Jewels of the Greater Makong Sub Region

National tourism organisations of each of the six Greater Mekong Sub Region countries have identified five ‘jewels’ in their respective countries that they consider ideal for promotion of tourism. By focusing primarily on these ‘jewels’, the NTOs are seeking to channel tourism development into a few selected spots on which tour operators and investors can concentrate their packaging and hotel investment plans. The strategy also prevents the spread of unplanned tourism into places that may not be ready for it.

The following are the ‘jewels’ that have been identified, along with their main highlights:

Cambodia

Angkor: Southeast Asia’s most spectacular historical site is situated close to Siem Reap and 30 minutes by air from Phnom Penh. There are more than 70 major archaeological monuments in Angkor, including the world-famous Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of ancient Khmer temple architecture. The monuments were built between the 9th and 13th centuries. Kings of the Khmer empire ruled from Angkor.

Phnom Penh: Capital of Cambodia and a major port, Phnom Penh is attractive for both its location at the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, and for its French colonial architecture. Principle sights include the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, several temples including Wat Phnom, and the National Museum which houses a terrific collection of ancient Khmer art. The Central Market is known for antiques, gold and silver jewelry, textiles and other handicrafts and is a haven for shoppers.

Ratanakiri: This mountainous province is famous for its scenery and colorful hilltribes. It is located along the northern border of Cambodia and is reached by land via the Vietnamese Central Highlands town of Pleiku. This is the home of the women famous for smoking long-stemmed pipes.

Sihanoukville: About 230 km south-west of Phnom Penh, this is Cambodia’s only seaport. There are beautiful beaches nearby which are virtually undiscovered. Scuba diving in the surrounding waters is also ideal. Soon to become a seaside resort, as international resorts are looking into development projects in this area.

Tonle Sap: Located close to Angkor, this Great Lake more than triples its size during the rainy season. In the dry season the river reverses its flow and the lake recedes to its normal expanse of about 2,600 square km. The river is a hugely productive fishing ground and a natural irrigator. Floating villages on and around the lake are of interest. It is one of the world’s richest sources of freshwater fish.

China - Yunnan Province

Dali: Once the center of an ancient kingdom, Dali is located 370 km north-west of Kunming. A sense of mystery and charm prevails throughout the town. It is situated between Erhai Lake and the saw-toothed peaks of the Cangshan mountain range. Ninth century pagodas add to the charm of this town. It is accessible by road and air.

Kunming: This ‘City of Eternal Spring’ is spread over a high plateau and offers visitors an environment rich in natural sights. The city was once a major stop on the Silk Route. Today, the capital city of Yunnan province is a prosperous regional trading center surrounded by temples, pagodas, mosques and museums. The food is particularly good. Special teas and herbal medicines abound.

Lijiang: Nestled in a fertile valley 200 km north of Dali, Lijiang is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This town is known for the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Mountain. It is also home of the Naxi people who are known for their ancient pictographs. Ancient music and traditions have been maintained here. It can be reached by road from Kunming or twice weekly by air.

Stone Forest: 85 km south-east of Kunming, this is Yunnan’s most famous sight. The Stone Forest is a 200-acre maze of karst limestone pillars. Inside the maze are a number of hidden treasures, including caves, pools and cliff terraces. Marine fossil findings suggest it may have once been under water.

Xishuangbanna: Bordering Lao PDR and Myanmar, this is the home of the Dai people. One-fourth of China’s fauna and one-sixth of its flora is found here. Buddhist temples are part of the cultural interest of this place. The focal point is Jinghong, the provincial capital, known for its Water Splashing Festival every April. Flights are available from Kunming.

Lao P.D.R.

Champasak: This is the southern-most part of Lao PDR with one of the greatest marvels of the Mekong. The region was once strongly influenced by the Khmer and as a result it is now home to the ruins of Wat Phu, a temple which predates Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Nearby, the mighty Mekong splits into numerous channels, forming what is known as Four Thousand Islands. Access is easiest by air from Vientiane to the capital Pakse, or by road from Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand. River cruises of three or four days are operated from Pakse to and from Khong Island.

