What are the cause of the dropdown of tourists visiting in Asean Countries?
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Saturday, June 13, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Preak Vihea temple world heritage
Brief Description Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva. The Temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. The site is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.
Outstanding Universal ValueThe Temple of Preah Vihear, a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800 metre long axis, is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.
Criterion (i): Preah Vihear is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It is very ‘pure’ both in plan and in the detail of its decoration.
Outstanding Universal ValueThe Temple of Preah Vihear, a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800 metre long axis, is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.
Criterion (i): Preah Vihear is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It is very ‘pure’ both in plan and in the detail of its decoration.
This temple is situated at the Thai border on top of the 625 metres high Preah Vihear mountain in Svay Chhrum village, Kantuot commune, Choam Ksan district, 108 kilometre
s north of Tbaeng Meanchey, the capital of Preah Vihear province.The temple is 800 metres long and 400 metres wide. The Cambodian side of the mountain is very steep while the Thai side is gently rolling. The sanctuary is perched on the edge of the cliffs with amazing views over the seemingly endless Cambodian jungle to the south. The temple is not yet restored but has some very spectacular carvings and lintels. The orientation of the long stairways leading up to the central sanctuary is north-south and deviates less than 1 degree. There are no halls with doors or windows in the central sanctuary opening towards the east. Only in Gopura II the rising sun is visible.
There are no western views from any floors of the temple because the hill towards west is obscuring the view. Originally the temple was known as Sreysikharesvara ("The power of the mountain"). Construction started in the late 9th century, 100 years before the start of Angkor and was used to worship Shiva Brahmanism. Preah Vihear was the ultimate sacred temple for the Khmers and provided a place for worship and respect for kings and scholars during more than 300 years
. Preah Vihear was more than a temple it was a special sanctuary for study and reflection on the close connection between the heavens and the earth as well as the divinity of Shiva.The Cambodian flag now flies proudly over the temple which has been fought for and argued over for a lifetime. In 1962, the International Court ordered that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but in subsequent years ownership has changed hands many times, particularly during the civil war when the Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian army took turns in wrestling control from each other. Today, Cambodia benefits from the many visitors, though by far the vast majority come from Thailand. Visitors do not need a visa to enter Cambodia but receive special permission to cross the border to visit the temple before returning.
s north of Tbaeng Meanchey, the capital of Preah Vihear province.The temple is 800 metres long and 400 metres wide. The Cambodian side of the mountain is very steep while the Thai side is gently rolling. The sanctuary is perched on the edge of the cliffs with amazing views over the seemingly endless Cambodian jungle to the south. The temple is not yet restored but has some very spectacular carvings and lintels. The orientation of the long stairways leading up to the central sanctuary is north-south and deviates less than 1 degree. There are no halls with doors or windows in the central sanctuary opening towards the east. Only in Gopura II the rising sun is visible.There are no western views from any floors of the temple because the hill towards west is obscuring the view. Originally the temple was known as Sreysikharesvara ("The power of the mountain"). Construction started in the late 9th century, 100 years before the start of Angkor and was used to worship Shiva Brahmanism. Preah Vihear was the ultimate sacred temple for the Khmers and provided a place for worship and respect for kings and scholars during more than 300 years
. Preah Vihear was more than a temple it was a special sanctuary for study and reflection on the close connection between the heavens and the earth as well as the divinity of Shiva.The Cambodian flag now flies proudly over the temple which has been fought for and argued over for a lifetime. In 1962, the International Court ordered that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but in subsequent years ownership has changed hands many times, particularly during the civil war when the Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian army took turns in wrestling control from each other. Today, Cambodia benefits from the many visitors, though by far the vast majority come from Thailand. Visitors do not need a visa to enter Cambodia but receive special permission to cross the border to visit the temple before returning. The Khmer ruins of the Preah Vihear Temple are located on top of a cliff on the Thai-Cambodian border approximately 220 kilometres to the south-east of Surin. Construction of the temple is believed to have taken place over a 300-year-period beginning in the ninth-century. The temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and was an important site which served as a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and a retreat for Hindu priests.
Access to the TempleThe central sanctuary of Preah Vihear sits on Cambodian soil, but the most convenient form of access is from the Thai side of the border via a road and the start of a staircase which is located within the Thai national park of Khao Phra Viharn. Because of the terrain, access from the Cambodian side of the border is very difficult and most tourists enter the temple from the Thai side of the border. This means that visitors from the Thai side have to pay a fee to Thai authorities to access the national park and another fee to th
e Cambodian authorities to access the ruins themselves. Land DisputeThe temple has been at the centre of a land dispute that has been going on since 1904 when the border was drawn up between what was then Siam and French Indochina. The issue has never gone away and has flared up again at numerous points throughout the last one hundred years. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia but the surrounding land remains in dispute. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge took control of the temple and as a consequence land mines were laid in the area. The immediate grounds around the temple have now been de-mined but there are marked sections of land in the vicinity which remain off-limits to visitors. Because of the ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, the temple has been closed at various stages as tension between the two neighbours has risen. This tension flared again in July 2008 when Preah Vihear Temple was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and with it the prospect of a significant boost in tourist money to the area. It also re-ignited nationalist sentiment on both sides of the border and has raised the prospect of a military dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.
