Floating Village Service

Itinerary

Day 1, Tuesday -       
Relax and prepare yourself for your adventure on world-class Singapore Airlines. Meet other students, watch on-demand movies and unwind. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader will accompany each of our escorted group flights from JFK and LAX. Our staff and flight leaders will make sure that your journey is easy and enjoyable!
           
Day 2, Wednesday –
Today is ‘lost’ as you cross the International Date Line. Not to worry, though – you’ll get it back when you return.

Day 3, Thursday –
Welcome to Asia! Your day will begin early as you arrive in Singapore, and then transfer on to Bangkok. Here, you’ll meet up with the rest of your group who are connecting to this trip from elsewhere in Asia, and then take an easy one hour flight over to the capitol city of Phnom Penh. Here, you’ll get checked in to your guest house and then hit the town for your first taste of authentic Cambodian food. Here, we’ll sit down for a formal orientation so you can get a real grasp of what you’ll be seeing and experiencing in the next week. This will also be your first real acquaintance with your awesome guides for the program – a few Americans, of course, mixed in with a classic collection of local Cambodian personalities. In the evening, we’ll have a bit of a look around this interesting city, including a visit to Wat Phnom, before returning to the comfort of your guest house for some well deserved rest.
           
Day 4, Friday –
We’ll begin the day bright and early with a nice breakfast before we head out for a full day of touring. Although this is primarily a service project, the sites you’ll see today are necessary for you to realize exactly where you are in the world, and to put everything you see in perspective. Our first stop is Tuol Sleng, a former prison that has been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the genocide. We then head across the street for an amazing lunch at the Boddhi Tree restaurant. Here, while enjoying the amazing collection of delicious (and healthy!) foods from around the world, we collect our thoughts before heading out to our next destination. We now go to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek where you walk through the quite and peaceful fields that were once the site of mass burials during the genocide. While difficult at times, these sites are important landmarks. It is important to keep in mind that many Cambodians do not dwell on past atrocities but instead look to the future. After your first full day in Cambodia we head to Friends restaurant where we will be dining for a cause- all the proceeds from this restaurant and adjacent shop go to programs helping street children in Phnom Penh. With a full stomach, you return to the guesthouse for your last night in the capital city.

Day 5, Saturday –
After breakfast, it’s time to begin the real adventure, as we’ll hop on board the boat and begin our trip into rural Cambodia. As we cruise up the river during the early morning hours, you will see a whole new way of life in the floating villages we pass. Families cook their morning meal aboard their watery homes and set out nets to reel in the day’s catch. School children, dressed in white shirts and blue shorts wave excitedly to us as they begin their day. The scenic boat trip will give you some time to relax, snap photos, and get to know the members of your group and your friendly staff members. A few hours later, we arrive in the village of Srey Prey. The villagers gather excitedly to welcome you as the boat docks. Our vans, loaded with supplies and your luggage are waiting for us once we get back on land. Grabbing your bag you will settle in with your amazingly accommodating host family before heading out to explore the village. Life here is simple but the people are incredibly hospitable and will share everything they can with you. You will quickly make friends, especially with the local children whose passion for learning is inspiring. Unlike in the U.S., Cambodian children attend classes on Saturdays. So, after exploring the village and settling in, you will head to the local school to aid teachers with their classes. The Cambodian students and teachers are always excited and grateful to have native English speakers in their classes. Don’t worry, no teaching experience is required to make this a fun and enjoyable service project! After a few hours in front of the classroom, you’ve earned your home-cooked dinner and relaxation. Before going to bed, glance up- the stars above Srey Prey are amazing!

Day 6, Sunday
Good morning! The day begins early in Srey Prey, usually about the time the sun comes up! After a good yawn and stretch, roll up your mosquito net and put on your athletic clothes, because it’s soccer time! With plenty of energy to burn after a great breakfast, lace up your sneakers and hit the field with the locals. Don’t be intimidated by the Cambodian speedsters- we’re just out here to have fun! Wiped out from a great, and possibly muddy, game we’ll clean up and start packing the vans. After saying goodbye to our host families and new friends we head up to the bustling port city of Battambang. On the bus you’re in charge! If you see something interesting, (like a horde of water buffaloes walking through town) just let us know and we’ll pile out of the vans, stretch our legs, snap some photos, and make some memories. After dropping your bag off and freshening up at the bright and friendly riverside guesthouse, we ride along the river to the local orphanage. These children have been through a lot, you would not know that looking at their smiling faces. Their resiliency and genuine desire for learning will inspire you as you play volleyball and make crafts with them. After such an action-packed day we’ll head to a local restaurant that has tons of local favorite as well as Cambodian variations to Western food. Get some sleep tonight because tomorrow we are back on the boat!

