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Digital Magazine Oct. - Dec., 2015

Battambang Banteay Srei Temple Mammals of Cambodia Chanrey Tree Restaurant Phare, the Cambodian Circus

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Dear Readers, It is hard to imagine anything that is harder, been more fun, plus ultimately more satisfying, than completing the first five years of providing our readers with informative content presented in a positive light, helping to boost business, investment, tourism and the image of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Now we are planning for the next five years.

This issue of Cambodia Insight is our 24th quarterly publication. It’s been, as the Navy promises, “not just a job, but an adventure”.

I would like to say a big thank you to our many readers over the last five years, as you have proven again and again that you will visit an online publication. We really appreciate your attention, as well as your comments and suggestions we have received, with every one of them being read, and many ideas adopted. We are extremely grateful.

A very big heartfelt thanks to our advertisers, because without you, none of this would have been possible.

We have not charged our many readers and your generous support over the last five years has made this possible. We truly hope that your business has benefited from the attention your adverts garnered both locally and internationally. You will be interested to know that in order to reach an even larger reader audience, the magazine can now be found on www.magzter.com, which opens the door to an extra 25 million mobile readers worldwide and will soon be available on www.pressreader.com Thank you to our contributors as well, you have supplied us with interesting – indeed fascinating, insights into this Land of Wonder and its warm, welcoming people. The quality of your work has shone brightly. We are grateful.

The final thank you must go to our staff, who have worked tirelessly and without complaint under the pressures of deadlines. You have brought creativity to Cambodia Insight, along with a full measure of talent, hard work and good spirits.

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Apsara Dancers

As we look to the future, having weathered the initial growing pains, we can now focus even more on producing the leading publication about Siem Reap and Cambodia.

Now, every issue will contain a temple review, a featured guided tour, a hotel review, 2 cookbook recipes, restaurant and bar reviews, and an executive property will be highlighted.

Also in future issues we will continue to spotlight the growing numbers of visitors and investors from Russia, the important role of investment from China and Korea, and relations with our neighbors Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. We will also feature information about Cambodian life, business, culture and especially responsible tourism. Most of all, we’ll continue to bring to our readers more of the amazing marvels of the Land of Wonders, our adopted home.

As always, your readership, advertising support, and your comments, will help us make this the leading publication of its kind on the internet. We are truly very grateful.

Sincerely,

Charles R. Evans Publisher H/P: 017.906.721 Tel: +855(0)63.963.583 Charles@CambodiaInsight.com

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CONTENTS Battambang

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Cambodia: A new bright spot in Asia-Pacific

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Belmiro’s Dining and Bar

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Miss Wong Cocktail Bar 22 Mammals of Cambodia

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Featured Property 32 Hotel Review: White Villa Boutique

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Siem Reap to Battambang boat trip

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Banteay Srei Temple

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The Cambodian Cookbook 44 Phare, the Cambodian Circus with Beyond Unique Escapes 46 Cost of living in Cambodia

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Chanrey Tree 50

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08 A Quarterly Magazine on Business, Economy, Tourism, Culture and Society in English for Cambodia. Founded in Siem Reap City in January, 2010 by Evans Marketing Charles R. Evans Dave Courtright Don Finck Kanyapat Evans Savuth Sao

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Chinda Sovan Ian Roberts Atchariya Priabnan Dave Courtright Sokum Tim Bunleab Hong Eric Larbouillat Peter Richards

Publisher and Managing Director Editor - in - Chief Senior Creative Director Creative Director Manager, Graphic Design & Print Production Sales Manager Operations Manager Graphic design Layout artist Graphic design Webmaster & Programmer Sales Executive Thailand Bureau Chief

Evans Marketing Business Adviser Co., Ltd., 331 Tep Vong St., Taphul Village, Svay Dongkum Commune, Siem Reap - Angkor, 17000 Kingdom of Cambodia Tel: +855 (0) 63.963.583 Advertising & Subscriptions E-Mail: Advertising@CambodiaInsight.com E-Mail: Subscription@CambodiaInsight.com

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ŠCopyright Evans Marketing Business Adviser Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. The name Cambodia Insight.com, in either English or Khmer languages, its associated logos or devices and the contents of this publication and website may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in print or electronically, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without written permission of Evans Marketing Business Adviser Co., Ltd. Cambodia Insight.com is a wholly owned publication and website of Evans Marketing Business Adviser Co., Ltd. Licensed by the Ministry of Information.

Although every care has been taken in the production of this magazine and website, no responsibility for errors or liability is assumed through the use of the information contained herein.

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Cambodia Insight.com is an independent publication dedicated to providing our readers with informative content presented in a positive light, helping to boost business investment, tourism, cultural awareness and the image of the country.

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Cambodia - Kingdom of Wonder

Wat Somrong Knong Pagoda

Battambang Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city and the capital of Battambang Province, which was founded in the 11th century. It is the former capital of Monton Kmer and lies in the heart of the Northwest of Cambodia. It’s a riverside town, home to some of the best-preserved, French colonial architecture in the country.

With a rich architectural heritage, an increasingly confident art scene providing a cradle for many of Cambodia’s top talents, and stunning surrounding countryside, Battambang is a tranquil respite from the boom and hustle of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Battambang is Khmer for “disappearing stick”, referring to a legend about a cowherd named Ta Dambong who found a magic stick and used it to usurp the then-king. The king’s son ran off to the woods and became a monk. In the meantime, Ta Dambong had a dream that a holy man on a white horse would vanquish him, so he decided it would be a good idea to have all the holy men 8

rounded up and put to death. When the prince heard he was required to go into town, a hermit came up and gave him a white horse. When the prince got on the horse he found it could fly.

When he flew into town, Ta Dambong realised his dream was coming true so he threw his magic stick at the prince and ran away. Neither he nor the magic stick was ever seen again.

Until recently Battambang was off the map for road travellers, but facilities have recently been improved and it makes a great base for visiting the nearby temples, such as Phnom Banon and Wat Ek Phnom, as well as the closedby villages.

It’s a secondary hub on the overland route between Thailand and Vietnam, and if the National Highway No 6 from Poipet to Siem Reap is ever upgraded it’ll become an even smaller hub. The network of charming old French shop houses clustered along the riverbank is the real highlight here, and there are a number of Wats (Pagodas) scattered around the town.

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The small museum has a collection of Angkorian-era artifacts, and beyond the town there’s a number of hilltop temples, yet more Wats and a pretty large lake. One of the more famous hills is Phnom Sampeau (Ship Hill) with the notorious killing caves.

Northwest, there is still a lot of Thai influence apparent.

The main currency is still the Thai Baht and many people are able to converse in Thai.

But the area is very Khmer, with ancient Khmer ruins scattered around, and even the ways of life are much more similar to the rest of Cambodia than to Thailand.

Battambang did not give way to the Khmer Rouge movement after Battambang city the fall of Phnom is a peaceful and Penh, but it’s been pleasant place in the centre of these days. The the ongoing govmain parts of ernment Khmer the city are situRouge conflict ever ated close to the Statue of Ta Dambong with his stick since the VietnamSangker River, a ese invasion in 1979 pushed the genocidal regime tranquil, small body of water that winds its way out of Phnom Penh and to the Northwest. Until through Battambang Province. the surrender deal of Ieng Sary (Khmer Rouge number three man based in Pailin), Battambang It is a nice, picturesque setting. As with much of was the Khmer Rouge stronghold in the region.

Cambodia, the French architecture is an attractive bonus of the lovely city.

In the earlier history Battambang flip-flopped back and forth between Thailand (called Siam before their 20th-century renaming) and Cambodia. It’s been a part of Thailand most of the time since the 15th century, with Cambodia regaining control (more specifically due the French) in 1907. The Thais grabbed it again, with Japanese assistance, in 1941 and kept the region in their camp until the World War II years in 1947.

The Allied Forces helped persuade the Thais that the region was originally part of ancient Cambodia and the world community would not take kindly to the Thais holding onto it further. Like the rest of the

The famous Bamboo Railroad

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Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate.

