Blog

Every year we organize a Czech pepper expedition and take our colleagues, customers, and friends to the farms. This year's expedition was once again "shocking". At the end of the day, we asked what surprised them the most about working with Kampot pepper. Terezka "You have to wait 4 years for the pepper plant to grow! That's incredible patience. Moreover, since it is organic, it's insanely sensitive.""Most farms still draw water from irrigation ponds by hand with buckets, walking kilometers, and yet everyone remains positive and smiling." Aničk "I came thinking it would be like blueberries, but the pepper is 4 meters tall!""Red pepper is terribly tricky! After all, you have to pick it berry by berry because each berry ripens at a different time." Martina "This is my second time here. I really like seeing that farms have finally started to expand and plant new plants. When we first arrived, the farms were dying." Nikola "I was surprised how little pepper you get from the hard work of one plant in a year! I calculated it, and this field provides the whole family with only about 200 kg of pepper." Jana "I was shocked that from just one green pepper berry, all types of Kampot peppers result, and that the taste is just a matter of ripening time. And that therefore, the white pepper is the most demanding of all because you pick it berry by berry last and it still has to be peeled."

Once again, after a year, a Czech expedition came to Cambodia to discover the beauties of Cambodia and spend time on our farms with Kampot pepper.To show them the best of Cambodia, we immediately set off from the airport to our friendly school, Kohchann Primary School, for a welcome. We had an important task – to hand over the money that we raised thanks to you and thanks to SIA Restaurant for the construction of a new library for the school!In total, we raised 2000 dollars, the much-needed amount for the completion of the building named SMART LIBRARY.We have been supporting the school since 2015, when it had only a few dozen students, classes were held in a wooden gazebo, and the children did not yet have uniforms.Today, the school has around 400 students and is doing very well.The welcome for the group was magnificent. The children sang, danced, played musical instruments, and had prepared for us Cambodian krama – traditional scarves that locals wear as the most important part of their clothing. Each member of the expedition was given a drawing by the children, and then we were led in a procession to the library.“Here we are building right next to the new building, it will be four classrooms in total,” the principal Makara proudly said.After the library, there was a photo session and the wiping away of the first tears of the newcomers, then we were invited to a traditional apsara dance, which is protected by UNESCO, and the children performed it for us in several variations.After this beautiful show, to which we were invited so they could teach us the dance, we handed over the last Czech gifts – mainly musical instruments and Czech memory games.After the official handover of the gift, we all began preparing to leave – the children have a break between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., when they go home by bike for lunch. Filled with emotions, we said our final goodbye with a bow and a loud “sok sabaj! ” which means “take care! ” and set off back with the group.

Not even in our dreams would we have thought of this, but it is true. On April 1, 2024, the annual conference of the Kampot Pepper Association was held in Kampot with the participation of the Ministry of Commerce. The results for 2023 were presented, and new leadership of the Association was also elected. And what happened was beyond our wildest hopes.After only 5 years since the start of the project, we have become the largest exporter of Kampot Pepper in the world. And what’s more, after this year’s elections, we stand at the very head of the Association itself. Our Ajaa was elected its president. Together with David, they won with the campaign “Stronger, together!”, which for the first time in history unites all good companies and farmers in Kampot. Newly, we are globally responsible for 6 areas including marketing of Kampot Pepper, authenticity control, fraud prevention, and more.We are moved, happy, and aware of the commitment this entails. We have become a project that is changing the Kampot region for the better – even at the level of individual human destinies. It is work that is meaningful and fulfilling for all of us. Thank you!  

Do you remember our Facebook contest where customers had the chance to win a trip to Cambodia to visit our pepper plantations? Nikola and her boyfriend David just spent a whole week there discovering Kampot pepper and Cambodia through the eyes of our poorest farming families. We asked them to describe the entire trip as if we were there with them. Read about their experiences and see the impressions Nikola wrote down and photographed together with her partner. They welcomed us as if we were part of the family Their constant smile acted as a connection instead of language, because we struggled a bit with that. But “čolmoj“ and “nadraví“ were enough for us in the evening, and when not, our guide Dolphi and Google Translate helped express how good the dinner was. We were actually served snake soup, which we had seen whole just a few hours earlier. An experience for a lifetime! Kind of like seeing what a real pepper plantation looks like. We had many questions and received many answers. Too bad we couldn’t see the entire process of harvesting and preparing the pepper before it reaches the plate. But well, it’s not the season. That’s part of farming; you are dependent on nature.Even when you go to sleep. During the evening shower of water from a tub, a gecko watches you, and while you sleep on wooden planks, you cover yourself with a mosquito net to protect yourself from mosquitoes that would otherwise eat you alive. And supposedly, it’s not even their season. We also had a nice encounter with the local fauna Watering piglets or training dogs… And the afternoon herding of cows and the morning pasture were more of an event and fun than anything else. Early in the morning on the way back home, you pick a coconut from a palm and try (unsuccessfully) to cut it yourself, feeling the essence of hard but actually lightened farm life.The influence of the Western world hasn’t escaped here either. In the evening, phones with YouTube and a huge speaker come out. Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran play alongside traditional Cambodian food.But they also have Facebook. Which is great because we can stay connected with Kunthea’s daughter and her friends, who called us “sister“ and “brother“ and left me beautiful, cute messages. I really felt like a princess when five other little princesses kept telling me how beautiful I am.In short, we now feel like part of the family! :-)

