This Phnom Penh Cafe Will Transport You 5 Centuries Back in Time

Come inside and get transported five centuries back to the old good times of strong rulers and divine apsara dancers. All the staff in an aptly called Vapaktoir Cafe (Culture Cafe) wear traditional kben dresses, a usual outfit of the Khmer from Longvek and Oudong Meanchey in 16th and 17th centuries. 

While there is usual staff like coffees, smoothes, sodas and the like on the menu, all for about USD1, there is also an option to rent a period dress to make pics (USD5) or just wear it while drinking a cup of coffee. Opened 10 months ago, the cafe enjoys great popularity among the locals, especially students who say they appreciate a chance to get closer to their roots, learn more about history of the country through traditional dress and make a time hop to the times long gone. Currently there are 30 sets of dresses used by the staff and offered to the customers.

Thanks to an unusual marketing idea, not only the cafe attracts a loyal local clientele and curious tourists, it also contributes into promoting of traditional culture in social media with pictures taken in the cafe habitually going viral on IG and FB.

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