8 Days
Cambodia
Phnom Penh (1), Siem Reap (1), Floating Villages (3), Siem Reap (2)
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Cambodia on this 8-day service adventure. Begin your journey in Phnom Penh, where you will explore the country’s difficult past and learn about its path to recovery. Experience the unique lifestyle of the floating villages in Prek Toal while contributing to local community projects. Finally, discover the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat and the Khmer Empire in Siem Reap. This program offers a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and meaningful service work, leaving you with lasting memories and a deep connection to the people of Cambodia.
Arrive at Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) and meet your tour director who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel, settle in, relax after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Enjoy a Khmer dinner and head back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Overnight: Phnom Penh
Start informal Khmer language lessons during breakfast to show respect for the local culture. Head to Tuol Sleng, a former school that was used as a prison and has since been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the country’s genocide. Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and walk through the quiet and peaceful fields that played host to mass killings and burials. In the afternoon, catch a short flight to Siem Reap and prepare for your trip to the floating village of Prek Toal.
Overnight: Siem Reap
Experience a completely different way of life in Cambodia’s floating villages, where families do everything on their boats, from cooking their morning meals to reeling in their fishing nets at the end of the day. Settle into homestays in Prek Toal and explore this unique community before your service work assisting with a housing improvement initiative begins. Spend time getting to know the community and swapping stories. Contribute to infrastructure and education projects in the community depending on the needs and seasons. This will give you a deeper look into village life in Prek Toal and allow you to engage in deeper immersion with students and community members who come by to help out. In the evenings, have dinner with your host family and join your group for a post-service debrief, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community.
Overnight: Floating Villages
Say goodbye to your new friends and sail back to Siem Reap, where you’ll explore the famous night markets for some local souvenirs. Head to the Cambodian circus after dinner for an inspiring show of acrobatics performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that educates disadvantaged youth through the power of the arts.
Overnight: Siem Reap
Wake early for a morning exploring Angkor Wat and the ancient Khmer Empire. See the intricate carvings of Angkor’s historical battle scenes and climb to the top of the highest tower to see the temples from a new perspective. Travel to Bayon to see the huge carved faces in rock and make your way to the shady temple of Ta Prohm, where massive trees have given this ruin a fairytale-like feel. After a day of ancient adventures, enjoy a final Khmer dinner and spend time browsing the night markets.
Overnight: Siem Reap
We genuinely hope your time spent here, the experiences you’ve shared, and the things you’ve reflected on will stay with you for a lifetime. After some final group photos, your tour director will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.
Overnight: Flight home
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