If you are traveling around Thailand or Cambodia, it might by a good day to stop in at a nearby Pagoda.

Cambodia is celebrating a public holiday — May has 6 total — today; Visaka Bochea the marking the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, Sedatha Gautama.

Buddhists mark the occasion by making food offering at temples and lighting candles. Fruit, lotus flowers and jasmine are also offered to garner favour both for the present and the after life.

Bautama practiced Indian Buddhism and is regarded as supreme Buddha.

Northern provinces in Cambodia are known for their light displays created with hundreds of candles.

Observance of this public holiday may mean the closure of banks, post offices and other public services, depending on observance.

The Royal Plowing Ceremony which traditional marks the beginning of rice season. Family games and oxen races is how observing Thai’s would traditionally celebrate.

If you are dressed respectably — no shoulders, no knees is a good rule — and are genuinely interested, I  have no doubt you will be well received by locals eager to share their culture.

With a ranking in the top 25 hotels in Cambodia for service, TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice 2013 Awards has recognized the hard work that the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel team puts in day in and day out.

Ranked #7 in Cambodia and #2 in Siem Reap, the entire JW team is delighted that the staff at the Boutique Hotel have been recognized for going above and beyond for each and every guests.

Today, we tip our hat to the office, restaurant, grounds and house keeping staff whose efforts do not go unnoticed.

Congratulations guys!

In the words of a TripAdvisor customer:

My husband and I just got back from a week in Cambodia, the first part of which we spent in Siem Reap. The whole trip was organized by Journeys Within, and in Siem Reap, we stayed at the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel. We had one of the upstairs rooms, very spacious and airy, complete with a balcony.

Our very grateful thanks to Michelle and her team, Makara, Sareat, the lovely restaurant staff, our awesome driver Chandrith and one of the best guides we’ve had the pleasure to meet, Sina.

We love the free laundry, the unlimited drinking water supply, the free tuk-tuk, the phone call from Narla, the Cambodia director of the tour company, who called when we arrived to welcome us and make sure that everything was to our satisfaction.

There’s not a thing they wouldn’t do for us, and we can’t think of anything they could have done better. They made us love and appreciate Cambodia. An enthusiastic, unconditional five stars to Journeys Within (we did not use the fitness center or spa and therefore did not rate these). After Siem Reap, we went on to Phnom Penh, that part of the trip was also organized by Journeys Within and was equally successful.

If you go to Cambodia, look no further than Journeys Within.”

– The Wrights, April 30, 2013

Looking to capitalize on the increasing number of tourists heading to Myanmar,  Nok Air is looking to add a number of flights to the mysterious destination to their schedule, with some expected to begin as early as September.

Staging the flights from northern cities of Mae Sot and Chiang Mai, the first expected route will go to the coastal city of Mawlamyine.

This route is expected to be followed by flights from Mae Sot to Yangon and then from  Don Mueang to Yangon in the fourth quarter.

Other routes include Chiang Mai to Mandalay and Bagan.

Nok Air suspended their international flights in 2008 after facing financial difficulties — this move into Myanmar marks the  resumption of international flights for the company.

The partial collapse of a shoe factory in Cambodia’s southern Kampong Speu province has added to the growing death toll in Asian garment factories. At least two people were killed with dozens more injured when a portion of the ceiling collapsed at a footwear factory in Tream Tbal, located about an hour’s drive southwest of Phnom Penh.

It is unknown what caused the building to collapse — faulty construction and an overloaded shelf have both been blamed –  but Ken Loo, the secretary general Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia was quick to label the incident a “one-off” occurrence and not a symptom a “industry wide deficiencies”.

Only hours after the incident Loo was quick to differentiate this accident from the recent disaster at a garment factory in Bangladesh; one that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,100 people. The garment industry is, after all, Cambodia’s biggest export earner, with more than $4 billion worth of products shipped to Western countries each year. Over the past ten years the number of garment factories in Cambodia has nearly doubled, with the government continuing to pledge to throw it support behind the industry.

Clothing retailers looking for cheap production facilities are expressing an increased interested Cambodia as a desirable location for profitable garment factories. With smaller operating costs that most multinational’s home country  –  significantly lower wages need to be paid, smaller building costs and lax health and safety policies — along with the Cambodian government’s apparent will to draw in any and all investments, the climate seems ripe. This influx of business means that conditions inside such factories promises to be an ongoing problem.

