Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Today we dive into Phnom Penh—past, present and future.
We begin the morning with a relaxed one-hour cyclo ride. The cycle was introduced to Indochina by a Frenchman in the 1930s before motorbikes became dominant. With our guides, we contrast French colonial and new Khmer architecture, and enjoy street art and morning rituals. We stop at the vibrant Orussey Market, exploring Chinese and Vietnamese influences in food, medicine, wellness, fashion and textiles.
A guided visit at the Tuol Sleng (S21) Genocide Museum provides time for reflection and historical context (I recommend reading/viewing The Killing Fields or Angelina Jolie's First They Killed My Father pre-trip).
The rest of our explorations immerse us in Cambodia's creative future. Did you know 80% of Cambodia's exports are textiles? ReMade in Cambodia is a social enterprise turning textile waste into fashion. Young designers explain how they combine modern design, Khmer cultural identity, creativity, sustainability and community. We end with a light lunch at an entrepreneurial female-founded bakery.
We return to the hotel for an afternoon rest.
Since there's no better way to learn about the local flavors of the Mekong than by tasting them, we visit Seekers Sprits—Cambodia's first premium gin distillery which celebrates the bold, aromatic flavors that are uniquely Cambodia. Going behind the scenes, we explore the garden of ingredients, learn about award-winning sustainability practices, taste various types of gin, and enjoy dinner.
We return to our hotel for the evening. For the adventurous, the weekend's Chaktomuk Walk Street is again there for you to explore (until 11:00pm).