Temporary Closure for Songkran: 31st April - 1st May 2025

Hanchey Bamboo Resort will be temporarily closed on March 31 and April 1, 2025. During this time, our team will join the BSDA Alumni and Songkran Event at Smile School to celebrate the Khmer New Year alongside our partners at BSDA (Buddhism for Social Development Action).

While we are not hosting events at the resort during this period, we are excited to take part in traditional celebrations that honor Cambodia’s rich heritage.

Looking Back at Songkran 2024

Last year, we celebrated Songkran with a vibrant community gathering, bringing together guests, staff, and BSDA’s talented performers. The event featured traditional Khmer blessings, Apsara dance performances, and cultural activities. Guests joined in classic ew Year games, enjoyed festive meals, and participated in the water blessing ceremony, a symbolic ritual for renewal and good fortune.

Read more about last year’s celebrations here.

How we’ll be celebrating Songkran in 2025

This year’s event at Smile School will once again highlight Cambodia’s New Year traditions through games, ceremonies, and meaningful cultural rituals. The celebration is an opportunity to connect with local communities and experience the joy of Khmer New Year.

Traditional Khmer Games

Games are a key part of Khmer New Year, encouraging community spirit, teamwork, and laughter. Many of these games have been passed down for generations, reflecting the joy and playfulness of Khmer culture.

• Chol Chhoung (ចោលឈូង) – A fast-paced throwing game played between two teams. A small wrapped object, usually a krama (traditional Cambodian scarf), is tossed between players. If the object hits someone, they must sing or dance before rejoining the game. It’s one of the most lively and entertaining Songkran activities.

• Leak Kanseng (លាក់កន្សែង) – A game of stealth and speed. Players sit in a circle while one person secretly places a krama behind someone’s back. If the chosen person notices, they must grab the krama and chase the placer before they can return to the empty seat.

• Bos Angkunh (បោះអង្គុញ) – A game of skill and precision. Large, nut-shaped wooden discs called angkunh are thrown to hit an opponent’s pieces. Traditionally, the losing team may be playfully "punished" by having their knees gently knocked with the winning team's angkunh.

• Bay Khon (បាយខុន) – A blindfolded game where players use a stick to hit a clay pot suspended in the air. Friends guide them by shouting directions to help them break the pot, which is often filled with small prizes. This game tests coordination and trust.

• Pong Krobei (បោងក្របី) – A humorous game where participants, with their hands tied behind their backs, try to grab and bite a hanging piece of fruit or cake. It’s always a favorite among children and adds a fun challenge to the festivities.

New Year Rituals

Khmer New Year is not just about celebration—it’s also a time for spiritual renewal, gratitude, and seeking blessings for the year ahead.

• Pagoda Visits – Many people visit temples such as Wat Hanchey to make offerings of food, incense, and flowers, seeking blessings for health and happiness. Monks chant prayers and sprinkle holy water over visitors, symbolizing protection and prosperity.

  If you're interested in experiencing these traditions, our reception team can assist in arranging a visit to Wat Hanchey after we reopen.

• Water Blessing Ceremony – A key ritual where water is poured over Buddha statues, elders, and loved ones. This act represents washing away past misfortunes and welcoming new beginnings. It’s a beautiful and symbolic moment of respect and renewal.

Resort Bookings and Availability

Although we will be closed on March 31 and April 1 2025, Hanchey Bamboo Resort remains open for bookings before and after these dates. Whether you are planning a relaxing retreat or looking to experience Cambodia’s cultural traditions, we invite you to visit us.

While we endeavour to provide year-round access to our resort, it is an important part of our work as a social enterprise to come together with our staff for cultural events, as well as for continued professional development such as out Staff Retreat in June, earlier this year.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you soon.

Hanchey Bamboo Resort Team

Community Yoga Classes in Kampong Cham

We’re excited to offer community yoga classes led by Gisèle Lupi, an experienced yoga teacher originally from New Zealand. Gisèle has previously visited the resort, offering retreats and sharing her expertise in yoga and wellness. She has taught in various settings around the world and brings a unique perspective to every session. Classes take place every Saturday and Sunday from 2–3 pm in our serene Lotus Shala, with no yoga mat needed—just come as you are.

