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New
name for Angkor complex
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| Angkor Wat |
The
Angkor Complex has recently been officially renamed The Angkor
Archaeological Park. The park, listed as a World Heritage Site in
1992, is one of the most important archaeological sites in
South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 sq km, Angkor
Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the
different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th
centuries.
Lost
temples uncovered
In
September, villagers in the Siem Reap area discovered a lost
temple hidden in the forest dating back to the late ninth century.
Six other ancient temples were discovered by researchers and
villagers in August. All of the temples have suffered minor damage
from the weather and looters over the years but the government is
working hard to preserve what is left. Cambodian researchers
believe that there may be many more temples to unearth in the
forests.
Cambodia
links to China by rail
Towards
the end of next year, construction will begin on a 48 km railway
running from Poipet to Sisophon. Eventually, this railway will
connect to the proposed rail link from Singapore to Kunming in
China’s Yunnan Province. Malaysia has already invested 8 million
USD in the Poipet-Sisophon project but Cambodia still needs 16.5
million USD to finish the railway. China has expressed an interest
in financing a railway that would link the Cambodian capital,
Phnom Penh, to Vietnam.
Mekong
Airlines revived
Cambodian
and Malaysian investors have been successful in raising the 15
million USD needed to revive Mekong Airlines, which was grounded
last May after only 3 months in operation. In late September, the
airline started flying clients to and from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
and Phnom Penh four days a week. By the end of the year, the
airline hopes to increase the flights to seven days a week and in
October flights will be available to and from Guangzhou, Shanghai,
Kunming, Seoul, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Calcutta.
New
border crossing planned between Laos and Vietnam
A new border gate
is planned between Vietnam’s Kontum Province and Laos. The two
countries are also working on building a 77 km road leading to
the border gate.
Luang
Prabang introduces its craft villages
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| Luang
Prabang |
Laos
is hoping that tourists will be interested in visiting the many
craft villages that it has opened in Luang Prabang Province. So
far visitors can visit Sangkhong village to see the locally made
textile and paper products or visit Hard Hiene village known for
its blacksmiths. There are plans to open up a weaving village
this year.
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