Cambodia Experience

Depart on overnight flight

Welcome to Cambodia!

Once you’ve cleared immigration and customs, you will head to the arrival area where our Evolves local trip leader  will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

This evening, our guide will lead us for a picturesque walk along the riverside to immerse ourselves in the vibrant local culture. Afterwards, we will enjoy a delightful welcome dinner as a group before returning to your hotel.

You will be staying overnight at the Monsoon Bassac Hotel in a Deluxe room or similar.

Today we explore deep into Phnom Penh—it’s the old Asia you dream of, with beautiful historical buildings, aromatic street food on every corner, bustling markets, and monks passing by in the streets. This fascinating city, with its dark history of war and turmoil, is now full of vibrancy, warmth, and rapid development.

We will start our day at early right after breakfast, to visit Tuol Sleng Prison, where you’ll learn about the devastating horrors during Cambodia’s ultra-radical Marxist movement. This visit might be distressing, but it’s a crucial part of Cambodia’s recent past. Next, we will head to Choeng Ek, the “killing fields,” located just outside the city.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Phnom, home to a 14th-century stupa and the tallest religious structure in the city. Then we will continue to the Royal Palace, built in 1866 under King Norodom, to see stunning Khmer architecture. Don’t miss the Silver Pagoda, named for its floor covered with over 5,000 silver tiles. Although much of the pagoda’s contents were destroyed under Pol Pot’s regime, what remains is spectacular.

Please note: When we visit  the Royal Palace, we must wear long trousers or a skirt that covers the knees and keep your shoulders covered. Revealing clothing like skirts, short shorts, and tank tops are not allowed.

In the evening we will have a group dinner together.

Overnight at the Monsoon Bassac Hotel, Deluxe room or similar.

After breakfast we will transfer to Sambor Prei Kuk. Lunch will be provided along the way, in town, or at the community, depending on our arrival time.

Upon arrival at the community, you will meet  the family with whom you’ll be staying during your project work. Sambor Prei Kuk was the capital of the Chenla Kingdom, which predates Angkor by several centuries. The ruins are spread out over a vast distance, and Sambor Prei Kuk receives very few visitors. If time permits, we will visit the three main temple complexes—Prasat Sambor, Prasat Tor, and Prasat Yeah Puon—on foot, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful ruins in peace and quiet.

In the evening, we will learn how to make a traditional Cambodian dessert with your host family and enjoy it together for dinner.

Dinner and overnight stay at Isanborei CBT homestay.

Possible Activities:

School Painting, House Building, School Kitchen Renovation, Classroom Renovation, Toilet Building, Water Pump Installation, School Garden Development.

Over the next three days we will follow the same schedule:

After breakfast, we will meet the community coordinator for a briefing about the community and the project work. We will gain an understanding of the project before starting your community service alongside local builders. You will receive assistance from local villagers, staff, and children, with your local host providing translation support.

Lunch will be provided at the homestay. After a break, continue with project work.

In the late afternoon, engage in immersive activities with local children and staff, or teach at the community school. The group can offer lessons in English or hygiene practices.

In the evening you will eat with you hosts and get a good nights rest.

After breakfast, we will pack our belongings and bid farewell to the homestay owner and  before departing for Siem Reap (approximately a 4-hour drive).

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we will be dropped off at our hotel. We can enjoy a light meal or lunch along the way.

Later in the evening, we will experience a local circus show.  We will experience the unique Cambodian Circus at Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning “Brightness of the Arts”. Founded in 1994 by young Cambodians returning from refugee camps, Phare aims to uplift local communities through education and artistic training. The circus performers, known for their talent and passion, have traveled worldwide, showcasing traditional and contemporary themes in their captivating performances. It’s a cultural experience unlike any other, credited with revitalizing Cambodian dance and culture.

Overnight at Amber Angkor Hotel in a Deluxe room or similar.

The Angkor Archeological Park is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking and one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, if not the world. Stretching over some 400 km2 including forested area, the park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. You could spend weeks exploring the ruins, but on this day tour you will have a chance to see all the highlights. 

We will start our  visit in the South Gate of Angkor Thom where we can take a quietly optional 1km walk along the wall to a hidden temple. Then visit the temples of Bayon, Baphoun and Terrace of Elephants, The Leper King and Preah Khan. We will take a break with a local lunch located within the park grounds.

After lunch we will visit the fabulous jungle temple of Ta Phrom and the whole late afternoon will be set aside for a visit to the main temple, Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of mankind’s greatest achievements, and the intricate carvings at the temple of Angkor Wat demonstrate the skill of the Khmer builders. It was constructed in the early 12th century, then – two centuries later – was mysteriously abandoned by the Khmer civilization. Now Angkor Wat is the main reason tourists visit Cambodia. We will finish the tour with an unforgettable sunset on the quiet east side of Angkor Wat or at Pre Rup temple.

Note: Visiting temples or other religious sites in Cambodia, visitors are advised to follow a dress code consisting of long trousers or skirt which covers the knees as well as covered shoulders. Skirts, short shorts, tank tops and revealing clothing are culturally insensitive and not allowed.

Overnight at Amber Angkor Hotel, Deluxe room or similar.  

After breakfast we will go to the tour to Kulen Elephant Forest. For 22 years, these elephants have given rides to visitors in the Angkor temples. The Kulen Elephant Forest is a heaven where 14 retired elephants can interact freely. No riding, no tricks, elephants can roam in their natural habitat and socialize unburdened in the lush forest. Today they receive the best of care and we offer you the opportunity to step into their world.

We will spend our time observing them as they enjoy their natural surroundings. Walk with them into the forest, and witness how they choose to spend their time. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional meal at the site before heading back to Siem Reap.

Overnight at Amber Angkor Hotel, Deluxe room or similar

After breakfast we will have ree leisure till the time to flight. (depending on flight)

Arrive back in Canada!