Cambodia Circuit

Crater Time in the Wild East

Crater Time in the Wild East 
 
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Experience an award-winning ecoretreat in the mountainous province of Ratanakiri, Cambodia's ‘Wild East’. 
The experience: Yaklom Hill Lodge is the leading ecolodge in Cambodia and has been recognised by several tourism organisations such as Green Globe Awards and Responsible Tourism. This peaceful lodge is set in a lush tract of jungle near the beautiful volcanic crater lake of Yeak Loam. This rich habitat includes more than 60 species of birds and several types of small mammal. Accommodation is in attractive wooden cottages 
and includes singles, doubles, triples and a family cottage. There is also a traditional hilltribe house which can sleep up to eight people. All have a private bathroom and electricity by night to power a fan and some lights. The lodge is currently looking at ways to improve solar power and eliminate the need for a generator. The lodge also includes an evocative restaurant and bar. 
 
There are several viewing platforms dotted about the site, offering lush jungle views for sunrise or sunset. There are also nature trails, affording the possibility of bird and wildlife sightings. The lodge also has an extensive trekking programme around Ratanakiri and can organise day walks, overnight treks to tribal villages and longer treks into Virachey National Park. Yaklom Hill Lodge is the ideal place to get away from it all and experience another side of Cambodia, among minority peoples in their mountain home. 
 
How it helps: Yaklom Hill Lodge promotes ecotourism, culturally sensitive tourism and community tourism. The lodge tries to conserve local environment and ecology by protecting vegetation in the lodge area and the habitats of wild animals. It promotes sustainable cultural tourism with the participation of local villagers and 
it contributes to local communities in support of community development. The lodge pays serious attention to conserving the natural environment and resources, and minimizing its impact on nature. This includes saving water, minimizing the use of conventional energy and promoting the use of renewable energy such as solar power. The lodge also promotes inter-cultural exchange between visitors and indigenous villagers through 
its trekking and village home stay programmes. The lodge supports communities with overnight fees for the host families or direct contribution to the host villages through their community development activities. All staff at Yaklom Hill Lodge are locally recruited. The multi-ethnic staff includes the Tompuon, Kreung, Khmer and Lao ethnic groups. 
 
Woven with Respect 
From the red earth of Preah Vihear, a community of determined landmine survivors is creating a sustainable income through traditional weaving. 
The experience: Weaves of Cambodia is a village-based silk weaving studio located in the remote province of Preah Vihear in the far north of Cambodia. It was established in 1997 to offer employment opportunities for landmine survivors. The studio is directed by American textile designer Carol Cassidy, who also runs a renowned silk weaving outlet in Vientiane. 
 
Visitors are welcome to explore the studio in Tbeng Meanchey in Preah Vihear province. Tours are available and staff are happy to explain every step of the production process. This part of Cambodia sees fewer tourists than most, so the team are always happy to meet new visitors and demonstrate their skills. There is a small showroom at the studio where visitors can purchase unique handmade silk accessories such 
as scarves and shawls. Continuous training in colour theory, textile design, marketing and management has contributed to a reputation of excellence throughout Cambodia. 
 
Weaves of Cambodia offers handwoven silk with a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and creativity. The world-class textiles are sold in design shops throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. 
How it helps: Working closely with Village Focus International, Weaves of Cambodia is a community- 
based enterprise employing landmine survivors and disabled people. Preah Vihear has one of the 
highest levels of landmine victims in the country and this project tries to focus on vulnerable women and their families. 
Weaves of Cambodia strives to uphold Fair Trade values. It provides a rare employment opportunity for physically challenged artisans to earn a significant income that supports the entire family. The remote Studio enables the weavers of Tbeng Meanchey to stay in their rural homes, be gainfully employed, have professional integrity and contribute to the economy. 
Weaves of Cambodia is Khmer managed and employs more than 40 rural artisans. Weaves is making strides toward self-sufficiency and hopes to remain a viable model for weaving success in Cambodia. Village Focus assists with management, marketing, development and accounting. Weaves' silk is helping Cambodia weave a brighter future.

Top Attraction Cambodia What to see & do Crater Time in the Wild East

Crater Time in the Wild East Experience an award-winning ecoretreat in the mountainous province of Ratanakiri, Cambodia's ‘Wild East’. The experience: Yaklom Hill Lodge is the leading ecolodge in Cambodia and has been recognised by several tourism or…

A Café That Cares

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A Café That Cares 
 
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Retreat to a lush garden café serving tasty vegetarian creations that acts as a focus for environmental and community awareness in Siem Reap. The experience: The Singing Tree Café is a delightful garden café situated just a short stroll from the centre of Siem Reap. The café management aims to promote responsible tourism, social ecology and foster community spirit. The menu is mostly vegetarian (with some fish and a little 
seafood) and offers a selection of Khmer homecooking, as well as salads, home baked bread and grilled sandwiches. The drinks selection includes smoothies, juices and shakes, as well as creative teas and coffees. Free wi-fi access is available for all customers and there is an additional free computer for those without a laptop. 
Opened in 2005, the café houses a Fair Trade shop and promotes information on environmental awareness and social issues in and around Siem Reap. The upstairs community space has a library of quality DVDs, including movies on Khmer history, religion and an extensive collection of art, children's and alternative movies. Lectures and presentations on environmental issues complement the regular schedule of yoga and meditation practice. 
How it helps: The Singing Tree supports the environment in several ways. The café hosts display boards with environmental information concerning the forest and wildlife situation in Cambodia. There are regular presentations by organizations and individuals who work in these areas. Presentations to date include the subjects of wildlife preservation, water filters and solar power. 
The café sells fresh and healthy, organic vegetarian and vegan food. The Singing Tree also supports disadvantaged people in a number of ways. The café is an active fund-raiser for two projects, The Green Gecko Project for street children and Osmose Water Hyacinth Handicraft Products for the women of Prek Toal. This is done by facilitating community workshops and classes where the fees are donated to the projects. The café's information boards help to raise funds for the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity, Osmose, The Green Gecko Project and the Trailblazer Foundation. 
The small shop at the café displays and promotes Fair Trade products from four different sources: Rehab Craft Cambodia, Silk Lab Handmade Accessories, the Osmose Water Hyacinth Project, 
and the Buddhist Association shop in Thailand. To get there, it’s a three minutes' walk from the Old 
Market and Pub Street (Psar Chas). Cross the river at the bridge. Turn left and walk along the river. Turn right into the second lane. Enter the green 
 
 
Cool Café With Heart 
A classy café, sassy spa and gift shop that create employment for disabled people and assist vulnerable locals in the wider community. The experience: The Starfish Bakery and Café is a shady retreat from the bustle of downtown Sihanoukville and a great place to relax during the heat of the day. The café menu includes homemade pastries, freshly baked bread, delicious chocolate brownies, healthy salads, inventive 
sandwiches and fresh fruit shakes. All customers can enjoy free wireless Internet access and the peaceful garden is the perfect backdrop to keep in touch with family and friends. As well as the popular café, there is also a handicrafts shop upstairs that sells an excellent range of local products made by disabled people. 
The Sala Santepheap Massage Centre is also found here and is an indulgent way to relax after a busy day of fun in the sun. Indian head massage, Thai massage, foot massage and aromatherapy are all available and administered by experienced blind masseurs.The café is located down a side street behind Samudera Market in the centre of Sihanoukville. 
 
How it helps: A Buddhist monk was on the beach with his apprentice the day after a fierce storm. Thousands of starfish had been washed up and stranded on the shore. Stooping down, the monk carefully lifted a single creature and returned it to the sea. His young apprentice wondered aloud why his master bothered to do 
this when it made little difference to the mass of helpless creatures. As they walked along, the monk picked up another single starfish and replied, “It makes a difference to this one.” 
This is the guiding principle behind the Starfish Project, a charitable grassroots organization founded in 2000 as a community-based humanitarian initiative. Starfish meets its objective by providing its clients and their families with the means to gain self-sufficiency and independence. Starfish are involved in a diversity of projects such as housing, community and water projects, medical and livelihood assistance, business startups, support to woman living in prisons and other self-sustainable projects. 
The Starfish bakery and café was set up in 2001 and exclusively hires disabled people that would struggle finding meaningful jobs as a result of their disabilities. Income generated from all these businesses fund the staff salaries, rent utilities and covers the administrative costs of the Starfish project so that donations are solely used to help disadvantaged people.

