Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Incredible Cambodia…the time to go is now….  

“Stop worrying about the potholes in the road & enjoy the journey” - Babs Hoffman

Asia sticks to you - a spiritual space infused with the Gods of past & present: the ancient Spirits of the land & the family, the Deities of Buddhism & Hinduism & the rules of Islam. As dawn breaks in Buddhist Nations, pots of rice bubble over & the thick smoke of Incense wafts from earth to heaven. Barefoot Monks embark on their call to alms, in endless monochrome chains, among the Faithful. In Muslim countries, the Muezzin's call reverberates in a multi-throated chorus above rooftops, from Mosques urging devotees to Prayer & family Altars are flush with fruit & flowers for the guardian Spirits. While Tribal people in remote Villages mark the new day's arrival with arcane animist Rituals. From the nomadic Steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic Streets of Hanoi, Asia is a Continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace & spirituality that it has fixated & confounded Travellers for centuries. Wrapped in lush landscapes, urban Jungles, Rainforests, blissful Beaches edged by golden Sands, crowned by brooding Volcanoes, modernist Architecture & creative Cuisine, all studded with ruins of lost Civilisations: this is Asia seamlessly delivering the accessible, affordable, exotic as you have always imagined.

There is a magic about this charming yet confounding Kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. A journey to contemporary Cambodia which ruled much of what is now Laos, Thailand & Vietnam will inspire Travelers to contemplate what happens when ancient & modern worlds collide. The remains of this Empire can be seen at the fabled Angkor Wat, monuments unrivaled in scale & grandeur matched by only a few select spots on earth, such as Machu Picchu or Petra.

There is no Continent as large & diverse as Asia. Home to over half of the world’s population, Asia is ready to dazzle you with rich cultures, captivating flavours & an unmatched variety of experiences. The Food & the History will always be the first things that attract Travellers here, but the wonders of a trip to Asia go far beyond what you can imagine. Some of the oldest Civilizations have their roots in Asia - China & India’s ancient Civilizations can be dated back to almost 8000 years BC.

The soul of Southeast Asia has been forged by the elements. Mighty Volcanoes have thrust the land up & raging Rivers have carved it down. Coral Reefs have formed Islands & sea spray has sculpted them into surreal karst outcrops. Immense expanses of Desert flow down from inhospitable Mountains, which in turn give way to seemingly impenetrable Forests.

The diversity of Asia’s landscapes, fed by the monsoon rains & frenetic Cities fizzling with energy, is mind-boggling with a vibrancy that captivates & enchants. The majestic meandering Mekong River winds its way from the densely packed Mountains of northern Laos to the pancake-flat rice bowl of the Mekong Delta. Wildlife infested Jungles where Tigers still roam free (though far from noisy tourists).

Water has sculpted many Asian landscapes. The jungle-topped Islands are fringed by coral reefs that calm the Ocean into turquoise Pools. The languorous Vietnamese coastline greets the South China Sea from tip to tail, while inland dramatic karst mountains soar skywards. The traditional ‘highways’ of Borneo are coffee-coloured, jungle-clad Rivers. And the Volcanoes of Indonesia & the Philippines provide a glimpse into the Earth’s volatile heart.

Asia’s great Monuments were wrought from divine inspiration.  Ancient wonders & sacred spaces abound across the Continent. Westerners have long been fascinated with the manifestations of wealth & power to be found in Asia.  Taj Mahal in India dates back to the 1600s & is one of the most visited tourist attractions.  From the 13,000 miles long Great Wall of China & the estimated 7,000 “Terracotta Warriors” discovered in Xian to elaborate Temples of Angkor to Bagan’s shimmering Spires to lesser-known marvels in Vietnam, Nepal & Afghanistan & Sri Lanka are all witness to the spirituality & mysticism that are integral parts of the Asian culture.

The spiritual side of life is omnipresent & Travellers can boost their karmic balance at Meditation Retreats or by hiking to a golden Temple atop a sacred Mountain. Every aspect of life here has a spiritual dimension, from the food people eat to the religious geometry that dictates the layout of centuries-old Mosques & Temples.

