Cambodia Gap Year Programme

Culture and Social Enterprise Projects

Welcome to the vibrant, historic town of Siem Reap, where ancient culture meets dynamic social enterprises. Over the next two weeks, you’ll immerse yourself in community development while exploring the rich tapestry of Cambodia’s history and traditions. Siem Reap is brimming with inspiring community initiatives, particularly focused on education. From cafes teaching employees to read and write to comprehensive social projects, you'll see first hand the incredible impact of local efforts. Here are the four key projects you’ll be involved in:

ABC's and Rice Project: 4 days
Provide free education, meals, and healthcare advice to struggling families. Help with meal-times, gardening, and engaging with the kids who are sure to captivate you.

JWOC (Journeys Within Our Community): 2 days
Participate in a cultural exchange program designed to connect you with local students. Share ideas, values, language, and history through fun activities.

Water for Cambodia
Assist in assembling and installing water filters that turn contaminated water into clean drinking water. Witness the life-changing impact of providing clean water to communities.

Read Club Cambodia: 2 mornings
Volunteer with a project aimed at fostering a love for reading among local children. Help out during Sunday sessions as students practice their reading and discuss books.

Cultural Exploration
Between your volunteering efforts, you'll have plenty of time to explore Siem Reap’s cultural treasures such as:

Angkor Wat Complex
Spend a day at this breathtaking site, and don't miss the stunning sunrise.

Cambodian Circus
Enjoy an evening of acrobatics, music, dance, and culture, organized by the performing arts school in partnership with the NGO Phare Ponleu.

Floating Villages of Kampong Phluk
Visit these unique stilted houses and flooded forests, and experience the vibrant Rolous Market before reaching the magnificent Tonle Sap Lake.

Countryside Cooking Lesson
Spend a day in the countryside, shop for ingredients at a local market, and learn to cook a delicious three-course meal.

Accommodation

15 nights at the super cool hotel called the Blancsmith Residence Siem Reap or Deluxe Twin with Terrace - King Rock Boutique Hotel ((depending on numbers) which are in the right part of town – near pub street and the night markets which are great fun.

Food

First 2 days – 3 meals included and after that breakfast and lunch included so you have the freedom to head out in the evenings. Lunch also not provided on the two Sunday’s after the kids club for flexibilty.

Jungle Adventure + Elephants + Dolphins

After two exciting weeks in Siem Reap, get ready to dive into the adventure phase of your journey. Your next stop is Kratie, a charming Mekong port town and your gateway to meeting the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Hop aboard a traditional fisherman’s boat and glide up to the dolphin pool at Kampi, the perfect spot to see these critically endangered creatures in their natural habitat. On your way back, you'll stop by Sambok Mountain for breathtaking views over the Mekong River.

Next up, you'll venture further into the heart of Cambodia to Sen Monorom. As you travel through ever-changing scenery—forests, plantations, grasslands, mountains, and lush jungle—you’ll reach Mondulkiri, known as "where the mountains meet" and home to traditional Phnong villages. Once in Sen Monorom, you'll enjoy a yummy lunch at a local coffee and pepper plantation, and explore the buzzing local market filled with fresh produce and unique handicrafts.

Your jungle adventure then continues as you visit a Phnong minority village. You'll meet your Cambodian elephant and local guide (a Mahout) early in the morning and embark on a trek through the jungle. Crossing rivers, passing local farms, and ending up at the Trok River for lunch. Here, you'll help your Mahout wash and cool off the elephants, followed by a cultural evening in the village with a BBQ dinner.

The following day, you'll hike through the jungle, marveling at the spectacular views, discovering hidden waterfalls and caves, and take a refreshing swim at Leng Oung waterfall while a traditional bamboo soup and BBQ is prepared for you all. After lunch, you'll continue your trek to the picturesque Leng Ken before heading back to Pou Tang Village, spend some time relaxing and having fun with your guide's family before returning to your hotel for a well-deserved rest

Accommodation

Kratie: 2 nights: Mekong Dolphin Hotel
Sen Monorom: 2 nights: Green House Retreat
Hong’s House Homestay: 1 night:Hong’s House Homestay

Food

3 meals a day are provided.

Cultural Immersion + Beach Bliss

Arriving in Phnom Penh kicks off your cultural immersion with a sunset and dinner cruise along the mighty Mekong River. Glide past charming floating villages and local fishermen, soaking in the breathtaking sunset against the backdrop of the Phnom Penh skyline and royal palace—a perfect end to the day.

Your adventure continues with a cycling tour to explore the city sights, including a visit to the iconic Royal Palace. Dive into Cambodia's history with a poignant visit to the infamous Tuol Sleng museum, offering insights into the country's turbulent past.

As your journey progresses, delve into the poignant history of the Choeung Ek (Killing Fields), a solemn reminder of Cambodia's past. Then, it's off to Kampot, where you'll check into your riverside retreat and explore the charming town at your leisure.

The following day, you’ll embark on a full-day adventure to Kep, starting with a visit to the famous Kep Crab Market. Board a traditional Cambodian boat to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island), a tranquil paradise fringed with palm trees. Spend the day relaxing on the pristine beach, soaking in the sun and sea before returning to your hotel on the mainland.

Back in Kampot, you’ll wrap up your adventure with days filled with exciting activities—paddleboarding through winding rivers, exploring mangroves, forests, and fishing villages, and enjoying a visit to a water park. You’ll end your trip with a serene sunset boat cruise accompanied by a BBQ feast before bidding farewell to Kampot and heading back to Phnom Penh for your journey home.

Accommodation

3 nights: Phnom Penh: Home Chic Hotel or similar
4 nights: Kampot: Arcadia Downtown Hostel

Food

Phnom Penh: All meals included, apart from one supper so you have the flexibility to go out.
Kampot: All meals included, apart from two suppers and two lunch so you have flexibility to go out.