Direct flights should be established to facilitate tourists travelling between Siem Reap and Da Lat, in the southern part of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism Thong Khon has said. Urging Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation to investigate the issue, he said flights between the tourism hubs could lure an additional half a million tourists per year.

During the Mekong Tourism Forum in Siem Reap last May, Ministry of Tourism officials highlighted Vietnam as a potential source of more flights to the Kingdom following Thailand’s recent political unrest. “Before, Bangkok was the main gateway for tourists from Europe and from America. But because it has big problems, maybe tourists will use other gateways such as Vietnam or Kuala Lumpur or Singapore,” Ministry of Tourism Secretary of State Kousom Saroeuth said previously.

For tours of Cambodia contact: info@asia-adventures.com

Edited from Phnom Penh Post 24-6-10

France has committed over half a million euros to projects aimed at restoring Baphuon temple in the Angkor temple complex. France will give USD 588,619 for the continued renovation of Baphuon temple. Renovation work at the temple began in 1995 with assistance from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in the past 15 years has cost around Euro 7.8 million.

For tours of the magnificent Angkor temples contact: info@asia-adventures.com

Edited from Phnom Penh Post 24-6-10