Thursday 8 August 2019

Cambodia - The destination that should absolutely not to be missed

After Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An and Luang Prabang, the concept of visiting a city “behind its classic scene” was expanded to Phnom Penh.

Hop on a thrilling day mixing iconic sites and off-the-beaten-paths districts; soak up some authentic daily life of the locals and enjoy a home-hosted meal on an island of the Mekong River.

Siem Reap is a relaxed little town where one can enjoy treading lightly along the river and across the narrow pathways comprised of cool bars and trendy shops.

After a day filled with exciting visits and activities, and after a refreshing dip in the hotel swimming pool, follow us to discover more about local brews and ignite your evenings with a sophisticated and fun experience. You may either choose to go to the one and only remaining wooden house on stilts in the heart of Siem Reap to take a Khmer cocktails lesson. Or embark on a rum workshop where you will learn about the process of making rum before creating your own sample to take back home.

The destination that should absolutely not to be missed
Hold on tight, next, we are taking you to the region of Kep and Kampot. The southern coast boasts a lovely colonial charm and will quickly become your favourite playground for soft-adventure and family holidays alike. Find yourself cycling the trails of Kep National Park, kayaking or boating the mangrove of the Kampot River, or taking a cooking class at the most reputed pepper farm of the country. You can also plant some mangrove with the locals in an effort to prevent the coastal erosion, or simply enjoying the vibe at the crab market of Kep or in a charming coffee in the old quarter of Kampot. Stay in a lovely cottage by the Kampot River or in a beautiful eco-lodge at the foot of Kep mountain - the options are infinite.

Our highlighted experience
Did you know that the Angkor temples complex is filled and surrounded by a thick green forest?

This forest offers endless single tracks perfect for a once-of-a-lifetime cycling experience. Ride under the shade of the trees, pass by local villages and small hidden temples, find yourself in odd places such as on top of the city walls of Angkor Thom and reach where the crowds rarely venture to. The tour can be adapted to your preferences in length and difficulty, and this can easily range from kid-friendly rides to something closer to what mountain-biking enthusiasts would seek. It is simply the very best way to discover the complex, far beyond its classic route and tourist masses.

The featured hotel: Anjali by Siphon in Siem Reap
The Anjali hotel is a 4-star hotel located about 3-kilometres from Siem Reap’s old market. This is a truly boutique hotel, with a limited number of rooms that offer an exceptionally high quality of standard and service, so you can enjoy the 5-star hotel benefits at 4-star prices.

The hotel features a modern design integrating lots of plants and trees, stylish rooms with all possible amenities, a genuine go-green commitment to staff and environment, a sophisticated restaurant and the most charming pool area. It will cost you only $3 by remork or tuk-tuk to get to the old market and pub street area, which is well worth it to stay in this little green oasis at such an affordable rate.

Travel and philanthropy
Cambodia has an impressive and strong sense of community. People strive at helping each other and, supported by NGOs, tackle the most serious challenges met by the communities.

Among them, the lack of access to clean water (in some villages no farther than 5km from Siem Reap) and the extremely low rate of schooling even for very young kids. Travellers can help through donation as well as hands-on involvement. There are many possibilities, from sponsoring and installing a water filter in the most disadvantaged local homes to participating in educational workshops for kids. Just contact us if you want your company or your clients to get involved in these wonderful upliftment opportunities.

Homestay experiences in remote communities
ASIA DMC is partnering with the Community-Based Tourism boards of Banteay Srei and Banteay Chhmar to design some carefully crafted homestay packages.

Spend a night or two in traditional wooden Khmer houses, take part in local life activities with the hosting communities, venture out on less travelled trails and enjoy a slice of genuine rural life. These programs actively contribute to larger-scale pro-poor tourism initiatives and are extraordinary human adventures.

Deluxe experiences are adding up in Cambodia
Cambodia is doubling up on its deluxe travel experiences across the country. In terms of pristine beach experiences, we have the stunning island resorts of Alila and Six Senses which are notable luxury accommodation options. The unique Shinta Mani Wild offers an innovative and all-inclusive luxury concept hotel that is quietly tucked away in the jungle of the Kirirom National Park.

Deluxe camping is also on the rise with options at the top of Kulen Mountain, at the Banteay Ampeul temple near Siem Reap or in the remote and less travelled complex of Banteay Chhmar temple in the north. Nature enthusiasts will also love being immersed in the tranquil natural environment of a tented camp in the wilderness of the Cardamom Mountains or equally so at the sophisticated floating bungalows in the region of Koh Kong and the Tatai River.

The sad part of the story
Unfortunately, not all news is good and we are deeply saddened to have to deliver this, but it is an important note for all travellers looking to Cambodia for a beach getaway. Sihanoukville has now irreversibly passed from a lovely beachside town to an area where a majority of the land has been sold to Chinese investment companies to build a “second Macau”. Currently, the entire region feels like a giant construction site with casinos and huge hotel chains popping up everywhere. The roads have been destroyed as a result, most of old businesses have been left abandoned, trash is overwhelming present and none of the beaches, including and surrounding Sihanoukville, are pleasant anymore. Our alternative suggestion for the time being is to look elsewhere to find your paradise, such as on the islands of Koh Rong (Royal Sands, Sok San), Koh Russey (Alila) or Krabey (Six Senses) where the beaches are better maintained and the islands are free from mass tourism and over-development.

Let’s end on a more spiritual note – a one-of-a-kind experience
ASIA DMC is offering your clients the possibility to become a monk for a week (or more). This one-of-a-kind Buddhist retreat experience is arranged at the famous Angkor Wat temple. The program includes delving into meditation and spirituality with the local monks, and eating and sleeping at the monastery at Angkor Wat. Let us know if you’d like to feature this incredible wellness opportunity in your next brochure!

Contact the ASIA DMC destination expert for a variety of itineraries that move beyond the well-trod tourist track of Cambodia and discover new places which are still untouched by tourism.

ASIA DMC
47 Phan Chu Trinh street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi, Vietnam
Our mailing address is: outofasia@asiadmc.com
www.asiadmc.com

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