A boutique farmhouse with a wonderful purpose

We have said it before - luxury has lost its stars, and Smiling Gecko's Farmhouse is the kind of anti-hotel, boutique farm stay and experience that cannot (or should not) be labeled. Instead, beautiful surroundings and genuine responsibility are intertwined to create a unique and magnificent experience.

The Farmhouse is located on 110 hectares of land and is far from the usual tourist route, but at We Travel, we have always been bold in taking a detour. In fact, we seek the less traveled paths, and the Farmhouse is definitely worth the detour. 

A holistic project that breathes life into the local community

You are in the countryside of Kampong Chhnang province, a couple of hours north of the capital, Phnom Penh. It is beautiful and simple, with rice fields, houses on stilts, and bumpy roads.

The drive through the countryside might be the perfect introduction to understanding the value of Smiling Gecko's Farmhouse to a community far outside the city. There are only a few jobs and education opportunities here, but with the Farmhouse, that has changed.

A rather unique boutique farmhouse

We may have invented a new term with "boutique farmhouse," but we cannot think of a better description.
From the moment you enter through the gate, there is no doubt that it is a farm - but not an ordinary one. 

And then you arrive at the boutique hotel section, which is just as lively and beautiful, lush and complete. It blends perfectly into the farm, and neither exists without the other.

Impeccably imperfect - big smiles, big hearts

The Farmhouse functions as a "hospitality school," which makes the entire stay imperfect - and yet, completely perfect. The English language may be challenging, but the willingness is great, and so are the smiles.

In fact, all employees receive one hour of English lessons daily - and they keep practicing and improving when speaking with travelers.

It makes the experience more honest and unpolished when everything does not run perfectly because that is when you feel the service straight from their hearts.

A beautiful oasis in a tropical package - and plenty of activities

In the heart of the Farmhouse Resort lies the most beautiful tropical swimming pool, inviting you to slow days, cool drinks, and relaxation in the shade.

There is also the option for yoga, spa, and beach volleyball. Daily activities are available depending on the number of guests - perhaps you can participate in basket weaving, watch the magical sunset from "temple hill," or go on a picnic by a waterfall.

There are also bicycles for you to use to explore the area near the farm, as well as the local life, rice fields, and palm trees.

Internationally renowned chef and Khmer cuisine

You eat well at Farmhouse. Really well, actually. Like everything else at this place, there is a successful story behind it.

The head chef is Mariya Un Noun, who grew up in the slums of Phnom Penh with only three years of schooling. She came to Smiling Gecko in 2014 with her two children, and they quickly recognized her talent for cooking. They helped her train as a chef and provided international training with some of the best chefs in Switzerland.

Today, she leads a creative kitchen that brings traditional Khmer dishes to life (many of which were often forgotten after the Khmer Rouge period) and excels at fusion with Western cuisine.

Mariya's cooking is based on farm-to-table, so most ingredients come from Farmhouse's own farm. It is fresh and primarily organic vegetables, fruits, eggs, and meat.

Join the Farm Tour
There is a daily farm tour at 10 AM for those interested. Here, you will learn the full scope of the project and its significance for you as guests and the local community.

You will walk through the kitchen garden and fruit orchards, learn about an extraordinary (and impressive) vanilla project, see the fish farm, and hear about the project's expansion, such as "women in aquaculture."

You will also pass by the carpentry workshop, where all the beautiful furniture is built and where knowledge of the craft is passed on to the locals.

Khmer architecture and comfortable stilt house
Farmhouse consists of 34 charming rooms in 17 stilt houses scattered among green and palm trees. The style of the buildings is local Khmer, and the rooms are comfortable.

You will stay in simple but charming bungalows if you choose the Khmer Houses. If you decide on Superior or Comfort, your bungalows will be comfortable with plenty of space and a huge bathroom with a bathtub. All types of bungalows are on stilts with a seating area and terrace underneath and are great for families with children.

A complete experience beyond the star rating
The experience at the Farmhouse is so fine, meaningful, and authentic that no star rating can contain it. TripAdvisor may provide the most accurate picture with a score of 5.0 out of 5.0. It is imposing, but even less could not do it justice if you ask us.

A stay at the Farmhouse is a genuine and significant experience everyone should treat themselves to.

Practical info: The Farmhouse is located approximately two hours outside Phnom Penh, and many locals and expats use it as a weekend getaway. Therefore, the Farmhouse can be busy on weekends and slower on weekdays. Both have their charm, and you will have a beautiful stay regardless.