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Cambodia Gap Year Programme

Siem Reap + Kratie + Kampot

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Transformative 4 week adventure

Culture, Adventure, and Social Impact

Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep connection to one of the most vibrant cultures in the world. Our exclusive three-phase adventure across Cambodia is so much more than just a backpacking experience. This is your ticket to explore iconic tourist hotspots, uncover hidden gems, and make a real impact through life-changing social enterprises, all while forging new friendships.

Imagine delving into an epic adventure where ancient culture seamlessly blends with transformative social enterprises. Picture yourself encountering elusive dolphins, walking with rescued elephants, and relaxing on stunning tropical beaches. This gap year programme is crafted for those who seek more than just backpacking; it's for those who crave contribution, challenge, and culture, shared with adventurous peers who are as eager as you to explore the real Cambodia beyond the typical backpacking trail.

Your journey begins in the vibrant town of Siem Reap, where history, nightlife, and community development converge. Discover the ancient splendor of Angkor Wat, marvel at the vastness of Tonle Sap Lake, and master the art of cooking traditional Amok. Your time will be a dynamic mix of volunteering and cultural immersion, ensuring you get the best of both worlds.

Next, thrill-seekers will revel in the jungle adventures along the Mekong River. Search for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins and walk alongside majestic rescued elephants in their sanctuary. Finishing your journey in the cultural heart of Phnom Penh before unwinding on the pristine beaches of Rabbit Island and the riverside charm of Kampot.

Join this 4 week adventure from Siem Reap to Rabbit Island - exploring historic sites, searching for endangered wildlife and helping with life changing social enterprise.

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Cambodia's Itinerary

Dive into Cambodia's rich culture, social enterprises, and breathtaking landscapes with our 4 week gap year programme. Explore ancient temples, vibrant nightlife, jungle adventures, and pristine beaches while making a real impact with a team of like-minded adventurers.

Days 1-28

Overview Culture, Adventure + Social Impact

Culture, Adventure + Social Impact

Dive into an epic journey across Cambodia, a land brimming with ancient culture, transformative social enterprises, elusive dolphins, rescued elephants, and stunning tropical beaches. This gap year programme is all about contribution, challenge, and culture, shared with a team of adventurous peers who want to explore the real Cambodia beyond the typical backpacking trail.

Phase 1: Siem Reap – History, Nightlife, and Social Impact
Your adventure kicks off with two incredible weeks in the super cool, historic town of Siem Reap, the old French colonial capital. Here, East meets West in a fusion of wide boulevards, charming shuttered houses, and delicate ironwork. Siem Reap isn't just about its buzzing nightlife, street food, night markets, and trendy cafes—it's also a hub for community development and social enterprises.

You'll dive into this vibrant mix whilst exploring the ancient Angkor Wat complex, marveling at the wonders of Tonle Sap Lake, and learning to cook a mouthwatering Amok. Get ready for a blend of fun and purpose in one of the most captivating towns in Southeast Asia.

Phase 2: Jungle Adventures and Wildlife Encounters
In week three, you’ll venture inland to the rugged mountains and dense jungles along the thundering Mekong River. Here you will hop aboard a local fisherman’s boat to search for the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Then, hike deep into the jungle to walk alongside rescued elephants who now live safely with their mahouts. This part of your journey is all about connecting with nature and witnessing Cambodia’s incredible wildlife up close.

Phase 3: Cultural Immersion and Beach Bliss
The final leg of your adventure brings you to the cultural heart of Phnom Penh before you unwind riverside in Kampot and relax on the breathtaking beaches of Rabbit Island. This week is a perfect blend of culture and chill time, offering a chance to reflect on your journey and plan your next travels across Asia. Cambodia's strategic location makes it an ideal gateway to explore Thailand and Vietnam.

Days 1-15

Siem Reap Culture + Social Enterprise Projects

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.

Days 16-21

Kratie and Sen Monorom Jungle Adventure + Elephants + Dolphins

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.

Days 22-28

Phnom Penh + Kampot + Rabbit Island Cultural Immersion + Beach Bliss

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.

Children playing with water in Cambodia.
A man cycling through the rice fields in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat at sunset in Cambodia.
Sunset view from the beach with palm trees in Cambodia.

Cambodia's Details & Costs

Our teams are a maximum of 14 per departure so don't dilly dally. Please note you need to be 18 years old or over at the time of travel.

Download Itinerary

Options and costs

Whats included?

Challenge

Head out of your comfort zone and embrace new surroundings

Cultural Exchange

Live and work beside rural communities who will welcome you into their world. This truly is an experience you won't get elsewhere.

Contrasting Environments

From Angkor Wat to the rural villages outside of Kampot to tropical islands...

The Bigger Picture

Work together with your team to create real lasting impact on our long term projects.

Time Out

There are lots of local activities and your guide will help arrange and advise from kayaking to pepper farm tours.


Our Cambodia programme is in partnership with See Asia Differently, which Peter & Eva Jones, began 8 years ago. “We wanted to create something a little different, something that matched our passion for the region. By spending time with our clients and offering a range of options, we help them avoid the well-worn path to the tourist traps and instead create bespoke experiences that capture the essence of their destination while matching their personal requirements”. They are passionate about encompassing sustainable responsible travel with lifting the lid on these exquisite destinations.

They have all the need to know contacts, and have curated a very unique adventure for us.

