Angkor JAN 2015

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Angkor in-flight magazine is pleased to bring you the latest issue covering January to March 2015.
Allow us to guide you to what makes the Kingdom of Wonder so special. Enjoy your journey throughout this
magnificent country and let us help you to indulge in a fuller experience of Cambodia.
The culture is rich with history and human endeavour. Whether you are casting your eyes on the splendour that is
Angkor Wat for the first time, navigating a busy Phnom Penh street in a tuk-tuk or cooling down at one of the many
glorious coastal escapes, Cambodia is sure to surprise and delight you.
In this issue we place the spotlight on Chinese New Year in Cambodia, one of the nation's biggest unofficial
celebrations and one that joins together all the diversity of Cambodians and international guests.
We explore the fabled history of the lost Angkorian Harp of the 14th Century, and a historian’s quest to restore the
orchestras of the Khmer Empire to their former glory together with UNESCO and the Royal Government of Cambodia.
The Apsara dance tradition is quite literally unravelled this edition as we explore the significance and intricacies
of the art form's costumes and props, and meet the designers who make them.
Discover how an ancient culture of Khmer silversmiths is being revived by a local NGO to give a new
generation of Cambodians opportunities to practice the traditional craft and develop skills to
support themselves in the future.
If you fancy an adventure into the furthest reaches of Cambodia's diverse and enigmatic
landscape, grab your helmet and check out our feature on motorbike tours across the Kingdom.
If off-roading isn't quite your cup of tea, you may prefer to delve into the colourful archives
of a hallowed culture. Check out our review of the best museums Cambodia has to offer.
We also discover how a new era of Cambodian organic farming is changing meals,
minds and lives across the country. A glut of diverse, chemical free produce is flooding
the domestic Cambodian market and restaurant scene; meanwhile future export
opportunities for innovative Khmer farmers appear limitless.
In Destinations, we fly you to the bright lights of the thriving metropolis that is modern-day
Bangkok and show you how to get any trip to the Thai capital off to a running start.
We extend our warmest wishes to you and hope you enjoy
your travels and experiences with Cambodia Angkor Air
and throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The Editorial Team

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AngkoR Inflight Magazine January - March 2015 7
Chum Reap Suor Cambodia Angkor Air is the national airline of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Cambodia Angkor Air currently offers domestic and international flights between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville; Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand) and Guangzhou & Shanghai in China. In the near future we have plans to expand the flight network to cover the ASEAN region and North East Asia.
Our fleet is comprised of current model aircrafts. Fly in safety and comfort on our ATR 72-500 turboprop planes and Airbus A321 jets. Relax with attentive in-flight service from our dedicated staff.
Your satisfaction is our pleasure!
Welcome Aboard
Publisher: Cambodia Angkor Air
Co-ordinating Editorial Board: H.E Tekreth Samrach Lim Kao Tran Thi Thai Binh
Directors: Lim Kao Dean Lennox Tim Gibbons Philippe Janowski
Editors: Marissa Carruthers Piseth Nom
Creative Director: Dean Lennox
Graphic Designer: Doul Reaksmey
Editorial Contributors: Jessica Sander James Whitehead Marissa Carruthers Photographers: Anders Jirås Anekoho Angkor National Museum Apiguide Bom Bo Chungking Colman Gerardo Coloursinmylife Conor Wall Cristal Tran Dan HVC Dancing Roads Darren Wilch Diego Cardini Don Mammoser Dpix Center F9photos Guo Zhong Hua Hadynyah Hin255 Iain Crockart Imtmphoto Itsaret Yannasit Kelvin Tran Kushch Dmitry JM Travel Photography
Administrator: Sok Theavy
Advertising Sales: Sovan Moniroth Tan Ratanak Visal [email protected] Philippe Janowski Tim Gibbons [email protected]
Contact Us: #206A, Preah Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia +855 (0) 23 6666 786 +855 (0) 23 6666 788
Jérémie Montessuis Jimmy Tran Lancelee Lucas Veuve Luciano Mortula MJ Prototype Mario Savoia Marion Jouan Maxim Safronov Molpix Murgermari Nathan Horton Omar Havana Patrick Kersalé Peter Phoeng Peter Stuckings Ralf Siemieniec Rawpixel Stray Dog Adventures Suppya Nut Szefei Tepikina Nastya Tinydevil Tzido Sun Wharehau Norton Xuanlu Wang
8 AngkoR Inflight Magazine January - March 2015
Contents 6 Introduction Welcome to the eleventh issue of ANGKOR, our in-flight magazine, and
allow us to guide you to what makes the Kingdom of Wonder so special.
