Phnom Penh Stories: A Journey with Phnom Penh Insolite and Art Home
Phnom Penh is a city that reveals its beauty not just in its grand monuments and vibrant streets but in its quiet, hidden corners filled with stories. Emmanuel, a Frenchman who has lived in Cambodia since 2006, and his partner Vannak, a multi-faceted Khmer artist, have created two unique projects that offer a fresh, intimate perspective on Cambodia’s capital: Phnom Penh Insolite and Art Home.
Having spent over a decade in Cambodia, Emmanuel’s journey into the tourism sector began in 2012 when he founded “Kep Autrement” and “Les Copains d’Abord.” Both projects allowed him to guide over 2,500 travelers through the picturesque countryside of Kep and Kampot, and the islands in the bay. His connection with Cambodia’s art scene is equally deep, as he designed Le Toqué Magazine in 2011, a French-language journal focused on the revival of art and culture in Cambodia.
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It was after the Covid crisis, however, that Emmanuel returned to Phnom Penh and crossed paths with Vannak. Born in Phnom Penh in 1980, just after the Khmer Rouge genocide, Vannak is a talented artist—photographer, painter, performer—with a unique personal story that resonates deeply in their project.
Phnom Penh Insolite: A Different Kind of City Tour
The idea for Phnom Penh Insolite began when Vannak took Emmanuel on a tour of his home district, where he has lived for 44 years. The district, stretching between the Central Market and O’Russey Market, is a treasure trove of Sino-Khmer and colonial-era architecture, weaving together a tapestry of Phnom Penh’s complex history. “By obvious mutual agreement,” Emmanuel explains, “we decided to offer visitors the chance to approach Cambodia’s capital from a different angle.”
The tour that they offer is far more than a walk through the streets. It’s a journey into the heart of Phnom Penh, deconstructing the city’s past and present with empathy and objectivity. As Emmanuel shares, “Phnom Penh is more than just its monuments and museums. There’s a genesis, a journey, a history that needs to be deconstructed a little.” From exploring Cambodia’s spirituality and religious practices to discussing the golden age of the Sangkum and the country’s modernization, the tour touches on a wide range of topics. You’ll hear stories about the wars and genocide that shaped this land, all while winding
Art Home: A Unique Cultural Haven
Art Home is the perfect complement to Phnom Penh Insolite, offering a personal, intimate cultural experience that goes beyond the usual tourist offerings. Vannak, who loves to cook, invites guests to enjoy a private lunch or dinner, transforming a meal into a “gustatory stroll.” But Art Home is more than just a dining experience—it’s a space to exchange ideas, discuss art and culture, and share personal stories of resilience and creativity.
Described as “something of a UFO in Phnom Penh’s cultural landscape,” Art Home is both an art gallery and a cabinet of curiosities. It showcases Vannak’s paintings, photographs, and masks, as well as a collection of antique objects, installations, and drawings. The atmosphere is both luminous and eclectic, inviting visitors to engage with the art and the stories behind it. As Emmanuel explains, “This place is something of a UFO in Phnom Penh’s cultural landscape… a luminous and open space.”
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A Unique Experience, Off the Beaten Path
“We’re not guides,” Emmanuel says. “But we do share our passion for this country and this neighborhood.” The tours and experiences offered by Phnom Penh Insolite and Art Home are truly about sharing. Emmanuel and Vannak don’t just show you around—they invite you into their world, sharing their deep, personal connections to Phnom Penh and Cambodia. Whether you’re spending half a day exploring the hidden corners of the city or enjoying a dinner surrounded by art, the experiences are designed to leave you with a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s rich and complex heritage.
If you’re looking for a unique, enriching way to experience Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Insolite and Art Home are the perfect starting points. Discover the hidden stories of the city and share in the passion that Emmanuel and Vannak have for their home.
Contact Information
For more information or to book an experience, contact Phnom Penh Insolite and Art Home:
Vannak (English/Khmer): +855 77 212 173
Email: ppinsolite@gmail.com (English, French, Khmer)
Facebook/Messenger: Phnom Penh Insolite
WhatsApp/Telegram:
Emmanuel (English/French): +855 99 531 295
 | Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com |
 | +855 77 212 173 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
