Tara Angkor Hotel

Chinese Lunar New Year 2012

2012-01-27T14:32:00.000+07:00

SpringFestival, Chinese Lunar New Year, Lunar New Year or commonly referred to justChinese New Year, is the largest and most important annual festival celebratedby Chinese and and Chinese descendants around the world.

Chinese New YearFestival is based on the lunar Chinese calendar, begins on first day of thefirst month in the Chinese calendar and ends with Lantern Festival which is onthe 22nd day of the first month 2012.

Witha population of over half a million ethnic Chinese living in Cambodia, thecountry is greatly influenced by the Chinese and their strong, traditionalbeliefs.

Lions Dance Celebrate Chinese New year in Tara Angkor Hotel

Cebu Pacific to use air rights to Cambodia starting April 2012

2012-01-27T13:40:00.001+07:00

BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific will be mounting flights to Siem Reap, Cambodia by April 19, making it the first to do so after local airlines were granted rights to shuttle passengers into the Southeast Asian neighbor

“[The flights] will be a thrice weekly service, utilizing one of Asia’s youngest aircraft fleets,” Cebu Pacific said in a statement yesterday.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) granted rights in December to local airlines for flights to the neighboring country.

“This is our 19th international destination,” Candice A. Iyog, vice-president for marketing and distribution, said in a text message yesterday.

To introduce the new route, the budget carrier also launched an P888 seat sale offered from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29. Such can be utilized for travel between April 19 and May 31.

Last month, the CAB granted Cebu Pacific five flights a week on the Manila to Cambodia route.

Aside from Cebu Pacific, CAB also granted ZestAir two flights per week on the said route, while Airphil Express and AirAsia Philippines, Inc. were both granted seven flights per week each on the Clark to Cambodia route.

The rights granted by CAB were a result of air talks between the Philippines and Cambodia in back in 2009.

The other carriers granted entitlements have yet to announce their operations to Cambodia.

Cebu Pacific, which is operated by listed Cebu Air, Inc., carried 11.94 million passengers last year, 14% higher than the volume it flew in 2010, but still a little short of its target 12 million passengers.

The carrier is aiming to carry 14 million passengers this year, banking on additional routes and a buoyant tourism industry.

Aside from Cambodia, the carrier will be operating three other new routes for this year: between Manila and Hanoi starting March 17; between Manila and Xiamen starting March 23; and between Kalibo and Hong Kong starting March 23.

Cebu Pacific will also be operating two new domestic routes this year:

between Cebu and Kalibo starting Feb. 24; and between Iloilo to Cagayan de Oro starting Feb. 8.

Cebu Air expects to end the year in the black, but cautioned against fuel prices that will still affect the firm’s profitability, an official earlier said. --

Kathleen A. Martin (www.bworldonline.com)

3rd Winning Agoda Gold Circle Award

2011-12-23T11:21:00.000+07:00

Congratulationon our "3rd Winning Agoda Gold Circle Award"

This year, atotal of 381 hotels worldwide received a Gold Circle Award around the world.

Tara AngkorHotel, The only 4* Hotel located in Siem Reap, Angkor, received our third yearwinner.

We workedclosely with agoda.com to offer consistently competitive room rates, haveutilized Agoda.com's custom-built YCS 3.0 yield control system to maximizerevenue, earned positive reviews and comments from Agoda.com customers.

A Christmas Party Program

2011-12-21T12:36:00.001+07:00

Press Release

2011-12-06T15:51:00.001+07:00

Tara Angkor Hotel is pleased to introduce Ms. Laurence Dethier who has been appointed as Guest Relation Manager and

Mr.Gavin Mitchell who has been appointed as Executive Chef of Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia.

Tara Spa training refreshment by PEVONIA

2011-11-15T11:57:00.001+07:00

TaraSpa offers a true spa experience through its holistic approach of achieving theperfect balance of the body, mind and spirit. While integrating the four vitalelements: Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire the treatments and ambiance will bringpeace to your body and soul.

Trainingis organized by experienced international Spa trainers to optimize learning andexperience for Tara Spa therapists. Tara Spa ensures that you will getwell treated and receive professional care from our therapist. After thelecture, a Pevonia expert demonstrates and guides therapist step by step by agradual method of learning. The best training is done by practicing andexperiencing on a volunteer model. Our therapist gradually learn therapies andexperience the sense and feel of a treatment.

10-step guide to Siem Reap

2011-11-14T21:02:00.001+07:00

Angkor Wat is great, but there's so much more to Siem Reap. Take off those temple-tinted specs.

You can't visit Siem Reap and not see Angkor Wat. But nor should you neglect the other parts of town, which do so much to add to the charm and allure of this historical area.

From jungle adventures to vibrant culture to legendary nightlife, here are 10 of Siem Reap's essential experiences, besides the famous temple.

1. Visit the Angkor temples

Doubtless, one of the world's greatest monuments.

