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.