From Eco to Adventure

From Eco to Adventure: Our Unforgettable Siem Reap Jeep Tour and CBF 2026 Journey

What an incredible journey! On September 30th, we had the absolute privilege of turning inspiration into action following the fantastic CBF 2026 event. Organized by Millennium Destinations in collaboration with the Siem Reap Tourism Alliance (STA), CBF 2026 sparked a vital conversation that we are still buzzing about: shifting Cambodia’s tourism branding from a traditional “eco-tourism destination” to a vibrant, multi-dimensional “adventure destination.”

If you attended the event, you likely sat through the inspiring panels and speaker sessions. A core message echoed throughout the venue: collaboration is everything. STA’s founding principle reminds us that we can achieve so much more when we bring diverse energies together. But to truly reposition Cambodia, we need to look beyond the usual itineraries and focus deeply on our local communities, the breathtaking countryside, and authentic adventure.

So, how do you take high-level conference concepts and bring them to life? You hop into a vintage jeep and hit the dirt roads!

Hitting the Countryside Road in Style

Alongside our wonderful partners at Lolei Travel and Cambodia Jeep, we crafted a half-day immersive tour designed to hit every single pillar discussed at the conference: collaboration, countryside, community, and adventure.

Our morning started with the unmistakable rumble of a vintage jeep. There is simply no better way to feel the pulse of Cambodia than cruising through the countryside with the wind in your hair, trading the city bustle for wide-open spaces, waving children, and lush green fields. This was pure adventure, but it was only the beginning of a deeply meaningful morning.

Inspiring Community Initiatives and Creative Minds

Our first major stop brought us to the Sunshine Education Center (formerly known as the Sunshine School). Here, we were welcomed with open arms and warm hearts. The center shared their mission and ongoing projects with us, showcasing how education and creativity can transform young lives. To our absolute delight, they have their own student band! They played a wonderful live set just for us, followed by a mesmerizing, traditional Apsara dance show. Seeing the talent and passion of these young people was a profound reminder of why community-based tourism matters so much.

Adding even more depth to our visit at the Sunshine Education Center, Ineke from Panha Sabay was right there with us. Ineke dedicates a tremendous amount of energy and support to the center, and she gave a wonderful presentation about her own inspiring project. She shared how Panha Sabay tackles the massive issue of plastic and waste by turning discarded items into colorful, creative educational materials. It is a brilliant example of upcycling meeting practical, community-driven education—turning an environmental challenge into a brilliant learning tool.

From there, our jeeps rolled on to visit MANAVA. At MANAVA, we witnessed firsthand a wonderful workshop featuring local women weaving with rattan. These talented artisans craft stunning, high-end design products that are successfully exported around the world. Although co-founder and designer Ka-Lai Chan was not physically present, one of her dedicated staff members beautifully shared the story, vision, and heart behind MANAVA. Hearing from the team gave us a deep appreciation for how traditional craftsmanship can be elevated to meet international design standards while providing sustainable livelihoods right here in Siem Reap.

Dirt Roads, Cultural Blessings, and True Connection

Refueled by inspiration, we climbed back into the jeeps. We navigated bumpy sand roads, wound through quiet rural villages, and cruised alongside the historic West Baray. Every turn offered a postcard-grade view of rural Cambodian life.

Our journey ultimately brought us to Wat Svay Romeat. In this peaceful, sacred temple setting, we paused to receive traditional blessings from the resident monks. The serene atmosphere provided a grounding moment of reflection—a chance to absorb everything we had seen, felt, and learned throughout the morning.

Keeping the Momentum Alive

This entire experience was made possible by our incredible group of guests who joined us on September 30th and contributed a $10 donation. Every single dollar raised goes directly back to support the diverse community projects we visited. Thank you for your generosity, your curiosity, and your willingness to turn ideas into tangible action!

Reflecting on the email we received from Catherine following the event—reminding us of what we can achieve when we unite around a shared purpose—this jeep tour felt like the exact embodiment of that spirit. CBF 2026 is much more than a conference; it is a movement.

As we look toward the future, let’s keep this momentum going. Let’s continue building new friendships, strengthening local communities, and sharing the true, dynamic emotion of Siem Reap with the world.

Here is to new adventures, deeper connections, and keeping the Siem Reap spirit alive!