Cambodia - Inbound Travel Group

No journey to Southeast Asia is complete without discovering Cambodia. The Khmer Empire once spanned far across the Indochina peninsula into what is now Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The temples of the then capital, Angkor, remain an iconic feature of today’s kingdom near the city of Siem Reap, attracting millions of tourists each year. Those who venture off the tourist trail will find the heart of Cambodia – its resilient, heartwarming people – in welcoming villages across plains, mountains and lakes.

Over the past decade, our Cambodian team has developed an extensive portfolio of travel programs that educate and inspire students from across the globe. Community service is at the heart of our operations and our students work alongside the non-government organisations, schools and local government offices around the country to create positive change. Programs range in length from 5-21 days and typically combine service-learning with adventure activities and a visit to the majestic ancient Temples of Angkor.

Our local team has a wealth of experience managing student travel programs across Cambodia, achieving consistently high net promoter scores for our clients. Please contact us at hello@inboundtravel.com to discuss partnership opportunities in Cambodia.

Your Students Will...

Learn about the resilient Khmer culture from our local staff - a history you won’t soon forget.
Connect with one of the world’s oldest living cultures in South East Asia through service projects and cross-cultural immersion.
Support ongoing community service projects that educate students while making positive contributions to local communities.
Build houses for marginalised families alongside community members in remote Cambodian villages.
Meet with NGOs, community leaders, teachers, and entrepreneurs to gain deeper understandings of Cambodia and its people.
Explore the ancient temple of Angkor Wat and bustling markets in Siem Reap.
Cruise past the Mekong river island and the floating villages while immersing yourself in Cambodian daily life.

Pannha En

Country Director

Graduated from National University of Management in Phnom Penh where he received his Master’s in Business Administration, Pannha serves as a director of Inbound’s Cambodian operations. Pannha's inspiring work ethic has shined brightly over the past decade. He brings his passion in sustainable travel and development to drive for changes in the less privileged communities across Cambodia.

Local Team

Ra Gneim

First Mate

Ra was born and raised in a small floating village in Siem Reap province. A skilled fisherman, Ra is an excellent first mate on the company River Boat. Having never attended formal school, Ra learned his English through Intensive English Language course and excelled tremendously over the last four years. Ra enjoys listening to music and is very interested in learning about popular music outside of Cambodia from the clients.

Hun Vat

Boat Captain

Hun has spent his entire life on the edge of Tonle Sap River with his family. He works as a captain of our company river boat, he knows all the best backwater routes and can show you the many hidden gems along the way. Hun is also an avid fisherman, and enjoys teaching our clients the Cambodian traditional fishing tools.

Pengthay So

Program Leader

Pengthay, also known as Mr. Thay, is one of our most knowledgeable leaders. Graduated from Build Bright University with English literature degree, Pengthay is an official tour guide for Angkor Archeological Park, delights in showing clients the wonders of Angkor Wat and the region’s best-known temples. When not leading tour, Mr. Thay like spending time with his family and his three adorable kids.

Senghong Yourk

Program Leader

Senghong received his degree in international relations from Royal University of Law and Economics. He brings his impressive knowledge of the many issues affecting life in Cambodia today. Senghong was a part of a youth advisory council of the US Embassy, Phnom Penh, where he worked on initiating and executing projects that support youth and community’s education and environmental issues. He also shares a passion for photography, arts and sports.

Yusos Sles

Program Leader

Hailing from a small Cham village outside of Kampong Chhnang, he now resides in Phnom Penh where he graduated from Royal University of Law and Economics with a degree of economics. Yusos is a licensed tour guide, and loves showing his country and culture with our clients. He enjoys discovering new things and traveling. While not working, you will find him at remote villages camping and fishing.

Sothea Aom

Program Leader

Born in a small village south of Phnom Penh, Sothea graduated from National University of Management in Phnom Penh with a degree in business administration. Prior to joining the company, he worked for an NGO that helps support children in indigent communities. His knowledge of the nonprofit world plays such a crucial role when working with our clients on development issues. Since joining Team Cambodia, he has been a tremendous asset in improving our operations.

