What to expect at a Cambodian homestay!

When travelling overseas, nothing gets you better acquainted with the local culture than spending some quality time with the locals themselves.

Whether it’s having a meal at a family-run restaurant, travelling by local transport, or sinking a few beers at a favourite local watering hole, you experience a seriously authentic shift the minute you step outside the tourist bubble and start interacting with the people who live there. So naturally, one of the most humbling and genuine ways to understand a country’s culture is to go all-in on a community homestay.

For some people, the thought of leaving the comfort of a hotel behind and venturing into the home of a stranger, particularly in developing countries, can be a daunting undertaking. But when it comes to Cambodia, we can honestly say you won’t experience anything as eye opening and sincere as a community homestay.

So, what exactly is a homestay?

Essentially, a homestay is where your tour group spends a night or longer – and it’s usually just one – with a local family. The household – or households if your group is split up – welcomes you into their homes for the evening, where you’ll experience what it’s really like to live in this country, exactly as the locals do.

What are the houses like? Do I get my own room?

Homestays are created with the aim of providing as authentic an experience as possible.

In Cambodia, houses are fairly simple, with only a small number lucky enough to have electricity (and even then it’s not the most reliable). During my own homestay experience, there were a few power outages later at night. The family we stayed with were totally unfazed about the lights going out and their tiny television failing, simply shrugging and wishing us a good sleep.

When it comes to sleeping arrangements, the host families maintain a separate multi-share room for visitors, either in their house or next to it in a type of ‘main hall’, to give a sense of privacy when it’s time to hit the hay. Bedding is pretty basic; either mattresses on the floor or beds, however sheets and the all-important mosquito nets are always provided. During my own homestay experience, we found a beautiful serenity about sleeping in a village with minimal power. With the exception of some animal feet scampering across the roof and a few rumbles of thunder, it was pure, blissful silence.

Depending on where you are, the bathroom situation varies. A few houses have a bathroom in the house, while others have one outside. Bathroom facilities are squat-style and Western toilets, and usually include a washing area. This may be a shower, or a more rustic ‘shower’, where you’re provided with a large bucket of water and a smaller scoop to pour the water over yourself.

What kind of food will we be eating?

Food is one of the greatest methods for people of different backgrounds, cultures and languages to come together; it’s a real bonding experience. During my homestay experience, my group and I huddled around a humble, outdoor kitchen, while our mother demonstrated how to prepare dinner. Rice, veggies and meat were fried up on the stove, and we all had a go at flipping omelette-looking dishes in a large pan. Suffice to say, those not familiar with the cooking style failed, but everyone shared laughter and good humour as we each contributed – in our own way – to the meal.

Afterwards, we sat at rickety wooden tables and shared the meal we had just cooked. Plates were passed around, and everyone helped themselves, talking loudly and gesturing when language was a barrier.

Typically, dinner includes a simple stew, a vegetable or meat stir-fried dish, steamed rice and local, seasonal fruit like banana or pineapple. At breakfast, fried rice and omelettes are served with hot tea and, if you’re lucky, some instant coffee.

So, it’s worth doing a homestay, then?

Absolutely. A homestay anywhere in the world can be an unusual thing to grasp, but if you dive headfirst into the experience, it becomes one of the most rewarding and memorable adventures of all. From the moment your host family welcomes you into their homes, you’ll be completely humbled by the Cambodian way of life and I can honestly say you’d regret missing something as meaningful as a community homestay.