Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Today we dive into the current happenings in Phnom Penh and Cambodia—led by young leaders.

We depart early for a cultural bike tour. Like any developing city, Phnom Penh is beautifying and modernizing. But there’s also an ongoing struggle to protect history, rights and resources (Our Belt & Road). As we pedal through the backroads of Phnom Penh rarely seen by tourists, we explore these topics with our friends--students and young professionals.

We'll enjoy a local lunch before returning to our hotel to rest.

There's no better way to learn about the local flavors of the Mekong than by tasting them. We visit Seekers Sprits, Cambodia's first premium gin distillery which celebrate the bold, aromatic flavors that are uniquely Cambodia. We explore the garden of ingredients, taste various types of gin, enjoy a tasting menu for dinner, and even take a bottle home. 

Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Today we dive into how education, sustainability and innovation intersect in Cambodia. 

We will kick-off our day meeting Samneang Moul, Country Director for the Harpswell Foundation and SHE-CAN, both of which promote female leadership through university education. Learn more about Samneang's incredible story in this recent Chicago Tribune profile. 

We make several visits which give us a glimpse into entrepreneurship, sustainability, and global partnerships (and provide for exceptional shopping): 

At the Pteah ReMade boutique, we meet Alyssa Erin Kardos Loera and Nind Hou, co-founders of ReMade in Cambodia, a community of 70+ artists which turn textile waste into runway fashion. They will host their annual fashion show this week on Earth Day (April 22).

Dorsu was founded to set an example within the Cambodian and global garment industry, producing durable timeless designs and positive working conditions for a team that is predominately Khmer women. 

At jewelry producer Penh Lenh, we meet co-founders Rachel Dodson and Srey Mei.  Penh Lenh empowers female artisans working to build new lives for themselves and their families, and uses high quality, ethically sourced, conflict-free 14k Gold-filled material and precious and semi-precious gemstones.

We return to the hotel for an afternoon rest. 

We watch the sunset from the sky bar Sora at acclaimed Rosewood Phnom Penh. Rosewood occupies the top 14 floors of the Vattanac Capital Tower, a 39 story high-rise said to take the shape of a dragon’s back that towers over the capital city. Over wine and dinner, we'll be joined by members of the Rosewood team and hear more about the hotel and Phnom Penh's urban development.

We will leave very early (5:45am), driving for several hours with Sim Srin and Room to Read staff to the remote Kampong Cham province for a full day of site visits with Room to Read Cambodia. We will enjoy a light breakfast on the ride while Srin overviews Room to Read’s Literacy and Girls' Education programs in the context of Cambodia's educational landscape. 

Our morning will be spent at Katek Prith Bandith Bun Rany Hun Sen Samki Meanchey High School. Expect inspiring and emotional moments as we meet with students, staff, community members and participate ourselves in Girls’ Education life skills activities. Kampong Cham is one of several provinces in Cambodia where the Girls’ Education life skills component is integrated in the standard government school curriculum. 

We’ll enjoy lunch with Room to Read Cambodia’s Country Director, Vantha Chea. In the afternoon, we’ll meet with Girls’ Education program alumnae and even accompany scholars for home visits to meet their families. 

To be further inspired for this truly special day, view Michelle Obama’s visit with Room to Read Cambodia scholars during a 2015 visit (video). 

We will transport back to Phnom Penh with Room to Read staff, enjoying our last dinner in Cambodia’s capital city at our hotel’s Mealea Restaurant.

Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

We transport to the Phnom Penh airport for a short flight to Siem Reap. Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, Siem Reap holds a timeless allure. Yet amidst its historical splendor, it faces the challenges of over-tourism and the exploitation of natural and cultural resources.

We stay at Treeline Urban Resort, a privately-owned boutique design hotel on Siem Reap’s Riverside deeply committed to safeguarding the livelihoods of local communities and the integrity of the environment. The resort is masterfully crafted with leading Cambodian artists and includes dedicated spaces for a growing private collection of contemporary art, which we will be introduced to upon arrival.

Enjoy lunch at the hotel at your leisure. Enjoy the pool and the serene grounds. Or talk a riverside walk or shop at nearby Kandal Village.

If inspired to create, join a late afternoon class to make your own artisan craft—a wearable copper bracelet. Khmer people formerly wore copper bracelets to show their rank. Don't worry, your instructor will be there to assist in every step of the process.

We meet for dinner at Marum, a restaurant with a vocational training program helping young people gain culinary and hospitality skills to gain stable employment. 

Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel. We leave the urban buzz of Siem Reap for a rural Cambodian adventure—led by female guide Ley Sreyneang driving an A2 Military Jeep. 

We pass through rice paddies and arrive at Phnom Bok, a lesser visited mountain home to ancient temple ruins. We then visit Banteay Srey, meeting local artisans making traditional sculptures, noodles, and hyacinth mats, as well as the Banteay Srey temple, famous for its unique pink stone and preserved statues.

Sreyneang hosts us for a delicious Khmer lunch at her nearby family home. Afterwards, we visit a rural pagoda and receive a blessing from monks (optional). 

We return to our hotel for a well-deserved afternoon rest. 

Our last night dinner is at one of the most special places in Siem Reap—Kroya, at the uniquely designed Shinta Mani in Siem Reap’s tree-shaded Royal District. 

“Kroya” means “food” in the Khmer Royal language. Chef Chanrith evokes the Cambodian cuisine of the past while sharing a vision of its future, reinterpreting traditional recipes with modern flair.  It's a special celebration where we take time to reflect as a group on all that we have learned Cambodia.

Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Our Venture officially ends after breakfast. From here, you may choose to continue your stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia or neighboring counties. The hotel can assist with transportation.

Given the unique nature of this trip, the above itinerary is subject to change.