Monday, June 22, 2009
Cause of tourist dropdown in 2009
There are 4 factors that make tourist dropdown to Cambodia and Southeast Asia, please read more
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Cambodia Overview
Cambodia Overview
1. General Overview
Cambodia, a nation with a great history and enthusiastic and enterprising people is rapidly rebuilding itself. Emerging from years of violence and war, that caused irreversible damage, devastation and degradation of its developmental capacities, the country has taken up the challenge of reconstruction, sustained economic development and integration with the global community. Continued misery and suffering resulting from war and poverty may not have disappeared entirely but is receding rapidly with the Royal Government of Cambodia and the people showing great eagerness and interest in implementing developmental strategies.
2. Geography
The Kingdom of Cambodia is located in the tropical region of Southeast Asia in the Lower Mekong region. It has an 800km border with Thailand in the West, 450km border with Lao PDR in the North, 1,250km with Vietnam in the East and a coastline of 440km long. The physical landscape is dominated by the lowland plains around the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Lake. Of the country's surface area of 181,035km², approximately 49% remains covered by forest. There are about 2.5 million hectares of arable land and over 0.5 million hectares of pasture land.
3. Climate
The climate in Cambodia is tropical and subject to both southeast and northwest monsoons. The southeast monsoon, which coincides with the rainy season, extends from May to October. The northwest monsoon brings a cool but drier period from November to April. The average annual rainfall is about 1500 mm, with the heaviest rainfalls of up to 4000 mm per year occurring in the southwest coastal line. The temperatures are fairly uniform in the central basin area with an average of about 27°C. The maximum temperatures in the region vary from 35°C to 38°C which are common before the start of the rainy season, but the temperatures very rarely fall below 10°C.
4. Population and Poverty
In 1998, the Ministry of Planning completed a general population census which reported a population of 11.4 million with an annual growth rate of 2.5%; about 85% of which live in rural areas. Administratively, Cambodia is divided into 24 provinces, including 4 municipalities, 183 districts, 1621 communes and 13,406 villages. The Poverty Profile of Cambodia, based on 1999 data, shows that 36 percent of the populations are living below the poverty line; however the figure is actually four times higher in rural areas (40%) than in Phnom Penh (10%). Rural households, especially those for whom agriculture is the primary source of income, account for almost 90% of the poor.
1. General Overview
Cambodia, a nation with a great history and enthusiastic and enterprising people is rapidly rebuilding itself. Emerging from years of violence and war, that caused irreversible damage, devastation and degradation of its developmental capacities, the country has taken up the challenge of reconstruction, sustained economic development and integration with the global community. Continued misery and suffering resulting from war and poverty may not have disappeared entirely but is receding rapidly with the Royal Government of Cambodia and the people showing great eagerness and interest in implementing developmental strategies.
2. Geography
The Kingdom of Cambodia is located in the tropical region of Southeast Asia in the Lower Mekong region. It has an 800km border with Thailand in the West, 450km border with Lao PDR in the North, 1,250km with Vietnam in the East and a coastline of 440km long. The physical landscape is dominated by the lowland plains around the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Lake. Of the country's surface area of 181,035km², approximately 49% remains covered by forest. There are about 2.5 million hectares of arable land and over 0.5 million hectares of pasture land.
3. Climate
The climate in Cambodia is tropical and subject to both southeast and northwest monsoons. The southeast monsoon, which coincides with the rainy season, extends from May to October. The northwest monsoon brings a cool but drier period from November to April. The average annual rainfall is about 1500 mm, with the heaviest rainfalls of up to 4000 mm per year occurring in the southwest coastal line. The temperatures are fairly uniform in the central basin area with an average of about 27°C. The maximum temperatures in the region vary from 35°C to 38°C which are common before the start of the rainy season, but the temperatures very rarely fall below 10°C.
