Kambuja Inn, Phnom Penh (2012)

It hasn’t been long since the atrocities of the dark past of Phnom Penh happened.  A part of history that many will never forget and others will never truly understand.   Post WWII, political instability of many South East Asian countries opened the doors for strife and war.  Cambodia was no exception as foreign invaders sought to capitalize off the ripe state of the country.

Touring places such as the killing fields or the infamous school where many educated and innocent people were tortured and murdered, one truly feels the agony that spread throughout Phnom  Penh during the 1970s.

This dark history is still prominent in the hearts of the majority and the thought of a future is almost non-existent for many.

Even to this day the instability exists and parts of the country are more or less lawless.  With corruption in the government, countries such as China and Vietnam lend a helping hand in various ways with selfish motifs, sacrificing the lives of the poor local people.  Child sex trade, drugs, and corruption are often synonymous with the Cambodia of today, but we all know very well that these generalities only portray the negative consequences of a country that has been dismantled by internal strife and external influence.

During my two month journey across Asia, I had the pleasure of coming back to Phnom Penh for one night.  Fortunately I was able to meet an amazing individual who not only inspired me but showed me that there is hope for a better future in Cambodia.  

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As the tuk-tuk approached my destination, Kambuja Inn, I became fascinated with the architecture and design of the building.  Ms. Phorm, the owner explained that the building was built in the 1920’s as a residential place for French people.  After observing the details of the interior, it feels as if the residence had not been touched in the last 90 years.

 My room was quite spacious with ceilings literally 12 feet or higher.  It was nicely decorated with  Cambodian touch with a French twist.  In addition, there was a type of kitchenette space that included an external stove  top and sink, dining area, and very large bathroom that included two shower heads (for stand up and bath).  Ms.  Phorm was kind enough to upgrade us from a smaller room to this deluxe apartment without any sort of additional charge.  

Aside from the physical appeal of Kambuja Inn, I became quite moved as I learn more about Ms. Phorm.

 

She came from an educated background and acquired her first property by scraping by on a significantly small income.  In fact it is quite miraculous that she was able to save enough money to add 3 properties including the Kambuja Inn to her portfolio with a fraction of the income a typical Westerner earns on minimum wage.

Other interesting information:

-           -  She stands strongly against the child sex industry which is clearly stated on their website and within the hotel.  

-          -  The staff she employs are compensated not only through income but through full contribution to their education goals such as college and university.

-           -  She not only cares for the well being of her staff, but truly goes out of her way to help her guests. 

It’s the small gestures that go a long way and how wonderful it is to see how one individual can truly make a difference and have a positive effect on the people and city of Phnom Penh.

(On a side note, I was not paid to write this.  This comes truly out of my personal experience at the Kambuja Inn)