A cuisine shaped by water

Cambodia is located in the tropical monsoon zone and is crisscrossed by waterways. It is home to the famous Mekong River and the expansive Tonle Sap Lake, as well as a 443-kilometer-long coastline. If you enjoy fish, seafood, and vegetables, then Cambodia is the place for you!

A good example of Cambodian cuisine is prahok, a fermented fish paste that adds a distinctive depth of flavor to dishes. Compared to Thai cuisine, Cambodian cuisine uses less chili, sugar, and coconut milk, allowing the flavors to unfold.

Authentic enjoyment in harmony with nature

The Canvas & Orchids Retreat is a particularly impressive place to experience this culinary diversity. Here, you can sleep in floating tent villas right on the river and live in harmony with the environment, minimizing your ecological footprint. Its cuisine is also firmly rooted in the region, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby.

Ms. Veasna – from cleaning lady to head chef

The heart of Canvas & Orchids Retreat’s restaurant is Ms. Veasna. She started out as a cleaner at the resort until her culinary talent was discovered. Now, this Cambodian chef leads the team and delights guests with her sophisticated takes on traditional recipes. Her personal story adds an extra layer of meaning to each dish and demonstrates that cuisine is always influenced by people and their experiences.

Ms. Veasna’s list of must-try dishes in Cambodia

Ms. Veasna revealed which four dishes best represent Cambodia and (not surprisingly) are also popular specialties at her restaurant:

#1 Trey Deap Amok – Cambodia’s national dish

Tender fish fillets are slowly cooked in a creamy coconut broth and seasoned with a secret blend of spices, including lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, and more. It is served in an environmentally friendly way, wrapped in banana leaves—a genuine piece of Cambodian culture.

#2 Fried Seafood with Green Koh Kong Peppercorns

Shrimp and squid are stir-fried in a wok with locally sourced peppers from Koh Kong. These peppercorns, which are crisp, give the dish an incomparable spiciness and flavor.

Tip:Visit the pepper plantations in Cambodia yourself (and don’t forget to pick up some pepper as a souvenir!)

#3 Khmer Chicken Curry

This is a mildly spicy chicken curry with homemade “kroeung” paste. The paste contains a blend of Khmer spices, including lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, garlic, shallots, and dried chilies. It is served with seasonal regional vegetables such as baby eggplants, potatoes, and carrots. Fresh lime leaves are added at the end for extra flavor.

#4 Sticky Rice

If you’re craving something sweet, you should definitely try a classic: Sticky rice, Cambodia’s most famous dessert. It’s made with rice and coconut milk and is often served with fresh fruit, such as mango or pineapple.

Is Khmer cuisine like Thai cuisine?

At first glance, the two cuisines may seem similar—both feature rice, curries, fresh vegetables, and fish. However, Cambodian dishes tend to be less sweet and spicy, allowing for a greater presence of delicate herbs and spices.

The international influences are particularly exciting: You can enjoy French baguettes for breakfast, Chinese wok dishes for lunch, and Indian-inspired curries for dinner, all of which are fused with Cambodian culinary art. The result is a cuisine that feels familiar yet remains unique. This mixture is precisely what makes Cambodian cuisine so fascinating—an experience you should not miss on your trip through Cambodia.

Der Beitrag Culinary journey through Cambodia – insider tips and must-try dishes from Khmer cuisine erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Tucked away in the heart of the Botum Sakor Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounded by untouched nature—including rainforests, mountains, mangrove forests, and the gently flowing Tatai River—you will find a unique glamping experience: floating tent villas on the river.

Eco-glamping in the Cambodian jungle

The term glamping is used almost inflationary today. It seems like every other camping bed in the hardware store is called that… But at Canvas & Orchids Retreat, you’ll experience what luxurious camping really means. The floating tent villas offer the comfort of a boutique hotel – with large beds, elegant bathrooms, private terraces, and views of the river, while also giving you the feeling of being close to nature. 

However, the tents are built on floating platforms rather than solid foundations. Meaning, these “non-permanent structures” can be completely dismantled without leaving a trace. This ensures that nature remains untouched, even when you are staying in the middle of it.

Immerse yourself in the wild soul of Cambodia

A trip to Canvas & Orchids Retreat allows you to immerse yourself in the nature and culture of Cambodia. The country fascinates with its eventful history, centuries-old temple complexes such as Angkor Wat, and impressive scenic diversity. However, few venture into the remote southwest, where Cambodia shows its most pristine side.

Access only by boat

The journey itself is part of the adventure: the resort can only be reached by boat. You glide gently along the Tatai River, past lush greenery, and find yourself in the jungle landscape below the Cardamom Mountains. The landscape is lush, vibrant, and fascinating. And suddenly they appear – floating tent villas, elegantly and quietly nestled in the landscape.

