Asian Trails - Explore Cambodia

EXPLORE CAMBODIA

We have developed this guide to show sustainable travel can be the future of travel. Asian Trails strongly believes all forms of tourism can be made more sustainable. In the coming pages you will find a diverse range of leisure options that appeal to a range of different travellers in Cambodia’s major destinations, as well as those a bit more off the beaten path.

Explore Cambodia showcases high quality restaurants, accommodation, transportation, experiences and activities that combine good value with a positive impact on local people and places. This creates a win-win situation for both visitors and local communities. Visitors to this amazing country will see a variety of products and a wealth of destinations packed with cultural heritage, natural beauty and warm hospitality.

It is clear Cambodia has stepped into the spotlight as a standalone destination. Including some of these products within your itineraries will help to make Cambodia not only a more attractive place to visit but also a better place for local people to live in – which is the winning combination of truly sustainable travel!

OVERVIEW

Known for the fabled temples of Angkor, some of the world’s most exceptional archaeological relics, the charismatic capital of Phnom Penh, plus tropical island retreats – Cambodia offers immense opportunities for those seeking history, heritage and holidays.

This is an enchanting land where the ancient and the modern merge. It is where the Khmer Empire occupied, from the 9th to the 15th centuries, much of what is now Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Phnom Penh has undergone a rapid transformation into a progressive metropolis, with a blend of modern high-rises near classic French-style buildings and it is home to the majestic Royal Palace – Asian architecture at its finest!

The Eastern coast offers idyllic escapes to abundant tropical islands and the Cardamom Mountains provide a perfect backdrop for exciting eco-tourism adventures.

This Explore Cambodia brochure highlights our sustainable and responsible tourism activities in this wonderful country – an enlightened approach adopted to benefit our host communities and their environment.

IN THIS GUIDE

Experiences:

Explore our engaging and rewarding excursions packed with inspirational experiences which provide positive benefits for local communities. Our guests can participate in cultural learning activities that make a difference by contributing to local development.

Dining:

Peruse diverse eateries which reflect our commitment to responsible travel. We promote locally-owned eateries that use locally sourced ingredients and at affordable prices, thereby helping travellers make better choices about how to eat more sustainably, including a selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

Transport:

We feature alternative ways to travel in all of our destinations. Our choices are more beneficial to the environment, including transport with low-carbon emissions such as electric cars, trains and shared public transport services.

Phnom Penh

NORTHERN CAMBODIA

Northern Cambodia is home to the magnificent temples of Angkor. Built during the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1431 AD, these antiquities represent one of humankind’s most astonishing architectural achievements. Angkor was once the largest pre-industrial city in the world. In contemporary times, Angkor Wat remains the largest religious monument ever created. After viewing the temples in the Archaeological Park, visitors can head to the nearby provincial capital of Siem Reap. This comes alive at night with abundant entertainment options. To witness a unique

lifestyle, head to Tonle Sap Lake where the locals live in stilted villages suspended above the water. Battambang is awash with French colonial buildings, riverside restaurants and a thriving arts scene. Take a ride on the wonderfully quirky bamboo train and see the pristine rural landscape from a completely new perspective. Another attraction is the renowned Cambodian circus school Phare Ponleu Selpak. This provides life-changing employment opportunities for those that pass through its training academy.

Cycle Around Siem Reap

Soak up the amazing temples and ruins of Angkor by bicycle. This gives a different perspective to the world’s largest religious site. At the heart of this attraction is UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat, known as ‘heaven on earth’ because it is the earthly representation of Mount Meru, the abode of the gods.

Cycling around the temples is an eco-friendly alternative to the motorised vehicles used by a majority of visitors to the site.

E-bike Around Siem Reap

Enjoy an effortless ride on an electric bike around the ancient Angkor Archaeological Park. This journey back in time includes Bayon and its 216 giant smiling faces carved into sandstone, the Elephant Terrace and the Royal Enclosure. The highlight is Angkor Wat, the landmark structure in what was once the largest pre-industrial city on the planet.

