Soulful and empowering journeys: Cambodia tips from a local expert

It may be a small country but Cambodia has lots to offer, with sites that exert an irresistible grip on intrepid travelers worldwide, and communities of people filled with incredible, unrelenting warmth and pride. This is true of our local expert Lily, who shares with us not only her insights for planning a tailor-made trip to Cambodia, but also the depths to which she lives and breathes her home country. Read on to find out more about her background in travel, and her top Cambodia travel tips to help you immerse yourself in the authentic local culture.

Cambodia travel tips from a local expert

Tell us a bit about yourself and the types of trips you specialize in…

I grew up in a small, remote village in Kampong Cham province. Right after the war we had no running water or electricity; we drew water from a well by hand and used a car battery to power a single light bulb at night and candle light. As a child, I would look up at the rare plane flying overhead and promise myself: “One day, I will fly too.”

At thirteen, my family moved to Phnom Penh. We struggled together, with everyone chipping in so I could study English and eventually earn a degree in Management and Marketing. My dream of flight led me to a job at a fledgling travel agency. My life changed when my boss sent me on a scouting trip to Ratanakiri. Taking that domestic flight was the moment my childhood dream came true, and I fell deeply in love with the world of travel.

That boss eventually became my husband, and in 2010, we founded our agency in Cambodia. Since the beginning, our mission has remained the same: to give guests a “Real Cambodia” experience. We were pioneers in homestays and community-based tourism long before they became trends. Today, we manage a fleet of 20 vintage M151 A2 Jeeps—the only self-drive vintage Jeep tours in the country—reaching corners of Cambodia inaccessible to standard vehicles.

We also launched “Dine with the Locals,” a platform that connects travelers with local families to cook and eat together in their homes. Whether it’s an evening foodie tour in Phnom Penh or a historical walk in Chhloung, we create soulful, tailor-made journeys that empower local communities.

Read more: What to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital

What do you love most about living in Cambodia and planning tailor-made journeys there for travelers?

I wasn’t just born in Cambodia; I am part of its soul. Although I have traveled the world, nothing compares to the warmth and kindness of the Cambodian people. Our country has a complex history of conflict, only becoming truly safe in the late 90s.

Because development started later than in our neighboring countries, Cambodia has preserved a raw, authentic charm that is increasingly hard to find. I find it incredibly rewarding to take a guest’s unique preferences and craft a journey so personal that they leave saying it was the best holiday of their lives.

What are some must-try activities for first-time itineraries, to help travelers immerse themselves in Cambodian culture?

The temples of Angkor are non-negotiable—they are the grandest temple complex on earth and never fail to take one’s breath away. However, the true heartbeat of Cambodia is its people. I always encourage travelers to visit local pagodas to speak with monks and understand the profound role of Buddhism in our lives. I also insist on taking guests into the countryside; seeing the rhythmic pace of rural life is where you truly begin to understand the Cambodian spirit.

Cambodia is not only a destination of ancient temples, but a country of living traditions, human connection, and quiet beauty that reveals itself slowly to those willing to slow down and truly experience it.

Read more: The road less traveled: exploring uncrowded Kratie, Cambodia

What Cambodia travel tips do you have for first-time visitors? Any insights that a new traveler might not expect?

The biggest mistake first-time visitors make is treating Cambodia as a “side dish” to Thailand or Vietnam. Spending only three days in Siem Reap barely scratches the surface of what Cambodia truly has to offer. Cambodia deserves your full attention.

When it comes to offering Cambodia travel tips, my advice is simple: slow down. Instead of rushing from one province to another, stay longer in fewer places. When you travel slowly, you hear more stories, meet more people, and create genuine connections with the destination rather than simply seeing it through a car window.

Many travelers arrive expecting only temples, but they are often surprised by the warmth of the people, the richness of our culture, the incredible food, and the diversity of experiences beyond Angkor Wat—from countryside life and community encounters to islands, mountains, and untouched nature. Cambodia is not just a destination to visit; it is a place to feel.

Beyond Angkor, what are some of the most unique, “hidden gem” experiences to enjoy in Cambodia? Any recommendations for more seasoned visitors?

• While Angkor is famous, Cambodia has three other incredible UNESCO sites: Sambor Prei Kuk, Koh Ker, and Preah Vihear (though the latter’s access can be tricky due to border status). These are architectural jewels where you can often walk in total solitude.
• For the adventurous, I recommend a vintage Jeep expedition to BeTreed. It’s a conservation project run by a dedicated family living deep in the jungle to protect the land from illegal logging. You can stay in a treetop hut and truly unplug.
• For something more relaxed, our southern islands offer white sands and turquoise waters that we jokingly call the “Mini Maldives.” And don’t forget the Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong or the Kampot pepper plantations, which produce what is arguably the finest pepper in the world.

Read more: Spotting animals in Cambodia: a guide for wildlife lovers

What makes Cambodia a unique destination for a road trip adventure? What do those considering a self-drive itinerary have to look forward to?

Self-driving here is a world apart from renting a car in Europe or the US. Infrastructure is challenging and English is rarely spoken in rural areas, which is why we created our unique Vintage Jeep Self-Drive concept. We don’t just hand you the keys; we provide a full support team, including a guide and a mechanic in a backup vehicle.

These 1960s-era Jeeps are rugged and full of character, and we take you on secret trails you would never discover on your own or find on a map. With 15 years of experience, we know every backroad in the country, ensuring your “road trip” is an adventurous but safe deep dive into the heart of Cambodia.

As a travel expert, how are you involved in supporting the local communities?

Community is at the heart of everything I do. Since 2004, I have been advising Community-Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) projects in the Cardamom Mountains and beyond. I strongly believe tourism should be a tool for empowerment and positive change. That is why we created “Dine with the Locals,” allowing families outside the usual tourist circuit to benefit directly from tourism.

We also support local schools in remote areas, organize community trash clean-ups, and have funded mobile dental clinics to help underserved communities access basic healthcare.

In Kampot, my brother and I built a sustainable resort using reclaimed wood from 100-year-old traditional houses in order to preserve Cambodia’s architectural heritage while promoting environmentally responsible tourism. Through our Lily Foundation, 100% of guest donations go directly to individuals in need—whether for life-saving medical treatment or university tuition for disadvantaged students.

For us, a truly successful journey is one where travelers leave inspired, while the local community benefits and thrives alongside tourism.

Read more: Making an impact: my volunteering experience with Just a Drop in Cambodia

What have been your personal favorite experiences of living in and getting to know Cambodia?

As a Cambodian woman, my greatest pride has been witnessing my country rise and seeing people live together in harmony, with genuine love and care for one another. Growing up in a Buddhist country, I feel deeply grateful to Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and above all, to my parents, who worked tirelessly to provide me with an education. Because of their sacrifices, I have been able to support myself, my family, and now contribute to my community as well.

One of the proudest moments of my journey was receiving the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Award last year. It was especially meaningful because I was the first person from the travel industry to receive this recognition, as it is usually awarded to those in sectors like banking or real estate. To me, it felt like a crown placed on years of hard work and dedication.

However, this achievement is not mine alone. It also belongs to my beloved husband, my wonderful office team, our dedicated guides and drivers, and all the stakeholders who help me share the beauty and magic of Cambodia with travelers every single day.

I truly hope to inspire more travelers to visit Cambodia, to explore beyond the usual paths, and to discover the hidden beauty, warmth, and soul of my beloved country.

Make it happen

Plan your tailored trip to one of Southeast Asia’s finest destinations today: reach out to our locally-based partners, who can offer plenty more Cambodia travel tips to suit your travel style and needs, and help you craft an unforgettable adventure.