The growing number of garment factories, or sweatshops, should be of concern those who end up working there and also to the millions of Europeans and North Americans who purchase the cheap wares that keep the establishments in business.  While abolitionists and those with reactionary moral centers scream for an absolute end to low wage factories,  but the sad truth is in many occasions the alternative isn’t any better.

On the outskirts of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh there are communities who existence is determined by the garbage dumps they live in. Many dump residents, children included, spend their days scavenging among the mounds of trash, through the putrid garbage and toxic waste for little more than a few dollars a day. Loss of life and limb isn’t uncommon, with the influx of both trucks and human waste. Factory work is seen as a way out of the dump.

The country depends on the jobs and export dollars provided by sweatshops, but the practice impacts more than the economy. The health and safety of those employed to produce the cheap T-shirts needs to start being factored into the cost / benefit equation.

Writing for the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, Sanjay Reddy and Christian Barry argue that a new incentives, be it wage subsidies, additional access to markets in richer countries or assistance with the costs of reforms to improve work environments can be accomplished while keeping the cost of business low enough to attract overseas investors.

“The global trading system should be designed in a manner that recognizes the limited resources and enforcement powers of governments in poorer countries and that respects relevant differences in priorities and social norms. It should tailor expectations concerning labour standards to the level of development of each country so as to promote workers’ interests without setting expectations that are unreasonably high.” — Sanjay Reddy and Christian Barry

By rewarding countries who promote labour standards improvements and fair livelihoods for their workers — fair based on the country the factory is located in — there could be incentive to change the industry as a whole. Cambodia can’t afford to lose its factories and the West isn’t about to stop buying cheap clothes; it seems that the reality of what this means is slowly coming to head with unfortunate and deadly consequences.

]]> http://www.journeyswithintravelblog.com/2013/05/17/garment-factories-in-cambodia-a-complicated-equasion/feed/ 1 http://www.journeyswithintravelblog.com/2013/05/15/wishing-all-a-safe-and-happy-kings-birthday/ http://www.journeyswithintravelblog.com/2013/05/15/wishing-all-a-safe-and-happy-kings-birthday/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 06:12:10 +0000 Journeys Within http://www.journeyswithintravelblog.com/?p=5080 Born May 14, 1953, the King celebrated his 60th birthday over the holiday weekend. In honour of Sihamoni’s landmark birthday the central bank will be releasing a 100,000 Riel note ($25) — the largest bank note available in Cambodia. According to its model, the bill displays the portraits of late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother […] View full post » ]]> Journeys Within hopes that everyone enjoyed themselves and their families during the Royal Birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni.

Born May 14, 1953, the King celebrated his 60th birthday over the holiday weekend. In honour of Sihamoni’s landmark birthday the central bank will be releasing a 100,000 Riel note ($25) — the largest bank note available in Cambodia.

According to its model, the bill displays the portraits of late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath on the front sides, with pictures of the two monarchs and current King Norodom Sihamoni on the reverse.

Sihamoni has been King of Cambodia since October 29, 2004 when his father Norodom Sihanouk abdicated his throne.

“Sihamoni’s selection as king over one of his higher-profile siblings or uncles probably represented Sihanouk’s desire that someone neutral and politically untainted succeed him. Although Sihamoni reportedly was initially reluctant to become king, he accepted the role of monarch after a unanimous vote of approval by Cambodia’s nine-member Throne Council. Concerns that Sihamoni might find it hard to live up to the reputation of his charismatic and politically savvy father were dispelled when, early in his reign, he showed himself to be a dignified king, humble toward his office and eager to reach out to the Cambodian population. In addition to formal trips abroad, Sihamoni made a series of visits to rural Cambodian villages and towns, where he met and talked with local residents. He also made known his desire to improve education and health care in Cambodia and to help revive the cultural life of the country.” - Encyclopedia Britannica

Flip Key travel blog recently listed Phuket, Thailand and Nha Trang, Vietnam among their top five family destinations in Asia. While we couldn’t agree more these vacation spots will be a hit with parents and children alike, they aren’t the only destinations for those families looking for fun-filled adventures.

