Go beyond tourism. Connect as a global citizen. Forever change your perspective.

Cambodia is rooted in cultural heritage, more recent Khmer Rouge scars, and sits at the epicenter of Southeast Asia. Today, 50% of the Cambodian population is under 25 years old. Phnom Penh has been fueled by Gen Z momentum, even named by the BBC as a top 20 travel destination for 2026. The best way to understand Cambodia and its future? By connecting with the next generation of young Cambodian leaders.

Join us for 7 days/6 nights to connect to dynamic Cambodia. You explore river-wrapped Phnom Penh beyond its growing skylines, convene with students and entrepreneurial visionaries, witness sustainable practices in clothing, environmental and tourism industries, and enjoy the exceptional food, drink, art and history of the capital city before flying to Siem Reap, home of the ancient temples of Angkor. Scroll below to view the itinerary.

Jodi Morris leads Venture Travel to connect us to the economic and cultural beat of Cambodia. Students and entrepreneurs illustrate their country’s economic and social trajectory. Insider experiences help us better understand art, culture and history. Examples of global partnerships give us new ideas on how to forge our own. We explore all of this as a small, curious-minded community. 

Cambodia is at an interesting inflection point, making now the perfect time to visit.

Jodi first visited Cambodia in 2007. While always having an affection for Asian art and culture, she remembers feeling angry having never been taught about the Khmer Rouge genocide that happened during her lifetime. Working at an Asian investment firm, she saw first-hand China's growing links to Cambodia and neighboring countries. She continues to weigh the impact (Our Belt & Road).

Jodi is connected to Cambodian leaders through several education non-profits (including SHE-CAN, U-GO, and ISF Cambodia) and social businesses. Having led ventures to Cambodia in 2019 and 2020, this will be her third led Venture Cambodia.

Cambodia is easy to explore and affordable. We recommend arriving in country 1-2 days early to explore Cambodian tourist destinations like the National Museum of Cambodia, the Royal Palace, the Central Market and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (note we will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) as a group) or the southern coastal towns of Kampot and Kep. Khmer temples are perfect to explore on your own post-trip.

To reserve your spot, make a $1500 USD non-refundable trip deposit. You'll receive a confirmation upon receipt of payment. Full payment is due 60 days prior to the start of the trip.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. For cancellations made more than 60 days prior to the trip, we will gladly reimburse you, less your non-refundable initial trip deposit.  Any cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the trip will incur the full 100% cancellation fee.  We always recommend the purchase of travel insurance, which typically covers trip cancellation fees. For more information, see Terms & Conditions. 

Visas

To enter Cambodia, you need a valid passport with at least two blank pages and six months of validity remaining at the time of entry. Most travelers will be required to obtain a single-entry tourist visa, valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. Tourists can obtain the Cambodian visa at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. To save time, we recommend applying online for a Cambodia e-visa prior to travel. Please review Cambodia's visa requirements.

We highly encourage U.S. travelers to register with the U.S. Government Smart Traveler Enrollment Program by visiting the STEP website and to review the U.S. Department of State Cambodia Overview.

Medical Recommendations and Immunization Information

All trip participants should visit their doctor at least 4-6 weeks in advance of their departure date for recommendations for travel medications and immunizations. For more information on immunizations either recommended or needed for Cambodia, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. 

Travel Insurance

We recommend that participants purchase travel insurance, or ensure their regular health insurance plans cover travel-related illnesses and injuries. Insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, and evacuation expenses. A reminder that Medicare does not cover international medical expenses. All participants asked to note health insurance information as part of trip registration. 

Even if you have health insurance covering international travel, we strongly recommend also obtaining coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, curtailment, and personal property. 

We partner with Wanderwell, a Certified B Corp offering coverage and advising for travel insurance plans. Wanderwell makes it simple, offering just a few modern, comprehensive trip protection plans designed to cover the most common travel perils related to trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, travel Medical Expenses, baggage & personal effects, Emergency Medical Evacuation, and more. Purchase through Wanderwell and at least 1% of your insurance purchase will be given to the 1% for the Planet Impact Fund. 

