Community House Building & Cultural Immersion

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Original price was: $850.Current price is: $679.

Number of Person

Community House Building & Cultural Immersion

This eight-day journey with Eagle Discovery Cambodia is a rare opportunity to merge volunteer work with cultural discovery. As you help build a house for a deserving Cambodian family, you’ll explore the country’s vibrant culture, witness ancient traditions, and visit revered landmarks. Engage deeply with the community through ceremonies, cultural exchanges, and guided tours, ensuring a truly memorable experience.

Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including authentic Cambodian dishes and communal meals.
Accommodation: Comfortable lodging in local guesthouses or hotels, enriching the cultural experience.
Cultural Activities: Traditional performances, hands-on cultural exchanges, and guided temple tours.
Transportation: All in-country transport, including airport transfers and day trips.

International Flights and Visa Fees: Participants are responsible for booking and covering airfare to and from Cambodia.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, optional extras, and any expenses outside the itinerary.
Travel Insurance: Participants should arrange comprehensive insurance covering health, accidents, and travel delays.

What to Expect

Participants can expect a fully immersive experience, combining construction work with cultural activities. Each day involves direct interaction with community members and exposure to Cambodia’s history and traditions, blending meaningful volunteer work with a unique look at local customs. Expect to feel warmly welcomed by the community, to make lasting memories, and to see the impact of your work firsthand.

Photos

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Itinerary

Immersive Construction Experience: Participate in each stage of house building, working alongside skilled builders and community members.
Spiritual Ceremonies: Participate in the traditional Krong Peali blessing and celebrate at the handover ceremony, symbolizing prosperity and well-being.
Cultural Engagement: Meet local families and students, gaining insight into Khmer customs, dance, and storytelling.
Exploratory Tours: Journey to Angkor Wat for sunrise, visit the mystical Floating Village, and engage with Cambodia’s historical narrative at local museums.

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

Afternoon: Arrival in Siem Reap. Check-in at your local guesthouse, where you’ll enjoy the comfort of well-furnished rooms with amenities that reflect Cambodian hospitality.
Evening: Join a welcome dinner featuring a mesmerizing Apsara dance performance, introducing you to Cambodia’s traditional art and culture. Orientation follows with Eagle Discovery Cambodia staff to go over the week’s itinerary and volunteer project.

Inclusions: Airport pickup, guesthouse accommodation, welcome dinner with Apsara dance show.
Exclusions: Personal expenses, travel insurance.

Day 2: Laying the Foundations

Morning: Meet the family receiving the new home, then begin construction by clearing the land and setting up foundational pillars. This hands-on start will include placing the framework for the home.
Afternoon: Travel to the Volunteer Building Community Center (VBCCC) for an educational exchange with local students. Learn about Khmer culture from their perspective and introduce yourself and your culture in return, fostering intercultural understanding.

Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; building supplies; cultural exchange at VBCCC.
Exclusions: Personal gear, such as work gloves and sturdy shoes.

Day 3: Building the Structure

Morning: Work alongside local builders to reinforce the structure, secure framework elements, and install floorboards. Next, begin adding exterior walls and set up windows, working steadily to bring the house closer to completion.
Afternoon: Continue cultural exchanges with VBCCC students, featuring discussions led by international volunteers and local students. Share stories, songs, or games from your country, fostering meaningful connections.

Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; building supplies; structured activities with local students.
Exclusions: Personal expenses.

Day 4: Finalizing and Cultural Dance Exchange

Morning: Install remaining walls, apply a second coat of paint, and work with the roofing team to ensure secure coverage. Finish setting the interior and exterior touches, which may include painting and final structural adjustments.
Afternoon: Return to the VBCCC for a cultural dance exchange. Learn basic moves of traditional Khmer dance and join the community in joyful dance and music, exchanging dance styles and rhythms from different cultures.

Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; all construction supplies; dance exchange activity.
Exclusions: Personal expenses.

Day 5: House Completion and Floating Village Tour

Morning: Complete the final touches on the home, installing doors, and windows, and cleaning the construction site. Experience the rewarding moment of seeing a finished house, ready for its new family.
Afternoon: Explore the Floating Village of Kampong Phluk. Glide through stilted houses and flooded forests, learning about this unique ecosystem and lifestyle.

Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; house materials; guided boat tour of the Floating Village.
Exclusions: Souvenirs or optional extras in the village.

Day 6: Blessing Ceremony and Cultural Visits

Morning: Attend the handover ceremony, marked by a traditional blessing. A holy man offers blessings to the family and the house, symbolizing protection and prosperity. Share in this emotional, joyous event, and celebrate with the local community.
Afternoon: Visit the APOPO center to learn about the amazing HeroRATs trained for landmine detection. Then, tour the War Museum to gain deeper insights into Cambodia’s history and resilience.
Evening: Cap the day with an unforgettable performance at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, showcasing acrobatics, theater, and dance.

Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; ceremony supplies; entry to APOPO center, War Museum, and Phare Circus.
Exclusions: Personal donations at APOPO or War Museum (optional).

