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If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and choosing interesting places that should not escape your attention, definitely add Tonle Sap Lake in the Siem Reap area to your list. Tonle Sap, also known as Tonlé Sap, translates to Great Lake and is a true aquatic gem of all Southeast Asia, which will literally enchant you with its beauty. Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in all of Southeast Asia and also a place with one of the largest ecosystems in the world. It is home to a huge number of diverse animal and plant species. In 1997, it was registered – along with its surrounding areas – as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The lake where life pulses The lake truly has grand dimensions. It is 250 kilometers long and 100 kilometers wide. Basically, we can call it an inland ocean. In many places, you cannot see the opposite shore at all! Nevertheless, the lake is relatively shallow, reaching a maximum depth of 10 meters in its deepest spots. Besides representatives of fauna and flora, people have also settled on the lake and created numerous communities inhabiting floating villages. Each is a bit different, but what unites them is their dependence on the lake and its natural resources. The most famous village is Chong Khneas, with a number of shops, houses, and schools floating on the water. This village is already somewhat touristy, but it is still worth a visit. However, you can visit many other villages, just arrange a boat trip on the lake. Keep in mind, though, that it is a trip lasting at least a whole day. When to visit Tonle Sap? The best time to visit the lake is during the rainy season, from June to October. During this time, the lake floods, overflows its banks, and creates a unique floodplain habitat. By boat, you can then reach many incredible places from where you can observe local mammals, birds, and amphibians. In the dry season, the lake level drops closer to the bottom, and some areas are not accessible by boat at all. The villages also do not have the same charm as during the flood season. Are you interested in more tips on places you shouldn’t miss in Cambodia? Then you can happily dive into another travel article. This time we focus on our favorite area, Kampot. :-)

If you have ever wanted to fulfill the dream of azure blue lagoons and white sandy beaches with palm trees at least once in your life, you don't have to head only to luxurious exotic destinations. There are also places that offer equally beautiful sun-drenched experiences at prices that will pleasantly surprise you. One of them is Koh Rong island, the second largest island of Cambodia located in the southwest of the country. White sand and crystal clear sea – you will meet tourists here only a few months a year The island, with an approximate area of 78 square kilometers, could be called a true paradise on earth, moreover this place does not suffer from excessive tourist pressure. You can find a total of 23 beautiful beaches with white sand here. The beaches are the main attraction that draws tourists to the island. The beaches stretch along almost 50% of the coastline. Still, the greatest charm of the whole island lies in the fact that it is largely untouched and offers beautiful natural scenery. What to do on the island? Go on the water, or under the water Besides long hours spent on the beach, you can also spend your time on the island with a number of other activities, including the option to take a boat trip around its shores. The locals know very well which places to show you! If you want the most authentic experience possible, arrange a trip with a local fisherman. If you desire an even more adventurous experience, try to arrange a trip to one of the local diving destinations and dive into the beautiful depths full of life. All the equipment will gladly be lent to you at the local diving centers, and they will also explain what and how so that you can enjoy the depths as much and as safely as possible. When you are tired of the ocean, you can head to the High Point amusement park, which allows you to explore the beautiful natural jungle. You will float high in the treetops, walk on 25 wooden platforms interconnected by ladders, suspension bridges, and enjoy the zipline. It is 130 meters full of adrenaline, which is an interesting addition to a sunny holiday. So, what do you say? When are you setting off? :-) Are you planning to spend more time in Cambodia? We would be happy to introduce you to other magical places. For example, head to the iconic Tonle Sap Lake!

