Cambodia – Sanitation, education, food and water security The remote and rural community of Ta Lek does not have any mains water supply and the small reservoir that they do have is not big enough to last through the long dry season that they experience in this part of Cambodia. Without a water source, sanitation has been poor and the risk of disease high. What they do have is reliable source of ground water that is reasonably close to the surface. As part of our project work here that you may get involved in we are building wells to provide drinking water and water for irrigation to ensure a reliable source of essential food. You may also build toilets and it is our aim to provide a toilet for every household in the community. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Cambodia – School improvements and jungle garden reforestation It’s estimated that around 15% of Cambodia’s population never enters the education system and those that do often learn in inadequate schools. You’ll help support a local primary school, through projects such as refurbishing and extending classrooms and constructing a library. You’ll also work on the Jungle Garden at our camp to tackle issues of food production in the dry season. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Cambodia? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Cambodia in 2010. We have been delivering school expeditions there for over fifteen years, developing trusted long-term relationships with local communities in Siem Reap and across rural Cambodia that give school groups genuine confidence in our depth of commitment to the region.
What community project work is included on the Cambodia Trek Expedition? Students complete community project work at two camps. At Camp Beng Pae, project work focuses on improving living conditions in a village where residents live below the poverty line and lack access to basic facilities, including building wells and constructing toilets. At Camp Beng Mealea, students build traditional clay water jugs by hand using techniques passed down for generations, with the finished pieces gifted to a local family for immediate use. All projects are co-designed with local community leaders and our long-term Cambodian partner organisations to address genuine locally identified needs.
What is the jungle trek and what does it involve? The Kulen Mountain Trek takes students through a mix of dense jungle and cashew plantations over four days, preceded by a dedicated preparation day where local guides brief the team on the route, terrain and equipment. Students sleep in traditional pagodas at different campsites each night, taking in spectacular sunrise and sunset views and learning about the sacred history of the region along the way. At the end of the trek, students transfer back to Siem Reap for a well-earned meal, shower and rest. It is a multi-day trekking challenge requiring a good level of fitness, led throughout by experienced local guides familiar with the terrain.
What conservation and wildlife experiences are included on the Cambodia Trek Expedition? Students visit the Kulen Elephant Forest, a sanctuary for elephants retired from the tourism industry, where they can help prepare food, walk alongside the elephants through the forest and learn from staff about the challenges facing captive elephants in Cambodia. Students also visit the APOPO Visitor Centre, home to a non-profit organisation that trains African giant pouched rats to detect landmines and tuberculosis, learning how this work returns safe land to farming communities and saves lives.
What cultural and historical experiences are included in the Cambodia Trek Expedition? Students take a guided tour of Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring temples that were lost for hundreds of years. En route to Siem Reap, students stop at Tonle Sap Lake to visit a floating fishing village built entirely on the water, with no roads connecting its school, temple, shops and houses. Time in Siem Reap includes the old market, the Angkor Artisans to see traditional Cambodian crafts and the bustling night markets. Time in Phnom Penh includes visits to the S21 prison and the Killing Fields to learn about the recent history of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge, and Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple built in 1372 standing 27 metres above the city and the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh.
Is the Cambodia Trek Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated at Camp Cambodia since 2010 with experienced locally based teams. Comprehensive risk assessments are reviewed before every departure and 24/7 in-country emergency support is in place throughout. The jungle trek is led by experienced local guides familiar with the terrain and conditions. We follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au) at all times.
What is included and excluded in the Cambodia Trek Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation including traditional longhouse stays at the community camps and nights in traditional pagodas during the trek, plus city accommodation in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, entry to Angkor Wat with guided tour, the Kulen Elephant Forest and the APOPO Visitor Centre, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money, visas and vaccinations.
