Cambodia, Battambang - Phnom Penh
8 Nights, 9 Days
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is emerging from its recent troubled past as one of the top destinations for discerning travelers. The country is a heady mix of stunning scenery, ancient temples, lush jungles and welcoming people, eager to show you their fantastic country.
Renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich history, Cambodia is best recognized for its iconic temples. Formerly the Khmer Empire and later a French protectorate until 1953, Cambodia’s people have persevered through political upheaval and war. This project immerses you in a rural Cambodian village where you will be helping the local community with renovation and minor construction activities, including painting, gardening, wall building and furniture repairs.
After your hard work, the rest of your trip will take you to Cambodia’s two largest cities to immerse yourself in the country's rich heritage and culture. This action-packed adventure includes visits to temples, countryside exploration, attending an arts school featuring the renowned Phare Circus, pottery lessons and a tour of the capital city to witness its famous landmarks.
Day 1: Arrival
You will be picked up at the airport by your tour manager and taken to your accommodation. Once you have had time to settle in, the afternoon will be dedicated to the program orientation, letting you know what to expect over the next few days.
Overnight: Samraong
Day 2: Project Work
Your project begins today. This project aims to enhance the lives of the disadvantaged in and around Samraong by improving the local environment. The primary focus is on a school for underprivileged children, attended by over three hundred students. You will carry out construction tasks, including painting school buildings, crafting furniture, enhancing the playground, constructing pathways, building toilets, repairing walls, and constructing new classrooms. Additional construction efforts could involve renovating and building houses, improving sanitation facilities in the village or contributing to projects at the local hospital.
Today, you will help with the construction project and then have a traditional Khmer dance lesson in the evening.
Overnight: Samraong
Day 3: Project Work
As well as construction, you will also have the chance to work with the children of Samraong and contribute to their brighter future. While focusing on teaching English, you can also educate the children about environmental concerns or assist with their tasks in the vegetable garden.
In the evening, you get to extend your culinary repertoire with a cooking lesson so you can show off your skills back home.
Overnight: Samraong
Day 4: Project Work
After another day of helping the community, you will have the chance to play sports with the villagers before your last night in Samraong.
Overnight: Samraong
Day 5: Battambang
Your last morning in the village where you will spend a final morning on the community project, then it is time to say goodbye and on to the next part of your trip. You will be driven to the city of Battambang, Cambodia’s second-largest city.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we have a 20-kilometer ride along the river, visiting villages and their local businesses along the way. On the journey, you will stop at the Samraong Knong Temple, built in 1707 and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the region. Across the river, the final part of the journey takes you on a visit to a fish paste market (an essential ingredient in Cambodian cooking) and a rice wine brewery, the national drink of Cambodia.
In the afternoon, you will ride on Battambang’s famous bamboo train, a simple yet effective railway for transporting goods and people that will take you on a beautiful journey through the idyllic countryside.
Overnight: Battambang
Day 6: Phare Circus
Ever wanted to run away and join the circus?! Today you get the chance to attend circus school, with lessons in circus tricks, classical Cambodian dance, learning to play Khmer music and an art lesson at the art school. In the evening, you will be treated to a thrilling circus performance and a traditional Khmer dinner.
Overnight: Battambang
Day 7: Battambang - Phnom Penh
On the journey to Phnom Penh, you will stop at Kampong Chhnang for a fun pottery lesson. The province is famous for its pottery, using methods passed down the generations for over 1,500 years. There are numerous stalls, making it an ideal place to purchase a souvenir from your trip. Once you arrive in Phnom Penh, you will have time to explore the city before dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Phnom Penh
Day 8: Phnom Penh
Starting with a thrilling tuk-tuk journey to the Royal Palace, the tour of the city continues to the National Museum. After lunch at a local restaurant, a ferry will take you down the Mekong River to the picturesque Koh Dach (Silk) Island, visiting a traditional Khmer weaving village famous for producing silks. Then back to the hotel, ready for your last evening meal together before departing Cambodia.
Overnight: Phnom Penh
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say leahaey to Cambodia.
Please note, this tour can be extended by a day to include a visit to Angkor Wat at the start of the trip.
Total Cost: from $2800
What is included
Activities:
Circus School and Show
Bamboo Train Ride
Rice Wine Brewery
Pottery Class
Ferry to Koh Dach Island
Arts Workshop at Circus School
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
All meals
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project Center accommodation
Post-project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
All meals (please note we can cater to all dietary requirements)
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
Tickets & Tours:
National Museum
Royal Palace
Samraong Knong Temple
Projects:
Construction project
Teaching Project
Not included in this Trip:
International flights (we can set these up for you)
Visa costs
Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to £50,000 and baggage insurance are included)