A full day scenic tour to the traditional village of Brobmai by tuk tuk with a tour guide. $120 for 1-2 people plus $25 per person for each extra person. (maximum 4 people)
Our village is located about 37 km west of Siem Reap province. The journey travels along the National Road 6 which is across several communes and about one hour by tuk tuk. The village is on a small road in a rural area. The weather there is quite hot. There is no electricity.
Around 90 families live in Brobmai and the majority of people are farmers. The children help their parents by working on the farm or taking care of their little siblings. We grow rice and keep a few chickens. Our soil is very poor and we cannot grow many other crops. The rice depends on rain and we have a lot of problems when it doesn't rain enough.
We will stop at a local market to buy food and the village ladies will teach you how to cook Khmer food and you can enjoy lunch with the villagers. People at the village are very friendly and warmhearted. They will explain to you how they live, their traditions, and their beliefs in the supernatural.
In the right season you can take a trip with an oxcart to see the rice fields. You will learn how rice is grown from beginning to end. The best time to ride the oxcart is just before the harvest season (December- February) because the landscape is very attractive. There will be natural fresh-air and a fresh smell from the rice plants. Depending on the season you will see different stages of village farming life.
There is a public school in the village which teaches in the Cambodian language only. People cannot afford to come to the city to study English or other languages. Without a knowledge of English or another language it is very difficult to gain employment in tourism. Tourism is the second largest industry in Cambodia and the best opportunity for earning money. The children love to have the opportunity to learn, to practice their English and to play with foreigners.
*Note: Small gifts are much appreciated, but not compulsory, for example: study materials for the children or money for the older people.