Krama is a piece of Cambodia that you can always carry with you. Even at home in the Czech Republic. They are worn by women, men, and even children from all social classes. Cambodian silk or cotton scarves called Krama are an integral part of the local culture and a fashion accessory. Cambodians can use them in a thousand ways! It is not exactly certain how the scarf became an integral part of Khmer culture, although historians believe it may be related to ancient ties to the Indian subcontinent, where similar scarves are very popular. However, it is interesting that no other country in Southeast Asia historically wore scarves to such an extent, which makes Krama an even more distinctive cultural heritage. Neither religion nor politics Unlike other cultures where scarves are perceived as part of religion and primarily serve to cover the head, Krama is a completely non-religious and non-political symbol. Thanks to this, this piece of silk fabric can basically be used for anything: from covering the head, carrying children, to a hammock. Krama is even part of traditional Khmer martial arts. During a match, fighters wrap it around their waist, head, or wrist. Mothers, on the other hand, use krama to wrap their children and carry them on their backs. Most commonly, however, krama is used as a classic scarf or shawl that helps protect against the Cambodian sun. How do Kramas differ from each other? Krama was also a way for higher social classes to distinguish themselves from lower ones. The highest-ranking people had Kramas made of silk, and in some cases, a silk krama even replaced our classic engagement ring during a marriage proposal. The price of a krama is also determined by its pattern. Here, of course, the more complex, the more expensive such a piece of fabric is. The production process of krama has undergone some development over the centuries, but it is still purely handmade work involving several people. At the end, a piece of Cambodia is created that you can wear too. And we guarantee it will look good on you. :-) What other souvenir can you bring home from Cambodia? Read our article about the most authentic souvenirs from this fairy-tale country.

If you ever visit Cambodia, definitely do not skip the Kampot province and its eponymous capital during your travels through this amazing country. However, don't be too surprised if it feels like you have traveled back in time and space to 19th century France. That is exactly the impression Kampot can give you. Promenades like on the Champs-Élysées boulevard Champs-Élysées Thanks to its slightly faded but still stunning colonial architecture, complemented by green parks, chaotically run electricity, and its location on the gently rocking waves of the Praek Tuek Chhu river, you will feel like you are walking through the old streets of Paris, where time has stood still. The river is precisely the centerpiece of the town, which is lined on its left bank with beautiful promenades offering views of the nearby Bokor National Park. Before you head into its untamed flora, dive deeper into the town’s streets and explore the town itself. Ideally on foot, or by bike. Gastronomy and art lovers will find their place in Kampot You should definitely visit Old Market Street, which is the main street of the town and where you will find many charming cafes and souvenir shops. The fish market built in 1934, renovated in the Art Deco style, also has its charm. Today it houses a luxury restaurant serving seafood. However, you can also just stop by for an aperitif and admire the beauty of the interiors. The old cinema was given a second chance as well, transformed into the Old Cinema Hotel. It offers the atmosphere of Kampot’s golden era from the last century, as well as a swimming pool where guests can swim and properly relax before their next Cambodian adventure. If you are interested in the history of the place you are traveling through, be sure to visit the local museum, whose exhibitions are dedicated to history. Besides the exhibits, you will also find a renovated museum building that originally served as the residence of the provincial governor. Art lovers will find their place at PiPetPi Gallery, which exhibits works by local artists. On the ground floor, you will find a shop offering various paper products and upcycled jewelry. Many collectible items also await you at a shop called Kampothead, which will transport you through a variety of beautiful items back in time to the first half of the last century, when Kampot was literally a shining river pearl. Part of this charm has been preserved to this day, but it requires some time to see the former splendor with your own eyes. But it is definitely worth it!

Maybe you were also fans of the Tomb Raider movie from the turn of the millennium, in which Angelina Jolie played the role of Lara Croft. The famous film, based on an even more famous computer game, was filmed, among other places, in Cambodia. The setting for the adventurous scenes was provided by the Ta Prohm temple, which is hidden deep in the jungle. A spiritual place that breathes ancient life Thanks to the film, we can today talk about the temple as one of the most iconic places in Cambodia. Its crumbling towers and walls are gripped by gigantic tree trunks and their root systems, which gives the whole place a very special atmosphere. While walking through the forgotten courtyards of the temple or inside its shady corridors, you will constantly be under the watchful eyes of stone statues of warriors and mythological beings. In this temple, you will simply feel like you are traveling back in time and discovering a forgotten civilization. Although today the temple has been almost pulled from the clutches of the jungle for safety and accessibility for visitors, its appearance still most closely resembles what its ancient discoverers found among all the temples in Cambodia. Faded walls, crumbling structures, and moss-covered stones that ignite a lot of imagination and desire to explore in you. Now nature rules the temple The trunks and root system themselves are today basically the supporting structure of some buildings that would collapse without them. And it's no wonder, as the temple has stood here since the 12th century. Throughout its history, it was a place for up to 12,000 people who served the Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII. He had it built with the intention of creating the largest temple in Angkor, which he dedicated to the memory of his mother. At that time, over 300 Buddhist deities were worshipped here. This lasted until the temple became a Hindu sanctuary. You can admire Ta Prohm today when entering the famous Angkor. It opens at 7:30 and closes at half past six in the evening. So don't forget to stop by. Are you interested in what else you can discover in Cambodia? In our articles, you will find several tips!Source of the Tomb Raider photo: Austria Forum

