A trip to Cambodia is a rare chance to truly understand the magnitude and nuances of war, communism, and economic sustainability, as well as the challenges and rewards of working in developing nations. After learning about the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot, students visit The Killing Fields and S-21 for a heavy dose of reality. With a new perspective on this intriguing country, Gap Year students travel down rugged trails by bus, tuk tuk and elephant to tiny villages of farmers and buffaloes, working together in the fields and socializing with the local villagers. Parts of Cambodia are in the midst of modernization, while life goes on as it has for hundreds of years in much of the rest of this spectacular country.
Phnom Penh - Learning of the Past While Looking to the Future
You will begin your trip in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and a fascinating place full of history and cosmopolitan charm. Staying in a hotel along the bank of the Mekong River we will walk out the door into the bustling streets and head for a lesson in the recent brutal past of Cambodia’s encounters with the Khmer Rouge. A trip to S-21 prison where thousands of Cambodians were held for interrogations prior to being taken to the killing fields will be followed by traveling to the killing fields themselves. This is an extremely emotional experience and one that will impact and enrich the rest of your time in Cambodia. While in Phnom Penh we will also do some shopping at the “Russian Market” and begin to sample the fine cuisine of Cambodia as well as immersing ourselves in the contemporary culture that is modernizing at a rapid rate.
Sem Monorom – Onward to the Jungle!
Departing Phnom Penh we head by bus through one of the most dense and untouched jungles in Cambodia where you may be lucky enough to glimpse a tiger roaming through the underbrush. At the end of the ride we will end up in the high plains of Sem Monorom, home to a diversity of wildlife and various hill tribe communities. We will spend our time here exploring the jungle both by foot as well as on top of elephants, gazing up at giant waterfalls and spending the night in a hill tribe village where there is always the opportunity to dance around the bonfire!
Siem Reap – Home of Angkor Wat
Leaving the wilds of Sem Monorom we will spend a couple of days in the colonial town of Kompong Cham taking in the architecture and ambience of this lovely riverside town that is a good waypoint to our next destination of Siem Reap! The focus of our time in Siem Reap will be exploring the ancient ruins of the Angkor Wat complex, a vast complex of 14th century temples and buildings left from the glory days of the Khmer empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. When not watching the sunrise over Angkor or scrambling over the large stone ruins we will be tantalizing our taste buds with some of SE Asia’s most delicious culinary creations as well as taking a boat trip into Tonle Sap or “The Great Lake”. Siem Reap is a great place to close the extraordinary experience that is Cambodia.
Rich in history, traveling through floating villages on the Tonle Sap, and a visit to the mystifying Angkor Wat, one of the world’s “Seven Wonders,” will make this an adventure of a lifetime! For more information about joining our outstanding Cambodia Scheduled Gap Year Program please contact our Gap Guru, Marc Bartholomew at marc@rusticpathways.com and Andrew Stanbridge at andrew@rusticpathways.com
Special Note: Scheduled Gap Year programs generally include all breakfasts, and about half of the lunches and dinners during your program. Students are responsible for getting themselves to the starting point for their gap year program. Internal transportation and all accommodation and included tours, activities, admissions, and fees are included as stipulated in the itinerary. For more details and further information about our gap year programs, please email our Gap Year Guru Marc Bartholomew at marc@rusticpathways.com.
Day 1: Phnom Penh - (B/D)
• Arrive at PP airport
• Drive to hotel
• Walk along river front
• Have lunch
• Go to royal palace and national museum
• Return to hotel to freshen up
• Go to khmer dinner
• Return to hotel
• Sleep
Day 2: Phnom Penh - (B/L)
• Breakfast at hotel
• Take tuk tuk to S-21 prison
• Tour S-21
• Eat lunch
• Take tuk tuk to killing fields
• Tour killing fields
• Go to Russian market
• Boat ride on the river
• Return to hotel
• Go out to dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in Phnom Penh
• Dessert at the FCC
• Return to hotel and sleep
Day 3: Phnom Penh / Sem Monorom - (B/D)
• Early breakfast at hotel
• Tuk tuk to bus station
• Bus to Sem Monorom passing through some of the best jungle in Cambodia… watch out for wild tigers!
• Lunch on the road
• Arrive in Sem Monorom and check into accommodation
• Relax and clean up
• Dinner at guesthouse
• Sleep
Day 4: Sem Monorom - (B/L/D)
• Breakfast at guesthouse
• Full day jungle trek with hilltribe guides
• Arrive at hilltribe village and hang out with guides and locals
• Dinner at village
• Sleep in traditional hill tribe house
Day 5: Sem Monorom - (B/L)
• Breakfast at hilltribe village
• Depart for other hilltribe village
• Go on long elephant trek through the jungle stopping at waterfalls and vistas / this is the most authentic elephant experience you can have in SE Asia
• Lunch on the trail
• Return to guesthouse in late afternoon
• Clean up
• Walk around town
• Dinner in town
• Return to guesthouse to sleep
Day 6: Sem Monorom / Kompong Cham - (B/D)
• Early breakfast at guesthouse
• Get on bus
• Lunch on the road
• Check in to hotel
• Walk along the Mekong and watch sunset
• Walk into town and have some much missed western food
• Check email • Return to hotel and sleep
Day 7: Kompong Cham - (B)
• Go to street side noodle stall for breakfast
• Walk around the market
• Walk around town
• Lunch outside of town at a little Khmer restaurant
• Visit hill top temples with Khmer Rouge history
• Return to hotel
• Go into town for dinner
• Sleep
Day 8: Kompong Cham / Siem Reap - (B/D)
• Have a leisurely morning eating noodle soup for breakfast
• Check out of hotel
• Go to bus station and depart for Siem Reap
• Lunch on the road
• Arrive Siem Reap and check into hotel
• Walk around town enjoying the “modern” sense of things
• Amok dinner downtown
• More walking around and shopping at night market
• Return to hotel and sleep
Day 9: Siem Reap - (B/L)
• Breakfast at hotel
• Full day of touring Angkor
• Return to hotel and clean up
• Dinner
• Early to bed
Day 10: Siem Reap - (B/D)
• Sunrise at Angkor
• Breakfast at food stall
• More temple exploring
• Return to town
• Lunch
• Return to hotel for a little rest
• Drive to Tonle Sap and take a sunset cruise on the “great lake”
• Dinner
• Shopping
• Return to hotel
• Sleep
Day 11: Siem Reap - (B)
• Breakfast at hotel
• War museum
• Landmine museum
• Lunch
• Outlaying temples / touring the countryside
• Return to hotel
• Dinner
• Pack and sleep
Day 12: Siem Reap / Battambang - (B/L)
• Breakfast at hotel
• Depart to Tonle Sap
• Boat to Battambang
• Arrive Battambang early evening
• Check into hotel
• Dinner
• Walk around town
• Sleep
Day 13: Battambang - (B/L/D)
• Breakfast at French café
• Day of touring the countryside / temples / floating village
• Lunch on the road
• Dinner in town
Day 14: Battambang / Phnom Penh - (B/L)
• Early breakfast
• Bus to Phnom Penh
• Evening flight out
An Important Note about Schedule Changes: Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.
General Packing List
For All Cambodia Trips
Pack the following items in your Carry-On Luggage:
- PASSPORT - you can not get on the plane without this!
- AIRLINE TICKETS - you can not get on the plane without these either!
- WALLET - with a bit of US money for the trip over. Your allowance account will be available to you as soon as you arrive in Cambdodia. Most students bring something like $100 on the actual flight in case they need it along the way.
- 2 Photo Copies of your Passport - you will give these to our staff when you arrive in Thailand. You only need to copy the 2-page spread that has your picture, date of birth, passport number, and personal information.
- 1 Spare T-Shirt - you may want to change shirts somewhere during your flight
- Pajama bottoms or chill pants – something comfy to lounge around the plane in
- Sunglasses - Cambodia is sunny and you'll definitely want these
- Toothpaste - keeps your smile gleaming
- Toothbrush - unless you rub the toothpaste with your fingers
- Journal and Pens - start the habit of writing in your journal before you leave
- Do not bring any bottles of water or other liquids in your carry on luggage. Due to new regulations, all liquid items must be checked. Very small bottles of things like eye drops are o.k.
- Snacks – comfort food that won’t melt, granola, etc. You don’t need much, but just in case you don’t like the airplane food. (However Singapore Air serves up some tasty meals)
- Deck of Cards - fun for the plane and with your friends in Thailand too
- Books – Something to pass the time. Suggested reading: Siddhartha by Herman Hesse & The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Cameras - digital or film, disposable waterproof cameras can be nice too (but bulky). Don't forget to bring your chargers, batteries and memory sticks!! You can also bring your USB cords for downloading pics for emails. (For all ipod photo / video users, try and practice putting pictures onto your ipod at home before coming out here)
(HINT: BRING ALL OF YOUR FILM IN YOUR CARRY-ON, AND ASK THE STAFF AT EVERY X-RAY STATION TO WALK THE FILM AND YOUR CAMERA AROUND THE MACHINE. DO NOT PACK YOUR FILM IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!)