For old meets new, explore the backstreets of Phnom Penh, Hanoi's Old Quarter or downtown Yangon, which have a beguiling blend of traditional Architecture, colonial-era Gems & a contemporary twist. One thing all the cities have in common is a buzz. Each of Asia's Capitals has its own unique character, defined by Religion, Culture, Geography & in most cases, by centuries of Colonialism & feuding Dynasties. Learning the rhythms of each is part of the magic here.

Asia's mighty mega-cities are stepping boldly towards the future with one foot planted firmly in the past. For many travelers, the first taste of the region is the urban energy of Bangkok, where gleaming Skyscrapers rise above the roads like crystal Gardens & Sky-trains whisk shoppers from Mall to Mall, while at street level below, Hawkers ply their wares, Traders hustle, Food-hawkers hawk & Temples bustle with Devotees toting their offerings.

The Continent has contributed a cast of villains & heroes to global history. Most of the significant achievements of the modern world had their infancy in Asia. Historic Trading Routes sliced across epic terrain as expanding Empires competed to trade goods & ideas throughout the Continent & beyond. Asia’s ambitious Civilisations ultimately gave rise to some of the world’s most revolutionary ideas & important Technology.

Trekking in Malaysia’s steamy Jungles or over the Gobi’s arching Dunes & wildlife spotting in India to riding Horses through the Mongolian Steppes, Skiing in Japan’s Alps, dodging falling Coconuts on one of the many sand-fringed tropical remote Islands. Nature continues to be the driving force in many peoples’ lives. Virtually every climate on the Globe is represented here.

A frenetic buzz surrounds urban Asia: Fashion, Culture & Business in the Continent’s Metropolises easily challenge the biggest European & American cities for their status as global Hubs.

Watch Rice Paddies flash by from a whooshing high-speed Maglev Train, pick up a shiny new Laptop in a Hong Kong Electronics Market or shiny Smartphones or go to a Robot Cabaret show in Japan - the future is now. China is charging its way into the 21^st century with its Economy developing at a head-spinning pace, while South Korea boasts some of the fastest Internet speeds in the world & India is a Hub of growing Technology. A gleaming testament to Asia at its most efficient. Urban energy of Bangkok or the organised modernity of Singapore but each of Asia's Capitals has its own unique character, defined by Religion, Culture, Geography & in most cases, by centuries of Colonialism & feuding Dynasties. Learning the rhythms of each is part of the magic here.

And then, there is the Food. Is there any greater place to eat than Asia? With a burning Sun & cooling Rains, the Earth here, delivers a colourful palette of Fruits, Spices once as prized as Gold & of course, the main staple, Rice. And combined with 1 notable import - the South American chilli - they have created a cooking palette that inflames the senses & leaves the taste buds begging for more. The Continent has exported its Cuisines the world over & this is where the flavours melt into one another, throwing up ever more mesmerising combinations.

Tuck into fiery red hot Indian curries, or China’s juicy dumplings or Vietnam’s steaming bowls of pho soup or Thailand’s heaping plates of pat tai (pad Thai) noodles known & loved across the Globe, the regional Cuisine tells a tale of Migration & Mixing. And there is no better way to meet the Region's melting pot of People, with their infectious spirit & irrepressible love of life, than with a Meal in a Market or a Drink at a Street Stall. Despite the rapid development, the Street remains the Stage for the real-life Drama that unfolds each day. With its Colours, Smells, Flavours & Personalities, you will find Asia is deliciously rewarding.  

Whether settling down for a Michelin-starred meal in one of Singapore’s finest Restaurants or pulling up a plastic Stool on a Bangkok street, hungry Travellers will never be bored by the diversity. This is a region where humble Hawker Stalls come with Michelin stars & a meal at a roadside Canteen or Night Market can be as memorable as a 5* Dim Sum Banquet.

