The experience: Yaklom Hill Lodge is the leading ecolodge in Cambodia and has been recognised by several tourism organisations such as Green Globe Awards and Responsible Tourism. This peaceful lodge is set in a lush tract of jungle near the beautiful volcanic crater lake of Yeak Loam. This rich habitat includes more than 60 species of birds and several types of small mammal. Accommodation is in attractive wooden cottages
and includes singles, doubles, triples and a family cottage. There is also a traditional hilltribe house which can sleep up to eight people. All have a private bathroom and electricity by night to power a fan and some lights. The lodge is currently looking at ways to improve solar power and eliminate the need for a generator. The lodge also includes an evocative restaurant and bar.
There are several viewing platforms dotted about the site, offering lush jungle views for sunrise or sunset. There are also nature trails, affording the possibility of bird and wildlife sightings. The lodge also has an extensive trekking programme around Ratanakiri and can organise day walks, overnight treks to tribal villages and longer treks into Virachey National Park. Yaklom Hill Lodge is the ideal place to get away from it all and experience another side of Cambodia, among minority peoples in their mountain home.
How it helps: Yaklom Hill Lodge promotes ecotourism, culturally sensitive tourism and community tourism. The lodge tries to conserve local environment and ecology by protecting vegetation in the lodge area and the habitats of wild animals. It promotes sustainable cultural tourism with the participation of local villagers and
it contributes to local communities in support of community development. The lodge pays serious attention to conserving the natural environment and resources, and minimizing its impact on nature. This includes saving water, minimizing the use of conventional energy and promoting the use of renewable energy such as solar power. The lodge also promotes inter-cultural exchange between visitors and indigenous villagers through
its trekking and village home stay programmes. The lodge supports communities with overnight fees for the host families or direct contribution to the host villages through their community development activities. All staff at Yaklom Hill Lodge are locally recruited. The multi-ethnic staff includes the Tompuon, Kreung, Khmer and Lao ethnic groups.
Woven with Respect
From the red earth of Preah Vihear, a community of determined landmine survivors is creating a sustainable income through traditional weaving.
The experience: Weaves of Cambodia is a village-based silk weaving studio located in the remote province of Preah Vihear in the far north of Cambodia. It was established in 1997 to offer employment opportunities for landmine survivors. The studio is directed by American textile designer Carol Cassidy, who also runs a renowned silk weaving outlet in Vientiane.
Visitors are welcome to explore the studio in Tbeng Meanchey in Preah Vihear province. Tours are available and staff are happy to explain every step of the production process. This part of Cambodia sees fewer tourists than most, so the team are always happy to meet new visitors and demonstrate their skills. There is a small showroom at the studio where visitors can purchase unique handmade silk accessories such
as scarves and shawls. Continuous training in colour theory, textile design, marketing and management has contributed to a reputation of excellence throughout Cambodia.
Weaves of Cambodia offers handwoven silk with a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and creativity. The world-class textiles are sold in design shops throughout Asia, Europe and the United States.
How it helps: Working closely with Village Focus International, Weaves of Cambodia is a community-
based enterprise employing landmine survivors and disabled people. Preah Vihear has one of the
highest levels of landmine victims in the country and this project tries to focus on vulnerable women and their families.
Weaves of Cambodia strives to uphold Fair Trade values. It provides a rare employment opportunity for physically challenged artisans to earn a significant income that supports the entire family. The remote Studio enables the weavers of Tbeng Meanchey to stay in their rural homes, be gainfully employed, have professional integrity and contribute to the economy.
Weaves of Cambodia is Khmer managed and employs more than 40 rural artisans. Weaves is making strides toward self-sufficiency and hopes to remain a viable model for weaving success in Cambodia. Village Focus assists with management, marketing, development and accounting. Weaves' silk is helping Cambodia weave a brighter future.
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