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Archive for June 25th, 2006

Blue Pumpin, another cool cafe in Siem Reap

bluepumpkin.jpgAnother great eatery place in Siem Reap. The minimal list white (If you have been to Bed Bar in Bangkok - its quite the same) of Blue Pumpkin (across the road at the end of the Bar Street in the old market area of Siem Reap). The restaurant is famous for its excellent fresh baked breads, croissants and pastries as well as juicy burgers, selection of ice creams. There is a full bar on the 2nd floor. Stop by if you have time - you will surely love it! By the way - it is open from 6.00 a.m. until midnight.

Add comment June 25th, 2006

Current Rate of exchange in Myanmar (Burma)

I have been asked by one of our guests on the current rate (as of June 23 2006) for Myanmar (Burma). Here is the answer:

US$ 1.00 = Kyat 1,320.00

Source: http://www.ihttp://www.irrawaddy.org/

Add comment June 25th, 2006

Cambodia E-Visa is now available on line!!!

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has launched e-Visa which enables you to apply for a Cambodia travel visa online. Instead of applying through Cambodian Embassy, all you need is to complete the online application form and pay with your credit card. You will get your visa approved within 3 business days.
Type of e-Visa: Tourist Visa (single entry only)

  Eligibility: All visitors need to apply visa, except from Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Laos
  Validity: 3 months (starts from the date of issue)
  Length of Stay: 30 days. Minimum length of stay is 24 hours

 
Visa Fees: Tourist Visa - USD20 + USD5 (processing charge)
  Valid Port of Entry: Phnom Penh International airport and Siem Reap International airport (by air ONLY)
  Valid Port of Exit:
Currently e-Visa is available for five exit points, which include
» Phnom Penh Pochentong International airport
» Siem Reap International airport
» Bavet (Svay Rieng) - Moc Bai (Tay Ninh)
» Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) - Hat Leuk (Trat)
» Poi Pet(Banteay Meanchey) - Klo Leuk (Sakaew)
e-Visa will be valid for more exit points in the near future.

  Requirement: Passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport size photo (JPEG/PNG format), a valid credit card (Visa/Master)
  Visa Processing Time: 3 business days
E-Visa also provides you with online status check on your visa application. 

To find out more - check out details from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on:


http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/index.php?version=eng

 

 

Add comment June 25th, 2006

Buddist Meditation

Any of us have at one time or another found the toll of living in the modern world hard to bear. Stress, depression and disillusionment are some of the diseases of modern times that leave us yearning for a solution, a cure, so to speak. More and more people are turning to meditation as they fail to find the answer through worldly paths.

Are you one of these people?…..

Meditation is found in some form or other in all major religious traditions. Even those who are not religious use it to focus the mind, to hone it, so that it works better. In Buddhism, meditation is the intergral to the eight-fold path to enlightentment. One trains one’s mind so that it can see four-point Supreme Truth to that end. Even if you are not interested in Buddhism, meditation is valuable training that can be applied to daily life, for it helps with concentration and when done correctly, can lead to a state of peace and calmness thats beyond worldly joys…

If you are keen to know more about meditation, please check out this blog again soon as more details will be added shortly….

Add comment June 25th, 2006

Shopping Tips in Thailand

You’ve arrived at the ‘Shopper’s Paradise’. The first piece of advice would be to purchase extra luggage. You’ll need it to carry home the plentiful cultural collectibles and handicraft bargains. Even avid shopaholics admit that the vast range of products available in Thailand is overwhelming and the prices, in most cases, competitively low. An outstanding inventory for your selection.While some Asian countries are concentrating on mass-producing souvenirs, Thailand is rapidly becoming known worldwide for its strength in well-designed, distinctive products encompassing traditional techniques. Shoppers can now choose, not only fine traditional handicrafts, but also an expanding variety of beautifully styled and crafted contemporary items including textiles, clothing, jewellery, accessories, furniture, soft furnishings, ceramics, basketry, metal-ware and paper products.

Prices may vary dramatically on similar items. Bargaining for prices is a common and expected part of purchasing from most vendors. As clever shoppers know - shop around, compare prices and, in Thailand, rarely pay the first price unless it is pre-marked. Even then, it may be worth bargaining (unless its in the department stors) . As a cash society, you are better to go to the nearest Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) for a cash advance as you will generally pay more by using a credit card.

Many smaller shops are certainly as reputable as large recognisable department stores, however in any case, be sure to obtain receipts for your purchases. If jewellery is your passion, you should receive a certificate of guarantee as well.

If you are leaving Thailand, remember that many antiques and Buddha images of Thai origin fall under the government’s Fine Arts Department’s watchful eye. In addition to an authenticity certificate from the vendor, be sure to enquire with the department, not just the seller, what other paperwork may be required for export purposes.

With your chosen treasures, a richer understanding of Thai culture and pleasurable memories will linger with you long after your stay in Thailand. It is a world constantly awakening to finely designed and executed works of art.

Awaken your world by enhancing it with Thai treasures.

Add comment June 25th, 2006

Regatta in Vietnam - Danang - September 01-10 2006 and Hong Kong-Nha Trang Sailing Regatta - October 2006

vietnamregatta.jpgThe 2nd International Hong Kong-Nha Trang Sailing Regatta will start from Hong Kong on October 26 and finish in Nha Trang on 28. Then the racing yachts will perform in the coastal city of Nha Trang and come back Hong Kong on November 4.According to Saigon Tourist, thousands of foreign visitors are expected to come to Nha Trang for the regatta.

Saigon Tourist and the Hong Kong Royal Yacht Club and Goodman Marine International Overseas (GMI), a professional international sailing organizer of Singapore, Khanh Hoa Tourist Company organized the first regatta on October 26-November 3, 2004. The organizers hope to organize the race every two years.

Meanwhile, Da Nang International Sailing Regatta 2006, organized by GMI, will take place from September 01-10 2006, with the competition of 15-20 super yachts from many countries in Da Nang. Tourism Department of Da Nang expects to welcome 3,000-3,500 local and foreign visitors. (Sources TT, Khanh Hoa Newspaper– Compiled by Kim Khanh)

Those of you who are the big fans of the events - do not miss them!

 

Add comment June 25th, 2006


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