Farmhouse Smiling Gecko, Nr Phnom Penh

Farmhouse Smiling Gecko is situated about 1 hour outside of Phnom Penh, but it's worlds away from the hustle and bustle of this ever-expanding city. An NGO set up the hotel in 2014 on their 70-hectare complex, including organic farms, an international school, and a training centre. The idea was to take on young Cambodians, offering them vocational training and jobs so they could support themselves and their families for the long term.  

The hotel itself has 34 rooms spread throughout the jungle grounds in 17 wooden stilt houses, all built by hand, inspired by the traditional Khmer way of life. The ceilings are vast, and there is an attention to detail in the handmade furniture and overall aesthetic. The bathrooms are lovely, with oversized walk-in showers and a bathtub. You’ll find a private veranda, and below your house, you will find another seating area with a day bed to kick back in and listen to the hum of the jungle.  

The pool area has a pleasant atmosphere with a little bar and lounge area. You’ll find most people here enjoying a sundowner after a day of exploring or relaxing for a couple of days at the end of their holiday. You’ll find a well-equipped gym and another pool alongside a wellness centre. Given this is a farm-based experience, food is an integral part of your stay. Most ingredients are sourced from the farm or within a 25km radius of the property. Both western and traditional Khmer food is on the menu, and you’ll be amazed at the quality, especially as they have their butchery on site.  

 An absolute must is a tour of the Smiling Gecko project, run by the local staff. You can choose to have a quick look around or spend hours finding out about everything the project has achieved and what it hopes to do in the future. We particularly love the carpentry area, where you can see where they make all the furniture, and the fish farm is pretty cool—not forgetting the organic farm area, of course. 

Farmhouse Smiling Gecko has a fantastic ethos, and it showcases an essential side of Cambodia whilst being a comfortable place to stay. The great thing is that you don't need to venture too far off the beaten track to enjoy it. We think you'll leave feeling connected to the country because of its relationship with the community. With this in mind, it’s a hotel we recommend to all visitors to Cambodia. We think families will enjoy the blend of exploring and learning about Cambodia’s past and future whilst being able to chill at the pool with a cocktail or mocktail! It’s a rare find in Asia - well priced, exceptionally well thought out and ultimately making a difference in people's lives.