A summer program in Cambodia is a structured, supervised travel experience for teens with activities like floating-village service, a visit to Angkor Wat, community service, and hands-on cultural exchange.
This guide compares summer programs for high school students in Cambodia based on price, price per day, focus, and age range.
How do the top Cambodia summer programs compare?
| Provider | Price (excluding airfare) | Price per day | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rustic Pathways | $4,595 | $287 | 14–18 |
| Projects Abroad | $2,970–$3,595 | $212–$256 | 14–18 |
| ARCC Programs | $5,388 | $299 | Grades 9–12 |
| Travel For Teens | $8,895 | $424 | Grades 10–12 |
Price per day is program tuition divided by program length, excluding airfare.
Projects Abroad offers gap year programs in Cambodia. This guide includes their 2-week “High School Specials” programs.
ARCC Programs includes Cambodia as part of a multi-country itinerary in Vietnam & Cambodia. Related, Travel For Teens includes Cambodia in a combined Southeast Asia program across Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Reviewing the destination before comparing providers helps clarify what each program is working with.
Why is Cambodia a top destination for summer programs?
Cambodia is a top destination for summer programs because it combines unique cultural activities, such as visiting floating villages, with history and meaningful service projects that promote cross-cultural understanding.
The cultural draw is singular. Cambodia is home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, and to unique floating-village communities on Tonle Sap Lake that offer a community-immersion experience unavailable elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Visas to Cambodia are straightforward. U.S. and Canadian citizens can get a Cambodian e-visa before departure; standard tourist visas are available online.
Khmer is the official language, but English is spoken in many areas. English is widely spoken in tourist and urban areas, and in-country program staff handles translation and logistics. Teens do not need language preparation to participate in activities on Cambodian summer programs.
Rustic Pathways in Cambodia
Rustic Pathways operates a 16-day Floating Village Service Expedition in Cambodia for ages 14 to 18, priced at $4,595 plus airfare. The price covers lodging, 3 meals a day, all activities, ground transportation, and 24/7 supervision.
Students live and work alongside communities in Cambodian floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, contributing to community-driven service projects developed with Rustic Pathways local partners.
The program returns to the same communities each year to build sustained relationships. Service activities do not replace local labor.
In 2025, 12.3% of logged incidents were not GREEN severity, meaning the vast majority were minor. Rustic Pathways publishes quarterly safety reports and scores 23/25 on a 25-point transparency audit covering itself and competitors. About 8% of Rustic Pathways program staff are not local, in-country team members, meaning the vast majority are hired from within local communities.
“The service was extremely rewarding, with an amazing blend of seeing the sights and learning about the culture through service and educational exchange. Our leaders were well informed and made such an effort to create a loving and educational atmosphere when we were so far from home. I immediately felt connected to the people and the culture because everyone was so unconditionally kind and welcoming. This was the best thing I have ever done.” – T. Miller · Fort Collins, CO · Rustic Pathways Cambodia
Families considering volunteer-placement programs at a lower price point will want to look at Projects Abroad next.
Projects Abroad in Cambodia
Projects Abroad centers on volunteer placements in childcare, teaching, and community work, paired with visits to Angkor Wat. Program cost ranges from $2,970 to $3,595.
Program focus varies from volunteer work with underprivileged children, animal conservation programs, medical internships, and public health initiatives.
Teens who want a multi-country itinerary should consider ARCC Programs or Travel For Teens.
ARCC Programs in Cambodia
ARCC Programs travels to Cambodia as part of an 18-day Vietnam & Cambodia itinerary. The program is for students in grades 9-12 and costs $5,388, excluding international flights.
The Cambodia portion of the trip includes Khmer Rouge history, a visit to Angkor Wat, and clean water service projects in a rural community.
For a longer multi-country program including Cambodia, families can consider Travel For Teens.
Travel For Teens in Cambodia
Travel For Teens includes Cambodia as part of a 21-day Southeast Asia program that covers Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The program costs $8,895, excluding airfare, and accepts students in grades 10-12.
The program visits Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Choosing the right provider comes down to program type, budget, and the safety data a family needs before booking.
How do you pick the right Cambodia program?
Pick the right Cambodia program by matching the program to a teen’s age, budget, travel experience, and the type of immersion the family values most.
- For cultural immersion and meaningful service with community partners, backed by published, verifiable safety data, Rustic Pathways is the best match at $4,595 for a 16-day program.
- For a multi-country itinerary across Southeast Asia at an affordable price point, ARCC Programs has the best offering.
Whichever provider a family considers, ask for staff ratios, emergency protocols, and parent-communication procedures in writing before paying a deposit.
To compare Cambodia against other destinations, view the full summer programs for high school students guide.