Edventure Travel

30/04/2025

Pol Pot's Grave. Read this fascinating description of the Khmer Rouge's historic sites in Anlong Veng, Cambodia.

--Anlong Veng Historical Town--
Located 130 km north of Siem Reap in Oddar Meanchey Province, Anlong Veng is a small border town set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dângrêk Mountains. It holds historical significance as the final stronghold of the Khmer Rouge, which remained active in the area until its eventual collapse in 1998–1999. Today, Anlong Veng is home to former Khmer Rouge soldiers and their families, who stand as living witnesses to the regime’s final chapter.

--The Demise of the Khmer Rouge--
In the mid-1990s, as the confrontation between the Cambodian Government and the Khmer Rouge was drawing to a close, prominent leaders like Pol Pot, Khieu Samphan, Son Sen, and thousands of soldiers fortified themselves in Anlong Veng and the Dangrek Mountain Range. In the months leading up to the Khmer Rouge's final surrender, Pol Pot was arrested by the formidable one-legged General Ta Mok. Following a show trial in July 1997, Pol Pot was found guilty of multiple crimes, placed under house arrest in a humble hut, and died on 15 April 1998. Various Khmer and Thai officials and two Western journalists confirmed his death, and he was cremated a few days later. These events precipitated the rapid disintegration of the Khmer Rouge. Ta Mok, the last of the Khmer Rouge generals, was captured by Cambodian forces in March 1999. Shortly afterwards, reintegration ceremonies were conducted in Anlong Veng to disarm and reintegrate former Khmer Rouge soldiers into society or the Cambodian Army, concluding the conflict amidst controversy.

--What to See in Anlong Veng--
Our experienced Edventure Travel guides reveal the history of the Khmer Rouge, focusing on the severe human rights abuses during their control and their ultimate downfall. We visit the ruins of the building where Pol Pot was tried, the sites of his death and cremation, and General Ta Mok's residence, which was also the last command centre of the Khmer Rouge military. Visits to the secret residential complex of Pol Pot and Khieu Samphan are also a must-see. Meetings with former Khmer Rouge soldiers or army generals can be arranged, providing profound insights into life under the regime and a chance to ask questions. Our guides present rare photographs from former soldiers to enhance the historical context, depicting prominent high-ranking figures and key moments from the regime’s final turbulent months.

A day trip to Anlong Veng offers a highly educational experience, particularly for those interested in communism, revolutions, Pol Pot, Asian conflicts, global politics, genocide studies, the Khmer Rouge regime, and themes of generational trauma, justice, and reconciliation.

For further details, contact [email protected]

28/04/2025

27/04/2025

The 2025 Simpson Prize Commemorative Study Tour of Japan and Singapore concluded with four memorable days exploring Singapore. The focus was on Singapore’s role during World War II, including the British surrender, the Japanese occupation, and the historic sites scattered throughout the city.

The tour began with visits to the vibrant districts of Kampong Glam and Little India, where students and staff witnessed the striking contrast of cultures existing side by side. The group enjoyed sampling different cuisines and ended their first full day with a special Chinese-style dumpling dinner.

The following day, the group visited several significant war-related sites, including the Changi Chapel and Museum, Selerang Camp Barracks, and the Old Changi Military Hospital. Throughout the day, additional historical commentary and insights were provided by Mr Michael Kelly, the accompanying curator from the Australian War Memorial. In the evening, the group enjoyed a change of pace with a visit to the Night Safari, where they explored the park and observed animals during their nocturnal activities.

On ANZAC Day, the group attended the 2025 ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Kranji War Memorial and Cemetery. Two students laid a wreath, one student recited a poem, and another had the honour of introducing the group to Australia’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Mr Allaster Cox, who took time after the ceremony to speak with the students. Following the service, Mr Kelly led the group through the cemetery, sharing personal stories and perspectives on Japan’s involvement in World War II.

