Our Philosophy / Responsible Travel
Sala Baï
TRAINING AT THE HEART OF DEVELOPMENT
Launched in 2002, Sala Baï Hotel and Restaurant school is a program created by the French NGO Agir Pour le Cambodge (APLC), to fight poverty and human trafficking through social and professional training of young underprivileged Cambodians.
The program
The goal of the program is to train 150 young underprivileged Cambodians each year, and free of charge, in the main professions of the hospitality industry. After 18 years in operation, more than 1,850 students have been trained and found a job in one of the fastest growing economic sector of the country, enabling them to achieve economic independence and improving the living conditions of their families.
Support by Taking a Culinary Journey with the Sala Baï Students
The Sala Baï training restaurant offers a selection of varied dishes (international and Khmer) to offer you an unforgettable culinary journey. By having lunch in our training restaurant, you support the training of the students who can practice in real professional conditions.
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Phare Ponleu Selpak
Changing Lives through the Arts
Phare Ponleu Selpak – in Khmer, The Brightness of the Arts – is a Cambodian non-profit arts school located in Battambang, offering support to children, youth and the surrounding communities through artistic, educational, social and community outreach and engagement programmes.
Over 1000 students are empowered every year through our schools and programmes: performing, visual and applied arts leisure classes, and vocational training aid children and young adults to develop their creativity, communication and concentration skills, and to access a sustainable artistic career whilst preserving and promoting Cambodian arts and culture.
VISION: Phare Ponleu Selpak believes passionately in the power of the arts as a tool for human development and social change.
MISSION: Phare Ponleu Selpak is dedicated to providing a nurturing and creative environment where young people can access quality arts training, education, and social support.
VALUES: Creativity. Professionalism. Collaboration. Accessibility.
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Do not hesitate to contact us to know how to support though our travels
Airavata Foundation
The project
Airavata was created to curb the trend, to protect on a small scale, a human scale, the last elephants of a province and the forest where they were born. In the old days, each Ratanakiri tribe would own a few elephants but, time passing, the province started loosing its pachyderms. An exceptional heritage was on the verge of disappearance, elephants but also all the knowledge passed on from generation to generation by families of mahouts. We are therefore proud and happy to introduce you to the very last elephants of the province in their natural environment, the protected forest of Okatieng.
Located in the province of Ratanakiri in the far north-east of Cambodia, Airavata is a foundation that works to maintain the multi-millennial link between man and elephant.
Decried, sullied and caricatured by some Westerners whose motives are sometimes as ideological as they are financial, this link is nevertheless one of the most noble achievements that humanity has ever made. To tame the elephant, to establish a lasting trust between a pachyderm weighing several tons and a human weighing a few kilos is to hold the torch to a tradition that dates back 4500 years!
A new generation elephant camp, an ethical and responsible alternative to mass tourism, Aïravata is a place where balance is sought above all. Between the Katieng forest, which shelters and feeds our elephants, and the centre where we work with them on a daily basis, applying as best we can the rules established by the “Asian Captive Elephants Standards”, we ensure our protégés healthy and natural living conditions but also a permanent interaction with humans based on Cambodian tradition as well as on the teachings of the best experts. Our credo is to give back its place to the elephant, this animal that has done so much for Cambodia but has almost disappeared because of the wars and the Khmer Rouge genocide. A country that forgets its history and traditions is a mutilated country; in our small way, we are working to heal these wounds.
While many elephant protection associations discourage any interaction with these animals, this is not our case. Our approach to conservation is also cultural, we intend to perpetuate these traditions which are part of the soul of the country and we continue to offer, among other eco-tourist services, elephant rides, as long as they are carefully supervised and the elephants evolve in their natural environment, the forest.
In a residual forest located about ten kilometres south of Banlung, small groups of travellers are welcomed to experience the unique experience of interacting with the last remaining domesticated Cambodian elephants.
A volunteer system will be set up to help organise the camp, train mahouts and staff, protect the Okatieng forest, set up firebreaks and nurseries to replant deforested areas.
AIRAVATA intends to demonstrate that “elephant conservation” can also rhyme with “heritage” and have another aspect than these “sanctuaries” which are often similar to zoos where any interaction with elephants has been banned by ideology.
