Adventure is at the heart of this expedition, combining a profound journey through Cambodia's past and present with a thrilling trek deep into the lush, untamed Cardamom Mountains.
You'll immerse yourself in Cambodia's fascinating culture, exploring iconic landmarks such as Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace, while uncovering the nation's complex history - from the heights of the Khmer Empire to the resilience shown after the Khmer Rouge era.
Beyond exploration, you'll actively contribute to local community development. Get involved in varied projects, such as assisting school teachers, creating organic gardens, and supporting traditional silk weaving initiatives that improve access to education and create economic opportunities for future generations.
Your spirit of adventure will be tested and rewarded as you trek through dense jungle, camp beneath star-filled skies, and uncover hidden waterfalls in one of Southeast Asia's last great wildernesses - a journey of discovery, purpose, and unforgettable moments.
Cambodia offers a powerful combination of cultural discovery and off-the-beaten-path adventure. The trek through the Cardamom Mountains provides a rare chance to explore one of Southeast Asia's last untouched rainforests - an experience that builds resilience, confidence, and a deep appreciation for nature.
At the same time, Cambodia's history and traditions create a rich setting for learning: from ancient temples and floating villages to Buddhist blessings and community-led initiatives.
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Example Itineraries for our 2027 trips
Days 1 - 2
Touch down in Phnom Penh and settle into your accommodation and new surroundings, gazing over the capital's skyline and enjoying a meal filled with local flavours.
You'll start your journey with a thorough induction from our team, who will be there to support you throughout your journey. They'll provide essential information about the Expedition, including safety guidelines, cultural sensitivity training, and other practical details.
Then, learn some basic Khmer language and cultural information through a workshop that will help guide you throughout your visit. Put your newfound knowledge into practice immediately with a visit to the Royal Palace, followed by a traditional water blessing ceremony.
Round off your time settling in with a screening of "The Killing Fields," gaining a deeper understanding of Cambodia's history and resilience.
Day 3
Visit the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the S21 Genocide Museum, seeing the effects of Cambodia's brutal past first hand.
Engage in a cross-cultural workshop, challenging your world views and improving your intercultural communication. Enjoy a well-deserved meditation session at Wat Langka, a renowned Buddhist temple, gaining insight into the spirituality of the local people.
Days 4 - 6
Find out about the traditional art of silk production on the aptly named Silk Island, supporting initiatives to increase access to education for silk weavers and their children.
Assist local teachers with their lessons, build organic gardens to raise environmental awareness, and help create engaging learning environments through construction and renovation work.
Days 7 - 9
Escape the city for an adventure into the stunning Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia's last untouched landscapes.
Travel from Phnom Penh into the heart of the jungle. Set up your base camp before embarking on a gentle two-hour trek to learn about the region's rich history and spot wildlife. As night falls, gather around a campfire under the stars to hear the legends of the Cardamoms.
Then, switch focus to survival skills. Find a hidden jungle waterfall, the perfect backdrop for a survival workshop, and master essential skills like navigation, foraging, and water purification on a more challenging four-hour adventure. Enjoy a nocturnal wildlife-spotting experience, where you can keep an eye out for gibbons, buffalo, and hornbills.
On your final day, navigate picturesque, wild waterways over the course of three hours before returning to Phnom Penh, reflecting on your extraordinary adventure.
Day 10
Travel to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and learn about animal trafficking and its impact on Cambodia's biodiversity. Understand their pangolin rescue strategy and sun bear rehabilitation initiatives.
Later, enjoy lunch by Tonle Bati Lake before exploring the nearby Khmer ruins. As the sun sets, cruise along the Mekong River with a serene boat tour.
Days 11-13
Rewind time almost a thousand years to the heart of the Khmer Empire, Siem Reap. Explore the incredible Angkor Wat and the surrounding complex of Buddhist temples.
Navigate the floating villages of the Tonle Sap Lake and Mekong River and enjoy traditional Aspara dance. Then, mark your departure with a treasure hunt and farewell barbecue.
