











Vietnam & Cambodia

Program Details
Dates: | June 25 – July 12 July 18 – August 4 |
Duration: | 18 Days |
Tuition: | $4,495* |
Arrive: | Los Angeles, CA |
Depart: | Los Angeles, CA |
Grade | 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th |
*Airfare for group flight to and from Los Angeles additional.
Video by ARCC Student Grace Crema
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Student Video
Program Highlights
- Construct and Install Biosand Water Filters in Rural Cambodian Communities
- Retrace the History of the Khmer Rouge Era in Phnom Penh
- Watch the Sunrise Over Ancient Angkor Wat, One of the Wonders of the World
- Learn to Bargain in the Famous Siem Reap Night Market
- Sail Turquoise Waters on a Traditional Junk in Vietnam’s Famed Halong Bay
- Sample Delectable Phó in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- 30 Hours Community Service
Spotlight Project
Project Clean Water
Despite an abundance of water in Cambodia, access to clean water sources is very limited. Due to lack of infrastructure development, nearly half the Cambodian population drinks water that is unclean; the results have been devastating to public health. The focus project of our Vietnam and Cambodia service program is to use cement and natural materials to construct bio-sand water filters and then install these filters into the homes of rural community members to provide clean drinking water for up to 40 years.
Program Overview
Delve into a region rich in history, culture, and beauty, as you explore some of Asia’s most famous locales in this service learning program in Vietnam & Cambodia. Step back in time in Phnom Penh as you take in relics from the Khmer Rouge era and journey to the Royal Palace and take in the beautiful Throne Hall. Partner with a local organization to improve the lives of community members by building and installing life-saving water filters. Beat the sun to enjoy a sunrise at the wonder of Angkor Wat. Cross the border into Vietnam and head to Halong Bay to board a “junk” for an overnight excursion atop the turquoise waters of this stunning bay, trying your hand at kayaking and venturing into hidden caves. Your trip comes to a close in Hanoi where you navigate the winding streets of the Old Quarter and reflect on the cultures, history, and experiences you have lived in the past two weeks.
Video
Photo Gallery
Program Details
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital is the epicenter of the new Cambodia, which is still in the process of rebuilding after a horrific genocide and subsequent civil war. Once the “Pearl of Asia,” Phnom Penh is a city that balances the past and the present. No visit would be complete without taking in the relics of the Khmer Rouge era and promenading along the mighty Mekong River. Learn about Cambodia’s tumultuous past as you acclimatize to Southeast Asia, visit ornate temples and palaces, and sample flavorful curries and local cuisine.
Siem Reap
Though Siem Reap province is home to the wondrous Angkor Wat, which brings in over two and a half million visitors a year, it is also home to about a million permanent residents, 45% of whom live in poverty, making less than a dollar a day. Cambodia is also experiencing a post-war baby boom, which means that the majority of the population is under 30. For these reasons and more, we focus our service projects in Siem Reap. First, we spend a few days building and installing bio-sand water filters in local homes. Because so many families do not have access to clean water, these filters are vital components that can provide up to 40 years of clean water for an entire household. It’s hard work, pouring concrete molds, pulling heavy filters out of the molds, and installing them, but the work is so worth it when we see the joy and comfort it brings to so many families.
Our next project takes us to a local community school and headstart program just outside Siem Reap. Though school is compulsory in Cambodia, the school we work with was created by a local educator to provide a place for children who couldn’t afford uniforms or books, or who couldn’t attend school at normal school times because they had to help provide for their families. We enjoy being a small part of this school’s success, assisting in repair projects for a great cause.
Angkor Wat Exploration
From the 9th to the 13th centuries, the Khmer empire built cities, highways, hospitals, and temples all over Southeast Asia, eventually erecting Angkor city (outside of modern-day Siem Reap) as their capital. After the Khmer empire suddenly abandoned the Angkor complex in the 15th century, it was overtaken by the jungle, and only recently uncovered, now welcoming millions of tourists every year who come to marvel at its beauty and complexity. Just one of the hundreds of temples in the area, Angkor Wat is known to be the largest and most impressive. We’ll see it at sunrise, mesmerized by the three iconic towers lit in the morning light. Then, we’ll visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Tha Phrom, which all capture our amazement as we struggle to take a photo that captures their grandeur.
Sail Ha Long Bay
While Vietnam’s past is intertwined with Cambodia’s, we do find Vietnam to be a whole new world. Getting out of the cities where we’ve spent much of our time, we head to Vietnam’s northern coast, where we explore Ha Long Bay. Ha Long means “Descending Dragon,” and this famous bay, a UNESCO world heritage site, is home to floating villages as old as the myths from which it gets its name. Sail on a traditional junk boat through towering karst peaks upon emerald waters. Kayak into hidden lagoons and untouched beaches. Stay on a boat overnight watching a billion stars reflect on the still waters of the bay.
Hanoi
Walking through the streets of Old Town Hanoi, you’ll discover the influences of France, Japan, China, and America – places that long controlled the direction of Vietnam. Throughout its years of occupation, however, Vietnam has always maintained a unique flavor all its own, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Hanoi – the heart of Vietnam. Between colonial buildings and Catholic churches, you’ll find women of all ages in traditional clothing carrying baskets of fresh produce and selling bowls of hot phở. Here, we eat banh mi and phở to our heart’s content, shop for unique souvenirs, and explore winding streets buzzing with motorbikes and history.
