About Us

Our mission is simple: to bring authentic Cambodians into direct contact with travelers. Having been active in the travel industry for years, we noticed that most tourists only visit the temples of Angkor. While these are must-see wonders, the true beauty of Cambodia lies in its people. What could be more meaningful than bringing locals and travelers together at the kitchen table?

We have carefully selected our hosts to ensure an authentic experience. Some may not speak English, but that is part of the adventure. Please note: this is not a cooking class. Instead, you help your host prepare the meal and then sit down to eat together with the family, whether for lunch or dinner.

Through this concept, we generate extra income for local families. Modern travelers no longer want to just “check off” highlights; they crave real connections. Every host has curated their own three-course set menu using fresh, market-bought ingredients. There is no better way to connect with the country.

We believe in building lasting relationships between our team, our guests, and our hosts. Our focus is on sustainable growth and the well-being of our hosts, rather than becoming the largest platform.

That is also why you won’t find Dine with the Locals on platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. Those sites charge 25% to 35% commission. We would rather see that money go directly to the families while we find our guests through our own strength.

We are not an NGO. We believe a business-driven approach is better for development, allowing our hosts to grow and learn as entrepreneurs. While we have operational costs—such as website maintenance, marketing, and staff—we keep these to a minimum so our hosts receive fair compensation and our guests get an unforgettable experience.

We want to emphasize again: this isn’t a standard food tour. The best way to describe it is: “Expect the unexpected.” While we guide the process, the experience is in the hands of the host. Sometimes specific ingredients aren’t available at the market that day—but that is exactly the point. These are the daily realities of life here.

Stay open-minded, go with the flow, and deal with situations as they come. And, of course… come hungry!

We began Dine with the Locals to give travelers the unique experience of cooking alongside Cambodian families. Today, we are proud to announce that we are expanding this concept. Beyond sharing a meal, we are now offering a diverse range of hands-on activities led by local hosts.

Imagine joining a fisherman on the river, learning to forge your own traditional Khmer knife, or creating art alongside local painters and sculptors. We invite you to keep a close eye on our website, as new and authentic experiences are added regularly.

At this moment, our focus remains exclusively on Cambodia. Our goal is to grow into the definitive platform for connecting travelers with locals while ensuring that traditional craftsmanship thrives through sustainable tourism.

This is a win-win situation for everyone: travelers gain an unforgettable memory, and Cambodian artisans receive the support they need to ensure their ancient skills are not lost to time. By participating, you aren’t just a tourist; you are an active supporter of Khmer heritage.

You won’t find our activities on platforms like Get Your Guide or Viator. Although these platforms are well-known and offer convenience, we have made a conscious choice not to list our dine with the locals and Local Experiences there.

These global platforms charge high commission fees—sometimes up to 35% of the total price. In our view, this is disproportionately high and unfair to our hardworking local hosts. We believe in the strength of our own community and our own platform to grow independently.

By booking directly through our website, you ensure that 100% of the income stays within Cambodia rather than going to large international investors. This allows us to provide our hosts with a fair, living wage. Choosing to book direct means you are directly supporting the local economy and the people who make your experience unforgettable.

Curious to see more? Head straight to our Destinations page to find authentic ‘Dine with the Locals’ hosts and unique local experiences near you.