Day 14
Reflect on the once-in-a-lifetime journey you've undertaken as you head back to the airport, ready to return home. Don't forget to pack your souvenirs to remind you of your time in Cambodia!
Think about your newfound confidence, skills, and memories during your journey - these will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
Cultural School Trip
You will be immersed in the Cambodian culture straight away. Our local team will walk you through the local culture and traditions to help you better understand the local people you will meet along the way. You will then have the occasion to exchange with community members during your volunteering project at a school and learn more about the nation's history with trips to Kratie, Battambang & Kampot. In the evenings, our team will organise activities such as cooking classes, movie & quiz nights, meditation lessons and more to ensure that you get the full Cambodian experience!
History
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During this expedition, students will learn more about the country's history. They will explore Siem Reap's temple by the rainforest, learn about the Khmer Rouge era and the genocide that greatly impacted the nation and its development, and visit the Killing Fields to gain a better understanding of this part of history. They will also discover Battambang and its French colonial architecture.
Geography
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During this programme, students will experience a different climate and environment than the ones back home. They will explore the city of Phnom Penh and its different areas, some less developed than others. Students will also embark on a trip to Siem Reap and its famous temple complex: Angkor Wat. Visit the charming country towns of Battambang and Kampot to learn about traditional crafts; Kaya through the mangrove in Kratie and trek through the jungles and mountains of the Kirirom National Park.
Religious Education
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Students will visit the famous Hindy temple complex Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu, one of the three main gods in the Hindu Pantheon with Shiva and Brahma. They will begin to learn more about religion in Cambodia and its importance throughout the country's history.
Expedition
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This school expedition in Cambodia offers an immersive experience that blends culture, education, and adventure. Students engage in community service projects, learn about Cambodia's history through visits to Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields, and build life skills while kayaking and trekking through jungles, enhancing resilience and global awareness.
What size groups do we cater for?
All group sizes of 5 or more. Free staff place with each 9 students.
Access for visitors with disabilities?
Disabled facilities can be offered on request.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Visitors with special educational needs can be catered for on request.
Anything else?
Projects Abroad holds the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge and operates in compliance with BS 8848 standards for overseas activities. For school leaders and governors, this means the programme meets recognised national benchmarks.
We provide comprehensive risk assessments, safeguarding policies, and approval-ready documentation for every trip, supporting SLT, governor, and district approval processes. The team that plans your trip is the team on the ground when you arrive.
By travelling with us, you also contribute positively to local economies, environmental protection, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Don't take our word for it; we're B Corporation Certified! We're committed to setting the new sustainability standard in school travel by offsetting 110% of carbon emissions associated with your in-destination programming.
Our Partnerships Team is happy to answer any queries and guide you through the process of booking the school trip of a lifetime!
Who are Projects Abroad?
Since 1992, Projects Abroad has helped young people step beyond the familiar and discover what they're truly capable of. As a global leader in educational travel, we've partnered with over 500 schools to deliver transformative school trips that help shape students' passions, careers, and futures.
We realise that each school has its own goals and interests, and the students have their own interests. We work with every school to develop a tailored itinerary that reflects their values and allows the students to make a connection with the community in which they serve.
We're proud of our dedicated in-country staff whose diverse skill sets, local knowledge and love of their community allow us to develop relevant, immersive and worthwhile schedules for school trips. These experiences give the students responsibility and teach them to see the world through a different lens.
The result is a trip that students remember long after they've left school, and one that reflects well on the school that made it possible!
Addressing the "comfort crisis": Why students need the challenge of the unfamiliar
Resilience Feature
As educators, we’ve all seen the shift. While today’s students are often more academically driven and digitally connected than any previous generation, many are navigating what experts call a "comfort crisis."
We work with all the top School Travel Tour Operators, offering a huge range of inspirational trips, tours and expeditions, whether you are looking for a short hop over the channel to France, or a multi-week trek on the other side of the globe, use our tailor-made trip form and we can help you find the perfect overseas trip for your group.