- Group size is limited to 8 to create a community-building experience. 

- All-Inclusive Price Includes 7 days/6 nights lodging, one airport transfer, inter-trip transportation, meals, beverages (including alcoholic), one internal flight, donations, excursions & tips.

- Health Considerations include heat & humidity. For their own safety and comfort, participants should be in good health. 

- To Learn More, contact trip leader Jodi Morris.

Given the custom nature of this Venture, details within the itinerary are subject to change.

• Money. In major cities (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), USD is widely accepted and commonly used alongside local currency. ATMs are readily available. It is helpful to have small USD bills and local currency for markets, tuk-tuks, rural areas. Torn or damaged USD bills are often not accepted.

• Currency. Cambodian Riel (KHR) is approximately $1 USD ≈ 4,000 KHR (check xe.com for current rates). USD is effectively the primary currency; riel is often used for small change.

• Tipping. Not mandatory but greatly appreciated, especially for guides and drivers. For restaurants, consider rounding up or up to 10% is common in tourist areas.

• Weather & Climate. Cambodia has a tropical climate and is hot and humid year-round (80–95°F / 27–35°C). The dry season is November–April (best travel time); rainy season: is May–October (short, heavy afternoon rains). Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential.

• Elevation. Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Sime Reap) is essentially at sea level.

• Electricity / Voltage / Plug Type. 230 V / 50 Hz. Plug types: A, C, G (varies widely)
  Most hotels accommodate U.S. plugs, but a universal adapter is recommended.

• Communications. Check your carrier for international phone and data plans. Purchasing a local SIM card (Smart, Metfone, Cellcard) is easy and affordable. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and restaurants.

• Time Difference. Indochina Time UTC +7. This is +11 hours from Eastern Time/+14 hours from Pacific Time during Daylight Savings (which includes our time of travel)

• Water. Avoid drinking tap water. Bottled water is recommended for drinking and brushing teeth. Bring a reusable water bottle. Water will be provided at hotels. Bring a reusable water bottle; bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.

• Population. Cambodia has a population of approximately 17 million people. Phnom Penh is the capital city and has a population of about 2.3 million, while the metro area of Siem Reap has around 250,000.

• Language. Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. English is widely spoken in tourism and among younger people. French is often spoken by older Cambodians.

• Religion. Over 95% of Cambodians are Buddhist (Theravada). Buddhism strongly shapes daily life, values, and social norms.

• Government. Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy. The Prime Minister is Hun Manet, and the King is Norodom Sihamoni

• Safety. Cambodia is generally safe. Be aware of belongings in markets, crowded areas, and tourist zones. Petty theft can occur; violent crime against tourists is rare.

• Transportation. Tuk-tuks can be found in urban areas or reserved via ride-hailing apps Grab and PassApp. Uber does not operate in Cambodia. Private vans/drivers can easily be reserved via your hotel for longer distances.

• Clothing. Modest dress is recommended in Cambodia, especially for temples and rural areas (keep shoulders and knees covered). We recommend lightweight, breathable fabrics to endure heat and humidity and comfortable walking shoes (especially for the uneven terrain at temples).

Practical Information

• Cambodia Ministry of Tourism: www.tourismcambodia.org

• Lonely Planet Travel Guide – Cambodia

• U.S. State Department – Cambodia Country Information

• USAID Overview – Cambodia

Cambodia Book & Movie Recommendations

Books

• First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung (2000) – Memoir of surviving the Khmer Rouge

• When the War Was Over by Elizabeth Becker – Definitive history of modern Cambodia

• River of Time by Jon Swain – Journalist’s perspective on Cambodia and Southeast Asia

• Cambodia's Curse by Joel Brinkley – Post-conflict political and economic challenges

• Survival in the Killing Fields by Haing S. Ngor – Survivor account of the Khmer Rouge era
  

Movies, Documentaries, Blogs

• The Killing Fields – Classic film on the Khmer Rouge period

• First They Killed My Father – Film adaptation directed by Angelina Jolie

• Enemies of the People – Khmer Rouge accountability documentary

• Cambodia: The Royal Tour – Overview with journalist Peter Greenberg and King Norodom Sihamoni

Welcome to Cambodia! Take time to relax to overcome jet lag.