During the rainy season between mid-April and mid-October the Mekong swells and backs into the Tonle Sap (Great Lake), increasing the size of the lake almost threefold. Between November and April winds are less strong and there are higher temperatures (up to 35 C). General information about the climate: - Rainy season: June - October (<31 C) - Cool season: November - February (>26 C) - Hot season: March - May : (From 28 C -35 C)

Battambang boasts some lovely architecture

is also the home of a performance and arts school called Phare Ponleu Selpak, a home-grown non-governmental organization that grew out of the post-Khmer Rouge-era refugee camps in Thailand which animated the city’s artistic heart.

The city itself is rather dreamy and poetic by comparison with the raw, unbridled energy of Phnom Penh and the chaotic mash of Siem Reap. The Sankae river winds its way all the way through Battambang’s centre.

Hanuman statue with a mermaid in Yu Vann park

With talks underway for listing Cambodia’s second city as a UNESCO World Heritage City (most likely in 2016), Battambang’s status as a somewhat peripheral destination looks set to change.

The number of tourists who are catching on to its charms continues to grow.

It is slowly waking up to the benefits of tourism, not just economically, but also for its role in cultural and heritage promotion and protection (by some anyway).

Battambang has already been named by UNESCO as a City of Performing Arts, thanks to more than 100 ancient Khmer, Thai and French colonial buildings and the many ancient pagodas and temples that dot the city and its environs. It 10

An evening walk along the wide riverside pavements is to witness ordinary lives with all of the quiet beauty that entails as you pass strolling families, courting teens, children swinging in the public park, dozens of people twisting, pushing and pulling at the public gym or walking on stones to stimulate blood flow and promote their health. Alongside them groups of guys laugh

The Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus

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countryside that is a fresh air-gulping joy to visit by bicycle or on a moto or one of the many tuk tuks.

One of the many interesting street statues

and bounce shuttlecocks to one another off their heels, and school kids drill their tae kwon do.

The landscape, often picturesque and highly varied in this large province, morphs from vast marshes and wetlands around the lake’s rim into extensive rice paddies dotted with limestone outcrops and then rolling orchard-blanketed hills around the Pailin enclave, before finishing with rugged forest-clad slopes abutting the picturesque southern mountain ranges. Battambang is home to the kingdom’s best farming land and the provincial capital was traditionally a wealthy trading town as well as being the second largest city of the Kingdom of Wonder.

The central shopping area is home to a mix of Chinese shopfront-style buildings, Khmer 1960s structures and the liver-spotted remains of French colonial-era buildings. The principal flies in the ointment now are developers who would rip down what remains of the lovely town centre buildings and replace them with ugly, modern edifices while they still can. Hopefully, they won’t get too far with their plans.

Outside the city boundaries, rich soils and more moderate temperatures make Battambang the food basket of Cambodia, and for a lush green A group of veteran rain bettors crowds along the edge of a rice paddy in Battambang just after dawn, watching the clouds.

Map of Cambodia showing Battambang on the left

‘Bourgeois’ Battambang with its large ethnic Chinese population suffered greatly during the Khmer Rouge era. With nearby Pailin being one of the last redoubts of anti-government forces during the war of the 1980s and ‘90s, it also later became the centre of UN peace-keeping operations. Today the town is flourishing again due to its agricultural riches and relatively good communications and transport infrastructure that have been drastically improved. Meanwhile Khmer expats and investments are returning in large numbers to the region.

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The countryside of Battambang

There are plenty of things to see and do in and around town, apart from just admiring the idyllic countryside, with no shortage of great accommodation and food and drink options.

One oddity of Battambang province is the rain gambling. Although it does happen all over Cambodia, this is the epicentre of the phenomenon.

Fortunes are won and lost betting how much rain will fall at a given place at a given time. When in the capital, keep an eye out for people clustered

on the roofs of the buildings overlooking the central bus station. Clutching walkie-talkies, they’re communicating with both their rain-spotters, who are scattered across the surrounds monitoring the clouds, and their bookies at Psas Boeung Chhoeuk. The bookies can be a bit shy about having their photo taken, but they’re not too worried if you’re just there to check it out. www.tourismcambodia.com www.travelfish.org

Looking down on the Tonle Sap area from Phnom Krom, just outside of Siem Reap.

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info@angkor-golf.com +855 (0) 63 767 688 or 63 767 689 Monks descending Angkor Wat

www.angkor-golf.com

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Economy Cambodia: A new bright spot in Asia-Pacific Long considered off-the-beaten-track by luxury tourists and hotels, Cambodia has quickly come into its own in the past five years. As large hotels go up slowly, new boutique hotels are constantly opening in the capital city of Phnom Penh as well as Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat.

“The Cambodia luxury hotel market continues to enjoy notable expansion, driven by increasing international tourist arrivals and growing domestic prosperity,” Chris Hobden, surveyor at CBRE Cambodia told Hotel Management.

This February, Japan-based Hotel Okura signed an agreement to manage The Okura Prestige Phnom Penh, a 45-story hotel that will open its doors in 2019 as part of The Bay, a $500-million mixedused development at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.

In 2014 Shangri-La International Hotel Management signed a memorandum of understanding with a Cambodian partner to launch the kingdom’s first Shangri-La Hotel in Phnom Penh, also slated to open in 2019.

CDF Mall in Siem Reap, the world’s largest Chinese-invested duty free complex.

On July 12, Cambodia and Thailand announced their “Two Kingdoms, One Destination” tourism agreement facilitating a single visa for both countries will effectively integrate Cambodia’s tourism market with that of Thailand. This will facilitate increased tourism to Cambodia by Chinese tourists, who are now spending nearly $500 billion on their travels abroad, more than any other outbound market.

Big players moving in Demand for high-end accommodation is growing swiftly. Many international investors are making big moves.

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In the nearer future, this year Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will open a 148-room ultra-luxury hotel on the top 14 floors of Vattanac Capital Tower in the heart of Phnom Penh’s rapidly evolving CBD. Asia driving growth Cambodia’s hospitality industry appears to be in the eye of a perfect storm, with 4.5 million international arrivals in 2014, compared with 2.5 million in 2010. A pro-investment government, improving transport infrastructure, rapidly growing tourism and the year-end launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) also bode well. The AEC will create a single market consisting of the 10 nations of Southeast Asia, which will boost intraregional travel as well as cross-border investment.

For the time being, the East Asian powerhouses of China, Japan and South Korea are still vital to

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Siem Reap International airport with its distinctive architecture. Analysts predict the number of Chinese visitors landing here will double by 2020.

Cambodia’s hospitality sector. According to statistics from Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, 73 percent of international arrivals to the kingdom in Q1 2015 were from the Asia Pacific region. Of those nearly 1 million visitors, 226,000 were from neighboring Vietnam, 187,000 were from China and 160,000 were from South Korea. Many analysts predict the number of Chinese visitors to Cambodia will double by or before 2020.

This February during Chinese New Year, CDF Mall, the world’s largest Chinese-invested duty free shopping complex, opened its first location in Cambodia in Siem Reap. The project targets Chinese tourists visiting Angkor Wat. Investment looks to the coast Hotel investment is moving beyond Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, with the coastal city of Sihanoukville a rising star, due to its secluded

tropical islands nearby. Its airport will launch international services this year, with its first international flight arriving from Singapore.

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia’s first luxury island hotel and resort destination continues to receive widespread recognition. Alila Villas Koh Russey, Cambodia’s first internationally branded resort destination, to be operated by Alila Hotels and Resorts, is set to open early next year. ‘’With 2015 set to witness the launch of direct international flights to Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s main coastal city and gateway to the country’s islands, we expect both the hotel industry and resort property market to enjoy increased occupancy rates and, in turn, an uplift in capital values,” CBRE’s Hobden said. www.hotelmanagement.net

One of the many beautiful sculptures found in Siem Reap.

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Dining

BELMIRO’S DINING & BAR Belmiro’s is centrally located, just one street block, about 100 meters, from Pub Street in the heart of Siem Reap. It is retro-fitted out with brick walls and a cosy ‘L’ shaped bar, while the restaurant area is open on 2 sides. It seats 40 plus at wood tables with benches for larger groups and smaller wood tables and chairs for couples.

Pesto Pizza

and subs certainly won’t disappoint. Belmiro’s pizzas are the biggest in Cambodia, the medium pizza is 14 inches and the large pizza is 18 inches.

