New air link to Cambodia
AFTER one false start, Kampuchean Airlines (flight code DK) has rescheduled its first flights into Hongkong starting on Thursday. The flights will also run on Saturdays.
The government-owned airline, which is not linked to the Bangkok-based Cambodian International Airlines, leases its Boeing B737 aircraft from a Swiss company, along with the cockpit crew.
Fares, as to Vietnam, are high, as airlines take advantage of strong demand for flights into the country.
The full fare is HK$5,980 round-trip business class and $5,180 economy class, but your travel agency should be able to get discounted fares of $5,200 business and $3,600 economy - but these do not allow any switch in routing or airline.
There is also an excursion fare of $2,900, but with built-in conditions - you must stay in Cambodia at least 14 days, and if you turn in the ticket for a refund, a $725 administration charge will be levied.
Contact the airline's local representative, Marvel Tours, on 722-1001 or fax 739-4791. THE Mandarin Oriental group has introduced Oriental Summers, a package programme at its hotels except those in Macau, during August or September.
Best buys are at the San Francisco hotel, where the rate is US$185 ($1,440), and in Jakarta, where the US$140 rate also includes full breakfast.
Prices are for a minimum two nights (three at the Oriental), and include other small extras.
Contact Mandarin Oriental reservations on 881-1288. THE Concorde Hotel on Outram Road in Singapore (previously known as the Glass Hotel) is discounting its executive floor rooms until September 30.
The full rate is S$270 ($1,290), but the summer rate is S$185 including full breakfast, one free pressing, one three-minute call back to Hongkong, and some other extras.
Contact the hotel direct on (65) 733-0188, fax (65) 733-0989; or Delton Reservations on 810-1711, fax 525-0269. THE Beaufort Hotel on Sentosa Island in Singapore, finally connected by causeway to the main island (although passes are needed, so taxis cannot go there) is further discounting prices until the end of September to attract business.
Pay the S$245 discounted deluxe room price, and you get a suite, for which the published price is S$460.
If transport to the city is provided, then this package is good. The hotel is closer to the city than those in Orchard Road.
Contact Beaufort Hotels on 526-1163, fax 810-6792. ALL seats on Cathay Pacific flights to London Heathrow will be non-smoking from May 1.
However, its flights to London Gatwick and Manchester will still have smoking seats until the airline has evaluated reaction to the no-smoking plan. Information compiled by Travel Database, GPO Box 12761, Hongkong. Fax 507-4620.
