Kralanh Petite Villa celebrating having been open for one year – Photo Credit: Courtney Ridgel
By Courtney Ridgel
At Journeys Within, we believe that philanthropic travel – where travelers actively contribute to improving the communities that they are visiting – not only helps the local communities in the countries we visit, but also creates incredible experiences for our travelers. With this philosophy in mind, we seek out hotels, restaurants and experiences that support and give back to the local communities to include in our itineraries.
Ruat’s beautiful smile greets guests every morning at breakfast – Photo Credit: Courtney RidgelThere are many lovely little touches around Kralanh Petite Villa that make it feel welcoming – Photo Credit: Courtney Ridgel
So, it was with great pride that this philosophy allowed the tour company to grow to a point where the company was able to invest in the Journeys Within team members to make sweeping changes in their own lives. One such investment allowed Linda Chhay to design and build her own boutique hotel from the ground up – Kralanh Petite Villa.
Guests celebrating Kralanh Petite Villa’s one year anniversary – Photo Credit: Courtney RidgelKanha helps keep everything running smoothly at Kralanh Petite Villa – Photo Credit: Courtney Ridgel
Linda has worked tirelessly at Journeys Within behind the scenes for over a decade, and she put her vast experience to use in planning the perfect retreat for travelers. Chances are, if you’ve traveled with Journeys Within, then Linda helped put your tour together. We are so grateful to have her as part of the Journeys Within team, and are so proud that she is now a business owner in her own right – with two enterprises! Linda owns a flower shop and Kralanh Petite Villa.
Linda celebrating Kralanh Petite Villa’s one year anniversary – Photo Credit: Courtney Ridgel
We love sending our guests to this hotel because it not only supports a local Khmer-owned and run business (and Linda of course!), but also because we know our guests will be treated like family. They will be warmly cared for by the incredible staff, many of whom including Ruat and Kanha, originally worked for Andrea over a decade ago at the Journeys Within Boutique Hotel. This small property is particularly great for families as the rooms are spacious and there is a Family Suite option. A relaxing dip in the pool feels perfect after a warm day out at the temples. For families with younger kids, there is a Kid’s Club with games, and baby-sitting services available.
Kralanh Petite Villa has large spacious rooms, perfect for families – Photo Credit: Courtney RidgelA dip in the pool is the perfect way to relax at the end of a hot day – Photo credit: Courtney Ridgel
And while the location is not centrally located downtown, we feel that this adds to the charm – you’ll be able to sit and enjoy breakfast while watching the local neighborhood come to life around you – children riding bikes to school in their neat navy and white uniforms, motos and tuk-tuks taking people to work, and neighbors fishing in the canal next door. And in the evenings, Ly, the resident tuk-tuk driver will be standing by to take you into town to explore the night market and Siem Reap’s delicious food scene.
Looking out over the neighborhood canal in the early morning light – Photo Credit: Courtney RidgelFolded lotus blossoms – Photo Credit: Courtney Ridgel
You can read more about Linda’s story in this Huffington Post article, where she, Kralanh Petite Villa and Journeys Within were featured.
Jay, Naida, Makara and Narla enjoying Kralanh Petite Villa’s one year anniversary celebrations – Photo Credit: Courtney RidgelPhoto Credit: Courtney Ridgel
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Our ultimate goal for each and every tour is for our guests to enjoy the trip of a lifetime in Southeast Asia, and we love seeing photos and hearing their feedback when they return home. Here is a wonderful note and photos from Michelle Trader’s family:
Dear Andrea and Journeys Within Team,
We are home! Andrea, working with someone like you, who had actually lived in the region, was invaluable. You spent quite a bit of time working with us to create an itinerary that fit our family’s interests. We were looking at a very ambitious schedule given the short amount of time we had and all we wanted to see, but you and your team helped make it feel seamless. We want to thank all of you for helping to make our trip one of the most amazing adventures we have ever enjoyed. You were all there, every step of the way, keeping in touch and making sure all was well and things were running smoothly. We felt well taken care of. You were even on top of the pillow emergency in Hoi An! J The JW crew surpassed our expectations in every way, through to the end of our trip.
The Trader Family Receiving a blessing from a monk
We can’t say enough about our kind, wonderful, knowledgeable guides. We kept thinking the next one could not possibly be as wonderful as the last, and each time we were proven wrong! They were always flexible and willing to go out of their way every time we expressed a special interest or desire to see or experience something. We will never forget them. Each of them added something extra that only they could have contributed, sharing their own personal stories and experiences with us. Tai played the flute for us while we were on a boat ride on the Mekong and gave Ben a Kung Fu lesson. How does it get better than that? Their impressive knowledge of each area made our experience so much deeper than it ever could have been without them and made our time in each location all the more memorable.