What is yoga, and what are the benefits?

Yoga, which means union, is a practice that connects the body, mind, and spirit through gentle movements and mindful breathing. It is known to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and enhance overall well-being. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to bring people together, fostering connections and community. Whether you are new to yoga or looking to explore something different, these sessions are a great way to feel more balanced and relaxed.

At Hanchey Bamboo Resort, we’ve noticed that we are the only ones offering yoga in Kampong Cham. We believe yoga should be more accessible to everyone, not just our guests, and this inspired us to create classes that the local community can enjoy. Our Lotus Shala, surrounded by tranquil lotus ponds, provides the perfect space to unwind. After class, there’s plenty more to enjoy at the resort, from a refreshing dip in the pool to savoring fresh, local meals with stunning views of the Mekong River. You can also explore ideas for day visits to make the most of your time here.

Why we’re offering these classes

As part of our commitment to making a positive impact, we aim to support the local community while fostering meaningful cultural exchanges. These classes are an opportunity to introduce yoga and wellness practices to those who may not have experienced them before. We are also always interested in supporting local businesses and people, reflecting our mission to create a stronger, connected region.

We also offer them to our own staff to help support their mental and physical wellbeing, developing skills alongside those they learn working with us and with BSDA.

Class details

When: Every Saturday and Sunday
Time: 2–3 pm
Where: The Lotus Shala at Hanchey Bamboo Resort
What to bring: Nothing—just bring yourself.

Join us in embracing the benefits of yoga in this beautiful setting. Take the opportunity to relax at the resort, explore its facilities, and enjoy the peaceful countryside atmosphere. You might also discover what makes Hanchey Bamboo Resort unique, including its collaboration with BSDA (Buddhism for Social Development Action) and their impactful work with local youth and communities.

Meet Our New Yoga Teacher: Gisele

Introducing Gisele Lupi, our new, resident yoga instructor here at Hanchey Bamboo Resort!

Gisele's yoga journey began in New Zealand, where she attended studio classes for many years. In 2018, she completed her YA-certified teacher training in Thailand. Since then, Gisele has traveled extensively, sharing her passion for yoga and meditation at various retreat centers and studios across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Gisele teaches with a focus on the individual, helping students progress by overcoming blocks or fears and exploring new postures. Her approach aims to bring ease to both body and mind, making yoga accessible and beneficial for everyone, from beginners to seasoned practitioners. Join Gisele in her classes and discover new possibilities for your wellness journey.

She’ll be teaching classes daily at 7am and 5pm - available to all HBR guests.

For more about Gisele, visit her Instagram: giselelupiyoga.

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.

Happy International Women's Day 2024

In honor of International Women's Day, we at Hanchey Bamboo Resort celebrate the remarkable contributions of women around the world, and especially those within our community. Our resort, deeply rooted in the values of empowerment and education, takes pride in supporting the aspirations and achievements of women in Kampong Cham, Cambodia.

On this International Women's Day, let us acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of women in shaping a better world. Let us commit to creating spaces that support their growth, respect their choices, and recognize their achievements. At Hanchey Bamboo Resort, we stand in solidarity with women everywhere, championing their rights, celebrating their successes, and supporting their journey towards empowerment and equality.

To all the women out there, we salute your resilience, admire your strength, and celebrate your achievements. Happy International Women's Day!

Welcome our new yoga teacher!

Today, our new yoga teacher arrived, and he’s a familiar face!

Kwame was the second yoga teacher to join us at Hanchey Bamboo Resort, back when we opened in 2018, and will once again be teaching daily sunrise and sunset yoga classes here on the mountain.

Kwame specialises in slow but dynamic and flowing yoga classes focused on helping you to find yourself in your own body. He loves the idea of finding movement in stillness, and vice-versa. He’s also a proficient handstander and acro-yogi, and so will be running two special workshops during his stay (details to be announced very soon).

You’ll be able to find him practicing in the Lotus Shala every day, and designing websites in the Bamboo Restaurant during his down time, so say “hello” if you see him!

You can also follow him on instagram @learnmoveteachsmile.

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.