"They have the gap year formula spot on"

Speaking only for our experience with Costa Rica, The Leap know and understand the country so well. The team communicated brilliantly-they were always pro active and accessible, nothing felt like too much trouble and they never made you feel like your question or concern was a silly one.

They have the gap year formula spot on. All the reassurance that parents need whilst safely delivering the freedom and adventure that the volunteers want-and all through a Pandemic (!)

My daughter had the absolute time of her life with them and I’m sure has made friends for life, I wouldn’t hesitate in giving them the very highest recommendation possible.

- Frances (mum)

"The Leap is doing a great job"

The organisation and the briefing on the entire trip was great by "the leap". I felt very well prepared and ready to start my adventure. The people in the office are very friendly and always ready to answer your questions or problems. They take care all over the trip of you and they make everything to give you the perfect time in a beautiful new world.

- Johann Plato

"I had the best month with The Leap"

I had the best month with The Leap. It was made so special by our amazing leaders Lizzie and Carmen who were always attentive but made sure everyone was having so much fun. As well as this everyone who I did the trip with was so incredible it was great how well we all got along and how fun we made every experience for each other, from building a shower in Cocal to laughing on a coffee tour in Monteverde to endless blissful beach days in Sámara. I would highly recommend The Leap to anyone looking to travel in a big group and enjoy moving from place to place at a really nice pace.

- Maddy Jones

"Thank-you Leap! They make sure you get a taste of everything the country has to offer"

Amazing experience - couldn’t recommend more highly ! Perfect for first time backpackers but great for anyone to be honest. Highly organised trip, all the places you stay in are super unique and cool - not like places you could find travelling on your own. They know all the best places to visit and things to do, the team leaders were AMAZING super nice and knew exactly what they were doing and always eased anxiety as they were very experienced. All the people that did it were so nice and there wasn’t one person of the 15 I didn’t get on with. I honestly have made 15 new amazing friends. So super fun!! They make sure you get a taste of everything the country has to offer (in my experience the Costa Rica adventure one) it is so so fun and you also get volunteering opportunities too which are super rewarding and nice to do multiple different types during the trip. Thank-you Leap! I didn’t get homesick or anxious which is saying a lot and I can put that down to the fun, people and team leaders

- Izzy Utley

"I have seen some amazing things that I never would have otherwise been able to do"

I’ve had a really good experience at the leap. My two leaders Lizzie and Carmen were amazing. Really helpful and fun, making my experience much more enjoyable. Having them around also made me feel a lot more comfortable and safe. I have done and seen some amazing things that I never would have otherwise been able to do and have made a load more friends in the process.

- Lucy Wise

"Best food!"

The best food I have ever eaten in my life

- Jack

"We’re having an incredible time in Costa Rica "

I just want to quickly thank you very much for the amazing Leap trip. I honestly had the most unbelievable time and feel it is thanks to you for organising it, especially so last minute! I’ve been recommending it to all of my friends as I would do anything to do it all again. You were so kind and patient with both myself and Emma and we are truly grateful for all the help you gave us. We’re having an incredible time in Costa Rica at the moment and never want to leave!

- Clemmie

"I would say 100% I was able to make a positive contribution"

I was helping the community by making the beach cleaner and also helping protect the turtles from poachers and plastic in the ocean.

- Kit

"The best experience of my life!"

Thanks to everyone involved as they have managed to make the trip a once and a life experience! I have learnt so much about the local community which will stay with me forever, this has shown that at home we are so privileged in every aspect of life and that anything we have done for the community has and could change lives. Also helping the fish community and restoring the ocean has opened my eyes.

- Niamh Anderson

"Change the course of their lives"

I am filled with admiration at all the trouble you have taken over every detail, so much appreciated when filling in all those damn forms! And it was brilliant that you kept us all (in our case 3 generations!) involved and informed about the changing situation every day. It has been so difficult for this group of 18 year olds unable to do their A levels properly and with all the attendant problems of the pandemic. I think the programmes you are offering may well change the course of their lives not only for the future of the planet but also by giving them opportunities to work hard together at the same time as having fun. Huge thanks and congratulations, I’m telling everyone how fantastic you are!

- Caromy (Grandmother)

"Very professional service"

I am super impressed that The Leap have been in contact at the beginning of my daughter's trip to tell me she had arrived safely. Very professional service - thanks very much!

- Abi Crampton

"Grown in confidence"

I have grown in confidence from meeting new people and I have realised how much of an impact everyone could make with everyday things

- Louisa

"The Leap is an awesome company who takes care of every aspect of your trip to make sure you can enjoy it to the fullest"

This trip was honestly amazing and I would highly recommend anyone to take the opportunity to do it.

I met amazing staff and locals over the 6 weeks and also amazing people who I still stay in contact with and I can’t wait to see during the rest of my travels.

The outreach was definitely a highlight as you get to explore more islands and do different activities. The locals are amazing and the sense of community and the appreciation for volunteers makes it so worth doing. I did forest conservation because I love animals and hiking but with The Leap your programme is flexible and if you prefer to teach you can switch over as well which you don’t get with other companies.

What you should know is GO THROUGH THE LEAP!

- Brooke

"Absolutely loved my time in Costa Rica"

I absolutely loved my time on the Costa Rica Adventure program and have met so many amazing people. Lizzie and Carmen were such great team leaders!!

- Harriet Philpot

"Do it!"

Best decision I’ve made cant recommend enough. Lizzie and Carmen took the experience to another level and I’ve made life long friends in them and the rest of the group :) DO IT !!!

- Sarah Norris

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