CAMBODIA TOUR BOOKLET
The gang at Angkor Wat
OVERVIEW Group size: Transport: Accommodation: Starts in: Ends in: 12 people maximum per tour group Private Bus, Public Bus, Tuk Tuk 11 nights in 3 local Hotels Siem Reap Phnom Penh You ll have the chance to see many different aspects of Cambodia as a traveller. Experience the fast pace of the popular cities, slow down to visit beautiful beaches and floating villages, discover the rich history and religion and immerse yourself in the culture of the country by getting your hands dirty to help with some much needed local projects coordinated by Cambodia YMCA.
ITINERARY Day 1: Siem Reap Land in Siem Reap, a fast growing city close to beautiful well-preserved ancient temples. Spend the afternoon getting to know your group and end the day with a dinner at Kuhlen 2 Restaurant and a cultural show. Day 2: Volunteering in Siem Reap Today will be your first day of local cultural immersion assisting in the delivery of the Rice Soup Program, where you will prepare and serve a nutritious meal for local kids. You will also travel to the Floating Village and visit different communities as part of a guided tour. Day 3: Angkor Wat Today is an action packed day of seeing the local sights. You ll first experience a majestic sunrise over Angkor Wat Temple - a once in a lifetime sight that s worth losing sleep over! You ll also visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of the Leper King. Lunch is included at Sras Srong Restaurant. Your tour will then continue onto Ta Prohm ( tree-in-temple ) and Banteay Srey, with the option of also visiting the Landmine Museum. There is also an optional visit to the Angkor Night Market, the first night market in Cambodia.
Day 4: Volunteering in Siem Reap Explore the streets of Siem Reap before boarding our inter-city bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia s commercial and political hub. A chance to sit back, relax and take in the Cambodian country-side. Arrive at the hotel located in the Riverfront district where your trip leader will give you a brief orientation of the area. Day 5: Children s Farm & Orphanage Project Travel to a local orphanage in an outer suburb of Phnom Penh to meet some of the children. Assist with preparing food, a garden project, ox farm work (beware this means cleaning out stables!) and playing games with the children. We will also join them for lunch. Day 6: YMCA Cambodia Here you will gain an understanding of our partner organisation YMCA Cambodia and the importance of the programs and services they run. You will be involved in understanding and assisting in one of their most important programs The Street Children s Project. Tonight you will travel to Samrong Village to experience the Village Life and enjoy an included traditional dinner. Day 7: YMCA Cambodia/ Killing Fields/Genocide Museum Join the children in the morning at the local Water Park for what will be one of the highlights of the trip. This afternoon we will learn of Cambodia s rich history and the effects of the Khmer Rouge by visiting The Killing Fields via the Russian Market and then travelling onto the S21 Genocide Museum. A confronting but important and enriching day.
Helping prepare the soup!!
Day 8: Phnom Penh Today is a free morning for you to wander around Phnom Pen, enjoy a sleep in or join us on an optional visit to Wat Phnom and Central Market. This afternoon we ll visit the Royal Palace and the National Museum. Day 9: Phnom Penh/Sihanoukville Today we ll depart Phnom Penh and head to the beach paradise of Sihanoukville where we will arrive in time for you to enjoy an afternoon swim. Day 10: Sihanoukville Today is a free day to relax and see the beautiful beaches and culture of Sihanoukville at your own pace. After a day at the beach (or pool) enjoy a drink at one of the beach bars while you watch the sun go down. This evening you will tantalise your tastebuds with an amazing BBQ seafood dinner. Day 11: Sihanoukville/Phnom Penh Today we head back to Phnom Penh to explore the local area further before our departure tomorrow. Day 12- Final Day: Phnom Penh After breakfast at the hotel, you will either depart wonderful Cambodia and head back home or continue on with your own travel and adventures. *Itinerary may be subject to change
FAQ How much does it cost? The cost depends on the time of year and the group size but will never be more than $1,999. Our prices are competitive and affordable based on the inclusions of our program. What is included in this cost? All accommodation as listed in the itinerary All breakfasts (with the exception of Sihanoukville) Group Dinner at Kuhlen 2 restaurant Land transportation (excluding free time ) All expenditures incurred for the Community Development Programs or infrastructure works Entrance fees to places of interests as outlined in the itinerary (ie. Angkor Wat, Killing Fields, S21, Royal Palace) All local guide fees (English speaking) and all tips Dedicated YMCA staff to attend pre-expedition briefings to provide information on the expedition itinerary, trip needs and on Cambodian history, culture and customs Dedicated YMCA staff or experienced volunteers from YMCA Victoria and YMCA Cambodia to accompany each tour. What is not included in this cost? International Flights Travel insurance Cambodia Visa Lunches and dinners (unless otherwise indicated) Immunizations (as required) Optional Tours (*as indicated) Personal Spending money (suggested approx $20 for meals excluding drinks & gifts)
Why would I travel with the YMCA? YMCA is a global organisation spanning across 120 countries around the world. YMCA Unearth Cambodia partners with YMCA Cambodia to ensure that we re using local knowledge to travel the right way. Unlike other tours that occur over a similar timeframe, we incorporate aspects of volunteering into our tour (approximately 4 days) that are safe, ethical and educational. We ensure that we use local guides, local transport and visit local restaurants to not only give you an authentic holiday through Cambodia, but to ensure we re travelling ethically and responsibly by supporting the local economy. So am I going on a holiday or a strenuous volunteering trip? Neither! This is a holiday adventure. We believe you should travel with an open mind and be conscious of your surroundings and the culture you re stepping into. So whether you re relaxing on the beach or helping with a Street Kids Project, you should always be learning something and discovering something new. Are we guaranteed for departure? Unfortunately not. Due to the new nature of the program, we may not depart if the numbers are too small or unforeseen circumstances arise. However, we will do our best to communicate with you often to ensure you are aware of the status of your tour. What is the bed configuration? All accommodation quoted is single-room, unless requested otherwise by participants. If you are travelling with friends or family and would like twin-share accommodation, please contact us to discuss a reduced rate.
Riding in a Tuk Tuk!!
Must I be required to know the native language? You are not required to know the native language, but knowing basic words will make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Do I have to be physically fit to travel? We recommend checking in with your GP before you travel, but aside from light walking, no, you don t have to be marathon ready to embark on the trip. Will I require any vaccinations? Yes. We recommend checking in with your GP before you travel. How much luggage can I bring? Our number one tip here is to travel light! Please be aware that some of our travel is done via Tuk Tuk, therefore one easily liftable suitcase or backpack is ideal. How do I book? Please visit our website to complete EOI &/or application forms victoria.ymca.org.au/unearth
Further Information victoria.ymca.org.au/unearth 03 9403 5042 or 0400542033 LINDA FREKE YMCA Area Manager linda.freake@ymca.org.au STEPHEN WARD Macleod YMCA stephen.ward@ymca.org.au