Our country directors weigh in on some of the most child-friendly options from across the region.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

The temples of Angkor aren’t just for historians. The well-worn ruins hold enough wonder to keep both young and old in awe. Complete with a kids club, the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Siem Reap and surrounding area. There are plenty of other activities to test out after the little ones exhaust themselves playing Tomb Raider.  Families can check out the country side on bicycle or quad-bike trips or enjoy some arts and culture with hands-on pottery classes. There is also a local Fun Fair (read carnival, complete with rides and carnie games) down highway 60 — a hotspot for locals and their kids on Sunday nights. A few hours drive from Siem Reap is Phnom Kulem National Park, where outdoorsy families can day trip to check out the lush forest and natural waterfalls.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Not the most child-friendly of Southeast Asian countries, Laos is still accessible to the more adventurous parents. Relatively untouched by modernity, Luang Prabang presents the opportunity to unwind, de-stress and take in lush landscapes. Small and easy to navigate, Luang Prabang is the perfect Southeast Asian town to navigate by bicycle — many shops cater rentals to younger cyclists.

Surrounded by pristine environments, nature-lovers will find no shortage of  out-door activities — from trekking and boat rides to waterfall exploration, fresh air is in abundance in Laos. Check out the Julianna Hotel, Villa Santi Resort or Luang Prabang View for hotels with large pool for chilling out by after a day of touring.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Our experts agree that the coastal city of Nha Trang is Vietnam’s ultimate family destination. With its great weather and soft sandy beaches the ocean provides enough fun filled days to please both youngsters and their parents. Those looking to be further entertained can head to the Vinpeal Amusement Park, a mini Six Flags complete with rides, carnival games and musical shows. Accessible by ferry or by cable car — an attraction in and of itself — the park is popular with locals and tourists alike. For an educational day out try the Cham towe and Institute of Oceanography, where budding biologists will get to check out live aquariums as well as a 8,000-specimen exhibit. Afterwards, why not head to nearby Monkey Island is an excellent spot to check out to snorkel and check out coral ecosystems firsthand.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

For those looking for a cultural and adventurous holiday with their loved ones, look any farther than Chiang Mai; from tree-top trekking and animal adventures to traditional Buddhist rituals this northern city has it all. Spend the day learning from the earth’s largest land animals at the Patara Elephant Farm is sure to create lasting memories, as well as a life-long friend — after all an elephant never forgets. High flyers can check out Flight of the Gibbons where guests climb, trek and zip-line their way across the jungle’s tree tops or instead head into Doi Inthanon National Park to Thailand’s highest summit. Adrenaline kicks aside, the city also offers the opportunity to learn more about Buddhism by joining locals in offering morning Alms to monks.

Want to do it all? We’ve got it covered.

For families with children old enough to get out and enjoy the sites, who are looking to create a lifetime of memories, Journeys Within has prepared a month long itinerary that has it all. The Epic Family Journey will have your family trekking, kayaking and floating through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. This is a chance to experience Southeast Asian culture first hand by getting off the beaten track and into the homes of locals — an epic experience that is bound to keep your family talking for years to come.

Preparation, the key to success.

There is no doubt that traveling with children presents some unique challenges — long plane rides, unexpected health issues and “weird” food complaints — it also presents children the opportunity to learn about a new culture, separate from their own. Traveling in Asia is an opportunity to learn about new traditions and experience diversity first hand, taking children out of their comfort zone helping foster tolerance, empathy and compassion for those different from themselves.

Here is a letter CEO Andrea wrote from one mother to another filled with honest commentary and great advice.

From around the web — Tips on flying with young children, TSA rules on flying with infants and from planning to execution — 50 tips for traveling with kids.

In today’s world, the benefits that come from shopping locally can extend beyond your neighborhood farmer’s market.

For travelers in Southeast Asia, taking care to spend tourism dollars responsibly is one of the most direct ways to make a positive impact in communities visited. Buying local does more than support the vendor who sells you the goods — it supports the entire supply chain, protects local production and provides jobs.

Studies also show that taking care to buy local ensures that more of the money you spend stays with in the community, circulating locally rather that contributing to the overwhelming clout of a multinational giant.

While there are an abundance of shopping options available in Siem Reap, Shinta Mani’s newest outdoor, Made in Cambodia Market, takes the guess-work out of finding well made, locally hand-crafted products.

Located on the street in front of the hotel, the market features unique, high quality products not seen in Siem Reap’s other copy-cat night and street markets.

“Our main aim is to create a platform for good quality locally made products available for visitors. Usually all markets are flooded with imported items and it is hard for the visitors to identify locally made products. On the other hand when the products are made in Cambodia it creates employment for the locals. All stalls are either NGO run, or privately run and support many local causes.” — Chitra Vincent, Shinta Mani

From Sombai’s ginger and red chilli infused rice wine to the soy scented candles handcrafted by Saarti, the new market offers a variety of well-made boutique products.

