Looking for a gap year adventure that’s packed with cultural immersion, meaningful contribution, and world-famous travel experiences? Cambodia is calling. From the peaceful rice paddies of Battambang to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, this Southeast Asian gem offers an unforgettable combination of connection, discovery, and impact.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to plan your gap year in Cambodia with GapGuru.
Why Choose Cambodia for Your Gap Year?
Cambodia is more than just a beautiful place to visit, it’s a country with heart, resilience, and stories to share. Here’s why it should top your gap year list:
🛕A Culture of Kindness and Connection
Ask anyone who’s been and they’ll tell you: the Cambodian people are some of the friendliest you’ll meet. Whether you’re chatting with local market vendors or working alongside community members in Battambang, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Learning a few Khmer phrases during your induction goes a long way in building meaningful relationships.
🌿A Country Rising from Its Past
Understanding Cambodia’s complex history, particularly the tragic impact of the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, is a key part of your experience. Today, the country is in a period of rebuilding and renewal, one you can be a part of by volunteering in Cambodia and supporting the long-term work of our charity, the FutureSense Foundation.
✨Travel That Transforms You
Cambodia travel destinations are rich and varied. Think jungle-clad temples, palm-fringed beaches, and floating villages. Whether you’re spending a weekend exploring the Angkor temples, chilling on Koh Rong’s white-sand beaches, or cycling through Battambang’s countryside, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.
Your Gap Year in Cambodia with GapGuru
At GapGuru, our Cambodia programme isn’t just about travel, it’s about creating real, measurable impact. Working alongside our charity partner, the FutureSense Foundation, you’ll take part in ethical, sustainable projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These programmes aren’t short-term fixes, they’re designed to create lasting change.
Where You’ll Be Based: Battambang
Your journey begins in Battambang, a relaxed and culturally rich city in northwestern Cambodia. It’s home to our in-country hub, where you’ll receive a warm welcome, meet your mentors, and begin your community-based internship.
During your induction, you’ll explore the city on a walking tour, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner, learn some Khmer basics, and dive into the history and purpose of our work in Cambodia.
Choose Your Impact Area
Tailor your internship to match your passions and make your impact where it matters most:
🧪 STEM Education – Spark curiosity with fun, hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and maths.
🎨 The Arts – Use creativity to inspire young learners and promote self-expression through visual art, music, and theatre.
🗣️ Conversational English – Help students improve their language confidence and open doors for future opportunities.
💚 Health & Wellbeing – Run sessions on hygiene, nutrition, and mental health to support healthier communities.
🌱 Climate Action – Educate young people on environmental awareness and take part in tree planting and sustainability efforts.
All projects are part of a long-term plan, your contribution builds on the work of past volunteers to ensure real, lasting change.
What You’ll Gain
🌍 Global Awareness – Deepen your understanding of global challenges and sustainable development.
💼 Career-Boosting Skills – Gain leadership, communication, adaptability, and resilience.
🧠 Confidence & Independence – Step out of your comfort zone and discover what you’re capable of.
Cambodia Travel Destinations to Explore on Your Gap Year
Outside of the GapGuru hub, Cambodia has a world of adventure to offer. Here are some must-visit spots to add to your Cambodia travel itinerary:
🛕 Angkor Wat (Siem Reap)
One of the most iconic Cambodia travel destinations, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see. Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the ancient temples, it’s a spiritual and surreal experience.
🏙️ Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s bustling capital offers rich history, sobering memorials like the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum, and vibrant street food culture. A weekend here offers a powerful glimpse into the country’s past and present.
🏝️ Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem
If you’re looking for island relaxation, head south. These pristine islands offer crystal-clear waters, beach bonfires, and hammocks under the stars. Ideal for your post-project unwind.
🛶 Kampot & Kep
Charming riverside towns known for pepper farms, colonial architecture, and seafood. Rent a motorbike and explore the surrounding hills and caves.
🌾 Battambang Countryside
Stay local and discover rice paddies, bamboo trains, and bat caves near your project base. Battambang’s slow pace and artistic vibe offer the perfect weekend recharge.
Is Cambodia Safe to Visit?
