Frequently Asked Questions
We created Canvas & Orchids Resort to showcase the jungle and Tatai River; therefore, children should know how to swim or be kept under your strict supervision.
If you are vegetarian or have particular preferences or allergies, our team will know how to accommodate them.
You can choose from a three-course set menu of Cambodian and Western cuisine for lunch or dinner. Locally sourced seafood and meat, with fresh vegetables and fruits, are complemented by a wide selection of wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks.
A snack menu is also available throughout the day for the gourmands.
The new expressway puts us closer to Phnom Penh, cutting more than two hours of the trip. If you are coming with your vehicle or a taxi, you can find the expressway entrance on the Phnom Penh side here: Google Maps.
You can get to Canvas & Orchids Retreat by road in your vehicle, private taxi or minivan, or public bus or minivan. See all the options here
We know you will come from far to see all the great things Cambodia offers.
However, there are plenty of things to do around the Canvas & Orchids Retreat that you will enjoy for several days. Or, you can also choose to make the most of the tranquillity and rest.
To have enough time to experience the warmth of our team, the adventure, comfort and beautiful surroundings, you should stay at least three nights. But you’ll regret not staying longer 🙂
Floating Tents can safely and comfortably accommodate two adults and one child under 12 on a sofa bed. In addition, a four-year-old baby can share the bed with the parents. We can also provide a baby cot upon request.
The Island Tents can comfortably accommodate four persons in two rooms, sharing the same toilet. An extra child can sleep on the existing sofa.
Due to logistics limitations, we cannot provide an extra bed.
Yes, we can cater for nearly all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, pescatarian, halal, vegan, and intolerances and allergies as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). But, unfortunately, we can’t cater for Kosher.
Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements or preferences, and we will try our best to accommodate them.
You can leave your car at our reception in Tatai Village, located 5 km from Canvas & Orchids Retreat. There’s 24-hour security at reception which will keep your vehicle safe and secure so you can enjoy your stay without worrying.
When you book your room, you will also have
- Breakfast
- Boat transfer for check-in and check-out within the regular boat schedules:
- Check-in: 2.00 PM and 5.00 PM
- Check out: 8.00 AM and 10 AM
- Use of kayaks, fishing rods, library and DVD movies
- Boat trip to see the fireflies at 7 PM (weather permitting)
- Unlimited smiles from our team 🙂
We can arrange a bus transfer to Canvas & Orchids Retreat and your next destination. We can also provide you with a private taxi from any point in Cambodia and some destinations in Thailand. Please get in touch with us for a quote or add a transfer from the “extras” while booking your room.
Usually, there are very few mosquitoes, but they and other bugs can occasionally be an issue, often without notice or a pattern. However, we do have insect repellent available. You are also encouraged to bring your insect repellent if you have a preferred brand.
Tents have netted windows that help keep mosquitoes and other bugs out. These nets, properly zipped and lights turned off inside your tent while you’re outside, will keep bugs at bay.
In our remote, rural location, there is also the chance you may see the odd spider, snake, frog or gecko, but these shouldn’t pose a risk to you. They are more afraid of you than you are of them. Our island is semi-secure and protected from local wildlife (except a couple of local pet cats and dogs), although you may encounter the odd cow or water buffalo as you explore the surroundings.
We are strongly committed to minimizing our energy consumption; therefore, our tents are not air-conditioned but well-ventilated. Each tent has large net windows, a ceiling fan and standing fans to keep you cool. In some periods of the year, it can even get slightly chilly at night, and you may be happy to use the blankets provided.
- Online bookings, from your home:
Our Cambodian bank does not allow us to charge a credit card without having it in hand. Therefore we set up a system that will enable you to transfer your deposit to a local bank with the lowest fees possible. According to your location, we will send you the correct information after your booking. We use for these transfers the Wise or Revolut Applications.
- At the hotel:
We prefer cash as much as possible. Alternatively, you can use the same transfer system to a local bank via Wise or Revolout.
As a last resort, you could exceptionally use your credit card (Visa and Mastercard only), but your processing fees will be very high.
Companies such as Virak Buntham, Rith Mony and Sorya operate daily departures from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville. Virak Buntham has proven to be the most reliable regarding safety and timeliness. Moreover, you can book your bus tickets online with Camboticket
It would be best if you took the 7.45 AM bus so you can arrive in time to check in for the 2 PM boat. It’s best to book your outbound journey while you book your arrival trip. If you decide to stay longer with us, we can always find a way to change your ticket.
The floating tent’s structure does not allow us to add an extra bed. However, you can use the existing chaise longue as an additional sleeping place for a small child.
Children under 12 stay free in the Island Family Tents and have a 30% discount on accommodation in the Floating Tents.
Meals and excursions are 30% discount for children between 4 and 12.
There is no charge for babies under four years old.
According to the WHO, malaria has firmly declined in Cambodia since 2021. None of our ex-pat advisors that have lived here for twenty years nor our guests visiting us for more than ten years had malaria. We did have some cases in the village around five years ago but never since.
Seen how frequent and unpleasant the side effects of the anti-malaria drugs are, the risk of them spoiling your holiday is higher than getting malaria during your stay.
There is a way from Battambang to Tatai via Treng-Samlout-Vealveng. It is a very scenic road, with relatively decent quality asphalt on its first half until crossing Road 55. After crossing Road 55, the second part is tarmac and somewhat adventurous even during the dry season.
However, some parts of the road might not be usable during the rainy season. So please check the weather conditions before travelling and do not attempt this journey alone during the rainy season.
Cambodia has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from warm to hot throughout the year.
There are two seasons; the northeast monsoon season runs from November to April, bringing sunny, dry weather, especially in January and February. The rains come when the winds shift into the southwest monsoon from May to October, with the most precipitation in September; this season has the loveliest colours – the rice fields are green, and the sunsets are fabulous. As a bonus for those chasing a deal, the prices are at their lowest.
From February to April, Cambodia steadily heats up, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40°C in April. However, temperatures remain high in May and June, but the southwest monsoon brings more humidity and some very humid days! There will undoubtedly be some rainfall from July to October, but it usually comes in short, heavy showers, often in the late afternoon and evening.
* Travel time from Phnom Penh
* Travel time from Siem Reap
* Travel time from Battambang
* Travel time from SIhanoukville Port