Any local businesses that make quality products in Cambodia are invited to participate in the market. There is a committee in place to ensure that vendors meet the criteria. From clothing and jewellery to unique art and NGO projects, the market offers a wide variety of wares that range from traditional to new-age.

A great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs, the market place vibe also makes for a fun evening out.

A shopper takes a look at some locally made good at the Made in Cambodia Market.

Running from 4-9:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month, visitors will also find live entertainment — guest appearances by musicians and the local circus — as well as fresh food. With most of the stalls maned by business owners, shopping at the market also presents the opportunity to connect with some of the most creative individuals in town.

Heat, rain and holiday crowds can, and should, influence holiday travel plans.

Have time off in April, but can’t face the scorching heat? Why no skip Cambodia, Laos and Southern Thailand in favour of Vietnam, the longest state in the region where you will find good weather throughout the country.

Want to see Angkor Wat but leave the crowds behind?  Why not try Journeys Within’s Cambodia’s Big Three Tour during the rainy season?

As a rule Southeast Asia sees warm and dry weather from December to February, making this the most popular time to visit the region, but certainly not the only time.

Here is a more detailed guide to help you make the most out of your your next trip.

January:  This is the best time to visit Cambodia, Laos and Thailand – particularly Phuket’s beaches – and everybody knows it. Check out our First Time Asia and Bed and Breakfast Journey as the cool weather and lack of rain make January the perfect time to explore the region with these tours.

February: Take advantage of the end of the dry, relatively cool season, and explore Cambodia or Thailand before the weather gets too hot. Our Classic Thailand and Cambodia Highlights trips can help you beat the high-season crowds and make the most of what these two stunning countries have to offer.

March: While the rising temperatures may make it too hot to visit neighbouring countries, March is the perfect time to take in the Laos countryside. Temperatures in the north of Laos – Vientiane and Luang Prabang – remain cool enough for adventurous travelers to work up a sweat with our Under Your Own Steam tour before the rainy season hits.

April: Skip Cambodia, Laos and Thailand to avoid the oppressive heat and head to Vietnam — the longest state in the region where you will find good weather throughout the country. Our Classic Vietnam Tour helps you hit the highlights. This is also a good time to take advantage of Northern climates and get off the beaten path with some trekking in Sapa or with our Northern Thailand Revealed tour.

May: While the rest of the region remains unbearably hot, waiting for the rainy season Vietnam is still accessible. This is the perfect opportunity to check out the hustle and bustle of the north with our Northern Vietnam Tour.

June: If afternoon and evening storms don’t put you off, bold travelers could take advantage of what Myanmar has to offer. Though the humidity is high, the temperature is reasonable enough to take advantage of our Classic Myanmar Tour.

July: If you aren’t afraid of a little rain and are desperate to avoid the crowds, this could be the ideal time to check out Cambodia with its fresh coat of pain. New life that is breathed into dusty and dull areas of the country that were left withered by the dry season — foliage and fauna activity reach an all time, making it good timing for those hoping to spot water-loving birds or wanting to photograph ancient Angkor against lush green backdrops.

August: Good weather in central Vietnam and a manageable route through Cambodia, our Discover Indochina Tour can help those looking to see Southeast Asia in August the most bang for their buck. Still rainy in Cambodia, traveling in the off-season means getting to enjoy the country at its greenest and explore Angkor Wat without the crowds.

September: If embracing the end of the rainy season isn’t in the cards, the weather in Vietnam will be better suited for travel.  Our Classic Saigon Tour can help you maximize your time in this vibrant mix of classic Vietnam and a modern madhouse.

October: Though unpredictable, rainfall in Thailand is manageable for those willing to wait out the occasional downpour.  Including everything from Bangkok to beaches, our Classic Thailand Tour can help you hit all the highlights.

November: With rainy season coming to an end – occasional downpours are still to be expected — this could be the perfect time to explore Thailand, Loas and Cambodia before the holiday crowds arrive. Our Undiscovered Southeast Asia tour can help you get off the beaten path.

December: Great weather throughout Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam means that the region is once again open to exploration. Make the most of your time in the area with our month-long Adventure Asia tour.

