14 March 2019Urban Tales, a fresh tourist activity recently arrived in Cambodia, invites you to step into the shoes of adventurers to uncover the mysteries discovered by Anatole Pasquier, a late French explorer. Immerse yourself in 1882 and solve an initiatory riddle while discovering Cambodia's capital.

Phnom Penh is brimming with historical secrets and mysteries waiting to be uncovered. French nationals who came to populate the kingdom when the protectorate was established, seized by passion and curious to tread lands then unknown to them, explored Cambodia in search of History, legends... Some of these adventures were left unfinished. Such is the case for Anatole Pasquier's. Your mission? Solve these abandoned enigmas.

In the Footsteps of Explorers

The adventure begins in Phnom Penh's grand National Library, keeper of authentic archives that will transport you back into the city's history. Leang Mey will be your guide and set the foundation for an investigation in search of pieces of a lost artifact. Researchers from the archaeology department at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh have managed to recover one of them. Your task is to help them reconstruct the relic! Period letters, keys, chests, and countless other discoveries will lead you to the prize. Anatole Pasquier kept a travel narrative and notes, clues. You'll have the opportunity to read and study them to understand his path. You'll be equipped with a true explorer's kit containing a compass, a map of Phnom Penh under the protectorate, and manuscripts that will be handed to you as the investigation unfolds.

Fabulous characters played by local actors await you throughout your journey. They will help you or, on the contrary, attempt to throw obstacles in your path. "We've planned a large roster of actors to handle any last-minute contingencies," assures Leang Mey. "They've all been trained in the field to ensure certain authenticity to the story."

The adventure, as immersive as possible, leaves great room for imagination. Your creation. Question the people you wish to reach your goal. Evasion, tricks, discussions... Adopt appropriate behavior in each situation, but above all, improvise. Phnom Penh's archaeology needs you to solve this mystery. Will you be up to the task?

Thibault Bourru.

Thibault BourruA passionate devotee of literature and Asia, Thibault shares his experiences through his writing.