It's time to feed his livestock, and Neuom Deuk, 37, who used to work in construction for some 20 years, gets to work feeding his chickens. He has been raising them for the past year.

Trained in animal husbandry with other locals, he does not use any harmful chemicals or steroids in his feed. His livestock is sold at chicken and duck shops in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Among his many customers is the Phum Sla Eco-Resort, which supports community projects like vegetable growing and livestock breeding so that its guests can have good, healthy fresh meat and greens.

To get to the resort, one has to travel along an urban road leading to Chork pagoda about 2km away.

Along the way, one can see rows of replanted trees sprouting new leaves in the middle of the road.

There is a sign announcing one’s arrival at Phum Sla Eco-Resort, where huge ponds located on the left, with Phnom Krom in the background, help to reduce the sun’s heat.

Three canals, connected to each other by wooden bridges, are lined along the path with banana trees. They lead visitors to huts and help create the mood for a relaxing and comfortable ambience.

On the right, two big huts are located near wooden bridges. A “view bridge” from which one can see the resort and take selfies makes for a small stop.

Not far away, two restrooms designed as upside down boats welcome guest to use them if the need calls.

Nearby are seven big huts that stand next to a huge pond. They are connected to an old style house by another wooden bridge.

Located in Kantrok village, Svay Dangkum commune, Siem Reap town, Phum Sla Eco-Resort, is newly established and opened its doors on November 15. All food served at the resort comes from the farmers who grow and raise free-range animals in natural settings.

Kham Serey Chantha, the Phum Sla Eco-resort’s general consultant, says the resort contributes to encouraging the community market concept by supporting local farmers.

“We buy all their vegetables and livestock that are grown and bred naturally and without using steroids or other chemicals.

“This helps us contribute to the farmers’ welfare and support the community. In the process, all our guests benefit too,” he says.

‘Natural goodness’

Naturally raised chicken and duck, and fresh vegetables bought from the Samaki Chamreuon Phal Community farmers, marinated in honey and snail amok represent the resort’s signature food to welcome guests.

Heifer International is a charity organisation that works to end hunger and poverty around the world by providing livestock and training to struggling communities.

Its associate director of programmes, Sim Dara, is involved in aiding the productivity of the community’s farmers in animal husbandry and vegetable farming.

He says it created the slogan “100 riel from buyers will go to the community’s pockets’, and this inspires customers to buy natural products from local farmers.

The impact of Heifer International’s work is so positive that today even the resort has embraced it to go green.

“We are going to add more of the natural goodness of our meat and vegetables to our food menu. The customers love what we offer today and with our expanded menu, we know we will do better to fulfil our local and international visitors’ demand,” Chantha says.

But natural and tasty food is not the only thing that the resort offers. Guests can enjoy different views from different angles with seven huts situated next to a huge pond.

And there is a traditional home and 13 medium-sized huts with a view of rice fields that adds to the Phnom Krom backdrop. The air is fresh and cooling.

The resort currently opens from 10am to 6pm, and soon it will stay open until 9pm.

When it is fully completed, the resort will have an air-conditioned cafe and restaurant, and old style home. Construction is planned for completion this coming January.

For more details about the location and to book a stay, please contact 077 930 000.