What to see & do A Café That Cares

A Café That Cares Retreat to a lush garden café serving tasty vegetarian creations that acts as a focus for environmental and community awareness in Siem Reap. The experience: The Singing Tree Café is a delightful garden café situated just a short st…

Wildlife in Safe Hands

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Wildlife in Safe Hands 
Encounter the diversity of Cambodian wildlife at one of the best rescue centres in the region, providing a sanctuary for countless threatened species. 
The experience: Phnom Tamao is Cambodia’s leading zoological collection and one of the finest wildlife rescue centres in Southeast Asia. Set in 2,300 hectares of protected forest just 40 km south of Phnom Penh, Phnom Tamao provides a perfect day excursion from the city and enables visitors to view some of Cambodia’s most spectacular wildlife in a natural forest setting. As many as 1,000 animals from more 80 species of Cambodian wildlife can be found at the centre. Elephants, tigers, leopards, bears and other large mammals, all rescued from the illegal wildlife trade or donated by owners who could no longer care for them, are now housed in large, naturalised enclosures within the Phnom Tamao Protected Forest. Phnom Tamao was established by the Forestry Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries in 1995. 
It is supported by a number of international conservation organizations such as Wildlife Alliance, Free the Bears Fund and Care for the Wild. The centre is home to the world’s largest captive collections of pileated gibbons and Malayan sun bears, as well as other rarities such as Siamese crocodiles and greater adjutant storks. 
 
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Wherever possible animals are released back into the wild once they have recovered. The centre operates breeding programmes for a number of globally threatened species. Cambodia's wildlife is usually very difficult to spot, as larger mammals inhabit remote and inhospitable areas of the country. Phnom Tamao is their perfect place to discover more about the incredible variety of animals in Cambodia. 
How it helps: As the only official government owned facility for the placement of rescued wildlife within Cambodia, Phnom Tamao plays a pivotal role in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. 
 
Each year, hundreds of animals are rehabilitated here before being re-released into protected areas throughout the country whilst other species are bred for future reintroduction and to create a ‘safety net’ population for their wild counterparts. 
With around 400,000 visitors per year, the centre also performs a vital role in helping to educate Cambodians about the conservation threats facing many of the country’s wild animals. The centre helps shape attitudes towards a more sustainable approach regarding natural resources. Phnom Tamao is a popular place for school trips from Phnom Penh, which ensures Cambodia's future generations are educated as to the importance of wildlife protection.

What to see & do Wildlife in Safe Hands

Wildlife in Safe Hands Encounter the diversity of Cambodian wildlife at one of the best rescue centres in the region, providing a sanctuary for countless threatened species. The experience: Phnom Tamao is Cambodia’s leading zoological collection and …

What a Circus

6:53 AM 0

What a Circus! 
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Take part in the revival of the Khmer arts with a visit to a local performing circus troupe that offers an alternative lifestyle in the arts community for young Cambodians. 
The experience: Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS: the brightness of art) is famous throughout Cambodia for its exploits in circus and performance. A Cambodian NGO created in 1994, the group originally performed in the refugee camps on the Thai border and is now based in Battambang in Northwest Cambodia. Visitors are welcomed to the centre and a variety of activities are on offer. 
There are regular circus performances under the tent in the grounds, which are fun for all the family. 
Acts include fire juggling, acrobatics and clowns, as well as some dance performances. It is also possible to enjoy traditional Khmer cuisine in the restaurant, as well as browse the permanent art exhibition on display. PPS also offers drawing workshops at the 11th century Angkorian temple of Wat Ek Phnom. 
 
These are led by visual art students and are great way to get to know some young Cambodians. For those who want to get even closer to Khmer culture, PPS can arrange dinner and a homestay with a Cambodian family. 
 
How it helps: Phare Ponleu Selpak focuses on rehabilitating street children, orphans, and children living in risky situations and providing them with a sustainable future through the understanding of art. 
About 350 children are involved in artistic activities such as visual arts, music, circus, drama and dance, including teenagers and young adults. Students can choose artistic activities for leisure or vocational training to become a professional. PPS focuses on turning art into a sustainable activity by assisting students with the sale of their artistic creations, promoting their work through exhibitions and performances, and giving them the opportunity to redefine modern Cambodian art. 
The artistic vocational training creates performance arts such as dance, circus and drama, plus music concerts and visual arts such as cartoons and exhibitions. The profit is split 40/40/20: 40% goes to the artists, 40% goes to the school the artist attends, and 20% goes to social services and the administration of PPS. If it was not for PPS they would have no way to raise their voices, even when it comes to their basic needs. Thus children in the centre acquire life skills, self-esteem and confidence, as they participate in the artistic and cultural development of their country.

What to see & do What a Circus

What a Circus! Take part in the revival of the Khmer arts with a visit to a local performing circus troupe that offers an alternative lifestyle in the arts community for young Cambodians. The experience: Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS: the brightness of ar…

Birds of the Flooded Forest

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Birds of the Flooded Forest 
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Witness some of the rarest birds in Southeast Asia in their pristine natural environment and help secure their future by taking a tour that works in partnership with local communities in floating villages amid semi-submerged forests. 
The experience: Osmose specialises in ecotours to the Prek Toal Biosphere, one of the premier bird watching sites in Southeast Asia. Prek Toal is home to breeding colonies of large water birds now extinct elsewhere in the region and is a pristine flooded forest environment. Some of the more accessible birds include lesser and greater adjutants, spot-billed pelicans and milky storks. 
These incredible birds have huge wing spans and construct large nests in the trees of the flooded forest. 
Osmose offers day trips and overnight tours from Siem Reap to the Prek Toal Biosphere. Osmose has been operating since 1999 and tries to create harmony between the unique environment of the semi-submerged forests, the incredible birdlife, and the local communities that have lived in this area for hundreds of years. 
As well as organising birding tours to Prek Toal, Osmose offers canoeing tours of the floating villages which provide unique insights into everyday life on the lake. The Prek Toal Biosphere is about two hours from Siem Reap by a combination of road and boat. 
How it helps: Osmose is a non-profit NGO working in conservation, environmental education and sustainable development. 
The Osmose ecotourism project offers alternative livelihoods to the local communities through opportunities in guiding, paddling, providing food and accommodation and the sales of water hyacinth handicrafts. Osmose has helped to revitalise water hyacinth weaving to promote handicrafts and this has helped to improve the 
lives of many village women. All these jobs and services are linked to the conservation of the environment around Prek Toal. Osmose has turned poachers into gamekeepers and employs more than 25 locals to protect the waterbird colonies. 
Osmose is responsible for the environmental education of more than 1,200 children in three floating villages in the Prek Toal-Tonle Sap area. 
Subjects include the importance of the forest in the life cycle of the fish on which the community depends for its livelihood, conservation of the forest flora and fauna, and responsible waste management, differentiating organic matter from inorganic.

What to see & do Birds of the Flooded Forest

Birds of the Flooded Forest Witness some of the rarest birds in Southeast Asia in their pristine natural environment and help secure their future by taking a tour that works in partnership with local communities in floating villages amid semi-submerg…

For the Smile of a Child

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For the Smile of a Child 
Enjoy lunch at a renowned restaurant that is offering a better future to the children from the municipal dump in Phnom Penh. The experience: Le Lotus Blanc specialises in fine Asian and European flavours and draws a 
regular crowd to indulge in its popular set lunches. Established to offer vocational training to children who live around the Stung Meanchey municipal garbage dump, the restaurant has earned a name for itself thanks to subtle flavours and attentive service. As well as the popular restaurant, there is also a hotel school here and several rooms are available for guests. However, these tend to be popular with visiting supporters of PSE projects, as the location is a little out of the way for most tourists. There is also a beauty and spa school, so visitors can also arrange a massage to help relax after a delicious lunch. 
 
How it helps: Le Lotus Blanc is run by Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE - For the Smile of a Child), a French NGO that has been protecting, feeding and educating children who live and work in the streets around the Stung Meanchey dump since 1996. In order to offer them a better future, PSE provides vocational training in the hotel and restaurant sector. 
The main PSE centre is open to visitors on weekdays from 0800 to 1700 and on Saturday mornings. It is possible to witness all the PSE activities on a visit to the centre. PSE supports almost 5,000 children from birth through to young adulthood. PSE provides the youngsters with food, healthcare, education and vocational training. 
 