Lak Xao: Part of Bolikhamxay Province, this area is known for its natural attractions, including caves, hot springs, waterfalls and a rich variety of fauna. It is accessible by air and by road from Vientiane, and by boat from Nakhornphanom in north eastern Thailand, via Thakek.

Luang Prabang: The former royal capital, Luang Prabang (from Pra Bang - Gold Buddha) is located 350 km from Vientiane at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. High forested hills surround the city which is the country’s religious and cultural center. Access to this fairytale-like city is possible by air form Vientiane or by boat from Chiang Khong in northern Thailand.

Vientiane: Located on the left bank of the Mekong, opposite Nong Khai in Thailand, the sleepy city is the Laotian capital. The nation’s most scared shrine, That Luang, is located here, as well as other interesting temples. The city has a beautiful blend of Asian and French architecture. A visit to the Morning markets and Nong Douang Market are excellent ways of learning about Lao life. Sunsets along the Mekong are lovely.

Xieng Khouang (Plain of Jars): Located between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang province is known for the remote area covered with huge stone jars dating back at least 2,000 years. The origins of these jars remains a mystery. Also of interest are hot springs, temples and small villages. This and other provinces was devastated by war and scars still show in the form of bomb craters and barren land. Hiking around the area is fascinating as visitors pass Hmong and Thai Dam villages. Xieng Khouang can be reached in 50 minutes from Vientiane or 35 minutes from Luang Prabangby Y12 aircraft.

Myanmar

Bagan: This city is known as the ‘City of Four Million Pagodas’ and is located on the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) downstream from Mandalay. Luxury cruisers travel between the two destinations. Built as the capital city in the 11th to 13th centuries, Bagan or Pagan is today mostly in ruins, though there remain several thousand temples and pagodas. Various Kings built temples and pagodas in the 11th and 12th centuries and some of them are still standing.

Inle Lake: Situated 30 km south of Taunggyi, capital of the Shan state, this area is well-known for its natural beauty and refreshing climate. At an elevation of nearly 1,000 metres above sea level, the lake is studded with floating islands that support villages and colorful markets. Visitors might be able to see the famous Shan Leg-rowers who paddle and steer their fishing boats with one leg. Boat tours around the lake.

Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock) Pagoda: 100 km from Yangon, this remarkable pagoda hangs on the edge of a hill, over 680 feet above sea level. One of the many beliefs about the pagoda is that those who climb the hill increase their personal wealth. There is a hotel on the hillside with views of the pagoda.

Mandalay: Situated in Central Myanmar on the Irrawaddy, this is the country’s second largest city and cultural center. A great deal of legend surrounds this ancient city. There are many Buddhist sites. Off the main roads are many hidden monasteries. Beautiful wooden carvings can be found in Mandalay and the Italian-designed Zegyo bazaar is where to go for Burmese silk and local handicrafts.

Yangon: Formerly known as Rangoon, this capital city is a garden of tropical trees, parks and lakes without a single skyscraper in sight. Towering above the skyline is the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, which is more than 2,500 years old and the most enduring symbol of Myanmar for locals and visitors alike. For shoppers, this city is a treasure chest, with superb teak carvings, lacquerware, silver, brass, woven tapestries, silk and cotton and much more. Myanmar’s mines produce some beautiful rubies and sapphires.

Thailand

Bangkok: Founded in 1782, the capital city of Thailand is a city of contrasts, with heavy traffic and quiet back streets, skyscrapers and villages comprising wooden huts. It is a commercial hub of South-east Asia and home to many splendid temples. Museums, old houses and much more keep tourists busy during their stay in the Kingdom’s capital. There are many day-trips possible to nearby historical sights, including the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, known for Hellfire Pass, the Death Railway and other war-time memorials.

Ban Chiang: A small village about 50 km from the provincial capital Udon Thani, Ban Chiang is a major archaeological site. Evidence was found here in the 1960s and 1970s of a Bronze Age civilization that flourished some 5,000 years ago. It is said to be the birth place of the Thai race 7,000 years ago. It remains a precious part of Thai culture.

