.
Festive Season Escape at Sandy Beach Resort Danang VIETNAM. The Danang Resort has planned exciting and competitive Christmas and New Year program filled with an array of goodies for one and all. Good package, good food, good cheer and most of all... a good time is what the resort is promising for Christmas and the New Year 2007/2008. For more information on this event, please check with your sales representatives.
La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue is offering its Honeymooners Extraordinary Package for couples. The offer includes free roundtrip airport transfer, welcome drink, and aficionado fruit basket, a bottle of bubbly served in the honeymooner room, in the Jacuzzi or before dinner. Three course lovers’ European or Vietnamese gourmet dinner by the riverside or in Le Perfume Restaurant, American breakfast buffet, and free Internet and WIFI are included. Explore Hue by bicycle is complimentary. Terms and conditions apply.
Evason Ana Mandara Villas & Six Senses Spa in Dalat offers a special program valid until Oct. 31, 2007, excluding national holidays. Travelers are being offered special rates for a Run of House (ROH) room with a minimum of 2-night stay in single; double or twin shared bedroom only. Bonuses include 1 Free of Charge (FOC) dinner for a minimum stay of 2 nights; stay 3 nights and pay for 2.5 nights with 1 FOC dinner; stay 4 nights and pay for 3 nights with 1 FOC dinner.
Palace Hotel Saigon is offering special rates for FIT and GIT in its Superior and Deluxe room categories. All rooms have been renovated. The offer is valid until December 31, 2007.
Vietnam: Employee of the month
Irina L. Pak
Irina L. Pak worked in our Moscow sales office until June of this year. She’s now working in Ho Chi Minh and has adapted well to her new environment while making friends with her Saigon peers and collaborators. She always works hard and is extremely efficient in handling the Russian Seat in Coach Tours. Last month, during Focus Asia’s first company get together in Can Tho, she participated actively in the organization of the team building activities and demonstrated a clear understanding of Focus Asia’s needs. Irina believes that there is nothing more exciting than visiting new places and meeting new people while trying something new and unusual. Her dream is to spend half a year traveling around the world without any plan. This is her second visit to Vietnam and apparently she likes it.
Projects under planning, construction or renovation
Muine 5-star resort
Newest 5-star luxury resort in Muine to open summer 2008. A & B Co., Ltd., Binh Thuan is pleased to announce the company’s latest construction project, the L’Anmien Muine Resort and Spa. Located in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Vietnam, the five star beachfront property will feature 69 Deluxe rooms including 3 Junior Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 1 Royal Suite, 20 luxurious 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom pool villas, a wellness spa, a main dining F&B outle plus a specialty seafood restaurant, bar and lobby lounge, banquet and conference facilities bringing a new standard of luxury and elegance to the hotel industry in the country.
The "L’Anmien" name was inspired by the Vietnamese words "An – peaceful" and "Mien-sleep", and reflecting its meaning, the L’Anmien Muine Resort & Spa offers a truly relaxing experience that blends nature and beauty for your dream holiday get-away. L’Anmien Muine Resort & Spa features a team of professional butlers providing a level of service and attention for guests that matches the resort’s exclusive concept. Beautifully situated along the beach front of Muine, the L’Anmien Muine Resort & Spa is charmingly ensconced with the fresh water lagoon amidst serene lush tropical gardens that highlight the resorts breathtaking infinity pool and luxurious villas with individual private pool and Balinese shower concept.
Luxury resort kicks off work in Hoi An. Construction of the luxurious Novotel Imperial Hoi An Resort began on July 11 in central Quang Nam province’s Hoi An. The four-star resort is to be built by the local contractor, at a cost of 300 billion VND (18.75 million USD) and will be housed on a 4.3-hectare (10.6-acre) block complete with 200 rooms and villas, restaurants, bars, tennis courts and swimming pools. Work is scheduled to be completed by late 2008 and will then be turned over to international hotel group Accor for management duties.
Six 5-star hotel projects licensed in Hanoi. The Hanoi’s People Committee has granted licenses to four investors from the Republic of Korea, Japan, and China to build a number of 5-star hotels. Accordingly, five 5-star hotels will be built in the upcoming time. The building of 5-star hotels is calling upon investment from the city to resolve the lack of a high quality accommodation to meet the demand and the city’s average growth rate, Hanoi needs to build more than 3,000 luxurious hotel rooms annually.