Kampot salt is the best partner for our Kampot pepper. Last year, it even received the protected geographical indication PGI, which declares it as one of the best in the world. It is precisely the coarse-grained salt that you stormed before Christmas and was immediately sold out. So we set off with the Czech team directly to the plantation to collect it, and it is finally in stock! Even coarse-grained salt is hand-harvested, not mined The Kampot brine ponds lie, just like Kampot pepper, in the Kampot region. They are about an hour's drive apart, and we set off together there in the late afternoon when the sun was already setting. We were lucky! Small family farms around the salt pans that we support not only welcomed us with a smile but also didn’t let us wait long. "Here you have rakes, we are just collecting coarse-grained salt, come on! " And so we simply collected our coarse-grained salt together with them. How is such coarse-grained salt collected? You have to go barefoot into the salt pans with perfectly clean feet, you get a rake, and from the surface of the salt pans, you collect large salt crystals into the shape of a pyramid. You then carry these in a basket to the local storage. Production only in protective clothing All the salt is then transported to our processing site, which we also visited. The team could observe the strict hygiene processes subject to the high demands of ISO 9001 and HACCP certification; we also received caps and coats, and gradually went through all the machines needed for salt processing. First, there is a large dryer, then a sortex machine that sorts only perfect crystals which continue on for manual processing. In another room, Cambodian women receive the roughly sorted salt, which they then handpick and check crystal by crystal to ensure only 100% quality and purity reach you. In the packing room, we see all the types of salt we import for you – besides the coarse-grained Kampot salt for grinders, the finest and most delicate sea salt flower for final seasoning is also packed here, which was recently gently harvested from the salt pans because the sun was shining and there was no wind. This salt can only be collected under perfect conditions as it is very sensitive. Salt pyramids, which are formed by subsequent reboiling and are a true gem, are already all in the Czech Republic – there are very few of them every year, so we buy them all immediately upon harvest. For honest work, an honest reward - dinner with the farmers And since we were clever, for the well-done work the farmers' family invited us to their place for dinner with Cambodian soup and fruit from the farm. With a feeling of a job well done, we return to the accommodation and can now reveal to you that we brought back a nice couple of tons of coarse salt from Kampot, so hopefully it will satisfy all your demands!Enjoy your meal! :-)

During our journey across our farms, we received a truly exceptional invitation - to spend the night at the farmer's home. Since all members of the Czech expedition welcome such experiences, we all agreed and arrived at 6 pm, when it is already dark in Cambodia, at the agreed crossroads in the middle of the field. A delegation with flashlights picked us up - so we wouldn't be afraid of dogs, snakes, and other creatures on the way - and led us safely to the farmer's residence. Spending the night on the farm is a great honor for the whole family Therefore, they organized a truly generous dinner for us, which was, as expected, fragrant with Kampot pepper. Since we came directly from Kep, a seaside town known for crab, shrimp, and other seafood hunting, we brought the family an enhanced pile of crabs and shrimp. The farmer's wife took care of cooking them, while we, together with the farmer and his daughter, prepared the tables for dinner. Besides plenty of rice and meat, which Cambodians love, they baked us a sweet cake made from palm fruit, which was excellent. "My family recipe," the farmer's wife proudly says. The farmer then tells us about how talented his daughter is. “Thanks to you, she studies in the capital city and is the 3rd best in her class in mathematics and the 2nd best in singing, look! ” The daughter begins to sing – karaoke – as is the good custom at every dinner in Cambodia. The father smiles proudly, and the rest of us listen with respect to the traditional Cambodian song. After dinner, the ladies wash the dishes, and the gentlemen go into the dark jungle to catch a snake for the morning snake soup. The Cambodian song lulls us all to sleep, and we slowly go to bed – no other way than in a stilt hut. We sleep on the floor – but we do get a modest pillow and a fan – so that mosquitoes can't get to us. The morning on the farm starts early The morning on the farm starts early. Already before sunrise around 5 o'clock. Sleepily, we go down the ladder, and the morning activities are already waiting for us. First, cooking the promised snake soup for breakfast, then a lesson on climbing the coconut palm, and the rest of the crew goes to herd the cows. Upon return, the host plays us a favorite song on a drum made from snake skin, and then it’s time for running. Read that correctly – Cambodians never run, but one expedition member was so enchanted by the morning nature that he went for a run – and the farmer went with him. He kept an enthusiastic pace in flip-flops for a respectable 10 minutes and then happily returned with thanks and a smile. It was time to leave, so we quickly rinsed off one last time in the local shower – that is, a well with a plastic bucket – and set off back to civilization. Neither we nor our family will ever forget this experience for the rest of our lives. :-)