Day 7, Monday
Wake up, shower, and get your camera ready because we are heading up the river! After a hearty breakfast at another local restaurant, you will hop on board our wooden vessel. Our first trip takes about 2 hours so relax, snap some pictures, and enjoy the early morning sun. Our service today is at a school for the surrounding floating villagers. Rather than riding a school bus, these children expertly row themselves over to classes. Now that you’ve had a bit of experience in front of a classroom, walk on in to one of the rooms brimming with excited kids. It is really important and helpful for these students to hear English spoken by native speakers so share your story! These kids will be fascinated by your descriptions of home, your friends, your family, and the places you’ve traveled to! Many of these students have never left their village so they will even be amazed that you have been to Phnom Penh! After a great morning of service, it’s back on the boat for the relaxing return trip. Enjoy a cold soda and bag of chips as we head back. Once we dock, you will go to a great café in town for a late lunch. Before leaving town for the guesthouse, we head to the local market to hunt for school supplies. Successful in our search we return to the guesthouse for a shower and nap break- it’s been a busy day! Once you’ve eaten a leisurely dinner, you and your group will gather for a movie night. While watching the movie, we work together to organize the supplies we found today in the market into “service packs.” In the morning, we will give these packs full of school supplies and hygienic products to the floating villages. Enjoy your last night in Battambang!

Day 8, Tuesday
The journey you make today was the inspiration for the entire Floating Village Service trip! Early in the morning we dine at the Sunrise Café- an absolute gem in the middle of this Cambodian town. With a great selection of coffees, milkshakes, pastries, and full Western breakfasts, you will be totally fueled up for the trip ahead. Before we leave here, join with others before you who have grabbed a sharpie and marked their names on the walls of the café! After grabbing our picnic lunch, we board our wooden vessel again for an epic trip. Leaving port we travel up the river to Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat. Enjoy the early morning sun but be careful sitting out for too long, the sun is hot here! As the sun rises, the narrow muddy passageway expands into the greater Tonle Sap lake. Interested in bird watching? Well this is the place! Keep an eye out for the spot-billed pelican and the milky stork- the Tonle Sap lake is a great place to spot these beautiful birds! The natural beauty of this trip is incredible but you may find your heart pulls as you pass the floating homes of some of Cambodia’s poorest families. You’re in charge again! When you decide it’s time to hand off your “service pack” let us know and we’ll slow the boat down so you can meet and help a family in need. This is a great way to help and gives you a chance to see a side of Cambodian life unavailable to most tourists. After a long journey, our boat pulls into the floating village of Chong Kneas where our vans pick us up. We then check into the hotel and you can grab a much-needed shower! Refreshed and relaxed, it’s time to go to the Dead Fish café! This funky backpacker hangout has great food, live music, and, not to mention, your food is lifted to your lofty table by dumbwaiters! It’s early to bed tonight because tomorrow you are going to see one of the seven ancient wonders of the world- Angkor Wat!

Wednesday
Good morning! We set out today in the blue-grey of the early morning. Despite the early hour, the Angkor Wat temple complex is abuzz with people already waiting to see the sun rise above this amazing 5-spiered architectural marvel. Grab a good spot and get your camera ready for the incredible view of a lifetime! Following the sunrise, the crowds clear out and we enter the complex to explore the structure. Check out the intricate carvings of Angkor’s historical battle scenes. If you’re brave enough to climb the steep steps, the view atop the highest tower is well worth it Leaving this incredible sight just as the crowds are returning, we grab a bite to eat before continuing to explore. Next we travel to see the huge, carved faces of Bayon. We then journey on to Baphoun whose rose-colored ruins allude this temple’s past grandeur. Time for a break! We will grab our picnic lunches and find a shady spot along the river to enjoy our food and relax. Now, in the heat of the day, we make our way to the shady and cool tree temple, Ta Prohm. Massive trees have grow up through these ruins making for a spectacular site. Have fun! This is a great place to scramble over ruins, check out the hidden passages, or duck into a cool spot to collect your thoughts. What an action packed morning! Head back now to the hotel where you can hop in the pool or just relax by the water. It’s amazing how fast a week goes because now it’s time for our farewell dinner! We head to the infamous Blue Pumpkin for some amazing Western, Thai, and Cambodian dishes. After wrapping up dinner, let’s grab an ice cream- they have the best frosty treats in Cambodia! Enjoy your last night in Cambodia with your new Rustic friends!

Thursday
It’s time to journey onward. For some, you will head back to Bangkok and hop on your international flight. For others continuing onto other programs, we connect you to your next group. After hugs, and maybe a few tears, it’s time to say goodbye and continue on! Cambodia will miss you!

A quick note: Many students over-pack and sometimes have to pay for overweight bags on domestic flights. The weight limit is 15 kilograms (33 pounds). You’ll have frequent access to laundry on this program, so you won’t need that many clothes.  We won’t tell on you if you wear the same t-shirt twice! 

