Immerse students in local culture by contributing to a meaningful community project. Students will learn about a different way of life through daily activities. They will also learn about Cambodian history and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s struggles and triumphs. Students will take part in traditional cooking classes, learn basic Khmer, explore the majestic Angkor Wat temples, and much more.
The brutal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia claimed the lives of up to two million people and resulted in one of the worst genocides in history. Students will hear stories from local people that will give them a deeper insight into the challenges still affecting Cambodia today.
Destination: Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap
Tour Highlights:
Included:
Terms & Conditions:
Please be advised that this is an ‘example’ of a schedule and that the activities may be variable dependent upon dates, weather, special requests and other factors. Itineraries will be confirmed prior to travel.
The projects are determined closer to your actual tour date.
Day 1
Welcome to Cambodia! On arrival in Phnom Penh you will be met at the airport by your English speaking guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel.
In the afternoon you will take a part in a City Tour and enjoy nom banh chok (rice noodles with fish sauce and veggies) from a local street vendor.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Day 2
This morning begins with a sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh, a mix of poverty and modern development, friendly locals and tuk-tuk drivers.
In the afternoon learn Cambodia’s tragic past and the Khmer Rouge atrocities, on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This former prison outside Phnom Penh brings to light the brutality of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge and honours the 17,000 people who lost their lives here.
Tonight’s dinner is a real treat, as you’ll enjoy a home-cooked meal in a local family’s home.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Day 3
This morning you will visit a non – government organisation to learn about their activities and take a part in a workshop. One of the organisations that you could meet is – Mission of Aziz’s Place, a grassroots education and learning centre transforming the lives of Cambodia’s most underprivileged children. These young people come from the Steung Meanchey municipal dumpsite, slums and vulnerable families.
Holistic programs and services provide children with opportunities in intellectual, emotional and physical development which are key to their advancement into adulthood. You could help improve children’s English level through creative group activities.
In the afternoon visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, which stand on the site of the former citadel. Later you will visit the Russian market, so-called by foreigners because the predominantly Russian expat population shopped here in the 1980s, also has a large range of handicrafts and antiquities.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Day 4
Today you will travel by minibus to Battambang with en route stop in Kampong Luang. Kampong Luang is a marvellously colourful village that floats on the water. Spend an hour traversing between houses and other boats alike before you continue your trip. Cambodia’s second-largest city, Battambang, is a pretty riverside town of French elegance, friendly Khmer people and beautifully preserved colonial architecture.
Meet the not-for-profit association working to improve the lives of vulnerable young people in the region. Get involved in a circus workshop run by the famous circus performers of Phare, let them teach you how to master the basics.
Overnight in Battambang
Day 5
Meet with another non-for-profit association working to improve education for the vulnerable young people and engage with the community. You will visit a local primary school where the students can practise their English with you and get a better insight into rural life in Cambodia.
In the afternoon continue your trip to Siem Reap.
Overnight Siem Reap
Day 6
After breakfast head for a guided city tour of Siem Reap. Learn about daily life, visit small shops and learn more about the town and the people who call this city home.
In the afternoon visit the 7th Wonder of the World, Angkor Wat. Here you will soon realise it is not one temple, but an expanse covering several square miles, containing the remains of an early civilisation as well as many temples. Angkor was an early Cambodian civilisation that flourished and prospered from about 800 to 1400 AD. The majority of the temples were built between the 6th and 13th Centuries. Many of the temples are in excellent condition, however a large amount, are in poor repair and in need of extensive restoration. The surrounding forest has grown into and destroyed several of these magnificent works of art. With a new level of understanding of Angkor Wat you will then drive to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom to admire the extensive temple complex of soaring towers, elaborate carved murals, colonnades and courtyards that ushered in the classic age of Khmer art architecture. You will also visit the Bayon Temple located in the centre, which rises on three levels, with galleries containing bas reliefs depicting daily life and historical Khmer battles won and lost. Later in the afternoon we will return to the hotel for time to rest and maybe even enjoy a refreshing swim. Tonight you will enjoy a cultural dance performance and dinner before visiting the famous night markets where you can purchase some local products.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 7
This morning you will meet with your community and get involved with initiatives led by the local government. You could be repairing a classroom at a rural school or building pig pens and chicken coups for families. Besides the physical tasks, this is an opportunity to be immersed in the warmth and hospitality of the local community. Embrace the opportunity to try basket weaving, play football, help with homework, meet people and make friends.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 8
Continue with activities with your local community. Education remains imperative to the government’s drive to pull Cambodia from a low-income to middle income country by 2030. You will get involved with the government’s initiative led by local communities to improve access to a quality education and practical vocational training for the coming generations.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 9
Continue with activities with your local community. See a different way of living these people have and experience the way that locals do business, educate and work together to support their families and community
In the evening enjoy an amazing Circus show from Phare Ponleau Selpak. Having been there and tried it you’re sure to have a greater appreciation of their skill!
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 10
Today you will visit a non-government organisation that works on improving the children’s life in Cambodia. You will have an opportunity to discuss with a representative the benefits and the future plans for the organisation. You will also learn more about some great efforts being made by a lot of people to help others.
In the afternoon get a unique experience as you head for the Tonle Sap Lake to explore the famous floating villages. Immerse yourself in an intriguing atmosphere and watch the locals go about their daily life in their extraordinary aquatic environment
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 11
Time to say goodbye and thanks to Cambodia
Day 12
Arrive Home