Inside, stylish comfort awaits, tempting you to stay and relax. But as soon as you open the tent flap, the rainforest beckons. The Cardamom Mountains’ protected area begins right outside your terrace — a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare animal species, and full of mysterious sounds and smells.

The waters of the Tatai River invite you to swim directly from the jetty, or you can explore the winding paths of the mangroves by kayak, accompanied by a local guide. If you like, you can try your luck at traditional fishing or simply soak up the peace and quiet.

Info: When is the best time to travel to Cambodia?

Your hosts Valentin and Anna recommend: December to February – right after the rainy season. It’s pleasantly cool (which in Cambodia still means around 77°F), dry, and ideal for exploring the Botum Sakor Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoying activities on the river. However, January is also the peak tourist season, which means attractions such as Angkor Wat are at their busiest. Outside of the peak season, May and October are also attractive alternatives if you don’t mind high temperatures or a little rain. Find out more in this detailed insider report on the best time to travel.

Guest favorite – nighttime firefly tour

As our host Valentin tells us, the “Firefly Tour” (glowworm tour) is a highlight for guests. As the sun sinks behind the treetops, you climb into a longtail boat and glide almost silently across the river. Once darkness falls, it becomes quiet – and then the spectacle begins: suddenly, thousands of tiny lights flicker along the banks. Fireflies dance like little stars between the branches, seemingly in perfect synchronisation.

This night-time boat trip is not only a quiet, almost meditative moment, but a true wonder of nature. A fleeting spectacle that cannot be captured – except in your heart.

In sync with the region – right from the start

Sustainability at Canvas & Orchids Retreat not only means environmental awareness, but also social responsibility. Throughout the construction of the 2,500-square-meter platforms, local expertise was consistently relied upon. More than 60 people from the region used simple hand tools to build the resort from start to finish.

Many of them are still an integral part of the team today: tour guides, service staff, cooks – more than 20 locals ensure that you feel welcome. One of them is the deputy hotel manager: she started as a cleaner during the construction phase and took on a management position just two years later.

Sustainability at Canvas & Orchids Retreat

The retreat relies on innovative solutions for its energy supply. Instead of cutting down trees for solar panels – as one supplier had suggested – the team opted for its own floating solar platform in the middle of the river. This provides the retreat with clean electricity for around twelve hours a day.

During the remaining hours, a generator takes over the supply – in the most resource-efficient way possible. It runs on biodiesel, which is obtained from used cooking oil, among other things. This is delivered to Naga Biofuels, a local initiative that produces environmentally friendly fuel from waste oil – a well-thought-out cycle that avoids waste and reduces emissions.

The ecological commitment is also evident on land: plants grow on the property that are used as natural drinking straws or for decoration. Water is served in glass bottles, cosmetic products are available in refillable dispensers, and waste is carefully separated. Everything is designed to bring nature and comfort into harmony – while leaving as small a footprint as possible.

A stay at Canvas & Orchids Retreat offers you an unforgettable vacation full of adventure and tranquility – surrounded by nature, close to the local culture and far away from mass tourism.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is special about Canvas & Orchids Retreat in Cambodia?

The retreat is located on the Tatai River in the middle of the rainforest and offers floating tent villas with hotel comforts – ideal for travelers who want to combine nature and luxury.

Is Canvas & Orchids Retreat sustainable?

Yes, the retreat was built with local materials and labor, uses solar power on a floating platform, and relies on plastic-free alternatives, biodiesel, and zero-waste principles.

How do you get to Canvas & Orchids Retreat?

The resort is only accessible by boat – part of the special experience and nature-filled getaway.

When is the best time to travel to Cambodia?

The most pleasant time to travel is between December and February. Then it is dry and not too hot – ideal for exploring and activities on the river. However, the rainy season is also fun and particularly good for taking photos and observing wildlife. Read more about this in our article on traveling during the rainy season.

What does glamping mean at Canvas & Orchids Retreat?

Glamping here stands for a luxurious nature experience: comfortable, stylishly furnished tent villas with bathrooms and electricity – right in the middle of the river and without harming the environment.

What activities does Canvas & Orchids Retreat offer?

Highlights include kayaking through mangroves, swimming in the Tatai River, firefly tours at night, and rainforest excursions – all led by local experts.

This is an update of our original article on January 7, 2020.

Save this article and hotel on Pinterest for your next trip to Cambodia!

Der Beitrag Glamping in the Cambodian rainforest: the floating tents of Canvas & Orchids Retreat erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.