48 Must-See Museums Delve into Cambodia's arts and culture through
three of the Kingdom's top museums.
44 Khmer Silverware We find out how young silversmiths are being trained
to give a modern edge to the jewelry they hand craft.
38 Dance Revival Follow Khmer Dance Project's bid to breathe new life into the ancient
art form that has captivated audiences since pre-Angkorian times.
26 Chinese New Year We explore the history of the festival, the customs behind it and
take a look at how it is celebrated by the Cambodian community.
18 News & Events BIDC and Cambodia Angkor Air launch a new co-branded visa card, the
airline forms an alliance with Cellcard and launches some new maps.
DESTINATION
32 Khmer Harp Mystery The enthralling mystery behind the disappearance
and revival of the traditional Khmer harp is unravelled.
Your Inflight Magazine January - March 2015
8 Welcome Aboard Chum Reap Suor! Welcome aboard your Cambodia Angkor Air flight.
Your satisfaction is our pleasure. Enjoy your experience with us.
CULTURE
CULTURE
ARTS
LEISURE
SHOPPING
DESTINATION
78 Kep & Kampot Visit two southern towns that are popular amongst tourists and locals:
Kampot, based near Bokor Mountain and the rustic charms of Kep.
DESTINATION
76 Sihanoukville An overview of the coastal area of beautiful Sihanouville.
Discover the top 5 things to do and see in this southern wonderland.
DESTINATION
72 Siem Reap Check out the top 5 things to see and do in the town of Siem Reap,
Cambodia’s epicentre for ancient arts, culture and natural beauty.
DESTINATION
68 Phnom Penh The nation’s capital city of Phnom Penh has much to offer. We explore
the top 5 things to do and see to make the most out of your visit.
56 Organic Growing An organic movement is sweeping across Cambodia.
We take a look at what goods are being grown.
60 Bangkok The Thai capital is not only a shopping mecca, it also boasts
a strong cultural identity and plenty to see and do.
SPECIAL DESTINATION FEATURE
CUISINE
ADVENTURE
64 Cambodia in Brief A brief snapshot of the Kingdom of Wonder, covering a few
essential “need to knows” and important travel information.
52 Bikers' Trail We hit the dirt track and learn about some of the
adrenaline-filled adventures available across the Kingdom.
Contents Your Inflight Magazine January - March 2015
Contents
DESTINATION
82 Ho Chi Minh City A snapshot of the Southern Vietnamese urban epicentre of
Ho Chi Minh City, home to museums, markets and a cathedral.
DESTINATION
86 Guangzhou Visit Guangzhou in Guangdong province, China.
It hosts the largest trade fair in the world each year.
DESTINATION
84 Shanghai Effortlessly combining modernism and old world grandeur,
Shanghai, China’s largest city, is the city of the future.
DESTINATION
88 Bangkok Visit the “Land of Smiles” and its capital city, Bangkok.
A wonderful assault on the senses, Bangkok has much to offer.
90 About CA Air 94 Our Hospitality
DESTINATION
80 Hanoi The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, has old world charm of bygone
eras with colonial architecture mixed with modern city features.
96 Fleet Information 98 Flight Schedule
99 Route Map 102 Travel Tips
Contents Your Inflight Magazine January - March 2015
Contents
On the 25th November 2014, the Sofitel Hotel Phnom Penh hosted the official signing ceremony of the new co-branded visa card created in partnership with the Bank for the Investment and Development of Cambodia (BIDC) and Cambodia Angkor Air.
Mr. Trinh Hong Quang, CEO of Cambodia Angkor Air, gave the ceremony’s keynote address: "This important and auspicious occasion marks the launch the BIDC–CA Air Visa Card. This shall begin a shared programme that will stimulate and respond to the needs of Khmer and international customers who want to link their debit card to online payment platforms, allowing them to purchase goods, services and travel online."
Before a host of esteemed guests, Mr. Quang took time to recall the successful history of CA Air thus far:
"Cambodia Angkor Air has been established as the national flag carrier of Cambodia since 2009. Mid-2014, therefore, marked our fifth anniversary. Since we began, our capacity for domestic routes has expanded significantly and we have opened several new international destinations. Regular flights from Cambodia to key cities in China such as Shanghai and Guangzhou have changed Cambodia Angkor Air’s image into a widely recognized and respected international brand. We are also acting as a representative for the Cambodian nation. In 2014, we have joined the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia to assist in global marketing initiatives throughout Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Germany, Russia and America."
