For some this visit about understanding and volunteering. For others it is a magical visit but also with awareness of this country's conservative culture and past.
One of the most inspiring experiences is to see the spirit and friendliness of a people who have endured terrible things. This country is new to 'tourism' after the ravages of war, firstly through ruthless bombing by the Nixon-Kissinger administration, then by the genocide of the Khmer Rouge. The story of these people is in the movie The Killing Fields.
NGO enterprises and schools have done much to provide a bright future for many of Cambodia's disadvantaged, who in turn help their families still in villages. But tourism has been a two edged sword. Sometimes Cambodians have witnessed behavior from tourists that gives the wrong impression of foreigners increasingly from a race that once bombed their country simply because it was next door to Vietnam, and which also sometimes appears to be a race that lacks modesty and respect.
There is a lot this country can teach us westerners about happiness, fulfilment and joy. Our tours and travel are intended to take you into this experience too.
Being here can really be a very beautiful experience and if you want to get the best from your visit, leave your normal city life and expectations behind. Relax and go with the flow. Once you can do this, then transformation can happen.
Education heals wounds and creates understanding that friendliness and good customer service also benefits them, their families and their country. The reality is that this is a country that was left struggling to earn a pittance for food and shelter. There are issues of the effects of tourism itself as it is westerners who feed the drug and prostitution cycle which then leads to abandoned children and those rescued from child prostitution who fill the orphanages. As a guest you will have the opportunity to learn about worthy projects and also the pitfalls and things to watch out for, such as you want to visit an orphanage but is it Child Safe?
Also please wait until we have given you a brief introduction to Cambodia before handing out money to someone who says he was a monk and has now started a school or so on. This is not always the case. Additionally, although we welcome donations to assist good causes and help start businesses for financial independence we do not want to end up teaching people how to keep asking for money. Thank you.
There are truly wonderful experiences here......... Let us help you enjoy the friendliest guest houses, boutique hotels, tours, cafes, spas and shopping in the right locations to make your visit smooth and uplifting.
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