Although no nation, people, or culture can be categorized, below we share with you some of the most common characteristics of Cambodians as well as some insights we have gained from personal experiences with this country. Cambodia is one of the few Asian countries that still maintains its distinctive character. This is due to the fact that tourism is not so strong here and also perhaps due to the nature of the Cambodians themselves, who have values based on completely different things than career success and a money-focused life. Family Above All Cambodians place their family first, second, and also third, as it means everything to them and their life revolves around it. Families here are truly large. This is most evident during family celebrations when uncles and aunts, cousins, and all other relatives gather to jointly celebrate various festive ceremonies such as weddings or the New Year. Land of the Sun and Endless Smiles Not only at such events do everyone smile from ear to ear. Cambodians are simply happy people – even in moments that do not bring much joy. Their nature is calm, they are kind and caring. This is primarily due to the Buddhist religion, which instills in each of them a philosophy of compassion and care in everyday life. Buddhism, followed by up to 97% of the population, teaches Cambodians to be open to everything new that enters their lives, including knowledge. This is why they love to learn. Many Cambodians live below the poverty line – especially in the provinces where the vast majority of the population has only basic education. However, their curiosity urges them to learn everything new that is available. And with the internet, there is more and more available all the time. Cambodians Value Spirituality Cambodians are extremely superstitious. You can encounter various aspects of superstition practically at every step. Many actions are first subject to small rituals that are meant to ensure their proper execution. One example might be the sacred Sak Yant tattoo, tattooed with a bamboo stick and performed with a precise ceremony during which a special mantra must be chanted for the future bearer of the tattoo. By the way, ask David and Klára, our co-founders, directly. Cambodia is their second home and they themselves have participated in several such rituals. :-) However, neither rituals nor superstition mean that you have to be afraid of Cambodians; on the contrary. These lovers of singing and good mood will quickly infect you with their positive spirit, and soon you will feel at home in their company! You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram, where we regularly share stories about our experiences in Cambodia – and not only about them.

Beautiful Cambodian women gracefully dancing to the rhythm of traditional music are among the treasures of Cambodia's heritage from the ancient Khmer civilization. The so-called apsaras, or heavenly nymphs or water spirits, in their costumes full of gold and colors entertained the ancient rulers residing in temples such as Angkor Wat. Although the Apsara dance is becoming increasingly popular, its roots date back a thousand years before our era. Something like sign language? The dance of the Kingdom of Cambodia is based on Hindu and Buddhist mythology and is meant to evoke the gently floating clouds of water vapor. Women twist their hips, stretch their arms above their heads with unnaturally twisted fingers. The individual choreographies are very complex, and girls learn them from a tender age for a long nine years. By the way – there are two thousand hand gestures alone! It therefore takes years to master it to absolute perfection, and even a slightly different hand movement can change the entire performance's meaning completely. According to tradition, however, the mission of the nymphs was not only dance. Over time, these women were deified, and their task became caring for the souls of warriors fallen in battle. At the same time, they became life partners of divine artists, primarily singers and musicians. The spiritual legacy of the Kingdom of Cambodia confused many a king Although this charming dance is a mythological symbol, it mainly confused mortals. Even kings themselves were no exception. Therefore, dancers also performed at the courts of noble rulers, where they also served as companions. According to some sources, King Jayavarman VII had about 2,000 of these divine companions. However, the heavenly nymphs fulfilled this role in times when medieval castles were being built here, and from the 14th century onward, their role was again only the heavenly dance, whose form has been preserved to this day. So if you ever visit Cambodia, be sure to attend a festival where women and girls traditionally dance the Apsara. You will witness an almost identical spectacle as the Khmer rulers did hundreds of years ago. The Apsara dance was also performed for us by girls from our sister school in Siem Reap The fact that the tradition really continues and girls learn the Apsara in Cambodia from an early age is also proven by a visit to a primary school near Siem Reap, supported by .pepper..field. During the visit, we brought the children sports equipment and school supplies as a gift, and the local schoolgirls performed the Apsara dance for us ceremoniously. Follow on Facebook or Instagram, where we regularly add experiences from Cambodia! :-)

