While most visitors to Cambodia?s city of Siem Reap head to the temple complexes of Angkor Wat, others are now seeking a less crowded and rural experience.
p>While most visitors to Cambodia?s city of Siem Reap head to the temple complexes of Angkor Wat, others are now seeking a less crowded and rural experience.
A new company, Siem Reap Ride, has been set up by an experienced travel professional with local guides and experts in community relations.
Launching the company, founder Ouk Chan Bophay, formerly a manager with one of Cambodia?s leading tour operators, explained that many visitors wanted a more authentic travel experience, meeting local people, exploring communities and village life and learning about the country?s culture and history.
He said: ?Siem Reap Ride is an eco-tourism company that supports the local community and our aim is to improve people?s lives, restore and support communities and raise living standards and education.?
The company, which offers 10% commission to agents, features Cycling Tours of Rural Cambodia, Ox Cart and Khymer Tractor Tours, Lifestyle Tours with a homestay and Farming Tours with an overnight stay on a working farm. Visits to families are also arranged within 25km of Siem Reap.
The company can arrange travel, hotels and excursions as well as visits to the UNESCO- protected temple sites.
As examples, a half-day cycling tour costs ?26 per person including local transfers from the hotel, a local guide, bike hire and water, while a two-day Homestay Lifestyle tour costs ?98 including local transfers, an oxcart ride, a guide for the walking tour and village activities, water, lunch and dinner plus an overnight stay with a local family with a choice of activities. Tailor-made options are also offered.
For more information email info@siemreapride.com or see www.siemreapride.com