The diversity of cultures in Asia is mind boggling.   You can take a course in advanced meditation with a visit to a mountain Monastery in Kathmandu.  Or you can shop till you drop in Hong Kong or Singapore or Dubai & all over.  You can explore the Batu Caves & Waterfalls in Malaysia or take in traditional Kabuki theater in Tokyo.  From jungle wildlife encounters in Sri Lanka & Borneo & India to luxury Beach vacations on the Islands of Bali or Maldives, a travel experience in Asia is sure to be unlike any other Destination you have experienced.

Slow Boats down the Mekong, Motorbike adventures in the Jungle & Island-hopping in Indonesia were all early highlights, but new frontiers are opening up all the time with Myanmar embracing Democracy & Timor-Leste not yet on the Traveller Radar. The people are irrepressible, the experiences unforgettable & the stories impossible to re-create, but sometime during your journey, Southeast Asia will enter your soul.

And now, let us talk about the magic of Cambodia that casts a spell on many who visit this charming yet confounding Kingdom.

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Breathtaking Antiquity | Empire of Temples | Cambodian Spirit

Cambodia nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, is a Nation whose landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, Mountains & the Gulf of Thailand coastline.

Cambodia may be a small country, but it offers everything one needs for a wonderful vacation. It is not by chance that it has become highly popular among eclectic Travelers of all sensibilities, whether they are seeking lush Jungles spotted with dusty Temple ruins, gorgeous National Parks, pristine idyllic Beaches with an air of luxury, relaxing Islands, artsy boutique Hotels, ethical Shopping & the flavours of Cambodia, not only in the exotic nouvelle Cuisine but also its overall ambience.

Cambodia offers an incredible amount of History & Culture and its nature is simply amazing to say the least. Its rich - some may say loaded - History has peeled away to reveal the admirably dynamic, positive & creative ability of its people to pull through & launch into new beginnings, bringing Cambodia to the world stage as a destination that stands on its unique cultural identity.

Cambodia Beaches as beautiful as Thailand but without the tourist tide; Wilds as remote as Laos but even less explored; Cuisine as subtle as Vietnam but yet to be discovered & Temples that leave Burma & Indonesia in the shade. This is the heart of Southeast Asia, with everything the region has to offer packed into one bite-sized Country.

Contemporary Cambodia is the successor State to the mighty Khmer Empire, which, during the Angkor period, ruled much of what is now Laos, Thailand & Vietnam. The remains of this Empire can be seen at the fabled Temples of Angkor, monuments unrivalled in scale & grandeur in Southeast Asia. The Traveller’s first glimpse of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius, is simply staggering & is matched by only a few select spots on earth, such as Machu Pichu or Petra.

The Khmers have been to hell & back, struggling through years of bloodshed, poverty & political instability. Thanks to an unbreakable spirit & infectious optimism, they have prevailed with their smiles intact; no Visitor comes away from Cambodia without a measure of admiration & affection for the inhabitants of this enigmatic Kingdom.

There are 2 faces to Cambodia: one shiny & happy, the other dark & complex. An interesting trend with which Tourists are met when exploring Cambodia is the staunch support given to local Communities by NGOs. In the aftermath of the grueling Civil War, foreign Aid Groups & Governments have poured billions of dollars into the country. Nonprofit Organizations - in most cases working toward a better Cambodia - address a wide range of Humanitarian, Cultural & Environmental issues. For every illegal eviction of City dwellers or land grab by a General, there will be a new NGO School offering better Education, or a new Clean-water initiative to improve the lives of the average Villager.

Today there are about 3,500 registered NGOs in Cambodia, the 2^nd highest number of NGOs per capita in the world, after Rwanda & many Non-profits now run Accommodations, Restaurants & Travel Agencies that provide the Visitor with more than they expect to receive on vacation - the chance to help.

