Siem Reap / Cambodia, 26 February, 2003

Dear friends and colleagues,

The notoriously difficult road conditions between Poipet (Thai-border to Aranyaprathet) and Siem Reap have greatly improved. From Poipet to Sisophon it now takes 90 minutes (51km) and onwards to Siem Reap 3hrs (152km) on the newly resurfaced, Laterite road. However, difficult road-conditions prevail from Sisophon to Battambang (2hrs – 68km).

This new and utterly beautiful way to discover remote Cambodia obviously is the popular River cruise from Battambang to Siem Reap on Asian Trail’s Flotilla. Unfortunately, scarce rain during the last wet-season and uncontrolled irrigation of the fast growing corn-plantations along the river, have created in some stretches (approx. 10km) low water-levels, which may slow-down the boat speed, though extend travel time (from March to May).

The construction of National Route 78, which will span the 70km between Banlung, in Ratanakkiri province, and O’Ya-Daw, on the Vietnamese border, is high on the Cambodian & Vietnamese Transport Minister’s agenda. When finished, Route 78 will form part of a massive regional road link that will begin in China, pass through Vietnam to the north of Cambodia, and connect to the seaport of Sihanoukville. The two transport chiefs also discussed the Asean Railway Project, which would connect Singapore to Kunming, China. Cambodia currently represents a weak link in the proposal, with very little rail infrastructure in place. The government is looking at how to launch a massive rail reconstruction project, as well as for funding for 300km of railway track, connecting Cambodia with Vietnam’s rail routes.

Mr. Jacques Guichandut, Managing Director of Asian Trails Cambodia, as well as the Managing Directors of Asian Trails Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia, will attend ITB Berlin from 7^th to 11^th March 2003 and can be met at Halle 26B, Booth 224. You may contact Jacques Guichandut by email (jc@bigpond.com.kh) for an eventual appointment prior to the beginning of this most important Travel Fair.

A lovely "Coup de Coeur" Hotel was opened in a quiet environment of Siem Reap a few days ago. The Angkor Discover Inn, located within walking distance of the main interests in town, comes with 14 well appointed air-conditioned rooms, each one with private balcony, Cable TV, Mini-bar, hot & cold shower, Internet hook-up, Laundry and a small restaurant, serving breakfast a la carte (Khmer Management).

Café Indochine enjoys a perfect location in the bustling Sivatah Main-Road of Siem Reap. Managed by Frederic (French), the G.M. of Pavilion d’Indochine, this wonderful Khmer-wooden house, provides 32 seats (plus 14 Bar-seats) on two delicately decorated floors, serving delicious local Khmer dishes and a large variety of fancy drinks. It’s a must to pay a visit when in town!

We would like to inform you that our offices are closed on 8^th March (Saturday/Intl. Women’s Day). We shall have one person on duty for any assistance in case of an emergency. New reservations and quotations will be replied after this holiday.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continued support!

Please do not hesitate to contact us should further assistance be needed.

With kindest regards,

Asian Trails Ltd., Cambodia

Ken for Jacques Guichandut