Bring Your Explorers to Locally Immersive New Year Festivities

Dear valued partners and friends,

Greetings from Cambodia!

I’ll never forget my first solo journey during the Khmer New Year Celebration in a remote village. Far from the comforts of familiarity, I embraced solitude and reflected deeply on the essence of our traditions. What began as a personal adventure turned into a transformative awakening. I stood in the courtyard of a bustling pagoda, watching families and monks come together. Alone yet surrounded by warmth, I was drawn into the rituals — learning the stories behind each blessing and offering. The spirited games, vibrant dances, and rhythmic chants took on new meaning. In quiet moments of self-meditation, I realized our celebrations are more than rituals. They embody the strength of community, the joy of shared heritage, and the peace found in connecting to one’s roots. Traveling alone allowed me to experience cultural celebrations not just as a tradition, but as a journey of self-discovery.

This transformative experience inspired me to curate meaningful journeys for travellers in this edition of the newsletter. From a hyper-local New Year Celebration to a Pagoda Tour that offers an intimate glimpse into the sacred rituals of Cambodia’s most significant Buddhist festivals, these immersions are designed to connect your travellers to the heart and stories of our traditions and culture — and I hope to inspire their own self-discovery along the way.

Tŏu’ aôy ban sŏk, have a great journey! And may your holidays be filled with connection and discovery!

Yours,

Villy

Product Highlight: Khmer New Year Celebration

Why celebrate New Year just once when you can experience it again in April? Invite your travellers to a traditional New Year celebration steeped in the rich history and culture of Cambodia with our Khmer New Year Celebration — A Full-Day Cultural Experience, happening from April 14-16, 2025.

This day-long experience offers a firsthand look into the spiritual and festive essence of Khmer New Year. Begin at a local pagoda or temple, where your explorers will join a monk blessing ceremony, make traditional offerings, and uncover the deeply rooted customs passed down through generations.

A festive feast follows, prepared by local families to showcase the rich and unique flavours of Khmer cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the heart of village life with cultural activities, from lively traditional games to mesmerising dance performances. Then learn to craft traditional treats like Num Ansom (sticky rice filled with pork or bananas, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection) and Num Krok (rice cakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, cooked in special moulds to create crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture), guided by the warm hospitality of local families. The day concludes with light snacks and a profound sense of connection to Cambodia’s vibrant cultural heritage.

As the peak booking season approaches, ensure your travellers experience the Khmer New Year Celebration firsthand — reserve their spots today!

Flight Updates, News on the Ground, and Promotions

Flight Updates

Etihad Airways will begin direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh starting October 2025, strengthening Cambodia’s connection with the Middle East.
Vietnam Airlines has recently launched flights between Phnom Penh and Hanoi. Meanwhile, AirAsia has launched two direct flights: Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh to Hanoi, enhancing the link between Cambodia and Vietnam.
AirAsia has also launched daily flights between Siem Reap and Singapore last November 2024, and Siem Reap to Phuket last October 2024 — further strengthening the ties between these countries.

News on the Ground

New High-Speed Trains Now Operational

Cambodia’s new high-speed train service is now operational on weekends, offering a faster and more efficient travel experience. The modern coaches feature accessible interiors designed for optimal passenger comfort. The trains run from Friday to Sunday, while older models continue to operate on weekdays. For any questions or additional information on schedules, routes, or tickets, feel free to reach out. We’re here to assist with all your inquiries and provide updates on Cambodia’s evolving rail network.

Angkor Balloon Update

The popular balloon will be temporarily suspended until October 2025 for replacement. All affected clients have been notified regarding this unforeseen suspension. If you have not been contacted, please feel free to reach out to us for further assistance.

Siem Reap’s Among the Top Trending Destinations for 2025

Siem Reap has been ranked third among the top ten trending worldwide destinations for UK travellers in 2025 by Skyscanner. This ranking presents an exciting opportunity to capitalise on the rising demand for this remarkable destination. With its growing appeal, Siem Reap offers the perfect backdrop for expertly curated journeys that immerse travellers in the region’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and luxury experiences.

KS Hotels & HMD Asia Acquire La Residence D’Angkor in Siem Reap

The group has acquired the renowned La Résidence hotel in Siem Reap, previously managed by Belmond. Currently undergoing renovations, the hotel is set to reopen in Q4 2025. As the property evolves, it presents an exciting opportunity for your travellers seeking a sophisticated blend of history, culture, and luxury — with convenient access to Angkor Wat.

Interested in extraordinary Siem Reap adventures or accommodations for your explorers? Feel free to reach out to us.

Promotions

Six Senses Krabey Island

The resort has extended its Year-End Flash Sale for the festive season. Book until March 31, 2025 for stays up to October 31, 2025 (excluding blackout dates from December 21, 2024, to January 7, 2025). Enjoy discounts of up to 30% on select villa options, including the Hideaway Pool Villa Suite and Oceanfront Two-Bedroom Pool Villa. This promotion applies to all markets, is valid for new bookings only, and cannot be combined with other offers.

Song Saa Private Island

The private island is offering a 35% discount on stays of two nights or more. Available for all villa categories, the offer is valid for stays between April 1 2025 and December 26, 2025. Bookings are open from December 2024 to March 15, 2025. The discount also applies to bed & breakfast, all inclusive packages, and extra person or child supplements. Note the blackout dates for two bedroom villas from December 22-26, 2025. The offer is valid for new, non-refundable, and non cancellable bookings only.

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