Have you ever been to Asia while it is winter here in Europe? Our .pepper. team regularly travels to Kampot in Cambodia. But not for sun or relaxation, rather for work. However, work that brings joy. To our farmers, to you, and of course to many others. Because year after year you write to us asking if you could experience a day on the pepper farm. And we are always happy to accommodate you. This year we took several travelers with us who are not afraid to get their hands dirty and experience a day completely different from what they are used to at home. Experience one single day with them. Through their eyes and words of our co-founder Klára, who accompanied them. We're heading out to the farmers in Kampot We all put on .pepper. t-shirts because our farmers can always tell that a visitor from the Czech Republic belongs to us by them. We arrange motorcycles, take scarves, and go. The group is full of enthusiasm – finally reaching the very heart of Kampot pepper!We ride through the orange landscape, dust swirling around us, palms, huts, waving families who already know us. We turn off to the fields. In front of the hut, the whole family welcomes us. Mother, father, older members, the children are at school, one stayed at home. We greet each other warmly, after all, we haven't seen each other for a year. We hand out gifts – this year we brought Czech games for the children, like 'Ludo' and 'Don't Get Angry'. And since Cambodians are a nation of musicians, we have Czech musical instruments for the farmers, mostly wooden ones. They shed more than one tear, mainly thanks to the harmonica. " Sit down, we’re opening a coconut! " The husband climbs the palm and knocks down a whole bunch.We chat for a while about how we are doing." The children are at school – one studies agriculture in Kampot, the rest are at university in the capital," says the farmer's wife. We finish the coconut and the husband with the family takes us to the farm. The group sets off cheerfully, but after an hour in the pepper fields they already feel tired. Under the scorching tropical sun " This heat is unbearable! How can they work in this?" I admire the care in planting each little plant and the tirelessness in watering them. We get the task of tying the growing pepper vines that climb the poles. The group tries to come up with a more efficient way of watering so that the farmers don’t have to work so hard. Enthusiastically, they nibble on the first peppercorns, which are still unripe. " When we collect them now, either we soak these green berries in salt flower, and we have fresh green pepper in salt brine, or we dry them into black dried Kampot pepper in the sun,"  I explain which stage of pepper ripeness we are currently at. If they came in March, some would already start to turn red. Lunch! “But you will cook it nicely our way!” our farmer says cheerfully. We go straight from the field into the house. The kitchen is dark and full of large pots, the huge fire is already blazing. A slaughtered chicken awaits us – the greatest honor you can receive. We cook poultry, gathered vegetables, and morning glory – a type of Cambodian grass that everyone loves with chili, garlic, and soy sauce. We complement all the food with fresh Kampot pepper on the stem, which we really enjoy. After the meal, we wash the dishes. And the farmers smile at us because it is exclusively women's work, while with us men have taken it up as well. For a while, we play Ludo and get to know the group and the surroundings of the farm and how it operates. “Everything here is organic, and that is thanks to Kampot pepper. We only fertilize with bat and cow dung. Other fruits, vegetables, and trees are the same. When the water comes and there would be chemicals somewhere, it would wash them into the pepper fields, and that is not allowed.” “Lea heuy!” Fatigue overwhelms us, so we say heartfelt goodbyes – with a deep bow and a handshake, some embrace in emotion. We leave because we still have a long and dusty road ahead and tomorrow awaits us another beautiful day. Already at the next farm. :-)

For us, an ordinary bike is a small thing. For the families of our farmers, it is almost a luxury. Therefore, we thank everyone who visited the Prague restaurant SIA in the middle of summer or subsequently participated in the private collection. Thanks to this, we donated 20 .pepper..bikes bicycles to the children of our farmers. Take a look at the joy and smiles we brought to Kampot. From Wednesday, July 19 to Tuesday, July 25, you could try the special Rabata grill menu with Kampot m pepper thanks to chef Jiří Štift at the SIA restaurant. From each order, we donated 10 CZK to our project .pepper..bike - bikes for children from the farmer families we support. We were surprised by how many of our fans and customers reached out saying they also wanted to contribute but could not visit the restaurant that week. After all, there is only one SIA and it is only in Prague. So the idea of a private collection was born. Before summer ended, we raised more than we expected. Today, 20 children have a new .pepper..bike parked at home. And from kilometers that they had to walk long hours every day, their journey has been shortened to minutes. We thank not only the SIA restaurant but also all donors, customers, and fans. You help us keep our promise - to improve living conditions in one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia.