The Hanoi Crown Plaza broke ground on July 28 in the Vietnamese capital city; it is the newest addition to the city's luxury hotel club. The $65 million (USD) 5-star hotel, commercial space and apartment complex in Tu Liem district includes a 21-storey, 363-room hotel. The Crown Plaza, will also feature a 20-storey office block and a 14-storey residential tower is expected to be completed by December 2009.
Work began on a 5-star hotel worth $80 million (USD) in Ha Noi on June 30. The hotel, to be operated by the Charmvit group from the Republic of Korea, is located close to the National Convention Centre and a number of new residential developments. It will include two 27-storey towers with floor space of over 150,000 square meters, housing a conference hall, shops, a swimming pool and restaurants from the first to fourth floors. The hotel will occupy the 5th to 27th floors and will have 630 rooms and a complex of offices for lease. The project, one of four 5-star hotels to be built in Ha Noi this year, is expected to be completed by July 2009.
More fancy resorts in Da Nang. The People’s Committee of Da Nang has licensed Vina Capital to develop a US $325-million tourism and residential project in the central coast city. Taking up 9 hectares (22 acres) of Son Tra District, Vina Capital Square will include a 5-star hotel and 4-star hotel with more than 600 rooms between them, and more than 1,300 up-market apartments and villas of 120 to 125 square metres each. Da Nang’s biggest tourism-related project to date will also feature two shopping centres of 30,000 square metres each, a 42-storey office building, and an exhibition and convention centre. Another property developer with big plans for Da Nang is the US real estate group KOR, which is waiting for a license to build a US $200-million resort on nearly 40 hectares of Hoa Hao Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District.
Construction of the luxurious Novotel Imperial Hoi An Resort began on July 11 in Hoi An. The 4-star resort is to be built by the local contractor, the Supporting Services and Investment Development Joint Stock Company, at a cost of 300 billion VND (US $18.75 million) and will be housed on a 4.3-hectare (10.6-acre) block complete with 200 rooms and villas, restaurants, bars, tennis courses and swimming pools. Work is scheduled to be completed by late 2008 and will then be turned over to international hotel group Accor for management duties.
IHG has signed its third InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in Vietnam, scheduled to open by mid-2009 as the first international luxury beachfront resort in the area. InterContinental Danang Resort will be situated on the Son Tra Peninsula in Danang. The 200-room property will be developed by Terra Joint Stock Co. and will join IHG’s collection of 148 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide. It will also expand IHG’s Asia Pacific portfolio of operating and upcoming luxury resorts in Indonesia, Thailand, China, Japan and French Polynesia. IHG’s first InterContinental hotel in Vietnam, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, will open later this year. A second InterContinental property in Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled to open in 2009.
Phu Quoc island to have US $68 million resort. More tourists are expected to flock to southernmost Phu Quoc Island with a five-star resort in the pipeline. The Tropicana Island Resort and Spa will be developed on an area of 30 hectares (74 acres) in An Thoi village by a joint venture between the Long Beach Corp, ESACO and Tropicana. The facility, to house 100 villas and 250 luxurious rooms, is considered the biggest resort in Vietnam so far. Work on the project started on Sept. 18 and is expected to wrap up in late 2010.
28 golf course projects being implemented in Vietnam. Many large projects are currently developing in the fields of building tourist sites, recreation areas, especially golf courses in Vietnam. At present, 14 golf courses are operating and 28 projects are being carried out nationwide. Both foreign and domestic investors are focusing on the development of the golf course system.
Two eco-tourist sites will be built in the central province of Quang Ngai with a total investment of more than 100 billion VND. The 400-hectare (988-acre) Suoi Mo, a 74-billion-VND investment of the Thien Tan Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company, will be home to springs, lakes, hills, a wildlife reserve and forests. The other site will be built on the Ngang Mountain Lake in Ba To district with an estimated investment of more than 30 billion VND from the Thien Dang Company Ltd. The two sites are expected to help promote the province’s tourism by providing services to thousands of expatriates working at the Dung Quat Oil Refinery as well as local and foreign visitors.
Tourism goes green in Mekong delta. Viet Nam-Australia Tourism Co. Ltd. is set to build an eco-tourism resort in the famed Vi Thuy forest in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang. The US $3 million wholly foreign owned project will house 3-star hostels, villas, restaurants, conference halls, swimming pools, tennis courts, a library and an exhibition space on the culture and the local ethnic inhabitants. The eco-friendly initiative is the second business to be approved in the province this year, bringing the total foreign investment capital in the locality to US $632 million. Hau Giang now boasts the highest FDI capital in the Mekong delta region and ranks third in the country behind Southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and Ha Noi.
