Cambodia cultural holiday with purpose

Planet

Based in Siem Reap, you will stay in the beautiful Jaya House River Park Hotel, a property with community and the environment at its heart.

A founding partner of the global movement Refill Not Landfill, which aims to reduce millions of plastic water bottles each year by encouraging the use of reusable drinking bottles, and offering free water refill stations at participating businesses and partners, Jaya House River Park also aims to run a 100% single-use plastic free business.

An equal opportunity employer, income from the property also supports various community initiatives and charities on a monthly basis - focusing on the environment, skill development and education.

While in Siem Reap, visit the extraordinary Apopo’s Hero Rats visitor centre. Set up to help rid the country of landmines, you’ll see the rats at work and meet with a veteran de-miner who will provide an insight into the work of these incredible little creatures and the ultimate goal of Cambodia to be mine-free by 2025.

People

One of the highlights of this tour will be witnessing the incredible talents of the Cambodian Circus, also known as Phare Ponleu Selpak. Literally translated as ‘’the brightness of the arts’’, this Artistic and Social Center has been running as a non-profit association since 1994, and was founded by a group of young ex-refugees from Battambang Province. Combining remarkable acrobatics and visual arts with a fiery energy and humour, this is a wonderful way to support one of Cambodia’s most inspiring projects.

Paddle kayaks to the floating villages of Prek Toal, where you will have the opportunity to learn about employment opportunities that have been created as a result of initiatives to support local handicraft trades. Enjoy dinner of traditional Khmer dishes, before returning to your host family and homestay for the night.

Meals that make a difference. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Spoons, a non-profit training cafe which not only provides hospitality career opportunities to young Cambodians, but also offers some of the best food in town!