Traveling as a tourist to a sleepy province of Cambodia is an experience, and getting to an unknown destination with philanthropists is just another. Not much known to foreign tourists, Prey Veng province is not different from any other places beyond Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville.

Now start falling in love with the beauty of the country’s landscape of swaying palm trees, lime green naturally perfect trimmed grass, the light chocolate mighty Mekong, and the romantic mountains delicately tucked in the backdrop.

This is no fantasy scenario – instead a setting for my latest day adventure in Prey Veng province in southeastern Cambodia.

In prewar times, the province became known for its production in rubber – it’s most profitable product. In pre-Angkorian, the area was the seat of Ba Phnom, a religious and cultural site dating back to the 5th century at the time of the mysterious Funan civilization. But these days, very little tourists make the excursion to this sleepy province. And today, Sunday, June 18th, the area becomes site for much needed philanthropy work.

If you ever thought of exploring ordinary Cambodia, then Prey Veng is probably of one of the best destination.

Taxi to Neak Loeurn town in Prey Veng province: beggars, hawkers, gawpers’ ratty hotel, dusty roads, oppressive heat, rice and fish three times a day. I have to say, Neak Loeurn town is not my favourite place in Cambodia. The only reason for the town’s existence is that it is the only point at which you can cross the river if you are heading East, South-East or travelling overland to Viet Nam.