Pack the following items in your Checked Luggage:
» To avoid delays and expensive fees on internal flights within Thailand, you will want to keep your checked luggage under 15 kilograms (33 lbs.) in weight. Stick to the necessities and remember that the lighter your bags, the easier the trip.(The initials "PIAPB" indicate that you might want to pack these items in a plastic, zip-lock bag for easier, safer carrying.)
» Travel Pillow (optional) - hard core travelers roll up their clothing - but small travel pillows are more comfortable
» Long Pants (1 or 2 pairs - I suggest something lightweight)
» Underwear (between 7 - 10 pair)
» Socks (7 pairs)
» Swimsuit
» T-Shirts with sleeves (7 - 10 t-shirts)
» Tank Tops (2 or 3)
» Long Sleeve T-shirt - one or two - they help keep off the sun and the mosquitoes too
» Rainproof, Lightweight Jacket or Umbrella - a small travel one is best
» Shorts (3 or 4 pairs ) - not too short or tight, as this is offensive in Thai culture.
» Tennis Shoes - 1 pair
» Sandals that are strapped (Chacos or Tevas are recommended) - the Thais live in sandals
» Flip-Flops - 1 pair - really cheap, lightweight ones you can slip on and off easily
» Shoes (optional) – if you are a runner or otherwise active, if not, you’ll live in flip-flops
» Soap in a Plastic Dish - 1 bar - PIAPB
» Biodegradable Shampoo - 1 bottle- PIAPB
» Personal First Aid Kit - optional but recommended - a small kit with basic first aid supplies
» Small day bag – for side trips or hikes.
» Sunscreen (lots of strong Sunscreen) - we suggest that you bring two completely different types. Alternate between them to avoid having any allergic reactions. – PIAPB
» Chapstick
» Sunburn cream or Aloe Lotion - if you are someone who is prone to sunburn, we suggest that you bring a small tube or bottle of sunburn relief cream just in case you get too much sun. - PIAPB
» Insect Repellant - bring one that is heavy in DEET and one that is natural Citronella - 2 cans or bottles minimum. Remember that the mosquito is your enemy wherever you travel in the world. - PIAPB
» Hand Sanitizer (2 or 3 small bottles per week you are traveling in Thailand) - always use this before you eat as many germs are passed from your hands to your mouth and keeping your paws clean helps keep you healthy wherever you are traveling! Carry some with you and pack the rest in a plastic bag in your suitcase.- PIAPB
» Handiwipes or Towlettes - also good for cleaning the hands when there is no water readily available
» Small packs of Kleenex Tissues - public toilets in most of Asia do not supply toilet paper - you are meant to bring your own. It's always handy to have a few packs of Kleenex tissues with you when you travel in Asia.
» Hat for Sun - you may want to bring two hats or visors to keep off the sun, and to trade
» Flashlight/Headlamp - bring one good one, and a lot of spare batteries.
» Spare Batteries - just in case you missed this above!
» Towel (1 towel - NOT white color) - white towels get really gross looking after a while
» Laundry Bag for dirty laundry, or an old pillow case - keeps the clean stuff away from the dirty stuff so you don't have to sniff to find out.
» Medications (must alert staff about these) - bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying.
» Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia - if you use contacts, bring all of your chemicals with you- PIAPB
» PICTURES! Make up a small album! Pictures of mom, dad, boyfriend/girlfriend, dog, strange neighbors, school buddies, etc. - The Thai people are really interested in where you live, what your house looks like, what your parents and grandparents look like, what your school looks like, etc. This is a great way to break the ice, break the language barrier, and have some fun with your new Thai friends. If you arrive without some pictures of home, you will be bugged by the Thais for your whole stay!
» Dominos or another game that is easy to explain with words
» Musical Instrument (Guitars and Harmonicas, other portable instruments) - if you play an instrument at home and it fits in your suitcase easily, bring it along. The Thais are totally into music and you will get an audience no matter how strong or weak your skills.
» Frisbee or Aerobee or Hackysack - or other things that are fun to do and easy to carry.
Cambodia FAQ's
1. How long is the flight to this country?
From the east coast of America, it’s about 19 hours to Bangkok with some additional layover time. From the west coast of America, it’s about 17 hours plus layovers. Crossing the International Date Line adds about twelve hours to your trip on the way to Asia, and shortens your trip by the same amount on the way home. The layovers are easy and offer you chance to stretch your legs. From Thailand to the capital of Phnom Penh it is about a one and a half hours flight.
2. Do we need to get visas for this program?
Visas are available on arrival at the airport for a fee of $35, and we will help you with the visa process.
