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The foundation of a responsible organization starts from within, which is why we invested in creating our own sustainable office space. Nestled among the green rice fields, our office was designed in collaboration with a renowned architect to maximize harmony with nature.
By prioritizing bioclimatic design, the building features optimal natural air circulation. Even when temperatures hit 35 degree celsius, the airflow keeps the space remarkably comfortable without the immediate need for air conditioning. This is further enhanced by the lush trees and plants surrounding the building, which act as a natural shield, blocking direct sunlight from heating up the walls.
While organizations like UNICEF strongly advise against visiting schools and residential care centers, our 20+ years of on-the-ground experience in Cambodia has shown us that responsible, strictly regulated engagement can change lives. We believe that complete isolation is not always the answer; instead, stringent ethical guidelines must be followed to ensure the children’s well-being remains the absolute priority.
For over two decades, we have been actively involved with and supporting several small schools and community projects across Cambodia. Many of these children lacked a safety net. By introducing our guests to these initiatives in a respectful manner, we have been able to secure vital funding that has kept children off the streets and in safe learning environments. A proud example dates back to 2004, when we began supporting a children’s home in Phnom Penh; thanks to the generous, ongoing donations from our guests, the majority of those children successfully completed their education and built independent lives.
At Cambodian Travel Partner, animal welfare is close to our hearts. Our dedication to protecting animals starts right at our own office and home, which is currently shared with four rescued dogs, each with their own unique story:
- Reggi: Rescued over six years ago from Kampot, where he had suffered from severe mistreatment. After Lily’s brother, Kimlay, took him in and brought him to safety, Reggi found his forever home with us and has been a happy, thriving member of the family ever since.
- Leap & Bibi: Four years ago, while visiting a village in Phnom Kulen, André and Lily discovered a litter of newborn puppies whose mother had tragically passed away just a day after giving birth. Knowing they had to act, they brought Leap and Bibi home and hand-raised them into the healthy, playful dogs they are today.
- Nimo: The youngest addition, Nimo arrived at our gate as a stray puppy and simply refused to leave. After checking with the entire neighborhood to ensure no one was searching for him, we officially welcomed him into our family.
In addition to supporting local communities and animal welfare, preserving Cambodia’s natural heritage is at the very core of what we do. Over the past 25 years, Cambodia has suffered devastating environmental losses, with areas like Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri losing over 60% of their dense forest cover to the illegal logging of precious hardwoods like Teak, Mahogany, and Rosewood.
We believe that every effort counts in reversing this damage. Rather than standing by, we actively invest in reforestation, habitat protection, and waste management projects across the Kingdom:
The tourism landscape has evolved tremendously over the last two decades. To stay ahead of the curve and maintain the highest industry standards, we continuously participate in advanced courses and industry presentations. More importantly, we pass this knowledge directly down to our team through regular training programs for our office staff, guides, and drivers.
Every year, our guides and drivers undergo refresher courses focused on enhancing customer service and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Additionally, our frontline team receives professional First Aid training certified by the Red Cross, ensuring maximum safety on all our tours.
Through our years of experience as pioneers in the early stages of Cambodian tourism (we were among the very first to introduce homestays in Cambodia back in 2004), we are regularly invited to participate in FAM trips to community-based projects to offer our strategic advice. In those early days, the Cambodia Community-Based Tourism Network (CCBEN) was active. For years, this was the ultimate umbrella platform—established with the support of NGOs such as WWF and SNV—to connect local communities and eco-tourism initiatives. We participated in milestone projects like the Mekong Discovery Trail in Kratie and the Chi Phat community project. Even today, we continue to support and advise community-based initiatives, such as Karma Flame in Sambor Prei Kuk and the community project in Kratie.
The Lily Foundation was born out of a simple desire: to support projects and individuals in Cambodia who need immediate help. Our approach is flexible—we provide both rapid, ad hoc emergency relief and long-term, structural support where it matters most.
While Cambodiajeep and Cambodian Travel Partner act as primary donors, our impact is amplified by the incredible generosity of our guests, friends, and family. Together, over the years, we have been able to change lives and uplift vulnerable communities.
Food and shared moments have a unique way of bringing people together. Through our Dine with the Locals initiative and our community-based activities, we connect travelers directly with Cambodian families, creating meaningful cultural exchanges that go far beyond the typical tourist path.
What started as a home-cooked meal initiative is now evolving into a broader platform of local, host-led experiences. Instead of relying on large-scale tourist operators, our guests step into the daily lives of everyday Cambodians—sharing tables, exploring neighborhoods, and learning directly from the people who know the country best.
From day one, Cambodian Travel Partner has been deeply rooted in the communities we visit. Over the years, we have built a proven track record of supporting local projects, schools, and sustainable livelihoods. In reality, our hands-on devotion goes far beyond the tick-box checklists required by official sustainability certificates.
Yet, we choose not to participate in this certification system.
