Days 1-2

You will fly into Siem Reap airport where you will be met by a member of our in-country team. You will then transfer to Battambang, your home for the next 3 weeks. Over the next day you will have an induction and orientation to the local area, as well as a welcome meal with our local staff. There will also be time to prepare for the start of your volunteering the next day.

Days 3-21

Your group will work with one of our partner NGOs and give invaluable help to a grassroots organisation in real need. You will take part in an unforgettable hands-on experience of a lifetime. Previous Challenges Abroad volunteers have built a computer lab, redecorated libraries and run sports tournaments. The impact Challenges Abroad volunteers have is very important to the FutureSense Foundation: a team of 20 volunteers could be volunteering for a total of 1,500hrs! So a big thank you in advance!

Whilst volunteering your evenings and weekends are free to relax and travel independently, visit the Killing Fields, Angkor Wat, the Royal Palace, and the incredible Mekong River! Today you can either transfer to Siem Reap for one last night before your flight the next day. Or you can carry on with your journey…

Days 21-27 – Optional Overland Trek

Extend your trip and take part 7 day overland tour of Cambodia for just $800

Your journey starts in Phnom Penh where you will explore Toul Sleng, the Killing Fields and the Royal Palace. Next you travel to Kratie to experience the incredible Mekong River boat trip and get a chance to see Irawaddy dolphins. Finally you are off to Sen Monorom where you will be trekking across stunning Cambodian scenery with hill tribe homestays, discovering elephants, waterfalls and much more along the way. Your trip finishes in Siem Reap where you can fly home or continue your travels.

Below you will find our current dates and availability for the Challenge. If you have any other dates in mind, or you have seen another date advertised then email us on [email protected]d.com.au and we will be happy to help.

Please note that dates are subject to minor changes and these will be broadcast well in advance to your departure.

Day 1 – Battambang – Phnom Penh

An early morning start will begin your journey towards the capital Phnom Penh where therewill be a stop off in the village of Kampong Chhnang. Here you will be able to witness howthe locals make traditional Khmer pottery and jars. After arriving in the capital and havinglunch, there will then be a cyclo tour of the city. As one of the most popular andcomfortable ways to explore the city, we will pass noted sights such as Wat Phnom, theIndependence Monument and the Royal Palace. You will also have some free time toexplore the city at your own leisure. (Lunch)

Day 2 – S21 and the Killing Fields

Today will take you to two of the most infamous sights in the area; TuolSleng museum (S-21) and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields). Learn about theturbulent history of Cambodia as you are guided around these sombresites. (Breakfast, Lunch Dinner)

Day 3 – Jungle and Waterfall Trekking

The day begins with a jungle trek through spectacular views and mountainous areas. As younear the centre of the jungle, you will reach a waterfall and cave which you are can thenexplore. After a short walk further, you will come across another waterfall called Leng Oung.Here you can take a swim whilst a traditional bamboo soup and BBQ is prepared for you.

Day 4 – Elephant Project

Today you will travel to Pu Long village which is home to alocal Bunong community. You will have the opportunity tolearn about their traditional ways of life before beingguided towards the elephants in the jungle. Trekking onthe elephants is not allowed in order to provide acomfortable environment for them, however, you will beable to walk alongside them.Eventually, you will reach a river where the elephants can have a dip to cool down. You canhelp to wash the elephants and have a refreshing swim yourself before lunch.After continuing your trek, you will return to the village to play games with the childrenbefore a traditional evening meal, once the village elders have returned. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 5 – Koh Trong Island and Cycling

After an early morning breakfast and a journey to Kratie, you will be taking the ferry to KohTrong where you will have the morning to immerse yourself into traditional Cambodian life.Discover the island by bicycle or via the hotels tuk-tuk (the only one on the island). KohTrong allows visitors to enjoy an unspoiled part of old Cambodia and is home to one of theworld’s largest freshwater turtles.On the south-west corner of the island lays a Vietnamese floating village which movesaccording to the seasons. The Vietnamese have their own pagoda on terra firma just abovethe village at the south point of the island, and, true to tradition, they make the best coffeein the province. After you have finished exploring the island, you will be directed to a resortwhere you can enjoy relaxing in the pool before you cross back to the mainland of Kratie. (Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 – Sambok Mountain and Dolphins

On day six you will be taken on a cruise to the dolphin pool of Kampi; the largest dolphinpool on the Mekong River and the best place to spot the critically endangered Irrawaddydolphin.After returning to the mainland, it is time to explore Sambok Mountain. As you climb the stairs to the top,you can enjoy and admire the beautiful panoramicviews of the countryside and surrounding ricepaddies. You will also be able to explore the quaintpagoda and temple which contains carefully painteddepictions of Buddhist beliefs.After your exploring is over, you will be transferred to Siem Reap ready to catch your flighthome the next day. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 7 – Fly home

Today you will be transferred back to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home