You land at Phnom Penh's brand new sustainable and eco-friendly Techo International Airport, located 12 miles south of the city center. You will be met by a driver from the hotel at the airport arrival gate. Transport is prepaid. For issues, please contact + 855 15 901 015 on WhatsApp.

Palace Gate Hotel serves as our luxurious and convenient base for days in Phnom Penh. You are booked in an Aspara Deluxe Double room.

Housed in a restored French colonial villa adjacent to the Royal Palace, the hotel offers views of the Tonle Sap River and is conveniently situated in the heart of Cambodia’s lively capital city.

Enjoy the day at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the hotel's outdoor pool, fitness center or spa. Alternatively, venture out to explore the nearby Royal Palace (please note we plan to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum on our first day tour). Click here for more ideas.

At 5:00pm, meet fellow participants over a drink at the Palace Gate Hotel Sky Bar overlooking the Royal Palace. Joining our group for the evening are Sovannou Pich and Marady Heang, whom Jodi met in 2019 when they were students at Liger Leadership Academy.

Our first adventure together is exploring one of the newest developments in Phnom Penh. Opening in 2025, Chaktomuk Walk Street is a vibrant, pedestrian-only zone that transforms the city’s riverside into a festive cultural showcase every Saturday and Sunday night. Locals reclaim the streets, and artists and performers come alive. It's a unique chance to soak in authentic local urban life. Here's a sneak peek.

We return to our hotel likely full of stories which we share over a relaxing casual dinner with Sovannou and Marady at our hotel’s Mealea Restaurant.

Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Today we dive into Phnom Penh—past, present and future.

We begin the morning with a relaxed one-hour cyclo ride. The cycle was introduced to Indochina by a Frenchman in the 1930s before motorbikes became dominant. With our guide Thong Chea, we contrast French colonial and new Khmer architecture, and enjoy street art and morning rituals. We stop at the vibrant Orussey Market, exploring Chinese and Vietnamese influences in food, medicine, wellness, fashion and textiles.

A guided visit at the Tuol Sleng (S21) Genocide Museum provides time for reflection and historical context (I recommend reading/viewing The Killing Fields or Angelina Jolie's First They Killed My Father pre-trip).

The rest of our explorations immerse us in Cambodia's creative future. Did you know 80% of Cambodia's exports are textiles? ReMade in Cambodia is a social enterprise turning textile waste into fashion. Young designers explain how they combine modern design, Khmer cultural identity, creativity, sustainability and community. We end with a light lunch at an entrepreneurial female-founded bakery.

We return to the hotel for an afternoon rest.

Since 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 celebrates the bold, aromatic flavors that are uniquely Cambodia. Going behind the scenes, we explore the garden of ingredients, learn about award-winning sustainability practices, taste various types of gin, and enjoy dinner.

We return to our hotel for the evening. For the adventurous, the weekend's Chaktomuk Walk Street is again there for you to explore (until 11:00pm).

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

We begin our day by meeting SHE-CAN alum Nich Vunn at the National Museum of Cambodia at 8:00am. Our visit is very specific—to learn about the efforts to reclaim Cambodian antiquities stolen during the genocide. Nich returned to Cambodia from the U.S. to work with Brad Gordon on the initiative (watch this recent 60 Minutes episode). At the end of 2025, the Smithsonian announced the return of three sculptures to Cambodia, and more were just returned in February.

Next, we visit a contemporary Cambodian leader. 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 (video). CEO Vanna Sann, born a refugee but raised and educated in the U.S., provides a global perspective. You might feel the need to bring a few Dorsu basics home. 

We return to the hotel for an afternoon rest. 

Late afternoon, we visit jewelry producer Penh Lenh and 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.

How Cambodia think about renewable energy? We visit with SHE-CAN graduate Phalkun Out of Energy Lab Asia who shares how Cambodia's policies connect to SE Asia and the rest of the world.