The portions will keep you happy and you’ll still have enough to share with your friends.

Pepperoni Pizza

Belmiro’s brings the taste and style of New York Pizzas and Subs to Siem Reap, with their thin crust American East Coast style pizzas. Their own homemade pizza dough is hand stretched with freshly made tomato sauce, using only 100% real mozzarella imported cheese & meats with fresh locally grown organic vegetables.

So if it’s a snack or a hearty meal you’re after, Belmiro’s and its selection of super-sized pizza Chicken Wings

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Dining Belmiro’s is a fun and Opening Hours: friendly restaurant and Noon – Late, Monday to bar and a great meeting Saturday, closed Sunday place to start your night off with a beer, cocktail, Food Specials: “Wing it spirit or even get lie’d Wednesday” - Chicken with a scorpion bowl Wings for only $0.75 each from their fully stocked Weekly Specials, which bar. If it’s congenial change every week. conversation that you are after, you’re sure to Dining Options: Quick find a group of expats Bites, Lunch, Dinner, sitting at the bar. Or, if Takeout, Full Bar, Outyou choose to simply door & Indoor Seating.

Belmiro’s Bar grab that ‘slice of home on your way home’ after a big night or just fancy Happy Hour: from 5pm – 7pm, featuring $0.50 a night cap, Belmiro’s is the place. draft beer and $1.00 vodka, rum and gin drinks A Slice of Home, Away from Home!

Location: In the hub of Siem Reap, one block from Pub Street.

Website: www.belmirospizza.com Credit: Ian Roberts

It’s always fun at Belmiro’s

Muffaletta Sandwich

Aunt Nancy’s Meatball Sub

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Angkor National Museum The Legend Revealed The Angkor National Museum is the most important museum dedicated to the Angkor civilization in Cambodia and Asia. It is located in Siem Riep City, on the exclusive Charles de Gaulle Avenue, to the north of the National Road.

Lintel Style: Banteay Srei Date : 10th Century Display in Gallery C

Its collection, exhibited in eight galleries (the Exclusive Gallery and the other ones identified from A to G), numbers several masterpieces of theAngkor temples and it is the most complete representation of the culture, history and archeology of the Golden Age of Cambodia.

The Charles de Gaulle Avenue is not far from the temples themselves (about two kilometers from downtown). The facade maintains the harmony of the unique Angkorian architecture.

Comparable to any modern museum in the world, it has a fast ticketing service system (and it is possible to book online), a Guide Map and Audio Tour Set (personal translation device) with eight languages (Khmer, English, German, Korean, Japanese, French, Chinese and Thai.)

It is a highly recommended place to complete visits to the temples. The combination of modern technologies and multimedia presentations introduces the visitor into the magic of the Angkor world.

The Museum Mall

The Museum covers 20 thousand square meters (65,616 sq. feet) surrounded with the traditional Cambodian gardens and the exclusivity of the northern area of Siem Riep City.

The Museum is the product of a joint effort of the Royal Ministry of Culture and Fine Art, the APSARA Authority and the Museum Co., Ltd. on a 30 year concession period. No doubt, it is a world class museum dedicated to the preservation of the Khmer artifacts, collections and restorations of the fascinating Angkor Civilization.

The Angkor National Museum is unique in Cambodia. It has its own style and its full inspiration in the ancient glorious time of the Khmer Empire, just at the doors of the temples.

by A. Rodas

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Gallery 6 : Ancient Costume

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Dining

Miss Wong Cocktail Bar Miss Wong is only a few minute stroll from the neon brashness of Pub Street in the heart of the Old French Quarter of Siem Reap. The cherry-red lanterns suspended from the doorway beckon the passers-by to this hidden gem. You will find yourself back in time for a taste of the vintage 1930’s Shanghai themed Cocktail Bar.

Dim Sum

The design of the inside is chic and inspired, embracing both old and new styles with deep red walls, Chinese silk lanterns, lacquered screens, and dark wood furniture. Slip into one of the intimate leather booths for the bar’s signature cocktail, Indochine Martini (vodka, ginger-infused cognac liqueur, and a splash of pineapple juice). Next try one of their other exotic classic cocktails made with premium spirits and local fruits & spices. Also, be sure to dine on some delicious homemade dim sum, or Chinese-flavored soups, noodles and delicacies.

The entrance to Miss Wong

Miss Wong is a beautiful, impressive, and seductive bar, with tons of ambience perfect for either pre-dinner drinks, or to drop by after your meal for a nightcap. Either way, you’ll be mingling with Siem Reap’s loyal expat crowd, as well as its tourism and hospitality community. And always a bit of a party on the weekend.

Opening Hours: 6:00 pm – 1:00 am Saturday Special: Weekly musical treat from the resident DJ Miss Sakura Boom, who accompanies your exquisite cocktails, infused gins and dim sum.

Dining Options: Dim Sum, Hot Pots, Noodles & Wok Stir-Fries.

Location: Nestled in an enigmatic tiny alley, that runs parallel 50 meters behind Pub Street.

Website: www.misswong.net Credit: Ian Roberts

The gorgeous interior

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Playing Ouk (Khmer Chess) at the Khmer New Year Festival at Angkor Wat

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Mammals of Cambodia

Asian

Gold

en Ca

t

anked

Red-Sh

Adult Asian Elephant with calf

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Douc

The majestic Kouprey

Cambodia is home to a diverse array of wildlife.

There are 212 mammal species, 536 bird species, 176 reptile species (including 89 subspecies), 850 freshwater fish species (Tonlé Sap Lake area), and 435 marine fish species. Many of the country’s species are recognized by the IUCN or World Conservation Union as threatened, endangered, or critically endangered. Intensive poaching may have already driven Cambodia’s national animal, the Kouprey, to extinction, and wild tigers, Eld’s deer, wild water buffaloes and hog deer are at critically low numbers.

Wildlife in Cambodia includes dholes, elephants, deer (sambar, Eld’s deer, hog deer and muntjac), wild oxen (banteng and gaur), panthers, bears, and tigers. Cormorants, cranes, ibises, parrots, green peafowl, pheasants, and wild ducks are also found, and poisonous snakes are numerous.

Cambodia has 16 globally endangered species and two critically endangered species. Some of Cambodia’s endangered species are the Asian elephant, Siamese crocodile, wild water buffalo, and the Germain’s silver langur.

In this issue we take a look at some of the more interesting mammals of Cambodia.

A kouprey also known as kouproh, “grey ox”, is a wild, forest-dwelling bovine species found mainly in northern Cambodia, but also believed to exist in southern Laos, western Vietnam, and eastern Thailand. It was only in 1937 the kouprey became known to zoologists.

A very large ungulate, the Kouprey can approach similar sizes to the wild Asian water buffalo. These bovids measure 2.1 to 2.3 m (6.9 to 7.5 ft) along the head and body, and stand 1.7–1.9 m (5.6–6.2 ft) high at the shoulder. Their weight is reportedly from 680 to 910 kg (1,500 to 2,010 lb).

Kouprey have tall, but narrow, bodies, long legs and humped backs. They can be either grey, dark brown or black. The horns of the female are lyreshaped with antelope-like upward spirals. The horns of the male are wide and arch forward and upward, and they begin to fray at the tips at about three years of age. Both sexes have notched nostrils and long tails.

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Kouprey graze on grasses, including bamboo. They also spend a lot of their time around salt licks and water holes.

There are estimated to be fewer than 250 kouprey left in the world.

The Asian golden cat, also called the Asiatic golden cat and Temminck’s cat, is a medium-sized wild cat of SE Asia.

The Asian golden cat is heavily built, with a typical cat-like appearance. It has a head-body length of 66 to 105 cm (26 to 41 in), with a tail 40 to 57 cm (16 to 22 in) long, and is 56 cm (22 in) tall at the shoulder. The weight ranges from 9 to 16 kg (20 to 35 lb), which is about two or three times that of a domestic cat.

Asian golden cats are territorial, solitary, and are primarily nocturnal. In a study, the male’s

Juvenile Asian Elephants

territory was 47.7 km2 (18.4 sq mi) in size and increased by more than 15% during the rainy season. The female’s territory was 32.6 square kilometres (12.6 sq mi) in size.

