Cambodia, Kampot - Phnom Penh
9 Days, 8 Nights
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 southern Cambodia to the city of Kampot, visiting pepper farms, crab markets, sandy beaches and a mangrove replanting project. You then get to explore Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh, visiting its main attractions and taking a sunset cruise along the Mekong River.
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.
Please note, this trip could be extended/amended to ensure a visit to Angkor Wat at the beginning, should you wish.
Overnight: Samraong
Day 2: Project - Construction 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: Construction & Teaching English
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: Kampot
After spending a final morning on the community project, it’s time to say goodbye and start the next part of your trip. When you arrive in Kampot, your tour guide will take you on a trip to explore the city, with its colonial-era architecture and stunning landscapes surrounded by mountains.
Overnight: Kampot
Day 6: La Plantation Pepper Farm
Kampot is renowned for both its pepper and crabs. In the morning, you will visit the Kep Crab market to watch the fishermen pulling their traps out of the ocean and selling their produce at the market. Revered by chefs around the world, the Kampot pepper market is making a comeback after suffering a severe decline due to the wars and internal strife of the late twentieth century. La Plantation is one of the most famous pepper farms and you will be taken on a tour to try pepper and spices.
Next, you are off to Sabay Beach, where you can take a swim before lunch. In the afternoon, there is a boat trip down the Praek Tuek Chhu River that runs through Kampot.
Overnight: Kampot
Day 7: Mangrove Replanting Project
The mangrove forests support over 100,000 fishermen in Cambodia, but they have been in decline for many years. This morning you will visit a project replanting the mangroves to support people and wildlife habitats. After lunch, your journey continues to the capital, Phnom Penh.
Overnight: Phenom Penh
Day 8: Phnom Penh
Time to extend your culinary repertoire once again. The day begins with a visit to the market to choose your ingredients, then back to the kitchen, where an expert Khmer chef will guide you through your lesson.
In the afternoon, a fun tuk-tuk tour of the city starts with the Royal Palace, then on to the National Museum. Your last evening meal in Cambodia is aboard a boat for a Mekong sunset cruise, the perfect way to round off your trip.
Overnight: Phnom Penh
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say leahaey to Cambodia.
Total cost: $2750
What is included
Activities:
Tour of Kampot
La Plantation Pepper Farm
Praek Tuek Chhu River Crusie
Mekong Sunset River Cruise
Cookery lessons
Tour of Royal Palace
National Museum
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
All meals included
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project center accommodation
Post-project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
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)