Description
Location: Samraong, Cambodia
Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, maximum 6 months commitment
Start Dates: Project is on-going, and you can join at any time, depending upon availability. Placements start each Monday
Cost: £400 GBP per week – see Costs tab for further details
Includes: all food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation and all project related activities
Does not Include: flights, travel insurance, visas and vaccinations
Key Benefits
- The program offers free training courses on sustainable farming practices to help better current and future generations.
- Participants are expected to have an interest in outdoor gardening and basic building work, and work alongside locals who have an extensive background in agriculture and project management.
- All meals are provided, and participants can experience the authentic countryside of Cambodia by living amongst locals and helping out on their farms.
Introduction
In rural Samraong, farming is not just a way of life—it’s a vital part of the community’s future. The Agricultural Development Program supports local farmers and youth by promoting sustainable farming techniques that protect the environment and improve long-term food security.
Working in partnership with local organizations, the program takes place at a dedicated agricultural training center. Here, you’ll be involved in hands-on learning and training, helping introduce modern farming methods that support both productivity and sustainability. Whether you’re planting vegetables, maintaining the land, or helping with basic construction tasks, your efforts will contribute to a healthier, more self-reliant community.
Beyond the practical work, this is a unique opportunity to experience the peaceful rhythms of rural Cambodia. You’ll build connections with local farmers, engage in cultural exchanges, and gain valuable skills in sustainable agriculture—all while making a lasting impact.
Daily Life
As a participant, you’ll take on a variety of tasks to support both the training center and the wider farming community. These may include:
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Assisting with training sessions for local farmers and youth
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Planting, watering, and caring for crops
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Maintaining gardens and helping with seasonal agricultural tasks
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Supporting basic construction or repair work around the center
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Collaborating with local coordinators and fellow volunteers to meet daily needs
No prior agricultural experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn, get involved, and contribute to the project’s long-term goals.
Travel & Accommodation
Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by a project representative and taken to the project HQ.
The accommodation in Samraong is simple and natural. There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand. However, there are some places that you can do laundry in the town for a small cost.
All locations have a communal area where you can eat, relax, meet fellow participants or use the free Wifi. Requests for specific locations or room configurations cannot be guaranteed.
There are bikes available, which you can use to explore the area during your free time!
For participants desiring more comfort and/or privacy, families, couples, and more mature participants, we recommend upgrading to a comfort room. These rooms have more amenities and may be in a different location than the standard rooms, which means that it may be noticeably quieter.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18.
- Passion and enthusiasm for working in conservation, lots of energy and creativity – and not scared to get your hands dirty!
- No previous skills are necessary, however you will need to speak English at a native or near-native level.
- CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
- Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
- Necessary vaccinations, flight & visas.
- Full travel & medical insurance. Please see our info pages for more information and to get a quote.
Extra Activities
Those looking to get off the beaten track should read our Top 5 Things to do in Cambodia. Sandwiched between the more touristy Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is a traveler’s hidden treasure. Explore ancient Buddhist temples and bustling outdoor markets, or simply relax with an all inclusive yoga retreat. Cambodia is waiting for you.
Visit Temples
Some people only go to Cambodia to see the amazing temples scattered around the country. Step into these holy places and experience where the ancient monks once lived. Or explore modern ones where they still live today! The most famous one is Angkor Wat, which is close to Siem Reap. Angkor Wat ruins are approximately 900 years old, and are part of an entire park that you could get lost in for hours. Two more beautiful temples that we recommend in Siem Reap are Angkor Thom and Ba Yon Temple. There you will see colossal carvings of Bodhisattva’s, elephants and intricate demons and gods. Just make sure that you don’t walk into the wrong room with shoes on!
Visit The Killing Fields
You might not want to bring the kids here, but if you want to dive into Cambodia’s past you must see the Killing Fields. This memorial in Phnom Penh commemorates a very dark part of Cambodia’s history. These unfortunate mass graves were a product of the Cambodian Genocide in the 70’s. This happened during the reign of Khmer Rouge, who murdered close to two million people. The grave is a sight that you will never forget. This is a terribly tragic, yet intriguing, window to the Cambodian culture that tourists should pay homage to.
Go to a Cambodian Market
Asian outdoor markets are often quite the eye-opener to Western visitors. Fresh vegetables, living fish and souvenirs all in one bustling place. Shop like a local but still get souvenirs, and finish the experience with some homemade noodles. We recommend The Central Market and the Night Market in Phnom Penh. Any of the markets near Angkor Wat in Siem Reap are great. You can even sometimes find tours to take you to all of them if you can’t decide on only one!
Phnom Penh Royal Palace
This entire compound is a feast for the eyes. The stunning architecture replicates the Buddhist temples you’ll see all around Asia. With glimmering golden towers contrasting white walls and expansive courtyards and walkways, you are sure to be in awe. Here you will get a full understanding of the grandeur of the royal Cambodian ancestors.
Do a Yoga Retreat
When your feet are tired from temple-hopping, finish your stay in with a relaxing yoga retreat. Cambodia has hundreds of affordable, secluded and spiritually gratifying yoga experiences. Wake up to the sound of gongs, chant your heart out and truly relax and experience real yoga. You can stay anywhere from a few days to a few months, and all yogi levels can find the right retreat for their needs.
Costs
£400 GBP per week
* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit
What’s Included:
Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.
Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.
What’s not included:
Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.
Premium Support Upgrade
We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.
We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.
Note: Map coordinates are approximate