Exploring the temples by electric bike is an eco-friendly alternative to the motorised vehicles used by a majority of visitors and it doesn’t cost too much additional time.

Kulen Elephant Forest

Exploration of the expansive Kulen Elephant Forest includes rewarding interaction with a herd of 14 elephants, who for 26 years gave rides to visitors in the Angkor Archaeological Park. A forest sanctuary provides ample space for the jumbos to roam freely. Highlight activities include a 2-km trek through idyllic countryside and time spent watching the elephants socialise. Guests even get to feed these magnificent creatures.

This programme utilises funds from tourism to support elephants to spend the rest of their lives free to live naturally.

Half-Day Life on the Tonle Sap

Discover a unique location on the Tonle Sap, a floating village suspended above the expansive lake. This is the largest freshwater lake in South-East Asia and it is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. It has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve because of its important flora and fauna.

This tour directly supports local boat drivers and small local businesses along the way.

Phare Circus Show

No trip to Siem Reap is complete without a visit to award-winning Phare, the Cambodian Circus. The highly-entertaining show, in an old-fashioned big top, blends theatrics, music, dance and acrobatics. Performing with the circus provides young people with an income. This is a great way to experience performance art and help marginalised people raise their living standards.

The circus is run by an NGO that offers free arts training to underprivileged youth and each booking contributes towards this mission.

Rural Village Experience

A short journey out of Siem Reap reveals the idyllic rural village of Kompheim, home to an authentic farming community. The excursion includes, participation in seasonal agricultural activities, such as planting rice and harvesting crops, a monk blessing ceremony and an authentic homecooked lunch.

This tour is full of local experiences run by rural people who do not greatly benefit from the mass tourism of Siem Reap.

Cooking Class with Local Market Visit

Learn to cook like a local and take home a new skill by joining a Khmer cooking class. After getting an overview of the ingredients and the cooking style, participants are guided through the creation of multiple dishes. This fun and informative activity includes a meal of the food prepared under expert tuition.

Learn about the ingredients used in Cambodian cooking under the guidance of an experienced local teacher.

Banteay Chhmar

Community-Based Tourism

Step off the mainstream temple trail with a visit to remote Banteay Chhmar. This rarely visited shrine was built to honour the son of a Khmer ruler killed in battle. The excursion includes a visit to a French NGO that trains young Cambodians in the art of silk weaving, thereby helping to preserve an ancient art form.

This tour visits an NGO that trains young Cambodians in an effort to revive the ancient Khmer tradition of silk weaving.

Prek Toal CommunityBased Ecotourism

Experience diverse bird life at a sanctuary on South-East Asia’s largest lake. This tour takes bird watching to a higher level with a climb up a treetop platform to view abundant species on Tonle Sap Lake. The experience includes lunch in a floating restaurant and a boat ride in a traditional Khmer paddle boat to crocodile and fish farms.

Learn about the beautiful nature from local experts who come from the region and can share fascinating stories about the flora and fauna.

Artisans d’Angkor

For intensive immersion in multiple art forms, head to Les Artisans d’Angkor in Siem Reap and view artisans at work in various handicraft workshops. Visitors get a fascinating insight into traditional techniques used in wood sculpting, stone carving, lacquer and stone patina work. All of the processes are explained by a dedicated guide.

The items at these arts and crafts centres focus on natural and locallysourced products made by local artisans.

SIEM REAP EXPERIENCES

Theam’s Gallery

Theam’s Gallery in Siem Reap is housed in a traditional Khmer house set in a lush tropical garden. It is the home of Lim Muy Theam, one of Cambodia’s most important contemporary artists. All of the art forms are produced in a stylish venue, with the chance to participate under expert guidance.

Visit this gallery and support a new generation of young artists and artisans who are discovering an ancestral savoirfaire that they can be proud of.