The temples are what everyone's here for, and Angkor doesn't disappoint. Whether you're a hardcore shutterbug or just want to see the temples at their best, a photography tour will make sure you don't miss the hidden highlights.

The best time for photos is sunrise -- go in April to see the sun crest the horizon immediately behind the main shrine's dome and to maximize your chances of a haze-free day.

Or, if you don't mind sweating, rent a White Bicycle at any of the stands in town (your US$2 daily rental fee helps support local NGOs) and spend the day seeing the main temple circuit -- Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm -- at your own pace.

Either option gives you plenty of time to see the big three, any smaller temples that catch your eye, and still make it to Phnom Bakeng for the best sunset views.

Go early to snag a spot, and be sure to make it up before access to the temple-top viewing area closes at 5:30 p.m. Grab a pâté sandwich from any of the roadside vendors and picnic while you wait for the evening show.

2. Visit the other temples

Angkor -- perfect to find your inner Indiana.

Siem Reap has more than just Angkor Wat when it comes to temples. If you fancy yourself as a Cambodian Indiana Jones, visit Beng Mealea, where you can see what the temples would look like if left to nature.

Full-day tours typically combine with a trip to Koh Ker, an ancient capital city, or stop at Banteay Srey 2, a rarely visited temple and working monastery where you can hear monks chanting.

If you're after a taste of the “real” Cambodia, sign up for a tour of the Tonle Sap fishing villages, where you can see traditional stilt architecture, floating rice paddies and talk to local fishermen who might invite you home for a very freshly caught lunch.

It's worth the extra time to venture farther afield -- the nearest village, Chong Khneas, is swamped with tourists and feels like a human zoo. To make it a full day, choose a tour that also visits the bird sanctuary or any of several nearby NGO projects.

3. Hire a tuk-tuk tour guide

Smash! Bash! Kapow! Hopefully not the sounds of your maiden trip.

Even tuk-tuk fans will quickly understand why every market stall offers T-shirts emblazoned with: “No tuk-tuk. Not today. Not tomorrow,” but don't let the aggressive hawkers intimidate you into missing out on a quintessentially Cambodian ride.

Tuk-tuks are the local taxis, and the easiest way to get around Siem Reap. You can get anywhere in the main city for US$2, while good negotiators should be able to talk drivers down to a dollar. Tip the driver well and you'll have a friend for life, plus an eager tour guide who will show you the best of Siem Reap. Bonus points if you can find the “VIP Batman” tuk-tuk.

Within the city:

You can find a tuk-tuk for quick trips in Siem Reap anywhere. Be sure to negotiate a price up front, most trips within the city are US$1-3.

4. Eat bugs at the Old Market

You get fed, the streets get de-bugged.

At Phsar Chas, the Old Market, you can get a feel for a real Cambodian market.

Baskets of spices, multicolored arrays of fresh produce, crispy fried tarantulas and meats from octopus to chicken feet create a bizarre foodie circus.

If you're looking for something a little tamer, there are hawkers selling fried banana kebabs, roasted corn on the cob, or banana-chocolate pancakes (the vendor at the corner closest to Warehouse has a loyal following).

If you're too busy temple-touring during the day, you can still get the market experience at the Angkor Night Market.

Old Market Area; 5 a.m.–6 p.m.

5. Get a fishy foot massage

After a long day of temple-trekking, give your worn-out feet a little TLC to prepare for the next day's adventures.

Spas offering reflexology, massages and more can be found at any hotel,but the independent Frangipani also gets consistently high marks and Spa Indochine's traditional treatments are freshly prepared with local ingredients each day.

If you're not looking to splurge, the area around Pub Street is lined with dozens of shops. A half-hour reflexology treatment runs about US$5, or try a “fish massage” -- tiny fish will nibble dead skin from your toes. The going rate is US$1 for 15 minutes or US$3 for 20 minutes and a can of Angkor.

6. People-watch on Pub Street

Want a pub? This is where to go.

Pub Street is Siem Reap's party hub, so grab a drink (or a scoop of Siem Reap's best ice cream at Blue Pumpkin) and soak it all up.

Start your evening at Red Piano, on the corner. The French cuisine is good, but it's best known as Angelina Jolie's haunt while filming "Tomb Raider."

Try her favorite cocktail -- Cointreau, lime and tonic -- now named for the movie, and if you're the lucky 10th buyer, it's on the house.

Continue down the road to find a spot for dinner. All the restaurants offer reasonably priced Western and local food, but Soup Dragon's eponymous fare always brings a crowd, and just two doors down is "Angkor What?" bar.

Inscriptions on the walls and tables attest to this old favorite's popularity, and it's always one of the last to close.

If you're not quite digging the backpacker vibe, duck down a small side street in search of Miss Wong, a classy cocktail bar that will transport you back to 1930s Shanghai and a good refuge from the madness one street over.

7. Watch a traditional Apsara dance

The elegance of history, today.

