Trip Details

Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Cambodia

Ever wrestled with a piece of flatpack furniture? Our Construction & Renovation Project in Cambodia, offers a great opportunity to learn real craftsmanship as you help out in a poor community! Mainly, you’ll be helping in the construction of a school that teaches over 300 students. However, you may be placed elsewhere, depending on what’s needed when you arrive. Meanwhile, you’ll be getting to know locals and get a feel for Cambodian life and culture as you hammer, dig, drill and paint your way into their hearts!

Make a Huge Difference in the Cambodian Community!

Whilst much of the work will involve working with wood, metal and piping, there’s a great demand for those with a little artistic flair! If you’re one of life’s creatives, your efforts will be greatly appreciated, as the walls of schools, hospitals and other community buildings need some colour! Here, you can work with locals to reflect the stories, culture and history of their community through bright and cheerful murals and paintings. However, all of the work being done by our volunteers serves to create a better environment for the villagers – regardless of what tasks you are involved in!

Tranquillity, Adventure, Culture – it’s all here for you in Cambodia!

You’ll find many opportunities to explore Cambodia’s rich history, visiting temples and ruins in surrounding areas. However, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll be busy! Head to the Phnom Kulen Waterfalls, the Park Zip Line Adventure park or take a thrilling jeep journey into the sunset. And if you still have time left, we recommend a ride on the Bamboo Train or a historical visit to the Killing Cave – a place, once of tragedy, and now of beauty. Don’t forget too, that through the week, you can just explore the local area or chill back at your accommodation with your fellow volunteers. Your free time is yours to do as you please!

Why be a Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Cambodia?

  • Improve quality of life for underprivileged citizens in and around Samraong
  • Work with locals as you learn new handy skills, picking up tips and techniques
  • Explore Cambodia’s rich history, cultural landmarks and stunning scenery
  • Live in a rural part of Cambodia and immerse yourself in the local way of life
  • Enjoy Cambodian cuisine, with meals and beverages* included in the programme

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

You will arrive on Sunday and have plenty of time to settle in before you start your week as a Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Cambodia!

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise yourself with the surroundings as well as the local culture. Your programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Khmer Do’s and Don’ts, Khmer Culture Lessons and Khmer Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Introduction to the Project, Project site and start participating on the project.

Tuesday to Friday

At the beginning of the working week, you will meet with our coordinator, where you will find out what kind of work will be required during your time on the project.

Most of the tasks will involve light construction work. Here you will spend time helping to paint school buildings, making tables and chairs, constructing and renovating the playground, making pathways, building toilets and repairing school walls. Further, you may also be involved in building new classrooms – it all depends on the time that you arrive and tasks needing completed!

… and if you’re not that handy with a hammer or a saw, don’t worry – you’ll be given plenty of instruction to complete the tasks you’re given, safely!

Evenings and Weekends

At the end of your day as a Construction & Renovation Volunteer, you can choose to explore the area or simply relax with new friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures together!

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Places to Visit

Nearby, you’ll find a park where you can relax or play volleyball with locals during your free time. Further, bikes are available at our centre which you can use to explore your surroundings and get about.

Further away is Siem Reap, which is two hours away from the accommodation. Our volunteers often head there at the weekends to explore the famous Angkor Wat, zip-wire through rainforest canopies, discover breathtaking waterfalls and do a little trekking!

Trip Accommodation

Samraong, which name translates from Khmer into “impenetrable jungle”, is a town located in northwestern Cambodia, close to the border with Thailand. Here, you will stay in a small, rural village where you will get a taste of authentic rural Cambodian life!

About the Accommodation

Life in Samraong is simple and natural and your accommodation reflects this lifestyle. You will have a communal area where you can eat, relax, meet fellow participants, and Wifi is also available at the centre.

Rooms are single-gender dorm style, sleeping up to 4 people, but you may request a comfort room that has more amenities and may be a little quieter. However, these rooms are not guaranteed, so do note your preferences with us at the time of booking. Facilities for all rooms include:

  • WIFI in public areas
  • Lockable rooms
  • Private bathroom
  • Bed linen
  • Mosquito protection
  • Private rooms available on request

Food Arrangements

Your meals will be typical Cambodian style, including plenty of rice dishes, meat and at times, as well as western food. Vegetarian options are also available – just let us know. Please note our Agriculture Development Volunteer programme includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, and brunch and dinner on the weekends.

Facilities

There are ATMs in Samraong, as well as a bank, and numerous local shops where you can get all the basics you might need during your stay. Depending on the location of your accommodation, these may be accessible within a 10 – 15 minute bike ride or walk.

Transportation

From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):

  • Siem Reap
  • Kampot
  • Banteay Chhmar

Trip Country Info

Cambodia

Capital: Phnom Penh
Language: Khmer
Currency: Riel (KHR)
Time zone: UTC +7

Once known as the Khmer empire, Cambodia is perhaps best known for its monumental temples, especially that of Angkor Wat – finalist in the election of the new 7 wonders of the world in 2006. It is without doubt a country of incredible beauty, scattered with these temples, fertile rice fields and a rich and interesting history. For this reason it is unsurprising that Cambodia has taken a firm place on the tourist map. Having been a protectorate of France for almost 100 years, the country gained its independence in 1953. Following this however, Cambodia experienced years of civil war, turmoil and political corruption, as well as suffering from its involvement in the Vietnam war.

Despite holding this dark history, Cambodia really is an extraordinary country and has prevailed due to what has been described as the unbreakable spirit of the Cambodian people. The people here are known for their friendliness and their smiles.

Gap year travel to Cambodia is on the rise as more and more people discover its culture, traditions and historic treasures. A relatively unexplored country compared to its neighbours, Cambodia opened up for tourism very recently.Troubled by extreme poverty, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with over 75% of the population living on less than 2 USD a day. Things such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education are lacking in quality and are often not available to their fullest extent.

With a wide range of volunteering opportunities, Tru Experience wants to help you find the volunteer experience that’s perfect for you whether you are looking to work & travel in Cambodia or go on a road trip across the country. By visiting Cambodia, you can find yourself in a world where you can help those less fortunate than yourself while exploring the many cultural treasures of the nation and getting to know the people in a way that can’t be compared. If you are looking for a gap year holiday in Cambodia, a road trip, conservation work, teaching, community work  or other work & travel in Cambodia have a look at our latest experiences below.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

Under 18, Parental Consent is Required
Travel Insurance

Additional Requirements

Sturdy Boots/Shoes
Team Player

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa