This action-packed week will get you sightseeing, learning about Buddhism, interacting with the local people, enjoying Cambodian culture and more!
Explore the lively Siem Reap, a backpacker’s hotspot in the North of Cambodia with lots to do, a world famous temple close by and a vibrant night life. Then, dive into the untouched Samraong in the quaint Cambodian countryside. This is your chance to experience Cambodia from a local perspective, while you see and feel how most of the population live.
- Program & Schedule
- Living & Location
- Country Information
- Videos
Program & Schedule
This culture week is designed to introduce you to Cambodian customs, traditions, and pace of life. By getting to to know the surrounding town and its facilities, you will have everything you need to make your stay memorable, as well as comfortable.
Cambodia is arguably most famous for its glorious and magnificent temples. Siem Reap and Samraong are no exception and you will be taken to the finest temples in the area. We also carefully arrange a Q&A session with local monks to enhance your understanding of Buddhism.
During the culture week you will be staying in the famous city of Siem Reap and the rural town of Samraong. You will be given basic "survival" language classes and learn traditional Cambodian cooking techniques, with the chance to sample your work.
Cambodia’s relaxing, slow paced way of life will allow the maximum interaction between you and the local people, who are keen to learn about your culture too!
Modest clothing (covering your legs and shoulders) is requested outside of the accommodation for respect of the community.
Aims & Objectives
- Help you familiarise yourself with the local surroundings
- Teach you helpful Cambodian phrases
- Broaden your knowledge of Cambodia’s customs, history and culture
- Provide a full induction, preparing you for a longer stay!
Schedule
Monday
Siem Reap
- Breakfast
- Excursion to Wat Thmey, a small pagoda
- Visit to the Museum of War dedicated to the Civil War, guided by ex-soldiers
- Explore Artisant D’Angkor, a craft shop that brings ancient Khmer arts and crafts back to life
- Lunch
- Visit to markets and the Lucky Mall (super market)
- Dinner
- Evening at Pub Street and the night market, the liveliest area of Siem Reap
Tuesday
Siem Reap
- Breakfast
- Excursion to a silk farm and West Baray, a popular place for swimming
- Lunch
- Khmer massage salon
- Relax at the swimming pool
- Dinner
Wednesday
Samraong
- Breakfast
- Depart for Samraong
- Lunch
- Introduction to the projects
- Walk around and discover the local rural Cambodian village
- Dinner
Thursday
Samraong
- Breakfast
- Visit the rural Greenway School, built from scratch over the years by previous participants
- Tour around Samraong and visit surrounding villages
- Lunch
- Khmer language lesson
- Cambodian culture lesson
- Cambodian cooking lesson
- Dinner
Friday
Samraong
- Breakfast
- Excursion to the local temple: assist the monks with the chores
- Discussion and Q&A about Buddhism with a local monk
- Lunch
- Free time all afternoon to relax
- Dinner
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: -
Maximum age: -
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: No
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
There are no further requirements for this program.
Living & Location
Samraong, which name translates from Khmer into “impenetrable jungle”, is a town located in northwestern Cambodia, close to the border with Thailand. You will be located in a small, rural village located in the outskirts of town. This remote location will give you a taste of what rural Cambodia looks and feels like, while at the same time allowing you to explore some of Cambodia’s highlights, as Siem Reap is located only two hours away.
The accommodation in Samraong is simple and natural. There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand. However, there are some places that you can do laundry in the town for a small cost.
All locations have a communal area where you can eat, relax, meet fellow participants or use the free Wifi. Requests for specific locations or room configurations cannot be guaranteed.
There are bikes available, which you can use to explore the area during your free time!
Food Arrangements
Your meals will be typical Cambodian style, including plenty of rice dishes, meat and at times, western food. Vegetarian options are available.
Facilities
There are ATMs in Samraong, as well as a bank. There are numerous local shops where you can get all the basics you might need during your stay. Depending on the location of your accommodation, these may be accessible within a 10 - 15 minute bike ride or walk.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
There is a nearby park where you can relax or play volleyball with locals during your free time.
Further away is Siem Reap, which is two hours away from the accommodation. Participants often opt to head there during the weekends to explore the famous Angkor Wat and more!
Transportation
From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):
- Siem Reap
- Kampot
- Banteay Chhmar
Quick Facts
Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Population: 15.14
Capital: Phnom Penh
Language: Khmer
Currency: Riel (KHR)
Time zone: UTC +7
Country Information
Once known as the Khmer empire, Cambodia is perhaps best known for its monumental temples, especially that of Angkor Wat - finalist in the election of the new 7 wonders of the world in 2006. It is without doubt a country of incredible beauty, scattered with these temples, fertile rice fields and a rich and interesting history. For this reason it is unsurprising that Cambodia has taken a firm place on the tourist map. Having been a protectorate of France for almost 100 years, the country gained its independence in 1953. Following this however, Cambodia experienced years of civil war, turmoil and political corruption, as well as suffering from its involvement in the Vietnam war.
Despite holding this dark history, Cambodia really is an extraordinary country and has prevailed due to what has been described as the unbreakable spirit of the Cambodian people. The people here are known for their friendliness and their smiles.
Climate
Cambodia has monsoon climate with temperatures ranging from 21°C - 35°C (The average year-round temperature is 27.7°C). Its monsoon season spans from May - October, whilst dry season lasts from November to December . Dry season is the most popular time to visit however rainy season can be incredibly beautiful in Cambodia due to the richer colours that it causes. The rain also can help to make temperatures more pleasant. Post-monsoon season is also a favourite time to visit because of the stunning green countryside
Whilst temperatures do not vary hugely, during the winter the northern parts of the country can be colder.
Culture
Buddhism is an important aspect of Khmer cultural and is practiced by 95% of the Cambodian population.
Gastronomy
In true Asian style, the staple food in Cambodia is rice whilst fish from the Mekong river plays another major part in Khmer cuisine. You can also expect to find use of noodles, soups, stir-fries, curries and salads and so there is something to suit everyone’s taste. The french colonial influence can even be seen in the use of toasted baguette with Cambodian red curry.
It has to be said that the Cambodian cuisine is relatively unknown compared to that of Thailand and Vietnam.