Day 7: Temple Sunrise and Exploration

Early Morning: Experience the majestic sunrise over Angkor Wat. The guided tour explores the intricate carvings and centuries-old stories that adorn this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Morning and Afternoon: Continue exploring Bayon and Ta Prohm temples, famous for their iconic architecture and large trees intertwined with temple stones, offering a magical atmosphere.
Evening: Participate in a serene meditation session with a Buddhist monk, reflecting on the spiritual aspects of your journey.

Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; temple pass and guide fees; meditation session.
Exclusions: Personal donations or tips at temples (optional).

Day 8: Departure

Morning: After breakfast, say your goodbyes and check out. You’ll be provided with transport to the airport for your return journey, leaving Cambodia with unforgettable memories.

Inclusions: Breakfast, airport transfer.
Exclusions: International airfare, travel insurance.

Map of Starting Point!

Reviews

      
   Eagle Cambodia Travel
   66 Tripadvisor reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Hal T 
 2024-05-13
 
 
  Great. All good
The guide, Bhutan was very knowledgeable and informative, also friendly. All the drivers for the tuck tucks we’re also very pleasant, fun riding in them. The actual places were also cool.
  
 
       
   Fiona D 
 2024-01-21
 
 
  Amazing Holiday in Cambodia made even better by dealing with Eagle Cambodia Travel
Eagle Cambodia Travel was an amazing company to deal with - they got to know us and organised trips based on our needs as a mixed aged group - this just made our holiday so much more interesting and memorable - we did Temple tours and quad biking and the Floating village at sunset - but all done with all ages enjoying
  
 
       
   Darren W 
 2024-01-17
 
 
  It’s hard to believe water would rise so high.
We did the sunset tour around the floating Village. This was an excellent tour with a fantastic guide. Would highly recommend it. Cheers Darren Ballarat Victoria
  
 
       
   Melissa W 
 2023-12-28
 
 
  Outstanding tour company!
Eagle Cambodia Travel were so helpful and accomodating when helping me plan my holiday to Cambodia. Nareth and Sinn were very responsive to my inquiries and took the stress out of the planning. During the holiday Nareth checked in to make sure my needs were met and was just so lovely to deal with. Thank you for helping to make my trip to Cambodia a beautiful memory!
  
 
       
   Joe R 
 2023-11-25
 
 
  Magical journey in Cambodia!
Embarking on a journey with Eagle Cambodia Travel was more than just planning a trip—it was crafting an adventure tailored precisely to our dreams. Their responsiveness and seamless planning, along with a network of invaluable connections, made each moment exclusive and unforgettable. They set a new standard in travel planning by prioritizing our comfort and satisfaction. What made our experience truly memorable was Nareth's personal touch. She didn’t just plan our trip; she shared stories and experiences from her own life, infusing each recommendation with personal anecdotes that added depth and meaning to our journey. Nareth's commitment to creating a flawless journey, coupled with her genuine passion for crafting unforgettable experiences sets a new standard in travel planning. Traveling with Eagle Cambodia Travel wasn't just a vacation—it was a series of magical moments woven together. Their exceptional service and personal touch transformed our trip into cherished memories to last a lifetime. Thank you again Nareth!
  
 
       
   Liz H 
 2023-11-22
 
 
  Professional and thorough
We were on an international service trip with Volunteers Build Cambodia. Both the project and the tours were professionally managed by Sinn and Nareth. They were with us every step of the way, friendly, with patience and humor.
  
 
       
   Jamberger79 
 2023-11-21
 
 
  Go with Nareth and you won't go wrong!
Nareth and her team are fantastic! We were there to build houses in the morning and they developed a custom afternoon itinerary that really helped us maximize our time in the area. They were all personable, easy to work with, responsive and flexible. Our guide Happy gave interesting insights into the local culture. The restaurant picks were spot on and showed the variety of local cuisine. The various sights we visited showed an interesting and diverse range of culture with something for everyone. We were a group of about 25 and they did an amazing job of herding cats and catering to many different tastes and opinions.
  
 
       
   paulette w 
 2023-11-21
 
 
  Maximize your visit to Cambodia with a first rate travel planner and company
Nareth planned an excellent and first-rate multi-day visit for us in Siem Riep. She is a great organizer, pays attention to the details and is helpful and flexible. Amongst the multitude of choices, she seems to know the best attractions and restaurants. From Khmer shows to the circus to artist workshops - she selects informative and high quality venues. Restaurants are also beautiful with high quality food and ambience.
  
 
       
   808bw 
 2023-11-21
 
 
  A remarkable visit! Siem Reap, Cambodia
Nareth of Smart Sinn Travel did an outstanding job in coordinating our visit in Siem Reap. She provided excellent personal service, and efficiently handled all the needs and requests of our group. I would highly recommend her. BW
  
 
       
   Richard P 
 2023-11-21
 
 
  Work hard and then play hard
Many different activities were provided. The lunches were delicious. Our guide, Happy, was very knowledgeable and approachable.