Chiang Rai: Thailand’s northernmost province, this is where the Mekong River first touches the Kingdom. The meeting point of Myanmar, Lao PDR and Thailand in Chiang Rai is known as the ‘Golden Triangle’. Temples, hilltribe villages and historic sites add to the uniqueness of this province. Elephant treks, rafting tours and 4-wheel drive adventures are all part of the Chiang Rai experience. It is also possible to travel down the Mekong by longtail boat to Luang Prabang in Lao PDR, or take a luxury river cruiser on a voyage upstream to Jinghong in Yunnan. There is a land-crossing into Myanmar at Mae Sai.

Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung: Northeast Thailand possesses some of the finest examples of ancient temples outside Cambodia. Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is one of the most impressive. Located in Buri Ram province about 410 km from Bangkok and easily reached by car, this 12th century temple complex has recently been restored and preserved in a historical park. There are also several spots of interest nearby worth visiting.

Ubon Ratchathani Province: One of Thailand’s largest north-eastern provinces, Ubon is known for its culture, history and natural sights. Two-colored River is where the Mekong and Blue Moon Rivers meet. Buddhist architecture can be found here, as can an abundance of peaceful places for meditation. Close by is Pha Taem, an imposing cliff-face where there are well-preserved prehistoric rock paintings. The provincial capital is readily accessible by air, rail or road.

Vietnam

Hanoi: This city is built around several lakes which, together with small parks, tree-lined boulevards and French colonial architecture, exude a feeling of what was once the Paris of the East. There are plenty of sights including Turtle Hill and Jade Hill Pagoda. And of course, not to be missed is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum which is located here. The city is served both by domestic and international flights.

Ha Long Bay: One of Vietnam’s most scenic areas and 160 km east of Hanoi, it is accessible by road. Part of Quang Ninh Province, the bay comprises some 3,000 limestone rock islands and oddly shaped karst outcrops. There are some superb grottoes. The bay is said to be inhabited by a mysterious creature called Tarasque. Halong Bay was recently recognised as a World Nature Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Ninh Binh Province: About 95 km from Hanoi along National Road 1 in Nam Ha Province, this is the gateway to Hoa Lu, the Vietnamese capital from 968-1010. Much of the city was destroyed but temple complexes were somehow spared, including the famous Temple of Dinh Hoang among others.

Hue: One of Asia’s most historic cities, Hue is situated on the banks of the Perfume River between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Although much of the city was destroyed during the Vietnam War, there remain several historic monuments, such as the Forbidden City and tombs of Nguyen emperors.

Danang: Located in the central Vietnam band 100 km south of Hue, Danang is a lively port city. The Cham Museum houses some of the best examples of Cham stone carving dating from the 7th to 15th centuries. From here is a panoramic view of China Beach. This city has a domestic airport and lies on the main north-south road and rail routes.

Is your country ready for the Y2K bug? Part 2

The global travel & tourism industry is looking at the prospects of the turn of the Millennium being anything but a financial bonanza. As the nigh nears, and so does suspense over the impact of the Y2K bug, holiday-makers will be asking potential destinations: Is your country ready for it? Those who can say "yes" are going to make a heap of money. Those who are not sure, well, wait and see...

From Imtiaz Muqbil,
Executive Editor,
Travel Impact Newswire

Electric power

What could go wrong: Most big electric utilities say they will have fixed their ‘4 mission critical" Y2K issues by June 30 and will spend the balance of the year testing. But smaller rural and co-operative energy companies may be more vulnerable to Y2K outages. Any date-sensitive computer chips or software they use that are not Y2K compliant could result in brief localized blackouts and brownouts or periods of irregular voltage.

What to do: Backup generators are expensive, and most homeowners won’t need one for short-term energy interruptions. However, it is important to have flashlights with an extra supply of fresh batteries on hand. It’s also a good idea under normal circumstances to have electrical equipment plugged into a surge suppressor to protect it from potential circuit-frying power spikes. If you have been using a surge suppressor for several years, you should probably replace it, since it can degrade over time. Apartment dwellers should inquire about the Y2K compliance of their building’s fire-alarm systems.

