Vietnam & Cambodia

Project Clean Water

$4,895

*Airfare for group flight to and from Los Angeles additional

18 days

Trip duration

9th – 12th

Grades

18 days

July 19 - Aug 5, 2024

Los Angeles

Arrival & Departure

$4,895

Tuition

18 days

Trip duration

July 19 - Aug 5, 2024

9th – 12th

Grades

*Airfare for group flight to and from Los Angeles additional

Overview

Delve into a region rich in history, culture, and beauty, as you explore some of Southeast Asia’s most famous locales in the Vietnam & Cambodia service learning program. Step back in time in Phnom Penh as you take in relics from the Khmer Rouge era and journey to the Royal Palace to 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. Enjoy sunrise in Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cross the border into Vietnam and head to Hạ Long Bay to board a “junk” for an overnight excursion, trying your hand at kayaking and venturing into hidden caves. Navigate the winding streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and reflect on the cultures, history, and experiences you have lived in during this incredible summer program.

Highlights

  • Construct and Install Biosand Water Filters in Rural Cambodian Communities
  • Watch the Sunrise Over Ancient Angkor Wat, One of the Wonders of the World
  • Sail Turquoise Waters on a Traditional Junk in Vietnam’s Famed Hạ Long Bay
  • Retrace the History of the Khmer Rouge Era in Phnom Penh
  • Learn to Bargain in the Famous Siem Reap Night Market
  • Sample Delectable Phó in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
  • 30 Service-Learning Hours

Get the itinerary

Project Clean Water

Despite an abundance of water in Cambodia, access to clean water sources is very limited. Due to a 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.

Community Project

Visit Two Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site

Watch the sunrise over one of the most famous temple complexes in the world, Angkor Wat. Explore the intricate carvings, hidden arches, and temples of this sacred Buddhist site. In Vietnam, board a traditional junk for a 2-day, 1-night journey through the towering karst mountains of Hạ Long Bay. Explore the grandeur of this archipelago while swimming, kayaking, and sleeping under the stars.

Kayak

Sightseeing

Sample Delicious Local Cuisine

Get a real taste of Southeast Asia as you feast your way through Vietnam and Cambodia. Sample flavorful curries, and banh mi, and perfect your chopstick skills as you devour delicious spring rolls, Khmer noodles, and Vietnam’s famous Phở.

Culture

Delve into a Region Rich in History

Once the “Pearl of Asia” and now the capital of Cambodia, 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 and visit ornate temples and palaces. Understand the complexities of a country striving to rebuild after tragedy.

History

Common Questions

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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.

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.

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).

During this program, we sleep in a variety of accommodations: small hotels and hostels, guesthouses, and a sailboat.

We use a variety of transportation on the Vietnam & Cambodia program. We travel by private busses, boats, commercial jets, and tuk-tuks.

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.

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).

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.

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!

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