Just like it is with us, Cambodians also pay due attention to the celebration of the New Year. This holiday, which, following the example of countries like India or Thailand, is based on the solar calendar, celebrates not only the beginning but also the end – it marks the end of the demanding harvest period, allowing farmers to take a break. However, don’t expect New Year's Eve with fireworks until the very end – before that, many important rituals need to be performed! Day 1 (Moha Sangkran): Arrival of angels and new loves The Khmers believe that on the first day of the New Year celebrations, new angels arrive to take care of this world. They decorate their homes for the angels, perform a thorough cleaning, and prepare drinks and fruit so that the angels fall properly in love with this world – and especially with their households . Each content angel stays in the house for the entire year and takes care of the whole family. On this day, people also go to the temple for blessings, traditional games are played, and some young Cambodians welcome this day as a suitable moment for meeting new people. In the past few decades, "dating" as we know it did not exist in Cambodia, so this holiday is full of shared encounters on the street and is a very convenient moment to take the first step and get to know an exceptional partner. Day 2 (Wanabot): Giving As an old Indian proverb says, "Whatever is worth having is also worth sharing" – and the Khmers know this very well. On this day, they offer gifts to their parents, grandparents, and elders. These are material gifts, but also money or clothing for the poor. In the evening, everyone gathers in temples, builds sand mountains, and asks monks for blessings of happiness and peace. Day 3 (Leung Sakk): Thorough cleaning and refreshment for the New Year We could call this day our New Year's Eve – it is the day when the year 2021 becomes 2022. Early in the morning, the Khmers head to the temple to perform the sand mountain ritual and receive blessings. Then comes the joyful festival Srang Preah, where everyone showers. But don’t worry, it doesn’t mean mass celebrations in Cambodian bathrooms, but a ritual purification. Water is poured over and used to bathe Buddhist statues, monks, elders, parents, and grandparents so that people apologize and show gratitude. And at the same time, it’s also a bit for the young to have proper fun.The Khmer New Year is a great traditional holiday full of colors and joy for Cambodians. You can enjoy it too as a visitor if you happen to be in Cambodia at that time. During this period, we recommend visiting the Angkor Wat temple, where you can also receive blessings from monks, which can be an unforgettable souvenir for the whole year. Or stop by the south of the country, in Kampot, for the best pepper in the world.

The Cambodian New Year, also known as the Khmer New Year (in Khmer: បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំខ្មែរ), also called Choul Chnam Thmey or Moha Sangkran, is a traditional annual celebration of the new year in Cambodia. This three-day festival falls this year on April 14th - 16th and is associated not only with the start of the solar year according to, for example, India or Thailand, but also, in terms of timing, for example, with our Easter. And the date is actually not the only thing these two holidays have in common. Pagan blessing or Khmer tradition? Besides the very traditional cleaning of Buddha statues with perfumed water by the elders, the rich setting of tables with flowers and food to honor their ancestors, and the display of beautiful festive costumes, the Khmers celebrate the arrival of the new year also with the very popular water pouring. Does this remind you of the Moravian countryside? It certainly can, because this custom looks very similar and definitely the youth have a lot of fun with it both here and in Cambodia! Prepare for a proper shower While here the so-called "Oblévačka" means pouring water on girls on Easter Monday – originally as a punishment for stinginess and not giving gifts to carolers, later known as a rejuvenating treatment – it always took place with buckets and cold water, in Cambodia they most often pour liquid plaster (a mixture of water with some chalk powder). This festival is called Srang Preah. In both cases, you can be almost 100% sure that this shower will unexpectedly land on your head thanks to the younger generation, who properly enjoy both holidays. But don't be confused and definitely don't take it as malice; pouring water for Khmers means an apology – they apologize to their elders for any mistake they caused and to show gratitude. April – holiday time The reason why Cambodians celebrate the new year beginning in April basically has two reasons. First, in the Angkor era, that is in the 13th century, the then Khmer king changed the new year to the fifth month of the lunar calendar, that is April according to the solar calendar. And because about 95% of the population in Cambodia is engaged in agriculture, this made great sense to everyone. The period from November to March is the busiest time for Khmer farmers when they harvest rice fields. In April, Khmers find time for a little vacation after hard work in the fields, because it still does not rain and it is still very hot.  And what about Kampot pepper, you ask? It slightly deviates from this harvest ending because it needs different conditions than rice. And we already know well that the rarest ripe red pepper is harvested only at the turn of May. 

