Responsible Tourism Projects in Stung Treng

With Exotissimo now operating the revolutionary route between Pakse and Siem Reap along the Mekong, we have been striving to incorporate responsible tourism projects into our itineraries. Located in Stung Treng town, Tourism for Help and Mekong Blue (details below) are two well-run projects that aim to alleviate poverty and empower local people in the hospitality industry. For more information, please contact cambodia@exotissimo.com.

Run by the non-governmental organisation Tourism for Help, the Tonlé Tourism Training Center gives underprivileged local students an opportunity to receive extensive practical training in order to become professionals in the hospitality industry. The center’s working restaurant, Le Tonlé, provides students with hands-on experience in managing and operating a restaurant. Besides enjoying meals at the training restaurant, visitors can also show their support by staying at the Tonlé guesthouse. Visitors are encouraged to interact and share their professional know-how with the students.

A project established by the Cambodian non-governmental organisation Women’s Development Centre, the Mekong Blue focuses on developing life skills for women through silk weaving. The centre produces a range of high quality hand-woven silk products that have received seals of excellence from UNESCO. Besides providing a space for the women to showcase their skills and talents, the centre also helps to preserve and promote the old Khmer tradition of silk weaving. Visitors can enjoy Khmer and international dishes at the café or purchase a Mekong Blue item from the Gallery.