When your passion for culinary creation combines with a love for travel, it can bring incredible experiences and discoveries both in the kitchen and beyond its borders. Kristína Nemčková is exactly such a personality – the youngest winner of the MasterChef competition worldwide and a chef with an indomitable passion for culinary adventures. Her story intersected with ours, and Kristína discovered not only the magic of Kampot pepper but also many of its secrets. Take a look at Kampot pepper through her eyes. At the end of 2022, Kristína found herself in Southeast Asia. During a planned trip from Singapore to Vietnam, a spontaneous idea was born to visit Kampot. Kampot peppers and salt pyramids or flakes from this region are often used in cooking, so she was tempted to see how Kampot pepper is grown and subsequently processed. She consulted with our Klára, co-founder of the .pepper..field brand. She connected her with our local colleagues, Ajja and Nicky. The journey’s adventures and beautiful moments were written down for you in an article on her website. Are you curious...? What two types of pepper are grown in Kampot? And on what is the harvested pepper then dried? Have you ever wondered how many kilometers the children of farmers have to walk every day to school? Or how exactly the auctions and purchases of the pepper harvest take place? You will find out not only that in the article Kristína’s experiences from Kampot. On farms in the heart of Kampot, she experienced unique moments. She befriended our farmers and had the opportunity to observe what happens, when, and how with the berries of the world’s best pepper. She learned that creating this exceptional spice requires not only quality soil and climate but also the love and care of the farmers. A peppery finishing touch Kristína decided to share her culinary skills with them. She cooked a dish for our farmers using Kampot pepper so that her hosts could relax for a moment and enjoy the joy of the taste and aroma of this spice. For her, this was not only a cultural connection but also a way to thank these hardworking farmers for their work. Therefore, we also thank Kristína for the opportunity to collaborate with her.

After two hours of exhausting motorcycle travel at noon and in 38 degrees, we arrive at the farm of our farmer Tav Bora. It is one of the 203 farms we support. We are welcomed with a hug and a broad smile. "Look, the whole family is smiling and has beautiful teeth, " I notice immediately, as this is not a given in Cambodia, quite the opposite.Healthcare – especially dental care – is extremely expensive. For us, this is a sign that our work makes sense. To help you understand – healthcare in Cambodia is costly, and therefore we try to motivate most of our farmers to invest the money from fair trade purchases into three areas – healthcare, school fees for children, and farm cultivation. But now about that smile. Our colleagues Aleš, Tom, and Lukáš came to the Kampot farms for the first time. They decided on their own and bought tickets because they wanted to experience Cambodia firsthand. The farmers are a bit shy; I am teaching them how to bow and greet properly.Farmer Tav Bora is cheerful as always and is preparing coconuts and fruit from the garden for us. Her husband, father, and three other daughters help her. "We are doing well, " she describes. "I have six children – three daughters and three sons – all of them are at university, just imagine! I am most proud of my daughter; she wants to be a doctor, look, she even goes to school on Saturdays, " she points to her daughter who is dressed in more festive clothes.We sit and talk. Our two Cambodians, Ajaa and Nicky – the heart of the project – who know the farmers very well, translate for us. Young people who themselves come from the street and now help us with this most beautiful project. This year was terribly difficult, and the war in Ukraine and its consequences at many levels have also affected our project, we agree with Tav Bora. She understands the situation well and that we are doing our best, and she confirms to us that just as she could always rely on us, so we can rely on her.She simply does not want to cooperate with anyone else. "You are the only ones who pay us official fair trade prices and the only ones who have always cared about us and been interested in us. There are others now who would like to buy our pepper, but we will only sell to them what is left, " she describes the situation. For us, this is extremely important because we feel that the support for the project also comes from the farms. We talk for about an hour about what troubles them. Our colleagues run around the farm and see for the first time the beautifully grown pepper trees.They join in picking the green peppercorns with the young farmers who are currently on shift. "This can't be possible, I never realized that picking peppercorn by peppercorn is such crazy manual labor! " complains colleague Tomáš, who has only been working for a few minutes. :-) Colleague Aleš is playing Czech memory game with the girls and explaining to them what kind of animals we have in the Czech Republic. The girls are excited and keep the memory game. They taste Czech dried apples and plums and completely forget about the time. Colleague Lukáš got lost on the farm and enthusiastically runs between the pepper fields and animals. The animals fall in love with him. The sunset slowly arrives and we all gather for departure. Klárka has black fingers from picking fresh green pepper, “just like Czech walnuts! ” she laughs. Lukáš wants to adopt a dog, Tomáš is nibbling fresh green peppercorns, David and Aaja are taking notes from the meeting with the farmers to keep improving. We sit sweaty and dirty on the motorcycles and at sunset we leave for the two-hour trip back to the city. We are tired but full of euphoria. Full of enthusiasm and love for the project, which when you see it on site, fills you with great happiness. And it doesn't matter if you are a graphic designer, event manager or take care of customers on the e-shop at .pepper..field.This goodness is then passed on further even in the details – to our customers – who know that the real and truly fair project with Kampot pepper is called .pepper..field. :-)

