Asian Trails has relaunched two Vespa trails in Phnom Penh, giving guests the chance to witness typical Cambodian life by day and local bars and restaurants by night.

Guests take to the passenger seat as experienced Vespa riders weave in and out of backstreets and along rural roads to explore authentic places frequented by the locals.

One of the journeys passes along the banks of the mighty Mekong River where guests can see daily life unfold while visiting a vibrant local market, followed by a traditional silk weaving community.

This intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience offers a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s cultural core, making it a must for any discerning traveller seeking to delve deeper into the heart of this captivating destination.

Later in the evening, guests can head out again for an exciting after-dark foodie adventure by scooter. Leave the typical tourist traps behind and experience a buzzing night out in true Phnom Penh style. Taste typical local dishes and discover hidden culinary gems in local neighbourhoods.

For more details or advice about how to incorporate a Vespa tour in your Cambodia itinerary, contact our team at Asian Trails Cambodia.

Situated in the foothills of Cambodia’s most sacred mountain, Phnom Kulen, the Phum Borann Homestay provides an excellent base for exploring some of the kingdom’s lesser-known cultural treasures.

Situated 75 km north-east of Siem Reap, the property is near the Phnom Kulen National Park. Asian Trails’ team took the opportunity to experience its services first-hand.

The accommodation options range from small and cosy two-person bungalows to larger houses that accommodate up to eight guests. Tents are also available for a more rustic camping adventure.

Simple, local meals are available at the onsite restaurant which caters for up to 50 people for all daily meals.

Guests can engage in numerous outdoor activities, such as trekking to nearby temples and villages where people produce rice wine or weave traditional cotton scarves known as krama. Other places of interest include a pepper plantation, a former royal palace and a silk learning centre.

Asian Trails is dedicated to supporting rural communities with the aim of connecting guests with the more authentic aspects of Cambodian life. For more information about the Phum Borann Homestay, contact us for expert advice at Asian Trails Cambodia.

Asian Trails’ Middle East and Indian Market Manager for Cambodia Jitender Singh Rathore attended the inaugural Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024 event in New Delhi, India on 17 June 2024.

The occasion marked the start of a year-long celebration to foster cultural and tourism ties between the two nations and it also coincided with the first Cambodia Angkor Air flight between the two nations’ respective capitals of Phnom Penh and New Delhi.

The new air route paves the way for more convenient connections between the two countries, which will further enhance cross-cultural collaborations and boost tourism. The flights are scheduled to depart four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Cambodian and Indian tourism officials united to express their commitment to facilitating improved travel between the two countries and they discussed the launch of exclusive travel packages and collaborative tourism projects.
For expert travel advice or to plan a trip, contact Asian Trails Cambodia.

Asian Trails Cambodia enjoyed hosting a FAM trip for Polish MICE agents who were accompanied by our Poland representative Jasinska-Goerdt Agnieszka.

Ten top MICE agents and an Emirates Airline representative from Poland visited Cambodia from the 21^st to the 26^th May. A varied schedule included exploration of the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, a city packed with historical and cultural sites that are perfect for unique MICE events.

This was followed by three nights in Siem Reap where the group enjoyed intensive exploration of the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park’s 9^th century Khmer Dynasty architecture. A perfect trip concluded with a day and night spent on the paradise island of Koh Rong where the group enjoyed pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Our Cambodia team used their expert local knowledge to reveal a different side to the kingdom. This was enhanced with some fun activities, such as learning to cook authentic Khmer cuisine, all undertaken with sustainable elements.

Set against a backdrop of white sands and turquoise waters, Full Moon Island Resort is a rare, private sanctuary located just 15 minutes from the Cambodian mainland.

Recently reopened in November 2023, the resort offers a captivating, off-the-beaten-track experience in the Koh Ampil archipelago.

Scattered across three small islands, the property’s 19 villas and studios are housed within exquisite wooden structures that reflect traditional Khmer architecture. Guests can indulge in remote island living while enjoying the cool sea breeze and captivating views of the ocean or gardens.

The owners are passionate about preserving the pristine nature of the islands, taking an eco-friendly approach to every aspect of their operations. International cuisine is served at the resort’s restaurant along with picture-perfect sea views, while the beach bar delivers creative cocktails.

For details and bookings, contact Asian Trails Cambodia.

