On arrival at Siem Reap you will be met by your World Expeditions Schools local Guide and transferred to your hotel. You will have a full trip and safety briefing followed by an overview of Khmer language and important phrases that you can learn and practice through your journey. A little language goes a long way with the local people! Then, it's time to explore Siem Reap the way the locals do, by remork! Tonights, we make our way to Haven restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth in hospitality and the service industry for our welcome dinner and first taste of Khmer cuisine!

Meals:  D

Today we will head straight to the Angkor Museum, a profound cultural landmark in Siem Reap. This world-class interactive museum will give the students an ideal background on the golden era of the Khmer Kingdom before visiting the temples. After lunch, take a half day dedicated to the discovery of some of Angkor's highlights as we travel around the temple complex. Let’s first explore Ta Prohm Temple, unlike most other Angkor temples, this one has been left just as it was when rediscovered: a photogenic and atmospheric maze of trees growing out of temple ruins amidst jungle surroundings, making it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors. We continue to Angkor Thom, it was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII and it features the Bayon Temple, the Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. This 12th-century masterpiece is a study in grandeur, its exterior gallery walls featuring extensive, superb bas-reliefs, particularly the East and South Galleries. After dinner, enjoy a vibrant performance by Phare, the Cambodian Circus! The performance showcases graduate students from the non-profit school of the arts who demonstrate their incredible acrobatics, music and contemporary storytelling. After the performance we will get the opportunity to meet the performers! Tonight we have the opportunity to head to the night markets where you can purchase gifts and souvenirs while you practice you local language and bartering skills.

Meals:  B,L,D

After an early breakfast, we board our private vehicle and take a short bus ride to a local market where we will be greeted by a local chef. The chef will take us around the market explaining the local produce as we purchase the food required for our cooking service program. Today is no regular cooking class, the menu the group will prepare will not only feed the group but will also serve as a donation to the monks at the local pagoda/temple. Once we have all cooked the food, we will package it up and head to the pagoda and offer the food to the monks before eating, all enjoying lunch. Later this morning, the monks will give a blessing to the group and tie a wristband on their arm and spend time discussing spirituality and Buddhism with the group. The students can ask any question about the monks' life in Cambodia. We then head out to the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest permanent fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. During the rainy season (from May to October), the lake swells to six or seven times its normal size of approximately 2,600 square kilometers (4160 square miles). Locals have learned to adapt to the unique ebb and flow of the Tonle Sap Lake through the seasons by creating floating villages. We will explore one of the villages. Later this afternoon we return to Siem Reap to have dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals:  B,L,D

Wake up in the early hours of the morning and drive through the dark to the Angkor Archaeological Park. Select a good viewpoint at Angkor Wat, sit back, and watch the sunrise over the back of the temple. Seeing the temple emerge from darkness to being bathed in early-morning light is an unforgettable experience. Once the sun is up, go inside Angkor Wat for a guided tour. Learn about the history of this 12th-century monument and how it was constructed. Get up close and see depictions of Hindu mythology and famous battles intricately carved into the walls. Explore chambers filled with depictions of Apsara dancers, celestial beings of Hindu mythology. Return to your hotel in time for a delicious breakfast. Later this morning, the group will meet with a local NGO that provides access to clean drinking water for villagers living in rural surroundings. Learn about the importance of having access to clean water for communities and the current challenges in Cambodia. The group will then make simple but efficient water filters in a hands-on service learning activity, and box up their filters ready for distribution by the NGO in the coming days. After our work is done we will return to our hotel for the night for a low-key dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, our group will head to a Community Project site for a full day dedicated to a meaningful community engagement project, where students will work alongside local residents on initiatives such as communal infrastructure improvement, environmental initiatives, or housing improvements. This hands-on experience provides insight into rural life and local development challenges, and allows for deeper interaction with local families and greater understanding of Khmer culture, traditions, and daily life. In the evening, there will be time to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and explore the local night markets! *Specific tasks will be confirmed closer to your departure date

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we head out to meet the APOPO Herorats! Here, you’ll discover how this organisation trains rats to detect landmines in Cambodia, playing a vital role in clearing these dangers. You can experience a behind the scenes tour, seeing the rats in action while learning about Cambodia’s recent history. We'll return to our hotel and pack our belongings and possibly make time for one last shopping spree at the Old Market. Then, time to celebrate as a group with a final dinner before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Meals:  B,L,D