Apopo Visitor Centre

Discover the history of conflict in Cambodia, the impact of landmines on local communities and see ‘hero rats’ at the APOPO Visitor Centre. This NGO in Siem Reap is dedicated to raising awareness about demining. Rats sniff out explosives and perform life-saving work, without any harm. Visitors will also learn how Cambodia became one of the world’s most mine-laden countries.

This unique centre provides visitors with an opportunity to support demining efforts where rats are trained to save lives.

Satcha Visitor Centre

Get a greater insight into arts and crafts at the Satcha Cambodian Handicraft Incubation Center. This excursion in Siem Reap provides a fascinating overview of Khmer wood and stone products, textiles, and paintings housed in a dedicated gallery. Visitors can buy unique souvenirs and directly contribute to the artisans’ quality of life.

Learn the history behind Khmer handicrafts and help raise the quality of life of the skilled creators.

$ = 1-3 USD per dish

$$ = 4-7 USD per dish

$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish

$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish

Tevy’s Place $

Enjoy excellent Khmer and Western food at prices starting as low as US$1 at Tevy’s Place. Tevy the owner is a woman of compassion who helps to empower females through her support for an education NGO. She is also an environmental activist and is working to make her restaurant plastic-free.

Sala Bai $$

After eating at Sala Bai, a trip to Sophy and Sreth villages reveals the work of the Homestay Volunteer Teachers Organisation. This was founded in 2008 by English teacher and tourist guide Sim Piseth. It provides free English and computer lessons, plus other initiatives that better the lives of rural Cambodians.

Bayon Pastry School $

The Bayon Bakery and Pastry School has been providing free vocational training since 2014 for 20 disadvantaged young women annually. By purchasing food and beverages, customers help with the funding of the trainees’ coaching. Enjoy good cakes and pastries baked for a good cause!

One of the best places to enjoy lunch while exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor is Montra Sala Kdei. The restaurant is set inside a beautiful traditional wooden house overlooking the 10th century royal bathing pool of Sra Srang. This is in the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Spoons Café & Restaurant $$

Savour delicious Khmer cuisine at Spoons, a restaurant that empowers underprivileged Cambodian youth through training and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry. To date, this NGO has helped nearly 500 young people launch their careers in this sector. Students are able to gain practical experience in a hands-on environment.

Montra Sala Kdei $$$

$ = 1-3 USD per dish

$$ = 4-7 USD per dish

$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish

$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish

Paul Dubrule Restaurant $$

The Paul Dubrule Restaurant, located within the Paul Dubrule Hotel and Tourism School, is a training facility set up by Paul Dubrule, the French co-founder of the Accor group. After enjoying an excellent lunch, guests get an informative insight into the school which provides Cambodian youth with life-changing opportunities.

Peace Cafe Vegetarian Restaurant $

Excellent vegetarian food, bakery goods, a fairtrade shop and vegetarian cooking classes are all available at this multi-purpose venue. The free community space upstairs accommodates yoga and meditation activities and there is a movie library for screenings. Visitors can also get information on responsible volunteering opportunities in the local area.

Haven $$

Haven is a social enterprise and training restaurant for vulnerable young people living in shelters, as well as the underprivileged from poor rural areas. By teaching work and important life skills, Haven prepares the youngsters for employment and independent futures. A meal at this restaurant helps to fund this mission.

Lum Orng Farm to Table $$$

Cambodia’s first farm-to-table restaurant – Lum Orng is located in a village on the outskirts of Siem Reap. Owner-chef Sothea Seng cooks ‘new Mekong cuisine’ inspired from within Cambodia and beyond its borders. Seasonal produce sourced from local markets and regional farmers helps spread income among wider communities.

BATTAMBANG

Bamboo Train

Enjoy an exceptional ride on a bamboo train created by villagers to transport goods and get around. Consisting of a bamboo platform on four wheels and powered by a small motor, this simple but ingenious invention can transport four people per train. Riders enjoy a true open-air experience whizzing through the picturesque Cambodian countryside near Battambang.

This is a fun way to support local villagers keep an old tradition alive.

