Phnom Penh - Alfred&

Phnom Penh

Tailor-made Phnom Penh Holidays

Phnom Penh is a place like no other and it would be a mistake to over-look this remarkable capital city which is simply bursting with character. Despite its picturesque location along the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers it can feel quite gritty when compared with other Asian capitals, but it’s this raw atmosphere that creates its charm. As if showcasing Phnom Penh’s complicated history, you’ll find a mixture of Khmer temples built in the 13^th century, old French colonial buildings with faded fronts and peeling paint, and narrow Chinese-style houses across the districts. The city’s people however are very straightforward. Always smiling, always gentle, always happy to help.

Khmer people have an admirable resilience across the country but here in the capital you’ll find another level of innovation as city-dwellers come up with creative ways to prosper. Scratch the surface and you’ll find a collection of weird and wonderful initiatives from rooftop bars on skyscrapers consisting of a single park bench to an abundance of speakeasy bars and expat restaurants. Escape the touristy marketplaces in the centre and head to Street 240 behind the Royal Palace where you’ll find local charity organisations and NGO run boutiques, cafes and restaurants all working with the resourceful community.

If you’d like to delve behind the scenes of this fascinating city, get in touch with one of our Cambodia experts today and start planning your unforgettable adventure.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like James, who's travelled extensively in Cambodia. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the celebrity chef who can help you to rustle up home cooked Khmer meals, the guide who can show you the less-touristed parts of Angkor Wat and the locals who can give you a real insight into traditional village life.

James Davinson

Cambodia Travel Expert for Alfred&

James Davinson is enthralled by Cambodia’s extraordinary history. Once you’ve explored the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat and the sites of the bustling capital, Phnom Penh, he recommends delving into the country’s more recent past at the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum, where the horrors of the Khmer Rouge’s four-year reign are sensitively explored.
Chef Nak

Celebrity Chef and Cookbook Author

Nak is Cambodia’s first female celebrity chef, a cookbook author and star of the TV show, Lunchtime with Chef Nak. Her mission is to preserve Khmer culture through food and her first cookbook, Nhum (which means 'to eat'), features 80 traditional recipes. Nak has her own menu at Phnom Penh’s prestigious Rosewood Hotel and consults for organisations like UNICEF on improving nutrition in Cambodia. Currently, Nak is working on a second cookbook that provides a different window into Khmer cuisine.
Sam Art Kim

Operations Manager, Asian Trails, Alfred&’s partner in Cambodia

Sam Art Kim began his career in the tourism industry as a private driver, before working as a representative at the tourist information centre in Siem Reap Airport. He joined Asian Trails in 2005 and is passionate about providing innovative tours for guests that showcase Cambodia’s unique culture, architecture and traditions.
Kim Nou

CEO, Maisons Wat Kor

Kim Nou initially trained as a food chemistry engineer while working part-time in the tourism and hospitality field. However, realising his passion for the industry, he went on to work for a well-known French tour operator for over 25 years across Cambodia. In 2013, Kim Nou launched Maisons Wat Kor with the aim of preserving traditional Khmer culture and is hoping to open a new hotel in Siem Reap in the coming years.
Benjamin Lehmann

General Manager, Farmhouse Smiling Gecko

Benjamin Lehmann hails from Switzerland and has vast experience in the hotel industry. He studied at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, regarded as the world’s best hospitality school. He has lived in Asia for 7 years, managing luxury brands in Koh Samui and Phuket in southern Thailand before moving to Cambodia. Benjamin is passionate about sustainability and believes in putting people and the environment at the centre of his work.
Chinda Ney

Siem Reap branch manager, Asian Trails, Alfred&'s partner in Cambodia

Chinda lives in Siem Reap and has worked in the travel and tourism industry for over 15 years. Her experience includes working for high-end hotels and as a hospitality and tourism teacher. Chinda is now the Asian Trails branch manager for Siem Reap and is passionate about providing stellar tours for guests that showcase Cambodia’s unique culture. Chinda also loves to travel and has explored much of Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Singapore and Malaysia.