A common question we get is: Is Cambodia safe to visit? The answer is yes – with the right precautions. Cambodia is generally very welcoming and safe for travellers. Petty theft can occur in tourist areas, so keep valuables secure, but violent crime is rare. Our team provides a full safety briefing during your induction, and you’ll have 24/7 support throughout your placement.
You’ll also be guided by our in-country mentors who know the area and community inside out, so you can focus on making the most of your gap year.
How Long to Travel Cambodia?
For a truly immersive experience, we recommend a minimum of 4–6 weeks in Cambodia. This allows you to make a real impact through volunteering, build strong local connections, and explore beyond the typical tourist trail. That said, some volunteers stay longer to deepen their involvement or explore neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Thailand, or Laos.
How to Travel Cambodia
Getting around Cambodia is part of the adventure. Here’s how most travellers move around:
🚌 Buses – Affordable and reliable between major cities and tourist hubs.
🛺 Tuk-tuks – Great for short trips around town. Always agree on the fare beforehand.
🚕 Shared Taxis & Minivans – A faster (and slightly more expensive) option for intercity travel.
🚲 Bikes – Rent one in Battambang to explore the quiet countryside and villages nearby.
Need help planning your Cambodia travel itinerary? Our in-country team is always happy to recommend routes, must-see spots, and trusted providers.
Unique Cambodian Experiences You Can’t Miss
🚂 Ride the Bamboo Train in Battambang — a quirky and fun local transport tradition.
🍲 Take a Khmer Cooking Class — learn to make dishes like amok and fried spring rolls.
💃 Watch a Traditional Apsara Dance — a window into Cambodia’s artistic heritage.
🛕 Visit a Local Pagoda — many temples welcome respectful visitors and offer insight into Buddhist traditions.
☕ Support Social Enterprises — cafés and markets run by NGOs and local businesses provide great food and meaningful impact.
Cambodia Essentials: What to Know Before You Go
🗣️ Language – Khmer is the official language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and schools. Learn basics like “Hello” (Sous-dey) and “Thank you” (Orkun).
💵 Currency – Cambodian Riel (KHR), but USD is widely accepted. Keep small change for local vendors.
🌦️ Climate – Hot and humid year-round. The dry season (Nov–Apr) is best for travel, while the green season (May–Oct) offers lush landscapes.
Budgeting Tips
🍜 Street food meal – $1–3
🛺 Tuk-tuk ride – $1–5 (depending on distance)
🛏️ Hostel night – $5–10
🏝️ Island trip (3 days) – $100–200
🎟️ Entry to Angkor Wat – $37 for 1 day
Most of your essentials, meals, accommodation, and project costs, are covered by GapGuru, so your personal budget mainly goes toward travel, treats, and souvenirs.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Travel Essentials
📘 Valid passport (6+ months left)
✈️ Return or onward flight tickets
🛂 Visa (check current requirements)
🩺 Travel insurance (including medical cover)
Packing Must-Haves
👕 Lightweight, modest clothes
🧥 Layers for cooler evenings
👟 Comfortable shoes
🧴 Sunscreen & mosquito repellent
💧 Reusable water bottle
💊 Personal meds & basic first aid
📓 Journal + pens
🔌 UK-style power adapter
Digital Prep
📱 Back up documents
🗺️ Download offline maps
💬 Join any pre-departure Zooms
💳 Let your bank know your travel dates
How a Gap Year in Cambodia Can Shape Your Future
Taking a gap year in Cambodia isn’t just about seeing the world, it’s about growing in it. You’ll return home with real-world skills, cross-cultural confidence, and a global perspective that will set you apart wherever life takes you next.
Whether you’re applying for university, preparing for a career in development, education, or health, or simply discovering who you are, your experience in Cambodia will stay with you forever.
Be Part of Something Bigger
When you choose to volunteer in Cambodia with GapGuru, you’re stepping into a programme that’s designed for long-term impact. You’re not just visiting—you’re contributing to a global network of changemakers, working hand-in-hand with communities to shape a brighter future.
Ready to start your journey?
Discover more and Apply Now to spend your gap year in Cambodia building skills, making friends, and creating change that lasts.
Let’s make memories together. 🌏✨