Program Reviews
“Cambodia and Vietnam was life changing. I really felt like I was making a difference.”
— Julia F., Wilson, WY, ARCC Student“Amazing trip.”
— Davis H., Cherry Hills Village, CO, ARCC Student“I don’t remember the last time I was this happy. The whole two weeks I was so content. I felt like it would go on forever!”
— Ella I., Laurel Hollow, NY, ARCC Student“The service on this trip is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Seeing the kids faces light up when they know that you are their new friend is a phenomenal feeling.”
— Emma W., Short Hills, NJ, ARCC Student“I’ve never seen such a variety of culture, geography and scenery .”
— Ben I., Laurel Hollow, NY, ARCC Student“Absolutely the best, most worthwhile service I have ever done.”
— Briana S., Lake Worth, FL
Group Journal Excerpts
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their summer program with ARCC:
A special day teaching
Today, Cambodians commemorated the King’s death by taking a day off from school. Back home, I count down the days until each holiday, and entertain myself in my free time with Netflix and meals with friends. Here however, even when education is scarce, kids use their holiday at school, learning and playing together. When we…Read more
Building Bio-Sand Water Filters in Cambodia
Commemorating the Filters Built in Cambodia Today, we learned a lesson in appreciating the power of simple “things” and how these simple “things” can really change the lives of so many. Our group woke up and enjoyed a traditional breakfast at a local restaurant and then made the short trip to the headquarters of an…Read more
Installing the Water Filters
Today was one of the best days of the trip so far! We got the chance to install two of the water filters that we made in a small village. We washed the rocks and sand that are used to purify the water in the bio-sand filters. The head of the foundation, Uncle Vic, warned…Read more
Phnom Penh
After a short flight delay and a quick connection in Laos, there was lots of excitement as we boarded a bus that would be taking us around Cambodia. While our bus driver navigated the chaotic, busy streets of Phnom Penh, our guide started to brief our group on Cambodia and its interesting history. Our guide…Read more
Rounding out the trip
The calming memories of thousands of limestone karsts rising from Lan Ha Bay’s blue waters fade away and we find ourselves in a sea of people once again. Hanoi’s old quarter is a thousand years old and buzzes with life as we meander these narrow streets. We spend some time for reflection at a centuries…Read more
Common Questions
What is the packing list for this program?
Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate and cultural differences. This thorough packing list will be made available in the Pre-Trip Welcome Packet.
What is the weather like in Vietnam and Cambodia?
Most of Vietnam and Cambodia can be described as hot and humid during this time. Day-time temperatures in the summer months usually fall in the mid-80’s, with an average humidity of 66% to 82%. In Vietnam, you can expect balmy temperatures, cooled off by quick rain showers. In Cambodia, you will arrive in the midst of the green season, where rice paddies glisten and afternoon downpours bring relief from the humidity.
What are the service projects like?
ARCC has been operating programs in Vietnam and Cambodia for several years, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities and organizations who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. On this program, we construct bio-sand water filters from cement, then install them in slum communities to very eager families, we assist in the community center and garden, and we teach English to children at a rural orphanage.
What kind of health precautions should I take before traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia?
ARCC recommends that you take some health precautions before your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website for Vietnam and Cambodia. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit, and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).
Where do we sleep?
During this program we sleep in a variety of accommodations: small hotels and hostels, guesthouses, and a sailboat.
What is the transportation like once we are in Vietnam/Cambodia?
We use a variety of transportation on the Vietnam & Cambodia program. We travel by private busses, boat, commercial jet, and tuk tuks.
What is the food like?
We will have the opportunity to sample traditional local cuisine such as noodles, curries, rice, springs rolls and fresh fruits. ARCC works with local partners and restaurants to accommodate dietary needs.
How much spending money should I bring?
For the Vietnam & Cambodia program, ARCC recommends that you bring an additional $75 of spending money for each week of travel. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks, and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). Most students opt to bring small amount of cash, as well as personal debit or credit cards.
As with any international program, we strongly recommend talking to your bank about its international withdrawal policies to avoid any surprise fees or card freezes.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, all students traveling to Vietnam & Cambodia need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after you travel. Passport applications are available at the post office. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as you enroll in this adventure.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. You will need visas to enter Vietnam and Cambodia. For Vietnam, you must purchase your visa in advance. There is a visa information section in the forms that you will receive once you enroll in this program. You can obtain a Vietnamese visa in person at a Vietnam embassy, or through the mail. For Cambodia, you don’t need to get it before departure. Upon arrival in country, you will buy a visa, which costs about $20.
What is the time difference between Vietnam, Cambodia and the USA?
Vietnam and Cambodia fall within a single time zone. While on your program, the time will be 11 hours behind New York (Eastern Time), 12 hours behind Chicago (Central Time), and 14 hours behind San Francisco (Pacific Time).
Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this trip?
Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. Everyone must be able to carry all of their own belongings which is more comfortable and efficient with a backpack.
What kind of goods and supplies can we bring to donate for the people we meet?
We have the chance to live amongst some needy people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, calculators and books are widely accepted. Soccer balls are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space on our vehicles ARCC would ask that every person to bring no more than a gym of bag of goods to donate.
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19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC
Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC