Cambodia Experience

Day 1: Arrive into Phnom Penh
Welcome to Cambodia! Today you will be met at the airport and taken directly to the accommodation where you will be staying during your time in Cambodia’s capital city.

You will have the rest of the day to rest and recover from your journey. If you are feeling adventurous you can head out and start exploring your surroundings!

If you aren’t able to arrange a flight to get you into Phnom Penh on the specified arrival date we’d recommend you fly in a day early. We can arrange an early airport pick-up for you including one night’s accommodation, please call us for more information.

Day 2: Exploring Phnom Penh
After breakfast you will visit the most beautiful and interesting spots that the capital city of Cambodia has to offer. You will visit the Royal Palace and the most important temple in Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom. Phnom Penh still has more to offer, especially when it comes to learning about the terrible history of the Khmer Rouge period. You will visit the Toul Sleng Museum and The Killing Fields to give you a clear understanding of the terrible cruelties committed during that era. 

You and your fellow arrivals will receive an orientation which will cover important information such as what it’s going to be like at your project and on the tour, dos and don’ts, fun things to do in Cambodia and how to stay safe on your trip. This is your prime opportunity to ask any burning questions that you haven’t yet had answered.

Day 3: Introductions at your project
This morning you’ll be up bright and early for your first day volunteering! After breakfast you will be taken to your project for introductions with the staff and children. Today is all about settling in and getting to know your way around the project, and you’ll spend the rest of your day learning the ropes and starting to get stuck into some work.

Day 4 to Day 7: Volunteering in Phnom Penh
Now’s your chance to really get involved with work at your project. Your time here is limited so get stuck in and make the most of it and you will be able to really make a difference to the lives of the children at your project.

You’ll get involved with a variety of activities, which could include helping staff with the day to day running of the project - providing a safe shelter for the children by assisting with cooking, cleaning, washing and other general duties. You may also be playing games, singing songs and helping the children with their schoolwork. English lessons will also be a big part of your day, so come prepared with some ideas for lessons and get ready to be the centre of attention as your pupils will be eager to learn as much as possible from you!

You will be able to contact the in-country team at any time during your volunteering period, and will have access to a bicycle for travel to and from your project, should you wish to use one.

Day 8: Free Time!
Today is the day that you can do what you want! Explore more of Phnom Penh or just relax and take a beer at the side of the river, the choice is yours! Remember though that this is your last day in Phnom Penh so make the most of it!  

Day 9: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
After breakfast you’ll be taken to Phnom Penh bus station in time to catch the early morning bus to Siem Reap. The bus will have air-conditioning (what luxury!) and the journey takes approximately 6 hours, with a break halfway. You won’t be accompanied on the bus but don’t worry – a guide will be waiting to meet you when you arrive in Siem Reap.

Once you’ve settled into your new accommodation there will be a short orientation before you’ll be whisked off for a city tour by tuk tuk – hold onto your hats!

Day 10: Temple Time!

After breakfast this morning you will head off to explore the beautiful ancient temples of Angkor. You will visit Angkor Thom, The South Gate, Bayon, The Elephant Terrace, The Terrace of Leper King, Ta Prom and of course the most famous and important building: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is not only famous for its breath-taking architecture but also for it’s unique decorations, and is such an important symbol in Cambodia that it appears on the country’s flag.

At the end of the day you will climb Phnom Bakeng mountain. The effort of the climb will all be worth it when you see the view of several temples and hopefully enjoy a beautiful sunset. This is where memories for life are made.

Day 11: Temples Take Two!
As Angkor is the largest temple complex in the world, it’s easy to understand that 1 day visiting the temples is just not enough, so today after breakfast you will explore some beautiful jungle temples. Your guide will provide you with more information on the ancient history of the Khmer empire. Just close your eyes and imagine yourself living during this glorious period. It isn't that hard to imagine how things might have been. You will visit Bantey Srey temple, Kbal Spean.

Day 12: Temples - the Trilogy, and the Floating Village
After breakfast on the morning of your final day in Siem Reap you will visit the Lolei temple and the Roluos group, which includes some of the earliest permanent structures built by Khmer. They mark the beginning of classical period of Khmer civilization, dating from the late 9th century A.D.

In the afternoon you will take a trip to the floating village to see how people have adapted to a life on water. The villagers have their own floating school, clinic, shops, bars – everything you would expect, but all floating! It’s a unique way of life and will be a fascinating way to spend your afternoon.

Day 13: Helping and Handicrafts
After breakfast today there’s a visit to projects such as the Sangkheum Centre for Children, where you can help the children with English lessons or handicraft classes. You will also visit the Artisan Angkor centre, which helps young craftsmen and women train and earn a living. You will see traditional Khmer handicrafts and have the chance to pick up some souvenirs!

Day 14: Time to say Goodbye
Having said goodbye to all your new friends, taken your final photos and packed your bag full of souvenirs you’ll travel back to the airport. The return transfer from Siem Reap to your departure airport is not included; however our in-country team will be able to make recommendations.