4. Population and Poverty
In 1998, the Ministry of Planning completed a general population census which reported a population of 11.4 million with an annual growth rate of 2.5%; about 85% of which live in rural areas. Administratively, Cambodia is divided into 24 provinces, including 4 municipalities, 183 districts, 1621 communes and 13,406 villages. The Poverty Profile of Cambodia, based on 1999 data, shows that 36 percent of the populations are living below the poverty line; however the figure is actually four times higher in rural areas (40%) than in Phnom Penh (10%). Rural households, especially those for whom agriculture is the primary source of income, account for almost 90% of the poor.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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.
Phnom Penh:
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.
Phnom Penh:
Capital of the Kingdom of CambodiaA 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 nearly 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 AngkorNestled between rice paddies and stretched along the Siem Reap River, the s
mall 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.
mall 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.-BAYON TEMPLE
Situated in the center of Angkor Thom, Bayon was the state temple of Jayavaman VII. Its structure and architecture are relatively complex. It is famous for its face towers which was originally supposed to be 54 or 49 but now only 34 remaining at the site. Most of t
hese temple towers have faces only on their one or two sides. The outer enclosure of the temple measures 156m by 141m. The inner closure is 80m by 70m. The main structure of the temple has galleries and corner pavilions. The Bayon by its structure seems to have been used for the Hindu and Buddhist worship. The iconography belongs to both religions.Bayon has two sets of bas reliefs carved in its galleries. The first set has the subjects mainly from history like battle with the Chams and many scenes from the daily life of the people at that time. The second set is in the inner side seems to be carved at a later period and depicts palace scenes, processions and divinities.The central shrine is round with opening on east and west. It is surrounded by small rectangular and triangular rooms.
Situated in the center of Angkor Thom, Bayon was the state temple of Jayavaman VII. Its structure and architecture are relatively complex. It is famous for its face towers which was originally supposed to be 54 or 49 but now only 34 remaining at the site. Most of t
hese temple towers have faces only on their one or two sides. The outer enclosure of the temple measures 156m by 141m. The inner closure is 80m by 70m. The main structure of the temple has galleries and corner pavilions. The Bayon by its structure seems to have been used for the Hindu and Buddhist worship. The iconography belongs to both religions.Bayon has two sets of bas reliefs carved in its galleries. The first set has the subjects mainly from history like battle with the Chams and many scenes from the daily life of the people at that time. The second set is in the inner side seems to be carved at a later period and depicts palace scenes, processions and divinities.The central shrine is round with opening on east and west. It is surrounded by small rectangular and triangular rooms.-ANGKOR WAT
Angkor Wat, originally known as Vrah Vishmulok – the sacred abode of Lord Vsihmu – is the largest te
mple in the world. It was built in the 12th century A.D. by the most illustrious Khmer King Suryavarman II during his reign between A.D. 1113 and 1150. It is a masterpiece of Khmer civilization and a unique combination of architectural harmony, perfection, symmetry, iconography and spiritual knowledge of the ancient Khmers.Angkor Wat covers an area of 240 hectares forming a rectangle of 1470m by 1650m with its outlying moats. The temple itself measures 187m by 125m at the outer edge of its third gallery. Built in three tiers, the tower of its central century reaches a height of 58m. The bas relief gallery forming third enclosure depicts rich Hindu scriptural knowledge and its deep understanding by the ancient Khmers. Angkor Wat faces west since it is dedicated to God Vishmu who is the Lord of the western quarter
mple in the world. It was built in the 12th century A.D. by the most illustrious Khmer King Suryavarman II during his reign between A.D. 1113 and 1150. It is a masterpiece of Khmer civilization and a unique combination of architectural harmony, perfection, symmetry, iconography and spiritual knowledge of the ancient Khmers.Angkor Wat covers an area of 240 hectares forming a rectangle of 1470m by 1650m with its outlying moats. The temple itself measures 187m by 125m at the outer edge of its third gallery. Built in three tiers, the tower of its central century reaches a height of 58m. The bas relief gallery forming third enclosure depicts rich Hindu scriptural knowledge and its deep understanding by the ancient Khmers. Angkor Wat faces west since it is dedicated to God Vishmu who is the Lord of the western quarter-PREAH KHAN
Preah Khan was created in 1191 to Boddhisatva Lokeshwara, Jayavarmeshwar. It was built by Jayavarman III in the memory of his father Dharanindravarman. The statue was placed in the central sanctuary. There are three temples around the sanctuary. The north temple is dedicated to Lord Shiv, west temple to Lord Vishmu and south temple to other deities. According to the inscription found in the temple, 1500 tones of copper were used for ornamenting the walls. The entrance of the temple is flanked by devatas and asuras and people were residing inside its premises. It is located on the north of its own baray called Jayatatak covering 56 hectares. It was a temple, monastery and a center or learning. It has four enclosures 700m wide and 800m long. According to the inscription of the temple, there were hundreds of thousand people working and residing inside it like a city. There were hundreds of deities installed inside the temple. Elaborate and meticulous methods of performing worship and festivals were used in the temple.