Visit and Learn about Phare School

Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning the ‘brightness of the arts’, is a non-profit arts and circus school in Battambang. It was set up to help deprived people secure work through skills training. Over 1,000 students are empowered every year through performance, visual and applied arts instruction – providing them with a sustainable career, while also promoting Cambodian culture.

Visiting this non-profit association helps to support the lives of children and their families.

GUIDE

$ = 1-3 USD per dish

$$ = 4-7 USD per dish

$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish

$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish

White Rose Restaurant $$

Popular with locals, expats and visitors, White Rose is one of the longest-running restaurants in Battambang. The menu is packed with an extensive range of good value and large portion Khmer, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. This is a great eatery to interact with residents and tourists.

Nary Kitchen $$

Nary Kitchen is a small and friendly family restaurant in the heart of Battambang serving traditional Cambodian cuisine in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. The owners also host professional Khmer cooking classes in English twice daily and these provide instruction into the creation of the country’s classic dishes.

Coconut Lyly Restaurant $$

One of the best ways to understand a country’s beating heart is through an insight into its cuisine. Coconut Lyly enables visitors to do this through a cooking class. Situated only a three-minute walk from Battambang’s Central Market, guests will learn about unique ingredients and Khmer cooking styles.

Romcheik 5 Artspace & Café $$

Romcheik 5 Café is located on the top of a building dedicated to the arts. Guests can enjoy food and drinks after taking in exhibits of paintings, sculptures and art installations, with the opportunity to buy these items on-site. This venue helps young emerging Cambodian artists gain wider recognition.

Jaan Bai $$

Jaan Bai, meaning ‘rice bowl’ in Khmer, is a Cambodian Children’s Trust enterprise which provides employment for youth. The young workers also benefit from a profit-share arrangement. Every meal bought helps to keep Cambodian families together, as the young do not need to leave their homes and migrate in search of work.

CENTRAL CAMBODIA

Kampong Chhnang

Kampong Speu

MAP INFORMATION

Asian Trails office

Destinations

Oudong

Phnom Penh

CENTRAL CAMBODIA

Central Cambodia is home to Phnom Penh, a captivating riverside capital with ornate temples, chic hotels and a lively nightlife scene. Visitors will find a cool cafe culture, a sophisticated food scene and abundant entertainment options. It is perfectly positioned at the confluence of the Bassac, Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, with a smart riverfront promenade packed with restaurants serving cuisines from across the planet. Cultural attractions include the stately Royal Palace and the National Museum. The city has undergone a major transformation as

of late, with futuristic tower blocks casting shadows over glittering wats and French colonial villas. French rule brought Europeanstyle architecture and planning such as the impressive Central Post Office, tree-lined boulevards and neat public gardens. See this lively metropolis on an Asian Trails’ guided electric vehicle tour, thereby reducing both gas and noise pollution. Another option is a cyclo-ride to landmark attractions, an excursion that benefits underutilised cyclodrivers.

Champey Academy of Arts

Head to Champey Academy of Arts and help this school continue its mission to provide a better future for underprivileged children in Phnom Penh. After watching an entertaining performance that showcases rich Khmer culture through song and dance, audience members are invited onto the stage to wear the sompot chong kben, Cambodia’s national garment – a perfect photo opportunity!

The fee for this visit directly supports underprivileged youth in and around Phnom Penh to be trained in various arts.

Cyclo Tour of Phnom Penh

Discover Phnom Penh’s rich heritage on an enjoyable half-day tour by traditional cyclo. Bespoke routes around the capital can be devised to take in different attractions. Landmark sites include the Royal Palace and adjacent Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. This is a great way to see the metropolis from a different angle.

Exploring the city by cyclo is a unique and eco-friendly way of seeing its sights while supporting cyclo drivers who have limited access to work these days.

4 HOURS

Cycle Around Phnom Penh

Cycle around Phnom Penh and leave the tourist trail behind during exploration of the hidden alleyways that snake through the capital. This activity includes visits to a fishing community and a garment factory to see how the locals really live. Regular food and drink stops enhance this immersive experience.