Asian golden cats can climb trees when necessary. They hunt birds, hares, rodents and reptiles, small ungulates such as muntjacs and young sambar deer. They are capable of bringing down prey much larger than themselves, such as domestic water buffalo calves.

The Asian or Asiatic elephant is distributed in Southeast Asia from India in the west to Borneo in the east. Asian elephants are the largest living land animals in Asia.

Since 1986, they have been listed as endangered

by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years. Asian elephants are primarily threatened by degradation, fragmentation and loss of habitat, and poaching. In 2003, the wild population was estimated at between 41,410 and 52,345 individuals.

Asian Golden Cat

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In general, the Asian elephant is smaller than the African elephant and has the highest body point on the head. The back is convex or level. The ears are smaller than the African elephant. It has up to OCT - DEC, 2015

20 pairs of ribs and 34 caudal vertebrae. The feet have more nail-like structures than those of African elephants—five on each forefoot, and four on each hind foot.

As is common with large animals, the dimensions of the Asian elephant are often exaggerated. On average, the shoulder height of males rarely exceeds 2.7 m (9 ft) and that of the females, 2.4 m (8 ft). Average height of females is 2.24 m (7.3 ft), and average weight 2.72 t (3.00 short tons) rarely exceeding 4.16 t (4.59 short tons). Large bulls weigh up to 5.4 t (6.0 short tons) and are 3.2 m (10 ft) at the shoulder. Length of body and head including trunk is 5.5–6.5 m (18–21 ft) with the tail being 1.2–1.5 m (3.9–4.9 ft) long.

The largest bull elephant ever recorded was found in India in 1924. It weighed 8 tonnes (8.8 short tons), stood 3.35 m (11 ft) tall at the shoulders and was 8.06 m (26.4 ft) long from head to tail. There have been reports of much larger individuals as tall as 3.7 m (12 ft).

Three subspecies are recognized: The Sri Lankan elephant occurs in Sri Lanka.

The Indian elephant occurs in mainland Asia: Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam.

Red-Shanked Douc

bathing. At times, they scrape the soil for clay or necessary minerals.

The Sumatran elephant occurs only in Sumatra.

They consume up to 150 kg (330 lb) of plant matter per day. They are generalist feeders, and both grazers and browsers.

They browse more in the dry season with bark constituting a major part of their diet in the cool part of that season. They need 80–200 litres of water a day and use even more for

Red-Shanked Douc

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The red-shanked douc is a species of Old World monkey, among the most colourful of all primates. This monkey is sometimes called the “costumed ape” for its extravagant appearance. From its knees to its ankles it sports maroon-red “stockings”, and it appears to wear white forearm length gloves. Its attire is finished with black hands and feet. The golden face is framed 29

by a white ruff, which is considerably fluffier in males. The eyelids are a soft powder blue. The tail is white with a triangle of white hair at the base. Males of all ages have a white spot on both sides of the corners of the rump patch, and red and white genitals.

The word “douc” (pronounced ‘dook’) is a Vietnamese word meaning “monkey”. The douc is an arboreal and diurnal monkey that eats and sleeps in the trees of the forest.

Like other doucs, the red-shanked douc is a long, slender monkey. The male has an average head and body length of 61 cm (24 in), and the female averages 54.5 cm (21.5 in) long, with a tail that measures 55.8–76.2 cm (22.0–30.0 in) long. Males weigh on average 11 kg (24 lb), and females 8.44 kilograms (18.6 lb). There is a slight difference in rump markings between genders: the male has round white spots above the triangle of white on its rump, while the female does not.

All doucs are native to Southeast Asia, specifically Cambodia, China, Laos and Vietnam.

Hog Badger

The hog badger is a terrestrial mustelid (think badgers, weasels, ferrets, and wolverines), that is widespread in Central and Southeast Asia. It is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as its occurrence is patchy.

It has medium-length brown hair, stocky body, white throat, two black stripes on an elongated 30

white face and a pink, pig-like snout. The headand-body length is 55–70 cm (22–28 in), the tail measures 12–17 cm (4.7–6.7 in) and the body weight is 7–14 kg (15–31 lb).

Its appearance generally resembles the European badger, but it is generally smaller, with larger claws on the front feet. Its tail has long white hairs, and its front feet have white claws.

Eld’s deer, also known as the thamin or brow-antlered deer, is an endangered species of deer indigenous to Southeast Asia.

The following measurements have been reported Head–body length: 150–180 cm (59–71 in) Shoulder height: 110–125 cm (43–49 in) Tail length: 20–30 cm (8–12 in) Weight: 125–175 kg (276–386 lb) Antler length: 99 cm (39 in) The deer are generally of medium size and are similar to the size and shape of the barasingha.

The species has a very regal and graceful Cervus physique. Its legs are thin and long, and has a long body with a large head on a thin neck. The throat of a male has a thick mane of long hair. Males (stags) are taller and heavier than the females (hinds or does). Their coats, rough and coarse, change colour with the season; in summer the colour is reddish-brown, while in winter, it turns dark brown, with males tending to be darker than the females.

The tail is short in length and the rump has no distinct patch.

Despite these features, they are actually related to the Père David’s deer.The antlers, bow- or lyreshaped, do not grow upwards, but tend to grow outwards and then inwards; a smaller branch grows towards the front of the head. The brow tines are especially long and noticeable. The brow-antlered deer is so named because they have long brow tines. On schedule they shed their antlers every year, with the largest size attained during the breeding season.

OCT - DEC, 2015

Credit: wikipedia.org

Thai Brow-antlered Deer

WANT TO BUY, RENT OR SELL? Siem Reap Rental ASIA with 35+ years The Longest Established of professional experience, will eliminate the and most experienced Business Investment frustration, endless searching & negotiating Advisors in Thailand and Cambodia that is part of the process of signing a contract.

We have offices in Cambodia and Thailand to accommodate Residential Western, Khmer, and Thai professionals & Commercial properties that include land, restaurants, apartments, condos, flats, villas, hotels, businesses, and guest houses.

We make sure we thoroughly understand the clients requirements & offer a full after sales service as well.

Mrs. Chinda Sovan, Sales Mgr Tel: +855 (0) 63-963-583 Mobile: +855 (0) 17-770-291 Email: Chinda@SiemReapRental.ASIA 20

Mr. Charles R. Evans, Managing Director Mobile: +855 (0) 17-906-721 Email: Charles@SiemReapRental.ASIA info@SiemReapRental.ASIA OCT - DEC, 2015

31

Featured Property

The hotel and refreshing pool

Welcome to the second article of “Featured Property Highlight” in Cambodia Insight.

Each issue showcases a property from Siem Reap Property & Businesses. It may be a family residence, boutique hotel, guest house or apartment that is located in Siem Reap.

can walk out and not be hassled by vendors, yet close enough to walk to where all the action of downtown Siem Reap occurs. The hotel is beautifully furnished throughout with 13 air conditioned rooms. Each en-suite room contains a small fridge/mini-bar, secure safety box, tea/coffee maker, flat screen TV with cable, and Wi-Fi. The black and white tiled bathrooms have a hot and cold shower and come with a hairdryer.

A lovely room

A luxurious, upscale boutique hotel built and established in 2013, located in a quiet neighborhood not far from the city center. The 3 story hotel property sits on small side street where you 32

Another of the well furnished rooms

There is also a cozy bar and café on the property, where guests can relax with a refreshing drink.

OCT - DEC, 2015

Looking down at the lovely garden

An inviting gazebo can be found in the lush tropical gardens, where one will also find the lovely 11m x 4m swimming pool and jet spa which is surrounded with ample sun loungers and tables.

Leasehold Purchase Price: $160,000 inclusive of a $20,000 security bond/deposit Lease Price: 2 years @ $2200 per month 5 years @ $2640 per month 3 years @ $3168 per month $20,000 returnable security deposit Contact: Chinda Sovan - Tel. 017.770.291 Charles Evans: info@SiemReapRental.ASIA www.SiemReapRental.ASIA

The pool and sun loungers

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33

Hotel Review White Villa Boutique

Front entrance of the White Villa Boutique

Welcome to the second “Hotel Review” featured article in Cambodia Insight.

In each issue our “inside eye” will take you to a Siem Reap Hotel or Guest House.