Mythical beauty, the ability to seduce with a glance, and otherworldly musical and dance talent are all characteristics of the magical apsaras, female beings of Southeast Asia who have become one of the cornerstones of Cambodian cultural heritage. Their legacy is now taught to little schoolgirls in Cambodia, and we had the opportunity to see one such dance performance! They can be compared to European nymphs or fairies These are otherworldly beautiful female beings who, with their stylized dance featuring typically bent fingers on their hands, could enchant any man. Depictions of dancing apsaras appear on the stone walls of temples, especially in the most famous one, Angkor Wat. There should be up to 3,000 images of these dancers there, which proves the significant status they held in ancient times. During the greatest flourishing of the Angkor period, these dancers had the task of performing sacred rituals, ritual dances, and welcoming important guests in the royal palace. They provided services that pleased both the senses and the spirit and became a colorful part of the already astonishing temple complex. The fame and significance of the apsaras gradually declined over time, but their art survived for many centuries and is still cultivated in Cambodia today. The local inhabitants are rightly proud of their Khmer past and still keep some of the ancient traditions alive. That is why the dance of the celestial nymphs is very popular in the country, and many young girls devote themselves to its training, starting already in early childhood. The dance creations are a sequence of complex hand movements accompanied by characteristic facial expressions There should be up to two thousand such movements, and if one of the dancers wanted to perform them all in sequence, it would take about two hours. The hand movements are also accompanied by hundreds of body positions. However, the movements are not just dance art; each movement holds a certain meaning and message. Thus, even a slight change can alter the communicated dance. The entire beauty of this art is emphasized by richly decorated costumes with floral motifs, complemented by shiny jewelry and elaborate crowns. Today’s apsaras exactly replicate the appearance of their ancient predecessors.

The days of May 13 to 15 are dedicated to celebrations in Cambodia. They celebrate the birthday of the local ruler Norodom Sihamoni, the only monarch in the world who speaks fluent Czech. However, fluent command of Czech is not the only interesting fact about this ruler, whose life story was filled with dance, slavery, and ruling. Studies at Czech schools and resistance against communism Norodom's rule was destined. He was born as the son of the Cambodian king Norodom Sihanouk, who sent him to then Czechoslovakia for experience when he was nine years old. President Antonín Novotný himself arranged a government scholarship for the young Cambodian, thanks to which the prince began studying elementary and later language school in the heart of Europe. More than languages, however, Norodom was captivated by dance, which he eventually began studying at the Prague Conservatory and later at the Academy of Performing Arts. When the Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia, he was one of those who protested against the invasion. At the time, he had no idea that a similar fate would soon befall his homeland. From hard work in the fields to Cambodian ambassador A few years later, Cambodia fell under the control of the Khmer Rouge faction, and his royal father was overthrown. Sihamoni returned home in 1975. However, he was not greeted with any grand welcome; instead, by order of Pol Pot's regime, he had to work as a slave in the rice fields. His family was imprisoned until 1978, when the Khmer Rouge regime fell. Until liberation by Vietnam, Sihamoni and his family were imprisoned in their palace. Afterwards, he withdrew to a remote monastery and became a monk. However, the desire to dance was stronger, so he eventually left the monastery and headed to Paris. There he founded his own dance school, which he led until the new millennium and where he later also became Cambodia's ambassador to UNESCO in Cambodia. Are you interested in more brutal facts about the historical rule of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia? Read another article where we describe the devastating history of Kampot pepper. The Cambodian crown and honorary citizenship of Prague He was crowned King of Cambodia in 2004 and has been at the head of the country ever since, although his role today is mostly representative, similar to many other monarchs in Europe. The ruler has returned to the Czech Republic several times and always remembers our country with love. He is said to still speak Czech absolutely fluently! This year, the ruler, who is very popular in his country, celebrated his 69th birthday. What do you think, shall we have a nice chat with him in Czech sometime? :-)   Source of the opening photo: reflex.cz

