A Koun Khmer Homecoming Experience

DECEMBER 2025: ITINERARY PREVIEW

Phnom Penh ➙ Battambang ➙ Siem Reap ➙ Phnom Penh

Itinerary

Message from Sela:

I’ve curated this trip with so much love based on the experiences I always wished I had when I first came to Cambodia 3 years ago. And now, I’m so excited we get to do it together!

This itinerary is just the start and is still evolving. As we build our first-ever cohort and gather your input through the Interest Form, we’ll continue to fine-tune the itinerary to reflect you.

This will be a new kind of experience for koun Khmer as we explore the motherland together, some of us for the first time ever! There will be moments that move us, memories that surface, and stories that connect us. That’s why throughout the trip, we’ll hold reflection circles — a space to pause, share, and support one another as we navigate this journey of reconnection and healing as a community. Because this isn’t just a trip, it’s a homecoming.

A Journey Through Cambodia—Past, Present, and Becoming

We begin in Phnom Penh.

We’ll first explore the history of Cambodia’s capital, where we’ll see how the country’s past is still visibly woven throughout the city.

  • Appreciate the beautiful Khmer architecture of the Royal Palace, Independence Monument, and Wat Phnom pagoda and learn about their historical significance.

  • Get a taste of home as we crawl through Phnom Penh’s local street food scene and shop at Central Market. (This is your chance to practice your Khmer!).

  • Learn the rituals of preparing offerings at a local pagoda and engage in a Khmer Buddhist blessing ceremony + Q&A with Monks (to be confirmed).

  • Reflect on our collective history of the Khmer Rouge at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, with group reflection and support circle.

Next, we head west to Battambang.

🎶 Oh, Battambang 🎶— Sinn Sisamouth

One of my favorite places in Cambodia! A city that still feels like we’re in srok Khmer “back in the day”. It has that small town vibe with deep historical roots.

  • Take a historical tour through the charming city of Battambang and visit the famous Lok Ta Dambong Kra Nhoung statue.

  • Ride the “Lorry” bamboo train at golden hour taking in breathtaking views of rice fields and local villages (and getting waves from the cutest little kids).

  • Uncover the Khmer Rouge’s impact in the region from the Killing Caves to Wat Samrong Knong, one of the oldest pagodas in Battambang.

  • Visit the Phnom Sampov mountain known as “pearl of Battambang” and witness the natural phenomenon of the Bat Caves at sunset.

Then, we journey to Siem Reap.

The land of Khmer Angkor and spiritual heart of Cambodia where you’ll feel the true depth of your Khmer pride.

  • Witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat and explore our ancestral temples with a local guide.

  • Cook traditional Khmer food together in a hands-on class.

  • Take a boat ride through a floating village leading into the Tonle Sap River.

  • Immerse yourself in traditional Khmer Apsara dance performance

  • Rest and recharge with optional massages, Apsara photoshoots, or Khmer ceramics workshops, or a night on Pub Street (or all of the above)!

  • Take in a powerful performance at Phare, the Cambodian Circus.

  • More exciting surprises in the works — stay tuned!

Return to Phnom Penh to reflect and look ahead.

The final days are about honoring what we’ve experienced, and dreaming forward.

  • Sunset cruise on the Chaktomuk river

  • Visit the city’s modern spaces and creative hubs

  • Final shopping for gifts & souvenirs to bring back home

  • Farewell dinner and reflection circle looking out over the beautifully developed city of Phnom Penh

  • As we get closer to December, we may be adding some special experiences to make this trip even more unforgettable. Be sure to fill out the interest form to make any special requests!