Market, and Angkor Night Market. The tourist information center is quite close as are many ATMs and banks.

White Villa Boutique is majestically situata-

ted 600 meters from the famous Pub Street, Old

Another of the well furnished rooms

A lovely room

34

White Villa boutique is only a 15 minutes drive from the Siem Reap International Airport and just 10 minutes to the Angkor Archaeologcal Park. They offer complimentary tuk tuk round OCT - DEC, 2015

trip transfer from the Siem Reap International Airport, bus station and river port.

Accommodations White Villa Boutique offer eleven rooms, decorated in a modern style; simple, natural and comfortable. White Villa Boutique offers 6 deluxe double rooms and 5 deluxe twin bed rooms. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV and telephone. Two bottles of water plus tea, cofee, sugar and milk are replenished daily.

Services

The restaurant

Boutique Facilities • Express check in • Late check out • Visa and Master card • Free parking • Lobby and Reception • Laundry service • Room service • Wake up service • Postal service • Wardrobe • Hair dryer • Foreign currency exchange • The White Restaurant • 24 hour security guard • 24 hour front desk • 24 hour business center • International and local call www.siemreapwhitevilla.com Phone: 063 963 111

Modern bathroom

Massage, car and bicycle rental, ticketing services and tour arrangements are available at the hotel, courtesy of the guest service assistant team which is always ready to assist you.

White Vlla Boutique is Cambodian owned and managed

by Cambodians.

Nicely appointed room

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Siem Reap to Battambang boat trip Tonle Sap Lake

There are two ways to get from Battambang to Siem Reap besides a private taxi. You may either take the bus through Sisophon which takes about three hours and costs $5.50, or the river boat along the Sangker River. This takes as long as seven to nine hours depending on the water levels and costs $20, plus it requires a $5 tuk-tuk ride from its remote dock into town. A simple cost-benefit analysis favors the bus, but that would be a mistake, because the boat ride from Battambang to Siem Reap is a memorable scenic journey.

try the open bow where there is a small space for a few people to squat, or on the roof where most of the guest’s luggage is stowed, which is in the breeze and away from the noise.

The agent arranged for us to be collected at 6.30 am in the morning and be transported by tuk tuk to the Chong Kneas ferry port, 15km from the town centre. The boat was supposed to depart at 7.30 am, but unfortunately on the day we made the trip the boat did not depart until 8.30 am due to waiting for extra guests to arrive.

The boat is about forty feet long by ten feet wide, and there are three areas to sit in. Below board there are doublewide benches which line each side of a center aisle (forward seats are preferred since the rear engine is quite loud). You can also 36

Houses in a floating village

When we finally departed we crossed the vast expanse of Tonle Sap Lake, which in 1997 was designated as a protected area under UNESCO’s “Man and Biosphere” program. There are three ‘core zones’, but the most interesting is the Prek

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to huge bamboo fishing derricks that lower giant nets into the shallows. We stopped for snacks at Prey Chas, watching small canoes with outboard engines serving as water taxis for locals crossing the river or navigating between villages.

The views are gorgeous, passing many small fishing villages, which included clinics, stores, and residences balanced on multiple bamboo rails in the water, thus allowing visitors to get a sense of life on the river side. You may see someone bathing or scrubbing their laundry with suds driftFishing derrick

Toal Bird Sanctuary which is just as you enter the meandering narrow tracks of the Sangker River.

Apart from large numbers of Storks, Pelicans and Ibis, there are many rare species, such as the amazing Painted Stork.

With the continuous change of the water level, the people who live there have to move their houses when the water level recedes. Whole villages including schools, shops, churches, fish farms and crocodile farms are moved to an area where the water is still high enough to float.

After about an hour we left the watery desert of the Tonle Sap and the partially submerged trees to enter the Sangker River through marsh and swamp to actual river banks where elegant Banyan Trees define the river bends. The boat often stops to pick up passengers or drop off packages, as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the lifeline of the river dwellers. The houses on stilts all have stairs that descend to floating docks and canoes. Some houseboats are attached

Along the floating village

ing just a few meters from someone else washing their vegetables. Women can be seen draped in loose sarongs splashing buckets of water over their heads for their morning shower, while men plunge their hands deep into the brown water to bring up delicate fishing nets and sturdy traps.

We finally arrived at 4.30 pm, making it an 8 hour trip. It was packed with diversity both of scenery and lifestyle, giving an insight into the real life in Cambodia. The river is their life-blood and provides food, drink, commerce, and activity, but what made the boat journey so unique was being able to experience the river life upclose and personal.

From the large Tonle Sap Lake and all along the small connecting rivers we were able to watch the everyday life of the river and its people at close range. Something we will absolutely never forget.

Credit: Chinda Sovan

Along the narrow river

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37

Temple Tour

Entrance to Banteay Srei temple

Banteay Srei

the Citadel of Women Although it’s out of the way, true temple buffs won’t want to miss Banteay Srei, a beautiful 10th-century Hindu temple complex about 23 miles north of Angkor Wat. The temple consists of low walls surrounding peaked structures of deep red sandstone. Banteay Srei means “Citadel of Women,” or “Citadel of Beauty”, and it is said that the reliefs on this temple are so delicate that they could only have been carved by the hand of a woman. Others believe the name is probably related to the intricacy of the bas relief carvings found on the walls and the tiny dimensions of the buildings themselves.

The well-preserved relief carvings on the central buildings depict scenes from ancient Hindu tales.

The buildings themselves are miniature in scale, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. These factors have 38

made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a “precious gem”, or the “jewel of Khmer art.”

History of Banteay Srei Completed in 967, Banteay Srei was the only major temple at Angkor not built for the king; instead it was constructed by one of king Rajendravarman’s counsellors, Yajnyavahara. The temple was primarily dedicated to Shiva (the southern buildings and the central tower were devoted to him, but the northern ones to Vishnu). It lies near the hill of Phnom Dei 25 km (15 miles) northeast of the main group of temples, where the capital of the time (Yashodharapura) was located.

The temple was subject to further expansion and rebuilding work in the 11th century. At some point it came under the control of the king and

OCT - DEC, 2015

had its original dedication changed; an inscription of the early 12th century records the temple being given to the priest Divarakapandita and being rededicated to Shiva. It remained in use at least until the 14th century.

thorities removed some original statues and replaced them with concrete replicas, looters took to attacking the replicas. A statue of Shiva and his shakti Uma, removed to the National Museum in Phnom Penh for safekeeping, was assaulted in the museum itself.

To prevent the site from water damage, the joint Cambodian-Swiss Banteay Srei Conservation Project installed a drainage system between 2000 and 2003.

Measures were also taken to prevent damage to the temples walls being caused by nearby trees.

Materials and style

The combat between Vāli and Sugrīva as depicted on the western gopura

The temple’s original name was Tribhuvanamahesvara — “great lord of the threefold world” — named as usual after the central image (in this case a Shaivite linga). The town of Isvarapura was centred on the temple.

Banteay Srei is built largely of a hard red sandstone that can be carved like wood. Brick and laterite were used only for the enclosure walls and some structural elements. The temple is known for the beauty of its sandstone lintels and pediments.

A pediment is the triangular space above a rectangular doorway or openings. At Banteay Srei,

The temple was rediscovered only in 1914, and was the subject of a celebrated case of art theft when André Malraux stole four devatas in 1923 (he was soon arrested and the figures returned).

The incident stimulated interest in the site, which was cleared the following year, and in the 1930s Banteay Srei was restored in the first important use of anastylosis at Angkor. Until the discovery of the foundation stela in 1936, it had been assumed that the extreme decoration indicated a later date than was in fact the case.

Unfortunately, the temple has been ravaged by pilfering and vandalism. When toward the end of the 20th century auAnother intricate carving

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39

pediments are relatively large in comparison to the openings below, and take a sweeping gabled shape.

