Helping Young Talent Thrive at Hanchey Bamboo Resort

We’re excited to share some wonderful news as, today, we welcomed new students from Smile School into our team. These young people are starting an exciting journey in career development and training, focusing on cooking and hospitality.

These students having completed training at the Smile School, are working side by side with our experienced resort staff to upskill and continue their education. They’re learning how to prepare delicious Khmer and international meals and provide our signature great service - all the while gaining skills that will help them in their future careers. It’s more than just training; it’s a chance to build a better future.

Your visit to Hanchey Bamboo Resort can make a real difference. When you stay with us, you’re supporting these students and their dreams. You’ll enjoy a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, all while helping our community grow.

Come and experience the beauty of our resort, taste the wonderful food prepared by our trainees, and feel good knowing you’re contributing to something meaningful. Book your stay today and be part of this amazing journey. We can’t wait to welcome you!

International Labor Day Blessings for 2024

Every year on May 1st, the world marks International Labor Day, a date dedicated to honoring workers' rights and celebrating labor across the globe. At Hanchey Bamboo Resort, this year's celebration was uniquely heartfelt, highlighting our commitment to Cambodian cultural traditions and our team.

This year, in the Lotus Shala, we hosted a traditional blessing intended to bring health and luck to our staff and management, with blessings from monks from the nearby Wat Hanchey.

We see our team as more than just employees; they are family. This celebration is a part of how we show appreciation and build a supportive community. The positive impact on staff morale is profound, enhancing their enthusiasm to deliver exceptional service to our guests. For us, integrating our cultural practices boosts staff morale and enriches guest experiences, offering a glimpse into authentic Cambodian traditions. Guests often remark on the atmosphere at HBR, noting how it enhances their stay.

Book your stay today and be a part of our community that values every individual's contribution and celebrates our shared heritage.

Celebrating Songkran 2024 in Kampong Cham

សួស្តីឆ្នាំថ្មី - Sousdey Chhnam Thmey!

Happy Khmer New Year!

Over the past few days (April 13-15, 2024) the team here at Hanchey Bamboo Resort have been celebrating Songkran in spirited fashion alongside our community in Kampong Cham.

Morning Rituals and Traditional Performances

The celebrations began with reflective blessings from a local monk, inviting tranquility and goodwill. Shortly after, the air filled with the rhythm and grace of the BSDA’s Apsara Dance students. This performance by young Khmer artists is part of BSDAcommitment to preserving Cambodian culture. By training in these ancient dances, students keep their heritage alive, engaging in activities that enrich their identities. The Apsara dance, known for its storytelling, was a highlight, enchanting all who attended.

Community Games and Activities

The afternoon was a showcase of camaraderie and traditional fun. Games like 'hit the pot' and 'tug of war' were met with laughter and competitive spirits. These activities, typical of Khmer New Year celebrations, are a fantastic way for both young and old to connect through shared heritage.

Adding to the communal atmosphere, BSDA's foreign volunteers participated enthusiastically, helping bridge cultures and create a global family right here in Kampong Cham. The event was also a culinary delight, with attendees sharing traditional Khmer food, symbolizing unity and community spirit.

The importance of sharing our traditional culture

The Apsara dancers from BSDA, who often perform at the resort for various retreats and events, are a testament to our dedication to cultural exchange and community involvement. Events like these allow us to showcase the rich tapestry of Cambodian traditions and offer guests and locals alike a meaningful, immersive experience.

As we reflect on a successful Songkran, we are excited to invite even more participants for next year's festivities. Join us next year to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Khmer culture as we aim to make Songkran 2025 even more spectacular. Let's celebrate, connect, and create new memories together at Hanchey Bamboo Resort.

The Art of Apsara Dance one of Kampong Cham’s Cultural Jewels

Cambodia's Living Heritage: The Apsara Dance

Apsara Dance, or របាំអប្សរា, is a profound expression of Cambodia's cultural mythology, performed to narrate celestial tales, often inscribed on ancient temples. This classical Khmer dance, preserved and celebrated at Hanchey Bamboo Resort and by the Buddhism for Social Development Action (BSDA), continues to enchant and educate.

Historical Echoes in Kampong Cham

In our home province of Kampong Cham, the echoes of history are visible in the intricate carvings of Apsara dancers at local temples like Nokor Banteay and Wat Nokor depicting this beautiful facet of our shared history. These sites not only celebrate but also serve as custodians of this divine dance tradition. Walking through these historic sites, visitors can feel a direct connection to the past as every sculpture and relief tells a part of the grand story of Cambodian culture. Furthermore, the preservation of these temples allows for a continued appreciation and understanding of the profound spiritual and artistic achievements of the Khmer Empire.

