After a decade of calling Cambodia home, I’ve learned that life here is a continuous journey of discovery, connection, and profound growth.
Beyond the ancient temples and bustling markets lies a deeper Cambodia — one that has reshaped my understanding of life, love, gratitude, and humanity.

Whether you’re joining one of our wellness retreats in Cambodia, participating in an internship, or embarking on a volunteer program, I invite you to discover the soul of this extraordinary country through these ten invaluable lessons.

1. Resilience Amidst Adversity

Living among the echoes of Cambodia’s turbulent past, I’ve witnessed the incredible resilience of the Khmer people. Despite unimaginable hardship, their spirit of perseverance and hope is a constant reminder that even in the darkest times, the human heart can endure and thrive.

2. Embracing Impermanence

Cambodia’s Buddhist roots have taught me to embrace the impermanence of life. Here, joy and hardship are seen as two sides of the same coin — inseparable, necessary, and beautiful. Every moment, whether light or dark, is an invitation to fully live.

3. The Power of Genuine Connection

In the simplest daily interactions — with clerks, passersby, or a mechanic fixing a motorbike — there is deep warmth. Cambodia taught me that connection isn’t built through grand gestures, but through everyday moments of kindness and presence.

4. Finding Joy in Simplicity

From the laughter of children playing barefoot to the taste of fresh coconut milk at a village market, Cambodia reminds me daily: true happiness lies in the small, slow, mindful moments — the ones we often overlook in a rushed world.

5. Cultivating Inner Peace

Why are people who have so little so endlessly joyful? This question captivated me when I first arrived. Over time, I learned their secret: true peace comes from presence, gratitude, and not comparing ourselves to others — wisdom you can deeply experience during our wellness retreats in Cambodia.

6. Honoring the Past, Building the Future

From the grandeur of Angkor Wat to the scars left by the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia’s history is powerful. It has taught me that honoring the past — both the beauty and the pain — is essential for creating a hopeful, resilient future.

7. Living in Rhythm with Nature

In Cambodia, life flows with the seasons: the monsoon rains, the harvest, the periods of hard work and restful hibernation. Moving in harmony with nature’s rhythms — rather than fighting them — brings a deep sense of peace and balance.

8. Practicing True Gratitude

Giving, not getting, is where true abundance lives. In Cambodia, I’ve found that sharing what we have — even when it’s little — multiplies joy beyond measure. Every participant in our volunteer programs and internships in Cambodia experiences this firsthand.

9. Celebrating Diversity

Living in Cambodia means being surrounded by incredible cultural diversity — locals, travelers, expats, and volunteers from across the world. Here, differences are not barriers but bridges, bringing richness and understanding into every conversation.

10. Living with Purpose

Above all, Cambodia has taught me: happiness comes from giving yourself away. The deeper I serve — whether through education, sustainability, or simple acts of kindness — the stronger, freer, and more fulfilled I become.

This truth is the heartbeat of every retreat, internship, and volunteer project we offer through The Red Road Foundation.

Finding Home Within

Reflecting on my journey, I see now that Cambodia didn’t just become my second home — it led me home to myself.
From the ancient waterfalls of Kep to the serene rice paddies of Kampot, every experience has been a stepping stone toward alignment, gratitude, and profound peace.

If you are seeking a journey that transforms you — mind, body, and soul — join us.
Whether through a wellness retreat, an internship, or a volunteer program, Cambodia has magic waiting for you too.

🌿 Ready to start your journey?