A Personal Invitation from HUOT Dara
For 25 years, I have lived and breathed the transformative power of travel. I have carried Cambodia’s heart across continents—leading Phare, The Cambodian Circus as CEO for over a decade and guiding Phare Creative Studio with a devotion to pride and empowerment. Whether I was traveling with our artists to world stages or standing on those stages myself, my mission has always been to share our enduring stories and our "Cambodianess" with the world.
I understand what makes a destination experience truly unique and memorable—it is the stories we tell and the roots we honor. My own journey was shaped by the legacy of my father, who served as the Village Chief and Head of the Pagoda Committee. For as long as I can vividly remember, he was fundraising to build the Po Langka Pagoda Bridge, a structure of wood and iron that connected our community to its heart.
Now I invite you into those stories.
Transportation-Yours or Ours: “At your location, we’ll start with an introduction, a Meet & Greet, and setting our intention for the journey ahead.” <br/>Duration: 3 hours: Total activities curation ranges from 2 hours and half to 3 hours. <br/>Coconut juice & Light Snacks: Depending on what's avaialble when we walk and if you are curious and advanterous, we'll have some bites and/or cononut juice<br/>Begin at a Wat—End at antoher!: “Village walk, personal stories, and murals—stories of resilience, art, and memory.” <br/>tuk tuk; city car, or a van<br/>Pickup included
Wat Po Langka Pagoda—Walk through my birth village, Phum Boeung Donpa. Hear stories of resilience, generosity, and “meh tenh” — presence, care, humanity. Visit homes, including my childhood house, and connect with villagers.
Walk the Path of Everyday Life
Phum Boeung Donpa Village—Step into my birth village, in the heart of Siem Reap city, for a journey of memory, meaning, and encounter. We will visit the places that shaped me, hear personal stories of resilience, and explore cultural insights rooted in Cambodian traditions. Along the way, you will meet local artists and share in interactive storytelling that connects our past and our present.
Visiting EFEO: A Place of Memory and Knowledge
The EFEO Siem Reap Center, nestled near the Angkor Conservation compound, is a serene architectural gem. Its graceful colonial-era buildings and tranquil library invite quiet reflection. While there’s no confirmed record of it being a textile factory, the surrounding area—including parts of Slorkram and Boeung Daun Pa—did host various colonial-era facilities, some of which may have included textile or artisan workshops.
EFEO’s presence in Siem Reap dates back to 1907, when it was entrusted with the inventory and preservation of Angkor monuments. A year later, it established the Angkor Conservation Office, which became a hub for safeguarding temple artifacts and conducting archaeological research.
Today, visitors can:
- Explore the EFEO Library, which holds over 3,000 volumes in Khmer, French, and English, plus rare maps and archives from 1908–1975.
- Admire the architecture, blending French colonial design with Cambodian elements.
at Preah En Kosar — End with art and culture. Admire murals sponsored by my mother in 1990, meet artists, and share reflections that sustain access for others. At the end of the walk, admire the arts adorning the wall of the pagoda main preah vihear witnessing painting sponsored by my mother in 1990. Encounter with artists who may help you learn or inspire you or even create magical shared moments with you!
If you prefer to meet directly at our journey starting point. Please meet me in front of Wat Po Langka Pagoda 10 minutes before our journey time. https://maps.app.goo.gl/5GTQ3E6WNtQUkYsr6
Siem Reap is the vibrant gateway to the ancient Angkor temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming city offers a blend of rich history, vibrant markets, and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic temple complex is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia.
Angkor Thom is a walled city and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It features several impressive temples, including the Bayon Temple with its famous smiling faces.
Ta Prohm is a temple complex overgrown by jungle, featuring a unique blend of nature and architecture. It was famously used as a filming location for the movie 'Tomb Raider'.
Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap's nightlife, offering a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors. It's a great place to experience the city's lively atmosphere.
The Siem Reap Night Market is a bustling market offering a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and experience local culture.
A creamy, coconut-based curry with fish, chicken, or tofu, steamed in banana leaves. It's a traditional Khmer dish with a unique flavor.
A popular breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy and fresh vegetables.
Grilled pork served with broken rice and pickled vegetables. It's a popular breakfast dish in Cambodia.
A stir-fried beef dish with a tangy lime and pepper sauce, served with rice and fresh vegetables.
The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the temples. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for long days of sightseeing.
Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Indochina Time (ICT), GMT+7
230VV, 50HzHz
Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Siem Reap Virak Buntham Express Terminal, Siem Reap Giant Ibis Bus Terminal
Tuk-tuks are the most popular and affordable mode of transport in Siem Reap. They are widely available and can be negotiated for short or long trips.
Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab
Car, Bike, Scooter
Battambang is a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved French architecture, bamboo train, and nearby temples. It's a great destination for a day trip from Siem Reap.
Kampong Phluk is a floating village on the edge of the Tonlé Sap Lake. It offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the local community and the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Kbal Spean is a remote archaeological site featuring ancient carvings and a beautiful river setting. It's a great destination for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Price varies by option