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.