Description

Cambodia's Capital

Fly into Phnom Penh, the political and cultural capital of Cambodia! You'll begin your trip exploring the remnants of Cambodia's turbulent past with a trip to the S-21 Genocide Museum and the infamous Killing Fields. This interactive morning will introduce you to the country's complex history and give you a solid cultural and historical base before you journey deep into the countryside. After lunch we'll hop in our private vans and head north to the town of Battambang where we will depart for life on the water and family.

Hop aboard Rustic Pathways' own Cambodian Riverboat and spend the week traveling on an amazing stretch of water that runs from the town of Battambang, along the great Tonle Sap Lake, all the way to Siem Reap. This is one wild ride through the heart of Cambodia. Prepare to witness extreme poverty and tremendous joy as our boat shows up in these rarely visited floating villages.

Magic Color

While the Cambodians that live on the rivers are able to catch enough food to survive, the children that grow up in these communities often have no access to toys, materials or outside stimulus. When our brightly colored boat comes through kids quickly spread the word that we're in town. Invite them aboard and play some games, blend up some fruit shakes, get the karaoke machine going, organize art classes and English workshops, and at the end of each stop give away the pencils, pens, paper and crayons that they've been using.

Life on the boat

Join us as we scout out new villages. We have an undetermined route due to the change in water levels. We pass through these floating villages as they move up and down the inlets and along banks of the lake where tens of thousands who call a boat their home. Our boat travels through switchbacks of rivers that wind through Cambodian countryside, giving you insight to rural life that is rarely seen. Rustic has several anchor villages over the 80 miles of river where we have established relationships in these communities.

Much of our service is based on in these villages where we visit schools and family homes. You'll distribute essential supplies and care packages and spend a lot of time making friends and playing with the local children.
Life on the boat is very chill, we have our own kitchen, stereo system, sleeping quarters separated by gender, and our own captain. You'll travel with both western and local staff. Some nights we'll sleep on the boat and others in our "anchor villages." When we reach the other end of or destination we'll depart our boat and load our stuff back to the main road and head to our last stop.

Angkor Wat
Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat and some of the world's most exotic temples. Here it is easy to take in the kingdom's ancient splendor. Witness a breathtaking sunrise and marvel at the intricate carvings in the stone fortresses. You will also visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm (also known as the Tomb Raider temple). Cap off your trip with a traditional Cambodian feast of exotic local fare before you say goodbye to this beautiful country and the many new friends you have met here.

From the floating villages that line the Tonle Sap waterway to the splendor of Angkor Wat, this is a trip you'll never forget.

Highlights

CRUISE past unbelievable floating villages, teach English to Cambodian youth, and journey into the country's splendid ancient past on this exciting mix of service and adventure.

LEARN about Cambodia's rich history and tumultuous recent past during visits to Phnom Penh's many historical sites, fascinating museums, splendid sacred temples, and colorful markets.

TEACH English to eager Cambodian children at small schools and local orphanages where your efforts will be truly appreciated.

MARVEL at the spectacular ancient splendor of Angkor Wat, a magnificent relic of Khmer architecture.

IMMERSE yourself in rustic life of the remote Khmer culture along the great Tonle Sap.

Qualifications

Students must be 15-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,695 USD + 155 USD Internal Airfare + International Air

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983