The Trader Family making friends at Patara Elephant Farm
We really can’t say enough good things about our experience with you and your team. You helped us create an outstanding family trip and lifelong memories!!
Thanks so much for everything,
Michelle, Wayne, and Ben Trader
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Most travelers to Cambodia, including US citizens, will need visas. We recommend using the visa on arrival system in Cambodia but you also have the option of using the e-visa system.
Passengers disembark outside when arriving in Siem Reap
For visa on arrival services, you will be handed the immigration forms on the plane ride into Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. (If you miss getting the forms on the flight, you can also pick them up in the airport when you arrive.)
Head into the newly renovated and upgraded Siem Reap Airport
Siem Reap is a small airport, so you’ll disembark outside and head into the newly renovated (and enlarged) airport terminal.
For visa on arrival in Siem Reap, head to the right-hand side of the entrance.
For visa on arrival, you’ll need to enter the ‘Apply Visas’ line, on the right and turn in the visa application form (check the box to apply for a tourist visa, which is valid for 30 days), a passport photo (a 2×2 sized headshot with a blank background – no hats or glasses) and the visa fee of US$30.00.
Just after you enter the Siem Reap Airport from disembarking, turn to your right for the visa application line.
Your passport will tossed down the counter to the next available official and you will head to the next line to pick it up. Don’t be surprised it the process seems a bit casual by US Immigration standards.
Pick up your passport at the other end of the counter.
Once you have your visa in hand with the visa label, head to your left and pass through the Immigration inspection. Cambodia uses entry and exit forms so you’ll need to present this to the official. They will scan your fingerprints and take your photo, before stamping your passport. Once you passport has been stamped, move through to collect your luggage.
In the Siem Reap airport, after receiving your visa, move to your left to pass through the Immigration inspection.
Guides and taxi drivers are not permitted to enter the airport, so you’ll need to exit the building to find your guide holding a sign with your name. Walk up, say hello and welcome to the Kingdom of Wonder!
Your guide will have a printed sign with your name
For the e-visa service, visit the website for Ministry of Foreign Affairs on their e-visa page. (Make sure you visit the official government site, and not one of the knock-offs sites.) The fee for this visa is $30.00 + $7.00 processing fee for a total of US$37.00. E-visas are only valid for 90 days, so be sure not to apply too early! If you choose to use the e-visa service, please be careful to accurately enter your information as it can be difficult to get it corrected. The e-visa works beautifully when there are no errors in the paperwork, but when there are, we’ve seen multiple travelers end up having to purchase a second visa through the visa on arrival process.
Artwork in the newly renovated Siem Reap airport
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Koh Rong is one of the more popular Cambodian islands off the coast of Sihanoukville, but as with most popular island locations in Southeast Asia, they can be easily overrun by tourists for simply this reason. Koh Rong Sanloem, on the other hand, is only in the early stages of tourism and offers a quieter, more relaxed version of the traditional beach holiday. The island is dotted with resorts which you can only move between by boat as there are no proper roads on the island. The sand is white, the waters are clear and here you have the opportunity to join in the early stages of actually growing a coral reef!
Photo Credit: Jay Austin
The most populated village on Koh Rong Sanloem is M’Pai Bei Village and although the accommodations on offer are still quite basic, there is a decent array of Western and Cambodian restaurants, all within easy walking distance of one another. A visit to M’Pai Bei is not complete without spending some time with the team at Save Cambodian Marine Life, a not-for-profit organization which is dedicated to cleaning and maintaining the waters of M’Pai Bei Bay.
Photo Credit: Jay Austin
The scuba diving in M’Pai Bei is not world class by any means, but a visit to this area of the world allows you to dive for a wonderful purpose, assisting Australian couple Chris & Dianne Martyn in maintaining and growing their coral nursery. This kind of delicate work calls for more accomplished divers (PADI advanced level or higher) who have solid buoyancy control so as not to damage anything in the nursery, but if you are already an Open Water certified diver you can participate in an Advanced Open Water Course through this organization.
Photo Credit: Jay Austin
If you are not a certified scuba diver, never fear, you can still assist in the great work these people do. A number of snorkel reef cleans and beach cleans are scheduled every week as part of the PADI Dive Against Debris program, calling for volunteers to assist the team in keeping the waters around the village clean and free from harmful debris such as fishing nets and plastic.
Photo Credit: Jay Austin
If you are looking to spend some time on the beach in Cambodia, this is a wonderful way to support a community based project whilst enjoying the tropical waters!
Photo Credit: Jay Austin
For those who are seeking more established, resort style accommodations, Saracen Bay located 20 minutes away by boat offers beachfront villas on a 4km stretch of sensational white sand that can be experienced for less than half the cost of other beach resorts in Southeast Asia. Koh Rong Sanloem is one of those places you need to see before the rest of the world discovers it! (Ask National Geographic who just featured our hotel partner Lazy Beach and Koh Rong Samloem Island among the 21 Best Beaches in the World!)
