SIEM REAP
CAMBODIA VIETNAM LAOS THAILAND
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
CHI PHAT TREK
PHNOM PENH
We believe in the power of extraordinary experiences. They allow us to see ourselves, others and the world differently, and develop our confidence, independence and resilience.
15 NIGHT EXPEDITION CAMBODIA
Trek through teeming forests, contribute to a community initiative and experience Angkor Wat. With you and your team tackling fresh challenges each day, this oncein-a-lifetime experience proves just how much you’re capable of. It could change the way you see yourself and the world, forever.
ANGKOR WAT
START
HERE
DAY 1
ARRIVE IN PHNOM PENH
Sleep: Hostel
Touch down in the cultural city of Phnom Penh. You’ve made it to Cambodia – home of the historic Khmer Empire and the mighty Mekong River.
Make sure you get some rest afteryour flight. You’re about to take the road less travelled and experience the places you’ve been dreaming about. Ancient treasures, lush forests and colourful cities – they’re all here, waiting to be explored.
TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY
REMEMBER, YOU’RE MORE THAN A TOURIST IN THIS PLACE. YOU’RE PART OF A TEAM OF GLOBAL CITIZENS, EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND COMMITTED TO LIFELONG LEARNING. STAY OPEN TO OPPORTUNITIES, CONTRIBUTE WHERE YOU CAN, AND CONNECT WITH THE MANY PEOPLE YOU MEET ALONG THE ROAD.
DAY 2
DISCOVER THE CAPITAL
Sleep: Hostel
Wake up to the bright colours of Phnom Penh and jump into expedition life. Get to grips with the currency (Cambodian riel), meet the ground team and book any optional activities, like boat trips of cycling tours. You also need to assign some team roles and buy a SIM card for the group phone.
Jobs done, it’s time to explore. Navigate the buzzing streets and grab your first glimpses of the city’s Frenchcolonial architecture and ornate temples. Feeling hungry? Seek out some tasty Khmer cuisine – think fish curry, beef stir fry and mango salad.
Find out more about the Khmer Rouge regime and Cambodia’s tragic history – it’s a disturbing but important story. Take a deep breath and enter the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – this former school was a torture centre, where more than 20,000 people were held. Continue to the Choeung Ek Memorial,
where the stupa contains thousands of human skulls. This was the site of the Killing Fields.
DAYS 3-6
CHI PHAT TREK
Sleep: Homestay, camp, hostel
Travel: Transfer 3.5hrs to Chi Phat, transfer 3.5hrs to back to Phnom Penh
Multi-day trek: 3 days
Trek difficulty:
Time to trek. Travel to a lush region on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains where the Chi Phat community launched an initiative to stop illegal logging and poaching back in 2008. Today this place is a biodiversity hotspot of green hills and wild elephants.
Take it in turns to lead the group as you trek to the Chhay Chrey rapids. Nearby, you’ll have dinner with a local family and spend the night in a homestay.
Push on through the forest as gibbons call through the treetops. Make lunch on the go, and learn how to forage for fruit and edible leaves. When you reach the campsite, you’ll need to string up a hammock and sleep beneath the stars.
Continue along old logging trails back to Chi Phat village and listen as your guide reveals the area’s turbulent past, when illegal logging was rife. As you walk, reflect on the incredible efforts the community has made to protect this land.
DAYS 7-11
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
Sleep: Longhouse, hostel
Travel: Transfer 6hrs to Siem Reap, transfer 1hr to the community, transfer 1hr back to Siem Reap
Dive deeper into Khmer culture by living alongside a traditional farming community. To get there, travel to Siem Reap and spend a night in a hostel before continuing to the countryside.
Here in rural Cambodia, access to education and opportunities is limited – very few of the villagers have been to school. Staying in a traditional longhouse, you’ll get immersed in their lives and experience the reality of rural life.
Learn about rice farming, eat like the locals and connect with the community. You’ll also get involved in a local initiative to develop clean water, sanitation and education resources – find out more about the village’s water filtration system and why it’s so important, then roll up your sleeves and help out where you can.
This is a one-off opportunity to experience another way of life. Get more from this experience with dance
Crash out on the journey back to Phnom Penh and check into the hostel. You’ll sleep like a log tonight.
lessons, sports, cooking classes and reforestation. And listen closely to the stories of local landmine victims.
After an eye-opening few days, pile back into the transfer bus and return to Siem Reap.
CONTRIBUTE TO A SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVE THAT HELPS TO IMPROVE AND PROTECT WATER QUALITY AND SANITATION.
DAYS 12-13
SIEM REAP & ANGKOR WAT
Sleep: Hostel
Back in Siem Reap, you’ve got a full day to explore Cambodia’s coolest little city. Soak up the culture as you stroll along tree-lined boulevards past old French shop-houses and ‘naom banchok’ noodle stalls-thick rice noodles with seafood broth or chicken curry. Yum!
For more adventure, join an optional boat or kayak trip on Tonle Sap Lake -Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake (book in advance).
Next, time-travel to the famous Angkor temples. Maximise your time by watching the sun rise over this mind-blowing complex. Angkor Wat is just incredible, and you may recognise Ta Prohm from the Tomb Raider movie. There’s also the Terrace of the Elephants, Palace of the Leper Kings, and 54 towers of Bayon Temple.
DAYS 14-15
EXPLORE PHNOM PENH
Sleep: Guest house, hostel
Travel: Transfer 6hrs to Phnom Penh
In Phnom Penh immerse yourself in Cambodia’s vibrant capital, where ancient traditions meet modern energy.
For the last two days, you have options. Start your day at the Royal Palace, with its shimmering Silver Pagoda. Another option is to wander along the lively riverfront, lined with cafes, markets, and pagodas. Don’t miss the bustling Central Market, where you can shop for local crafts and taste authentic Cambodian street food.
Prefer to unwind and relax? Consider a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, where you can enjoy stunning views
DAY 16
TRAVEL HOME FROM PHNOM PENH
After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport.
Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible. Cambodia has opened your eyes and challenged you more than
Or, consider an optional cycle tour of the temples. Pedal along junglefringed walls and gaze up at towering ruins as you explore the greatest city of the Khmer Empire.
ANGKOR WHAT?
THE ANGKOR COMPLEX BOASTS JAW-DROPPING RELICS OF THE KHMER EMPIRE. WITHIN THE RUINS, ANGKOR WAT IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST TEMPLES.
and a tranquil atmosphere. In the evening, meet up with your team for a shared dinner at a local restaurant, where you can exchange stories of your adventures. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your time in this dynamic city.
you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life.
These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES.
Students will gain a greater understanding of how to act for a more sustainable future, at both local and global levels.
Students will be immersed in different cultures and experiences, growing to understand their role within our global community.
Students will be challenged to think critically about topical issues that affect our past, present and future around the world.
Students will be empowered to build on their self-care strategies, enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.
Students will experience and reflect on the power of being pushed outside of their comfort zone, allowing the development of initiative, confidence, and resilience
Students will build a deeper connection to their own identity and personal values, developing their independence and sense of self.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