Food

What could go wrong: Most supermarkets keep at least a two to three-day supply of food in stock, and they continually replenish their supplies of perishable dairy, meat, and produce. That makes food basics susceptible to disruptions in communications or shipping. Power outages could result in food spoilage. Y2K failures at port facilities could interrupt shipments of imported fruits and vegetables.

What to do: During your routine shopping, buy extra nonperishable canned goods, paper supplies, and personal-care products to squirrel away in the pantry. In the week before the new year arrives, lay in a few day’s supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you keep food in a freezer, tape a list of your freezer’s contents to the door to minimize spoilage by reducing the number of times you open your freezer. Heed expiration dates.

Water

What could go wrong: Electric-power outages or failures in microprocessors that operate pumps in municipal systems could result in sewage backup or inadequate filtration of drinking water. Smaller cities and towns may be especially prone to Y2K problems. A survey last December of 725 members of the American Water Works Association found that 36 percent had not yet begun a formal Y2K assessment plan, the first step toward remedying the problem.

What to do: Each member of your family needs at least one gallon of water per day for drinking and washing. If you store water, keep it in containers that won’t decompose or break. If your local water company issues an advisory, boil drinking water and follow other directions to kill any spores or bacteria.

For more information: Ask your water company about its Y2K compliance and contingency plans.

Phones

What could go wrong: Computers, relays, and digital switches are at the heart of the telecommunications network. Defective software and computer chips could make it harder to get a dial tone or complete a call. That could leave an elderly parent or a dependent child who’s away at school out of contact if phone service becomes spotty. Cell phones need a reliable source of electricity to recharge batteries.

What to do: Develop a plan now to ensure that every person whose well-being is your concern knows what do in case of an emergency. Be sure they have adequate supplies to see them trough a few days of Y2K disruption. Line up a friend or neighbor who lives near your loved one and is able to look in. You may also want to consider having your loved one stay with you during the early weeks of 2000.

Personal Finance

Under strict government, US banks, brokerage firms, and securities exchanges appear well on their way toward Y2K readiness. But it’s crucial that you keep up-to-date paper records of all your deposit, investment and credit accounts.

Bank accounts, ATMs, and cash

What could go wrong: If Y2K glitches disrupt communications or cause spot power outages, you could have problems finding functioning automated teller machines, checking up on your account, or transferring funds between accounts. A worried public eager to have extra cash on hand could put a strain on banks’ supply of ready cash. Anticipating a surge in demand, the Federal Reserve is stockpiling extra currency to distribute through banks.

What to do: A bank or credit union is still the safest place to have your money come New Year’s Eve; most checking and savings accounts are covered for up to $100,000 by federally backed deposit insurance. It would be prudent, however, to withdraw - and safely store-about two weeks’ worth of cash, or to stock up on travelers’ checks, a few weeks before Dec. 31. Save copies of your bank statements both before and after Jan. 1, and examine them carefully to see that transactions have been posted accurately. If you bank by computer, download your account information before the end of December, store it on a backup disk, and make a hard copy. Balance your checkbook.

For more information: Reports on bank readiness are available at the web site of the Federal Reserve (www.federalreserve.gov/Y2K)

Automatic deposits and bill-paying

What could go wrong: Like millions of working people, you may have your paycheck automatically deposited into your bank account, or you may have authorized some of your creditors - your mortgage lender, say, or utility companies - to tap your account for payment of regular monthly bills. Big payroll processors like ADP are already compliant or well along in addressing their Y2K problems, but smaller paycheck-issuers may not be as well prepared. Likewise, automated payments to smaller creditors could encounter glitches, making these normally trouble-free arrangements problematic. There are unlikely to be any problems with Social Security payments.

What to do: Ask your employer’s payroll department about the Y2K status of the company that issues your paycheck. Start keeping the paper copies of all your payroll statements, and examine them closely to see that deductions for your taxes, retirement-savings plan, or flexible-spending account are accurate. Keep paper records, including canceled checks and bank statements, that document payment of all critical bills.

