History & Culture in Cambodia

Wake up to the bright colours of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Get the lowdown on your cultural journey ahead, then it’s time to explore. Head to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and learn about the Khmer Rouge regime, they’re a brutal reminder of the country’s past. After this deep dive into history, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You’ve got options on how to spend your day here, so decide where you’d like to head first to delve into Cambodian history and culture. Stroll beside the river and past Buddhist wats (temples) and colonial-era architecture. Discover manicured gardens at the Royal Palace, and 5,000 silver tiles at the Silver Pagoda.

Meet endangered sun and moon bears at a special sanctuary that rescues them from illegal trade. The world’s smallest bears, sun bears are hunted for their body parts and the cubs are taken as pets. More than 130 bears are cared for at the sanctuary, which runs education and research programmes to build a brighter future for wild bears. The centre is also home to elephants, gibbons and other protected animals. You’re about to become a bear keeper for the day. Go behind the scenes and discover what it takes to care for the bears. Help to prepare their food, clean their enclosures and learn about their needs.

Back in Phnom Penh, we’ll meet an inspiring NGO that reintegrates youths from marginalised communities. Learn about their work, visit their vocational training centre, and tuck into lunch at their social enterprise restaurant. You’ve also got the option of joining a boat trip along the river to the stilt houses of Silk Island (Koh Dach). Discover ancient Cambodian crafts and watch weavers at work, then roll up your sleeves and have a go on a traditional spinning wheel.

Pile into the transfer bus and travel to the lush Battambang region. Once we’ve checked in at our hostel, we’ll make our way to Phnom Sampeau, these ‘killing caves’ were a brutal site during the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, they’re a peaceful place of pilgrimage with stunning views and bat displays. Meet the Phare Circus, a not-for-profit association that helps to improve the lives of vulnerable young people in Cambodia. Learn how this social enterprise supports free education and arts training, then have a go at some circus tricks. Later in the trip, we’ll see these professionals perform for real.

After a morning in Battambang, you’ll travel northeast to meet the rural community that will host you for the next few days. Settle in to your new home-from-home, chat to your hosts and find out how they’re striving to improve employment prospects for young people through quality education. You’ll work alongside the community to support their initiatives, which involve expanding and improving their educational facilities. To make a positive contribution, you’ll need to pick up some new skills. Seize this opportunity to immerse yourself in local life. Learn how to make a broom and discover how this craft is an important source of income. Join a cookery class and master the art of sticky rice, then sit with the village elders and listen to their stories of the Khmer Rouge. Learn how to plant rice and have a go at harvesting, then ride through the paddy fields in an ox cart to visit a temple in the jungle! Explore the jungle-clad Kulen Mountain and its hidden relics. Grab a daypack and discover remote villages, jungle shrines and a giant reclining Buddha. Take in the beautiful cascading waterfall along the way and reflect on the past few days.

Wake up in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s coolest little city and the gateway to Angkor Wat. Here, you’ll meet an expert archaeologist so listen closely as they tell stories about the people who carved the jaw-dropping temples. Delve deeper into the Angkor ruins with a photo scavenger hunt, find the Terrace of the Elephants, uncover the Palace of the Leper Kings and roam the Royal enclosures. In the evening, you could choose to watch the Phare Circus in action. Grab a seat in the big top and watch them master the tricks you tried earlier in the trip.

All too soon, it’s time to fly home, so 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. You’ve been immersed in Khmer culture, you’ve engaged with communities and you’ve seen this beautiful country through local eyes. Return home with a whole new perspective of the people we share our planet with, and the stunning landscapes they call home.