Access to the TempleThe central sanctuary of Preah Vihear sits on Cambodian soil, but the most convenient form of access is from the Thai side of the border via a road and the start of a staircase which is located within the Thai national park of Khao Phra Viharn. Because of the terrain, access from the Cambodian side of the border is very difficult and most tourists enter the temple from the Thai side of the border. This means that visitors from the Thai side have to pay a fee to Thai authorities to access the national park and another fee to th
e Cambodian authorities to access the ruins themselves. Land DisputeThe temple has been at the centre of a land dispute that has been going on since 1904 when the border was drawn up between what was then Siam and French Indochina. The issue has never gone away and has flared up again at numerous points throughout the last one hundred years. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia but the surrounding land remains in dispute. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge took control of the temple and as a consequence land mines were laid in the area. The immediate grounds around the temple have now been de-mined but there are marked sections of land in the vicinity which remain off-limits to visitors. Because of the ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, the temple has been closed at various stages as tension between the two neighbours has risen. This tension flared again in July 2008 when Preah Vihear Temple was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and with it the prospect of a significant boost in tourist money to the area. It also re-ignited nationalist sentiment on both sides of the border and has raised the prospect of a military dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.Text from Newsspapers related to the depute: More detail, pls click HERE.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Package Tour in Cambodia
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Monday, June 08, 2009
Vietnam
Vietnam is located in south-east Asia bordering the South China Sea between Laos and Philippines. The country occupies a total area of 329,560 sq km of which 325,360 sq km is on land. It has a 3,818 km long land boundary and 3,444 km of coastline. The climate is tropical in the south, monsoonal in the north with hot rainy season from mid-May to mid-September and warm, dry season from mid-October to mid-March. There is occasional typhoons with extensive flooding. The terrain is consists mostly of low, flat delta in the south and north with central highlands, hilly mountainous in the far north and north-west. Natural resources include phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil deposits and forests. Vietnam has a total population of 71,787,608 (July 1993 est.). Nationals of Vietnam are known as Vietnamese. The main ethnic group is Vietnamese (90%) and religions include Buddhist, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Islamic and Protestant. Languages spoken include Vietnamese (official), French, Chinese, English and Khmer.
HANOI:
-ONE-PILLAR PAGODA
A group of structures consisting of a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a lake. The entire group was off
icially called Dien Huu Pagoda and Lien Hoa Tower. However, the tower has traditionally been called the One-Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda is square-shaped with 9 feet in length on each side. The pillar is approximately 4 feet in diameter and 12 feet high. It was built to commemorate King Ly’s dream about the Quan An Buddha sitting on a lotus flower.
A group of structures consisting of a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a lake. The entire group was off
icially called Dien Huu Pagoda and Lien Hoa Tower. However, the tower has traditionally been called the One-Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda is square-shaped with 9 feet in length on each side. The pillar is approximately 4 feet in diameter and 12 feet high. It was built to commemorate King Ly’s dream about the Quan An Buddha sitting on a lotus flower.-NGOC SON TEMPLE (THE RESTORED SWORD LAKE)
Believed to have been a part of the Red River when it changed its course about 1,000 years ago at this locat
ion. In the past, the lake was called Luc Thuy (Blue Water) because the water remained blue throughout the year. It was later in the 15th century that its name finally changed to "Restored Sword".-BOTANICAL GARDENS
A 50 acre park located behind the Presidential Palace, this arboretum was built by French landscap
e designers in 1890. After the liberation from the French, the state rebuilt the gardens and opened the grounds and its extensive network of trails to the public.-HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM
Ho’s fina
l resting place is located in front of his own stilt house. Instead of being cremated as requested, he was preserved and put on display for people to pay respect to. He lies in an air-conditioned glass enclosure for public viewing. The heavily guarded mausoleum is open in the mornings only. -TEMPLE OF LITERATURE
Considered Hanoi’s first university, King Ly Thanh Tong founded this temple to pay tribute to education a
nd to those of high academic achievement. Though, it closed its doors over 200 years ago, this place is still popular with art students. Many lined the courtyards trying to capture traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Considered Hanoi’s first university, King Ly Thanh Tong founded this temple to pay tribute to education a
nd to those of high academic achievement. Though, it closed its doors over 200 years ago, this place is still popular with art students. Many lined the courtyards trying to capture traditional Vietnamese architecture.-HANOI´S OLD QUARTER
The Old Quarter has a history of over 2,000 years. The area started out as a snake and alligator infested swamp. It was later turned into villages with houses on stilts and was protected by the Chinese. After attaining independence in the 11th century, the cluster acquired a re
putation as a crafts area. At present, there are more than 70 streets that are separated into quarters, each specializing in different products.
