Founded in 2017 by passionate explorer and entrepreneur Vathana Nguon, Siem Reaper is a locally-owned bicycle tour company based in Siem Reap, Cambodia, focusing on sustainable travel adventures and offering guided cycling vacations and active travel experiences. Their team’s expertise lies in curating exceptional cycling tours and immersive art and culinary experiences that take travelers on journeys through destinations including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. As a social enterprise, Siem Reaper aims to uplift its local communities through sustainable tourism practices that create economic, environmental, and social benefits for everyone involved.
Alongside the TUI Care Foundation, the Reset Tourism Fund’s investment into Siem Reaper allowed them to upgrade their fleet of bicycles to better serve their travelers, offer more experiences, continue growing their business and bringing more benefits to their community partners and team members.
The Siem Reaper Origin Story:
Born and raised in Cambodia, Vathana’s journey into the travel industry began with a love for cycling and a passion for sharing his homeland’s rich cultural heritage. His vision for Siem Reaper was to create a platform that offers unique travel experiences and benefits local communities economically, socially, and environmentally.
In 2017, Vathana and a small team of cycling enthusiasts embarked on a mission to introduce international tourists to the beauty of rural Cambodia by launching Siem Reaper, which organized cycling tours that allowed travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture, interact with community members, and contribute to social initiatives aimed at uplifting the community.
How Siem Reaper is Making an Impact:
By partnering with local communities and employing local guides, Siem Reaper ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed within the community. This approach supports local livelihoods and motivates residents to preserve their culture, traditions, and environment. Here are a few ways that Siem Reaper is making this happen:
- Economic Empowerment: Their Local Guide Training Center, established by Siem Reaper, offers young Cambodians professional training to become qualified tour guides. This initiative creates job opportunities and equips the youth with valuable skills and experience.
- Environmental Preservation: By promoting eco-friendly travel options such as cycling tours, the company minimizes its carbon footprint and encourages travelers to engage with nature responsibly.Â
- Cultural Exchange: The company’s tours emphasize cultural exchange and appreciation, allowing travelers to experience Cambodia’s rich heritage and locals to engage with travelers from around the world.Â
How You Can Connect with Siem Reaper:
You can support Siem Reaper Travel by sharing their mission with your network, booking a tour with them, and following them on social media.