Talks on access to temple to resume
January 7, 2011 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
BANGKOK, 7 January 2011 – Talks on opening the access road and border to allow visitors to travel to the 11th century Phrea Vihear Temple from the Thai side of the border should resume later this month.
There are numerous disputes between the two countries over border territory that led to the recent arrest of seven Thai citizens including a government MP who are now jail in Phnom Penh waiting trial.
However, according to Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, Suwit Khunkitti, talks could resume on access to the famous temple from Thailand later this month.
Cambodian PM defends Mekong dams
PHNOM PENH, 18 November 2010 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen dismissed concerns Wednesday that Chinese dams were responsible for the Mekong River’s low water levels, telling environmentalists not to be “too extreme”.
Hun Sen blamed decades-low water levels in southeast Asia’s longest river on “irregular rainfall” caused by global climate change.
Trat develops gateway options
November 8, 2010 by Rapeepat Mantanarat
Filed under News
BANGKOK, 8 November 2010 – Road improvements between Thailand’s eastern seaboard and southern Cambodia should help to turn Trat province into a gateway to the Mekong Region, Trat Tourism Association president, Charuwan Chintakanont, reported over the weekend.
Also, a new Bangkok Airways service, due to launch 2 December, will transfer tourists from Phuket to Trat province for the first time, a move that could lift business prospects for overland travel to Cambodia.
Cambodia opens rail link
November 5, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
PHNOM PENH, 5 November 2010 – The first section of a railway system that will eventually connect to neighbouring Mekong region countries and open the way for rail services to Malaysia and China was opened in Cambodia late last month.
The first section extends from the capital, Phnom Penh, south towards the coastal town of Sihanoukville where the line will end at a deep sea port.
Originally built in the 1930s, under French rule, Cambodia’s rail system covered 612 km, but fell into disrepair by the early 80s and long distances of the tracks were dilapidated beyond use.
Alila opens its first hotel in Laos
October 20, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
BERLIN, 20 October 2010 – Design Hotels announced Tuesday the opening of its first venture in Laos the Alila Luang Prabang.
The all-suite resort located in the world heritage town, 400 km north of Vientiane the capital, was modelled around restored colonial buildings, built between 1910 and 1920. It comes with 23 suites and will be marketed by Design Hotels. The company has its headquarters in Berlin and branches in London, Barcelona, New York, Singapore, Bali and Perth.
Mekong research centre offers caravan trip
October 20, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
BANGKOK, 20 October 2010 – Travel agents and local business organisations are being invited to join a caravan trip, 2 to 5 December, to survey regional highways linking Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar.
Details of the trip were released last week by the Research Centre for Mekong Regional Tourism, while the Thailand-Neighbouring Countries Border Coordinating Centre acts as the trip administrator.
Qatar wades into Vietnam market with discounts
October 19, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under Travel Deals
BANGKOK, 19 October 2010 — Backing up its new services to Vietnamese cities — Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City via Bangkok due to commence 1 November – Qatar Airways sells promotional web fares for both economy and business class until 15 December.
The deals are currently the cheapest among legacy airlines, except Air France’s Hanoi and Lufthansa’s Ho Chi Minh City promotional economy fares.
QR’s fares are also attractive even when compared to low-cost carrier, Thai AirAsia, when extra comforts are taken into account.
New booking site focuses on Lao SMEs
October 15, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
BANGKOK, 15 October 2010 –CyberServ Company launched a new travel booking website www.LaoBooking.com, earlier this week that will drive business to SME enterprises in Laos.
The site will feature a hotel booking service, travel packages, car rental services, travel information and a customer care service which will allow customer to gain assistance online 24 hours a day.
Thailand and Laos mull Buddhist circuit
September 10, 2010 by Rapeepat Mantanarat
Filed under News
BANGKOK, 9 September, 2010—Thailand and Laos will jointly promote Buddhist circuits linking northeastern Thailand and various regions in Lao PDR and focus on Buddhism and cultural heritage in the two countries officials announced, earlier this week.
About 80 delegates from Thailand and Lao PDR representing government offices related to tourism, travel entrepreneurs and media met in Vientiane to discuss a mutual initiative.
Vientiane rail track on the way
September 3, 2010 by Rapeepat Mantanarat
Filed under News
NONGKHAI, 2 September, 2010 — Construction of a railway line from Tha Na Laeng near the Thai-Lao border, adjacent to Thailand’s Nong Khai province, to Vientiane city is expected to begin this December, railway officials confirmed Friday.
The project will eventually connect Vientiane City to the main Bangkok-Nong Khai line, but will take three years to complete
