Arrun Sursdai! This morning you will have your first Khmer language lessons as a good way to start immersing yourself in Khmer Culture. It will be confronting morning as you will receive an insight  into the atrocities that occured in recent history. The first stop will be Toul Sleng museum; a former high school that was converted to prison during the Khmer Rouge era. You’ll then continue to the infamous Killing fields near Phnom Penh city, one of the many sites used by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970’s. 

Later in the afternoon, visit a famous market, Central Market, built during the French colonization and is a good place to shop souvenirs for family and friends.

Accommodation 

Room requirement: Twin share

Mito Hotel or Similar Hotel http://www.mitohotel.com/

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Phnom Penh, the capital city, has a number of things to offer. Today you will visit the Royal Palace, learn about the history of monarchy, the architecture and religion revolution in the kingdom. Then head to Wat Phnom, the birthplace of Phnom Penh in the 14th century.

In the afternoon, do the Mekong boat cruise to silk island, learn from the local silk producer, how silk is produced, and enjoy the sun set on the boat.

Accommodation 

Room requirement: Twin share

Mito Hotel or Similar Hotel http://www.mitohotel.com/

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your trip into the rugged mountains and jungle of Cambodia’s northeast! Mondulkiri Province is the home to the majority of Cambodia’s remaining elephant population. This will be a long drive but you’ll have a chance to take in the beautiful landscapes of this country along the way. 

Accommodation 

Room requirement: Twin share

The Nature Lodge https://naturelodgecambodia.com/

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, head into the jungle and spend your time with the Elephant Valley Project. The Elephant Valley Project is a sanctuary that aims to improve the health and welfare of captive elephants while working to conserve wild elephant’s natural habitat and support the local people who share the land. Spend your day observing and learning about these gentle giants in their natural habitat, while also conducting service to help maintain and develop the site as an elephant care facility. Spend the night at the sanctuary’s base deep within the jungle as you get to know the mahouts who look after the elephants and gain insight into the daily life of the local ethnic Bunong communities that live there.

After your time learning about animal conservation work, discover this town’s hidden beauty. Off to Bousra Eco Park, the waterfall and local homestay with the indigenous community. 

Accommodation 

Room requirement: Twin share

EVP Group house http://www.elephantvalleyproject.org/

Meals included:  Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Continue your journey further north to Ratanakiri, a remote province with preserved natural beauty. Take in the spectacular scenery of this area by exploring beautiful waterfalls and taking a refreshing dip in the lake, Yak Loam lake, that occupies a 4,000 years old volcanic crater. 

Accommodation 

Room requirement: Twin share

Ratanakiri Boutique Hotel or Similar Hotel  http://ratanakiri-boutiquehotel.com/

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid farewell to Ratanakiri and make your way to Siem Reap. Siem Reap is an easy town to fall in love with, especially while strolling through night markets for some shopping.

Enjoy great Khmer cuisine while in the city and participate in various activities.

Visit the Cambodian Circus, an inspiring acrobatic show performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that works with youth on art-based education. 

Accommodation 

Room requirement: Twin share

Lucky Angkor Hotel or Similar Hotel http://www.luckyangkor.com/

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up 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. Then 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.

Accommodation 

Room requirement: Twin share

Lucky Angkor Hotel or Similar Hotel http://www.luckyangkor.com/

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head out into the Cambodian countryside to bicycle through the villages. This is a great, unobtrusive way to see rural Cambodian life and the dirt tracks are perfect for meandering through rice paddies, along canals, and through the quaint village roads. 

This afternoon, embark on an exciting cruise throughout the floating village region of Cambodia. This is an eye-opening journey throughout this fascinating corner of Cambodia where whole communities sit on stilts or float on water. 

Accommodation 

Room requirement: Twin share

Lucky Angkor Hotel or Similar Hotel http://www.luckyangkor.com/

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We truly hope your time spent in Cambodia allowed you to reflect on the experience and opportunity you shared with your friends and the local people in a positive way.

Say goodbye to Cambodia and your program leader!

Meals included:  Breakfast