The Old Quarter has a history of over 2,000 years. The area started out as a snake and alligator infested swamp. It was later turned into villages with houses on stilts and was protected by the Chinese. After attaining independence in the 11th century, the cluster acquired a re
putation as a crafts area. At present, there are more than 70 streets that are separated into quarters, each specializing in different products. HOCHIMINH CITY:
REUNIFICATION PALACE-Built in the 1960’s with the assistance of Soviet architects, the palace was used as an office and living quarters of the president and his family prior to the fall of Saigon. In Apr
il 1975, a North Vietnamese army tank crushed the front gate of the palace signifying the end of Saigon. Today, rooms open to the public remain exactly as they were in 1975, showing the locations of important meetings that were held during the war. The most fascinating area is a series of underground tunnels housing a telecommunication center.HALONG BAY:
Halong Bay is a body of water of approximately 1,500 square kilometres in north Vietnam. It has a 120 kilometre of coastline in the Gulf of Tonkin and is bordered with China. Halong Bay means "Bay o
f the Descending Dragon".
Halong Bay is a body of water of approximately 1,500 square kilometres in north Vietnam. It has a 120 kilometre of coastline in the Gulf of Tonkin and is bordered with China. Halong Bay means "Bay o
f the Descending Dragon".DA LAT:
Da Lat City is probably one of Vietnam's most well known vacation destination. Since the turn of the century, Da Lat has been the vacation spot for well-to-do Vietnamese and foreigners. It is the unofficial honeymoon Mecca of
Vietnam. Located on Lám Viên (Langbian) high lands, part of the greater Central high lands of Vietnam (Cao Nguyen Trung Phan), the city is 1500 m above sea level and is 305 km from Saigon.
Da Lat City is probably one of Vietnam's most well known vacation destination. Since the turn of the century, Da Lat has been the vacation spot for well-to-do Vietnamese and foreigners. It is the unofficial honeymoon Mecca of
Vietnam. Located on Lám Viên (Langbian) high lands, part of the greater Central high lands of Vietnam (Cao Nguyen Trung Phan), the city is 1500 m above sea level and is 305 km from Saigon.THUA THIEN HUE:
It features a tropical monsoon climate with all four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The spring is cool and warm, the summer is hot, the autumn is cool and the winter is cold. Average temperature is 25ºC. The best time for tourists is from November to April.
It features a tropical monsoon climate with all four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The spring is cool and warm, the summer is hot, the autumn is cool and the winter is cold. Average temperature is 25ºC. The best time for tourists is from November to April.
HOI AN:
Located opposite of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the post office was also built in the late 19th century in a European style. The French colonial building was beautifully designed with a very large map of old Indochina located inside.
DANANG:
It is a maze of narrow streets bustling with people. Ethnic Chinese began their settlement in this area in 1770’s. A popular and a must see temple in Chinatown is the Thien Hau Pagoda. The pagoda is dedicated to the Goddess Thien Hau, protector of the sea. The temple is often crowded with worshippers and the air is always heavy with incense smell.
Thailand
The Kingdom of Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia, bordering Laos and Cambodia to the east, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south, and the Andaman Sea and Myanm
ar to the west. The country's official name was Siam, until May 11, 1949. The word Thai means "freedom" in the Thai language and is also the name of the majority ethnic group. According to archeological evidence various indigenous cultures have existed in Thailand from the time of the Ban Chiang culture (4420 BC-3400 BC) onwards, but due to its geological location, Thai culture has always been greatly influenced by China and India. The first Siamese/Thai state is traditionally considered the Buddhist kingdom Sukhothai founded in 1238, following the decline and fall of the Khmer Empire in the 13th - 15th century.
