Ben has come a long way - from driving a tourist scooter to being a receptionist at a hotel to now owning his own cooking school. He is truly an inspiration and continues to work very hard, dedicating himself to supporting orphan children in rural areas. He is passionate about introducing people to Cambodian culture and way of life through food. He conducts his cooking class in a countryside village, a 15-minute drive from Siem Reap city center. An experience with Ben is filled with the simplicity and joy that emanates from the locals living in the village, eager to cook and share an everyday Khmer meal with you! Your experience will take place in a traditional kitchen outdoors in the village, surrounded by rice paddy fields. Ben helps translate as Mrs. Phat La, the village chief who will conduct your cooking class, does not speak English. Mrs. Phat La learned to cook from her mother and has been cooking for years now. She is renowned for her cooking skills in the village and is often called to prepare traditional wedding feasts. After you learn about local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, you will sit down to share a meal together that may include dishes such as fresh spring rolls or banana blossom salad, fish/chicken amok (Cambodia’s national dish of a herbed fish mousse) or beef lok lak (beef stir fry). For dessert you might enjoy pumpkin custard or banana rice cake. If you book the cooking experience, learn how to cook three Cambodian dishes from scratch in a hands-on cooking class that will last for 1-2 hours. The cooking area is simple, modest and very traditional. A wood-fired cooking stove is used to prepare all the meals, just like how it is traditionally done in the village. You will leave learning a great deal about Cambodian cuisine, ingredients, cooking styles and traditional culinary secrets!
Ben also offers an optional market tour add-on. If you book the market tour, Ben will pick you up from your hotel and drive you 15 minutes to a local market. Tour the market with Ben, hear about the vendors and see where the locals shop. The market tour will last 30-45 minutes before you return to the village for your cooking experience and meal.
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Featured Destinations
Siem Reap
The small provincial capital of Siem Reap stretches along the Siem Reap river – surrounded by rice paddies and serving as the gateway to centuries-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Angkor Archaeological Park contains numerous temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srey and legendary Angkor Wat. Those visiting the site stay in Siem Reap. Experience some local flavor, attend a dance performance, or shop in some local craft shops. Angkor Wat’s artistic and archaeological significance rivals the Pyramids in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Taj Mahal in India. Unspoiled by over-development, many areas of the area are possible to explore away from crowds. Its three-tiered massive pyramid is crowned by five beehive-like towers on the ground. It is the centerpiece of any visit to temples in Angkor. This amazing structure is thought to be dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.
Vacation Details
Valid Date Ranges
05/01/2019 -
12/31/2025
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* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
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Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Pricing is per person. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and children 4 and under are free. Please note number and ages of children at time of booking. Please note that all experiences are private and fully customizable. If your travelers have particular preferences or dietary restrictions please note this at the time of booking. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Note: This is a DAY TOUR with no hotel accommodations included. Advertised rate is meal only; additional tour options are available and can be combined. Price may vary by date of travel, currency rate fluctuations and tour option; please inquire for the best prices for your preferred travel dates. 1-6 guests.
Please note that pick up and drop-off from your hotel in Siem Reap is included in the price of your booking.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
OFFER ID
1315170
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Blossom Hill Travel
2899 The Villages Pkwy.
San Jose, CA 95135
USA
(408) 482-5711