As well as vocational training for the hotel andhospitality industry, there is also a shop where PSE sells handicrafts made by the parents of the young children at the centre. Many visitors help by giving money or becoming regular donors to PSE. However, PSE is happy to welcome visitors for a meal or a massage, as this helps to improve the training of the students. PSE does not make a profit through the restaurant and spa, but both need customers to ensure students experience training that closely mirrors the reality of the workplace. The better trained the students, the better equipped they are to find a job and help their families. 
Eat a meal, take a drink or relax with a massage, a visit to Le Lotus Blanc is helping impoverished Cambodian families towards a better life. 
 
 
Designs for Life 
Striking silk designs cause a stir in northern Cambodia and help vulnerable women work towards a new life. 
The experience: Mekong Blue is the silk weaving showroom of the Stung Treng Women's Development Centre (SWDC) and has become famous throughout Cambodia for the high quality of its handwoven silk. Mekong Blue has a range of international clients for its silk. With the volume of overland tourist traffic between Cambodia and Laos increasing, the outlet is set to become a popular stop for visitors in Stung Treng. 
The first weaving centre opened in 2003 and is now the flagship Mekong Blue operation with almost 30 women working. Mekong Blue products are 100% silk fibres, use natural dyes and are woven on traditional handlooms. UNESCO has twice honoured Mekong Blue with its Seal of Excellence award for Mekong Blue silk scarves in 2004 and 2005. Mekong Blue has more than 200 patterns and encourages customers to create their own designs to improve the confidence and knowledge of the weavers. As well as visiting the 
weaving centre, there is also a café and gallery open to the public, offering a mouthwatering range of Khmer and international dishes. Order some food and browse the gallery, which includes a selection of the finest weaving from Mekong Blue. Mekong Blue is located about 4 km from the centre of Stung Treng. Visit the website to have a look at their online catalogue, which includes scarves, clothing, accessories and bedding. 
How it helps: Mekong Blue has created dozens of jobs for vulnerable rural women in Stung Treng province. The jobs have boosted confidence, improved livelihoods and empowered people to better plan their lives and make decisions about their future. Mekong Blue has reinforced the vision that with opportunity, meaningful human development in Cambodia is possible. 
 
The SWDC was originally established as a crisis centre for the terminally ill, mainly those infected with HIV-AIDS. However, the focus has steadily shifted towards preventing infection in healthy young people, particularly vulnerable women. This has led to an expansion in education and healthcare programmes combined with training and employment opportunities to provide more choices in life. 
Current programmes include literacy and health education, school sponsorship, vocational training in weaving and sewing or carpentry and construction, and child care. All these are dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and giving new hope to the women of Stung Treng. Proceeds from Mekong Blue are ploughed back into the SWDC to improve and expand existing programmes.

What to see & do For the Smile of a Child

For the Smile of a Child Enjoy lunch at a renowned restaurant that is offering a better future to the children from the municipal dump in Phnom Penh. The experience: Le Lotus Blanc specialises in fine Asian and European flavours and draws a regular c…

Upcountry Homestay

5:37 AM 0

Upcountry Homestay 
 
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Experience a slice of rural life when travelling between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with a traditional homestay in Kompong Thom province. 
The experience: Khmer Village Homestay offers an insight into rural life in Cambodia, offering visitors the chance to spend the night in a local community. Bungalow accommodation is available in the village and genuine homestays can be arranged with some notice. Palm thatch huts are available, as well as a traditional Khmer house. All accommodation includes access to clean bathrooms, as well as three hearty meals a day. 
Project organisers promise no spiders or insects on the menu, but lots of good Khmer country food. 
 
Activities include village tours by ox cart or donkey cart and guided walks in the surrounding area. It is also possible to learn how to fish with the locals, as well as see boat making in progress for the fishing season. For the more adventurous, it is possible to climb a sugar palm tree to help with the daily palm wine harvest, the closest thing to draft beer in the Cambodian countryside. 
 
The village includes a handicraft production centre with weaving, sewing and printing projects underway. There are also traditional Cambodian dance performances by local school children. 
Khmer Village Homestay gives visitors a taste of the rural lifestyle in Cambodia. Guests can witness an authentic Cambodian village and learn about typical lives and livelihoods in the countryside. 
Khmer Village Homestay is situated in Baray District, Kompong Thom province, the heartland of Cambodia, about 120 km from Phnom Penh on the road to Siem Reap. 
 
How it helps: Khmer Village Homestay provides an income to villagers in Baray district. This region of Kompong Thom does not have a wealth of tourist attractions, so the homestay project is a unique way to allow rural Cambodians to participate in the tourism industry. Khmer Village Homestay contributes directly to the community with all benefits going to the local people. All transport such as ox carts, boats and other transport are sourced locally. Tourism creates new opportunities and more jobs for the local community. Khmer Village Homestay employs six full-time local staff. 
 
Off the Beaten Path 
Cambodia to see a different side of the country and help spread income from tourism. The experience: Local Adventures Cambodia is an inbound tour operator specialising in tailormade travel. The company offers gentle adventures to a Cambodia less travelled. Local Adventures stands out from the crowd thanks to a wide network of travel partners in Cambodia and unique itineraries to off-the-beaten-track destinations 
such as Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Kompong Cham, Kampot, Prey Veng, Kirirom and beyond. 
Local Adventures prides itself on its flexibility and will try to handle any request. 
Local Adventures has been operating for several years. Most of the customers come from Europe. 
Travellers can book through the website or when in Cambodia. Local Adventures has an office in the centre of Phnom Penh. The multilingual staff have all travelled throughout the country and can provide reliable information about Cambodia. The enthusiastic team is happy to inform travellers about the numerous attractions Cambodia has to offer. 
 
How it helps: The name says it all. Local Adventures strives to work closely with local people instead of big international corporations. Where other travel companies focus on short breaks to Angkor Wat, Local Adventures emphasises the tranquillity of rural life and the beauty of lessvisited areas. 
 
Tourism has the potential to serve as a sustainable source of income for locals in the poorer regions of 
Cambodia. A big problem in Cambodia is that tourism is not developed in remote regions in part because locals do not have the opportunities to invest in tourism services. It is not just a lack of money. It is due to a lack of knowledge and experience. Local Adventures has developed exclusive homestays in Kompong Cham and Prey Veng province, which help spread the benefits of tourism. 
 
Local Adventures is also behind COLT (the Cambodian Organization for Learning and Training). This orphanage provides shelter, education and vocational training to improve the lives of Khmer children. Local Adventures already offers volunteer travel. There are plans to coordinate this in a more structured way and assist orphanages in other areas. For more on COLT, visit www.colt-cambodia.org.

Upcountry Homestay

Upcountry Homestay Experience a slice of rural life when travelling between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with a traditional homestay in Kompong Thom province. The experience: Khmer Village Homestay offers an insight into rural life in Cambodia, offering …

Luxury Hotel That Cares

5:30 AM 0

Luxury Hotel That Cares 
Enjoy traditional Cambodian hospitality in trendy surrounds at this cultured hotel that strives to build a bridge between visiting tourists and the Cambodian community beyond. 
The experience: Possibly Siem Reap's hippest boutique hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the majestic temples of Angkor. Drawing on influences from the art deco period while acknowledging traditional Khmer design, Hotel de la Paix is a fashionable place to stay. Facilities include lavishly decorated rooms complete with open plan bathrooms and fully loaded ipods, as well as split-level duplex studios. 
Facilities include the Spa Indochine to stimulate the mind and revive the body, as well as internationally- 
renowned dining outlets. The hotel is set around a striking courtyard complete with sumptuous sculpture in the Angkor style with elegant water features. Hotel de la Paix is located in the heart of Siem Reap and is just a ten minute drive from the temples of Angkor. 
 
What sets the hotel apart from other boutique hotels and luxurious resorts in Siem Reap is a commitment to the local environment, the wider community and the region's culture. A stay at Hotel de la Paix is a way to help Siem Reap move in the right direction. 
How It helps: Hotel de la Paix and its sister hotel, Shinta Mani, strive to make a difference in several ways. The most important is the Connecting Menu which helps establish a link between guests and community needs. 
The hotel operates guest excursions to local farming communities and assists guests in providing sponsorship and support for community basics in the form of water wells, school supplies, bicycles and clothing. The Shinta Mani hotel also operates an Institute of Hospitality, which provides free hospitality industry training to young Khmer people 'at risk'. 
The hotels also have close relationships with local orphanages and sewing centres. Hotel de la Paix supports The Life & Hope Association (LHA) and the Sangkheum Centre, as well as assisting the Sewing Centre at the LHA to produce silk products which are available for purchase in the gift shop. 
The guestroom amenities include artefacts produced by a landmine NGO. The spa supports a masseuse from the Blind Institute and many of the items on display in the gift shop are produced by local organisations. 
The hotel continues to support the community when the guest returns home. Many guests have seen the difference they can make and they want to do more. The hotel facilitates this after the guests have gone home. 
 
