Cambodia Gap Year Programme

Culture and Exploration

Siem Reap is a town rich in history, where East fuses with West. This old French colonial capital echoes European influences, with shuttered windows and delicate ironwork, but now interspersed with a buzzing nightlife, street food on tap, night markets and groovy cafes.

Your first five days will be a gentle introduction to the hustle and bustle of Asian life, whilst you explore the some of the city’s highlights, such as the splendid Angkor Wat. You’ll spend the whole day tuk tuking your way around this incredible complex.

You will also meet the retired elephants in the Kulen forest, where they now roam free and rediscover their natural instincts with their herd. Here you will help with the washing and feeding, getting very close to these magnificent creatures.

Accommodation

Local, centrally located hostel.

Food

3 meals a day are provided. Expect local Cambodian food where rice and noodle dishes form the basis of most meals.
Smoothies, soft and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Culture and Exploration

An overnight bus will take you down to the mad city of Phnom Penh – brace yourself for traffic everywhere, tuk tuks and motos whizzing around with no regard for anything or anyone. Here you will explore the meandering streets which are full of great bars, restaurants and cafes, Nesat Seafood House being our favourite. While here you will be able to visit some of the top attractions, not all joyous, but not to be missed. For example:

Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
The now peaceful Killing Fields is not for the faint hearted but important to visit and sheds some light on the culture of this country.

Royal Palace and National Museum
Along the Mekong River is the Royal Palace which once dominated the skyline of Phnom Penh. The palace is the official residence of King Sihamoni, so only parts are open to the public, but you can also visit the adjacent Silver Pagoda.

Accommodation

Local, centrally located hostel.

Food

3 meals a day are provided. Expect authentic Cambodian food where rice and noodle dishes form the basis of most meals.
Smoothies, soft and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Red Road Foundation

This is the meaty, volunteering phase of the programme and we are really excited to have teamed up with the Red Road Foundation who focus on village-led social enterprises which address waste and education issues in the area.

For just over a week you’ll be helping with their building projects which use plastic bottle bricks (genius technique), educating the surrounding community about recycling, whilst teaching English and art at the weekend pop up school.

Mid-week you'll head into Kampot where you'll have an afternoon of fun on an inflatable obstacle course on the Kampot river, followed by taco night at a local hostel. The next day can chill by the pool, visit the animal sanctuary run by one of Rachel's friends, before learning to cook an authentic Khmer dish.

It will then be back to the Red Road for more project work including arts, crafts, and games with the local kids, as well as taking them on a field trips to the river or waterfall.

Accommodation

Here you‘ll be staying at the Red Road Foundation jungle camp, where you will be embraced by a rural community cut off from western luxuries. The camp consists of a dorm style bedroom, a hangout kitchen area, and a few bathrooms all made of bamboo and very rustic. The dorm is raised off the ground, with a roof, but no windows or doors, so you are open to the elements. Single beds and mozzie nets provided.

Bathroooms - western WC and cold showers.

Think camping in the jungle and please note everyone will be required to work together with the cooking and cleaning.

Food

Whilst you're at the Red Road 3 meals are provided of local Cambodian food - all rice and noodle based. Whilst in Kampot breakfast and lunch are included, supper is not to provide you flexibility, and the option to try new things.

Time to kick back

After all your hard work you’ll be ready for some R&R. You’ll transfer from Red Road to Koh Rong Sanloem island by road and then ferry, where you’ll have the perfect chance to unwind and relax.

Koh Rong Sanloem is a slice of paradise, think pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and a trendy vibe. You’ll have been working hard at the Red Road and this is your chance to relax and enjoy the tropical beaches. However yoga, paddleboarding, and snorkelling is all available to break up your days of lying on the beautiful beach sipping cocktails – trust us, you won't want to leave.

On day 23, travel back to Phnom Penh where you will stay in a hostel for the night ready for you flight home the next day.

Accommodation

You will stay in a rustic, style bungalows dotted along the beach - beds, mozzie net provided.

Food

Breakfast included, lunch and supper are not included, giving you total flexibilty and choice at one of the many local beach bars and restaurants.