While the cuisine of Vietnam, China, or Japan is still exotic to us, but far from unknown, in the case of Cambodian cuisine (or if we want to be traditional, Khmer cuisine) we are talking about flavors that are a great mystery not only in the Czech Republic but also for many other European countries. So what does a traditional Cambodian feast really look like? Rice and freshwater fish play an important role in the diet of the Khmers. Moreover, real connoisseurs are in rice – Khmer cuisine uses over 2000 varieties! These are ingredients that are ubiquitous in the country thanks to the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. This lake expands during the monsoon season to an area of up to 16 thousand square kilometers and brings beneficial moisture to the rice fields, creating a perfect environment for fish breeding. France, Vietnam, but also China Traditional Khmer recipes are influenced by a whole range of neighboring countries. To the west, Thai influences are noticeable, while to the east, Vietnamese ones. The cuisine was also influenced by Chinese immigrants, and we must not forget the French influence, to which Cambodia was subject during the colonial times of this country by the French. Traditional ingredients are therefore similar to those used in other Asian countries. Besides fish and rice, these include palm sugar, limes, garlic, chili, coconut milk, lemongrass, shallots, and so on. Among the traditional dishes is, for example, Amok fish steamed in coconut milk and wrapped in a banana leaf. In this dish, curry paste also plays an important role. It is a national dish that we could compare to our svíčková (a Czech beef dish), although in this case we are talking about a very healthy svíčková. :-) How do they sin in Cambodia? Even Cambodians know how to indulge in a bit of the unhealthy, as demonstrated by Twa Ko, a traditional sausage. It is made from pork or beef and various mixtures of spices. A proper Twa Ko should contain 20 to 25 percent fat. They prefer to grill the sausage, or enjoy it with vegetables and rice. Nom banh chok is the equivalent of a Czech roll with butter and tea. It is a broth with rice noodles in curry, which Cambodians like to eat for breakfast. These noodles are topped with fish sauce and served with plenty of vegetables such as cucumber, bean sprouts, banana flower, and so on. Cambodians also have a sweet tooth. In their case, desserts mostly consist of sweet fruit again accompanied by rice. You wouldn’t believe how many different types of bananas actually exist until you visit some Cambodian markets. Besides bananas, mango, pineapple, or durian with its unusual taste and smell, which Asians literally adore, are very popular fruits.

