What is A Koun Khmer Homecoming Experience (AKKHE)?
A Koun Khmer Homecoming Experience is a 10-day immersive group journey through Cambodia for Khmer diaspora to reconnect with our roots, identity, and motherland, together, in community. This isn’t just a tour or your typical trip to Srok Khmer. It’s a safe space and curated journey that fosters healing and reflection. Whether you don’t feel Khmer enough and want to find that sense of belonging. Whether you want to understand the people and history that your parents fled from. Whether you’re searching for deep connections with other koun Khmer who understand what it’s like to be in between worlds. AKKHE is a meaningful step in the journey of understanding and claiming your Khmer identity and finding your own community.
Who is AKKHE for?
A Koun Khmer Homecoming Experience is for koun Khmer, those of Khmer descent/children of Cambodia, who grew up outside of Cambodia and have a longing to reconnect with our Khmer heritage. For those who want to learn more about our culture, history, and current-day Cambodia while also finding home within ourselves and a Khmer community.
Frequently Asked Questions
“I went into this experience expecting a fun adventure exploring my roots, but it became so much more than that in the best possible way. It was truly life-changing and healed parts of me I didn’t even realize needed healing.
I came away with such a deep appreciation for our culture and the resilience of our people. I genuinely believe every Khmer diaspora should experience the opportunity to reconnect with the land, the people, and the richness of our culture.”
— Sandy, April 2026
FAQ About the Trip
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Accommodations: A blend of comfortable 4 star and boutique hotels for 9 nights in Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap, carefully selected based on location (including swimming pool + varying amenities)
Meals: All hotel breakfasts + 7 additional meals based on the itinerary, including:
Welcome & Farewell dinners
5-course Apsara show dinner
Home-cooked meal by a local family
Khmer Cooking Class - a meal made by you
Traditional meals based on regional specialties
(subject to adjustments)
Local Guides: Private historical tours & one-of-a-kind experiences with trusted local guides + Khmer to English interpretation throughout the trip
Transportation: All transfers between cities and travel within the itinerary
Tickets: Entry to cultural sites, museums, and Angkor Wat
Daily Khmer Lessons: Learn and practice new phrases with locals
Guidance: Sela will guide you through each step of this journey, holding space and facilitating group reflection, journaling, and sharing circles
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International Flights: Arrival and departure flights to Phnom Penh & airport transfers are not included. All flights should be booked through Phnom Penh (Techo International Airport (KTI)).
Accommodations Outside of Trip Dates: For stays before and after our AKKHE trip dates (9 nights), you have the freedom to arrange your own accommodations based on your budget. Whether you have family you want to stay with or want to explore the range of hotels Phnom Penh has to offer, from budget-friendly to luxury 5-star, you can choose!
You should plan to arrange accommodations for at least 2 nights outside of trip dates (1+ night before the trip and 1+ night on the last day of the trip). This allows you to adjust to the new time zone and ensure you don’t miss any of the trip. We will share the hotel we will stay at in Phnom Penh if you’d like to book the same hotel for convenience.
Some participants decide to come to Cambodia early or extend their stay beyond our trip to explore on their own or continue hanging out with friends they’ve made from our group!
Meals & Drinks: Beyond the group meals included in the itinerary, you’ll have the freedom to discover Cambodia’s food scene & night life for yourself. This flexibility allows you to choose what you want to match your personal taste and budget.
Travel Documentation and Insurance: Travel visas and insurance are mandatory.
Personal Travel: Any personal travel outside of trip itinerary
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Additional costs may include:
Accommodations before and after the trip dates (2-3 nights)
Meals not included in the itinerary
Drinks & Alcohol
Personal expenses such as shopping or souvenirs
Personal transportation outside of group travel
Optional activities
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Each group is intentionally kept small (typically 5–10 participants) to create an intimate and supportive environment.
This trip aims to foster meaningful friendships and hopefully a lifelong community. Many people join solo and leave with meaningful friendships and connections that continue beyond the trip.
If the trip is canceled due to not meeting the minimum number of participants, we will provide a refund of your deposit, minus any processing fees.
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Arriving: All participants arrange their own travel to Cambodia and meet in Phnom Penh.
We recommend arriving at least 24–48 hours before the trip start date to give yourself time to settle in, adjust to the time zone, and ease into the experience.
Returning: Since our final day typically ends in the evening, you can plan your departure for the following day.