"Today, it’s our honour to co-ordinate with our strategic partner, BIDC, to introduce the co-branded BIDC Visa card to our customers as a thank you for your loyal support over the last 5 years. With the new BIDC Visa card, customers will be able to make hassle free travel plans with the click of their computer mouse, or the swipe of their card. Customers will shop with ease worldwide, using the new BIDC Visa Card at any Visa capable outlet, in any country, at any time of day or night. Online banking and international money transfers are made easy and customers will gain special discounts when purchasing airline tickets, hotel accommodation, and many other goods and services offered by BIDC and Cambodia Angkor Air’s partnered brands, such as Angkor Golf Resort, Sokha Hotels & Resorts and Himawari Hotel, among many others."
News Events
CA Air CEO Mr Trinh Hong Quang, CA Air Chairman H.E Tekreth Samrach and SSCA Deputy Director General Mr Sin Chan Serey Vutha
BIDC CEO Nguyen Dinh Duong and CA Air CEO Mr Trinh Hong Quang
News Events
If you’re travelling on one of our international flights coming into Cambodia, you can now pre-book a tourist SIM card during the flight courtesy of Cellcard, Cambodia’s leading mobile service provider.
Our cabin crew will supply you with a registration form to complete, with a choice of six languages, along with your customs and immigration forms. Simply fill in the form and take it to the Cellcard booth just outside the arrivals hall, and purchase your SIM card.
These SIM cards are designed specifically with tourists in mind and offer access to a wide range of services to help you stay online and connected whenever and however you need to.
Three packages are available, ranging from US$5 to US$15, bundling together a very generous data pack (from 3.5 to 11GB); local calls; unlimited on-net SMS; international calls from just 4.5 cents a minute; and Cellcard’s exclusive City Guide via IVR, featuring free information on the main tourist attractions in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.
Cambodia Angkor Air has now launched a pair of maps covering the Kingdom’s main tourist destinations: the capital city, Phnom Penh, and the home of the Angkor temples, Siem Reap.
These handy, pocket-sized maps cover the main tourist areas in each location, including the popular riverfront area of Phnom Penh, the bustling Old Market area of Siem Reap, and of course a map of the temples themselves.
We also give advice on getting around, whether on foot, by tuk-tuk or taxi, and suggest a list of the ten top “must-see” attractions in each location.
The maps are available with the in-flight magazine in the seat pockets on the aircraft, or please ask the cabin crew for a copy.
15 29 8-11
Calendar Events January - March 2015of
VICTORY OVER GENOCIDE DAY JANUARY 7 Marking the day in 1979 that Vietnamese troops overthrew the Khmer Rouge and ended their regime, Victory Over Genocide Day is celebrated with patriotic speeches by government officials, remembrance services for the victims, as well as cultural displays of the era.
VALENTINE'S DAY FEBRUARY 14 Saint Valentine's Day, also known as Valentine's Day, is a holiday observed on 14th February each year. It began as a public worship celebration for an early Christian saint named Valentinus, and was first associated with romantic love in the High Middle Ages. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards.
INTERNATIONAL NEW YEAR'S DAY JANUARY 1 Observed on 1st January, New Year’s Day is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar as well as the Julian calendar used in the Roman Empire since 45 BC. International New Year's Day is probably the world's most celebrated public holiday, often observed with fireworks at the stroke of midnight as the new year starts in each time zone. MEAK BOCHEA DAY
JANUARY 30 Commemorates the ordainment of Buddha’s original disciples who went to listen to his sermon on the same day over 2000 years ago. It is also believed that on this day Buddha correctly. Many Khmers go to nearby pagodas to pray and give offerings. It is also an opportunity for people to wash away sins and cleanse their minds.
CHINESE NEW YEAR FEBRUARY 19-21 Falling on 19th February, Chinese New Year is an important traditional holiday celebrated at the turn of the Chinese calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival. Celebrations traditionally run from new year's eve, the last day of the last month of the Chinese calendar, to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month. 2015 will welcome the Year of the Goat.
