RIPPLE EFFECT RIDES
ABOUT US
Ripple Effect Rides was born from our shared passion for cycling, sustainable tourism, and creating tangible change. So many travellers visit developing countries with a desire to give back but often lack the local knowledge to make a real impact. We set out to change that—offering meaningful, community-driven experiences that allow travellers to explore Cambodia while directly supporting grassroots initiatives that drive sustainable change.
Siem Reap has been home to us collectively for over 14 years. While the Angkor Temples are an undeniable draw, what makes this region truly unique is how quickly you can escape into the countryside—lush rice fields, remote villages, and off-the-beaten-track cycling routes are all just minutes from the town centre. Beyond its beauty, Cambodia holds a special place in our hearts, and given its history, we are deeply committed to supporting its sustainable development.
Cycling isn’t just at the heart of our tours—it’s the foundation of our mission. As a social enterprise, giving back isn’t an add-on; it’s fundamental to everything we do. We’ve carefully selected partner organisations that are locally led and highly impactful, addressing critical needs such as education, shelter, and animal welfare. By integrating these causes into our rides, we create a deeper connection between travellers and the communities they visit. It’s a win-win: our guests gain meaningful insights, while our partner organisations receive the support they need to continue their vital work.
Our commitment to social impact is deeply intertwined with REACH Siem Reap, the not-for-profit organisation founded by Emily. Her journey started at age 21 when she first volunteered in Cambodia. On her final day of placement, she was taken to visit the families the NGO was supporting, and the shocking reality of widespread poverty deeply affected her. Seeing the challenging conditions so many children were living in became the catalyst for her lifelong commitment to sustainable development.
After years of fundraising and working with grassroots initiatives in Cambodia, Emily founded REACH Siem Reap in 2019, driven by a vision of full financial transparency and holistic family support. The organisation now provides education and resources to help break longstanding cycles of poverty, ensuring that families stay together and children have a pathway to fair employment.
Having grown up between Australia and Indonesia, Emily’s experiences shaped her approach to humanitarian work. Watching her parents run a locally led business in Bali taught her the importance of community ownership—something that is now a core principle at REACH Siem Reap, where all programs are led and delivered by Khmer staff.
Cambodia initially caught Marco’s attention because he had a connection here, but it quickly became so much more than that. After spending 10 years in high-end hospitality in London, the fast-paced industry left him feeling burnt out and disconnected. While the excitement of luxury service had its rewards, he found himself craving something deeper—something more meaningful.
Asia had always fascinated him, so he took a break to travel, and Cambodia was his first stop. The moment he arrived, he felt an unexpected sense of belonging. The warmth and genuineness of the people struck a chord in a way he hadn’t experienced before. It felt like a missing piece of the puzzle had finally clicked into place.
Meeting Emily and joining REACH Siem Reap solidified that feeling. She introduced him to a whole new side of life, one centred on community and making a real difference. Through REACH and Ripple Effect Rides, Marco found the perfect way to merge his passion for creating unforgettable experiences with his desire to connect with people on a deeper level.
Ripple Effect Rides was born from our shared desire to merge our love for cycling and adventure travel with our commitment to supporting local NGOs in Siem Reap. We saw an opportunity to create meaningful, small-group cycling experiences that not only allow travellers to explore Cambodia’s hidden landscapes but also contribute directly to impactful grassroots initiatives. By combining sustainable tourism with responsible giving, we aim to set a new standard for travel—one where every ride creates a positive ripple effect for both guests and the communities we visit.
As of March 5th, 2025, our customers have raised a total of $231,718 USD for our partners. We believe tourism should be leveraged for good. Through our tours, we raise funds in multiple ways, from direct donations to our partners to bespoke charity bike rides. Every ride with us contributes to lasting, meaningful change.
To learn more about how we give back, visit our Our Impact page.
Our vision is to set a new standard for responsible tourism in Siem Reap. With the launch of our day tours and community rides, we aim to expand our fundraising efforts and deepen our impact. We are committed to providing fair wages, training, and employment opportunities for marginalised individuals while continuing to support organisations like REACH Siem Reap.
Through corporate partnerships, educational programs, and charitable collaborations, we hope to demonstrate the true power of travel as a force for good. We believe that travel should do more than take you places—it should leave a lasting impact.
We invite you to join us on this journey.
Explore, connect, and be part of something bigger.