Preah Khan was created in 1191 to Boddhisatva Lokeshwara, Jayavarmeshwar. It was built by Jayavarman III in the memory of his father Dharanindravarman. The statue was placed in the central sanctuary. There are three temples around the sanctuary. The north temple is dedicated to Lord Shiv, west temple to Lord Vishmu and south temple to other deities. According to the inscription found in the temple, 1500 tones of copper were used for ornamenting the walls. The entrance of the temple is flanked by devatas and asuras and people were residing inside its premises. It is located on the north of its own baray called Jayatatak covering 56 hectares. It was a temple, monastery and a center or learning. It has four enclosures 700m wide and 800m long. According to the inscription of the temple, there were hundreds of thousand people working and residing inside it like a city. There were hundreds of deities installed inside the temple. Elaborate and meticulous methods of performing worship and festivals were used in the temple.
-THE ANGKOR NIGHT MARKET
The Angkor Night Market is designed to give visitors a safe, secure, and enjoyable shopping and dining experience in a vibrant, contemporary Khmer environment.
As well as a wide variety of stalls offering a diverse range of goods and services in a hassle-free environment, the Angkor Night Market includes the ambient Island Bar and food court serving all the usual drinks, cocktails and large menu of Asian and Western cuisine from the afternoon until late night.
The Island Bar - A place where you can chill up, enjoy yourself and take up a new energy for a next day...
The Angkor Night Market is unique. Not only do thenaturally constructed stalls display good quality local wares but many are stocked with original items from outside Siem Reap. This has earned The Angkor Night Market a well-deserved reputation of place where you can find different and unusual products not readily available elsewhere in the local area. The Island Bar stands out as one of the only places in town where traditional Cambodian culture and architecture are fused with a cosmopolitan feel in an open-air, ambient setting.
Sihanoukville (Kampong Som):
The Angkor Night Market is designed to give visitors a safe, secure, and enjoyable shopping and dining experience in a vibrant, contemporary Khmer environment.
As well as a wide variety of stalls offering a diverse range of goods and services in a hassle-free environment, the Angkor Night Market includes the ambient Island Bar and food court serving all the usual drinks, cocktails and large menu of Asian and Western cuisine from the afternoon until late night.
The Island Bar - A place where you can chill up, enjoy yourself and take up a new energy for a next day...
The Angkor Night Market is unique. Not only do thenaturally constructed stalls display good quality local wares but many are stocked with original items from outside Siem Reap. This has earned The Angkor Night Market a well-deserved reputation of place where you can find different and unusual products not readily available elsewhere in the local area. The Island Bar stands out as one of the only places in town where traditional Cambodian culture and architecture are fused with a cosmopolitan feel in an open-air, ambient setting.
Sihanoukville (Kampong Som):
Sihanoukville is Cambodia's premier beach town, sporting miles of white sand beaches, picturesque islands and warm tropical waters. Sihanoukville 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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