ANGKOR MUSIC FESTIVAL MARCH 1 Set in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, this huge festival celebration brings together a varied range of musical, dramatic and dance performances, offering a creative outlet for Cambodia’s exciting and growing artistic community.
CAMBO CHALLENGE MARCH 5 The Cambo Challenge aims to promote responsible travel, help local communities, and create a fun experience for participants. The event was inspired and follows a similar format to the Lanka Challenge tuk tuk event on the island of Sri Lanka.
SIHANOUKVILLE HALF MARATHON MARCH 8 This is an annual charity run which raises funds and awareness for protecting the environment, and now following the successful Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, supporting land mine victims and disabled people.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MARCH 8 International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, which was a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world, and saw the rise of radical ideologies. It is now an official holiday in many countries across the world, including Cambodia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues and such, with flowers and small gifts. In some countries International Women's Day has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.
Chinese New Year
The Cambodian Way! On the very first day of the New Year, the mythical beast Nian emerged
to eat livestock, crops, and its favorite delicacy; the villagers’ children. To appease Nian, the townsfolk laid food before their doors as the New Year approached. While Nian raided the village this time, however, an over-curious child escaped from hiding and ran toward it. To everyone’s surprise, Nian fled the tiny child, who was dressed in bright red pyjamas.
When the following year approached, villagers hung bright red lanterns and spring scrolls on windows and doors all across the village to scare the beast away. Nian was never seen in the village again. But the tradition is remembered worldwide; most certainly, in Cambodia.
Though the holiday is not on the official Cambodian calendar, locals and visitors alike widely and raucously celebrate the New Year across the streets of Phnom Penh and other major centers. This is thanks to a large proportion of Khmer having some Chinese lineage, a long history of intermingling cultures, and one of the most active Chinese expatriate associations in the world. Three perfect excuses for a 2 week long party.
While Chinese have been immigrating to Cambodia for more than a thousand years, the vast majority of “Khmer-Chen” settled between 1910 and 1950, as their own nation waged war and revolution. Today, at least 700,000 Cambodians are of Chinese descent.
Mr. Michael Liu, a Sichuan born Lawyer and Artist, passionate about his new home in Cambodia, believes the two nations have benefited from the characters of each: “Whenever I talk to Chinese-Cambodians, I’m amazed by how humble they are, and how much integrity they have. They identify as Chinese; not through their money or language, but through these core values - which Khmers also respect.”
As the New Year approaches, in Cambodia shop owners offer discounts to share their wealth with the buyers, and recipients of gifts.
Celebrations begin on the 30th day of the last lunar month, and continue until the end of the 15th day of the first lunar month. Confused? If so, this year’s New Year starts in Cambodia on New Year’s Eve, February 19th, 2015, and runs until March 6th, which marks the first full moon of the new lunar year. 2015 heralds the year of the Goat.
Red and yellow Chinese lanterns and banners will line the city streets, homes and workplaces of Phnom Penh; and restaurants will do a roaring trade. Feasts include delicacies such as red roast pig, rice cakes, dumplings, noodles and fruit; especially the symbolic orange – gifted widely during the holiday in Cambodia.
Peach trees are bought and displayed outside the homes of many Cambodian-Chinese families, and the peach flower, too delicate to survive in Northern China, should bloom with the New Year and bring good fortune.
Written by: James Whitehead
The lions and their rowdy entourage of musicians and dancers are said to scare out bad spirits and bring good luck and happiness
Traditional ‘lion dancers’ can be first heard, then later seen, as they bounce and curl through prestigious landmarks, homes and businesses across Phnom Penh around the New Year. The lions and their rowdy entourage of musicians and dancers are said to scare out bad spirits and bring good luck and happiness to any place they enter.
On the night of New Year’s Eve people flock to the pagodas to make offerings; casting off the bad luck of the previous year, and calling on the heavens to bring good fortune in the next. Wat Phnom is one of the busiest pagodas, especially on New Year’s Eve at midnight. Ms. Sourng Ly, a local Chinese-Cambodian, say this tradition reflects the uniquely Chinese-Khmer interpretation of the holiday, whereby offerings are made to the monk and the pagoda. In Chinese culture, however, these offerings are usually made to ancestors or the gods of the household.
Liu believes, “It’s special to see a country where all ethnicities celebrate together.” He comments that while “Singapore and Malaysia have more Chinese, the ethnic divide in these countries means celebrations are isolated”.…

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Angkor JAN 2015