Cambodia is a country that attracts an increasing number of tourists seeking exotic experiences. However, it is not only nature, food, or architecture that is exotic in Cambodia. For us Europeans, some typical behavioral patterns of Cambodians can also be surprising, and it is good to be prepared for them. Cheers! And properly Toasting is common in many European countries. However, Cambodians experience this custom in a very unusual way. During celebrations, they toast (in Khmer, "cul mui") with every sip, and everything is accompanied by great cheers and wishes for everyone sitting at the table individually. It is no wonder that such a drinking session can last late into the night. Mainly calmly The main religion in the country is Buddhism — the philosophy of this religion is embraced by the vast majority of Cambodians. This is also why they are mild, calm, and always try to avoid conflicts. You will rarely hear angry shouting or arguments. Likewise, if you let your emotions get the better of you, you lose your authority in the eyes of the locals. Here, the best strategy is a smile from ear to ear. What to wear? Cambodians are quite reserved, so it is good to wear not too flashy clothing that covers at least below the knees and also covers the elbows when visiting religiously significant places. It is also considered rude to enter someone's home wearing shoes. This rule also applies to temples, where it is appropriate to remove head coverings as well. Do not touch The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Cambodia, while the feet are regarded as the least important. Therefore, it is not appropriate to touch anyone's head. Similarly, it is rude to point at people's feet, especially monks and Buddha statues. No handshakes Yes, handshakes are not appropriate in this case. In Cambodia, greetings are made by placing the palms together, bringing the hands to the chest, all accompanied by a gentle bow. The higher the person stands in front of you, the higher your hands should be and the deeper your bow. Observing these customs opens the hearts of the Khmers, and soon a kind acceptance with wide smiles follows, perhaps calmly beyond the threshold of their homes, where the real, authentic Cambodia begins. We also always humbly follow the customs of our farmers in the Kampot region, whom we greatly respect.

The longer we spend in a foreign country, the more memories we gather and the closer they become to our hearts. To continuously remind ourselves of the moments we experienced on our travels even after returning home, it is good to bring back several souvenirs from those places and take a small piece of the foreign land with us. If you want to remember Cambodia this way, we have a few tips for small items you can bring from the country that won’t just lie around on your shelf at home. Krama Krama is something you will encounter at every step in Cambodia. It is a multifunctional scarf that is one of the national symbols of the country. The krama has countless uses. Besides being a scarf, it is used for carrying children, covering the face, as a hammock for babies, as a mosquito net, to ward off insects, and for many other purposes. Traditional krama colors include red and white, but you can find a whole colorful palette of various designs. You can buy a krama on every corner, but choose those with higher weight and durability so the scarf lasts you as long as possible. Even here at home, you can wear it with love and definitely won’t look like an exotic person. :-) Upcycled Items Cambodia certainly does not belong to countries with a high standard of living, quite the opposite. The local inhabitants are mostly poorer and therefore look for various ways to make a living. One of these is the production of various items from waste. This activity reflects extraordinary Khmer craftsmanship, where artisans can create something beautiful even from what looks like utterly worthless waste at first glance. Most often these are decorative items, but you can also find everyday necessities such as wallets, dishes, clothing, and more. Tattoos If you want a truly permanent souvenir from Cambodia, get a traditional Khmer tattoo. These tattoos have deep symbolism and are done during a ceremony that imbues the tattoo with magical properties. Khmer tattoos are not just decoration; they have protective symbolism and become an integral part of you. David and Klárka both have their Khmer tattoos, and we jokingly—and maybe not so jokingly—like to say that they protect the entire .pepper..field. :-) Last but not least, bring back a few Kampot peppercorns from Cambodia for good luck. And if your suitcase is already full, don’t despair. Just visit our website and enjoy a proper piece of authentic Cambodia in your kitchen right away in several forms.

Becoming a digital nomad is the dream of many people. Some grab their laptop, backpack, and head wherever their feet take them. However, some feel the need to gather as much information as possible in advance. If you belong to the latter group and would like to experience your nomadic adventure in Cambodia, you are at the right place. We bring you a few basic insights that you should keep in mind when one day you set out to fulfill your dreams, for example, in this sunny and smiling country. The internet is slow but available For every digital nomad, it is important to have food and drink, a place to lay their head, and stable internet. Cambodia has internet, but you must not rush it. So if you are one of those who consume mountains of gigabytes daily, it is better to stay in bigger cities. In surrounding areas, internet is available, but it will certainly test your patience. The good news is that internet connection in the country is cheap, so being online is not impossible. Do not underestimate health insurance In Cambodia, it really does not pay off to be without health insurance. Western-style hospital services are really very expensive. One unfortunate accident is enough — you fall off a motorcycle, twist your ankle on a walk, and it can cost you a significant part of your savings. Therefore, it is good to have quality travel insurance that covers all medical expenses. Learn the basics of the language This applies everywhere in the world — it is good to know at least a little of the local language. No matter how silly you might feel, learn at least a few words. Locals will see that you are making an effort and want to immerse yourself in their culture and get closer to them. Keep notes on your phone and learn greetings and farewells, names of some dishes, and a few basic questions. It is always useful to study numbers as well. Try ordering your food in their language and you will see that you almost immediately break the ice in the entire restaurant. Study the history There is nothing better than knowing the history of the place where you find yourself. You can then connect everything into context and, just like with the language, show locals that the place is not just a holiday destination you came to waste time in. Explore Cambodia thoroughly and you will see that it will reward you with its endless smile. But beware, you might then want to hang up your digital nomad life and stay here permanently. :-)

