CAMBODIA SEA FESTIVAL 2013

Cambodia Sea Festival 2011-2012

Cambodia will celebrate the sea festival 2013 in coastal Kep province in December to promote tourism industry in the country.

Having approval from the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Provincial Authorities of Kep and Kampot, Concerned Ministries, Institutions, and Private Sectors will organize the Sea Festival under the theme “Blue Sea, Green City” to be held from 7th- 8th December 2013 in Kep province.

This important event is also celebrated together with the 9th world congress of the most beautiful bays in the world club, the 2nd SOM CLMV tourism meeting

The sea festival will be segmented into four main activities: live concert, artistic performance, musical entertainment, and fire work, and international food and beverage festivals, and presentation of tourism development project as coastal zones and beach and water sport activities and aero show.

There are 50,000 attended Sea Festival in SihanoukVille. The two-day event, which started in 2011 as a tourism booster for the country’s coasts and beaches, was cancelled last year due to the death of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk in October 2012.

The rooms will be at a premium at Kep province. Even the prices will be at a premium, there are 1,300 rooms will all be filled, and some people will be staying in Kampot or at the top of Bokor Mountain and going to the festival in the day.

Even after the festival, all of December and January 2014, rooms will be pretty much filled.

Kep is in southeast part of the country and has been considered as the main economic pole of the country beside world tourism destination Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province, commercial and cultural, administrative center in Phnom Penh city, and eco-tourism northeastern part.

Hungry Ghost Festival (中元节 )

Hungry Ghost Festival 2014

The 14th and 15th of the seventh lunar month, much like Western culture's Halloween, some Eastern cultures celebrate a Fall festival where they believe the gates of hell are thrown open, releasing hungry ghosts to wander the earth in search of food and taking food revenge upon those who wronged them in life. This month-long festival is known as the Hungry Ghost Festival and takes place during the 7th lunar month. 

Unlike other celebrations of the dead in Eastern cultures that seek to honor dead ancestors, the Hungry Ghost Festival seeks to pacify the hungry ghosts, the ghosts of strangers and the un-cared-for dead. These are the ghosts of those who died by their own hands, by accidents, by drowning or hanging who have been denied entry into heaven. Angry because they are forced to dwell in hell without food or comfort, when released, they search for souls to take their place in misery.

To Taoists（道教徒） and Buddhists（佛教徒）, these evil spirits are not to be taken lightly. They are most active at night and can take many forms including: snakes, moths（蛾）, birds, foxes, wolves, and tigers. They can even appear as beautiful men or women to seduce the living. When they possess an individual by entering the body they cause illness and mental disorders.

Throughout this month, to keep the angry spirits amused, people stage street operas and other forms of public entertainment. In the past, people did not view the street operas as they were performed only for ghosts. Other rituals（典礼，仪式）are performed to help souls enter into heaven. Taoists do their best to avoid late nights away from these amusements and rituals to steer clear of the evil spirits. To appease these wandering spirits, Buddhists and Taoists burn bundles of joss sticks, paper hell money, food, and other offerings by the roadside. Communities along rivers or near the sea float lanterns in the shape of the lotus or carved from fruit or gourds in the water to guide them away from their homes. They follow the lanterns from the river bank or sea shore till they can no longer be seen. This is done to redeem the soul of those who died by drowning.

The most important days of this month are the 14th and 15th, the days of the great feasts. On the 14th, a great feast would be held to honor family ancestors. Prayers and offerings would be made at family altars. On the following night, the 15th, they would feast for the hungry ghosts. Held outside under the full moon, these feasts feed the evil spirits so that they will leave the living alone and bribe（贿赂） the ancestors for luck with money and the harvest.

Source: Chinadaily.com

KHMER LANGUAGE GUIDE

Greetings
Hello - Joom reeup soua
How are you? - Sok sabai tay?
Goodbye - Lee hi
No problem - Aut bpun yaha
Thank you - Awkun
No thank you - Awtay awkun
See you tomorrow - Sa-aik chooup kaneea
Sorry/Excuse me -  Som toah

Questions/Requests
 Check Please -  Soam ketloy
Where is the bathroom? - Bantop dtuk no ai na?
How much for one beer? - Be yair mooey tlai ponemaan?
Where - No ai na
When - Payl na
Why - Hat-away
Who - Nayaak na
What - Eh gay

EMERGENCY NUMBERS AND HEALTH IN SIHANOUKVILLE

 

Emergency Telephone Numbers

CT Medical Clinic

Emergency medicine, Outpatient clinic, Ambulance service to Phnom Penh. Open 24h. English-speaking doctor. Tel: 016 858 391, 012 723 338

Sihanoukville Fire Police

Ekareach Street near Victory Hill. Tel: 016 606 342

S.O.S. Medical Clinic (Phnom Penh)

