Living Local: Making the Most from a Cambodian Homestay

Travelling through Cambodia is often associated with images of the Angkor Wat temples and Phnom Penh’s beautiful city life. However, beyond the well-known landmarks lies another side of the country, one rooted in quiet villages, family traditions, and community. Choosing a homestay is a chance to connect with the heart of the country and experience life as the locals live it. By staying in a local family home, you immerse yourself in Cambodian village life while supporting local families and communities. For me, my homestay became one of the most important and meaningful moments of my trip.

Why Choose a Homestay in Cambodia

Staying in someone’s home isn’t about luxury or even comfort, it is about connection. It is a chance to briefly live as part of a community and, in doing so, directly support the families who welcome you. This kind of travel means you can save a bit of money on accommodation and food while learning valuable local insights. On the flip side, your impact in living local supports a family’s income, contributing directly to the local community. Choosing this experience is a small but meaningful way of practicing responsible tourism while gaining a deeper perspective of another side of Cambodia.

 

What to Expect in a Cambodian Village Homestay

Life in a Cambodian village is simple and rustic. Expect to be living no differently from the family, in fact, you may even be living more simply than them as their guest. My experience was staying on a thin mattress with nothing but mosquito nets draped overhead. The bathroom was an outhouse squat toilet with bucket showers, which was definitely a surprise at first but quickly became something to embrace as part of the experience.

Meals are homemade, prepared with local ingredients. Expect lots of rice! I found that sharing food wasn’t just about eating,  it was a time to connect and bond. There are many customs in eating that were unique to anything I had experienced before. For example, the way you eat shows whether you enjoy the meal or not. Making loud noises while eating is a good thing, it shows you’re enjoying your food, and the locals will be really happy to hear it.

Daily routines are shaped by the pattern of village life. Waking up to the sound of roosters and the most beautiful sunrise is part of the experience. Expect to meet a lot of locals on their way to school or work. Transport around the village was a communal tractor, something I had never experienced before, and it was a lot of fun!

How to Make the Most of Your Stay

A homestay is what you make of it, so it depends on how much you’re willing to engage. Interacting with families and learning a few basic Khmer phrases, a simple “hello” (sua s’dei) and “thank you” (awkun) can go a long way and really impress locals. Being open-minded is key to the experience. Customs may be unfamiliar but embrace them as part of it.

Participate in communal activities, whether that means riding along on the tractor or visiting local schools. Participation makes the stay feel far more personal and rewarding.

Practical Tips for Your Stay

Packing smart can make a big difference. I would recommend packing light with modest, lightweight clothing that is suitable for hot weather, plus a raincoat if you’re travelling in Cambodia’s rainy season. Other things to consider bringing include sunscreen, deodorant and perhaps a small pillow for extra comfort.

To stay safe and healthy, always carry a refillable water bottle and use bottled or filtered water. Bring hand sanitiser or wet wipes, and don’t forget insect repellent for those pesky mosquitoes. I would also recommend ensuring you are completely up to date with your vaccinations prior to your trip.

Cultural etiquette is also something to consider. As you will be living in somebody’s home, it is only right to treat it as you would want your own to be treated. For example, remove your shoes before entering homes, and use two hands when giving or receiving something. Make sure you are notably grateful for your stay as these small gestures of respect will go a long way in showing appreciation for your hosts’ generosity.

My Experience

I booked my Cambodian homestay through G adventures, and although it was near the end of the trip, it became one of the most memorable parts. We stayed above a local family’s home in a small room with just a thin mattress and a mosquito net overhead. The bathroom was an outside shed with a hole in the ground and showers meant pouring cold water from a bucket.

What struck me most wasn’t the simplicity, but the kindness. Despite having so little, the family welcomed us in and made us feel at home. They introduced us to their relatives, took us to local restaurants and drove us through the village. They even brought us to a nearby school where we met children eager to greet us.

Even though it was a short stay, I really appreciated the experience. It showed me that even with very little in material terms, there is so much generosity and kindness within these local communities. It reminded me that connection and community are universal and should be shared, no matter where you come from.