What Makes Apsara Unique?

Apsara dance is characterized by its slow, deliberate movements that tell a story through intricate gestures rather than words. Each performance is a complex narrative expressed through over 1,500 hand movements, each meticulously trained to perfection, and the ornate costumes add to the visual spectacle, reflecting the dance's royal origins. The precision of these movements requires years of dedicated practice, and the dancers' ability to convey deep emotions and tales without speaking is a testament to their skill and training. Moreover, the traditional flowing fabrics and intricate jewelry worn by the performers not only recreate the historical attire but also enhance the ethereal quality of the dance, making each performance a visual feast.

BSDA's Educational Outreach

The BSDA plays a critical role in this cultural ecosystem. At their Apsara schools located at Nokor Bachey Pagoda and along National Road 7A, they use dance as a medium to provide holistic education to disadvantaged youths while also preserving our cultural heritage by sharing it with future generations. Students not only learn dance but are also supported through their general education, funded by the dance performances themselves.

Sustainable Support Through Performance

Performances at BSDA’s schools aren't just recitals; they are a lifeline that funds local educational programs. Proceeds from ticket sales are meticulously allocated towards maintaining essential equipment, supporting educational scholarships, and covering operational costs. This model of sustainability helps foster a generation of dancers who are not only skilled in their art but also academically accomplished. More importantly, this initiative reflects a broader commitment by both Hanchey Bamboo Resort and BSDA to invest in the future of Kampong Cham’s youth while preserving and celebrating Cambodia’s rich historical legacy.

Through these efforts, we aim to build a more beautiful Kampong Cham and a stronger Cambodia that values its past while boldly stepping into the future. By supporting these programs, patrons contribute directly to a community-centric model of tourism that educates, empowers, and enlightens—ensuring that the timeless traditions of the Khmer people continue to thrive and inspire future generations.

How You Can Contribute

Supporting Apsara dance goes beyond appreciation. By visiting BSDA’s vocational schools or donating through their website, you can help sustain these vital cultural programs. Additionally, guests at Hanchey Bamboo Resort can book Apsara performances for their stays or events, or inquire about upcoming shows to ensure they don't miss this exquisite art form during their visit.

Apsara is not merely a dance; it is a cultural bridge that connects Cambodia’s past with its present and future. It is an emblem of national pride and a testament to the resilience and beauty of Cambodian traditions.

Experiencing Apsara at Hanchey Bamboo Resort

At Hanchey Bamboo Resort, guests can experience the mesmerizing beauty of Apsara dance amidst the lush landscapes of Kampong Cham. These performances are central to our cultural events and retreats, offering a unique glimpse into the soul of Khmer culture.

Explore the transcendent world of Apsara with us at Hanchey Bamboo Resort. Contact us to book a performance during your stay or to find out when the next show will be held. Your engagement helps preserve this incredible art form and supports the local community in Kampong Cham.

BSDA Staff Retreat 2018

This weekend we had the pleasure of hosting the annual staff retreat for Buddhism for Social Development Action (BSDA) at our hilltop resort. This gathering was a dual nod to both appreciation and personal growth, celebrating our shared commitment to social enterprise. It offered a chance for the team to step back from their diverse initiatives, including the Mekong Kampuchea’s Kids, the Cambodian Consortium for Out of School Children (CCOSC), the hospitality training at Smile Restaurant, the education-focused Angkor School, and the cultural preservation efforts of the Apsara Dance program.

The retreat was an enriching experience that allowed the BSDA staff to pause, reflect, and develop skills integral to their invaluable work. With frequent visits from the local monks of Wat Hanchey, our team was able to partake in meaningful meditation sessions right here at the resort, strengthening their mindfulness amidst the daily operations.

Activities took place in our airy bamboo Lotus Shala, a structure that embodies the ethos of our resort—natural, simple, and open to the breeze of the Mekong River. This setting proved ideal for the staff to engage not only in listening to lectures but also in team-building exercises and outdoor yoga sessions, which are a staple of the tranquil environment we nurture here at Hanchey.

It's more than just a retreat; it’s a reinforcement of BSDA’s mission through the personal and professional development of its team members. Hanchey Bamboo Resort is committed to being a part of this growth, providing a space where development goes hand in hand with downtime.

We extend our gratitude to the BSDA staff for allowing us to be part of their journey and look forward to continuing our support for their cause and well-being.