Suas’dei! Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival in Phnom Penh you will be greeted by your local English speaking guide and head out to a welcome dinner. After check-in, there will be a trip briefing in the hotel foyer at a time indicated in your final documents. Overnight: Kravan Hotel, Phnom Penh. TG 476 12DEC SYDBKK 1000 1525 12DEC TG 584 12DEC BKKPNH 1820 1935 12DEC ( flights are subject to change )

Meals:  D

After your breakfast, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo (2hours), an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. First, head to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze. Continue to visit the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony! Your next stop is Wat Phnom temple, the founding place of the city on a small hilltop. This afternoon, gain insight into Cambodia’s recent dark history on a visit to the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former school that was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as its main detention and torture center named ‘S-21’. Also visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. A grim, but important visit that will allow you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better. After learning about some of Cambodia’s tragic past it is time to put a smile back on your face and experience modern Khmer life. Overnight: Kravan Hotel, Phnom Penh. Note: To see the Royal palace and silver pagoda in Phnom Penh, visitors are required to wear appropriate clothes. Guests wearing short pans (above knee level) and sleeveless tops are not permitted.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we set off for the drive in private air-conditioned coach to Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. En route, we stop in the town of Skuon to see their most famous speciality being sold: deep-fried tarantula! A favourite snack of many Cambodians, many stop at the market to buy a bag of the “ch’ngain” (tasty) eight-legged creatures. After a short stop we continue to Siem Reap. Upon arrival we have lunch and then check into the hotel where we take a short break to freshen up. Later this afternoon, we head out on a guided tour of Siem Reap by ‘remork’ (similar to the Thai ‘tuk tuk’) to learn out about daily life, to visit the small shops and learn more about the town and the people who live there. After dinner, we have the opportunity to head to the Night Markets where you can purchase gifts and souvenirs. Overnight: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa Distances and journey times: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (314 km) / 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Following breakfast, you’ll have a chance to learn some of the secrets of Cambodian Cuisine at Kompheim Village Cooking Class. There will be a demonstration to introduce you to some local ingredients and techniques and you’ll also have the chance to prepare your own dishes. There’s plenty of incentive to pay attention - afterwards, you get to dine on the results! After lunch, we visit Ta Prohm Temple, unlike most other Angkor temples, has been left just 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. Next we take an orientation tour of Angkor Wat, giving us our first extensive look at this amazing site. Angkor Wat is one of the great wonders of the world where you will soon realize it is not one temple, but an expanse covering several square miles, containing the remains of an early civilization as well as many other temples. Angkor was an early Cambodian civilization that flourished and prospered from about 800 to 1400 AD. The majority of the temples were built between the 6th and 13th Centuries. Many of the temples are in excellent condition, however a large amount, are in poor repair and in need of extensive restoration. The surrounding forest has grown into and destroyed several of these magnificent works of art. The day comes to an end as we enjoy the sun setting over Angkor Wat, and as the Apsaras shine in the most beautiful light. Overnight: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast at the hotel we set off on the drive through beautiful Cambodian countryside and rural villages to reach Battambang. Upon arrival we check into the hotel and then drive to Hope for Cambodian Children (HFCC). Penrith Anglican College has been supporting HFCC for a number of years, and we can expect a very warm welcome from the staff and community. Prepare for lots of noise, singing and above all appreciation for the work about to get underway. We will be taken on a tour of the centre, for an insight into the work that we will achieve over the coming days. Overnight: Stung Sangke Hotel, in Battambang Distances and journey times: Siem Reap – Battambang (174 km) / 3 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast at the hotel we transfer to HFCC to complete a full day of service at HFCC. Overnight: Stung Sangke Hotel, in Battambang

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we transfer by bus to HFCC to start service for the morning. After lunch we travel to a few of the villages around Battambang to learn how the locals produce rice paper, “grolan” (sticky rice stuffed in bamboo), and other Cambodian treats. We also experience a short ride on the famous Bamboo Train, an original means of transportation on the old train tracks leading to Phnom Penh - a true rollercoaster ride without loops! (Note: the train tracks from Battambang to Phnom Penh are currently being rebuilt. The long term future of the Bamboo Train cannot be guaranteed. Should the service stop, we will arrange alternative sightseeing). Overnight: Stung Sangke Hotel, in Battambang

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast at the hotel we transfer to HFCC to complete a full day of service at HFCC. This evening, depart for a very special Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus, a school of music, visual and performing arts. Phare Ponleu Selpak uses the arts to provide education, support and entertainment to the poor communities. This project is an example of how humanitarian aid work can turn into a display of zest for life, genuine warmth and creativity, against all odds. Overnight: Stung Sangke Hotel, in Battambang

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast at the hotel we transfer to HFCC for our final day, where we spend the morning involved in service and then in the afternoon we participate in a farewell ceremony, with the opportunity to take numerous group photos and exchange some gifts before saying farewell one last time. Overnight: Stung Sangke Hotel, in Battambang

Meals:  B,L,D

Following breakfast we depart Battambang for Siem Reap. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy lunch. Enjoy sometime to explore Siem Reap’s colorful markets. Next we embark on an interesting boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake, where we learn about life on the lake. Tonlé Sap is South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season, as it is swelling to about 4 times its size in during the wet season. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where you will see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake extends. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. Enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight: Overnight: Somadevi Angkor Resort and Spa Distances and journey times: Battambang - Siem Reap (174 km) / 3 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Following breakfast we transfer to the airport for the THAI Airways flight departing at 1:25pm and arriving in Bangkok at 2:35pm. The connecting flight departs at 5:50pm, arriving in Sydney at 07:10am on 23 December. PG906 22DEC REPBKK 1325 1435 22DEC TG 475 22DEC BKKSYD 1750 0710 23DEC ( Flights are subject to change )

Meals:  B

The flight arrives into Sydney at 7:10am, where this incredible adventure draws to a close, Merry Christmas! TG 475 22DEC BKKSYD 1750 0710 23DEC ( Flights are subject to change )

Meals:  Nil