The final day in Singapore included visits to additional military sites such as Fort Canning, the Battlebox bunker, and Labrador Battery. The group concluded their city sightseeing with a visit to Marina Bay before heading to the airport. A highlight at the airport was visiting the Jewel, a magnificent indoor tropical forest and the world's largest indoor waterfall, located between Terminals 1, 2, and 3. It was then time to farewell the local guide and board the overnight flight home to Australia.

A sincere thank you to the three staff members who accompanied the students, ensuring their wellbeing, safety, and enjoyment throughout the tour. Special thanks also to Mr Michael Kelly for his valuable insights and perspectives on World War II history and Australia's involvement. Appreciation is also extended to the organisers of the Simpson Prize for making this opportunity possible.

Finally, congratulations to the eight prize-winning students who participated in this unforgettable tour. You return home with lasting memories, fresh perspectives, exposure to two diverse cultures, and a deeper understanding of Australia’s, Japan’s, and Singapore’s involvement in World War II history.

26/04/2025

The 2025 Simpson Prize Commemorative Study Tour explored the cultural treasures of Kyoto. Upon arrival, students attended a performance in Gion, the historic geisha district, where apprentice geisha (maiko) performed traditional dances. Students learnt about the modern-day role of geisha and were fortunate to spot a few walking gracefully through the streets.

The following day, the group visited some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, including the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine with its famous torii gates, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Students had the opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Kyoto and learn why it was spared from American bombing during the Second World War, allowing its historical architecture to remain remarkably intact.

Their knowledgeable guide, Miss Fumi, shared insights into Japanese wedding traditions, the education system, and even explained the symbolism hidden in the design of the 1000 Yen note.

Following their time in Kyoto, the group transferred to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport for their flight to Singapore.

26/04/2025

The 2025 Simpson Prize Commemorative Study Tour students and staff spent half a day in Hiroshima, learning about the events of 6 August 1945, when the first atomic bomb was dropped on the city. Guided by a specialist local guide and accompanied by our Australian War Memorial curator, the group began the morning at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Here, students observed graphic photographs taken just three hours after the explosion, illustrating the catastrophic aftermath. The museum’s displays included personal items, clothing, bicycles, and the camera used by Mr Yosh*to Matsushige to document scenes close to the epicentre. Disturbing images of radiation burns and paintings created by child survivors further conveyed the human tragedy of that day.

Following the museum visit, the group toured key sites around the city, including the Children's Peace Monument, a kimono shop where one of only three survivors near the blast was saved by being in an underground basement, and historic structures such as bridges and a bank that remarkably withstood the blast. In a local cemetery, students saw darkened headstones that still bear witness to the intense heat. The tour concluded at the iconic A-Dome building and the exact location of the epicentre, where the bomb detonated approximately 500 metres above the ground.

Students also learned that the explosion instantly killed an estimated 70,000 people, with tens of thousands more dying from injuries and radiation-related illnesses in the following months. The bomb, nicknamed "Little Boy", released energy equivalent to approximately 15,000 tonnes of TNT. Shockingly, it is estimated that temperatures at the hypocentre reached over 4,000 degrees Celsius.

To conclude their time in Hiroshima, the group dined at a restaurant specialising in Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, a traditional savoury pancake distinguished by its method of layering rather than mixing the ingredients. This popular local dish typically features a base of batter, followed by cabbage, pork, noodles (either yakisoba or udon), and egg, all carefully cooked on a hotplate. The group then took a tram to the train station to board their final Shinkansen, which would take them onwards to Kyoto.

25/04/2025

Experience the vibrant energy of the 2025 Simpson Prize Commemorative Study Tour as students make their way through the bustling Dōtonbori Street in Osaka. Led by our local guide, Miss Fumi, and her signature pink flag, the group immersed itself in a sensory-rich environment filled with colourful signage, street food vendors, arcade games, vending machines, electronics, and fashion stores. Dōtonbori is one of Osaka’s most famous entertainment districts.

