Nestled between Thailand and Vietnam in the heart of south east Asia, Cambodia has emerged from a turbulent past to become a peaceful and captivating backpacking destination. Add Cambodia to your itinerary and discover its spellbinding appeal for yourself.
Best Cambodia Gap Year Programs
Volunteer with Children
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,500
Volunteer Teacher with Buddhist Monks
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,500
Gender Equality Volunteering
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,500
Asia Adventure
• 16 days, 3 countries
• Price from £2,255
Indochina Encompassed
• 29 days, 4 countries
• Price from £2,789
Total Asia Tour
• 50 days, 3 countries
• Price from £4,650
Cambodia Gap Year Ideas
Cheaper than Thailand but quickly becoming one of Asia’s most popular destinations, in Cambodia you’ll get really cheap food & accommodation and you’ll soon be taken with the sense of spirituality and magic to be found here.
Cambodia is fast escaping the horrors of the civil war that once raged there and security has improved vastly in the last decade making it much safer for tourists. With beaches and temples to rival Thailand’s, it’s easy to see why the country is returning to the backpackers’ wish list.
Cambodia is a beautiful country, and it’s hard to stress how welcoming the population is. While backpacking here is hard to beat, giving something back through volunteering could be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. View our guide to volunteering in Cambodia for options.
Abundant with historical charm as well as natural attractions Cambodia’s highlights are distinct and diverse. If temples are your thing magical Angkor Wat is unbeatable, the cities are charismatic, the white sand beaches are unspoilt and the rural idylls are breathtaking.
Don’t miss: Angkor Wat (an amazing temple complex with plenty of photo opportunities), Phnom Penh (the country’s capital), Bokor National Park and the Mondulkiri Province Jungles (tourists can take a ride on an elephant here).
A bottle of beer will set you back just $1!
The Practical Stuff
Currency: US Dollar and Cambodian Riel
Religion: 95% Buddhism, 5% Other
Language: Khmer (Cambodian)
Do I Need a Visa?: British passport holders do not require a visa before travel. Unlike its neighbour Thailand, all types of visa for all durations can be obtained on arrival at the airport or point of entry.
Climate: Cambodia is a good all-year destination, however April is the hottest month (sometimes exceeding 40 degrees Celsius), humidity levels are lower in December and January and this is a good time to visit. Some isolated areas do flood during the wet season (June-Oct).
Health Conditions: Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Typhoid, Hepatitis, Dengue Fever, unexploded land mines are also still a danger in Cambodia.
Safety: You will be perfectly safe whilst in Cambodia. Most visits are hassle-free with any incidents to a certain degree self-inflicted; sunbathing in the heat of the day, too much alcohol or accidents on mopeds (nearly everyone has an accident story to tell – avoid mopeds to stay safe, take a tuk tuk instead!).
It is an extremely friendly and welcoming place where locals are still genuinely pleased to see you. Many families still rely on what little work they can get in the rice fields so if you are invited for a meal, take a little offering (bag of rice or other staple) with you just in case it is a poorer family or else you might inadvertently be eating tomorrow’s dinner in order that they can welcome you as their guest!
