Vietnam & Cambodia

Project Clean Water

$4,995

Tuition

*Airfare for group flight from Los Angeles additional

19 days

Trip duration

9th – 12th

Grades

19 days

Inquire for Summer 2026

Los Angeles, CA

Arrival & Departure

$4,995

Tuition

19 days

Trip duration

Inquire for Summer 2026

9th – 12th

Grades

*Airfare for group flight from Los Angeles additional

Overview

Engage in a 19-day journey of service and cultural exploration through Cambodia and Vietnam. In Cambodia, help combat the clean water crisis by constructing biosand water filters for rural villages while exploring the country’s rich yet tumultuous history at the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat. Then, travel to Vietnam, where you’ll experience the vibrant streets of Hanoi and sail through the breathtaking waters of Halong Bay. This service-learning program blends meaningful community work with immersive cultural experiences, providing students with a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia’s history, challenges, and enduring beauty.

Highlights

Build and Install Biosand Water Filters in a Rural Cambodian Community
Explore the History and Resilience of Cambodia During the Khmer Rouge Era
Watch the Sunrise Over Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Experience the Buzzing Night Market of Siem Reap
Sail Through the Turquoise Waters of Vietnam’s Halong Bay on a Traditional Junk Boat
Discover the Natural Beauty of Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Venture into the Ancient Streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Complete 25 Hours of Meaningful Community Service

Get the itinerary

Want to learn more about traveling with ARCC or have more questions about this program?

Schedule a Call with Amy Coolidge

Project Clean Water: Biosand Filter Installation

In Cambodia’s rural Kampong Speu province, work hands-on to address the critical need for clean drinking water. Over several days, you’ll collaborate with local communities to construct biosand water filters from materials like cement, sand, and gravel. Once built, you’ll travel to nearby villages to install these life-changing filters, providing families with access to clean, safe drinking water for years to come. This project emphasizes sustainability and community development, offering a lasting impact on public health while deepening your understanding of global water issues

Service

Visit to Angkor Wat

No trip to Cambodia is complete without a visit to the iconic temples of Angkor Wat. This sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. On a guided tour, explore the intricate carvings that adorn the temple walls, telling stories of ancient gods and kings. As the sun rises over the complex, experience a breathtaking moment of reflection, gaining insight into the spiritual and historical significance of this sacred site. The grandeur of Angkor Wat is sure to leave a lasting impression as you connect with the country’s past.

Sightseeing

Exploration of Hanoi and Halong Bay

In Vietnam, dive into the energy and culture of Hanoi, the country’s bustling capital. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, visit historical landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine at a local market. Then, escape to the natural beauty of Halong Bay with a two-day cruise on a traditional junk boat. Sail through emerald waters, past towering limestone karsts, and discover hidden caves and beaches. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers both adventure and relaxation, providing a perfect conclusion to your Southeast Asia journey.

Culture

Common Questions

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Is the cost of airfare separate from program tuition?

All food, lodging, transportation, and activities are paid for with your trip tuition. Group airfare is additional and the cost depends on the program.

In order to be sure there are enough seats available on international group flights, ARCC books the international tickets in advance and families are invoiced for the cost of the international airfare.

Families are also responsible for booking flights or arranging transportation for students to meet their leaders and other group members at the program’s arrival airport. The leaders and students then fly internationally together as a group.

What should I pack?

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. Daytime temperatures in the summer months usually fall in the mid-80s, 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. In this program, we construct bio-sand water filters from cement, then install them in rural communities for families who would not otherwise have access to clean water.

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 will 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, boats, commercial jets, and tuk-tuks.

What is the food like?

We will have the opportunity to sample traditional local cuisine such as noodles, curries, rice, spring rolls and fresh fruits.

Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered for. Students should inform ARCC of any dietary needs before the start of the program.

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 visits, etc.). Most students opt to bring a 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 the 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 program?

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 bring no more than a gym bag of goods to donate.

Have questions? Speak to one of our Program Directors, give them a call at (415) 332.5075 , they love talking about their trips!