If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and choosing interesting places that should not escape your attention, definitely add Tonle Sap Lake in the Siem Reap area to your list. Tonle Sap, also known as Tonlé Sap, translates to Great Lake and is a true aquatic gem of all Southeast Asia, which will literally enchant you with its beauty. Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in all of Southeast Asia and also a place with one of the largest ecosystems in the world. It is home to a huge number of diverse animal and plant species. In 1997, it was registered – along with its surrounding areas – as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The lake where life pulses The lake truly has grand dimensions. It is 250 kilometers long and 100 kilometers wide. Basically, we can call it an inland ocean. In many places, you cannot see the opposite shore at all! Nevertheless, the lake is relatively shallow, reaching a maximum depth of 10 meters in its deepest spots. Besides representatives of fauna and flora, people have also settled on the lake and created numerous communities inhabiting floating villages. Each is a bit different, but what unites them is their dependence on the lake and its natural resources. The most famous village is Chong Khneas, with a number of shops, houses, and schools floating on the water. This village is already somewhat touristy, but it is still worth a visit. However, you can visit many other villages, just arrange a boat trip on the lake. Keep in mind, though, that it is a trip lasting at least a whole day. When to visit Tonle Sap? The best time to visit the lake is during the rainy season, from June to October. During this time, the lake floods, overflows its banks, and creates a unique floodplain habitat. By boat, you can then reach many incredible places from where you can observe local mammals, birds, and amphibians. In the dry season, the lake level drops closer to the bottom, and some areas are not accessible by boat at all. The villages also do not have the same charm as during the flood season. Are you interested in more tips on places you shouldn’t miss in Cambodia? Then you can happily dive into another travel article. This time we focus on our favorite area, Kampot. :-)

If you have ever wanted to fulfill the dream of azure blue lagoons and white sandy beaches with palm trees at least once in your life, you don't have to head only to luxurious exotic destinations. There are also places that offer equally beautiful sun-drenched experiences at prices that will pleasantly surprise you. One of them is Koh Rong island, the second largest island of Cambodia located in the southwest of the country. White sand and crystal clear sea – you will meet tourists here only a few months a year The island, with an approximate area of 78 square kilometers, could be called a true paradise on earth, moreover this place does not suffer from excessive tourist pressure. You can find a total of 23 beautiful beaches with white sand here. The beaches are the main attraction that draws tourists to the island. The beaches stretch along almost 50% of the coastline. Still, the greatest charm of the whole island lies in the fact that it is largely untouched and offers beautiful natural scenery. What to do on the island? Go on the water, or under the water Besides long hours spent on the beach, you can also spend your time on the island with a number of other activities, including the option to take a boat trip around its shores. The locals know very well which places to show you! If you want the most authentic experience possible, arrange a trip with a local fisherman. If you desire an even more adventurous experience, try to arrange a trip to one of the local diving destinations and dive into the beautiful depths full of life. All the equipment will gladly be lent to you at the local diving centers, and they will also explain what and how so that you can enjoy the depths as much and as safely as possible. When you are tired of the ocean, you can head to the High Point amusement park, which allows you to explore the beautiful natural jungle. You will float high in the treetops, walk on 25 wooden platforms interconnected by ladders, suspension bridges, and enjoy the zipline. It is 130 meters full of adrenaline, which is an interesting addition to a sunny holiday. So, what do you say? When are you setting off? :-) Are you planning to spend more time in Cambodia? We would be happy to introduce you to other magical places. For example, head to the iconic Tonle Sap Lake!

Krama is a piece of Cambodia that you can always carry with you. Even at home in the Czech Republic. They are worn by women, men, and even children from all social classes. Cambodian silk or cotton scarves called Krama are an integral part of the local culture and a fashion accessory. Cambodians can use them in a thousand ways! It is not exactly certain how the scarf became an integral part of Khmer culture, although historians believe it may be related to ancient ties to the Indian subcontinent, where similar scarves are very popular. However, it is interesting that no other country in Southeast Asia historically wore scarves to such an extent, which makes Krama an even more distinctive cultural heritage. Neither religion nor politics Unlike other cultures where scarves are perceived as part of religion and primarily serve to cover the head, Krama is a completely non-religious and non-political symbol. Thanks to this, this piece of silk fabric can basically be used for anything: from covering the head, carrying children, to a hammock. Krama is even part of traditional Khmer martial arts. During a match, fighters wrap it around their waist, head, or wrist. Mothers, on the other hand, use krama to wrap their children and carry them on their backs. Most commonly, however, krama is used as a classic scarf or shawl that helps protect against the Cambodian sun. How do Kramas differ from each other? Krama was also a way for higher social classes to distinguish themselves from lower ones. The highest-ranking people had Kramas made of silk, and in some cases, a silk krama even replaced our classic engagement ring during a marriage proposal. The price of a krama is also determined by its pattern. Here, of course, the more complex, the more expensive such a piece of fabric is. The production process of krama has undergone some development over the centuries, but it is still purely handmade work involving several people. At the end, a piece of Cambodia is created that you can wear too. And we guarantee it will look good on you. :-) What other souvenir can you bring home from Cambodia? Read our article about the most authentic souvenirs from this fairy-tale country.