Top clinic in Cambodia, emergency evacuation arranged. Tel: 023 216 911

ChildSafe Hotline (Sihanoukville) Tel: 012 478 100

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is contractible in Cambodia, particularly in the wet season. In 2007, 40, 000 cases were reported and 10, 000 in 2008. Most death were children and elderly people. Healthy adults can usually recover within a few days. Dengue Fever is spread by mosquitos into the bloodstream of humans. Symptoms include a sudden onset of severe headache, muscle and joint pains and a rash. There may also be abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The illness I diagnosed by testing the blood. CT Medical Clinic in Sihanoukville can perform a blood test to confirm the illness. There is no vaccine for Dengue Fever so the only way to protect you is prevention. Avoid open water storage containers, usually for showering or cleaning feet, which comprise an estimated 80 percent of the Dengue mosquitoes’ breeding sites in Cambodia. Also, wear a mosquito repellant containing DEET, especially in the evenings and in wooded areas. If you are sleeping in a room that is not sealed (particularly a wooden bungalow) use a mosquito net.

Buying Medicine

If you need to buy medicine in Cambodia, make sure that what you buy is branded and has a manufactured on and expiry date. Approximately 30% of the pharmaceuticals sold in Cambodia are considered to be faked. As a rule of thumb, look for drugs that are manufactured in Korea, Japan, Thailand, India or Western countries and never take anything that is not branded.

Safety Guide

Over the past few months, many bag snatchings and attacks have occurred in tourist areas of Sihanoukville. Keep money and valuables well-hidden under clothing. Also avoid walking alone in isolated areas of the beach at any time of day. Attacks have been reported at the south end of Ochheuteal Beach and the rocky point connecting Sokha and Ochheuteal beaches. Tourists are advised to be vigilant and maintain a high level of awareness at all times. If you are attacked, please report the crime to the police and your embassy. This will help bring the police to take action to prevent future incidents.

TOURISM AND CHILD SAFETY IN SIHANOUKVILLE

There are many young people in Cambodia working on the beach and begging on the streets. If you want to help, here are a few suggestions:

Giving money and gifts to young people on the streets and beach is not the best way to help them. Money and gifts encourage children to stay on the street or beach, putting them at risk for many forms of abuse. Also, giving money makes it harder for social workers to encourage young people to attend school and find safe sources of income for their families. If you want to help a young person, approach a local charity that provides care and education to young people in need, or that provides training and safe employments opportunities to young people who attend school.

Selling on the beach is not a sustainable for young people in the long term. Many young people selling on the beach stop attending Khmer school and only attend private English classes that are often paid for by a tourist who wanted to provide assistance. The reality is that and finding a good job when the young person is older will be very difficult if he/she does not complete Khmer studies. If you do buy from young people, make sure that it is from sellers that attends full-time Khmer School. Young people wearing the blue “Youth Protecting Youth” t-shirts attends full-time school.

The beach is not a safe place for young people at night time. Don’t encourage young people to be on the beach at night time by buying food or drinks for them after dark.

If you see a child in danger or if a child approaches you with a problem, do not take on the issue yourself. It is more effective to go through experienced social workers who can assess the situation and offer longer term solutions to the young people and their families. Call the 24-hour ChildSafe Hotline if you are concerned about a young person 012 478 100.

Be aware of the dangers of orphanage tourism. Please understand that these centers are homes for young people and not tourist attractions. Centers that allow strangers to have direct contact with children without proper screening are putting the children at risk for abuse and are disrespecting their privacy.

MONEY AND BANKING IN SIHANOUKVILLE

Banks around town can exchange various currencies, each traveler’s cheques and advance money on a credit card. All have helpful, English-speaking tellers. Sihanoukville, Koh Kong and Kaput have ATMs but small neighboring towns, including Kep, do not.

 US Dollar or Cambodia Riel?

Both currencies are accepted throughout Cambodia although is best to carry some Riel for small purchases. Make sure your US dollar notes are in good condition; bills of $10 or more with the slightest rip or tear will not be accepted. Some banks will exchange old notes for new ones but this is not common practice.

Changing money

Banks, supermarkets and street stalls will change money for you at fair rates. Te Lee Hong Money Exchange located before the market on the right has good rates and can change almost any currency. If you are heading to Thailand, you can change you Riel or Dollars into Thai Baht on the Cambodia side at a good rate. The money changers at the border crossings offer very poor rates.

Getting to Shihanoukville

Getting to Shihanoukville

From Phnom Penh (230 Km)

A half dozen bus companies offer transportation to Sihanoukville. The journey is 4-6 hours with one rest stop.

Taxis to Sihanoukville are available at almost any time of day at the intersection of Kampuchea Krom and Monivong Blvd.

From Kampot (110 Km)

A daily minibus operates to Sihanoukville at 12pm.

From Kep (135 Km)

Take a moto or taxi to Kampot then a minibus to Sihanoukville, or a taxi directly to Sihanoukville. The journey is 3 hours.

From Koh Kong (222 Km)

Several buses are available departing in the morning to Sihanoukville (6 hours). If you miss the morning buses and want to get to Sihanoukville, taxis are available from the taxi station to Sre Amble. From Sre Amble, a crowded minibus can take you to Sihanoukville at any time of day.