The hotel draws the majority of its staff from the local community and they are given top quality training in English language, communications, team building, fire prevention, first aid, HIV-AIDS awareness, health and hygiene. The hotel employs students from local training schools such as the Shinta Mani Institute of Hospitality, the Salabai School, and other NGOs. 
The hotel monitors the effects of its programmes on the community through discussions with local NGOs, village and religious leaders. Audit requirements are met at the end of each month and are reported to the general manager and managing director. 
Hotel de la Paix hosts a restaurant and café and extensive kitchen facilities for food production. The hotel, in conjunction with Bio-diesel Cambodia, recycles waste cooking oils into environmentally friendly bio-diesel fuel which is then used for electricity generation in remote rural areas. 
The hotel procures most of its food produce from local farmers who practice organic agriculture and sustainable harvesting, including wild honey production and pepper harvesting. Only specialist foods are imported. 
Rubbish separation is performed with both guest trash and kitchen refuse. Plastic, paper and tin cans are collected in bins and sent for local recycling. Eco-friendly laundry chemicals are used throughout the hotel. Discarded soap and spoilt bed linen is recycled for use at back-of-house areas. 
 
The hotel regularly allows local artisans and artists to exhibit their work in the Arts Lounge, which acts as the focal point of meetings and relaxation. Recent exhibitions have included paintings highlighting the beauty of Khmer women, sculptures created from decommissioned weapons from the Khmer Rouge era, and photographs explore the role of Ouk Chatrang (Cambodian chess) in Khmer culture.

Luxury Hotel That Cares

Luxury Hotel That Cares Enjoy traditional Cambodian hospitality in trendy surrounds at this cultured hotel that strives to build a bridge between visiting tourists and the Cambodian community beyond. The experience: Possibly Siem Reap's hippest bouti…

Fighting an Underground War

6:58 AM 0

Fighting an Underground War 
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the shadow they cast over rural communities in Cambodia with a visit to this flagship museum that promotes mine awareness and education. The experience: The Landmine Museum tells the terrible story of landmines and UXO (unexploded ordnance) in Cambodia. Cambodia has been scarred by years of conflict and some of the deepest scars lie just inches beneath the surface. These invisible enemies within the soil of the land have killed and maimed many thousands of Cambodians in the past few decades. Landmines continue to pose a threat to innocent civilians trying to get on with their lives. Anywhere between four and eight million landmines may have been deployed in Cambodia during the long years of conflict from 1970 to 1998. Many 
mines have been removed by various demining organizations, but there are still millions still scattered 
across the countryside. Landmines and UXO will continue to be a blight on development until they are all removed. Tragically, discovery often means an innocent civilian, often a child, losing a leg. 
 
The Landmine Museum displays a large collection of weapons of war, including guns, rifles, rocket launchers, mortars, bombs and landmines. The site includes a mocked-up minefield where visitors can attempt to locate the deactivated mines. The museum is a rich resource of information about landmines and UXO with many educational displays detailing how certain mines are used, and in what situations. There is also a DVD available telling the story of landmines and UXO in Cambodia and the disastrous impact they have had on the population. Not only a weapon during war, mines kill in times of peace. Aki Ra is the founder of the Cambodia Landmine Museum and National Project Manager for the Cambodia Landmine Museum Relief Fund (CLMMRF), the NGO behind the museum. His mother and father were killed during the Pol Pot regime and he was forced to live in a Khmer Rouge camp for children. At just ten, he was given his first rifle and spent the next two decades involved in the civil war. During that time, landmines became 
his best friend; they protected him, helped him to catch food and even helped to save his life on a number of occasions when the war was at its fiercest. 
In the early 1990s Aki Ra received training as a deminer. He had already learnt much about landmines and ordnance having laid hundreds of mines and booby traps as a soldier. He began receiving requests from villagers around the country, and has been working to help clear mines ever since. 
 
Aki Ra purchased some land along the river just outside Siem Reap in 1997. He built a series of shacks to store his growing collection of shell casings and decommissioned mines. 
 
In 1998, Aki Ra opened his doors to show the collection to the hundreds of tourists who were flocking to visit the temples of Angkor. His home quickly evolved to become the Cambodia Landmine Museum. The museum soon began to serve as a rescue centre for a number of amputee children. As the museum grew, so did the number of children that came to live at the museum. Soon journalists, filmmakers and TV crews were 
coming from all over the world to document his work as news spread about the museum. Time Magazine, CNN, BBC, NTV (Japan), CBC (Canada), have all featured the Cambodia Landmine Museum. 
The new Cambodia Landmine Museum is located in a purpose-built centre near Banteay Srei. It is located about 6 km south of Banteay Srei on the right-hand side of the road. Admission is US$1 and it is open from 0700 to 1800 daily. How it helps: The CLMMRF is registered as a NGO with both the Canadian and Cambodian governments and serves to provide financial legitimacy for the Landmine Museum. The goals of 
the CLMMRF are to maintain the Landmine Museum in Cambodia for the purpose of promoting landmine accident prevention awareness and public education, and to provide educational facilities, programming and rehabilitation facilities for survivors of landmine injuries. The CLMMRF is able to fund projects with grants from organizations such as The Cottonwood Foundation (USA) and The Tides Foundation (USA), as well as from online donations. 
The new Landmine Museum contains a school, an orphanage for up to 30 at-risk children, a medical clinic that serves as a rehabilitation centre, and a training facility for landmine accident prevention and safety. It also provides employment opportunities for several teachers and local Khmers who play an important part in the Landmine Museum family. Moreover, it is a place for action, serving as a launch pad for humanitarian and landmine relief initiatives.

What to see & do Fighting an Underground War

Fighting an Underground War the shadow they cast over rural communities in Cambodia with a visit to this flagship museum that promotes mine awareness and education. The experience: The Landmine Museum tells the terrible story of landmines and UXO (un…

A Café that Cares

6:52 AM 0

A Café that Cares 
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Enjoy fair-trade coffee and organic ingredients in this bistro café that aims to provide employment and training for Cambodia's disadvantaged and disenfranchised. 
The experience: Café Yejj is a popular bistro café near Psar Tuol Tom Pong (Russian Market), one of the most popular shopping stops in Phnom Penh. With pastel shades and wrought-iron furnishings, this is an air-conditioned oasis from the hustle and bustle beyond. The café serves a wide range of international snacks and dishes, including pastas, salads and wraps, all prepared to a high level of hygiene. Creative coffees and healthy shakes are a popular option. Café Yejj provides employment and skills training for underprivileged people, especially women from vulnerable backgrounds. 
How it helps: The long-term goal of Café Yejj, as well as providing customers with top quality food and service, is to establish a socially responsible yet profitable business. As well as providing job opportunities to young, underprivileged people, Café Yejj tries to develop employable skills for the future and promote ethical lifestyles to help break the cycle of poverty. Employees train in the café while working in the 
kitchen and as waiting staff. They learn about the value of teamwork and are encouraged to contribute positively to the running of the café. Café Yejj particularly seeks to promote opportunities for Cambodian women to help raise their profile in credible business and employment situations. The day-to-day running of the café is handed by local Cambodian staff, with outside management working with them to improve the overall standard of service and experience. All tips are shared among café staff, encouraging a sense of ownership in the business. 
Café Yejj also strives to contribute positively to the community and environment by supporting locally owned, locally-operated companies and enterprises wherever possible for staffing, supplies and food. This includes using organic ingredients, where possible, sourced from local growers around Phnom Penh, and promoting fair trade coffee to support community initiatives for growers and their families.

