Prepare to uncover the extraordinary sights that lie within 'The Kingdom of Wonder.' If you're ready to embark on an epic adventure and immerse yourself in some of Cambodia's most enchanting destinations, then please read on.

Delve into the country's recent history, and unearth its recent tragic past. Be ready to explore the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, where the sunrise backdrop will etch itself into your memory for years to come. But that's not all – as you travel this remarkable land, you'll also make a profound impact on local communities, forever changing lives along your journey.

From floating along the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers to immersing yourself in a traditional homestay, you'll experience the very essence of Cambodia. 

Jungle waterfalls, awe-inspiring beauty, and kind-hearted people are all waiting for you. Join forces with our team and your fellow travelers to contribute to a community project in Siem Reap, leaving a lasting legacy behind.

Tour Length: 11 Days

Avg Group Size: 12 - 16

Age Range: All Ages

No. of Activities: 8+

No. of Included Meals: 15

Welcome to the Kingdom Of Wonder.

It's time to meet the team and get to know your fellow travellers. 

If you're arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport, we will be there to meet you, a welcome sign in hand. If you're making your own way to the accommodation, we will see you when you arrive.

After much anticipation, surely it's time to "Choul Muoy!" to new adventures. 

Arrival times will vary throughout the day, so nothing is on the schedule; that wouldn't be fair on the later arrivals. Once you're settled into your room, feel free to unpack, relax and grab some food or chill by the pool/explore.

Prepare yourself for a profound journey to the Killing Fields—a place that helps you understand Cambodia's recent tragic past. 

Here, amidst the solemn grounds, millions of lives were claimed during the Cambodian genocide. It's a sad start to a tour, but a place that needs to be explored nonetheless. It will help you to connect with the people you'll meet along the way.

The audio-guided tour will walk you through the same footsteps that many men, women and children took as their final journey.

S21 Prison matches the killing fields as a grim testament to the Khmer Rouge regime. This converted school was turned into a prison for unlawful interrogation, where only a handful managed to survive.

Visiting these sites will not be a light-hearted endeavour. However, this significant chapter of Cambodia's recent history shaped the tapestry of its modern culture, making it imperative for every visitor to experience. 

After this humbling experience, we have some time to reflect before reconvening for a shared meal along the bank of the Mekong River.

We're leaving the capital and making our onward journey to Chambok Village. This is where you’ll spend the night at a traditional Khmer homestay.

Accommodation is basic and rural, but this is an experience that very few visitors to Cambodia get to have.

Situated on the cusp of Kirirom National Park, it's around three hours southwest of Phnom Penh (depending on traffic, weather and if anyone has left something behind). It’s a far cry from the chaos of the city, offering a peaceful respite in the form of lush plateaus, cascading waterfalls and sweet-smelling pine forests. Kirirom is also home to a wide array of wildlife, including gibbons, leopards, deer, monkeys and birds.

This is a real opportunity to immerse yourself in the community and wander around this remote region. We have a whole section as to why we are supporting this community which will be shared later on.

Back to Phnom Penh, you may ask. Yes, as Phnom Penh is the epicentre for travel links, this is how we will make our way to Siem Reap. Cambodia is still a developing country, and direct roads are playing catch up too. But don't let that trouble you; we have a treat in store. Before that, though, you'll have a few hours to explore and sightsee in Phnom Penh. A few recommendations are; the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum or Russian Market. If that sounds like too much effort, you could always sip a drink at a riverside café and watch the world go by.

The evening brings with it a river cruise along the Mekong. It's free beer and soft drinks, so sit back, relax and enjoy your last evening in style.

That is it; we are saying goodbye to the capital for the last time.

The 6-hour journey to Siem Reap will depart at 8:45 am. It's comfortable, air-conditioned, and the bus usually has Wifi.

Once we arrive in Siem Reap, you'll have time to check in, unpack, freshen up and get used to your new surroundings. 

