- real stories from Cambodia on community, culture, and sustainability
1. Cambodia: Visiting a Village near Siem Reap
In the countryside near Siem Reap, tourists can visit small villages and see real life in Cambodia. Families grow rice in the fields and raise chickens and pigs. Some families invite tourists to stay in their homes. Guests can help plant rice, feed the animals, or learn how to cook Cambodian dishes.
Sokha, a local woman, says: “We are happy when visitors come. They learn our life, and we earn money to send our children to school.” Tourists walk on small dirt paths, see buffalo in the water, and watch children playing. They take many photos, but they also learn to respect the village and the people.
Hotels and guest houses in the area work with the families. They give guests information about the village and organize safe visits. Tourists enjoy a quiet day, fresh air, and the beauty of nature. They also understand how people in Cambodia live every day.
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Discussion Questions:
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- What can tourists do in Cambodian villages?
In Cambodian villages, tourists can see real life and learn about local culture. They can help farmers plant rice, feed animals like chickens and buffalo, and watch families cook traditional food. Visitors can also learn weaving, pottery, or other handicrafts from local people. Walking on small paths, tourists see children playing, water buffalo in the fields, and the beauty of nature. They can stay in a family home and talk with villagers to understand their daily life. These activities are quiet, educational, and respectful, giving tourists a true experience beyond temples and cities. - How do the families benefit from tourism?
Families benefit from tourism in many ways. First, they earn money when tourists stay in their homes, buy food, or join activities like planting rice or learning crafts. This extra income helps them pay for school, food, and daily needs. Tourism also gives families a chance to share their culture and traditions with visitors. They feel proud when people learn about their life and skills. In addition, tourism creates small jobs in the village and encourages young people to stay instead of moving to the city. Overall, tourism improves the family’s life and the community. - Why is it important to respect local people and their life?
It is important to respect local people and their life because they have their own culture, traditions, and daily routines. Tourists are visitors, and behaving politely helps to make a good impression. Respecting rules, dress codes, and sacred places shows that you understand their way of life. It also helps villagers feel comfortable and safe when tourists are in their homes or fields. If tourists are careful and friendly, local people are happy to share their culture and experiences. Respect creates a positive experience for both visitors and the community and protects traditions for the future.
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Complete, fill in, words below:
pottery – traditions – village – animals – a lot –
pictures – buffalo – families – sacred –
home – food – water – green –
rules – money –
stories
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Interview: Visiting a village near Siem Reap, Cambodia
Interviewer: Hello, Sokha! What do tourists do in your village?
Sokha: They plant rice, feed __________, and cook traditional food.
Interviewer: Who do tourists meet in the village?
Sokha: They meet farmers, children, and __________ who live here.
Interviewer: How do visitors learn about crafts?
Sokha: They try weaving, __________, and other traditional skills.
Interviewer: Where do tourists walk in the village?
Sokha: They walk on small dirt paths and see __________ fields.
Interviewer: What animals do visitors see?
Sokha: Chickens, pigs, and water __________ in the fields.
Interviewer: Do tourists stay with families?
Sokha: Yes, many stay in a family __________ and eat with us.
Interviewer: What do guests learn during their stay?
Sokha: They learn about daily life, work, and Cambodian __________.
Interviewer: How does tourism help your family?
Sokha: We earn money for school,__________, and daily needs.
Interviewer: Does tourism help the whole village?
Sokha: Yes, it creates jobs and keeps young people in the __________.
Interviewer: How should visitors behave in the village?
Sokha: They should be polite, follow __________, and respect traditions.
Interviewer: Why is it important to respect __________ places?
Sokha: It protects our culture and makes people happy.
Interviewer: How do tourists enjoy nature here?
Sokha: They see buffalo in the __________, walk in fields, and enjoy quiet air.
Interviewer: Are photos allowed in the village?
Sokha: Yes, but visitors should ask before taking __________ of people.
Interviewer: Why is village tourism good for the community?
Sokha: It gives __________, protects culture, creates jobs, and teaches visitors about our life.
Interviewer: What do tourists feel after visiting?
Sokha: They feel happy, relaxed, and they learn __________.
Interviewer: What is your favorite part of meeting tourists?
Sokha: I like showing them our life and sharing __________ about the village.
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Full version:
Interviewer: Hello, Sokha! What do tourists do in your village?
Sokha: They plant rice, feed animals, and cook traditional food.
Interviewer: Who do tourists meet in the village?
Sokha: They meet farmers, children, and families who live here.
Interviewer: How do visitors learn about crafts?
Sokha: They try weaving, pottery, and other traditional skills.
Interviewer: Where do tourists walk in the village?
Sokha: They walk on small dirt paths and see green fields.
Interviewer: What animals do visitors see?
Sokha: Chickens, pigs, and water buffalo in the fields.
Interviewer: Do tourists stay with families?
Sokha: Yes, many stay in a family home and eat with us.
Interviewer: What do guests learn during their stay?
Sokha: They learn about daily life, work, and Cambodian traditions.
Interviewer: How does tourism help your family?
Sokha: We earn money for school, food, and daily needs.
Interviewer: Does tourism help the whole village?
Sokha: Yes, it creates jobs and keeps young people in the village.
Interviewer: How should visitors behave in the village?
Sokha: They should be polite, follow rules, and respect traditions.
Interviewer: Why is it important to respect sacred places?
Sokha: It protects our culture and makes people happy.
Interviewer: How do tourists enjoy nature here?
Sokha: They see buffalo in the water, walk in fields, and enjoy quiet air.
Interviewer: Are photos allowed in the village?
Sokha: Yes, but visitors should ask before taking pictures of people.
Interviewer: Why is village tourism good for the community?
Sokha: It gives money, protects culture, creates jobs, and teaches visitors about our life.
Interviewer: What do tourists feel after visiting?
Sokha: They feel happy, relaxed, and they learn a lot.
Interviewer: What is your favorite part of meeting tourists?
Sokha: I like showing them our life and sharing stories about the village.