The four homestays are simple affairs, in the homes of local villagers, just as the name suggests. Each one has been kitted out with a mattress, mosquito net and fan, though the village does not have 24-hour electricity. Thanks to the sea breezes, the evenings tend to be relatively cool though, so you won’t be sweating except on very hot nights. The families do not speak English, and the organiser is working with them to help them maximise the experience for the guest, but we imagine there may be some moments of awkwardness. It all makes for better stories though.
The project is directed by Jonny, the fellow who started it, in order to provide support to the local community in the form of direct income generation for families — so far there are four new homestays, the number of families producing coconut oil has expanded from one to three, locals are employed as guides for trekking and kayaking trips, there is a bag-weaving initiative that has just started — as well as redirecting some of that income into a community fund for local development projects.
The village is a reasonably typical Khmer fishing village, with a lovely centre filled with palm trees, from whose fruits three local families make the most delicious coconut oil. Rightly or wrongly, they burn it slightly which gives a delicious, distinctive caramel-like smell.
The easiest way to get there is to book a boat trip tour with Adventure Adam, who will drop you off and pick up two days later. Adam has been working with Jonny for the last year to help develop the project. Those who have skills to offer the village, such as teaching, can stay for free in a special house for volunteers, which was actually the nicest of all of the accommodations that we saw there.
Meals are usually taken with the families and cost $3/$4 each. A little less for breakfast. Jonny speaks almost perfect English, and is always on hand to help out. He’s a lovely man, who wants the best for this village as much as for the experience of the visitors.
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