Later on, you'll meet one of our volunteer coordinators for an update on which project we'll be getting stuck into on our giving-back programme. Once all the official stuff is out the way, it's time to introduce you to PUB STREET! Yeah, that's right, a place of bustling bars, weird and wonderful food, and bright lights that put the Las Vegas strip to shame (well, almost)

We've got a welcome meal thrown in because why not? But let's not get too crazy, as you'll need to be in bed early for the big day tomorrow! It's Angkor Wat.

Rise and shine. This is the day most people come to Cambodia for.

It's an early start, but we promise it will be worth it. 

Angkor Wat is the world’s biggest religious monument. It's a vast 500-acre site, so we've got the tuk-tuks covered, but there will be a fair bit of walking, so make sure you pack your comfies. 

We’ll arrive at the UNESCO Heritage site just in time for sunrise. Get your cameras ready and your batteries charged; it's time for some real-life Tomb Raider vibes. It's a long day and with lots to explore, but your expert guide will fill you in with everything you need to know and the best spots to get those photos.

The afternoon is yours to explore Siem Reap; there are 101 places to eat, drink and explore, so fill your boots. There are a few night markets, or perhaps time to get those feet massaged after you get your 10,000 steps in.

Time to roll up your sleeves as you spend 4 days working on a community development project in Siem Reap. This is where you will contribute to building a stronger future for Cambodian communities (and get a little sweaty too).

One of the main issues Cambodia faces today is rural poverty within the country. Many people living in rural areas do not have access to clean water or sanitation and often live in housing that is in very poor condition. 

Our development projects are based on the outskirts of Siem Reap. You will be picked up every morning and transported to the project to start our work. Lunch and water will be provided every day, and you will be picked up each afternoon and taken back to your hotel for a rest and to freshen up. No one is pressured to work any harder than they wish. Cambodia is hot, and some may find it easy while others may not. Anything you can do will help, so don't panic.

Development projects vary and are based on the needs of the communities at the time of the tour. This means could be involved in one of several things, such as; helping construct toilet blocks for villagers or working alongside local builders to repair/build a house for a family in need. Perhaps a water pump needs to be installed, or the local village school may need some repairs and maintenance. Whatever it is, you'll be making a difference. For many, volunteering is the highlight of the trip.

After returning from the project each day, the time will be yours to try one of the many restaurants or bars Siem Reap has to offer. We love visiting the Phare Circus, stocking up on souvenirs at one of the night markets, or catching a traditional Khmer Apsara dance show. The options are endless, and you definitely won’t be stuck for things to do. Our team will be on hand 

should you need assistance organising anything.

Today will be ele-fun. You will be visiting an elephant project that provides a safe and comfortable home for retired, overworked elephants that have previously been used in tourism and logging. 

The project ensures they provide the elephants with access to plenty of space, vegetation and clean water, to give them as natural a habitat as possible. 

This project is new to Siem Reap, recently opening in March 2023. The organisation previously worked in Thailand but since the banning of elephants working at Angkor Wat temple they have recently expanded to Cambodia to continue their great work. We can’t guarantee how many elephants will be there at the time of our visit, because they are only just starting off, but we can guarantee this is a great way to help support and build the project up, so more elephants can be rescued. As of July 2023 there are 2 elephants enjoying their retirement. 

There is no riding elephants here, and there are no chains used. It goes without saying that the elephants’ well-being is the priority. You will get to spend some time with the elephants, bathing them and preparing their food!

You can expect to spend 2-3 hours at the project learning about elephant conservation in Cambodia, as well as getting hands on.

This is a truly unforgettable day and you will be one of the first groups to experience it. Not only that, your visit ensures these beautiful animals can continue to be cared for. What a way to finish hey?! Is it beer o’clock yet?

That's it; you've completed it. What a ride. It’s time to say goodbye to your travel family. Our guides will be around if you need any help with your onward travel plans. We know you’ll have had the most incredible time on this journey, safe travels!

$20 of every booking goes towards Gravity Water... who provide clean drinking water systems to schools in rural areas around the world, including Vietnam 💦

Jane at Way To Travel has been the national director of this incredible organization based out of America since 2018. 

By booking a trip with us you'll not only be directly changing lives with our giving back project, but you'll also be giving children access to clean water.