Australian Invastion

The Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club has only three Australians on its books but that seemed to be enough to attract another 20 Australian Rotarians to their meeting last week.

Meeting of Rotary Clubs.

The group was from the Rotary Club of Malvern in Victoria and had stopped off in Pattaya en route to Singapore for the Rotary International world wide conference.

The visiting Australian contingent appeared to be taken aback somewhat to find the happy cosmopolitan nature of the local club, which boasts 18 different nationalities from its 35 members, with friendly banter being the norm at their weekly meetings. This is understandable when you consider that Australia these days has legislation that effectively "outlaws" all forms of ethnic humour!

The visitors were, however, very impressed with the local club’s "Rotary Room", a dedicated meeting place for its members, within the Royal Cliff Beach Resort - one of the best hotels in the world.

New Infirmary opened at the Pattaya Orphanage

by Elfi

The Pattaya Sports Club Golf Section, having money left from the Charity Classic held earlier this year, and still looking for another project to refer the money to, donated equipment and supplies to enable the Primary Health Care Infirmary at the Pattaya Orphanage to open.

The project became reality when Dr. William McBane and Nurse Vivienne Williams made a proposal to PSC to be one of the main sponsors, along with Cunard, a ship of the Royal English Navy, and the US Naval Special Welfare Group.

Mike Franklin, PSC Golf Chirman, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Primary Care infirmary at the Pattaya Orphanage in honor of the Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle birthday later this year.

The new Infirmary, finished one month ahead of schedule, will provide Primary Health Care to the 700 people living in the Redemptorist Community. This community includes the Orphanage, the School for the Blind, the School for the Deaf, the Vocational School for the Disabled, the Redemptorist Center and the affiliated Fountain of Life.

Mike Franklin, Chairman of the PSC Golf Section said, "The new Infirmary met all our criteria for supporting a charity project. The concept of providing Primary Health Care for so many people appealed to us enormously. On behalf of Pattaya Sports Club, the sponsors and players that supported the 1999 Charity Classic, Harry Riley our Charity Chairman and Stephen Beard, who worked with him to complete this project, I am delighted to officially open the Primary Care Infirmary here at the Orphanage today, in honor of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle birthday later this year."

Father Michael gave a moving speech of thanks to the Pattaya Sports Club for all their help with the Infirmary and during the past years. Mike Franklin then cut the ribbon.

Amongst the cheering guests were Nurse Vivienne, Dr. William McBane, Khun Suwanna Cheowanawin,
Director of Children Welfare, Mother Superior Supattra Nonthasuwan, Khun Sri-Udom Markviriya, Translation & Adoption and many ladies of PILC and other sponsors of the orphanage.

No to Drugs!

by Elfi

The Pattaya Sports Club and the Rotary Club Jomtien Pattaya, in co-operation with TRI-V Company, met recently in Banglamung at the Banglamung District to present over 1000 "No to Drugs" posters to Prasert Thanasethakorn Chief of Banglamung District

The district chief is working on a program to erase drug abuse in Pattaya before December 5th, the 6th Cycle anniversary of His Majesty the King’s birth.

John Richards, President of Rotary Club Jomtien Pattaya, along with Erika Keller, President Elect of the Rotary Club and Harry Riley, Charity Chairman of the Pattaya Sports Club, handed over the posters.

(L to R) Peter Thorand, Erika Keller, Prasert Thanasethakorn Chief of Banglamung District, John Richards and Harry Riley display the “No to Drugs” posters that will be distributed to all schools in the area.

Peter Thorand, Community Service Chairman of the Rotary Club Jomtien Pattaya, said, "both the clubs are very happy to be able to help Khun Prasert with this important project."

Peter added, "Working for a long time with the drug center, we are all aware of the drug problem so many young people have to face. We will do everything we can to suppress the consumption of drugs. We will try to teach children about the dangers of trying drugs and make everyone aware that using drugs doesn’t pay."