If you ever visit Cambodia, definitely do not skip the Kampot province and its eponymous capital during your travels through this amazing country. However, don't be too surprised if it feels like you have traveled back in time and space to 19th century France. That is exactly the impression Kampot can give you. Promenades like on the Champs-Élysées boulevard Champs-Élysées Thanks to its slightly faded but still stunning colonial architecture, complemented by green parks, chaotically run electricity, and its location on the gently rocking waves of the Praek Tuek Chhu river, you will feel like you are walking through the old streets of Paris, where time has stood still. The river is precisely the centerpiece of the town, which is lined on its left bank with beautiful promenades offering views of the nearby Bokor National Park. Before you head into its untamed flora, dive deeper into the town’s streets and explore the town itself. Ideally on foot, or by bike. Gastronomy and art lovers will find their place in Kampot You should definitely visit Old Market Street, which is the main street of the town and where you will find many charming cafes and souvenir shops. The fish market built in 1934, renovated in the Art Deco style, also has its charm. Today it houses a luxury restaurant serving seafood. However, you can also just stop by for an aperitif and admire the beauty of the interiors. The old cinema was given a second chance as well, transformed into the Old Cinema Hotel. It offers the atmosphere of Kampot’s golden era from the last century, as well as a swimming pool where guests can swim and properly relax before their next Cambodian adventure. If you are interested in the history of the place you are traveling through, be sure to visit the local museum, whose exhibitions are dedicated to history. Besides the exhibits, you will also find a renovated museum building that originally served as the residence of the provincial governor. Art lovers will find their place at PiPetPi Gallery, which exhibits works by local artists. On the ground floor, you will find a shop offering various paper products and upcycled jewelry. Many collectible items also await you at a shop called Kampothead, which will transport you through a variety of beautiful items back in time to the first half of the last century, when Kampot was literally a shining river pearl. Part of this charm has been preserved to this day, but it requires some time to see the former splendor with your own eyes. But it is definitely worth it!

Maybe you were also fans of the Tomb Raider movie from the turn of the millennium, in which Angelina Jolie played the role of Lara Croft. The famous film, based on an even more famous computer game, was filmed, among other places, in Cambodia. The setting for the adventurous scenes was provided by the Ta Prohm temple, which is hidden deep in the jungle. A spiritual place that breathes ancient life Thanks to the film, we can today talk about the temple as one of the most iconic places in Cambodia. Its crumbling towers and walls are gripped by gigantic tree trunks and their root systems, which gives the whole place a very special atmosphere. While walking through the forgotten courtyards of the temple or inside its shady corridors, you will constantly be under the watchful eyes of stone statues of warriors and mythological beings. In this temple, you will simply feel like you are traveling back in time and discovering a forgotten civilization. Although today the temple has been almost pulled from the clutches of the jungle for safety and accessibility for visitors, its appearance still most closely resembles what its ancient discoverers found among all the temples in Cambodia. Faded walls, crumbling structures, and moss-covered stones that ignite a lot of imagination and desire to explore in you. Now nature rules the temple The trunks and root system themselves are today basically the supporting structure of some buildings that would collapse without them. And it's no wonder, as the temple has stood here since the 12th century. Throughout its history, it was a place for up to 12,000 people who served the Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII. He had it built with the intention of creating the largest temple in Angkor, which he dedicated to the memory of his mother. At that time, over 300 Buddhist deities were worshipped here. This lasted until the temple became a Hindu sanctuary. You can admire Ta Prohm today when entering the famous Angkor. It opens at 7:30 and closes at half past six in the evening. So don't forget to stop by. Are you interested in what else you can discover in Cambodia? In our articles, you will find several tips!Source of the Tomb Raider photo: Austria Forum

Pepper is definitely considered a national treasure of Cambodia. However, this Asian country nearly lost its treasure. The rule of the Khmer Rouge – an extremely nationalist organization that committed a true national genocide in the country between 1975 and 1979 – caused not only many human casualties but also the loss of part of the country's culture along with the tradition of growing pepper. Why did the green peppercorns bother the Khmer Rouge so much? Agriculture yes, bourgeoisie no To better understand the motive behind the destruction of pepper plantations, it is necessary to explain why the Khmer Rouge unleashed brutal terror in the country in the first place. The idea of Pol Pot and his party was to establish so-called agrarian utopian socialism in the country, meaning to set up state mechanisms relying exclusively on agriculture and a system of redistribution, through which the country would become completely self-sufficient. The problem, however, was that at that time, there were too many people living in Cambodia to establish such a regime. Therefore, targeted elimination began of those who had nothing to offer the newly created system. These were primarily the upper classes, the educated, whether teachers, doctors, lawyers, merchants, and other professionals. Somewhat surprisingly, pepper growers were also included in the group of bourgeois elements, who were forced to destroy their pepper plantations or, in worse cases, abandon their farms. Decades of restoring traditions The terror of the Khmer Rouge lasted less than five years, yet it was carried out with such efficiency that the tradition of growing pepper almost disappeared. The situation was further worsened by the fact that the southern regions of Kampot and Kep became a refuge for the remaining Khmer Rouge after the regime was overthrown, as they hid in the local mountains. These areas historically belonged to regions with the highest pepper production, and the presence of the Khmer Rouge continued to prevent its cultivation. The situation only changed after the turn of the millennium, when the tradition of growing pepper was revived, and in less than 20 years, pepper once again became a dominant agricultural commodity. Kampot pepper now helps not only culturally but primarily economically to forget the bitter taste of the past.