Sample Itinerary

Sample Itinerary 1 Sample Itinerary 2 Sample Itinerary 3

Sample Itinerary 1

Day 1: Arrive to Phnom Penh

Arrive into Phnom Penh International Airport where your Inbound Program Leaders will be waiting for you outside of customs. After checking into the hotel and freshening up, head out into the city for your first foray into Cambodian cuisine.

After dinner and a round of icebreakers, your leaders will conduct an orientation introducing themselves, the country, and review your itinerary for the upcoming week.

Day 2: Phnom Penh

Rise and shine for your first full day in Cambodia! Over some Khmer breakfast, your group will have your first informal language lesson. While you’ll just cover the basics, making an effort to learn the local language is a great gesture of respect for the local people.

Begin with the visits to cultural and historic locations in Phnom Penh. Head to Tuol Sleng, a former school that was used as a prison and has since converted into a museum to educate visitors about the country’s genocide. Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and walk through the quiet and peaceful fields that played host to mass killings burials.

Today you will head to some of important landmarks, the Royal Palace of Cambodia, where you will learn about the history of monarchy and their architecture, then Wat Phnom Phnom, the birthplace of Phnom Penh. This evening you will make your way to the National Stadium! This is one of Cambodian favorite spots to relax and exercise! Spend your evening observing and participating in the Zumba classes.

Day 3: Drive South for Trekking activity

Today you will travel to Chi Phat, Community Ecotourism Based Project of Cambodia. Enjoy the view of Cambodia's countryside! It will be a long bus ride, be sure to bring books and games you might share with friends!

Day 4-6: Trekking in Chi Phat

Today you will start your trekking journey to various locations in the Chi Phat ecotourism area. Starting with Veal Prak, an area where your journey begins to spot wild animals. Then off to beautiful waterfalls where you will have opportunities to swim there! You will spend the evenings at your campsites and some meals prepared by forest ranger cooking!

Day 7: Drive back to Phnom Penh

Say goodbye to the Chi Phat Community! Today you will make your way back to the capital city Phnom Penh! This evening, relax and enjoy a great Cambodian Buffet.

Day 8: Flight to Siem Reap

Today you will fly to Siem Reap. Your journey continues as you hop on our boat to the floating villages, where you spend your next phase doing service work.

You’ll be introduced to a whole new way of life. In Cambodia’s floating villages, families do everything on the water, from cooking their morning meals aboard their watery homes to reeling in their nets at the end of a day of fishing. Once you arrive, students will move into their homestay settings and have a chance to explore this unique community before your service work begins.

Day 9-11: Community Service

During your time in Prek Toal, you will be assisting with our Housing Improvement initiative, which was designed in partnership with the local community and seeks to upgrade homes in need of repair.

Throughout each day, spend time getting to know the locals of this beautiful community. After reciting the pieces of Khmer language you’ve learned so far, share your story with the locals as you learn about theirs. Between the generous nature of the local families and the passion for learning amongst the village children, your time here is bound to be an eye-opening and thought-provoking experience.

Day 12: Boat back to Siem Reap town

Say goodbye to your host family and floating villages community and make your way back to Siem Reap.
This afternoon, relax at your hotel swimming pools and traditional massage in town.

This evening, after dinner, head to Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This inspiring acrobat show is performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that educates disadvantaged youth through the power of the arts. It is truly a sight to see and something you will remember from your time here in Cambodia.

Day 13: Temple Day

Wake up early for a morning exploring Angkor Wat and the ancient Khmer Empire. See the intricate carvings of Angkor's historical battle scenes and climb to the top of the highest tower to see the temples from a new perspective. Then travel to Bayon to see the huge, carved faces in rock, and make your way to the shady temple of Ta Prohm where massive trees have given this ruin a fairytale-like feel. After a day of ancient adventures, enjoy a Khmer dinner and spend time browsing the night markets.

Day 14: Siem Reap Sightseeings

Make your last visit to one of the famous workshops in town, Artisan D’Angkor, a social enterprise, which you will be able to see the local artists work on sculpting, painting, and weaving silk products.

Day 15: Departure Day

We genuinely hope your time spent here, the experiences you’ve shared, and the things you’ve reflected on will stay with you for a lifetime. After some final group photos with Team Cambodia, your leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbye and reflect on your adventure!

Sample Itinerary 2

Day 1: Welcome to Cambodia!

