EXO’s rural village experiences and overnight stays offer a special opportunity to connect with Cambodia beyond its famed temples.
These immersive visits to Cambodia’s remote communities introduce visitors to the rhythms of daily life, from cooking traditional Khmer dishes to learning handicrafts alongside local artisans.
Stepping away from the more popular tourist trail, these areas reflect the authentic spirit of Cambodia and foster a deeper connection with the culture and people.
For shorter holidays, EXO recommends incorporating a half or full day experience, such as an interactive village walk or a meal with a local family. For those with more time, an overnight stay in a community promises an even richer cultural immersion.
In addition to enriching the travel experience, these visits contribute to the preservation of Cambodia’s cultural traditions and provide meaningful support to local communities.
Banteay Chhmar Homestay
Banteay Chhmar Homestay, located in northwest Cambodia around three hours from Siem Reap, offers travellers a unique community-based tourism experience. Guests stay in one of six traditional Khmer houses, enjoying simple yet comfortable accommodations that reflect the rural lifestyle.
The homestay initiative supports local families and provides an authentic immersion into village life. Visitors can explore the magnificent Banteay Chhmar temple complex, a less-visited Angkorian site with intricate bas-reliefs. The experience also includes ample local interaction, participating in daily activities like rice farming or cooking and learning about Cambodian culture.
EXO recommends: This homestay is the perfect complement to a Siem Reap visit, where travellers can experience authentic village life and explore serene, crowd-free temples. A two-night stay is ideal for savouring the peaceful countryside and range of immersive activities.
Farmhouse by Smiling Gecko
Farmhouse by Smiling Gecko lies within the lush countryside, just an hour north of Phnom Penh. This boutique resort features 12 elegantly designed, spacious rooms housed in refined Khmer-style bungalows.
More than simply a hotel, it is a community-based tourism project created to uplift local residents. Guests experience an immersive journey into eco-conscious living, connecting with nature through farm-to-table organic meals and hands-on insights into Cambodian craftsmanship. Excursions to nearby Buddhist temples, farms and villages are designed to delve deeper into Cambodia’s authentic traditions and daily life.
What sets it apart is its mission: all profits support the Smiling Gecko Foundation’s initiatives in education, vocational training and job creation for the community.
EXO recommends: The Farmhouse offers a serene oasis, perfect for easing into a Cambodia holiday or enjoying a refreshing mid-journey respite. We recommend staying at least two nights to fully experience the activities both on-site and in the surrounding area.
For travellers short on time, EXO has a range of half and full day experiences that introduce a more authentic side of Cambodia. Here are just a few examples of what we offer in Siem Reap:
- Remote Temples & Countryside: Travel through the scenic Cambodian countryside to the impressive ruins of the Banteay Chhmar temple complex, located near the border of Thailand. Experience the solitude of these beautiful temples and the surrounding villages.
- Local Village Communities: Get a taste of rural Cambodian life. Travel by ox cart to a remote village, stopping to browse colourful markets and to join farming activities. Share a meal with friendly locals and be blessed in a traditional Buddhist ceremony. Explore Tonle Sap Lake and the residents’ unique lifestyle.
- Authentic Tonle Sap: See what life is like on Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, cruising past quiet waterways. Have lunch in a local house and learn about the traditional lifestyles of the people who call Tonle Sap their home.
- Rural Community Walk: Experience the rhythms of rural Cambodian life. Explore the vibrant market, immerse yourself in villager’s daily life. Share a meal with friendly locals, learn about fish smoking and be blessed in a traditional Buddhist ceremony
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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