Heritage & Ancient Music instruments with Theam’s Gallery
The most unexpected hidden gem in Siem Reap!
Angkor is a land of many wonders which has inspired artistic expression for millennia. Today Siem Reap boasts an array of talented artists with Theam’s Gallery at the very core. Located a mere 10 minutes from the majestic temples of Angkor, Theam’s Gallery is the home, atelier, and gallery of Master Cambodian Artist, Lim Muy Theam.
Craft Workshop
Witness young apprentice artisans painting, sculpting, and lacquering, while discovering the colorful contemporary creations of Theam himself.
Art Gallery
This exquisite visual arts space features a professionally curated showroom exhibiting all artworks conceived and produced onsite. It gives visitors an authentic insight into the distinctive world of Cambodian art.
ancient pavilions
Immerse yourself into Khmer culture through its architecture, its everyday objects, and even its traditional musical instruments.
Apsara Dances with Angkor Village Theater
OUR STORY
Since 1997, Siem Reap’s oldest Theatre contributes to the revival of Khmer Traditional Dances, and the preservation of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
Built in a traditional semi-colonial style, the Apsara Theatre is imbued with a grandiose energy. From its original wooden exterior to its antique décor and marquee lights; the magic of the old theatre is alive and well.
Madam Net has been training dancers and promoting Khmer performing arts since the 1980s. Today, a troupe of 30 artists perform renditions of the ancient Reamker legends, and folk dances from rural Cambodia.
On evenings, the Apsara Theatre opens its doors to showcase Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, our traditional performing arts. Dancers, singers and musicians will perform 3 classical and 2 village dances to the music of the traditional orchestra. The performance will be preceded by a beverage service and an authentic meal.
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Do not hesitate to contact us to know how to support though our travels
From papers to Digital Travel documents
We have, since the Covid-19 period, first starting to use digital vouchers
Since then we have been starting to use and send to all agencies digital travel documents. For several months, we are also using digital business cards, programs & Welcome kits with QR codes.
Refill, no land fill program
As an option, we are offering this way of traveling, plastic free traveling
Our Values
- Tailor-made is our main WORD. We design each program for every request, providing the ideal program according the requests and needs of your customers
- Local people development: Supporting local economic growth through responsible tourism
- Heritage Safety: Preserving and respecting local culture and heritage
- Eco concerns: Minimizing our footprint on the environment with rising the level of quality our services.
- Innovation: developing new products to give new and authentic experiences
- Security & satisfaction: We are on spot and are in relation directly with the guests to ensure the quality of the services all the time on spot. Nobody leaves the country without a smile!
- Excellence: VIP options: we have many options for High level requests
Our PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is to incorporate travel into a tourism approach that respects local populations and the environment. All our team members at our Boutique DMC are Earth lovers, so we always strive to highlight partners who respect the environment, both fauna and flora, at all our destinations. We also believe that traveling is about encountering new people and experiencing new ways of life. We have focused on sharing with you the best partners possible. From booking to on-site services, we are very proud of our big "Family" that will serve you.
Legacy
"Peace is the only battle worth waging." HER Norodom Sihanouk
In Cambodia, this profound belief resonates deeply throughout the nation's spirit. Nestled in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a land rich in history, culture, natural beauty, and stunning coastlines. Its majestic temples, particularly Angkor Wat, stand as testaments to a glorious past. The Khmer people's resilience and hope for peace have shaped the country into a haven of tranquility and cultural heritage.
From the bustling markets of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside of Battambang, Cambodia's charm lies in its harmonious blend of old and new. Visitors are welcomed with warm smiles and the promise of unforgettable experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to enjoying traditional Khmer cuisine. The peaceful landscapes, from the lush Cardamom Mountains to the picturesque Mekong River, invite all to embrace the tranquility and beauty of this remarkable country.
Cambodia's coastlines add another layer of allure. The pristine beaches of Sihanoukville, Kep, and Koh Rong offer crystal-clear waters and idyllic settings perfect for relaxation and adventure. Whether you're diving into the vibrant marine life, lounging on white sandy beaches, or enjoying fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, the coastal regions of Cambodia provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.
The combination of cultural richness, natural beauty, and serene coastlines makes Cambodia a unique destination where peace and harmony prevail, offering travelers an unforgettable journey through history, nature, and relaxation.