Schools In At Bong Thom Homestay
A “good afternoon” greeting rings out in unison from the 40-strong class of Cambodian kids gathered in a makeshift school room at a home stay near Angkor Wat, Siem Reap.
These children have a benefactor who set up this school at his own expense eight months ago to teach the region’s youngsters to speak English.
Ranging from 6-16 years, this mixed group has a three-hour daily lesson from a dedicated teacher, and supported by a small library BONG THOM HOMESTAY SCHOOL and some supportive parents who relish the opportunity provided by Bong Thom Homestay. “It is a way to support our community,” says owner and school founder, Sou Say (Thom). “Not many of the local children can speak English, which is often an entry card to a good job and a guarantee for the future of the Cambodian hospitality and tourism industry which is booming in Siem Reap. Our forecast is for a 22 per cent growth in visitations this year,” he said. “The children have a vital role to play in this future.”
Nestled in the heart of the historic and captivating Angkor Wat region,The Bong Thom
Homestay offers something for everyone: team building, camping, weddings, functions, cooking classes, fishing (in the purpose-built fish farms) rice harvesting and ox cart rides and the very important student programs.
Catering and lunches are a core part of the business with more than 9500 catering and lunch guests last year usually as they return from viewing Angkor Wat and surrounding temples. A seven-course lunch using local produce ranges from USD$12 to $20. Also available are sunrise breakfasts, cocktail sunsets and special events that take advantage of the 3.6 hectare site opposite the Butterfly Gardens.
The Bong Thom Homestay is a unique community-based tourism site which captures the essence of village life in the heartland of Bong thom building Cambodia. Located in San Day Village, Banteay Srey District, Siem Reap Province, on the way to Bantey Srey temple about 26Km from Siem Reap, The Bong Thom Homestay is ideally situated with easy access to the popular tourist destination of Siem Reap, home of the world-famous Angkor temples: 18km from Angkor Wat, 10km from Prasat Pre Rup, 9km from Prasat Banteay Sam Rea, 19km from the Kbal Spean waterfall, 25km from the Phnom Kulen waterfall.
Guests can relax while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Cambodia. All the rooms are designed with comfort in mind, all built of teak and local timbers and standing on stilts. A full range of popular amenities and a friendly, caring staff are a high point which guarantees a wealth of repeat business.
The Bong Thom Homestay was founded by Mr Sou Say (Thom) in response to growing demand from European and other tour operators. Apart from the activities they required the development and introduction of genuine Khmer foods of the district.
The first phase of the project opened to international guests in 2009. As a community-based project with neighboring Phum Sanday, the Bong Thom Homestay aims to help diversify livelihoods and reduce poverty in the countryside. The Bong Thom Homestay employs 20 local villagers on a full-time basis and can call on extra staff to service larger groups.
The objective is to liaise with local communities and use their own resources, and to provide opportunities for visitors to experience the culture, local nature and true Khmer lifestyle.
Mr Thom, as well as being the school benefactor and an insightful pillar of the local community, is also a general manager of an international hotel in Siem Reap.
Written by : John Savage
Source: http://www.eglobaltravelmedia.com.au/schools-in-at-bong-thom-homestay/
My wife and I are the big fans of foods and we have explored almost every restaurants town but The Bong Thom Home Stay foods are very delicous. Chai is the chef which is very creative and always combined the food between Cambodian traditional to modern decoration. Chai and his staff are very welcome and helpful, they would do anything to satisfies you while you are there for lunch or either staying at Bong Thom Home Stay. We have spent our week-end and we found this place is perfect for people who escape from the crowded cities. Relax and peaceful and you will receive many fresh air in the middle of remote area. the location is middle of the temple area and you are able to visit any temple during you are there at the Bong Thom Home Stay. Definitely recommended this place and will also return back soon. Thank you!!! Stayed October 2014, traveled as a couple
We did not say overnight and Bong Thom. Instead, we had the inestimable pleasure to eat and be entertained here. The food was unsurpassed during our several days in Siem Reap. The musical entertainment was a treat. Best of all, however, was the knowledge that our patronage would help its owner continue to provide free afternoon education for about 60 of the village's children. In the corrupt country that is Cambodia, education is neither compulsory nor tax-funded. If families cannot afford to educate their children -- and very many cannot -- then the children receive no education. It is heartbreaking. It was our very great pleasure to have dined at Bong Thom, and an even greater pleasure to have made a contribution to the continuing education of this village's children. Stayed November 2015, traveled as a couple
we had a fantastic experience from a smooth check in. Rooms are cleaned daily with nice clean sheets. concierge was very knowledgeable and recommended great dining places. value for money if you are on a budget. Stayed September 2014, traveled as a couple
Situated 20min by car from Siem Reap you can find this incredible homestay where you can hide away from the cities madness and just chill out or explore the Angkor temples at your own pace. The homestay has several bedrooms wich offers basically all you may need to make your stay comfortable. 24hrs electricity is provided but no WiFi anyhow, if you stay in a place like this you really are not looking to be conected are you? Homestay also offers food (very nice, tasty & organic as they grow it onsite) and transportation to temples or city. As said previously ... would stay here if you are looking for peace & quiet. 100% recomended Stayed August 2014, traveled with friends