A Century later, Sukhothai's power was overshadowed by the larger Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya, established in the mid-14th century. After Ayutthaya sacked Angkor itself in 1431, much of the Khmer court and its Hindu customs were brought to Ayuthaya, and Khmer customs and rituals were adopted into the courtly culture of Siam. After Ayuthaya fell in 1767, Thonburi was the capital of Thailand for a brief period under King Taksin the Great, until a coup d'etat in 1782. The current (Ratthanakosin) era of Thai history began in 1782 following the establishment of Bangkok as capital of the Chakri dynasty under King Rama I the Great.
ar to the west. The country's official name was Siam, until May 11, 1949. The word Thai means "freedom" in the Thai language and is also the name of the majority ethnic group. According to archeological evidence various indigenous cultures have existed in Thailand from the time of the Ban Chiang culture (4420 BC-3400 BC) onwards, but due to its geological location, Thai culture has always been greatly influenced by China and India. The first Siamese/Thai state is traditionally considered the Buddhist kingdom Sukhothai founded in 1238, following the decline and fall of the Khmer Empire in the 13th - 15th century.A Century later, Sukhothai's power was overshadowed by the larger Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya, established in the mid-14th century. After Ayutthaya sacked Angkor itself in 1431, much of the Khmer court and its Hindu customs were brought to Ayuthaya, and Khmer customs and rituals were adopted into the courtly culture of Siam. After Ayuthaya fell in 1767, Thonburi was the capital of Thailand for a brief period under King Taksin the Great, until a coup d'etat in 1782. The current (Ratthanakosin) era of Thai history began in 1782 following the establishment of Bangkok as capital of the Chakri dynasty under King Rama I the Great.
BANGKOK:
Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep, is the capital and largest city of Thailand, with an official 200
0 census population of 6,355,144. Bangkok is located at 13°45'N 100°31'E, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand. Krung Thep has been the proper name of the city for more than two centuries. However, the city's original name of Bangkok (which now is used locally to refer only to a district of the city) persists in being used by most foreigners. Bangkok is a fast growing, economically and culturally dynamic city in Southeast Asia. The World Meteorological Organization has dubbed Bangkok the world's hottest large city. Moreover, it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Bangkok is the wealthiest and most populated city in Thailand. The city is ranked as the 21st most populated city in the world. The Grand Palace & the Temple of Wat Phra Kaeo, situated on the banks of the Chao Praya River, are perharps Bangkok's best-known sights.Since being founded by King Rama I, Krung Thep Maha Nakorn, or City of Angels , has spread from the temples and palaces on Royal Ratanakosin Island, through a network of canals or klongs, many of which still survive, to modern Silom, Sukhumvit and beyond.
For shopping and entertainment Bangkok is hard to beat; from street markets to shopping malls of designer boutiques, restaurants serving every imaginable kind of cuisine and its word famous nightlife.
-GRAND PLACE & WAT PHRA KAEO:
The Grand Palace and the Temple of Wat Phra Kaeo, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, are perhaps Bangkok's best-known sights. Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Temp
le of the Emerald Buddha, is the royal temple and named after a Buddha image that stands in the main chapel. In contrast to Wat Phra Kaeo the architecture of the Grand Palace is European in style with cloisters and manicured lawns. A 15-minute walk from the Grand Palace is another of Bangkok's famous temples, Wat Pho, also called the temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok and apart from its 46-metre reclining Buddha, Wat Pho also has a fine collection of bas-reliefs, stupas and
The Grand Palace and the Temple of Wat Phra Kaeo, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, are perhaps Bangkok's best-known sights. Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Temp
le of the Emerald Buddha, is the royal temple and named after a Buddha image that stands in the main chapel. In contrast to Wat Phra Kaeo the architecture of the Grand Palace is European in style with cloisters and manicured lawns. A 15-minute walk from the Grand Palace is another of Bangkok's famous temples, Wat Pho, also called the temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok and apart from its 46-metre reclining Buddha, Wat Pho also has a fine collection of bas-reliefs, stupas and-NATIONAL MUSEUM:
Bangkok's
National Museum, the largest museum in South-East Asia, has a comprehensive collection of arts and artefacts including many items from the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhuthai. Jim Thompson's House is a beautiful teak house furnished with Thai antiques and a shop selling the best high quality Thai silk. For a break from the city streets take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River to visit the Royal. Barges National Museum or stop off at the world famous Oriental Hotel for a refreshing drink. Bangkok also boats many of Asia's most exciting new restaurants, cocktail bars and night clubs. Exciting night spots such as The Bed Supperclub, Mystique and the Dome add to the city's cutting edge. -CHATUCHAK MARKET:
Chatuchak Market, Bangkok's famous weekend market in the city's northern suburbs, sells just about anything you could possibly want. There are over 8,000 stalls and this is a
great place to hunt for bargains, especially Thai handicrafts and souvenirs. Surrounding Bangkok are some remarkably beautiful and easily accessible green areas where you can enjoy a bike ride or a boat trip through refreshingly laid back Thailand of old. CHIANG MAI:
-WAT CHIANG MAI Chiang Mai's oldest temple is Wat Chiang Man which dates back to 1296 and its two Buddha images, one made of the stone and the other made from crystal.