For the first time in the history of Khmer architecture, whole scenes of mythological subject matter are depicted on the large pediments.

perfect ornamental technique – one should not hesitate, of all the monuments of the Angkor group, to give it the highest priority.” At Banteay Srei, he writes, “the work relates more closely to the art of the goldsmith or to carving in wood than to sculpture in stone”

A lintel is a horizontal beam One of several fasle doorways spanning the gap between two posts. Some lintels serve a structurWhat to See at Banteay Srei al purpose, serving to support the weight of the superstructure, while others are purely decoraBanteay Srei’s style is a mix of the archaic and the tive in purpose. The lintels at Banteay Srei are innovative. Although Banteay Srei’s coloration is beautifully carved, rivalling those of the 9th cenunique, many other shades of sandstone were tury Preah Ko style in quality. eventually to become the norm.

Noteworthy decorative motifs include the kala (a toothy monster symbolic of time), the guardian dvarapala (an armed protector of the temple) and devata (demi-goddess), the false door, and the colonette.

Indeed, decorative carvings seem to cover almost every surface.

Carving of a Devata

40

According to pioneering Angkor scholar Maurice Glaize, “Given the very particular charm of Banteay Srei – its remarkable state of preservation and the excellence of a near

Pediments are large in comparison to entrances, in a sweeping gabled shape. For the first time whole scenes appear on the pediments, while the lintels with central figures and kalas on looped garlands look backwards.

The guardian dvarapalas and the colonettes are also old-fashioned.

Decoration covering almost every available surface is deeply sculpted and figures rounded. The style is also seen in parts of Preah Vihear.

OCT - DEC, 2015

The guardian Dvarapala

Like most Khmer temples, Banteay Srei is orientated towards the east. The fourth eastern gopura is all that remains of Isvarapuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outer wall, approximately 500 m square, which may have been made of wood.

The gopuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eastern pediment shows Indra, who was associated with that direction. A 67 m causeway with the remains of corridors on either side connects the gopura with the third enclosure. North and south of this causeway are galleries orientated north-south (one to the north and three to the south halfway along, with a further one on each side in front of the third gopura).

The third enclosure is 95 by 110 m, with gopuras in the laterite wall to the east and west. Neither pediment of the eastern gopura is in situ: one is on the ground nearby, while the other is in Parisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guimet Museum.

Most of the area within the third enclosure is occupied by a moat (now dry) divided into two parts by causeways to the east and west.

The succeeding second enclosure has a laterite wall of 38 by 42 m.

The brick inner enclosure wall, a 24 m square, has collapsed, leaving the first gopura isolated, while the laterite galleries which filled the second enclosure (one each to north and south, two

Aerial view of Bantaey Srei

each to east and west) have largely collapsed. The eastern pediment of the east gopura shows Shiva Nataraja. The central part of the west gopura was enclosed to form a sanctuary, with access being to either side.

Between the gopuras are the buildings of the inner enclosure: a library in each of the southeast and northeast corners, and in the centre the sanctuary set on a T-shaped platform that is 0.9 m high.

Besides being the most extravagantly decorated parts of the temple, these have also been the most successfully restored (helped by the durability of their sandstone and their small scale). As of 2005, the entire first enclosure was off-limits to visitors, as was the southern half of the second enclosure.

Kala, a mythical creature representative of time and of the god Siva.

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41

Bantaey Srei

The libraries are of brick, laterite and sandstone.

The south library’s pediments both feature Shiva: to the east Ravana shakes Mount Kailash, with Shiva on the summit; the west pediment has the god of love, Kama, shooting an arrow at him.

any which followed, they show true craftsmanship in their modelling in a skilful blend of stylisation and realism.”

On the north library’s east pediment, Indra creates rain to put out a forest fire started

by Agni to kill a naga living in the woods; Krishna and his brother aid Agni by firing arrows to stop the rain. On the west pediment is Krishna killing his uncle Kamsa.

Glaize wrote that the four library pediments, “representing the first appearance of tympanums with scenes, are works of the highest order.

Superior in composition to 42

Showing the scale of Bantaey Srei

OCT - DEC, 2015

Detail of a carving

The sanctuary is entered from the east by a doorway only 1.08 m in height: inside is an entrance chamber (or mandapa) with a corbelled brick roof, then a short corridor leading to three towers to the west: the central tower is the tallest, at 9.8 m.

Glaize notes the impression of delicacy given the towers by the antefixes on each of their tiers. The six stairways leading up to the platform were each guarded by two kneeling statues of human figures with animal heads; most of those now in place are replicas, the originals having been stolen or removed to museums. www.sacred-destinations.com/cambodia/angkor-banteay-srei en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banteay_Srei

Man/monkey statues

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43

The Cambodian Cookbook Welcome to the second edition of our new quarterly column. All original recipes are created by Mrs Davy Roberts (Leng).

Edited and written by award winning chef Keith Mundell.

Be ready for more mouth watering recipes in every issue!

Khmer Curry Blend all curry paste ingredients together in a blender and fry in 2 tbls oil for 3 minutes. Add packet of Asian curry powder after its cooked.

Mrs Davy Roberts

Ingredients For 4 people

2 Chicken Breasts 1 Carrot 1 New Potato ½ cup Coconut Milk 2 tsp Chicken powder ½ cup fresh Milk Handful long French Beans chopped 1tbsp Condensed Milk

Paste will last for 3 days in fridge and 3 months in freezer.

Par boil the carrot and potato for 5 minutes after cutting into small cubes In a saucepan add 4 tbls curry paste (1 per person), ½ cup of coconut milk and bring to a boil. Add the chicken cut into 10 mm cubes, chicken powder, condensed milk, fresh milk, French beans, potato and carrot.

Boil until the chicken is cooked, about 4 minutes and serve with boiled rice.

Khmer Curry Paste 10 Lemon Grass Shoots 3 tsp Tumeric or finger long fresh turmeric 10 Kaffir Lime Leaves 1 whole Garlic bulb 1 Onion 30 Dried Chillies soaked for 1 hour and deseeded Handful of Peanuts 44

Khmer Curry

OCT - DEC, 2015

Sweet and Sour Meat or Fish Ingredients For 4 people

2 Chicken Breasts/ 1 lb Pork or 1 lb firm Fish fillet Monkfish/ Haddock 1 Pepper 1 Onion 1 Tomato 10 cm Cucumber 2 rings of Pineapple 3 cloves of Garlic 1 tsp Chicken Powder 1 tbsp Palm Sugar 1 tbsp Chilli Sauce 1 tbsp Tomato Ketchup 1 tbsp Soy Sauce

Sweet and Sour Meat

Crush or finely slice the garlic and fry in a large fry pan with 2 tablespoons of oil until just turning golden brown, then add the meat and fry for 2 minutes.

Add the chopped vegetables and fry for another 3 minutes.

Now add the chicken powder, sugar, soy, chilli and ketchup. If using fish not meat add the fish now, just before the sauce ingredients. Cook for 2 more minutes or until fish/meat is cooked.

Serve with boiled rice.

If more sauce is required just add a little water during the final 2 minutes.

Mrs Davy Roberts coming up with another delicious meal

OCT - DEC, 2015

45

OUT AND ABOUT with

Phare, The Cambodian Circus The Circus performs nightly in Siem Reap and is an wild blend of traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatic, juggling and contortion beautifully choreographed and performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society.

This is a great experience and not to be missed.

Pop into our office and watch a bit of the circus on our screen, find out which show is running and talk to our team about the performances.

Some of our favourite shows are: Chillls (Preu) In Cambodia, we take our ghosts seriously. ‘Preu’ is the story of a group of students who encounter ghosts during the night while sleeping. These young Cambodians confront their fears and anxieties with all the courage they can muster. ‘Preu’ is a modern Cambodian circus play performed

by Generation 5 student artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak Artistic and Social Center.

Eclipse Chills

“Phare, the Cambodian Circus” is an offshoot project of Phare Ponleu Selpak (Association) which translates as “Brightness of the Arts” in English. PPS Association is a Cambodian non-profit, non-governmental association founded in 1994 by eight young Cambodians ex-refugees artists in the area of Anchanh Village, Ochar Commune, Battambang Province.

Please check with our team for the current schedule, or visit www.beyonduniqueescapes.com 46

The performance mixes theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, contortion and other circus skills to portray this beautiful story about Cambodian culture and beliefs. Immerse yourself in the universe of ‘Preu’ without worry, because to overcome your fears, you need to face all of your fears first.

Eclipse (Sokrias) Steeped in the Cambodian culture and popular beliefs, Eclipse is a tale about discrimination.