Phnom Penh is the bustling chaotic yet charismatic Capital, a hub of political intrigue, economic vitality & intellectual debate, where Visitors can dip into the darkest corners of the Country's traumatized past by walking through the Killing Fields one day & the next exploring the hip, edgy, new design boom exemplified by the City's Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Shops. Phnom Penh, is home to the art deco Central Market, glittering Royal Palace & the fascinating National Museum, as well as an emerging Culinary scene that is the toast of the region.

Siem Reap in the northwest, is still a leading draw because it is the base for visiting the Country's architectural crown jewel, stunning ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Angkor Wat, a massive stone Temple Complex, largest religious Monument in the World, built during the Khmer Empire, which continues to epitomize the merging of spirituality & symbolism. The Complex is an architectural Masterpiece boasting intricate Carvings, breathtaking designs & towering Spires. Exploring it at Sunrise, one can see the rays of the Sun illuminate the stone structures, offering a stunning view of the entire Complex.

All too often overlooked by hit & run Tourists ticking off Angkor on a regional tour, the revitalised City of Siem Reip is finally earning plaudits in its own right thanks to a gorgeous riverside location, a cultural renaissance & a Dining & Drinking scene to rival the best in the region.

Siem Reap & Phnom Penh may be the heavyweights, but to some extent they are a bubble, a world away from the Cambodia of the countryside, the place to experience the rhythm of rural life & timeless landscapes of dazzling Rice Paddies & swaying Sugar Palms. Spend some time in the Srok (Provinces), as Cambodians call them, enjoying a Dar Leng (walkabout) to discover the true flavour of the country.

And don’t forget the rest of the Country. Although Cambodia is known for its ancient wonders, it has breathtaking landscapes. Relax in the sleepy seaside town of Kampot & Trek the nearby Bokor National Park; take an Elephant ride in the jungles of Mondulkiri, ogle the Mekong Dolphins at Kratie or simply choose a Beach near Sihanoukville.

Then there is the South, where once-sleepy Coastlines are being transformed, sometimes into tasteless seaside Party Zones, but in other cases into enchanting havens of stylish Beach chic. The Coast is fringed by tropical Islands, with barely a Beach Hut in sight. The next Ko Samui or Gili Trawangan awaits discovery & for now, Visitors can play Robinson Crusoe. Inland from the coast lie the Cardamom Mountains, part of a vast tropical wilderness that provides a home to lush green Rainforests, to elusive diverse Wildlife & is the gateway to emerging Ecotourism adventures. The mighty Mekong River cuts through the Country & is home to some of the Region’s last remaining freshwater Dolphins. Cyclists or dirt Bikers can follow the River’s length as it meanders through traditional Communities.

The northeast is a world unto itself, its wild & mountainous Landscapes, a home for Cambodia’s ethnic Minorities & an abundance of natural attractions, including thundering Waterfalls & pristine crater Lakes.

Cambodia is not characterized only by ancient Monuments. There is more to it. Just as Angkor is more than its Wat (Temple), so too is Cambodia more than its Temples.

The years of fear & loathing are finally over & Angkor is once more the symbol of the Nation, drawing Pilgrims from across the Globe. Peace has come to this beautiful yet blighted land after 3 decades of War & the Cambodian people have opened their arms to the world. Such is the yin & yang of Cambodia, a country that inspires & confounds. Like an onion, the more layers you unravel, the more it makes you want to cry, but these are spontaneous tears, sometimes of sorrow, sometimes of joy.

Ascend to the realm of the Gods at the mother of all Temples, Angkor Wat, a spectacular fusion of symbolism, symmetry & spirituality. Descend into the hell of Tuol Sleng & come face to face with the Khmer Rouge & its killing machine.

Take the plunge now and yep…. the conundrum that is Cambodia, is waiting. Despite having the 8^th wonder of the world in its backyard, Cambodia’s greatest treasure is its people. A unique experience is just the beginning……. a warm welcome, historical secrets & an artistic Paradise awaits you & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

Come…be inspired & discover the World…

We are in the process of updating our Offerings of experiential Journeys to Cambodia. Please contact us in the interim if you want to explore more Options & we will be happy to offer Suggestions based on your personal Preferences…