A Brighter Future

Fair Trade shopping throughout Cambodia is expanding and popular with tourists. Locally designed clothing and accessories are made from exceptional quality resources, using traditional practices of arts and crafts that have been passed down through generations.

I bought some lovely casual pants, tops, bags and souvenirs made with good quality materials from various fair trade shops and boutiques, belonging to “Artisans Association Cambodia”. This organisation is not for profit and enables disabled and disadvantaged people in Cambodia to gain an education, skills, self esteem and most importantly, an income.


Left: Observing the various stages of silk making in Angkor Silk Farm was very interesting.

Women employed here are in a clean, organised and safe work environment and take pride in their work as well as themselves.

From silkworms munching on mulberry leaves through to the most finest crafted merchandise, is an amazing process.



I gain a deep satisfaction in knowing, that not only by purchasing something that benefits and provides the disadvantaged community with an income and future, I am also receiving a unique customary item to take home.

Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Centre in Phnom Penh

Above: Christian based "Daughters of Cambodia" is a place close to my heart and where I loved to shop also, for realising that my money was helping young girls to break free of their entrapment in the sex trade. The little boutique in Phnom Penh stocks good quality clothing, as well as some exquisite pieces of art and crafts. The profits are used to provide the girls with counselling, life-saving skills, medical treatment and an education to start a new life.

Half of the restaurants we dined in belonged to reputable training organisations, where the profits are invested into supporting young trainees.

Students are socially trained, gaining hospitality skills, self-confidence and grow to become productive, securing employment with a decent wage and an optimistic future.

I must add, these restaurants were incredibly appealing and satisfying with excellent cuisine, prepared with fresh, local produce and efficient and friendly service.

Romdeng Restaurant

Above: Delicious tropical Prawn, Coconut and Pomelo Salad complemented with a light, crisp glass of sauvignon blanc was my favourite in Romdeng Restaurant.

A couple of the restaurants I’d thoroughly recommend are Romdeng and Friends the Restaurant in Phnom Penh which are part of the “Tree Alliance” training restaurants.

Starfish Bakery

The Starfish Bakery & Cafe in Sihanoukville, in association with “Starfish Project” is where I devoured the most delicious grilled chicken and salad sandwich made with oven fresh brown rice, gluten free bread.

and Life Goes on

The Khmer people have been to hell and back, enduring years of carnage and

poverty under rickety laws. Despite this, their resilient spirit and optimism have

triumphed and they continue their life conveying their warm and generous smiles.

My admiration and fondness for the citizens of this kingdom is immeasurable.

"You may not control all the events that happen to you,
but you can decide not to be reduced by them"

- Maya Angelou

Khmer farmers with their precious Brahman cows

One of my most cherished highlights in Cambodia was our homestay in Sambor Prei Kuk. 

Our large room upstairs from our host family's main living area was fresh and spacious.

Each floor mattress quaintly arranged side by side, was made up with clean linen, a thin cotton bath towel neatly folded and a mosquito net suspended overhead. Our shared basic bathroom was also clean and adequate for what we needed for the night.

Our beds made up for the night - photo by co-traveller Corinna.

The family were typically cheerful and easy to interact with as they could speak and understand basic English quite well.

The meals prepared for dinner and breakfast from fresh local produce, was delicious and plentiful. With a variety of dishes to indulge in, all 14 of us left the table feeling extremely full and satisfied.

Our Home Stay in Sambo Prei Kuk

Within the Sambor Prei Kuk village, we also had the privilege of interacting with the children of the nearby school, helping to revise their English word charts, chatting about their interests, playing in the sand with the little ones and joining in the older children's much loved game of football.

Playing soccer with the kids at a village school
in Sambor Prei Kuk - video by Terry

Quite often, we'd stop along the roadside to purchased Kralan for 1USD. The delicious traditional combination of steamed rice, soy beans and coconut milk is stuffed into bamboo and cooked on hot coals to perfection. I treated myself to quite a few of these tasty, nutritious snacks to go. 

Young lady cooking and selling Kralan along the roadside.