A young man, who suffers from being reject-

OCT - DEC, 2015

all travel to Phnom Penh.

There they get to experience the dark side of life, before our hero ends up beaten and robbed by a gang of thugs finally ending up in hospital.

ed because of his difference, prays for divine intervention.

The gods transform him into a very attractive woman, suddenly getting a lot of positive attention, until a mysterious plague begins to consume all the villagers.

He is saved by a chance meeting with a band of smart Eclipse artists Khmer metal street urchins, will amaze you who take him in as one of their own, building with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. You will leave feeling elated by this story of his confidence and helping him to hold his head high. Bolstered by his adventures, he finally dethe triumph of the human spirit over adversity. cides he is ready to return home.

Phsong Preng (The Adventure) Phsong Preng is a modern Cambodian tale mixThe Adventure tells the moving and exciting story ing high level theatre, music, dance, acrobatics of a young Cambodian boy who leaves his homeand juggling, which carries you on an emotional town in search of a better life. He flees his home, and exciting journey through today’s Cambodia. where he is abused by his mother, and meets new unusual friends from a “medicine show” waiting for a taxi. When the “taxi” arrives, they

The Adventure

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47

Cost of Living in Cambodia Restaurant

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant Meal for 2, at Mid-range Restaurant, 3-course Combo Meal at KFC or Similar Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) Cappuccino (Regular) Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) Water (0.33 liter bottle)

Markets

Milk (regular), 1 liter Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) Rice (1kg) Eggs (12) Local Cheese (1kg) Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) Apples (1kg) Oranges (1kg) Tomato (1kg) Potato (1kg) Lettuce (1 head) Water (1.5 liter bottle) Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro)

Transportation

One-way Ticket (Local Transport) Monthly Pass (Regular Price) Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) Gasoline (1 liter)

American Dollars $2.50 $18.00 $4.00 $1.00 $2.00 $1.92 $0.71 $0.40

$2.12 $1.36 $0.90 $1.51 $16.11 $6.04 $3.78 $3.06 $1.31 $1.67 $0.71 $0.66 $8.00 $0.94 $1.72 $1.10

$1.00 $25.00 $1.25 $0.60 $2.00 $1.11

Utilities (Monthly) Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85 m2 Apartment 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) Laundry (1 kg)

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$78.90 $0.07 $41.07 $1.00

OCT - DEC, 2015

Sports And Leisure

American Dollars

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

$46.47 $10.83 $4.00

Clothing And Shoes

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 or Similar) 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store 1 Pair of Nike Shoes 1 Pair of Mens Leather Shoes

$18.70 $18.75 $40.56 $31.09

Rent Per Month

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

$327.83 $191.06 $802.69 $473.21

Buy Apartment Price

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

$1,313.75 $801.46

Salaries And Financing

Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax) Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly

$190.00 9.40%

These data are based on 915 entries in the past 18 months from 98 different contributors.

Last update: September, 2015 Link: http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Cambodia

Current Exchange Rates Khmer Riels 4085

4085 2898 4586 642 3396 112 182

OCT - DEC, 2015

The exchange rates presented on this website are subject to change at any time without notice and should be used only as a guide. By relying on the information provided, you, the user, assumes full responsibility and bears the entire risk related to its use. We disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, including (without limitation) any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will we be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages resulting from any use or misuse of the information provided.

49

Dining

Chanrey Tree

Siem Reap’s restaurant scene has long lagged behind its hip hotel scene. But now, things are changing and CHANREY TREE is the latest effort at raising Siem Reap’s culinary standard beyond the usual tourist fare of Pub St. It has been well received since opening in mid-2013.

their menus, Kann has stayed true to the concept of a modern Khmer dining experience that goes beyond the Amok and Lok Lak standards.

Cool and contemporary, Chanrey Tree is the new face of Khmer cuisine, combining a stylish setting with expressive presentation while retaining the essentials of traditional Cambodia cooking. Try chicken in honey, rice brandy, young jackfruit and lemongrass.

The wine list ranges upwards from $25 a bottle and includes European and New World offerings.

A traditional dish with white wine

Owner and local tourism and hospitality veteran Kann Soan has focused on creating a concise menu of Khmer dishes in a beautiful setting.

While most restaurants in tourist saturated Siem Reap can’t resist including a pizza or a steak on 50

The setting is a perfect complement to the food, putting a modern spin on a traditional Khmer-style restaurant. Indoor and outdoor dining are available, with some very cool polished concrete benches and tables at the front, lots of greenery, and a nice open kitchen.

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Located in the heart of Siem Reap along the riverside, CHANREY TREE combines the amazing taste of traditional Khmer ingredients with local, professional and charming staff to provide a unique Cambodian dining experience.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a far cry from the racket of Pub St, and Siem Reapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the better for that.

---------------------------------------------------------------Open daily Lunch 11 am-2:30 pm, Dinner: 6 pm-10.30 pm Mobile: (855) 17 79 95 87 Tel: (855) 63 76 79 97

A tasty salad

Website: www.chanreytree.com Email: info@chanreytree.com Address: Pokombo Ave, along Siem Reap river side, 50m before Preah Phrum Rath Pagoda.

Credit: Chinda Sovan

Our favorite chicken dish

Young Monks visiting the amazing Angkor Wat Temple

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No .7

Old Market Area No .1

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DAMNAK Camb dia Insight AREA 46 OCT - DEC, 2015

Ta Phrom Hotel

Damnak

Digital Magazine

54

Siem Reap City Map (Town Center)

CorporateMarketing Integrated Marketing Strategies

Restaurant & Bar

Shopping / Boutique

Tour/Travel Agent

Spa / Massage

Jayavarman VII Hospital Borei Speak Neak Inn (Performances by Beatocello) H

Hotel with restaurant

Bank / ATM

Sofitel Royal Angkor (Couleurs d’Asie Located Inside)

Other

Pagoda

0

50m

100m

150m

Tara Angkor Asia Craft Centre(ACC) Online D’mouj

E S

200m

250m

Wat Kesararam

Bou Savy Guesthouse

Airport Road

Ta Som Guesthouse

Prince d’Angkor

ACLEDA

Kazna Hotel

Street 05

Cambodian Red Cross/ Angkor Panaorama

Helistar

European New Apsara Guesthouse Market Peace of MotherHome Guest House Angkor Tours Home Sweet Home GH Two Dragons

Street 21

La Résidence of Angkor

Samdach Tep

Wat Bo Area

Paris Saigon Vong Street

Viroth’s Restaurant

Angkor Hospital Angkor Rivieara Hotel/Gingkgo Spa ANZ Royal Bank Charming Cambodia for Children Adidas Tours Common Grounds UCB Selantra Pich Reamker Asian Trails Central Boutique Frangipani Spa Street 22 Good Nah Hotel de la Paix Angkor ng Street Vo Tep Terre Cambodge Le Café The Villa Siem Reap Senhoa Nail Spa Ivy Samdach City River Hotel Phsar Guesthouse The Emerald Lotus Kandal Street 23 Boutique Hotel (Center Viroth’s Hotel MPA Naga Guesthouse Market) Bopha Angkor Soria Moria it Stands King AngkorVilla SBC Phnom Penh Fresh Fru Street 24 Sorya Transport Hong Kong Restaurant Canadia PROVINCIAL Shadow of Angkor II Happy 2 thHerb Pizza HOSPITAL Tany Family Lodge Wat Preah nou Street 25 Intra Co. Stre Prom Rath et Happy Special Pizza Relax Massage Khmer Butterflies Gardent Vattanac Bank Home Cocktail Happy Angkor Pizza Street 26 Blue 7 Massage Dead Fish Tower Bodia Spa Tell Restaurant U-Care Maharajah Singing Tree 7 Girls Khmer Massage Be VIP Khmer Massage Tourex Asia Café Little Traditional Brickhouse Bar Happy Angkor Pizza Pumpkin Banana Leaf India Kokoon/Blue Movie Mall Angkor Candles Angkor Trade Center Temple Club/Balcony Traditonal Curry CAB Bank Angkor Street 27 Island Massage Viva Khmer (Pizza Co., Swensens) Rajana Cambodian Walla 2 Night ViVa Khmer Family Champey Senteurs Shadow of Angkor BBG Market d’Angkor Le Grand Red Piano Rehab Craft Chamkar Amok Mekong Guilts Les Orientalistes Body Tune Massage McDermott Gallery Neak Garden Village Sao Mao Aha Krorhorm Kampuccino Guesthouse Molly Malone’s Cherry Blossom Boutique Baca Villa Sala Bai