More than 80 years ago, french archaeologist Madeleine Colani headed to the Xieng Khouang plateau in search of answers one of Laos’ great wonders.  Braving the Southeast Asian rains and a considerable risk of dengue fever — many of her camp fell ill — Colani had her sights set on revealing the secrets long-held within the Plain of Jars.

She documented the man-made wonder, which features more than 1,900 stone jars littered around the hilltops of the Xieng Khouang province. While some sites have clusters of just a few of the artifacts, others are home to hundreds of the moss-covered archeological anomalies. Who created them and for what purpose remains, for the most part, a mystery.

A tree splits one of the sandstone jars in two.

Local legends have developed about the jars original use — some saying they stored water along a once well-worn travel path, while other legends have the jars used to make celebratory rice wine after a good Kings great victory.

In her two-volume, 600-page work called The Megaliths of Upper Laos, Colani cataloged and described the artifacts, eventually concluding, rather convincingly, that they were urns of sorts, used to hold cremated remains. Archeologists since have supported her findings.

And yet, decades after Colani’s volume was published, very little is known about who is responsible for their creation.

Chipped and slowly being overtaken by the elements, the sandstone jars vary in shape and size, ranging anywhere from one metres to  three metres in height. They are undecorated, with the exception of a single jar at Site 1. Called the Frogman, the jar is carved with a bas-relief depicting large full-frontal humans with their arms raised and knees bent — a significant feature since similar rock paintings in China date back to somewhere between 500 BC and 200 AD.

Located near Phonesavanh — a breath-taking, seven hour drive from Luang Prabang — the Plain of Jars is an archeological wonder ready to be explored.

Learning the secrets of the awe inspiring relics hasn’t been an easy. Since Colani’s time, Laos has been ravaged by war. In an attempt to stave off the Vietnamese, the United States carpet bombed much of the quiet Southeast Asian country.

Almost as mysterious as their appearance itself is how the Plain of Jars has remained relatively in tact despite being located in one of the most heavily bombed areas in the world.

As a result of the carpet bombing the area is still riddled with UXOs (unexploded ordinance); as a result only seven sites have been cleared and are currently open to the public.

The removal of UXOs is ongoing; as more sites open to both researchers and the public there is a chance that long-held questions will be answered.

No less enchanting than when Colani made the trek eight decades ago, the Plain of Jars offers a rare opportunity to get lost in a centuries old mystery.

Unlike many teenagers, Mony already knows what she wants to do with her life; she has her sights set on helping her community as a dentist. This week the 18 year old is getting a taste of what working in the field of dentistry would be like, acting as a interpreter for the Semiahmoo Outreach Dental Team — a group of visiting foreign dentists who have set up shop in her village.

“I want to help the people of Cambodia take care of their teeth. I love teeth so much,” she said from inside the dentist’s make-shift work space.”I’m translating for people who don’t know English. Telling them to open and close, asking them does this hurt?”

Mony was glad to get the chance to lend a hand to the team last week, made up of dentists, hygienist and other health care professionals who took over the school in an effort to improve oral care locally.

After taking over a school in Puok, a village west of Siem Reap, Ken Stones and his small army set up their clinic to offer free service to the young and old. Not a stranger to volunteer dentistry in remote areas — this was his 19th trip abroad — Stones was not surprised by what the group encountered.

“The most problem common is definitely decay. We are doing a lot of fillings and some extractions,” he said. “It is definitely a growing issue that we are seeing when we head out for these projects.”

According to the semi-retired dentist, the influx of processed sugary foods into poor areas is the leading cause of dental decay across the globe. The problem is compounded by a lack of awareness of the link between sugar and tooth decay.

“We see little kids, two years old already have rotten stumps. It is not as bad here as in some places, but that is consistent in many countries across the world,” said Stones. “Companies like Coca-Cola make products cheap and accessible.”

Bringing expertise and equipment from abroad, the GROUP offer first rate oral care to people of Puok village.

While the International College of Dentists helped provide equipment for the humanitarian effort, each of the individuals involved covered their own costs, including their stays at the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel.

With some individuals having previously traveled with Journeys Within, there was an awareness of the company’s philanthropic interests — not to mention the resourceful staff’s ability to locate a diesel powered compressor on short notice — making the hotel a perfect retreat after long, hot days.

Happy to have had the opportunity to have met the Stones and his team of volunteers, Mony seems set on being part of the local shift towards improving oral health.

“I can’t wait to go to school. This is what I want to do,” she said.