From Temples to Tours: How Akim Ly Built Cambodia’s Most Unique Travel Experience
A POSTCARD FROM SIEM REAP: AKIM LY’S JOURNEY FROM ANGKOR WAT TO VESPA ADVENTURES
Raised within the sacred walls of Angkor Wat, Akim’s childhood was anything but ordinary. Born during Pol Pot’s regime, where schools were non-existent, she found herself growing up in a place steeped in ancient history and spiritual rituals. Her grandfather, Loung Sake, the Grand Abbot of Angkor Wat, played a pivotal role in her education—though not in the traditional sense.
Living among the monks of Angkor Wat, Akim shaved her head and pretended to be a boy to continue her education in Sanskrit scriptures and Buddhist rites. It was an unusual upbringing, spent practising prayers and rites within one of the world’s most iconic temple complexes. Her connection to the Preserver God Vishnu, whose statue still guards the entrance of Angkor Wat, was a source of comfort and companionship during this time.
By the time she was 13, Akim’s ruse could no longer hold, and she had to leave the pagoda. Cycling many kilometres each day to attend school, she fought hard for the education she so desperately wanted, only to have to stop and support her family at a young age. At sixteen, she opened her own restaurant near Angkor Wat—a bold move that marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial spirit.
After spending 15 years abroad, Akim returned to Siem Reap in 2013, drawn back by a desire to reconnect with her roots. It was here that she founded Vespa Adventures, a unique way for travellers to experience the true essence of Cambodia. Today, Akim runs Adventures Cambodia, offering tourists a personal glimpse into her country’s history and culture, all from the back of a Vespa.
As a pioneer in Cambodian tourism, Akim created a travel experience that goes beyond sightseeing. Her Vespa tours offer a fresh, immersive way to explore the hidden gems of Siem Reap, blending the ancient and modern in a way only a local with deep roots and vision could. In this Postcard from Siem Reap, Akim shares her journey and how she continues to show travellers the real heart of her homeland.
A POSTCARD FROM SIEM REAP: FROM ANGKOR WAT TO VESPA ADVENTURES
After spending years overseas, I returned to Cambodia in search of reconnection—to my country, my roots, and my people. I felt there was a gap in how tourists were experiencing this incredible place. Everyone came for the temples, of course, but I knew there was so much more to Cambodia than just Angkor Wat. That’s when the idea for Vespa Adventures started to take shape. I wanted to offer something different, something that would take travellers beyond the temples and into the heart of Cambodian life.
Vespas felt like the perfect choice. Not only are they fun and colourful, but they offer a unique way to explore places that bigger vehicles can’t reach. From navigating the bustling streets of Siem Reap to cruising down quiet countryside roads, our Vespas give travellers a sense of adventure while bringing them closer to the local culture.
Bringing Cambodia’s Culture to Life
For me, it’s not enough to simply visit the temples and admire their beauty. Anyone can do that. What I wanted to offer was a deeper, more meaningful experience—one that connects travellers with Cambodia’s history and its people. That’s why our tours always include expert guides who can share the stories behind the places we visit, giving guests a richer understanding of not just what they’re seeing, but why it’s important.
I believe the most essential part of any tour is connection. Whether it’s through food, culture, or simply a conversation with a local, I want travellers to experience the real Cambodia—the Cambodia I grew up in. That’s how I’ve designed our tours, with the idea that travellers should leave not only with great photos but with a piece of our culture in their hearts.
Curating Unique Experiences
We don’t do big group tours. I’ve always believed that smaller, more intimate experiences allow for a deeper connection to the places we visit. By using Vespas—and now electric bikes—we can offer a completely different perspective on the same temples or countryside that everyone comes to see. We plan our routes carefully, visiting landmarks at times when the crowds are thinnest and taking roads less travelled to uncover hidden gems that most tourists never see.
Supporting the Local Community
As a local operator, I take pride in ensuring that our tours benefit the community. We work closely with family-owned businesses, artisans, and restaurants to create an authentic Cambodian experience. By showcasing local craftsmanship and culture, we support the livelihoods of people who are often overlooked by the mainstream tourism industry. I’ve always been committed to keeping things local, and when you tour with us, you’re directly supporting Siem Reap’s economy.
More Than Just Temples
One thing I always tell travellers is to not limit themselves to just a few days in Cambodia. The temples are breathtaking, but there’s so much more to discover here. Our food is one of the highlights—I encourage everyone to try everything! From high-end dining at restaurants like Embassy to the humblest street food, Khmer cuisine is an explosion of flavours. Beyond the food, there’s the Phare Circus, the stunning countryside, and even vibrant nightlife in places like Pub Street. Cambodia has something for everyone if you take the time to explore.
Sharing My Cambodia
When I guide travellers, I try to show them Cambodia through my eyes. It’s not just about ticking off landmarks—it’s about creating moments where guests can connect with local life. Whether it’s stopping at a family-run café, sharing stories with an artisan, or exploring a hidden corner of a temple, I want my guests to feel the real Cambodia. That’s what sets our tours apart: we don’t just visit places; we experience them, and we do it in a way that brings people together.
Adapting to Change
Over the years, Cambodia’s tourism industry has grown and changed, and we’ve adapted alongside it. When I first started Vespa Adventures, we were one of the few operators offering tours that went beyond the standard temple visits. Now, there’s a greater focus on sustainability and eco-friendly tourism. I’m proud to say that we’ve embraced that change, from replacing our jeeps’ diesel engines with cleaner options to introducing electric bikes. Our goal is to offer unforgettable experiences while minimizing our environmental impact.
Food: The Heart of Our Tours
Food has always been a central part of our tours, and it’s something I’m passionate about. I opened my first restaurant when I was 16, and I’ve always believed in the power of food to bring people together. We carefully choose each food stop on our tours, making sure the quality is high and the flavours are authentic. As for must-try dishes? Amok is a classic, and the street food here is unbeatable. I always tell guests to start their day with a Khmer breakfast and keep an open mind—you never know what new flavours you’ll fall in love with.
Looking to the Future
After the challenges of COVID-19, we’ve been expanding in exciting ways. We’ve recently introduced vintage jeep tours and electric mountain bike tours, and the response has been incredible. It’s always been my goal to offer unique ways for travellers to explore Siem Reap, and I’m excited to continue growing and evolving Vespa Adventures. No matter what new experiences we introduce, one thing will always remain the same: our commitment to authenticity and our passion for sharing the real Cambodia with the world.
If you’re ready to see Cambodia in a way that’s off the beaten path, come ride with us—whether it’s on a Vespa or an electric bike, we’ll take you on an adventure you’ll never forget.
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