Carry-on Luggage: A small backpack works best.
Passport and Wallet
A photocopy of your passport
Sunglasses
A durable camera, smaller is better for this program
Journal
A good book
A pen

Checked Luggage: A duffel bag, suitcase, or large backpack.  Wheeled suitcases are fun, but may not roll so well in rice paddies. All items listed with “Plastic Bag” should be packed inside a plastic bag in case bottles
2 Photocopies of your passport
Long pants - one lightweight pair and one heavier pair.
Pants that have zip-off legs to convert to shorts are great.
Shorts-two or three pairs
Swimsuit
Underwear-5 pairs
Socks-5 pairs lightweight fast drying synthetic athletic socks are best
Shirts-t’s, tank tops, and athletic shirts.
A collared shirt for visiting the schools.
 One long sleeve shirt.
Materials such as polypropylene and capilene dry fast and help you stay cool.
Sweatshirt or jacket-lightweight and breathable
Rain jacket-lightweight, vented is nice
One casual, but nice-looking outfit for going out to dinner and visiting temples. If you’re thoughtful, you can accomplish this without packing any clothing in addition to what’s listed above.
Sneakers- light, breathable, fast-drying
Flip flops are the old standby for Thai footwear. Sandals that strap to your heel work great and are adequate for many of our activities
Water bottle
Personal first aid kit
 Several band aids of assorted sizes
Double antibiotic ointment
Medical Tape
Preferred mild pain reliever
Sterile bandages-4-6
Ace bandage
Antiseptic wipes 10
Sunscreen-PLASTIC BAG
Insect repellent with DEET, one small bottle-PLASTIC BAG
Hand sanitizer-2 small bottles PLASTIC BAG
Watch
Medications-don’t forget to let the staff know which meds you take
Travel toothbrush, toothpaste
Travel soap container and soap
Contact lens care supplies if needed

Optional Items:
Pictures of home, family to share with the Khmer people you’ll meet
A Deck of Cards
Khmer / English phrasebook
Travel pillow
A bag for dirty clothes-this can be a mesh bag, a pillowcase, or even a trash bag

Allowance:
$150-$300 The Lotus Market in central Battambang has an amazing variety of crafts, clothing, and unbelievable miscellaneous trinkets and shopping there is a real treat, so budget more if you’re a big time shopper and less if you’re a go light, less is more, bring home only the memories kind of traveler.

Is Cambodia dangerous? Should I be worried about landmines?

Granted, Cambodia has had a rough past but the country is experiencing a booming recovery thanks in large part to tourism. The villages where we will be staying are ones in which we have many friends and safety has never been cause for concern. As far as the danger due to landmines, the areas where we will be have been thoroughly cleared and very safe. That being said, we always take precautions like walking only on well-traveled paths to ensure our safety.

Where do we stay while on Floating Village Service?

Students will be staying in local homes that we rent from the villagers, at all of the floating village service locations we will be staying in someone's home and students will have a chance to see how people really live in this part of the world. We will provide the students with their own sleeping pad and hammock, mosquito net, and a fan. Many of the homes will be raised above the water of the Tonle Sap, there however is no running water or western style toilets, most are traditional South-East Asian style.

What kinds of food do we eat while on Floating Village Service?

We will be dining in traditional Khmer style, the main staple of Asia being rice, we will have a variety of rice based dishes and fresh fruit available. Our staff will oversee the preparation and cooking of local favorites and handle all of the food preparation; we will make every effort to accommodate vegetarian and other special needs as best we can. Bottled water will be available to students at all times and they will have the opportunity to purchase canned juice, sodas, etc from local vendors.

Will I be able to talk to my child?

All our staff members in Cambodia have cell phones and are in constant contact with the main Rustic Pathways office. In the case of an emergency, we will be notified by our main office and pass any necessary information on to your child. Our students, however, are not permitted to have cell phones because these tend to interfere with group dynamics. You will be notified by our staff members by email within 24 hours of your child’s safe arrival in Cambodia.

Should I be taking Malaria medication in Cambodia?

This decision is best made by you, your child, and your family physician. For up to date information to help your decision please visit the World Health Organization website (http://www.who.int/en) and consult your physician.

What should I bring?

Check out the packing list but please pack lightly! Remember that you are in charge of carrying your bag so the lighter your bag the easier on your shoulders! It is very easy to purchase additional clothing or items that were forgotten at home.

What kind of service will Floating Village students be doing?

Students may participate in a wide range of activities while working on the Tonle Sap, activities include teaching English, helping to repair local homes and schools, building local style boats, fishing with village fisherman, delivering first aid kits to remote villages. Students will have the opportunity to pursue any project that they feel would benefit the villages.

Are there still spots available for Floating Village Service this summer?

Yes! Please contact the main office at 1-800-321-4353 to find out about availability so you can come join us this summer!