Although no nation, people, or culture can be categorized, below we share with you some of the most common characteristics of Cambodians as well as some insights we have gained from personal experiences with this country. Cambodia is one of the few Asian countries that still maintains its distinctive character. This is due to the fact that tourism is not so strong here and also perhaps due to the nature of the Cambodians themselves, who have values based on completely different things than career success and a money-focused life. Family Above All Cambodians place their family first, second, and also third, as it means everything to them and their life revolves around it. Families here are truly large. This is most evident during family celebrations when uncles and aunts, cousins, and all other relatives gather to jointly celebrate various festive ceremonies such as weddings or the New Year. Land of the Sun and Endless Smiles Not only at such events do everyone smile from ear to ear. Cambodians are simply happy people – even in moments that do not bring much joy. Their nature is calm, they are kind and caring. This is primarily due to the Buddhist religion, which instills in each of them a philosophy of compassion and care in everyday life. Buddhism, followed by up to 97% of the population, teaches Cambodians to be open to everything new that enters their lives, including knowledge. This is why they love to learn. Many Cambodians live below the poverty line – especially in the provinces where the vast majority of the population has only basic education. However, their curiosity urges them to learn everything new that is available. And with the internet, there is more and more available all the time. Cambodians Value Spirituality Cambodians are extremely superstitious. You can encounter various aspects of superstition practically at every step. Many actions are first subject to small rituals that are meant to ensure their proper execution. One example might be the sacred Sak Yant tattoo, tattooed with a bamboo stick and performed with a precise ceremony during which a special mantra must be chanted for the future bearer of the tattoo. By the way, ask David and Klára, our co-founders, directly. Cambodia is their second home and they themselves have participated in several such rituals. :-) However, neither rituals nor superstition mean that you have to be afraid of Cambodians; on the contrary. These lovers of singing and good mood will quickly infect you with their positive spirit, and soon you will feel at home in their company! You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram, where we regularly share stories about our experiences in Cambodia – and not only about them.

Beautiful Cambodian women gracefully dancing to the rhythm of traditional music are among the treasures of Cambodia's heritage from the ancient Khmer civilization. The so-called apsaras, or heavenly nymphs or water spirits, in their costumes full of gold and colors entertained the ancient rulers residing in temples such as Angkor Wat. Although the Apsara dance is becoming increasingly popular, its roots date back a thousand years before our era. Something like sign language? The dance of the Kingdom of Cambodia is based on Hindu and Buddhist mythology and is meant to evoke the gently floating clouds of water vapor. Women twist their hips, stretch their arms above their heads with unnaturally twisted fingers. The individual choreographies are very complex, and girls learn them from a tender age for a long nine years. By the way – there are two thousand hand gestures alone! It therefore takes years to master it to absolute perfection, and even a slightly different hand movement can change the entire performance's meaning completely. According to tradition, however, the mission of the nymphs was not only dance. Over time, these women were deified, and their task became caring for the souls of warriors fallen in battle. At the same time, they became life partners of divine artists, primarily singers and musicians. The spiritual legacy of the Kingdom of Cambodia confused many a king Although this charming dance is a mythological symbol, it mainly confused mortals. Even kings themselves were no exception. Therefore, dancers also performed at the courts of noble rulers, where they also served as companions. According to some sources, King Jayavarman VII had about 2,000 of these divine companions. However, the heavenly nymphs fulfilled this role in times when medieval castles were being built here, and from the 14th century onward, their role was again only the heavenly dance, whose form has been preserved to this day. So if you ever visit Cambodia, be sure to attend a festival where women and girls traditionally dance the Apsara. You will witness an almost identical spectacle as the Khmer rulers did hundreds of years ago. The Apsara dance was also performed for us by girls from our sister school in Siem Reap The fact that the tradition really continues and girls learn the Apsara in Cambodia from an early age is also proven by a visit to a primary school near Siem Reap, supported by .pepper..field. During the visit, we brought the children sports equipment and school supplies as a gift, and the local schoolgirls performed the Apsara dance for us ceremoniously. Follow on Facebook or Instagram, where we regularly add experiences from Cambodia! :-)