Zone One Salina Hotel

Wat Bo

Sam Veasna Center

Apsara Theater Angkor Village

St r

M O eet 9 A LD R K E T

St re et

8

St re et

7

Old Market Area

Leu Phsar Thom Thmey

Wat Bo Road

Curry Walla 1

Achar Sva Street

Nest Mekong Bank

Mekong Angkor Palace

Angie’s Villa

Home Cocktail Angkor World Travel Claremont Angkor and Street 20 East India Curry

Siem Reap River

hello point

Oum Chhay Street

Tany Khmer Family Kitchen

Pokambor AV

Royal Day Camintel Inn Angkor POST Casa Angkor Resort OFFICE Oum Khun Street L’Escale des Shinta Mani Arts et des Sens

Angkor Market Master Suki Soup

Green Garden Home

Angkor Wat in Miniature (Artist Dy Proeung) Borann I’Auberge des Temples

Not to Scale Mom’s Guesthouse

MC Dermott Gallery Red Gallery Visaya Spa FCC Angkor

Street 03

Not to Scale

Yaklom Lodge & Sawasdee Food Garden

Park and Promenade

SBC

Old French Quarter

Obriot Gallery

14 Street

Taphul Village Area

Sivatha Blvd

Taphul Road

Lucky Mall (Lucky Supermarket lucky Department, Store, Monument Toys...)

Khmer Inn Angkor

Street 02

Golden Mango Inn (150 meters) Dara Reang Sey Hotel (350 meters) Bus Station (800 meters) Roluos Group (12km) Phum Stoeng Trocheat (13km) Phnom Penh (314km) Reaksmey Star Travel/CTV Phsar Samaki Freedom Hotel

La Noria Hotel and Restaurant

Royal Residence

Ya-Tep Shrine

Mysteres d’Angkor

Cathelic Church Golden Orange Angkor Discover Inn

Royal Independence Preah Ang Chek Gardens Preah Ang Chorm Shrine

Victoria Angkor Angkor Shopping Center National Route No 6 Panida CAB Bank

Caltex

Jasmine Lodge

Wat Po Lanka

Angkoriana Hotel Tonle Chaktomuk and Chaopraya Coffee Tourism Department

kor Ang

Angkor TK

Suki BBQ

of mple the te

Jasmine Lodge

Wat Preah An Kau Sai

River Village Manor Morokat Mart & Coffee Shop The Emerald Lotus Boutique

to Road

The Museum Mall (Monument Books) Angkor M National Museum Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

La Villa Mona d’Angkor Shining Angkor Boutique

Wat Preah An Kau Sai

Dragon Royal 7 Makara ECU (Office)

Royal Yoga Madamsachiko: Angkor Cookies & Café Puka Puka

Not to scales

N W

Hidden Cambodia Adventure (workshop)

Not to Scale

Angkor Village Resort

Hidden Cambodia Adventure Tours(office)

Le Méridien

Old Market Bridge

E M van ar s ke tin g

Stre Wanderlust V & A Encore Angkor Neng Sinath Europe-Asia Tours/ et 10 Tattoo Machine Massage Sok San Red Piano Khmer Taste StreAmary Golden Guesthouse et 1 TNT India Gate Temple 1 Terrasse des Villa Elephants

Sawasdee Angkor Inn

Ta

Artisans d’Angkor Ancient Angkor Inn Tanei Questhouse Angkor Trek Tour

DAMNAK AREA

Golden Banana

Mandalay Inn Divine Lotus Inn Angkor Friendship Inn Angkor Spirit Palace

WAT

Wat Damnak

Pr o H hm ot el

Peace of Angkor Palm Garden Lodge

Siem Reap Hospital

Alliance Café

Passaggio Boutique Hotel

IKTT Five Star Villa Siem Reap Reverside (50 meters) Sayon’s House (300 meters)

Wats Up Golden Banana Boutique Resort

Green Village Palace

rt

po

Phnom Dei

Phokeethra Country Club (5km Past Baray) National Silk Center (16km from town) Dragon Rayal City - Puok Dragon Royal City - Kralanh

Wat Bakong Loley Prasat Preah KoPrasat Prei Mont

Prasat Banteay Samrae To Ph

nom

Prasat Touch Prei Prasat Kule n

/Kba

W

l Spe

an

N

Ecole d’Hotellerie at de Tourisme Paul Dubrule/ Le Jardin des Délices

S E Reaksmey Crystal

GSO Travel Senteur d’Angkor (workshop)

First Travel Reasmey Tep Pranom Diethelm Apsara Angkor New Market Angkor Total

Khiri Travel The Kool Hotel

Prasat Ta Ney

Prasat Dounso

Banteay Kdei 66 B

Prasat Ta Prum

Angkor Oasis Vietnam Airlines

Preah Enteak Kosei

Prasat Prey Khan Kraol Romeas Angkor Thom Bayon Nokor Krau

Prasat Banteay Thum

S

Tram Neak

Prasat Takaeo Thommanon Chao Say Tepda

Phimeanakas

W

Angkor Wat

66 A

SIEM REAP

Ta Prohm Ke Prasat Baksei Cham Krong Baphuon

To To

nle S

Phnom Bakheng

Prasat Reaob Kanda

ap L

ake

63

Prasat Prey

Cambodia Angkor Air

Prasat Patri

Prasat Kraom Prasat Ta Noreay Siem Reap Airport Western Mebon

Prasat Prel Wat Chedei

Prasat Kaoh Ho Western Baray Pralay

Abacus ACLEDA

Prasat Kouk Pou

Prasat Ak Yum

Prasat Phnom Rung

6

Angkor TK

To Po ipe t

Healthy Hand Massage The One Massage Bangkok Airways Angkor Home

66 A

Te m Ar p ea le

Dragon Royal Hotel

Earthwalkers

Prasat Toep

Kroi koPrasat Prey Neakpean

E

N

6

Kuk Talech

Prasat Banteay Prei

The Sothea

Angkor Palace Resort & Spa

67 Prasat Leak Neang

Prasat Kravan

Royal Angkor Resort Empress Angkor Angkor Miracle Resort & Spa

Prasat Kamnap

Prasat Prey Roup Prasat Ta Som Eastern Mebon Prasat Bat Chum

Pacific Hotel Royal Angkor Inn Hospital

Cambodian Cultural Village

Prasat Ou Koek

m Penh

Prasat Banteay Srey

1 km.

To Phno

250 m. 500 m.

Phnom Bok

Eastern Baray (dried up)

Air

Airport Road

National Route #6 between town center and the Siem Reap International Airport

47

OCT - DEC, 2015

49

Multi - Cultural Integrated Solutions PROMOTIONS, EVENTS PUBLIC RELATIONS

TRAVEL, TOURS AND TICKETING

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INCENTIVE MARKETING

E - MARKETING

STRATEGY CONSULTANTS

INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA MARKETING om

T

Camb dia Business

Investment

4

F: H/P /P : +855 (0) 17.906.721 / Charles@CorporateMarketingIntl.com Charles@C l @ CorporateMarketingIntl.com C Co Corp

51

Cambodia’s Premier 5 Star Luxury Spa Resort Angkor Palace Resort & Spa in Siem Reap-Angkor

Locally known as The ‘Palace’, this is the only international ve-star resort designed and built by a Cambodian architect; its décor and furnishings reect the nest in Cambodian architecture, betting dignitaries and guests

from all over the world. Nestled invitingly within a spacious 11-hectare estate, the lush resort evokes the serenity of a secluded retreat dotted with lush tropical landscaping, waterfall and Cambodian sugar palm trees.

ASEAN Hotel Standard 2010-2011

No. 555, Phum Kruos, Khum Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia Tel:(855) 63 760 511 Fax:(855) 63 760 590 / 63 966 335 info@angkorpalaceresort.com www.angkorpalaceresort.com