Comunità Papaia

One of the best experiences of my life! If you want to experience Cambodia in an authentic, natural way, this is the best place for you! The whole family is kind and welcoming and makes your experience truly wonderful. The food is incredible that they prepare for you. They arrange everything you need for your trip. From the initial trip from the airport to the driver for your temple tours, it's all planned and prepared for you. This is one of the best trips and memories of my life and I feel that I truly left a piece of my heart in Cambodia.

My first homestay experiece has turned out to be nothing short of amazing. Tola, the kids, the neighbours were the kindest people that Ive met in a long time. I spent alot of times with the kids, talking, teaching them new games, and learnt that their lives arent that much different from ours. The sweet old woman who is their neighbour cooked all of my meals and even did my laundry. The kids even took me around their village. A short walk from their home gives you scenery breathtaking views of rice plantations, and the locals that tend to them. I cannot recommend this place enough for anyone who wants to experience the authentic Cambodian rural life. Their home is abit tricky to find as it is deep within the village but Tola is good in staying in touch.

Thank you so much for the memories,
David

We had a wonderful time with Tola and his family. The room is basic but has everything you need, and a lovely outdoor shower. The children are wonderful and kind, we spent most of the time chatting and playing with them. Unfortunately we didn't see much of Tola or Arun because Tola's father was ill, it would have been lovely to see him more, but that will have to wait until next time! Thank you for opening up your home and treating us with such kindness. Ruby and Maya X

I was tired and grumpy when i arrived at siem reap, after getting visa and luggage, i found a happy face greeted me, my tuk tuk driver, Sarath, with a large umbrella to cover me from the rain who took me to my homestay. I arrived at home stay in shock, realising the living conditions are so basic. With so much mud and potholes along the way. So much dirt I am thinking to myself, crap what have i done.
Conversing with people in the village was hard and I found it somewhat difficult and frustrating. Showering with spiders. Mozzies relentless in sucking my blood. Always after a good feed which i provided, not without protest.
After 2 days I wanted to go home. But after i settled in and got over myself, I started to see the beauty of the place. There is MUCH LIFE in Papaya village. The rooster crowing at 5 in the morning, my own alarm clock, the dogs, lily, scratching your leg for attention and black dog. The kittens, so playful and cheeky. Always after your food, happy to share if you are. The silly ducks that chase you, the geese that also chase, especially the male, like an old man always in trouble with the wife and wanted to pay out on the people walking past. The heat so relentless. The rain cooling down the day, sometimes. The people wonderful, friendly, warm hearted and so welcoming, making sure you are comfortable and happy. Tola the story teller of both hardship and finding inner peace and lots of laughter, a belly full of laughing, always up for a joke, a laugh and a good chat who can speak english well enough, who used to live in a box with 4 walls and not much room for 6 people, (in order to find out you need to visit) Arun, Tola's wife the happy wanderer who loves her husband to bits, Sopek, the eldest son and also Master whiz with a computer of any size, Rexia, a calming influence, quiet and reserved, Somon, but you can call her Aun, the youngest, outgoing and always in a happy mood. Playful and engaging. The creative chef, Maol, Mrs smiley. Traditional cook, but willing to try cooking many different foods. Always cooking but never seem to be eating. That is why she is so thin even after having 4 children. Happy to tell me i have put on weight since I arrived. Thankyou very much not really. Bodie, Maol's husband, ever the handy man, good at unblocking things especially my toilet. Not sure if he was happy about it, the screwed up face was always the give away, but if something needed to be fixed he was the man. Sarin, a woman of short stature but not short of character. Warm and willing. Will wash your laundry. Happy to sweep away all those creepy crawlies in your cottage room. The children, so many happy to meet new people Will melt your heart. Lots of sreaming and laughing. Happy for a lap to sit on. Maol's youngest . Funny little man. Loves playing in the rain. And last but, certainly not least, Sarath Tuk tuk driver. Good grasp of the english language and very good with taking you anywhere you want to go. Knows siem reap like the back of he's hand. Had some great conversations with Sarath. Caring and considerate. I was blessed that he let me see inside he's life. Ask and you shall receive. If he doesn't know something, he'll tell you. Shy at first but not for long. Depends on your personality. It was 12 days of wonderful at Papaya village, in a place of plenty. Relax and take it easy. Expect the unexpected and be changed in more ways that you can imagine. I wouldnt change my visit for anything. Carolan

Brilliant three nights with Tola and his lovely family. We were made to feel so welcome from the moment we arrived and cold water, fresh fruit and other food was always available. Tola's wife is a nice lady who cooks delicious fried rice for breakfast and meat, fish and veg dishes for dinner if you'd like. We asked how much we owed at the end of the stay and Tola said "you can pay whatever you like, what matters is you found peace and relaxation here" - so refreshing and of course we paid a little extra than quoted as it is incredible value for money anyway. The bamboo huts are simple but comfortable and lovely to listen to the sounds of the country at night. There is also a trusted tuk tuk driver who is a refreshing change from the norm and includes advice and information en route. All in all a wonderful experience. Thank you to the whole family! Martin and Hayley, UK.

I traveled for a month thru SE Asia in November 2015 and stayed several days with Tola and his family. It was the highlight of my trip! I loved getting to know his family and kids and I particularly cherished the many conversations he and I had about peace, forgiveness and the importance to live a rich life. Visiting Phnom Penh's killing fields took on a different meaning because of understanding and knowing Tola's story. I can highly recommend staying with him. He will arrange any guide and transportation you may need. His home is very comfortable and the food his wife cooked as delicious! It is truly a 5 star experience better than any hotel! You will not regret it!

Wonderful, amazing, brilliant.
This was the highlight of my trip to Asia and my daughter has already arranged to return. Tola's family are fantastic, friendly and beautiful. Their home is in a cute little village with rice fields around. I loved living in a hut constructed of bamboo and swinging during the day in a hammock. Beautiful family, highly recommended for anyone wishing to travel to Cambodia. Tola also arranged for a Tuk Tuk driver for us to get around and visit Angkor Wat and other places.