Food & Drink A Café that Cares

A Café that Cares Enjoy fair-trade coffee and organic ingredients in this bistro café that aims to provide employment and training for Cambodia's disadvantaged and disenfranchised. The experience: Café Yejj is a popular bistro café near Psar Tuol Tom…

Carving Out a Better Future

6:19 AM 0

Carving Out a Better Future 
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Encourage the revival of traditional Khmer arts and crafts with a visit to the Artisans workshop in Siem Reap. 
The experience: Artisans D'Angkor established its Chantiers Ecoles (Skills Development Workshops) in 1999 and has since been a key player in the rebirth of traditional crafts in the Angkor area. 
Working with young artisans, the team create, produce and market a unique collection of ornamental sculpture, lacquerware, silk weaving and silk painting. Local materials, natural colors and traditional textures are selected to ensure these exquisite products reflect Cambodia's historical traditions. 
The Chantiers Ecoles centre welcomes visitors daily between 0730 and 1730. Former students conduct free guided tours of the workshops, offering an intimate insight into traditional handicraft skills. Guides are available in several languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. 
Visitors can witness intricate wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding and silk painting. There is a lavish onsite boutique with an extensive range of beautiful products, open until 1830 daily. Visitors with an interest in traditional textiles will relish a visit to the Angkor Silk Farm, located in Pouk District about 11 km west of Siem Reap. 
 
Here it is possible to experience the entire silk process from the cultivation of mulberry trees through the nurturing of silk worms to the preparation of silk thread for weaving. Free tours are available daily between 0700 and 1700 and a free shuttle bus runs here from Les Chantiers Ecoles at 0930 and 1330. The silk 
boutique includes classic clothing, items of interior design and smaller keepsakes like wallets and purses. 
 
As well as these flagship workshops, Artisans D'Angkor also maintains a number of boutiques in Cambodia and beyond. The Angkor Café is located opposite the Western Causeway to Angkor Wat and is an air conditioned retreat after exploring the world's largest religious building. There is an extensive collection of crafts on display, as well as a small café with shakes, cakes and homemade ice cream. Artisans D'Angkor also showcases its style in boutiques in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports, as well 
as in a newer gallery in Hong Kong International Airport. There are also plans to open a new boutique in the Angkor National Museum complex. 
 
How it helps: Artisans d'Angkor is a Cambodian company committed to the revival and preservation of traditional arts and crafts. The company promotes fair, sustainable development in order to provide benefits to the rural communities around Siem Reap. The programme includes extensive training of young Cambodians in the arts of their ancestors to enable them to develop a talent to make a successful living. It encourages students to use these skills at home, enabling them to stay in their villages instead of migrating to the cities. 
The Artisans initiative has already created more than 1,000 jobs for young Cambodians, about 600 of which are in the arts and crafts sector. There are currently 12 workshops operating in the Siem Reap area. 
Young Cambodians join the programme after taking a series of skill and motivation tests and are 
trained for at least six months, free of charge. 
Artisans d'Angkor is also committed to responsible employment and has pioneered a new social 
policy for Siem Reap with guaranteed levels of pay and social and medical benefits for employees. The artisans operate an association called Artisanat Khmer which owns 20% of the company, offering employees a voice in the decision-making process. 
 
Artisans d'Angkor has created opportunities for hundreds of rural Cambodians by successfully marketing their skills and products to a wider international audience. The Artisans project has reinvigorated Khmer crafts and has uncovered an ancient pool of artisans whose ancestors gave the world the temples of Angkor. 
Ultimately, Artisans d'Angkor strives to help build the pride of the Cambodian people in their cultural 
roots. The team aims to develop a sense of well being, dignity and self-esteem. Providing a stable 
income and a rewarding, sustainable environment to work are part of the picture.

Khmer Fine Art Carving Out a Better Future

Carving Out a Better Future Encourage the revival of traditional Khmer arts and crafts with a visit to the Artisans workshop in Siem Reap. The experience: Artisans D'Angkor established its Chantiers Ecoles (Skills Development Workshops) in 1999 and h…

Cambodia by Bike

6:12 AM 1

Inside Cambodia by Bike 
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Discover the back roads of Angkor and beyond on bicycle, or take a volunteer trip to a rural home with stops to see health, environmental or education projects The experience: PEPY (Protect the Earth, Protect 
Yourself) organizes adventure and volunteer tours for travellers who want to give something back while they explore Cambodia. PEPY cycling tours operate during the dry season from November to March and they offer a range of trips from one to three weeks. The trips cover the highlights of Cambodia, including the majestic temples of Angkor and the enigmatic capital of Phnom Penh. 
 
But they also cover some of the roads less travelled, including a taste of local life and some undiscovered temples. People looking for a real adventure can join one of PEPY's cross-Cambodia cycling trips, exploring the country's backroads. Others who prefer a less-challenging experience can join a volunteer trip, some of which offer the opportunity for an overnight stay in a rural home. 
 
The trips also offer educational opportunities through visits to health, environmental and education projects in Cambodia. PEPY also offers noncycling 'voluntours' throughout the year for those that want to get more involved in helping Cambodia. 
 
These range from building rainwater collection units at schools to health education initiatives in rural villages. 
How it helps: PEPY is a non-profit organisation uniting tourism and development to improve educational opportunities in rural Cambodia. All PEPY tours include volunteer opportunities. Funds raised by the tours support PEPY's ongoing educational programmes. Participants on PEPY cycling tours include stops at rural schools to teach environmental lessons in conjunction with local teachers and PEPY staff. 
PEPY's development programmes range from building schools and literacy programs to the Bike-To-School programme, providing bikes to students in rural areas in order to increase access to distant secondary schools. To date, PEPY has built a primary school in Kralanh district in Siem Reap and a secondary school in Stung Treng in northeast Cambodia. In addition to the Cambodian curriculum, PEPY supports English, computer and organic farming classes. PEPY has also introduced a library and literacy programme to encourage a thirst for reading and access to Khmer language literature.

Cambodia Activity Cambodia by Bike

Inside Cambodia by Bike Discover the back roads of Angkor and beyond on bicycle, or take a volunteer trip to a rural home with stops to see health, environmental or education projects The experience: PEPY (Protect the Earth, Protect Yourself) organiz…

Cambodia Currency / Banking

4:12 AM 0

Currency / Banking 
Cambodia’s currency is the riel. The riel comes in notes with the following values: 50r, 100r, 
200r, 500r, 1000r, 2000r, 5000r, 10,000r, 20,000r, 50,000r and 100,000r. US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia and Thai baht can be used in the west of the country. There are now US dollar ATMs in most major cities including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang and Kompong Cham. Cash advances on credit cards are now available in major cities for those needing 
larger sums of money. Try Canadia Bank or ANZ Royal Bank. Most banks can cash travellers cheques and charge a 2% commission. Bargaining is an acceptable practice in Cambodia in some situations, like shopping in markets, hiring vehicles and, sometimes, when taking a room. However, bargaining is 
not necessarily about getting the lowest possible price, but a price that is acceptable to both the buyer and the seller. Remember to keep the exchange friendly at all times. 
 
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Emergency Contact Numbers 
General emergency telephone numbers in 
Cambodia are: 
Ambulance 
119 
Fire 
118 
Police 
117 
 
Embassies & Consulates 
The following embassies are found in Phnom 
Penh (telephone code 023): 
Australia 
Phone: 213470; 11 St 254 
Canada 
Phone: 213470; 11 St 254 
China 
Phone : 720920; 256 Mao Tse Toung Blvd 
Cuba 
128 Ban Saphanthong Neua, Vientiane 
Phone : 312 904 
France 
Phone : 430020; 1 Monivong Blvd 
Germany 
Phone : 216381; 76-78 St 214 
Laos 
Phone : 982632; 15-17 Mao Tse Toung Blvd 
Malaysia 
Phone : 216177; 5 St 242 
Singapore 
Phone : 221875; 92 Norodom Blvd 
Thailand 
Phone : 726306; 196 Norodom Blvd 
UK 
Phone : 427124; 29 St 75 
USA 
Phone : 728000; 1 St 96 
Vietnam 
Phone : 362531; 436 Monivong Blvd 
 
In Phnom Penh, there are two 24-hour emergency numbers for the police (023-366841, 012-999999) that should connect with English-speaking officers. The emergency numbers for Phnom Penh's 
ambulance service are 023-724891, 023-426948 & 012-808915.The best medical facilities in Phnom Penh 
 
include: 
- Calmette Hospital (023-426948; 3 Monivong Blvd) 
- SOS International Medical Centre (023-216911; 161 St 51) 
- European Dental Clinic (023-211363; 160A Norodom Blvd). 
 