If your taste in nightlife is a little more highbrow than Pub Street's manic antics, get a look at more traditional Cambodian culture with a Khmer dance show named for the “heavenly dancers” adorning the Angkor temples.

Most tourists opt for a dinner and performance combo offered at any of a number of local hotels and restaurants, but get a recommendation as cost and quality vary widely.

8. Give back

Responsible tourism is a Siem Reap buzzword, and the many NGOs who have set up shop make getting involved easy.

The tastiest way to help local kids.

Get in touch with the folks at ConCERT Cambodia, who can connect you with any of Siem Reap's organizations and help you choose an activity that fits with your interests and schedule.

Even if you don't volunteer, don't miss out on the easiest (and tastiest) way to support local kids: dinner at one of Siem Reap's teaching restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you, too -- the food is some of the best authentic Khmer you'll find.

9. Take on a Khmer cooking class

If you're hooked on Cambodia's delicious curries, take in a traditional cooking class and you'll be able to satisfy your cravings after leaving Siem Reap.

Khmer chef instructors will guide you through local markets and identify all the mysterious ingredients you'll need to create your culinary masterpiece.

10. Find the perfect souvenirs

Clearly, some of the souvenirs on sale are tacky and irrelevant. But in a country admired for its traditional handicrafts it's definitely worth a splurge (by Cambodian standards, anyway) on a one-of-a-kind souvenir.)

(www.cnngo.com)

Announcement

2011-11-14T16:22:00.001+07:00

RESPONSIBLE HOTEL LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT

We at Tara Angkor hotel are eager to announce our efforts to being an environmentally friendly property in the hospitality industry. Whose managers are eager to institute programs that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste.

By training our team members and by giving the choice to our guests to participate in our efforts to save the planet for future generations we aim to offer a better future to the local community.

The social importance of responsible practices is far too high and means a lot to Tara Angkor Hotel and every member of our team.

SUBLIME SEASONAL OFFERS

Angkor Heritage Package, Indulge in the UNESCO World Heritage site and discover the wonders of the ancient empire of Angkor.

2 Full days Angkor Wat World Heritage private tour with 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner with Apsara Show (Entrance Fee is not included).

Complimentary ‘Moment of Truth’ at Tara Spa.

4 nights stay with International Buffet Breakfast at Ton Tara Restaurant.

Welcome Drink & Tropical Fruits upon arrival.

Round trip transfers to/from Siem Reap Airport International – Tara Angkor Hotel.

Free WiFi access in guest room, restaurant and lobby.

15% discount on food & beverage at any hotel's outlets.

15% discount for laundry and babysitting service.

The Retreat, Treat yourself with a retreat @ Tara Angkor Hotel, 2 nights stay with International Buffet Breakfast and a 2 hour Spa treatment; make it easy for yourself and select..

2 nights stay with international buffet breakfast at Tong Tara Restaurant

Welcome drink & Tropical Fruits upon arrival

Round trip transfers to/from Siem Reap International Airport – Tara Angkor Hotel

Two-hours spa treatments: a combination of any choice of 60 minute Aromatherapy massage and any choice of 60 minute Body treatment or 1 hrs Angkor stone massage

Select of Early check in or Late check out

Free WiFi access in guest room, restaurant and lobby

15% discount on food & beverage at any hotel's outlets

15% discount for laundry and babysitting service

TEASING CULINARY EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in our culinary experiences; our chef invites you on this imaginative journey. An intimate private dream dining experience, a truly Cambodian taste and setting or learn how to cook it yourself

‘Dream dining’ a romantic dinner by candle light.

Tara Angkor is delighted to offer you one of its specialties; a private romantic candle light dinner. Sit back, relax, enjoy your time as a couple and let us create you a beautiful everlasting memory. Choice between either Asian or Western Set Menu.

‘Amazing Khmer’a Cambodian traditional dinner.

The traditional way to eat food in Cambodia is to be seated on bamboo mats on the floor. Come and indulge in this truly Cambodian experience with a unique Cambodian taste. Please advice if you request privacy for both groups or couples.

‘Cooking class’ bring home your favorite Khmer or Thai recipe. Learning how to prepare and cook your favorite Cambodian or Thai food in just the time of a meal at one of our restaurants would be a great souvenir to bring back home.
With this knowledge in hand you will be able to recreate the recipe back home and invite all your friends to savor a real Cambodian dish or a real Thai dish from Thai Chef. We have prepared for you several cooking experiences according to the time you have on hand.

ULTIMATE PAMPERING

To offer our guests total relaxation and ultimate pampering we have the Tara Spa’s summer treatment, get 20% off on any treatment. Experience a true ambiance that will bring peace to your soul and body.

‘Sabai Stone Therapy’

Exhale and relax as your therapist administers an advanced ti-phase stone massage therapy for exceeding traditional stone massage. This therapeutic massage helps to d-stress your entire being mind, body and spirit.

‘Revitalize’

A specially created massage combining varities treatment for 3 hours. Relieve tension and relax your mind with Floral foot bath