Khun Prasert said in return that he is very thankful for the help and support he is getting from both the Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya and the Pattaya Sports Club. "I promise that the posters will be displayed in all the schools, Kindergartens and public places around Pattaya, so that the children and everybody else will be made aware of one of the biggest problems of our time."

Y.W.C.A. Bangkok - Pattaya Chapter installs new President

A party to celebrate the installation of the new president and board of the Y.W.C.A. Bangkok - Pattaya Chapter was held at the Grande Sole’s Forum Room on the evening of June 12th. Somchai Khunpleum, Mayor of Saensuk Municipality, presided over the ceremony with Mrs. Premrudee Chittiwuthakan, the Chapter’s new president, welcoming honored guests.

Somchai Khunpleum, Mayor of Saensuk Municipality, presided over the ceremony to welcome in new president Mr. Premruedee Chittiwudakan and the new board members.

The Y.W.C.A. has a tradition of administrators remaining in their positions for only a two year period. Mrs. Vilawan Hengtrakul served as the chapter’s president for two years. After she stepped down, the Board of Directors unanimously elected Mrs. Premruedee Chittiwudikan, the former Happy Family Project Chairwoman, as the Y.W.C.A. Chapter’s new president.

At the same time, 32 other members were newly appointed to various positions.

Professor Sukchai Namphud from the Y.W.C.A. in Bangkok was also present for the ceremony. Other honored guests included Santsak Ngampiches, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism; Chansak Chavalitnititham, Memberof Parliament from Area 3 in Chonburi; Prasert Thanasetakorn, Banglamung District Chief, Pairat Suthithamrongsawat, Mayor of Pattaya City, and Mai Chaiyanit, the Nong Preu Sub-District Chief.

Professor Aurora Sribuaphan, Principle of the Redemptorist School for the Blind in Pattaya, presented students from the school who sand Thai and English songs. They were then followed by a very young girl who performed an Indian dance. Afterwards there was dancing followed by a piano recital from Mrs. Premrudee’s son.

Pattaya Mail’s Managing Director and President of the Pattaya Sports Club Pratheep Malhotra and Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya President John Richards present flowers and well-wishes to the new president.

The ceremony acknowledging the Y.W.C.A.’s past achievements was presented. Mrs. Premruedee also covered coming events and projects and then introduced the other new members of the Association.

Guests presented flowers and well-wishes to the new president. There was also a drawing for the door prizes with the main prizes being a television set, gold chains, and more.

Letter to the people of Pattaya

All motorcyclists’ worse nightmare. Driving down an open road, somebody pulls out across your path. The inevitable is about to happen. Alan’s years of driving experience enabled him to make the right decision. Ditching the bike into the central reservation he saved the young girl in his path, but the price was high. His right arm and leg were severely broken. When I left Alan in the hospital early Saturday morning, he was in great pain but otherwise OK. Later on I received a call. He had gone into a coma and needed blood quick. His blood group is O negative and there was none available.

I called everyone I could think of. Friends and business associates. They in turn called others and the response was magnificent. Soon the hospital was hectic with people from all walks of life and many nationalities wanting to help. By evening we had more than the required ten donations of blood.

Sunday showed some improvement in Alan’s condition but on Monday morning his right leg had to be amputated. More blood was needed. However, donors from the day before could not be used again. More people were asked for help. Messages went out on the radio and on TV. The response from the Thai locals was wonderful with a queue of potential donors forming in the corridors. Local expat groups and organizations faxed their members. Again the response was overwhelming and by the evening enough blood was secured.

My brother’s operation was a success. He has been moved to Bangkok and is no longer in a life-threatening situation. My family and I would like to thank all those people who helped in so many ways and all those who donated their blood. Special thanks to Rony of Nova Lodge, Terry of Single-handed Co., Michel and Neil of Ideal Homes and Peter of the Pattaya Mail. We would like them to know that because of their actions a life has been saved. It is comforting to know there are people in Pattaya who willingly give up time and offer their help when asked. You have our greatest thanks and admiration.

Duncan (Chevin Gym)

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
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Created by Andy Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.