Arrive into Phnom Penh Airport and meet your Inbound leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Have a Khmer dinner and head back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: Cambodia’s History

Arun-sure-sdey! Begin with visits to cultural and historical locations in Phnom Penh. Head to Tuol Sleng, a former school that was used as a prison and has since been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the country’s genocide, and visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Tour the Royal Palace where the King currently resides and visit Olympic Stadium, where Cambodians gather before and after work to exercise and meet up with friends.

Day 3: Community Engagement

Head to the Village to start your community service projects. This afternoon, learn about what your group will be contributing to over the next three days and learn about past projects that were completed. Inbound has a long-standing partnership with this community. After your orientation, get acquainted with this peaceful community by taking time to explore.

Days 4 - 7: Community Projects

Beginning early each day, your group will eat a quick breakfast before heading to the service site. You will break for lunch each day, and head to your host family in the community where you’ll have an hour or so to relax and prepare for the afternoon’s service project before heading back to the service site. Each evening, spend time each day engaging in a variety of team building activities – be ready for games and friendly competition, group debriefs, and purposeful time spent building and deepening friendships with your classmates.

Day 8 : Siem Reap and City Life

Your time in the Village has come to an end. Bid farewell to your new friends and begin your journey to Siem Reap, the home of world famous Angkor Wat!

Arriving into Siem Reap, you will have time to settle in before hitting the town. Siem Reap is an easy city to fall in love with, especially while strolling through the famous Night Market for some evening shopping and local souvenirs. After dinner, head to Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This inspiring acrobat show is performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that works with youth on art-based education.

Day 9: Ancient Cambodia and Angkor Wat

Wake up early for a morning exploring Angkor Wat and the ancient Khmer Empire. See the intricate carvings of Angkor's historical battle scenes, climb to the top of the highest tower to see the temples from a new perspective. Then travel to Bayon to see the huge, carved faces in rock, and make your way to the shady temple of Ta Prohm where massive trees have given this ruin a fairytale-like feel. After a day of ancient adventures, enjoy a final Khmer dinner and spend time browsing the night markets.

Day 10: Departure

We genuinely hope your time spent here, the experiences you’ve shared, and the things you’ve reflected on will stay with you for a lifetime. After some final group photos with Team Cambodia, your Inbound leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Sample Itinerary 3

Day 1: Welcome to Cambodia!

Arrive into Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) and meet your Inbound Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Have a Khmer dinner and head back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: Cambodia’s History

Start informal Khmer language lessons during breakfast to show respect for the local culture. Head to Tuol Sleng, a former school that was used as a prison and has since been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the country’s genocide. Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and walk through the quiet and peaceful fields that were the setting of mass killings and burials. Fly to Siem Reap and prepare for your trip to the floating village of Prek Toal.

Days 3 - 5: Community Project and Homestay

Experience a completely different way of life in Cambodia's floating villages where families do everything on their boats, from cooking their morning meals to reeling in their fishing nets at the end of the day. Settle into homestays in Prek Toal and explore this unique community before your service work assisting with a housing improvement initiative begins. Spend time getting to know the community and swapping stories. Contribute to infrastructure and education projects in the community, depending on the needs and seasons.

This will give you a deeper look into village life in Prek Toal and allow you to engage in deeper immersion with students and community members who come by to help out. In the evenings, have dinner with your host family and join your group for a post-service debrief in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community.

Day 6: Cambodia Circus in Siem Reap

Say goodbye to Floating Village and take the boat back to Siem Reap where you’ll explore the famous night markets and shop for some local souvenirs and enjoy the different pace of city life. See the Cambodian circus for an inspiring show of acrobatics performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that supports disadvantaged youth through arts education.

Day 7: Ancient Cambodia and Angkor Wat

Wake up early for a morning exploring Angkor Wat and the ancient Khmer Empire. See the intricate carvings of Angkor's historical battle scenes and climb the top of the highest tower to see the temples from a new perspective. Then travel to Bayon to see the huge, carved faces in rock, and make your way to the shady temple of Ta Prohm where massive trees have given this ruin a fairytale-like feel. After a day of ancient adventures, enjoy a final Khmer dinner and spend time browsing the night markets.

Day 8: Departure

We genuinely hope your time spent here, the experiences you’ve shared, and the things you’ve reflected on will stay with you for a lifetime. After some final group photos with Team Cambodia, your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.