Khmer Cultural Project in Cambodia for Volunteers over 50

Immerse yourself in the Khmer culture while learning about Cambodian history with a group your own age

Destination

Age

50+ y/o

Minimum Stay

2 weeks

Start Date

Throughout the year

Accommodation

Apartment

What’s included

Accommodation & Amenities

Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock support on the ground and 24/7 back up from our global teams.
Bus

Transportation

To and from the airport, plus everything in between. Daily transport to your placement and back.

Certification

Certified record of volunteering activities.

Trip Overview

Immerse in Khmer culture

Watch traditional apsara dance, learn basic Khmer phrases and cooking, and experience daily life while engaging with local communities in Phnom Penh.

Explore Cambodia’s must-see sites

Visit Angkor Wat, genocide museums, and historical monuments, gaining a deep understanding of the Khmer Rouge era and Cambodia’s rich history.

Contribute to local communities

Lend a hand at a local school and tour nearby farms, assisting teachers while learning about the challenges faced by Cambodian people.

Travel through diverse landscapes

Explore Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampot, experiencing pepper farms and cultural landmarks, and witnessing diverse landscapes.

Adventure with others your age

Share accommodation, experiences, and cultural discoveries with like-minded individuals, fostering friendships and creating lasting memories.

Judith W

Despite there only being three of us, we had a dedicated coordinator with superb English, who was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about all aspects of the culture.

What you need to know

Overview

If understanding and exploring the depths of a new culture is something that appeals to you, then our cultural immersion project in Cambodia for older adults is for you. You’ll have the opportunity to travel and do something different with a group of people your own age.

This project is perfect for people who are retired, or have taken time off work to travel and give back to a community abroad. You don’t need previous experience to join, as you’ll be focused on learning and experiences. This is a great way to pursue personal enrichment, and to travel safely with a group of likeminded people.

Our Over-50s trip to Cambodia is designed specifically for people over the age of 50. Our staff have put together a two-week itinerary filled with activities and trips. You’ll explore temples, visit museums, and more. You’ll do all of this with a group, and Projects Abroad staff will be with you to offer support.

Aims & Impact

The aim of this project is to provide you with a culturally immersive experience in one of Asia’s most fascinating countries. You’ll get an insight into Khmer culture and the challenges Cambodian people face today, and we’ll teach you about their history and traditions.

This experience goes beyond what you would get as a normal tourist. You’ll engage in cultural exchange, and you’ll do volunteer work that supports our ongoing efforts to help communities develop. This could be something like teaching English, and giving young students the opportunity to practice speaking with you. Speaking English is a skill that can open the door to better employment opportunities in a country where tourism is an growing industry.

Join us and take part in a unique Khmer cultural experience in Cambodia for seniors.

Activities

Seize the opportunity to experience Cambodian culture first-hand, while also giving back to the community. Here are a few of the activities you’ll be involved in:

  • Immerse yourself in the Khmer culture and experience life in Cambodia
  • Learn more about Cambodia and its harrowing history of the Khmer Rouge era

Your work will focus on the following main areas:

Immerse yourself in the Khmer culture and experience life in Cambodia

As part of your project, you’ll get to experience the Khmer culture through different activities. You’ll interact with Cambodians every step of the way and learn about their way of life. You’ll learn the art of puppet making, gain skills in traditional Khmer cooking, and we’ll teach you a few basic phrases in Khmer.

Learn more about Cambodia and its harrowing history of the Khmer Rouge era

Cambodia has gone through a significant change since the civil war between 1975 and 1979. This brutal regime claimed the lives of over two million people and resulted in one of the worst genocides in history.

As part of your two-week trip, we have organised trips to places and monuments of historical significance. You’ll visit the genocide and national museums, the famous Angkor Wat temples, and more. This will give you a deeper insight into the challenges Cambodian people face everyday.

Map & Location
Uncover the magic of Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem with ancient wonders and modern marvels. Here, the legendary Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the Khmer Empire’s power, but it’s more than just temples. Beautiful beaches, stunning skyscrapers, and roaring rivers can be found everywhere you look.

It’s a country on the rise, with tourism and agriculture driving its economy. Though marked by a complex past, Cambodia is developing as a tourist destination and offers an unforgettable experience.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, lies where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. This busy city blends French colonial architecture with ornate Buddhist temples and is home to 2.5 million people. It has a tropical wet and dry climate, meaning it can be hot all year.

Filled with artisan markets, excellent Khmer cuisine, and historic landmarks, Phnom Penh has something for everyone. It is also well connected, offering easy access to the countryside and the wonders of Angkor Wat.

Food & Accommodation

You’ll have everything you need to enjoy an incredible experience in Cambodia, including a clean bed, three meals a day, and fresh drinking water. We’ll also organise your transport (usually a traditional Tuk Tuk!) to and from your placement every day.

You’ll stay in clean, comfortable, and convenient shared apartments in the heart of Phnom Penh. You will have basic Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and large communal areas, giving you the chance to build bonds with other Projects Abroad participants.

Immerse yourself in the local culture, pick up basic Khmer phrases, and enjoy traditional dishes prepared for you by our cook. Explore the fascinating city with new friends, seeing sights like the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields, or organise a weekend trip to Angkor Wat in your free time.

Meet your team

Ms Chanreaksmey Hai

Public Health Project Coordinator

Chanreaksmey received her degree in midwifery from the University of Health Science in Phnom Penh. 8 years experince working in customer service and the medical field for mostly international hospitals. She decided to join Projects Abroad in late 2022 as a public health project coordinator to bring positive and sustainable change for Cambodia.

Mr Phirum Noeur

Country Director

Phirum has years of practical experience in Cambodia for both local and international organizations. He got his bachelor degree in international relations from the university of Cambodia and a Master’s degree in development studies. He joined Projects Abroad in early 2017 as a Project Coordinator and is now the Country Director.

Mr Sambath Touch

Project Coordinator

Sambath has an MBA in education and worked in education for 5 years before joining Projects Abroad. Motivated and inspired, Sambath is determined to make major changes in education services, particularly for students in rural areas. He likes to do research, meet friends, travel and spend time with friends and family.

Mr Samrith Sela Hour

Medical Coordinator

Sela joined Projects Abroad in 2017 as a Medical Coordinator. He graduated as a doctor in 2015 from the International University of Medicine in Phnom Penh and worked for 2 years in one of the largest government hospitals in Cambodia. He is a kind and compassionate individual, with a genuine desire to help others and listen to their concerns.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Cambodia Arrival Procedures page.

Book your adventure

Call +353 (0)1 571 5080 to discuss special discounts or group bookings.

Still got questions? We’re happy to help!

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