Photo Credit: Jay AustinPhoto Credit: Jay Austin
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Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s bustling capital and for years it has been known as the hot, busy business center of the country. After a recent re-exploration of Phnom Penh, we discovered that there is more here than meets the eye and it certainly warrants more than a mere 24 hours to soak it all in. This is an exciting time for Cambodia as a country and as a culture. Following years of atrocities and war, the country is beginning to revive itself. What we are seeing now is an explosion of art & culture which is taking Cambodia back to its former glory as one of the hottest places in Southeast Asia. This is particularly evident in Phnom Penh where international influence has blended with local culture to create some truly exceptional experiences.
Veasna offering a local dish
This 3 day suggested itinerary merely scratches the surface of all that Phnom Penh has to offer the discerning traveler, but we are sure it will keep you enthralled and show you exactly why we are so lucky to call this incredible country home. A further 2 days could easily be spent with Phnom Penh as a base to explore the ancient capitol just outside the city, spend some time at the Sun Bear sanctuary or just enjoy the extensive range of restaurants and bars that this city has to offer.
Narla exploring the surrounding countryside by motorbike – Photo Credit: Jay Austin
Phnom Penh is also a wonderful starting point for trips to many other interesting Cambodian destinations such as Siem Reap, Battambang, Kep or Koh Rong Sanloem. This is a place that was formerly known as a gateway which has become a destination in itself!
This morning you will enjoy a wonderful introduction to Cambodia’s architectural history as you slowly move through the small side streets of Phnom Penh in the most traditional form of transport, a cyclo. This tour is lead by an architectural specialist who is there to provide you with some wonderful insight into the architectural elements of the city’s inner core.
With your newly acquired architectural knowledge, you will be able to take in the Royal Palace and National Museum this afternoon in a new light. Experience Cambodia’s rich history as your expert guide leads you through some of Cambodia’s most beautiful places and takes you on a journey of the past.
This evening you are going local! You will be met by Cambodian Chef, Mr. Nara who will guide you comfortably through a number of markets and street food locations as you sample the local Cambodian snacks along the way. For dinner this evening you will be invited to join Nara at one of his favorite local restaurants before returning to your hotel.
Day 2 – Reminiscing and Moving Forward
This morning you will visit former Khmer Rouge prison camp S21 which is a sobering experience for most. Here you will have the opportunity to meet the 2 survivors of the camp who have gone on to write inspirational books about their experiences in this harrowing time of Cambodia’s history. From here you will drive out to the Killing Fields, a quiet place of memory for those who were lost during this tragic time. This is a sombering experience indeed, but also an experience that all should have, simply to marvel at how quickly the people have come back from such a horrific time. This will help you to truly appreciate how far Cambodia has come in the last 20 years.
Head back to the city to enjoy lunch at Friends Café, operated in support of a local NGO who works with poor and disadvantaged children to provide them with education and a better life.
This afternoon is for adventure! You will be collected by the fantastic team at MotoGirl to explore Phnom Penh on the back of one of their signature pink motorbikes, like the locals do! Visit local villages, the silk island and learn from these wonderful young entrepreneurs about their favorite places in Phnom Penh and on the outskirts of the city. Return to your hotel at approximately 5pm to freshen up for this evening’s special dinner.
At 6pm your driver will collect you with another incredible young Chef, Mr. Veasna who will be taking you to a private river-font apartment this evening to prepare a special gourmet Cambodian meal for you. Relax on the balcony overlooking the river and enjoy Phnom Penh from above as Veasna prepares you an unforgettable meal.
Day 3 – Culture and Culinary Experience
Today you will hit the markets with Chef Nara to purchase the ingredients you will require for you morning cooking class. Watch and learn as Nara barters on the price of vegetables and even give it a go for yourself. Enjoy your guided tour through the chaos before heading to your cooking station at Feelgood Café to start learning. Nara will guide you through the process of putting together 3 tasty traditional Cambodian dishes which you will enjoy for lunch.
This afternoon you will visit one of Cambodia’s largest not-for-profit organizations whose primary focus is on art and culture. You will be guided by one of their expert teachers in the art and forms of traditional Cambodian dancing, called Apsara Dancing. This 3 hour workshop will help you to gain a broader understanding of the traditions of Cambodia and how the art forms were almost lost and are now experiencing a revival thanks to organizations such as this one.
Take a break and head to the riverside for an early dinner this evening before returning to the National Museum to take in the Cambodian Living Arts traditional dance show. This is reputed to be the best performance of Cambodian traditional dance in the country!
This short 3 day itinerary can be combined with any larger itinerary package, or can stand alone for travelers looking for a short stop-over in Phnom Penh. The price for this touring will vary depending on the number of travelers, and the level of accommodations. … Read more »