The Kampot province, from where we import Kampot pepper for you, is one of the most picturesque regions of Cambodia, which has managed to preserve its authentic character influenced not only by the Cambodians themselves but also by the colonizers who operated here in past centuries. It is a unique place you must visit if you want to experience the real Asia. Although it is a beautiful place, tourism has not yet changed it much, so here you can enjoy a holiday with truly minimal expenses that you will never forget. Why do we like Kampot so much? Besides the fact that we love the ever-present green plantations, we also have many favorite places here that we visit every year and that are directly connected with Kampot pepper. What could such pepper tourism include? The Bokor Mountains You definitely should not miss Bokor National Park, where you will witness the beauty that only the local nature can create. These are mountains that on one side cast a shadow over our plantations and provide them with a cozy refuge reminiscent of a jungle. If you head to these mountains, besides famous historical sites and beautiful old buildings, you will also see the Popokvil waterfall. At this unique place, you will merge not only with nature but also with the locals. It is a popular spot for meditating monks and locals who refresh themselves here during steamy days. Seafood served like nowhere else in the world Would you like to taste Kampot pepper like never before? Then we would recommend the fish markets in nearby Kep, where freshly caught shrimp are served along with fresh green Kampot pepper directly on the stalk and lightly grilled in a pan. A delicacy that we also invite our friends to try. The town itself is full of restaurants specializing in cooking with pepper, offering cooking classes or simply including it in their menus as a matter of course. P.S. Did you know that the unique Kampot climate and soil give a unique quality to several ingredients, not just  Kampot pepper? For example, the local salt is one of the tastiest and healthiest we have ever had on a plate. And you can find it with us too. Also excellent are other local spices and fresh herbs that farmers grow on their lands.

It has been more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic significantly slowed down the pace of humanity and exposed it to completely new situations. Who would have ever thought that children would not be able to go to school, visiting friends and family would be possible only in a very limited manner, and traveling would become a challenge full of complications and paperwork. Many enthusiastic travelers therefore prefer to stay at home, which, however, does not mean that their traveling hearts have stopped beating. Many of them are already dreaming of plans to explore corners of our planet once everything returns to normal. If you are one of them and Cambodia caught your eye, you have surely already read about all the notoriously well-known monuments that can be visited in this country. But we want to offer you a small taste of what you will not find in ordinary guides to Cambodia. Beloved Kampot This area in the southern part of Cambodia offers a unique taste of true Asia, where you can occasionally encounter subtle nuances left behind by the French during the colonial era. If you were to come here, we would gladly arrange a tour of one of our farms for you, led by our Cambodian team. Experience Kampot pepper authentically, as small families and we ourselves live it. Kampot is also full of pink fields and pepper plantations, above which rise the peaks of the beautiful Bokor Mountains full of caves, golden Buddhas, waterfalls, and ancient temples. In the town, you will also find our most popular restaurants using Kampot pepper in ways you have never experienced before. The Cardamom Mountains This unique area full of wild fauna and flora is located on the southwestern border of Cambodia with Thailand. It is a place where you can experience the rainforest in its true beauty. However, it is important to remember that the more beautiful such a place is, the more dangerous it can be. Therefore, venture into the dense jungle only with experienced guides who will take you to the most interesting spots, and if you are lucky, you will have fascinating encounters with the inhabitants of the rainforest. Just like in Kampot, here too we can introduce you to a sustainable community that will host you, accommodate you, and guide you safely through this beautiful nature. Mondulkiri Those of you who watched our online lecture last week for the travel festival Around the World know that Mondulkiri is a beautiful piece of jungle with freely living elephants. They live here to old age in a beautiful project that rescues injured elephants and gives them a chance for a dignified life full of freedom. So if you want to venture into the jungle with a bunch of bananas and crawl through the greenery until you spot huge elephant feet, write to us and we will gladly connect you with the organization Mondulkiri Project.