Central Highlands eco-tourist site receives huge investment. The Central Highlands province of Kon Tum has allowed four investors to invest over 1 trillion VND (62.5 million USD) in the Mang Den eco-tourist site. These projects include a luxury tourist complex, a green city and an eco-tourist site. The Mang Den Investment Joint -Stock Company will invest 400 billion VND in building several resorts each covering between 230 and 250 hectares (568 and 618 acres) of land. The HCM City-based Sai Gon-Mang Den Investment Development Joint Stock Company is to build an eco-tourist site which will mark off 3,000 hectares (7400 acres) of forests to house wildlife and grow medicinal herbs. The Viet Phi Trade, Services and Investment Co. Ltd. has finished surveys on the potential deposits of granite and is taking steps on building workshops to exploit and process the stone for exports. While giving most favorable available conditions for investors, the provincial administration pledged to evoke licenses of those investors who delayed in deploying their licensed projects.
The 5-star Sheraton Saigon in downtown HCM City will increase the number of rooms to meet the growing demand of the market. The conversion plan of its second tower, which used to be apartment rentals, is based on the forecasts for stronger hotel business growth in the immediate future and the increased demand for upscale accommodation in HCM City and Vietnam. When the conversion plan is completed by early next year, Sheraton will have 480 rooms, including a new presidential suite on the 18th floor.
Life Resort Management Co. broke ground last week for the Life Wellness Resort Ninh Binh, its first project in northern Vietnam. Located in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, the resort will feature village style with 30 cottages and 10 two-storey stone houses. The project is capitalised at around US $3 million and scheduled to open in August 2008. The resort is 91km (57mi) southwest of Hanoi.
The airport terminal of Cam Ranh Airport will be rebuilt after the Ministry of Communication and Transport gives local airport authorities the go-ahead. Cam Ranh handles 12 flights daily but cannot operate at night because it lacks lighting systems.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has reached an agreement with Royal International to develop a hotel and a resort in Halong bay. The 160-room Four Points by Sheraton Hotel is expected to open early 2008 with four restaurants and a lounge, two meeting rooms, a gym, a spa, indoor swimming pool and other facilities. The 300-room Sheraton Halong Bay resort is expected to open by 2010.
Cambodia News
Cambodia: News Information
First direct flights from Middle East to Cambodia in early 2008: Cambodia’s new tourism minister, Dr Thong Khon, has announced that memorandums of understanding have been signed between the Cambodian government and Qatar Airways and Emirates. "Both airlines may start flying into Cambodia by early next year." He said the country is also working on attracting direct flights from Europe (Ministry of Tourism newsletter Aug 3 - 9, 2007 / No.1527)
SOKIMEX Angkor checkpoint does not accept clients' own pictures for the Angkor pass anymore. Each client applying for an Angkor pass (three, four or seven days) has to take a picture at the checkpoint. Fortunately, this normally goes fast.
Cambodia: Product Information
Angkor Dinner Show at the Terrace of the Leper King. The Angkor Century Hotel has chosen the Full Moon and New Moon days for the Relive Angkor Dinner Show at the Terrace of the Leper King on following dates: Nov. 12 and 23, Dec. 12 and 21, 2007; January 10 and 22, February 8 and 21, March 9 and 21, 2008.
CAMBODIA: Product of the month
The Cambodian Craft Cooperation (CCC) offers handcrafted silver products, ceramics, wicker work products and fabrics of high quality and standard made by members of the Cambodian Craft Cooperation. Quality and Design of orders are supervised by the CCC sales office in Phnom Penh. The most popular products at the CCC sales shop near Wat Phnom pagoda are silk scarves.
The (CCC) is an association of small business enterprises founded in 1997 with the assistance of the Chamber of trades and crafts of Koblenz (Germany) and financed by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ). The CCC aims at developing the economic potential of small and medium-sized craft enterprises. To complement CCCs efforts to build up technical capacities of the CCC weavers, in 2003 the International Trade Centre (ITC), the technical cooperation agency of UNCTAD and WTO, chose the CCC as project partner to implement an Export-led Poverty Reduction Programme (EPRP) pilot project in Tanorn village. The project addressed the weavers’ needs and constraints related to supply, production and sales through community building and enabling the weavers to deliver high quality products that meet market requirements. The project is now working with about 200 weavers in three provinces.