Recently reopened under new management, Kep UV Resort is the perfect base for exploring Southern Cambodia’s mix of tropical greenery, quiet beaches and tranquil village vibes. Those looking for a relaxing retreat will enjoy convenient access to the region’s famous markets, national parks and beaches.

The boutique property is set in the former Sunset Valley Resort and began welcoming new visitors on 1 May 2024. Inspired by contemporary Khmer design, the 18-room resort was created by an acclaimed architect, encompassing an outdoor pool, garden, communal lounge and restaurant.

The peaceful oasis is within walking distance from the crab market and nearby cafés, bars and eateries. Kep Beach is just a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away.

For more information or to make a booking, contact Asian Trails Cambodia.

The launch of AirAsia Cambodia took off earlier this month and Asian Trails’ Managing Director for Cambodia Virginie Kury was honoured to have a seat on the inaugural flight.

The opening event was attended by H.E. Sok Soken, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism and H.E. Dr Mao Havannal, the Minister in Charge of the Secretariat of Civil Aviation, as well as key players in the domestic travel industry.

After taking the 30-minute flight on one of the airline’s brand new Airbus A320s, Virginie expressed her confidence in the future of the nation’s travel landscape.

She said: “The launch of AirAsia Cambodia will open up the skies of Cambodia and pave the way for new players in the domestic market. Flying between Cambodia’s major cities will not only be more convenient, it will also become more affordable.”

The new flights will enhance Asian Trails’ tour programmes, making a pre- or post-trip extension to Cambodia’s southern islands more alluring and more wallet-friendly than ever before. After exploring the ancient Angkorian temples of Siem Reap, guests can take a one-hour flight directly to Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s leading seaside destination.

From there, it’s just a short transfer by car and boat to reach the white sand beaches of Koh Rong Island. Discover our Beach Extension: Siem Reap to Koh Rong (4 days) or learn more about the island’s premier beachfront resort, Royal Sands Koh Rong.

AirAsia Cambodia operates multiple daily flights between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. For details about flights and schedules or to plan a tour programme, contact our team at Asian Trails Cambodia.

Construction work on the new USD$1.5 billion Phnom Penh international airport is 66 per cent complete, according to the latest government update.

Officially known as Techo International Airport, work started on the facility in June 2020 and it is due to become operational by mid-2025. It is situated 20 km from the capital in Kandal province.

The first phase of development will accommodate up to 13 million passengers a year, with a forecast to handle 50 million travellers annually after the completion of the third and final stage in 2050. It will be the ninth largest airport in the world.

Techo will be categorised as Class 4F, a rating for airports that can accommodate the largest aircraft on runways over 3,000 metres in length. On a recent visit, Prime Minister Dr Hun Manet described it as a symbol of peace and development in the country.

For more details, contact Asian Trails Cambodia.

International hotel brand Novotel has launched its first property in Phnom Penh. This comes two months after the opening of Novotel’s first Cambodian venture in the coastal resort city of Sihanoukville.

Ideally located in the heart of the capital’s business district, Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 is located within easy reach of leading attractions, such as the Royal Palace, the Independence Monument, the trendy nightlife area of Bassac Lane and the Mekong River.

The 254 rooms and suites are furnished in a contemporary style, with artistic murals of Khmer life adorning the walls. Guests can choose standard, deluxe, executive and executive suite options. Those in executive categories can access the executive lounge and enjoy panoramic views of the Mekong River from the 20th floor. Facilities include flexible meeting spaces, an all-day dining venue, three bars, a health club, spa and swimming pool.

Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 is currently in a soft opening mode, with the official launch due in July 2024. Contact Asian Trails Cambodia to enquire about rates and bookings.

Asian Trails’ Cambodia team were treated to a colourful Trot Dance ahead of the Khmer New Year on 13 April 2024. This traditional performance is believed to ward off any bad luck from the past, ensuring a positive start to the New Year.

The dance was first performed in a mountainside village near Tonle Sap and it was popular during the Khmer-Mon era, particularly among communities living in Battambang, Pursat and Siem Reap provinces.

The dance tells the story of a hunter, who unable to find any wildlife performs a dance offering. A stag with golden fur and horns made of jewels appears and spellbound by its beauty, the hunter offers the stag to the monarch who rewards him by making him a village chief.

As a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, this type of performance has become synonymous with Khmer New Year celebrations and it is also used to pray for rain during periods of drought.

Chaul chnam thmey រីករាយឆ្នាំថ្មី!

Happy New Year from Asian Trails! We wish all of our partners and friends great success and happy trails during the coming year.