Trip Highlights
- Take a tour of Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, and walk down the lanes of Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields
- Boat ride on the Mekong River and visit the small villages on its banks
- Tour to the gorgeous city of Siem Reap
- Exploring the ruins of Khmer Dynasty at Angkor
- Teach as a volunteer at a rural school in Kampong Speu
- Beach getaway at the pristine destination of Sihanoukville
- Immerse yourself in the authentic Cambodian culture and lifestyle
Tour Details
From the old world charm to bustling modernity - the Cambodian trails will cast a spell on you and leave you spellbound. This surely would be perfect for gap year travelers and backpackers who are looking for a not-so-clichéd travel itinerary. Starting from the sights and sounds of the capital city of Phnom Penh, you will get to take a complete tour of down the war-laden paths of the city including Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields. You'll get to serve the underprivileged society while volunteering at a rural school in Kampong Speu. This would further enrich your gap year experience and make you stand ahead of your peers. Yeah, you read it right - the Discover Cambodia Tour has been designed by GDA to provide you all the thrill that you've been seeking. Originally meant for 3 weeks, the trip can be extended for an additional beach week if you wish to relax and soak yourself in the sun!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Welcome to Cambodia! Once you arrive at the Phnom Penh International Airport, you'll meet our local coordinator who'll take you to the respective accommodation. You can freshen up and relax after a long flight. In the evening, you can talk a walk around the nearby market.
Day 2 - Orientation and City Tour
After breakfast, the coordinator will tell you about the plan for the upcoming days during the Orientation Session. Later, we'll take you for a city tour, to explore some of the popular places in Phnom Penh including the various temples, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the Russian Market and Choeng Ek Killing Fields that's located on the outskirts of the city.
Day 3 - Boat ride on the Mekong River
We shall head out for a boat ride on the Mekong River - something that you just can't miss while in Cambodia! We'll stop at the silk weaving villages and an island pagoda, before pausing for lunch. Afterwards, we will continue on our journey towards Siem Reap.
Note: When the water is low during the months of March & April, we will take a coach ride for Siem Reap, instead of a boat ride.
Day 4 - Exploring Angkor on a cycle!
It's time to get awestruck! What fun that would be - to take a tour of the entire Khmer temple complex on a cycle! You'll get to visit all the major places including Angkor Thom, Bayon, the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King and Angkor Wat itself.
Day 5 - Exploring Siem Reap
We'll go for a short trek today and chill by the side of a waterfall, before heading off to see the unique pink sandstone Citadel of Women. Today evening, you'll also get to see the gorgeous performance of the Apsara dancers - a show that's marked by UNESCO and it's indeed worth the appreciation.
Day 6 - Heading back to see the rest of Angkor temple complex
Rightly said, Angkor can't be explored in just a day! Hence, we shall head back and visit Ta Prohm, the jungle temple, and Neak Poan, the serpent lake temple, among others. Later in the afternoon, we'll hike up the Bakheng Mountain and watch the sunset from there.
Day 7 - Free day in Siem Reap
You can either take some rest or go out and explore on your own. Head towards the market if you have to pick up souvenirs. You can ask the coordinator what else you can do, and make the most of your free day!
Day 8 - Leave Siem Reap and head towards Kampong Speu
We shall take a boat ride to Phnom Penh* and then, drive to Kampong Speu, where you'll be getting involved in the volunteering work with kids.
*NOTE: When the water is low during the months of March & April, we will take a coach ride for Phnom Penh, instead of a boat ride.
Day 9 to Day 13 - Volunteering with children in Cambodia
One of the best things that you can do during your gap year journey is to contribute meaningfully towards the developing society. At Kampong Speu, a small Cambodian village, you'll be working at the rural school. You will work to improve the English language levels of local youngsters. This will be an incredible opportunity for you to live with the locals and experience the beauty of their lifestyle.
Day 14 - Time to hit the beaches
After an enriching volunteering week, it's time for you to unwind and relax a bit! Therefore, we are taking you to the gorgeous Cambodian beach destination, Sihanoukville.
Day 15 to Day 19 - Exploring Sihanoukville
You can go for snorkeling or scuba diving and satiate your adventurous soul! Relax and indulge yourself in the relaxing coastal life, as much as you can. We'll also take short boat trips to nearby islands, where you can walk down the pristine golden beaches.
Day 20 - Heading back to Phnom Penh
It's time to say goodbye to the beaches and return back to the capital city. Today is the last day of your trip, so you can spend time with your fellow travelers and so go for some shopping.
Day 21 - Board the flight back home!
It's time to return home. You can ask for airport drop (available for an additional cost).
Rest assured, it’ll be an amazing learning journey for you.
Requirements
- The minimum age to take part in this tour is 17 years.
- A Criminal Background Check Report will be necessary for this project.
- Participant must be enthusiastic about traveling and keen to make a social change.
- You must be a responsible traveler and respect the culture of the host country.
Accommodation
Throughout the journey, you'll be staying at hotels, hostels, and rural homestays. Accommodation will be basic and rooms/ dorms will be allocated on the same-gender sharing basis. You'll have to come with an open mind, a sense of adventure and a love of trying new things.
Dates & Cost
| Programme option | Duration | Date of Departure | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Cambodia | 12th Aug, 2018 | $1,345 |
Price Includes
- Airport Pickup from Phnom Penh between 6 am - 10 pm
- Accommodation on twin share basis throughout
- All entry fees on listed activities (including Angkor Wat passes)
- All activities as listed
- Guided Tours
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Pre Departure Information Handbook
- 24/7 Local team support
Price Excludes
- International/Domestic airfare
- Visa fees
- Insurance (can be purchased from us at a nominal cost)
- Cost of vaccinations
- Local transport and personal expenses
- Cost of meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfer while departing
Photos