-WAT PHRA SINGHAlmost as old, Wat Phra Singh in the centre of town contains a 1,500-year-old Buddha image and another wat.
-CHIANG MAI NATIONAL MUSEUM The Chiang Mai National Museum, just to the north of the city center, houses an extensive collection of Buddha images and northern Thai
handicrafts. Another museum that is worth a visit especially for those preparing to go trekking is the Tribal Museum, which houses a good display of hill tribe textiles, jewellery, musical instruments, weapons and other artifacts. Chiang Mai makes an excellent base for explorations of north Thailand. Treks into the mountains are a popular way to get close to the beautiful scenery and to encounter the different peoples that inhabit the mountains. Bicycle tours are also a wonderful way to view the region, while four wheel-drive excursions can take you further and faster into the surrounding countryside. It is also possible to take a hot air balloon flight over the city.
-DOI INTHANONSlightly further a field, Doi Inthanon, set in a large national park offering some pleasant walks among the mountain scenery of forests and waterfalls and a popular site for birdwatchers. The sleepy town of Pai has become a tourist hotspot and Mae Hong Song is reachable by a short flight. Another popular excursion from Chiang Mai is a visit to one of the nearby elephant camps such as Chiang Dao Camp or Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, where attractions include elephant rides, elephant bathing and an exhibition on the importance of the elephant in Thai history and culture.
-WAT CHIANG MAI Chiang Mai's oldest temple is Wat Chiang Man which dates back to 1296 and its two Buddha images, one made of the stone and the other made from crystal.
-WAT PHRA SINGHAlmost as old, Wat Phra Singh in the centre of town contains a 1,500-year-old Buddha image and another wat.
-CHIANG MAI NATIONAL MUSEUM The Chiang Mai National Museum, just to the north of the city center, houses an extensive collection of Buddha images and northern Thai
handicrafts. Another museum that is worth a visit especially for those preparing to go trekking is the Tribal Museum, which houses a good display of hill tribe textiles, jewellery, musical instruments, weapons and other artifacts. Chiang Mai makes an excellent base for explorations of north Thailand. Treks into the mountains are a popular way to get close to the beautiful scenery and to encounter the different peoples that inhabit the mountains. Bicycle tours are also a wonderful way to view the region, while four wheel-drive excursions can take you further and faster into the surrounding countryside. It is also possible to take a hot air balloon flight over the city.-DOI INTHANONSlightly further a field, Doi Inthanon, set in a large national park offering some pleasant walks among the mountain scenery of forests and waterfalls and a popular site for birdwatchers. The sleepy town of Pai has become a tourist hotspot and Mae Hong Song is reachable by a short flight. Another popular excursion from Chiang Mai is a visit to one of the nearby elephant camps such as Chiang Dao Camp or Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, where attractions include elephant rides, elephant bathing and an exhibition on the importance of the elephant in Thai history and culture.
PHI PHI DON & PHI PHI LE ISLANDS:
Take a short boat trip to the tropical Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le islands of Krabi Province and stay to snorkel around the area's coral reefs and underwater vertical walls, explore
limestone caverns, and hike through wooded trails. A day trip to the Similan Islands in the northwest is worthwhile because of the area's famous diverse marine life.But much more than the above, Phuket is an island of forested hills, coconut and rubber plantations, lush rice fields and wildlife parks. Take an extra three days to venture into the interior of the island, where many other attractions are waiting to be discovered.A leisurely walk through Phuket town, in the southeast, will yield ancient Mediterranean-style buildings and an open-air market. At Kalama Beach on the west coast is Phuket FantaSea, a theme park that offers canivals, shopping, buffet at a 4,000
limestone caverns, and hike through wooded trails. A day trip to the Similan Islands in the northwest is worthwhile because of the area's famous diverse marine life.But much more than the above, Phuket is an island of forested hills, coconut and rubber plantations, lush rice fields and wildlife parks. Take an extra three days to venture into the interior of the island, where many other attractions are waiting to be discovered.A leisurely walk through Phuket town, in the southeast, will yield ancient Mediterranean-style buildings and an open-air market. At Kalama Beach on the west coast is Phuket FantaSea, a theme park that offers canivals, shopping, buffet at a 4,000KOH SAMUI:
White sands, swaying palms, dense tropical foliage, rocky outcrops and hidden coves this is Samui Isl
and. White images like these could bring to mind many of Thailand's other offshore islands, Koh Samui has secret and quiet allures that set it apart from all others.Koh Samui has made a successful transition from a backpacker island to world-class holiday destination without losing its charm and character. While the main beach of Chaweng is a busy busting tourist spot, the rest of the island retains the laid back, easy going charm that made it such a firm favourite with backpackers. Now 5-star hotels coexist peacefully with the local fishing villages as well as budget resorts. Add to the mix an eclectic array of spas, healing centres, dive centers, wonderful restaurants, beach bars, a colourful mix of permanent local residents and nightclubs carrying names such as The Green Mango, and you start to understand the unique charm of Koh Samui.BEACHES The beaches, of course, add to the island's attraction. The Chaweng, Lamai and Maenam, Bo Phut and Big Buddha beaches are all you want from a beach destinati