In Siem Reap, there is a tourist police office (012-969991) at the main ticket checkpoint for the Angkor area. 
The best medical facility in Siem Reap is the Royal Angkor International Hospital (063 761888;www.royalangkorhospital.com; Airport Rd), affiliated to the Bangkok Hospital. 
 
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts 
The following three paragraphs will be replaced. The last census in Cambodia in 1998 put the population at 11.8 million people. However, the today's figure is likely to be about 15 million. About 40% of the population is under the age of 15. 
 
The majority of people in Cambodia are ethnic Khmer and have inhabited this area since the beginning of recorded history. There are also significant populations of ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese in Cambodia, some who have been here for several generations. There is also a large population of Cham Muslims in the provinces around Phnom Penh. 
Cambodia is also home to a diverse population of chunchiets (ethnolinguistic minorities) who traditionally live in the country’s remote mountainous regions in the northeast. Today, there are about sixty to seventy thousand minority people, including the Kreung and Jarai in Ratanakiri and the Pnong in Mondulkiri. End of dummy three pars. 
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 </div>

General Information Cambodia Currency / Banking

Currency / Banking Cambodia’s currency is the riel. The riel comes in notes with the following values: 50r, 100r, 200r, 500r, 1000r, 2000r, 5000r, 10,000r, 20,000r, 50,000r and 100,000r. US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia and Thai baht can be…

Cambodia Travel Information

3:27 AM 1

CAMBODIA: TRAVELLER'S INFORMATION 
Visas & Border Crossings 
 
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Most nationalities receive a one-month visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, 
as well as at most of the popular land crossings. At the time of printing, the visa costs US$20 and one passport-sized photo is required. It is also possible to arrange a Cambodian visa through Cambodian embassies overseas or an online e-visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/ 
Anyone planning a long stay in the kingdom should get a one-month business visa for US$25, which is easily extendable. 
Cambodia shares international border crossings with Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Cambodia shares one border crossing with Laos at Dom Kralor/Voen Kham, connecting Stung Treng province in northern Cambodia with Champasak province in southern Laos. 
 
Cambodia shares six international crossings with Thailand, although only those at Poipet/Aranyaprathet, connecting Bangkok and Siem Reap, and Koh Kong/Hat Lek, connecting Trat and Koh Kong, are regularly used by foreigners. The other four crossings are: O Smach/Chong Jom, connecting Thailand’s Surin Province to the remote town of Samraong; Choam/Choam Srawngam, linking Anlong Veng with Si Saket; Psar Pruhm/Ban Pakard, which links Pailin and Chantaburi; and Daun Lem/Ban Laem 
connecting Battambang province and Chantaburi. 
 
There are three border crossings with Vietnam. The most popular road crossing is via Bavet/Moc Bai, connecting Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. The Kaam Samnor/Vinh Xuong crossing is a popular option, connecting Phnom Penh and Chau Doc via the Mekong River. Finally, there is the little used border at Phnom Den/Tinh Bien, connecting Takeo and Chau Doc. 
 
Visa extensions are granted in Phnom Penh. Tourist visas can be extended only once for one month, whereas business visas can be extended for up to one year at a time. Visit the Immigration Office opposite Phnom Penh International Airport to arrange an extension. 
 
Getting There & Away 
Cambodia has two international gateways, Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport. Cambodia has regular air links with its Southeast Asian neighbours, including connections to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, South Korea and 
Taiwan. Departure tax when leaving by air is US$25. 
 
Local Time 
Cambodia is seven hours ahead of GMT/UTC. 
 
Working Hours 
Government offices are usually open at 0730, break for a siesta from 1130 to 1400 and end the day at 1700. Some government offices are also open on Saturday mornings. Banking hours vary slightly depending on the bank, but standard weekday hours are 0830 to 1530. Most are usually open Saturday mornings. 
 
Keeping Healthy 
It is important to look after your health in Cambodia due to poor sanitation and only limited access to international standard medical facilities. If you fall sick during your stay, try to see a doctor rather than visit a hospital. Hospitals are pretty primitive and diagnosis can be erratic. If you fall seriously ill in Cambodia you should return to Phnom Penh, as it is the best place in the country for emergency 
treatment. If it is a very serious incident, a medivac to Bangkok may be required and for this reason it 
is important to have travel/health insurance before visiting Cambodia. 
 
Pharmacies in urban centres are generally well stocked and prescriptions aren't necessary for most antibiotics. Prices are very reasonable, but do check the expiry date, as some medicine may have expired. There's no need to be paranoid. While there are quite a lot of tropical diseases out there, the most common ailments to affect visitors to Cambodia are simple things like an upset stomach or a spot 
of dehydration. Avoiding tap water and drinking lots of bottled water is a good first step towards a 
healthy trip. Ice is generally considered safe, as it is mostly produced in factories. 
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Essential Information Cambodia Travel Information

CAMBODIA: TRAVELLER'S INFORMATION Visas & Border Crossings Most nationalities receive a one-month visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, as well as at most of the popular land crossings. At the time of printing, the visa costs US$20 an…

Cambodia Nature

3:16 AM 0

Cambodia Nature 
About one quarter of Cambodia is made up of protected areas and national parks. Four national parks regularly draw visitors for their combination of natural attractions and activities: vast Virachey, in the far northeast, spanning Ratanakiri and Stung Treng provinces; Kirirom, just off the road to Sihanoukville, famous for its pine forests; Ream, a maritime park near Sihanoukville, with idyllic tropical beaches; and beautiful Bokor, a former French hill station near Kampot. The Cardamom Mountain range now includes the biggest protected area in Cambodia and has a lot of potential for ecotourism activities. Some environmentalists contend that Cambodia’s may have a biodiversity of species as rich as any in Asia. There has been little study of the country's flora and fauna due to the long years of conflict. 
 
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The country’s large mammals include tigers, leopards, bears, elephants, wild cows and deer, although precise numbers are uncertain. 
The many bird species in the country include cormorants, cranes, kingfishers and pelicans. 
Keen birders can see a number of very rare water birds in Cambodia. Popular places include the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, which is home to rare water birds such as lesser and greater adjutants, milky storks and spot-billed pelicans, as well as Ang Trapeng Thmor in Banteay Meanchey province, home to the sarus crane. 
 
The Mekong is second only to the Amazon in  fish biodiversity and provides a home for one of the world's largest freshwater fish, the three metre long giant catfish. The rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin also inhabits stretches of the Mekong north of Kratie. 
 
The Royal Government of Cambodia strongly supports the growth of the tourism sector in Cambodia. The government operates an open skies policy to encourage visitors to the kingdom. Tourism investment is positively encouraged and not just in the popular centres of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, but throughout the country. With a large network of national parks, the more remote 
areas of Cambodia have potential for ecotourism which the government plans to encourage in cooperation with international conservation organizations. 
 
Cambodia also has a rich cultural heritage which draws many people to the country. Ancient temples dot the landscape and have the potential to encourage visitors to book longer stays. Living culture in the form of Cambodian dance, music and arts is also staging a strong comeback which the government supports. 
 
Cambodia hosts a wide spectrum of NGOs working with the Cambodian government to alleviate poverty. The Cambodian government supports pro-poor tourism which seeks to channel the benefits of tourism to some of the most disenfranchised communities in the kingdom. 
Sustainable tourism can bring many benefits to the people of Cambodia and the government fully supports responsible tourism initiatives throughout the country. 
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About Cambodia Tourism site Cambodia Nature

Cambodia Nature About one quarter of Cambodia is made up of protected areas and national parks. Four national parks regularly draw visitors for their combination of natural attractions and activities: vast Virachey, in the far northeast, spanning Rat…

Cambodian People and Culture

2:50 AM 0

Cambodian People and Culture 
The last census in Cambodia in 1998 put the population at 11.8 million people. However, the today's figure is likely to be about 15 million. About 40% of the population is under the age of 15.The majority of people in Cambodia are ethnic Khmer and have inhabited this area since the beginning of recorded history. There are also significant populations of ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese in Cambodia, some who have been here for several generations. There is also a large population of Cham Muslims in the provinces around Phnom Penh 
 
Cambodia is also home to a diverse population of chunchiets (ethnolinguistic minorities) who traditionally live in the country’s remote mountainous regions in the northeast. Today, there are about sixty to seventy thousand minority people, including the Kreung and Jarai in Ratanakiri and the Pnong in Mondulk. 
 
Language 
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer (Cambodian), spoken by the vast majority of the population. Derived from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, written Khmer can be traced back to the 6th century when the first inscriptions appeared on temples. 
 