25/04/2025

Last week marked the beginning of the 2025 Simpson Prize Commemorative Study Tour to Japan and Singapore. The tour commenced in Osaka, where students and staff used the city’s efficient subway network to explore key sites. Highlights included the iconic Osaka Castle and the vibrant Dōtonbori district, known for its neon lights, street food, and lively atmosphere. A thought-provoking visit to the lesser-known Osaka International Peace Centre offered students a deeper understanding of the World War II bombing raids on the city during March and April 1945. Exhibits revealed how bombs were adapted to cause maximum destruction and how school-aged children worked in ammunition factories after class. An original army call-up notice was on display, prompting further insight from the Australian War Memorial curator, who discussed Australian eyewitness accounts from the period.

Students were both intrigued and challenged by the complex subway map, ticketing systems, and the abundance of vending machines, which offered everything from drinks to hot meals. To conclude their stay in Osaka, the group enjoyed a hands-on cultural activity where they dressed as ninjas and samurai and learned basic combat techniques.

The group then boarded the Shinkansen bullet train for the next stage of their educational journey—Hiroshima.

13/04/2025

The Melbourne school group spent their final day in Ho Chi Minh City immersed in culture and cuisine. Their morning began with a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, where students carefully followed instructions to prepare traditional dishes and deepen their appreciation of the country’s cuisine. To conclude their tour, the group visited the Bitexco Financial Tower—one of the tallest buildings in Vietnam—where panoramic views unfolded beneath them, enhanced by binoculars from the observation deck.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the country’s largest city and a vital economic hub, home to over 9 million people and a mix of French colonial landmarks and modern skyscrapers. It also boasts the country's busiest airport, Tan Son Nhat International, where the group farewelled their local tour guide and boarded their homebound flight, reflecting on the rich experiences of their journey.

Thank you to the dedicated teaching staff who generously gave their time to accompany and support the students throughout their journey in Vietnam. A special thank you to Miss Lien for her outstanding leadership, attentive care, and meticulous attention to detail in guiding the group.

12/04/2025

The Melbourne-based school group ventured to the Cu Chi Tunnels, gaining firsthand insight into one of the most strategic sites of the Vietnam War. Students and staff were introduced to the ingenious tactics used by the Viet Cong to resist and delay American forces. These included concealed termite mound entrances, smokeless cooking fires, bamboo-spiked b***y traps, and the use of chilli and pepper to throw off sniffer dogs.

Some students bravely entered the narrow, three-tiered tunnel system—crawling and crouching through its confined spaces, deliberately designed to be too small for American soldiers. Spanning over 250 kilometres, the tunnels once housed entire communities, including kitchens, living quarters, hospitals, and command centres. They played a crucial role in the success of guerrilla warfare during the conflict.

To learn more about the Cu Chi Tunnels, watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6EKDzBN0Z8

10/04/2025

The Melbourne students explored the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, beginning with a visit to Chinatown—an area rich in history and culture. Despite over 300 years of change, Chinese traditions remain strong here. Temples are filled with the scent of incense, bustling markets echo with the calls of traders, and the streets are alive with the movement of trolleys and a mix of transport vehicles carrying both people and goods.

The group also visited the War Remnants Museum to deepen their understanding of the Vietnam War, known locally as the American War. The museum presented powerful and confronting exhibits, highlighting the enduring impact and legacy of the conflict.

08/04/2025

Students and staff continued their Health, Food and Hospitality Tour in Hoi An, Vietnam, with a day full of immersive, hands-on experiences.
The morning began with a visit to Tra Que Village, where the group explored traditional Vietnamese farming practices. This was followed by a scenic boat trip to the nearby mangrove wetlands, where students and staff navigated the waterways in traditional basket boats to see this unique ecosystem.
The day concluded with a practical cooking class, offering students the opportunity to prepare and enjoy a selection of authentic local dishes for dinner.