on, sweeping crescents of white sand shaded by coconut palms and perfect weather conditions most months of the year.For those looking for more than a hotel and a beach, the nearby islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park make a great excursion while a four wheel-drive mountain tour is also highly recommended. Cambodia
The Kingdom of Cambodia is one of the world's newest and most exciting travel destinations. After years of isolation, Cambodia opened to tourists in the mid-1990s and tourists numbers have increased every year since - last year the country seeing near two million tourists. Cambodia’s primary tourist destinations - Angkor Wat and the other temples of Angkor near Siem Reap, 
the cultural attractions in the capital Phnom Penh, and the beaches of Sihanoukville - offer plenty of accommodations, restaurants and other tourist services. Other destinations such as the hill tribe areas of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri, the remote temples of Preah Vihear and Banteay Chhmar, and quaint provincial capitals such as Battambang and Kampot, are just now being discovered by travelers, and all offer unique glimpses of ‘unspoiled’ Cambodia. Cambodia is a land of superlatives. The ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon and other ruins of the Khmer Empire rank amongst the world's grandest and most magnificent World Heritage Sites - easily in a class with Machu Picchu, the Pyramids of Egypt and Teotihuacan. But this magnificence stands in shocking contrast to the Killing Fields, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and other remnants of Cambodia's more recent history - a time when Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime of the late 1970s committed some of the most horrifying atrocities of the 20th century. Yet, the Khmer people, who make up more than 95% of modern Cambodia's population, impress visitors as some of the friendliest, 'happiest' (sabai), and most gentle people they have ever met. The ubiquitous Khmer smile is legendary, as is traditional Khmer hospitality and openness. Cambodia is truly a land of light and dark, of wonder and of tragedy - awe-inspiring, heart wrenching and completely unique.
the cultural attractions in the capital Phnom Penh, and the beaches of Sihanoukville - offer plenty of accommodations, restaurants and other tourist services. Other destinations such as the hill tribe areas of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri, the remote temples of Preah Vihear and Banteay Chhmar, and quaint provincial capitals such as Battambang and Kampot, are just now being discovered by travelers, and all offer unique glimpses of ‘unspoiled’ Cambodia. Cambodia is a land of superlatives. The ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon and other ruins of the Khmer Empire rank amongst the world's grandest and most magnificent World Heritage Sites - easily in a class with Machu Picchu, the Pyramids of Egypt and Teotihuacan. But this magnificence stands in shocking contrast to the Killing Fields, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and other remnants of Cambodia's more recent history - a time when Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime of the late 1970s committed some of the most horrifying atrocities of the 20th century. Yet, the Khmer people, who make up more than 95% of modern Cambodia's population, impress visitors as some of the friendliest, 'happiest' (sabai), and most gentle people they have ever met. The ubiquitous Khmer smile is legendary, as is traditional Khmer hospitality and openness. Cambodia is truly a land of light and dark, of wonder and of tragedy - awe-inspiring, heart wrenching and completely unique.Phnom Penh:
Capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia
A mixture of Cambodian hospitality, Asian exotica and Indochinese charm await the visitor to Phnom Penh. Situated at the confluence of three great rivers - known as the 'Chaktomuk' (four faces) of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers - Phnom Penh is a city of n
early million people, the capital of Cambodia and the country's commercial, economic and political hub. It is also comparatively new travel destination. An adventure destination just a decade ago, the city is now a center of diverse economic and urban development and is quickly morphing an air of edgy chic with bistros and boutique hotels lining the riverfront, smart little silk boutiques and galleries dotting the side streets, a budding arts scene and a heady dusk-to-dawn nightlife.
As the capital city Phnom Penh is fairly young, only rising to the role in 1866, but is still steeped in history and offers several cultural and historical sites. The city was under French colonial control from 1863-1953, flourished in independence in the 1960s, evacuated under the Khmer Rouge in the late 70s and is now revitalized. Much of the central city including the Royal Palace and National Museum was built during the French period. Both are open to visitors. The National Museum in Phnom Penh is the best in the country, displaying important Angkorian artifacts and rare pieces from later periods. Historical sites from the Khmer Rouge period include the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Memorial. Other historical sites such as the old capital of Oudong and the Angkorian ruins of Phnom Chisor and Phnom Da lie within an easy day-trip of Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh is also the gateway to Cambodia...the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap City in the west, the beaches of Sihanoukville and coastal towns on along the southern coast (Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong,) the minority peoples, jungles and wildlife of the northeast provinces and a wide-open, unspoiled countryside of rice paddies, little villages and lost temples across the country.