English is the most popular international language and is widely spoken in urban centres. French was the language of choice in the 1950s and 1960s and many older Cambodians still speak some. Chinese and Vietnamese are quite widely understood among those populations, as well as some Lao or Thai 
in areas near the Lao and Thai borders. 
 
Religion 
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Theravada Buddhism is the leading religion in Cambodia and defines the lives of many Khmers. Buddhism and other religions suffered greatly during the Khmer Rouge period, but in the past decade there has been a dramatic resurgence in religious worship with Buddhism once again leading the way. Hinduism flourished alongside Buddhism from the 1st century AD until the 14th century and some cultural elements of this ancient Indian religion are still incorporated into important ceremonies involving birth, marriage and death. 
 
There is also a significant minority of Cham and Malay people who practise Islam, as well as a very 
small number of Christians. 
 
Economy 
The Cambodian economy is small compared with some of its neighbours, but it has been growing 
rapidly in recent years. Before the civil war, rubber was a major industry and this is once again being 
redeveloped. Tourism is the biggest industry in Cambodia today and the temples of Angkor are now attracting around two million visitors a year, including domestic tourists. The garment sector is another 
big industry. Cambodia has succeeded in carving out a niche for itself as an ethical producer with 
good labour conditions. Other up and coming industries in Cambodia include mineral exploitation 
and oil and gas exploration. 
 
Festivals and Events 
The festivals of Cambodia follow the lunar calendar, so the dates vary from year to year. 
Some of the most important festivals include: Late January or early February 
Chinese New Year – The Chinese community celebrates its new year with dragon dances in the streets of Phnom Penh and many businesses close for a few days. This is Tet to the Vietnamese who also let loose for several days. 
 
Mid-April 
Chaul Chnam – Khmer New Year is the most important festival in the Cambodian calendar, like Christmas, New Year and birthdays all rolled into one. Held in mid-April, this three days celebration often extends to a week. Cambodians make offerings at WATS, clean their homes and plaster each other in water and talc throughout the country. 
 
Early-May 
Chat Preah Nengkal – The Royal Ploughing ceremony is a ritual agricultural festival in which the royal oxen determine whether it will be a good harvest or a bad one. It takes place in front of the National Museum in Phnom Penh. 
 
Late-May, early-June 
Visakha Puja – This celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinibbana (passing in 
nirvana). The festival falls on the eighth day of the fourth moon and is best seen at Angkor Wat, where there is a candle-lit processions of monks. 
 
Mid-September or early October 
P’chum Ben – This festival is a kind of All Souls’ Day, when respects are paid to dead relatives through offerings made at wats. 
 
Late-October or early-November 
Bon Om Tuk – This festival commemorates Jayavarman VII's victory over the Chams in 1177 and the reversal of the Tonle Sap river. This is one of the most important festivals in the Khmer calendar and a lively time to be in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. 
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About Cambodia Cambodian People and Culture

Cambodian People and Culture The last census in Cambodia in 1998 put the population at 11.8 million people. However, the today's figure is likely to be about 15 million. About 40% of the population is under the age of 15.The majority of people in Cam…

Cambodia Profile

2:36 AM 0

Location & Geography 
Cambodia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. The country shares borders to the north 
and west with Thailand, to the northeast with Laos and to the east with Vietnam. The south 
of the country has a long and beautiful coastline on the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia covers an area of 181,035 sq km, which is about half the size of Germany. Water is a dominant feature of the Cambodian landscape and the mighty Mekong River cuts through the country from north to south. Cambodia is also 
home to the Tonle Sap (Great Lake), Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a rich source of fish. 
There are three main mountainous regions in the country. The Elephant and Cardamom 
Mountains are in the southwest, the Dangkrek Mountains form the northern border with 
Thailand, and the Eastern Highlands rise towards the Laotian and Vietnamese borders. 
 
Climate 
Some Cambodians joke that the country has three seasons: hot, hotter and hottest. There is some 
truth to this, as Cambodia does have three main seasons: the wet season which usually starts in 
May or June and continues until September or October; the windy season which starts in November 
and continues through January; and the dry hot season which starts in February and lasts until 
May. Even during the wet season, it rarely rains all day. Most downpours come in the afternoon and, 
even then, only sporadically. 
 
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Cambodia History 
The history of Cambodia has been profoundly influenced by its location midway between the two 
great cultures of India and China. Indian traders brought their great religions, Hinduism and 
Buddhism, their written languages, Sanskrit and Pali, and their sculpture and arts. The Chinese 
brought their scholars and diplomats who were the first to record the emerging kingdoms of the 
Funan period. Eventually these disparate kingdoms were united under the reign of Jayavarman II and Cambodia entered the golden age of Angkor. Jayavarman II proclaimed himself a devaraja (God king), the earthly representative of Shiva, in 802 and set about consolidating his kingdom. The capital settled at Angkor and from the 9th to the 13th centuries, the Khmer kings created the largest empire mainland Southeast Asia has ever seen. 
 
At its height it stretched from the borders of modern-day Burma in the west to the Mekong Delta in the east, from modern day Laos in the north to what is southern Thailand today. By the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late-12th century, Angkor had a population of almost one million when London was a city of just 
40,000. However, disaster was lurking in the wings. Overpopulation, deforestation and siltation conspired to choke the vast hydraulic system that helped fuel and feed the empire. 
Religious rivalry and dynastic intrigue sparked small-scale civil wars and ascendant neighbours began to conquer the outposts. 
 
Siam sacked Angkor several times, but in 1431 there was to be no recovery. The Khmer kings decided to relocate the capital to the area around Phnom Penh, strategically safer and closer to the old trade routes that had created the empire. The period from the 15th to 19th centuries was a time of weakness and insecurity for Cambodia, as neighboring Thailand and Vietnam grew more powerful. Cambodia was in danger of disappearing from the map until the French entered in 1863 and made the country a protectorate. The French did little to develop Cambodia's infrastructure during their 90 years of rule, but they did help the country to survive as a recognized entity and negotiated the successful return of Angkor and the western provinces from Siam (now Thailand). 
Cambodia achieved independence in 1953 and enjoyed a long period of prosperity and stability. However, as the conflict in Vietnam began to escalate, Cambodia found itself sucked into the vortex. Prince Sihanouk was overthrown in a coup in March 1970 and Lon Nol moved closer to the USA. Full scale civil war erupted: Prince Sihanouk and the Khmer Rouge on one side and Lon Nol and the Americans on the other. It was a bloody conflict with thousands killed on both sides, including many 
victims of US bombing. Eventually the Khmer Rouge came to power on 17 April 1975 and embarked on one of the most radical revolutions the world has ever seen. Cities were evacuated, money abolished and the clocks turned back to Year Zero in a complete break from the past. 
 
Cambodia became a prison without walls. By the time of their overthrow in January 1979, millions of 
Cambodians were dead through execution, starvation, disease and overwork. 
The Cambodian resistance and their Vietnamese allies took Phnom Penh on 7 January 1979 and set 
about rebuilding the shattered country. It was an almost impossible task thanks to a desperate 
famine and the geopolitics of the Cold War. A new phase of civil war rumbled on until 1991, when the 
United Nations successfully negotiated a peace agreement with all sides. Free elections were held 
in 1993 which saw the Cambodian People's Party and Funcinpec form a coalition which has continued 
in one form or another until today. Cambodia became a member of ASEAN in 1999 and joined the WTO in 2005. 
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About Cambodia Cambodia Profile

Location & Geography Cambodia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. The country shares borders to the north and west with Thailand, to the northeast with Laos and to the east with Vietnam. The south of the country has a long and beautiful coastl…

Mekong Tourism

2:17 AM 0

About the Mekong Tourism Development 
 
The Mekong Tourism Development Project [MTDP] is being implemented in three countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region [GMS] – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. This region is the fastest growing tourism destination in the world. Every year, millions of tourists visit the GMS with a wide variety of motivations and preferred styles of travel. Among these, there are thousands of independent 
travellers who are interested to contribute to local economies in socially responsible ways, 
so that their dollars benefit local people. These types of tourists are increasingly concerned about the effects tourism has on the environment and local way of life. The widening consumer niche market they represent is a critical demand factor that encourages investment in more sustainable forms of travel and 
development. 
 