This is an eco-friendly tour that supports a variety of small local businesses along the way.

Cooking Class with Local Market Visit

Learn to cook like a local during a Khmer cuisine cooking class. This activity involves a visit to a Phnom Penh market to source the freshest ingredients, followed by instruction from an experienced chef into the creation of classic Cambodian dishes. The best part is sitting down to enjoy the food made in class.

Learn about the ingredients used in Cambodian cooking under the guidance of an experienced local teacher.

3.5 HOURS

Full-Day Responsible Experience in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh’s compassionate side is revealed on a tour of development projects which help the underprivileged Participants travel in e-tuk-tuks and cyclos – transport forms that cut down on carbon emissions. Besides visiting iconic tourism sites dotted around the capital, stops are made at development-focused initiatives, such as handicraft centres and benevolent social enterprises.

Colonial Phnom Penh by Electric Vehicle or Tuk Tuk

Ride back in time to colonial-era Phnom Penh. The tour is conducted in either electric vehicles or traditional tuk-tuks. The experience is enhanced through the provision of headphones and a digital tablet with an informative video guide. Stops are made at 22 sites linked to French rule, including ornate villas and majestic government buildings.

Doing this tour by electric vehicle reduces the carbon footprint, and directly supports a local tuk-tuk driver.

This tour includes a number of visits to social enterprises that contribute towards supporting underprivileged youths.

$ = 1-3 USD per dish

$$ = 4-7 USD per dish

$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish

$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish

Sophath Noodle Wat Botum $

Cambodians have a fixation with noodles – it is a food that has defined the country’s diet for hundreds of years. A great place to try this inexpensive staple is Sophath Noodle, near the landmark temple of Wat Botum. This shop has been selling noodle dishes for over 35 years

Banana Tree Restaurant $$

Dine on delicious food and help secure better futures for disadvantaged people. Banana Tree employs staff from marginalised backgrounds so the cycle of poverty can be broken. Children rescued from hardship are equipped with skills and an education to secure a more prosperous future for themselves and their families.

Eleven One Kitchen BKK1 $$$

This is the perfect eatery for those keen to contribute to sustainable practices. The restaurant uses only biodegradable packaging, grows its own vegetables on the rooftop and the use of nearby suppliers’ fresh and organic produce supports the local economy.

Element $$

For healthy and vegetarian cuisine, Element is the perfect choice. Guests can savour AsianFrench vegetarian and vegan fusion cuisine, plus delicious French pastries. This stylish venue and the high-end presentation of dishes provides a good introduction for those less familiar with a plant-based diet.

Bong Bonlai $$

Enjoy a fusion of international flavours, ranging from South-East Asian classics to Mediterranean favourites. This eatery serves up the healthiest cuisine possible, with the opportunity to dine in a pleasant, shaded garden. This tree-filled sanctuary is an oasis of calm in the centre of the lively metropolis.

KAMPONG CHHNANG

Visit Smiling Gecko Campus

Absorb pristine nature during a day trip to the Smiling Gecko Farm. Visitors will view organic initiatives and a training centre which equips young Cambodians with lifelong jobs skills. The heart of this facility is the school where children benefit from a solid education. This is an inspirational excursion that will leave lasting memories.

A visit to Smiling Gecko supports its work to train and equip young Cambodians to get into meaningful employment in the fields of agriculture, tourism and handicrafts.

Pottery Village Visit

Get a fascinating insight into the pottery products Kampong Chhnang province is famed for. After viewing the production processes, the onward journey to Phnom Penh includes stops at farms to see ageold agricultural techniques and a village that is home to silver and copper handicraft artisans, with the opportunity to buy stylish jewellery.

Learn about traditional pottery making in a small village and have the opportunity to support local artisans.