Siem Reap Town:
Gateway to the Temples of Angkor
Nestled between rice paddies and stretched along the Siem Reap River, the sma
ll provincial capital of Siem Reap Town serves as the gateway to the millennium-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srey and the legendary Angkor Wat whose artistic and archaeological significance and visual impact put it in a class with the Pyramids, Machu Pichu and the Taj Mahal. Unlike many other world class monuments, the ruins of Angkor are as yet unspoiled by over-development. This will not be true in a couple of years. Though the major temples are relatively well touristed these days, it is still possible get away from the crowds, to explore the area and discover Angkor.
Siem Reap Town is where you will stay during your visit to Angkor. The area has
been receiving foreign visitors to the temples for over 100 years. The town is actually a cluster of old villages, which originally developed around individual pagodas, and later overlaid with an French colonial-era center. Note the colonial and Chinese style architecture in the town center and around the Old Market. Nowadays, Siem Reap offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops including several upscale hotels and dozens of budget guesthouses. Often missed are the many opportunities to experience traditional Cambodia: ‘Apsara’ dance performances, craft shops and silk farms, road tours through rice-paddy countryside, boat trips on the great Tonle Sap Lake to fishing villages and bird sanctuary, and much more.
Sihanoukville (Kampong Som):
Sihanoukville is Cambodia's premier beach town, sporting miles of white sand beaches, picturesque islands and warm tropical waters. Sihanoukv
ille also serves as a travel hub for the coastal towns of southern Cambodia - Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong and beyond. This website is the online version of the print publication - The Sihanoukville Visitors Guide - is Cambodia's first, most comprehensive and widely circulated guide to the beaches, restaurants, bars, hotels, entertainment, transportation and most of what you'll need for your visit to Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong.
Sihanoukville was founded as a port town half a century ago, but these days is as much a beach town and tourist destination, catering to weekenders from Phnom Penh and a steadily increasing number of foreign visitors. The town sits on a beach lined peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Thailand and the pace of life in this provincial town is very relaxed and unhurried. The beaches offer umbrellas, thatched roofed eateries and bars and a growing number of nearby restaurants, pubs, bungalows and a range of hotels, all making for a laid-back, beachy atmosphere and a great little tropical getaway. Sihanoukville is a place to unwind by the beach, enjoy the fresh from-the-ocean seafood, party at the bars and happenings, take in an island trip or scuba trip and generally slow down, lay back and chill-out.
Sihanoukville has a more than ample supply of accommodations, including a 5-star resort complex on Sokha Beach, several mid-range places downtown and at the beaches, a few 'upscale' three-star hotels, and dozens of budget guesthouses, especially on Weather Station Hill (Victory Hill). Considering the moderate number of visitors to Sihanoukville, the town offers a surprising number and variety of restaurants and bars. Fresh seafood, especially crab, prawns and ocean fish, has always been one of the town's biggest draws, but there is also a wide variety of places offering foreign cuisines - Australian, French, Indian, German, Sri Lankan, British, Italian, pizza places and even a couple of western-style bakeries. And these days Sihanoukville offers a pretty good night life as well with a wide variety of bars staying open well into the wee hours, especially on Weather Station Hill, in the downtown area, and the beach bars on Ochheuteal, ‘Serendipity’ and Victory Beaches.
Now that most of the major roads are in good condition, regularly scheduled air-con buses crisscross southern Cambodia, making travel easy from Phnom Penh and connecting Sihanoukville with the other coastal cities of Koh Kong, Kampot, Kep, each offering its own unique character. And with the recent opening of the Prek Chak crossing with Vietnam and the completion of the final bridges on the road to Koh Kong earlier this year, the coastal traveler's trail from the Koh Kong crossing with Thailand, though the beach towns of Cambodia and on to southern Vietnam and Phu Quoc Island, is now open.
Capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia
A mixture of Cambodian hospitality, Asian exotica and Indochinese charm await the visitor to Phnom Penh. Situated at the confluence of three great rivers - known as the 'Chaktomuk' (four faces) of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers - Phnom Penh is a city of n
early million people, the capital of Cambodia and the country's commercial, economic and political hub. It is also comparatively new travel destination. An adventure destination just a decade ago, the city is now a center of diverse economic and urban development and is quickly morphing an air of edgy chic with bistros and boutique hotels lining the riverfront, smart little silk boutiques and galleries dotting the side streets, a budding arts scene and a heady dusk-to-dawn nightlife.As the capital city Phnom Penh is fairly young, only rising to the role in 1866, but is still steeped in history and offers several cultural and historical sites. The city was under French colonial control from 1863-1953, flourished in independence in the 1960s, evacuated under the Khmer Rouge in the late 70s and is now revitalized. Much of the central city including the Royal Palace and National Museum was built during the French period. Both are open to visitors. The National Museum in Phnom Penh is the best in the country, displaying important Angkorian artifacts and rare pieces from later periods. Historical sites from the Khmer Rouge period include the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Memorial. Other historical sites such as the old capital of Oudong and the Angkorian ruins of Phnom Chisor and Phnom Da lie within an easy day-trip of Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh is also the gateway to Cambodia...the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap City in the west, the beaches of Sihanoukville and coastal towns on along the southern coast (Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong,) the minority peoples, jungles and wildlife of the northeast provinces and a wide-open, unspoiled countryside of rice paddies, little villages and lost temples across the country.
Siem Reap Town:
Gateway to the Temples of Angkor
Nestled between rice paddies and stretched along the Siem Reap River, the sma
ll provincial capital of Siem Reap Town serves as the gateway to the millennium-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srey and the legendary Angkor Wat whose artistic and archaeological significance and visual impact put it in a class with the Pyramids, Machu Pichu and the Taj Mahal. Unlike many other world class monuments, the ruins of Angkor are as yet unspoiled by over-development. This will not be true in a couple of years. Though the major temples are relatively well touristed these days, it is still possible get away from the crowds, to explore the area and discover Angkor.Siem Reap Town is where you will stay during your visit to Angkor. The area has
been receiving foreign visitors to the temples for over 100 years. The town is actually a cluster of old villages, which originally developed around individual pagodas, and later overlaid with an French colonial-era center. Note the colonial and Chinese style architecture in the town center and around the Old Market. Nowadays, Siem Reap offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops including several upscale hotels and dozens of budget guesthouses. Often missed are the many opportunities to experience traditional Cambodia: ‘Apsara’ dance performances, craft shops and silk farms, road tours through rice-paddy countryside, boat trips on the great Tonle Sap Lake to fishing villages and bird sanctuary, and much more.Sihanoukville (Kampong Som):
Sihanoukville is Cambodia's premier beach town, sporting miles of white sand beaches, picturesque islands and warm tropical waters. Sihanoukv
ille also serves as a travel hub for the coastal towns of southern Cambodia - Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong and beyond. This website is the online version of the print publication - The Sihanoukville Visitors Guide - is Cambodia's first, most comprehensive and widely circulated guide to the beaches, restaurants, bars, hotels, entertainment, transportation and most of what you'll need for your visit to Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong.Sihanoukville was founded as a port town half a century ago, but these days is as much a beach town and tourist destination, catering to weekenders from Phnom Penh and a steadily increasing number of foreign visitors. The town sits on a beach lined peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Thailand and the pace of life in this provincial town is very relaxed and unhurried. The beaches offer umbrellas, thatched roofed eateries and bars and a growing number of nearby restaurants, pubs, bungalows and a range of hotels, all making for a laid-back, beachy atmosphere and a great little tropical getaway. Sihanoukville is a place to unwind by the beach, enjoy the fresh from-the-ocean seafood, party at the bars and happenings, take in an island trip or scuba trip and generally slow down, lay back and chill-out.
Sihanoukville has a more than ample supply of accommodations, including a 5-star resort complex on Sokha Beach, several mid-range places downtown and at the beaches, a few 'upscale' three-star hotels, and dozens of budget guesthouses, especially on Weather Station Hill (Victory Hill). Considering the moderate number of visitors to Sihanoukville, the town offers a surprising number and variety of restaurants and bars. Fresh seafood, especially crab, prawns and ocean fish, has always been one of the town's biggest draws, but there is also a wide variety of places offering foreign cuisines - Australian, French, Indian, German, Sri Lankan, British, Italian, pizza places and even a couple of western-style bakeries. And these days Sihanoukville offers a pretty good night life as well with a wide variety of bars staying open well into the wee hours, especially on Weather Station Hill, in the downtown area, and the beach bars on Ochheuteal, ‘Serendipity’ and Victory Beaches.
Now that most of the major roads are in good condition, regularly scheduled air-con buses crisscross southern Cambodia, making travel easy from Phnom Penh and connecting Sihanoukville with the other coastal cities of Koh Kong, Kampot, Kep, each offering its own unique character. And with the recent opening of the Prek Chak crossing with Vietnam and the completion of the final bridges on the road to Koh Kong earlier this year, the coastal traveler's trail from the Koh Kong crossing with Thailand, though the beach towns of Cambodia and on to southern Vietnam and Phu Quoc Island, is now open.
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