Once registration closes and the group is confirmed, we will share detailed guidance on booking flights, including recommended arrival windows and tips to make planning easier.
We will also create a group chat so everyone can connect, coordinate travel plans, and support each other before arrival.
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Accommodations outside of the trip dates are not included.
Most participants choose to stay at the same hotel we will be using in Phnom Penh before and after the trip for convenience. We will share this hotel in advance.
For planning, you can expect to arrange your own accommodations in Phnom Penh for approximately 2 to 3 additional nights total.
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Accommodations during the trip are shared rooms (double occupancy) in comfortable 4 star and boutique hotels.
Private room upgrades are available at an additional cost and must be selected during registration.
Room assignments are based on your preferences listed in the registration form. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences and ensure your comfort.
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Yes! You will receive a day-by-day itinerary of tours and activities in advance to support your planning and packing.
Some details may be adjusted before or during the trip.
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We have a thoughtfully designed 10-day itinerary that balances guided experiences with time to rest, reflect, and explore on your own.
Most participants choose to join all activities, but you are not required to attend everything. If you would like to skip an activity, we ask that you notify us in advance.
However, there is no reduction in price or refunds for missed activities, as all experiences are arranged in advance.
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Yes, you may opt out of certain activities.
However, there is no reduction in price or refunds for missed activities.
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For this experience, the group is intentionally limited to koun Khmer (those of Khmer descent) who sign up individually.
This helps create a shared space where everyone is coming in with a similar intention around identity, reconnection, and community.
If you have a Khmer friend or partner who feels called to this experience, they are welcome to apply and join as part of the group.
Otherwise, we are not able to accommodate additional guests or have others join the trip or activities.
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That is completely okay. Many participants are visiting for the first time.
This experience is designed to support you every step of the way, from pre-trip guidance to on-the-ground support throughout the journey.
You do not need prior knowledge or experience. Just an openness to learn, explore, and connect.
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Most participants who have already been to Cambodia before still decide to join AKKHE because of one or more of the following reasons:
They didn’t get the full experience of learning about the culture, history and traditions that they wanted. when they previously visited. They might have gone with their family but missed out on the deep understanding they desire. They might not have gotten the answers to the questions they had. Maybe they didn’t feel comfortable to ask or couldn’t because of the language barrier.
It was a long time ago, and they were too young, or they want to see how much Cambodia has changed in the last 6+ years.
They long for deep emotional connection and healing as a koun Khmer, one that can only come from taking the time to ask questions, reflect, and share in community.
They want to meet other koun Khmer who share the same desire to experience Cambodia and reconnect with their roots in this special way. They yearn for a Khmer community of their own and the lifelong friendships that come out of it.
Whether you’ve visited already Angkor Wat or Toul Sleng before, this Koun Khmer Homecoming Experience is a unique journey with others that you won’t get elsewhere.
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International flights to and from Phnom Penh are not included in the trip price.
All flights should arrive and depart from Techo International Airport (KTI), Cambodia’s new international airport.
A travel visa is required and is the responsibility of each participant to obtain.
Travel insurance is also required and must include medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and emergency care. Proof of insurance must be submitted before departure.
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Yes! We will host an online pre-departure meeting to get to know each other, review the itinerary, cover logistics, and answer questions.
A Telegram group chat will also be created so participants can connect with each other beforehand.
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If cancelled by the participant:
More than 60 days before the trip start date: The deposit is refundable, minus processing fees.
31–60 days before the trip start date: The deposit is non-refundable. Any additional payments made will be refunded, minus administrative and processing fees.
30 days or less before the trip start date: 100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.
No refunds will be provided for no-shows, late arrivals, early departures, or unused services once the trip begins.
If cancelled by Selarati:
Selarati reserves the right to cancel the trip due to safety concerns, low participation, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a refund will be provided, minus any processing fees.
Full details are available in the Terms & Conditions.
Additional Notes
Administrative fees cover the costs associated with managing cancellations and refunds.
Processing fees are charged by payment processors and financial institutions and may vary depending on the original payment method.
Planning & Safety Note
Selarati plans all experiences with care, intention, and participant safety as the top priority. We closely monitor local and regional conditions and work with trusted partners on the ground. If circumstances arise that affect the safe and responsible operation of the trip, we will communicate clearly and adjust plans or dates as needed, always with the well-being of participants in mind.
For any questions or concerns, you can contact us directly at contact@selarati.com.