« One Month in Cambodia » : The Guide That Redefines Touristic Travel
- Voyageuse Passion

- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
In the multitude of travel guides, rare are those that manage to capture the soul of a country, unveiling the richness of its landscapes, traditions, history, and inhabitants without falling into superficiality.

« One Month in Cambodia », proposed by the Frenchman Antoine Mantovani, breaks conventions and offers, after several years of work, an authentic and in-depth invitation to discover the Kingdom of Cambodia in all its facets, from the mythical temple of Angkor to Phnom Penh, from forgotten provinces to the natural treasures of the Mekong.
A Route Designed for Complete Exploration
This guide, sold in about 80 locations in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, stands out for its original architecture: it is presented as a route leading the reader to the four corners of the country, starting from Siem Reap and ending in Phnom Penh. Faithful to its aim to provide a fluid and chronological narrative, the author explains:
« Page after page, one crosses every province of the country, as long as there is an interest and that it remains accessible. The temples of Siem Reap are proposed in chronological order, never having to go back or get lost. In this way, this book is a true guide that directs the visitor. »
In addition to this structured itinerary, the book offers a section rich in practical information and advice to go further in discovery. The author stresses pedagogy and friendliness: « This book takes care not to go too much into detail nevertheless. Thus, there is no need to be an expert: its reading is accessible to all. »

A Dive into Culture, History, and Nature
This guide is not limited to a touristic read. It offers a complete panorama of Cambodia’s diversity, mixing culture, history, archaeology, environment, biodiversity, traditions, cuisine, and local know-how. The author emphasizes this richness:
« Much more than the incredible Angkor Wat, Cambodia possesses many unique assets in the world: an impressive quantity of temples, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, a still preserved primary forest, not to mention the Mekong, which crosses the country from north to south and shelters exceptional, sometimes unique biodiversity.»
Local life is also highlighted, focusing on artisans, ancestral traditions, and emblematic animals. The author specifies:
« I selected a gallery of artists from one city to introduce local talents. There are of course many other galleries, but do not be surprised to see only one appear in this book.» This approach reflects the desire to value the essentials without unnecessary repetitions.
A Guide for All Travelers
The book is designed to be useful and attractive, regardless of the traveler’s profile. According to the author:
« The book addresses all audiences, from the VIP seeking exclusivity to the budget backpacker, from couples to families or knowledgeable explorers, from young to less young, lovers of history and/or nature.»
Accessibility is reinforced by a neat and richly illustrated format, with high-quality glossy paper, hundreds of photographs for each step, and dynamic page layouts:
« I wanted it attractive, colorful, and dynamic with varied presentation every page. I designed it exactly to be THE book I would dream of bringing in my suitcase if I were a tourist.»

A Validated and Recommended Work
This excellence approach has been recognized by major institutions:
« Unlike many books, this one received approval from the National Apsara Authority, the organization in charge of preserving the Angkor archaeological park.
His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, honored me with a letter praising the quality of the work and the usefulness of this book to promote the Kingdom.»]
This official testimony highlights the patrimonial and cultural value of the book, which is not limited to a simple travel guide but positions itself as a vector for promotion and valorization of Cambodia internationally.
Cambodia, Much More Than a Short Getaway
Through this guide, the message is clear: do not reduce Cambodia to a short stay of a few days between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The author strives to change this too common perception:
« It is inconceivable that it is so little known by foreigners, but also poorly communicated by agencies. This book thus seeks to compensate for these communication gaps and presents itself as a showcase putting Cambodia in its entirety in the spotlight, as it deserves.»
With a tourist visa valid for one month and the possibility of an Angkor pass for the same period, this guide encourages making full use of the visit, not rushing, and slowly immersing oneself in the country:
« The tourist visa is valid for one month. The same for the Angkor pass if you choose the one-month option. So you might as well use them fully by taking your time...»
This invitation implies a thoughtful journey, off the beaten path, encompassing all the natural, cultural, and human richness of Cambodia.

A Collective Contribution to the Promotion of Cambodia
The author ends on a personal and mobilizing note:
« At my level, I do everything possible to make this book a success and thus participate in my own way in promoting Cambodia. Now it's your turn, you all readers and lovers of Cambodia, contribute to promoting Cambodia by getting this beautiful book and/or offering it to your circle.»
« One Month in Cambodia » is more than a guide, it is an invitation to discover a vibrant and contrast-rich country, a precious companion for all those who want to live a complete, authentic, and respectful experience of Cambodia, combining heritage, nature, and human encounters.
Contact : antoine.mantovani@hotmail.fr







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