From Siem Reap (544 Km)

Several direct buses are available from Siem Reap but a bus change is required in Phnom Penh. (9-11 hours).

From Bangkok (675 Km)

Take a bus from the Ekamai bus station in Bangkok to Trat (5 hours), then a minibus from Trat to the border at Had Lek (1 hour). The border opends at 7 am. Follow directions from Koh Kong to Sihanoukville.

Previously, transport by air was available to Sihanoukville. Routes are expected to re-open soon.

Phnom Penh Postal Code

General Post Office	12000
Khan Russei Keo	12100		Khan Chamkarmorn	12300
Phnom Penh Thmei	12101		Tonle Basak	12301
Teuk Thlar	12102		Boengkengkang 1	12302
Khmounh	12103		Boengkengkang 2	12303
Russei Keo	12104		Boengkengkang 3	12304
Toul Sang Kè	12105		Boeng Trabek	12305
Kilometre 6	12106		Tumnup Tuk	12306
Chrang Chamres 1	12107		Phsar Doeum Thkov	12307
Chrang Chamres 2	12108		Toul Svay Prey 1	12308
Svay Pak	12109		Toul Svay Prey 2	12309
Chroy Chang Va	12110		Toul Tum Poung 1	12310
Prek Tasek	12111		Toul Tum Poung 2	12311
Prek Leap	12112		Olympic	12312
Khan Toulkok	12150		Khan Meanchey	12350
Boengkâk 1	12151		Boeng Tumpun	12351
Boengkâk 2	12152		Stung Meanchey	12352
Phsardépo 1	12153		Chak Angré Krom	12353
Phsardépo 2	12154		Chak Lleu	12354
Phsardépo 3	12155		Chbar Ampeou 1	12355
Tuk Laak 1	12156		Chbar 2	12356
Tuk Laak 2	12157		Niroth	12357
Tuk Laak 3	12158		Prek Pra	12358
Phsar Ddoeumkor	12159
Boengsalang	12160		Khan Dang Kor	12400
			Dang Kor	12401
Khan Daun Penh	12200		Trapeang Krasaing	12402
Sraas Chak	12201		Kokroka	12403
Wat Phnom	12202		Phleung Chhésrotés	12404
Phsar Chas	12203		Chom Chao	12405
Phsar Kandal 1	12204		Kakap	12406
Phsar Kandal 2	12205		Porng Teuk	12407
Chey Chumneas	12206		Prey Veng	12408
Chak Tomuk	12207		Samrong	12409
Phsar Thmei 1	12208		Prey Sar	12410
Phsar Thmei 2	12209		Kraing Thnoung	12411
Phsar Thmei 3	12210		Kraing Pongro	12412
Boeng Raing	12211		Prataslang	12413
			Sac Sampeou	12414
Khan 7 Makara	12250		Cheung Ek	12415
Monorom	12251
Mittapheap	12252
Veal Vong	12253
Orussei 1	12254
Orussei 2	12255
Orussei 3	12256
Orussei 4	12257
Boeng Prolit	12258

Emergency Contact in Phnom Penh

Center	Telephone
Calmet Hospital	023 426 948
Cambodia-Russia Hospital	023 217 764
Preah AngDoung Hospital	023 218 875
Preah Kosamak Hospital	023 883 047
Emergency Ambulance (SAMU)	119 or 023 724 891
Blood Provided Center	023 215 949
Fire Engine	118 or 023 723 555
S.O.S Police	117 or 023 366 841 or 023 720 235
Traffic Polic	117 or 023 722 067
SBI	023 366 841 or 023 720 235
Phnom Penh Police Station	023 722 353
Airline	023 890 192

The Phnom Penh Distance to Others Provinces in Cambodia

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Capital City	Province	Distance (Km)	National Road
Phnom Penh	Angkor Wat	321	6
Phnom Penh	Bokor	189	3
Phnom Penh	Kirirum	177	4
Phnom Penh	Kampot	153	3
Phnom Penh	Sihanoukville	230	4
Phnom Penh	Kampong Chhnang	91	5
Phnom Penh	Pursat	189	5
Phnom Penh	Battambang	291	5
Phnom Penh	Pailin	371	5, 10
Phnom Penh	Banteay Meanchey	359	5
Phnom Penh	Siem Reap	314	6
Phnom Penh	Kampong Thom	168	6
Phnom Penh	Kampong Cham	124	7
Phnom Penh	Prey Veng	90	1
Phnom Penh	Svay Rieng	122	1
Phnom Penh	Takeo	78	2
Phnom Penh	Kandal	11	2
Phnom Penh	Kampong Speu	48	4
Phnom Penh	Kratie	315	7, 13
Phnom Penh	Steong Treng	455	7, 13
Phnom Penh	Modolkiri	521	7, 13, 14
Phnom Penh	Preah Vihear	294	6, 64
Phnom Penh	Ranatakiri	588	7, 13
Phnom Penh	Koh Kong	271	4, 48
Phnom Penh	Oddar Meanchey	469	5