KAMPONG SPEU

Free The Bears

Get exclusive behind the scenes access at the world’s largest sun bear sanctuary near Phnom Penh. Our ‘Bear Care Tour’ reveals moving stories of rescued sun and moon bears. Visitors can help the team prepare food and enrichment treats. The experience includes watching the bears search for the hidden food – a unique and fun experience!

Support the endangered bears at this sanctuary in a hands-on way during this unforgettable experience.

OUDONG

Oudong Mountain & Floating Village Cycling Tour

A cycle tour alongside the beautiful Tonle Sap riverside reveals a peaceful scene of picturesque floating villages and lush rice fields. This area is home to abundant bird species native to the local wetland. A highlight is interaction with artisans at dedicated silver and bronze handicraft villages. Finally, a climb up Oudong Hill unveils a stunning panorama.

Connect with local artisans and learn from local villagers during this eco-friendly exploration of the countryside around the Tonle Sap.

COASTAL & EASTERN CAMBODIA

COASTAL & EASTERN CAMBODIA

The Coastal and Eastern region is incredibly diverse, ranging from rugged mountain ranges and national parks to picturesque islands and sleepy coastal towns such as Kep. Cambodia’s leading seaside destination Sihanoukville is located on a peninsula on the Gulf of Thailand. This is the gateway to a delightful archipelago of tropical islands, including Koh Rong, a destination that provides excellent accommodation choices. For a more exclusive stay, Koh Russey is the ultimate tropical island getaway. For adventure exploration, head to the Cardamom Mountain range. This reaches

1,800 metres at its highest elevation and it is home to abundant wildlife, including clouded leopards. The park also shelters the largest mangrove-estuary in South-East Asia. There is a good chance of seeing pileated gibbons swinging through the trees as a flourishing population resides in this reserve.

Biking Tour on Koh Trong

Eco-friendly pedal power is the best way to explore the beauty of Koh Trong, a rural island on the Mekong River. The ride is conducted in the early morning before the heat of the day. The route takes in agricultural communities, with plenty of stops to chat to locals and buy their products.

Pedal power is the best way to enjoy island life without the polluting effects of motorised transport.

Reforestation Project

Help rejuvenate the environment by planting a tree at Wat Ty Pram Kbal. This temple’s reforestation project is hugely beneficial to Koh Trong’s environment. The planter’s name is included on a plaque for personal recognition. Afterwards, enjoy a cycle ride on this pleasant rural island on the Mekong River.

Planting a tree at this project ensures that visitors give back to the environment in a sustainable way as the local community will nurture the sapling so you can come back and see it grow.

KAMPOT

Visit Pepper Plantation and Mangroves by Boat

A tour with spice reveals the background story to one of Cambodia’s most famous exports. Kampot pepper is used by top chefs across the world as it adds a real kick to dishes. After lunch at La Plantation, the day involves a boat trip and a mangrove tree planting activity – the perfect way to give back to a community!

Learn from local experts how pepper is farmed and make a positive contribution to the environment by helping to conserve the mangrove ecosystem.

MONDULKIRI

Elephant Valley Project

An exceptional experience involves a day interacting with elephants in their natural environment. Jumbos rescued from exploitative work have been given sanctuary in a protected rainforest. The day involves a leisurely jungle hike with the gentle giants and a stop to bathe them in a cooling stream, followed by the fun of feeding time.

ELIE, the NGO running this conservation project, works closely with the local Bunong community to not only take care of the elephants but also the surrounding forest and people that live there.

PRICE GUIDE

$ = 1-3 USD per dish

$$ = 4-7 USD per dish

$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish

$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish

Holy Crab $$$

For some of the best and freshest seafood in Kep, we take our guests to Holy Crab in Kep Crab Market. Situated next to the ocean with cooling breezes, this restaurant serves up some of the best seafood on Crab Shack Row. This is also a prime place to watch the sun go down.

La Plantation $$$

A Kampot institution, La Plantation is a social and sustainable project famed for its production of Kampot Pepper. This spice can be enjoyed in one of the two on-site restaurants serving Khmer and French cuisine. The visit includes a guided tour and an insight into philanthropy, such as support for a local school.

