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Cambodia

Cambodia: From the Ground Up — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 18 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Learn about Cambodia’s recent history through hands-on experiences. Understand current issues in the country by visiting local nonprofits and international development organizations in Phnom Penh. Complete meaningful community service projects with your group, giving you the chance to learn about education “from the ground up” and see how schools, families, and communities educate their young people. End your trip with a visit to Angkor Wat and explore the markets of Siem Reap.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 10-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart for Southeast Asia

Meet your group at your home airport. Fly together as a group to Cambodia. Total travel time will depend on your departure location and flight schedule. Be sure to get some rest so you arrive ready for adventure! Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.
2

In Transit

If your travel to Cambodia crosses the international dateline, you'll likely lose this day to travel. Not to worry - you'll get it back on your return!
3

Welcome to Cambodia!

Arrive at Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) and meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion and an introduction to the local culture. Have a Khmer dinner and head back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.
4

Learn About Cambodia's History

Arun-suer-sdey! Begin with visits to cultural and historical locations in Phnom Penh. Head to Tuol Sleng, a former school that was used as a prison and has since been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the country’s genocide. Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and walk through the quiet and peaceful fields that played host to mass killings and burials. In the afternoon, tour the Royal Palace where the King currently resides and Wat Phnom, which is the birthplace of the capital city of Phnom Penh. Enjoy the sunset cruise on the Mekong river and visit Silk Island.
5

NGO Visits in Phnom Penh and Drive to Kampong Cham

Meet with various international NGOs working in Cambodia. Attend talks from organization directors and tour their sites as you learn about these organizations working in a variety of fields. Engage in discussions to learn more about their inner workings. What organizations you’ll meet with depends on the time of year you visit. While specific organizations may be unavailable, we can guarantee that your group will meet with three organizations doing great work in Cambodia. Organizations we have previously worked with include: Skateistan – uses skateboarding as a resource for youth empowerment Tiny Toones Breakdance Center – programs to help street kids Mith Samlanh (Friends) – programs to help youth at risk Kamworks– portable solar and renewable energy for rural Cambodians Wildlife Alliance – environmental conservation
6 – 7

Service in Kampong Cham

Travel to Kampong Cham to the community where you'll be living and working over the next two days. Meet with local stakeholders to hear about the priority projects identified within the community. Learn about what your group will be contributing to and about past projects that were completed. After your orientation, get acquainted with this peaceful community by taking time to explore. Service days will consist of morning and afternoon sessions with a break for lunch mid-day.
8

Night Markets in Siem Reap

Say goodbye to Kampong Cham and head to Siem Reap where you’ll explore the famous night markets for local souvenirs. Have dinner in the city and enjoy the different pace of life here in a busier part of Cambodia. See the Cambodian circus for an inspiring show of acrobatics performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that supports disadvantaged youth through arts education.
9

Ancient Cambodia and Angkor Wat

Wake early for a morning exploring Angkor Wat and the ancient Khmer Empire. See the intricate carvings of Angkor's historical battle scenes. Climb to the top of the highest tower to see the temples from a new perspective. Then travel to Bayon to see the huge, carved faces in rock, and make your way to the shady temple of Ta Prohm, where massive trees have given this ruin a fairytale-like feel. After a day of ancient adventures, enjoy a final Khmer dinner and spend time browsing the night markets. At the end of the program, the students join in a closing discussion and the traditional Rustic Ties ceremony. This unique and powerful activity allows students to capture their memories and contemplate ways to share what they’ve learned with their communities back home.
10

Lee hi, Cambodia!

After some final group photos with Team Cambodia, your program leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 10 calendar days / 9 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Cambodia

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Cambodia offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Cambodia Asia Service + Culture
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