Although the current situation in our country – and similarly nowhere else in the world – favors travel very little, hard times will pass and we will once again be able to enjoy freedoms and trips to all corners of the world. However, post-coronavirus travel could be somewhat different, with a much greater emphasis on sustainability and authenticity. The coronavirus has shown us the fragility of the foundations on which our society stands and the negatives of globalization What was just some kind of plague raging in China a year ago is today a problem limiting the life of each of us. Society, which was running at full speed, almost froze overnight; people realized how fragile the mechanisms are that allow most people to live in such prosperity. Moreover, it has become clear how much this slowdown benefits our planet. Reduced transportation and production brought more calm and regeneration of ecosystems, air emissions decreased, and a smaller number of tourists—for example, the canals of Italian Venice—restored life in the form of fish and water birds. And these are precisely the coronavirus impacts that will help us open our eyes and change our approach to a whole range of things, including travel. Flying for a weekend vacation just because the ticket is discounted to 300 crowns? An attractive offer, but one that leaves a significant carbon footprint behind and means you basically won't get to know the destination at all within two days. Travel with the motivation to truly get to know the culture of the country and you can even save money A much better and more responsible solution is less frequent but longer vacations. During them, you will have the chance to properly get to know the place – meet the local culture, taste all the food, enjoy beautiful natural landmarks, make new friendships, and even support the local economy. However, we will never achieve this if we travel to purely tourist destinations and stay in five-star hotels of multinational developers, which are completely detached from the reality behind the walls of the resorts. You will experience the authenticity of a place only when you stay with locals. They will open the door to their community for you; through them, you will see what family life looks like here, what customs the locals have, and which places they like to visit. In short, thanks to them you will get to know much more than just tourist attractions. And this is exactly what you can experience, for example, in beloved Cambodia.

Vacationing in Asia has become a small phenomenon in recent years, beginning to even threaten Croatia, which is so beloved by all Czechs. However, flying on vacation to Asia is not just any trip. This continent offers a whole range of interesting countries, countless amazing places, and an endless number of activities that can be undertaken here. Do you want an authentic experience without tourist crowds? Try Cambodia Vietnam, Thailand, Bali — these are all notoriously well-known destinations where you can try surfing, meet many interesting people from all over the world, eat well and cheaply, and relax wonderfully. And then there is Cambodia, a magical land full of eternally smiling people, which is one of the last true fragments of the Far East. You can’t surf here, but everything else is several times more interesting. You will find plenty of opportunities to stay with locals, the level of tourism is kept within tolerable limits, and Cambodia still avoids hustle and chaos completely. Thanks to this, this little paradise on Earth can offer something that the aforementioned countries simply lack. It is authenticity, thanks to which you will be able to get to know this country in all its facets. Don’t be afraid of the locals — they will show you the most beautiful places To discover Cambodia as it really is, it is necessary that someone who lives here, that is a local, shows it to you best. It is precisely the local community that holds the keys to doors that are otherwise firmly locked to classic travel agencies. And these doors don’t necessarily lead to places hidden from others. Even if you visit the same monuments and walk the same paths as other tourists, your experience can be completely different. If you step through these doors, you will discover a small piece of Asia with an incredible number of historical sites, whose count only begins with Angkor. You will be able to see enchanting natural scenery as if taken from historical postcards. The most amazing thing Cambodia offers, however, are the people who live here. Although their faces still bear the horrors that happened during the rule of the Khmer Rouge, a wide smile from ear to ear and eyes full of joy are the reasons why Cambodia has become a second home for us. It is precisely thanks to these people that we have discovered ourselves and found a life mission to help as many locals as possible. And not only through Kampot pepper, which they grow on their farms, but also through you, to whom we show how amazing Cambodia truly is.