Training Future Hospitality Leaders at Hanchey Bamboo Resort

Another fantastic on-site training session has just wrapped up in our kitchen.

Our trainees from SMILE Institute & Café stepped up to the stoves, preparing a mix of traditional Khmer dishes and international recipes under the guidance of our Hanchey team. From stir-fried vegetables in fragrant lemongrass paste to light curries, every dish is a step closer to mastering the skills needed to serve guests at a professional level. And yes, they also train in coffee-making—because here at Hanchey, we’re a little bit proud of our good coffee too.

At Hanchey Bamboo Resort, this is more than just cooking practice. Each session is about giving young people the tools, confidence, and real-world experience to pursue careers in hospitality. We source many ingredients from nearby farmers and even grow some on-site, so the trainees also learn the value of sustainability and local connection in every plate they serve.

This training is part of our social enterprise model with BSDA Cambodia. Every stay, every meal, and every activity at Hanchey directly supports programs that provide education and vocational opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Graduates from SMILE Institute often join our team here at the resort when positions open, turning their training into long-term career pathways.

If you’d like to see BSDA’s work more closely, you can visit the BSDA Center or enjoy a meal at the SMILE Restaurant in Kampong Cham as a special request on of one of our guided Tuk Tuk tours. It’s a wonderful way to meet the students, support the programs, and taste the wider impact of your stay.

For guests who want to experience Cambodian food hands-on, we also offer Khmer cooking classes right here at the resort. It’s a beautiful way to learn local recipes, guided by our trainees, while supporting their journey into hospitality careers.

For us, every dish enjoyed at Hanchey tells a bigger story—one of empowerment, sustainability, and giving back to the community.

អរគុណ (aw-kun) for being part of this journey with us.