The phrase 'like a local' is thrown around a lot in travel these days, and while it's a great concept, we tend to find it often comes without much backing from an actual local expert. Without blowing our own trumpet too much, this is where we'd like to think we differ. Here at Original Travel we're lucky enough to have a team of real experts, many of whom have lived and worked in the destinations they sell. And to help make our point, let us introduce Holly...
Cambodia Specialist, Holly
Among other Asian countries, including Japan and Thailand, Holly has recently spent four years living in Cambodia, where she worked for our on the ground partners. Frequently found zipping around on her much loved Honda scooter, Holly will tell you that one of her favourite things about living in Cambodia was regularly getting up to watch and photograph the sunrise at one of the lesser known temples in Siem Reap - even after four years it seems the spellbinding morning views don't get any less beautiful.
For a little more insight into what makes Cambodia so special, here are Holly's top five must do experiences...
Spend a night in a Homestay
Stay in a traditional homestay near the remote Banteay Chhmar temple, where you'll get to chat, dine and weave with the locals. Then, get up early the next day to visit the magnificent temple before anyone else arrives.
Ziplining through the Jungle
Go zipling among the huge trees at the Angkor Complex - though you can't actually see the temples from the zipline you might see a gibbon or two in the canopy!
Food Crawling through Siem Reap
Although not often the focus, Siem Reap also happens to have some exceptional local cuisine to sample after exploring Angkor's world-famous archaeological site. Food crawl from restaurant to restaurant via tuk tuk in Siem Reap, sampling world renowned cuisine from celebrity chefs and sipping on craft cocktails as you go.
Unwinding in Kep
Spend a few days exploring sleepy Kep. The coastal town is a million miles away from the busy beach destinations in other parts of Asia and our favourite hotel, Knai Bang Chatt, is simply idyllic.
Enhancing your Camera Skills
Practice your camera skills with the help of a local photographer in Siem Reap. As you're driven around local villages in a tuk tuk your guide will help you capture some great portraits of the locals, which would be virtually impossible without his friendly introductions.