Our dinner is special. At local favorite Eleven One Kitchen, we gather with Nich, Phalkun and fellow SHE-CAN graduates Sreytom Tim, Sreileak Hour and Vuochnear Ly. In a private space, we hear how their U.S. education experience has impacted their lives, and the challenges of balancing family and traditions with career and leadership.

Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Today we get a glimpse into Cambodia's future. It begins with primary education.

We start the day on the opposite side of Phnom Penh in Steung Meanchey, at one of two schools that are part of the Indochina Starfish Foundation (ISF) Cambodia. Founded in 2005 by prominent Asian business leaders, ISF Cambodia is a pivotal force in Cambodia, dedicated to empowering underprivileged communities through education, healthcare, and sport.

We begin our active morning with CEO Vicheka Chourp and Head of Operations Chara Soeung, who oversee ISF programs, staff, and partnerships with organizations like U-GO (providing local university scholarships to exceptional young women selected by ISF). We tour the school, visit the community, have student discussions—and perhaps even play a bit of football. I made a donation to ISF Cambodia on our group's behalf.

Afterward, we enjoy lunch with Vicheka and Chara at nearby Maloop. It's a chance to reflect on our morning before returning to our hotel.

We end our last day in Phnom Penh watching the sun set 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 drinks and small plates, we are joined by Rosewood GM Daniel Simon, learning more about Phnom Penh's urban development and how the hotel fits into a global hospitality brand.

Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

We depart early to transport to Phnom Penh's Techo International Airport (KTI) for a short Air Cambodia flight (K6 105, 10:25am-11:15am) to Siem Reap International Airport (SAI). You may check one bag up to 23kg (50 lbs) free of charge.

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.

We enjoy an art tour upon arrival. You stay in a Deluxe Urban room.

Enjoy lunch at the hotel at your leisure. Relax at the pool and enjoy the serene grounds. Take a riverside walk or visit the unique galleries and shops at nearby Kandal Village. Need a coffee? Check out nearby The Little Red Foxes Espresso, among the unique shops & experiences part of Collective for Good.

Tonight, we prepare our own classic Cambodian dinner. We are led to Siem Reap’s most authentic local market Phsa Krom to buy ingredients before heading to a farm for our cooking class. At our own private stations, we prepare three classic dishes and enjoy our dinner together seated in our pond-side pavilion.

We return to our hotel for a restful evening.

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel. We leave the urban buzz of Siem Reap for a rural slice of Cambodian life.

We wander a local village and active pagoda, learning about local customs, superstitions, and everyday life. It's a chance to enjoy the landscape and interact with people in a meaningful way.

Returning to Siem Reap, we stop at APOPO Cambodia. While you may be familiar with APOPO Tanzania's HeroRATS, in Cambodia the heroic rats are key to the removal of landmines. Cambodia remains one of the most mine-affected countries, and has the highest ratio of mine amputees per capita in the world.

Order a light lunch at the hotel your leisure. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the resort pool or wander into town to do some last minute shopping.

We end our week at Shinta Mani ("good heart" in Sanskrit) in Siem Reap’s tree-shaded Royal District. Opening in the early 2000s, Shinta Mani was a leader in training disadvantaged youth in hospitality, before being completely redesigned in the 2010s. The Shinta Mani Foundation supports health, education, and direct aid in Cambodia.

We enjoy our final dinner at uniquely designed Kroya. Chef Chanrith Van evokes the Cambodian cuisine of the past while sharing a vision of its future, reinterpreting traditional recipes with modern flair.

It's a celebration where we reflect as a group on all that we have learned in Cambodia. We share, listen, toast, and envision how we can deepen our impact.

We return to our hotel for an early nights rest.

Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Today, our Venture officially ends. But first, we have a special add-on excursion.

We depart at 4:45am for an early sunrise visit to Angkor Wat led by tour guide Savun Pok, returning to the hotel around 8:30am (cost $60/pp). Those heading to Phnom Penh via private shuttle will depart at about 10:00am.

Those wishing to continue touring after breakfast can visit Angkor Thom (including Bayon Temple) and Ta Prohm Temple. Alternatively, you may restart at 3:00pm through sunset.

The hotel can assist with airport transportation to Siem Reap (SAI) or Phnom Penh (KTI).

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