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The current supply of specialised travel literature for the GMS does not meet the growing demand for information on socially responsible travel. The MTDP aims to fill this gap by providing useful information sources for responsible travellers in a guide book specially designed for this market. The Guide 
to Responsible Tourism in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam is the first step by MTDP to serve both 
responsible tourism operators in the GMS and responsible travellers. 
 
What is ‘Responsible Tourism’? 
Responsible travel is a form of tourism that supports cultural and environmental protection, equitable benefit sharing and the alleviation of poverty. 
 
Specifically, responsible tourism, according to the Centre for Responsible Tourism (www.icrtourism.org): 
• minimizes negative economic, environmental and social impacts 
• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the wellbeing of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry 
• involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances 
• makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s biodiversity 
• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues 
• provides access for physically challenged people; and 
• is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence. 
 
Foreword by the Editor 
Tourism is a soft target. Everyone loves to criticize it. But we’re all tourists. Even die-hard critics of tourism are themselves tourists. So the question is: how can we travel the right way – the responsible way? 
 
There will never be a definitive answer because the subject is wholly subjective. 
Nevertheless, it’s better to try and travel responsibly than walk away saying there are too many snags and caveats. 
 
The Responsible Guide to Tourism in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam is therefore, we hope, the right book at the right time. Travel to the Greater Mekong Sub region, particularly, Cambodia, Laos and 
Vietnam, is growing at over 20% a year and is likely to continue doing so in the years ahead. 
But responsible tourism is not about destinations making money at any cost to the environment, heritage, dignity and well-being. 
 
If responsible tourism is done well, both the host and the visitor benefit by exchanges of understanding and respect – as much as an exchange of currency. So the objective of this book is to show tourists how to meaningfully participate in responsible tourism activities by showing them where and how to do it. We have identified 88 responsible tourism activities that we think tourists should visit. In each write-up we have tried to describe “the experience” (from the tourist’s point of view) and explain “how it helps” (from the host’s point of view). 
Our objectives were quite modest. We believed that raising some awareness of worthy activities was better than trying to write the definitive guide with strict rating systems and iron-clad rules for inclusion or exclusion. 
We preferred common sense. If there are activities out there we failed to include, we apologize. To make amends we would like to hear about them for consideration in future editions. And if some of the activities included don’t, in your opinion, meet the criteria of responsible tourism, please tell us why and we will respond accordingly. 
 
Our writers were given free rein to include an activity even if it satisfied just three or four of the seven criteria listed above. We believe tourism operators should be rewarded for good intentions 
– and motivated to enhance the ‘responsible’ element of their services. Readers should remember 
that many of the operators listed started their responsible tourism business without the benefit 
of large amounts of investment, education, training or institutional support. They are doing it 
because they feel it’s the right way to do it. And they’re right. The least we can do is forgive them 
their lapses and encourage them to make amends and grow. 
By the same measure, we as visitors have a responsibility to do our homework, learn about our 
hosts’ culture and respect it. A tourist who smiles, learns a few words of the local language, dresses 
appropriately and remains easy going, is well on the way to having a great travel experience in the 
Greater Mekong Sub region. On the recommended tourism activities, future editions of the book may have more rigorous entry standards. Future editions may have a wider geographical coverage than Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. That is a decision for another day. Today, the Mekong Tourism Development Project and the Mekong Tourism Office have got the ball rolling in the right direction. 
We look forward to hearing your feedback. On behalf of the Mekong Tourism Development 
Project, we thank you for visiting the Greater Mekong Sub region. We believe it is one of the most awe-inspiring, inspirational, friendly and enchanting destinations in the world. 
 
With The Responsible Guide to Tourism in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to guide you, we hope that 
you and your hosts have an enjoyable, rewarding and responsible travel experience. 
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 </div>

About Cambodia Mekong Tourism

About the Mekong Tourism Development The Mekong Tourism Development Project [MTDP] is being implemented in three countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region [GMS] – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. This region is the fastest growing tourism destination in …

Battambang Travel Video | Top Attractions in Battambang, Cambodia

5:25 PM 0

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<span class="watch-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Battambang Travel Video | Things to do in Battambang | Top Attractions in Battambang, Cambodia">Battambang Travel Video | Things to do in Battambang | Top Attractions in Battambang, Cambodia </h1>
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Battambang is one of the most under-rated travel destinations in Cambodia and SE Asia. More relaxed and less touristy than nearby Siem Reap it's the perfect place to decompress after spending time visiting the temples of Angkor. From its crumbling French colonial charms to its thriving local markets, it's the perfect city for exploring on foot or by bicycle. The following is a list of the top attractions and things to do in Battambang as presented in the form of travel videos in no particular order: 1) A trip on the infamous 'bamboo train' is an absolute must for anybody visiting Battambang. These makeshift trains, known locally as Norry (ណូរី)) are located just outside of the city limits of Battambang. Powered by a six horse power engine and speeding along at 50 km/h makes for an exhilarating ride. The return trip costs $5 per person; however, I must warn you that when you reach the midway point you'll be hassled quite aggressively to purchase sodas and tip your driver. 2) The rural countryside and village areas outside of Battambang beckons cultural vultures. The opportunity to sample local delicacies such as bamboo sticky coconut milk rice and even fried crickets are not to be missed. Aside from sampling food, explore rural homes to witness how rice cakes and scarves are made using simple tools and human powered instruments. Finally, spend time wandering down many of the colorful local markets. 3) Although Battambang is a city that is highly negotiable on foot, hopping on a bicycle and pedaling around to your hearts content is even better way to get around. Some of the top highlights include biking along the scenic Sangker River, Old Railway Train Station and the Governor's House. Along the way you'll notice a plethora of Buddhist temples (know locally as 'wat') along with some gorgeous parks which make perfect rest stops. 4) There are plenty of restaurants to indulge in local Khmer dishes; however, an even better opportunity is to learn how to make Cambodian food yourself. Nary's Kitchen offers half day cooking courses for $10 which includes a trip to a local market along with preparing three dishes. One of those dishes, Amok (steamed dish in a coconut cream sauces served in a banana leaf) is native to Battambang. The other two dishes, Lok Lak and spring rolls are equally as fun to make. 5) Visiting one of the many temples that are dotted all over Battambang is highly recommended. We were fortunate enough to visit one during Khmer New Year (Cambodian New Year) when celebrations, festivities and other special events were taking place.  6) The rural outskirt areas of Battambang are quite a distance from the city center; therefore, it's a great idea to hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day to help you explore. The ride itself should cost no more than $12 for the day. If you're looking to only do a half day tour you can negotiate a better rate. 7) Finally, don't leave Battambang without first watching the incredible 'New Circus' Cirque Nouveau performance at Phare Ponleu Selpak. The highly skilled Khmer youth who perform at this circus will mesmerize you with their acrobatic, juggling and acting skills. Moreover, the event is all for a great cause, as the proceeds go towards supporting the NGO school for disadvantaged children. I hope you enjoy these travel recommendations for ways to spend your free time in Battambang, Cambodia.

Battambang Battambang Travel Video | Top Attractions in Battambang, Cambodia

Battambang Travel Video | Things to do in Battambang | Top Attractions in Battambang, Cambodia Battambang is one of the most under-rated travel destinations in Cambodia and SE Asia. More relaxed and less touristy than nearby Siem Reap it's the perfe…

Amok Curry at Cambodian restaurant in Siem Reap

5:16 PM 0

Cambodia Restaurant Siem Reap Amok Curry at Cambodian restaurant in Siem Reap

Amok Curry Khmer lunch at our favorite Cambodian restaurant in Siem Reap, Cambodia Tоdау wе are hаvіng lunсh at our fаvоrіtе restaurant іn Siem Reap, it іѕ саllеd hоmесосktаіlѕ, but the nаmе dоеѕn't really dеѕсrіbе thе аtmоѕрhеrе of thіѕ place tоо w…

Khmer Set 8 Course Dinner including Amok at Angkor

5:07 PM 0

Cambodia Restaurant Khmer Set 8 Course Dinner including Amok at Angkor

Khmer Set 8 Course Dinner including Amok at Angkor Palms Restaurant in Siem Reap, Cambodia Tоdау we are hаvіng a fеаѕt оf a dinner. Wе аrе аt a Cаmbоdіаn rеѕtаurаnt аnd wе hаvеjuѕt оrdеrеd оurѕеlvеѕ аn eight соurѕе mеаl. Thіѕ rеѕtаurаnt іѕ саllеd A…