As more travelers swarm into Cambodia to enjoy the country's warm blue skies and welcoming people, Minister of Tourism Veng Sereyvuth will fly out of the country this month for a chilly whirlwind tour of Europe. The debonair diplomat will depart March 1 for a ten day promotional excursion through Berlin; Paris; Brussels, Belgium; and Austria. While away, he plans to wow Asean industrial specialists with the many natural and cultural jewels shining bright in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
His Excellency Veng Sereyvuth also will begin to rally support for a proposed one to two week-long festival to be set against the majestic backdrop of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Capitalizing on the success of the internationally acclaimed Jose Carreras operatic bonanza in

December, the Ministry of Tourism has realized what sophisticated audiences, like you Readers, may be attracted to combine historical sites with musical history in the making. Visitors also will be pleased to hear that trekking to nearly a dozen ancient temples will be more worth their while than ever now that the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has designated the sties to become tourist attractions. Eleven temples were chosen to benefit from preservation projects, improved accessibility, and unique face-lifts distinctive to each temple's individual design.
Culture-seekers must head to at least a few of these treasured sites: Preah Vihear, a temple resting atop a tall cliff on the Thai border. This sight is in the running for World Heritage Status. Koh Ker, a step pyramid from the 10th century in Preah Vihear, is an unlikely but very lucky benefactor, as are Preah Khan Kompong Svay and Banan, in Kompong Thom and Battambang
respectively. The Pre-Angkorian Sambor Prei Kuk temple and the Angkor-era Banteay Chhmar and Banteay Toap temples are worth a visit. While in Siem Reap, why not jet 30 km over to see the ruins of Beng Melea, or head to the