There are special patterns and colors for ceremonies, festivals, at court and in daily life. Cambodian silk reflects a variety of traditional styles. Raw silk is a thick cream-colored fabric in its natural un-dyed state. Houl is a richly patterned fine fabric, made by the intricate ikat method where the pattern is plotted and dyed into the thread before weaving. There are over 100 named patterns of houl silk, traditional to specific locations and uses. New variations in color and design are being introduced by weavers all the time. The most common style, phamuong, is a rich, jewel-colored silk traditionally used to make suits. Cambodian weaving also produces a simpler sarong that is a piece of silk in various patterns casually wrapped around the waist and worn at home.
Cambodia: Hotel of the Month
Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the premier hotel in Phnom Penh, a hotel with those rare attributes of history and style. It was first established in 1927 and in its early heyday, enjoyed an international clientele comprising globetrotter adventures, writers and journalists, royalty, and dignitaries. Reopened in 1997 after a careful restorations and refurbishment program by Raffles International, the grand historical hotel fulfills all the requirements of a modern world-class hotel in facilities and amenities. Raffles Le Royal is located in the heart of Phnom Penh, only 20 minutes drive from Phnom Penh International Airport and within easy access of the city's attractions. Seven restaurants and bars are available.
CAMBODIA: Special Deals
Angkor Century Hotel is offering special package of accommodation and Relive Angkor Dinner Show at the Terrace of the Leper King. For guests staying at least three nights, the hotel is offering a special package including the Relive Angkor Dinner Show at the Terrace of the Leper King.
Angkor Village Resort 3 nights summer package. The hotel is offering a discount for guests staying at least three nights between April 15 and Oct. 15, 2007.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor offers special high-season group packages. The promotional rates are valid from Oct. 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008 (blackout dates: Dec. 20, 2007 to Jan. 20, 2008) under the following terms and conditions: minimum 2 nights stay; minimum 20 rooms are required to qualify for the group rates; one compulsory lunch at the hotel; one complimentary room will be granted for every 12 paying rooms. The offer is applicable for state rooms only. The above group rates are applicable for new bookings received after April 30, 2007.
CAMBODIA: New products Cambodia
Phnom Penh Municipality to create Night City. The Phnom Penh Municipality plans to create a Night City to promote Cambodian tradition, culture and local products. On 17 July officials from government institutions have discussed three locations. The first area is located along the Tonle Sap river, starting from the Old Market to the northern entrance of the Royal Palace. The second is from the former National Assembly building (near the Royal Palace), while the last is located around the Central Market. The Night City will be opened from 6 pm to midnight. The products will include local handicrafts, food and beverages.
CAMBODIA: Projects under construction and renovation
The Cambodian Tourism Administration has announced it will invest $3.7 million in a infrastructure project in Kep City, 170 kilometers southeast of Phnom Penh, to attract tourists from Vietnam. Thanks to cooperation with Vietnam and Thailand, the project will open a cruise ship route between Kep City in Cambodia and Ha Tien in Vietnam to meet the increasing desire of Vietnamese tourists to travel to Cambodia. Moreover, Cambodia will quickly upgrade Xihanucvin international airport to attract more foreign tourists. In 2007, the Cambodian tourism sector set a target of greeting 2 million tourists, up 300,000 people from 2006.
Trans-Asia railway to link Cambodia with Vietnam and Thailand. Vietnam will build two rail routes to Laos and Cambodia as a part of the Trans-Asia railway project (Saigon Liberation, June 25, 2007). The construction will cost US $525 million and includes a railway link between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. The two routes will be a part of the 5,500-km (3400-mile) Trans-Asia railway, which begins in Chinese Yunnan and travels through Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore. The two missing links between Vietnam and Cambodia include a 225-kilometer section between Phnom Penh and Loc Ninh, a border town straddling Cambodia and Vietnam, and 145 kilometres of railways between Loc Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City.
Cambodia is also working to complete the missing link between Poipet (Cambodian – Thai border) and Sisophon to connect Cambodia with Thailand, using the rail tracks donated by Malaysia. The ADB (Asian Development Bank) is financing the construction work. Once the construction of the link is completed, it will enable the movement of trains from Singapore to Phnom Penh. Royal Railways is expected to complete the rail link between Poipet and Sisophon by the end of this year or early 2008.