Experience Cambodia: A Transformative 6-Day Familiarization Trip for Australian Travel Agents, Hosted by CSL Travel & Tours

From August 17–22, 2024, a group of ten Australian travel agents embarked on an unforgettable 6-day familiarization (fam) trip to Cambodia hosted by Okhna. Chhay Sivlin, the CEO of CSL Travel & Tours and President of the Cambodian Tourism Association (CATA), designed to showcase the nation’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse tourism offerings. This meticulously curated journey offered a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in Cambodia’s charm and gain valuable insights to promote it as a top-tier travel destination.

Day 1–3: Immersing in Phnom Penh
The journey began in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, where the agents explored its historical and cultural landmarks. Visits to the Royal Palace and the solemn Killing Fields provided deep insights into the country’s past and its enduring resilience.

In addition to cultural exploration, the agents engaged in comprehensive hotel inspections, highlighting Phnom Penh’s impressive range of accommodations—from luxury hotels to boutique charm tailored to various traveler preferences.

Day 4–6: Discovering Siem Reap and Cambodia’s Essence
From Phnom Penh, the agents journeyed to Siem Reap, the gateway to Cambodia’s most renowned attractions. Their experience began with an authentic Khmer lunch at the Kampong Khleang community, where they engaged with locals and admired the charm of rural Cambodian life. The group explored Tonle Sap Lake, enjoying a scenic boat trip followed by a private River Monster lecture tour at the Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium (AWA). Guided by a marine biologist, this immersive session provided insights into the lake’s rich marine ecosystems. This activity emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism, blending eco-friendly practices and community support to enrich the travel experience while contributing to conservation efforts.

A key highlight was the exploration of the majestic Angkor temples, where the agents discovered architectural wonders, including the world-renowned Angkor Wat, the ancient city of Angkor Thom with its iconic Bayon Temple, the tree-clad Ta Prohm (famously known as the Tomb Raider temple), and the exquisite pink sandstone Banteay Srei. These visits offered a profound appreciation of the grandeur and artistry of the Khmer Empire.

Evenings were equally inspiring, featuring a mesmerizing Khmer traditional dance performance, offering a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Comprehensive hotel inspections in Siem Reap showcased an array of accommodation options, equipping the agents with valuable insights to match travelers with the perfect stay. This combination of cultural, historical, and experiential activities left the agents prepared to share Cambodia’s unique allure with their clients.

Empowering Agents, Inspiring Travelers
Beyond sightseeing, this fam trip empowered the agents to see Cambodia as more than just a destination—it’s an experience. From its captivating history to its vibrant traditions, the trip offered a comprehensive view of what makes Cambodia a potential travel destination. The agents left with firsthand knowledge of the country’s potential to create life-changing journeys for their clients.

Why Cambodia?
Cambodia’s timeless allure lies in its perfect fusion of historical grandeur, vibrant cultural traditions, and warm, welcoming hospitality. The country offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to its bustling markets and serene landscapes. This 6-day trip showcased Cambodia’s immense potential to captivate travelers by offering a seamless blend of cultural immersion, sustainable tourism initiatives, and world-class accommodations.

Promote Cambodia: A Journey Worth Sharing
This fam trip was not just about exploring; it was about equipping and inspiring. These ten agents are now advocates for Cambodia, ready to guide travelers toward unforgettable adventures in a land of timeless beauty and rich heritage. Cambodia awaits—and there’s no better time to discover and share the magic of Cambodia!

We sincerely thank our local partners for their invaluable support and contribution to the success of this fam trip. Our gratitude extends to Poulo Wai Hotel, Rosewood Hotel Phnom Penh, Raffles Le Royal Hotel, Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa, Palate Angkor Restaurant – Fine Indoor Dining & Sky Bar, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas, and Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium (AWA). Together, we are working hand in hand to establish Cambodia as a premier travel destination, showcasing its unique culture, stunning landscapes, and world-class hospitality to travelers from around the globe.