More Than Just Travel: William's Expedition to Cambodia

Written By William Dunn

No matter how much time passes, my expedition to Cambodia* remains unforgettable. The incredible experiences, sights and moments, made it one of the most eye-opening journeys of my life.

Calling it an amazing trip feels like an understatement.

From the bustling streets of Phnom Penh to the peaceful village life, every moment was extraordinary. Even now, writing this blog fills me with excitement and pride!

*Itinerary may differ

Fundraising for the Journey

My journey didn’t just begin at Heathrow Airport – it started long before that with the challenge of fundraising.

Over the course of 18 months, I worked tirelessly to reach my target of £4,000. I took on various jobs, including delivering newspapers, washing cars, and gardening for neighbours. The highlight of my fundraising was completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – an exhausting yet rewarding 40km trek through the stunning Yorkshire Dales.

Reaching my target was an incredible achievement, and with six months to go, the anticipation for Cambodia only grew.

First Impressions of Cambodia

The excitement was palpable as we arrived in Phnom Penh, despite the jetlag and intense heat.

Our first days in Cambodia’s capital were eye-opening. We explored the city, sampled local food and visited sites that shed light on the country’s turbulent history. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre (the Killing Fields) were haunting reminders of the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge.

Learning about this period in Cambodia’s history was deeply moving and gave us an understanding of the resilience of its people.

Life at Camp Beng Mealea

Leaving the city behind, we made our way to our first rural camp, Beng Mealea. Greeted with warm smiles, we quickly settled into camp life, which included sleeping in longhouses, playing volleyball and relaxing in hammocks.

The sense of community was inspiring, and one piece of advice from our camp leader Han stuck with me: “Smile 1,000 times a day.”

Our first project involved building a chicken coop to provide a sustainable food source for a local family. Over the next few days, we also created water pots, established a vegetable garden and helped lay down tiles for a school playground.

It was hard work in the heat, but seeing the impact of our efforts made it all worthwhile.

Trekking Through Phnom Kulen National Park

One of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the expedition was our four-day trek through Phnom Kulen National Park.

Carrying just the essentials, we hiked through lush forests, visited ancient stone carvings and witnessed breath-taking sunrises over the Cambodian landscape. We stayed in Buddhist communes along the way, adjusting to bucket showers and simple living.

Despite the exhaustion, this trek was a true highlight – one that pushed us physically and mentally while rewarding us with unforgettable views.

Exploring the Temples of Angkor Wat

No visit to Cambodia would be complete without seeing the legendary Angkor Wat.

As the world’s largest religious monument, the sheer scale and intricate carvings of the temple complex were awe-inspiring. Our guide shared stories of the Khmer Empire’s history, bringing the ruins to life.

Standing before such an iconic landmark, I felt a deep appreciation for Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

Making an Impact at Camp Beng Pae

Our next stop was Camp Beng Pae, where we took on some of our most ambitious projects.

We constructed a well for a local family, helped build infrastructure for a school and supported English lessons for enthusiastic school children. The bonds we formed here, with both the community and fellow travellers made it my favourite camp.

The challenges faced by rural Cambodians, from corruption to poverty, made our work feel even more meaningful.

Final Days in Staung

For our last week, we moved to the town of Staung, where we stayed in a local home.

Our project work included resurfacing roads, helping build a school kitchen and supported in more English lessons. The gratitude from the local community was overwhelming, making it hard to say goodbye.

Our final days were filled with laughter, especially as we introduced the children to classic British games like Bulldog.

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience

Returning to Siem Reap for our final night, we had a chance to relax, explore the vibrant Pub Street, and enjoy a well-earned celebratory meal.

Looking back, this expedition changed my perspective in so many ways. The friendships, the challenges and the moments of joy have left a lasting impact.

Cambodia is a country of immense beauty and resilience, and I feel incredibly grateful to have played a small part in its ongoing journey.

The souvenirs I brought home serve as daily reminders of the adventure, but it’s the memories and lessons learned that I will carry with me forever.