3. What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
It is very important that you speak with your family physician in regards to this issue. One you begin to narrow in on specific regions that your Gap Year experience will take you to, you can then easily convey this information to your physician, who can advise you on any immunizations or medications that you will want to have. Rustic Pathways can provide you with a detailed list of cities, villages, and provinces that you will be traveling to, which will help your physician advise you in the appropriate manner.
4. What provinces or regions of the country does this program pass through?
This trip will explore southern, eastern and northern Cambodia..
5. What kind of food will we be eating?
One word… delicious! We will be sampling both the local fare of noodle soups, spicy papaya salad, amok curries, stir fried vegetables, various fish dishes and many others in addition to checking in on some great French colonial influenced western dishes.
6. Where will we be eating most of our meals?
Almost all of our meals will be eaten at noodle shops and restaurants with some meals at friends of Rustic Pathways homes.
7. Will we be drinking bottled water?
Yes. All the water will be bottled.
8. What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
We will predominantly be staying in guesthouses that have hot water showers and clean beds. But, always be prepared to spend a night in a bamboo hut or swinging in a hammock and taking a shower by pouring a cold bucket of water over your head along the way!
9. How often will we be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
Cleanliness is a big part of Cambodian culture so we keep as clean as our traveling allows us. We will have access to laundry facilities at least once a week if not more often. Cost is usually $3-5
10. Can Rustic Pathways cater to specific diets on this program?
To a certain extent, yes. If you have any serious dietary issues please our USA office prior to booking your trip to make sure that we can accommodate you. Vegetarians are easily accommodated.
11. What will the climate be like on this trip?
The climate will be everything from quite hot and humid (90 degrees Fahrenheit) to quite chilly up in the mountains (40 degrees Fahrenheit). While it is the dry season, expect the occasional thunderstorm to come through and cool us off.
13. Will mosquitoes be a problem on this trip?
While there are mosquitoes present in certain areas, it is more of a dormant season for them. It is a good idea to bring along some bug spray that contains DEET. All accommodation in mosquito-impacted areas will have screened windows or bug nets over the beds.
14. Are there any extremely physical or strenuous activities on this trip?
No. But be prepared to do quite a bit of walking while exploring the country. There will be several opportunities for daylong jungle hikes and swimming under waterfalls
15. Are there any language immersion possibilities on this trip?
No, unfortunately time is too short. But, by the end of it you will have the basic greetings and questions down.
16. How often will I have access to email and phones?
Phones will be accessible almost every day, while email will be accessible at least every 3 or 4 days.
17. What costs are not included on this trip?
Visas, shopping half of your lunch and dinners, laundry, snacks and any extra activities that are not on the itinerary.
18. How much spending money should I bring?
At least $200 a week and more if you plan on doing some serious shopping. There are a lot of neat markets that we will stop at along the way. These sell everything from traditional hill tribe handicrafts and textiles to smuggled electronics from China. These are also fun places to pick up interesting snacks for when we are taking bus rides through the countryside. You may also want to make some charitable donations while on your gap year program.
19. What sort of electrical voltage adapters do I need to bring?
If you are just bringing chargers for cameras and mp3 players you will not need any adapters. If you are just bringing chargers for cameras and mp3 players you will not need any adapters. If you need an adapter, look for a universal adapter that will accept almost any plug and plug into almost any style of outlet. They cost around twenty dollars and are available at office and travel supply stores.
20. Is there a language barrier, and will this be a problem for me?
A lot of people in the larger towns speak English to a certain degree and your local guides can help you translate. It can be a lot of fun trying to use your own made up sign language as well! People will be as interested in hearing about your culture as you are in theirs. In addition, our talented local staff can speak excellent English and will serve as your gateway to Lao culture, translating and explaining what people are saying.
MARVEL at the ancient ruins in Angkor Wat, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
VOYAGE down the Tonle Sap Waterway through seldom seen areas of Cambodia
EXPLORE the bustling streets and markets of Phnom Penh
EXPERIENCE the eye-opening and humbling river culture in these floating villages
Cambodia Gap Year Program Cost:$ 2,105 Est. Internal Airfare:$ 85
A trip to Cambodia is a rare chance to truly understand the magnitude and nuances of war, communism, and economic sustainability, as well as the challenges and rewards of working in developing nations. After learning about the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot, students visit The Killing Fields and S-21 for a heavy dose of reality. With a new perspective on this intriguing country, Gap Year students travel down rugged trails by bus, tuk tuk and elephant to tiny villages of farmers and buffaloes, working together in the fields and socializing with the local villagers. Parts of Cambodia are in the midst of modernization, while life goes on as it has for hundreds of years in much of the rest of this spectacular country.
