I’m excited that this is everyone’s first time to Cambodia. Many people skip over Phnom Penh enroute to Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat. 

Not us. The large capital cities of emerging countries are undergoing big transformations, making them fascinating to explore. Which is why I was thrilled to see that the BBC just named Phnom Penh among the 20 best places to travel in 2026.

“The city that had just one traffic light 15 years ago is now a showcase for sustainable urban tourism, from its new Chaktomuk Walk Street—a pedestrianised riverfront street that turns into a weekend festival of Khmer street food, local crafts and live music—to the electric tuk-tuks owned by the newly opened Rosewood Phnom Penh hotel used to ferry guests around the city.”

We’re exploring Chaktomuk Walk Street on our very first night. The locals love it! The idea just celebrated it’s one year anniversary—here’s a little sneak peek!

JANUARY 30, 2026

Our focus will be the Cambodia of today and the future. But understanding the country’s recent genocide past is important to understanding its present. I plan to include a stop at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum as part of our first full-day exploration in Phnom Penh on April 19 (so don’t go pre-trip).

The Khmer Rouge era (1975–1979) profoundly shaped family structures, education systems, and economic development. The county is very young–more than 70% of Cambodians are under age 35. Stories of resilience and reinvention are everywhere. Here are some items I recommend viewing or reading pre-trip:

 Viewing Suggestions

First They Killed My Father (2017, Netflix)
A child’s perspective of life under the Khmer Rouge. Angelina Jolie’s acclaimed film is incredible.

Angkor Awakens: A Portrait of Cambodia (2017)
A modern portrait of Cambodia through young people. This is on my watching list.

Reading Suggestions

In the Shadow of the Banyan – Vaddey Ratner
Historical fiction based on the author’s childhood genocide experience with her family. It’s on my reading list. 

First They Killed My Father – Loung Uny Cambodia – Nite Yung
The memoir on which the movie is based. The book is as good as the movie, so you choose.

My Cambodia – Nite Yun
Cambodian culture & identity through cuisine. Or listen to this great recent NPR segment. Nite Yun’s restaurant Lunette is in San Francisco’s Ferry Building. I plan to visit in March.

JANUARY 23, 2026

I hope you are excited about our upcoming Venture Cambodia 2026!

There are 8 of us currently registered (which includes me and my husband Bob Morris). I often find themes within a group. In this case, we are all connected via Nurturing Minds/SEGA. I am giggling that a school in Tanzania is the connecting point to travel in Cambodia.

Every Friday going forward I will share a brief Friday Update. The idea is to share some tidbits about who we will meet and things we will do. It’s one way to connect and prepare us for a Venture that will leave us thinking differently about the world and our place in it. 

Today’s first Friday Update is logistical:

1. Venture Cambodia 2026. The WeTravel page is the central source of information pre, during and post-trip. I’m continuing to fine-tune our agenda on this page. Know that things will change as I navigate people and partners. I purposefully include a lot of hyperlinks to make it a great resource. Closer to departure, I’ll share a PDF with all of this info (as well as bios on all of you and the people we will meet) which you can print/share. 

2. Confirm Travel Details. This is a great time to finalize flights, make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date, and collect health & travel insurance info. You can login and update your WeTravel profile at any time. Or if you just want to send to me, that works too. 

If you are arriving early or staying longer and wish to stay pre-trip at the Palace Gate Hotel (Phnom Penh, Aspara Deluxe Double room) or post-trip at the Treeline Urban Resort (Siem Reap, Deluxe Urban room), just make a reservation directly and send me your confirmation # and I’ll have them link to your room in the group reservation. 

I do not require but highly recommend travel insurance (every 2-3 trips, someone needs to cancel last-minute-life happens; I recommend Wanderwell, a Certified B-Corp).

3. Final Payment. Final payment is due 60 days before the start (about Feb 17). You will receive notifications from WeTravel directly.

4. Whats App. WhatsApp (link) is our primary means of communication in country. The chat is helpful for idea/logistics sharing when in Rwanda, but also before and after the trip.

Questions on any of this? I’m here to help.