The Wave - Kep West Restaurant in Kep $$$$

Kep West is a new premium accommodation and culinary destination on a prime strip of pristine sand. It offers a true luxurious beach experience and a combination of fine dining in three restaurants, each with its own distinct taste and style. This resort has raised the luxury level in Kep.

Sabay Beach $$

Sabay Beach is located in an idyllic spot next to the river in Kampot. This location provides diners with sublime views over the Bokor National Park. The restaurant serves European and Asian fusion dishes, plus Khmer classics. This is an exceptional venue that has enhanced Kampot’s high-end dining options.

KAMPOT | KEP RESTAURANTS

PRICE GUIDE

$ = 1-3 USD per dish

$$ = 4-7 USD per dish

$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish

$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish

KAMPOT | KEP RESTAURANTS

Art Cafe’ Kep $$

Situated next to the ocean, with the outdoor decking lapped gently by the waves, this is an appropriate setting to enjoy the freshest of sea food, especially local crab. The open style venue has cooling breezes and an expansive view of the sea. After dining, browse the handicrafts and art for sale.

Kep Natural Restaurant $$

Situated in an impressive location between a beach and a forest, Kep Natural Restaurant specialises in fresh, locally sourced food. Weekends feature live music. Most evenings also feature DJs mixing ambient sounds that enhance the relaxing vibe in this laid-back eatery.

Epic Art Café $$

A role model for an inclusive environment, Epic Arts Cafe is a social enterprise that increases work opportunities for people with disabilities. Food profits help generate funds for the cafe’s arts projects. Guests can also support this cause by purchasing beautiful handicrafts made by students.

Bamboo Cafe $

Located in Saen Monourom, Bamboo cafe, offers a wide selection of food and drinks, including many vegetarian options. This is a family-run business with a friendly personal touch. This cafe is highly recommended for those seeking a connection with an independent business, housed in a traditional rustic wood and bamboo building.

A Day in Koh Rong Island

Exploration of Koh Rong island reveals pristine beaches and an undeveloped landscape of small communities dotted along the shore. For true isolation, a boat trip to Lonely Beach offers snorkeling, kayaking and paddle-boarding. A perfect day ends with sundowners.

Small independent Koh Rong businesses benefit from tourists’ patronage.

KOH RONG

8

CARDAMOM

Explore the Cardamom

A jungle trek involves spotting wildlife and a visit to a ranger station to see antipoaching tactics. The journey back to camp is by kayak, then lunch and some free time for more trekking, kayaking or a zip-line ride before dinner.

Absorb nature while trekking and kayaking with an expert guide.

SUSTAINABLE TRAILS

Our most impactful excursions follow ESTEEM principles

Eat Locally

Stay Eco-friendly

Transport Alternatively

Experience Meaningfully

Empower Viably

Make a Difference

ETHICAL ANIMAL EXPERIENCES

All of our animal experiences are carefully vetted to ensure guests interact with our planet’s diverse species in responsible ways.

Our Actions on Animal Welfare

KNOW MORE

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

SAY ‘NO’ TO PLASTIC WASTE

SUSTAINABLE PARTNERS

We strive to include local people in meaningful ways throughout our tours and recommend ways to have a positive social impact.

We encourage guests to reduce single-use plastic waste by choosing to use reusable drinking bottles instead.

Together with other DMCs, we are working to identify our most sustainable hotel partners so our guests can have a positive impact even while sleeping.

To find out more about our company policies, please follow the links below POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Responsible Travel Annual Sustainability Report Asian Trails Code of Conduct Child Protection Policy

Supplier Code of Conduct Sustainability Policy

SIEM REAP

Salakonseng Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap 171202, Cambodia PHNOM PENH

Building G5ab, No. 540 Aquation, Koh Pich Street, Phum 14,Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmorn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia www.asiantrails.travel

Email: res@asiantrails.com.kh +855-23-238-897