Join GoEco in Cambodia to restore the archeological complexes of the ancient temples of Banteay Chhmar!
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum One-Week Commitment):
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport (REP). You will be picked up by the local team and transferred to a local village in Banteay Chhmar.
Day 1, Monday: Volunteers will receive an orientation, complete with a culture lesson, Khmer language lesson, tour of Banteay Chmar and a visit to a local handicraft center.
Days 2-5, Tuesday- Friday: Volunteer work at the temple sites.
Day 6, Saturday: Departure day for volunteers only staying for one week. Volunteers staying longer than one week will have both Saturday and Sunday free.
Remaining Weeks: Volunteers staying longer than one week will work at the site Monday-Friday and have weekends free.
Check out what our past volunteers had to say!
Program Highlights:
- Journey to an ancient temple complex to restore culturally and historically significant temples
- Help preserve the local history and culture
- Explore Cambodia's amazing sites with a Culture week add-on
- Engage in positive cultural exchange by staying in a local village
- Make friends with fellow volunteers
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum One-Week Commitment):
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport (REP). You will be picked up by the local team and transferred to a local village in Banteay Chhmar.
Day 1, Monday: Volunteers will receive an orientation, complete with a culture lesson, Khmer language lesson, tour of Banteay Chmar and a visit to a local handicraft center.
Days 2-5, Tuesday- Friday: Volunteer work at the temple sites.
Day 6, Saturday: Departure day for volunteers only staying for one week. Volunteers staying longer than one week will have both Saturday and Sunday free.
Remaining Weeks: Volunteers staying longer than one week will work at the site Monday-Friday and have weekends free.
Check out what our past volunteers had to say!
Location of the Project:
Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia
Project length:
Min 1 week - Max 12 weeks
Arrival Airport:
Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
Volunteer Work:
Temple renovation, clearing debris, removing overgrown vegetation
Age:
18 - 50 (This project may accept volunteers who are younger than 18 years old with a letter of consent from a parent or guardian)
Number of Volunteers:
Up to 30 international volunteers
What's Included
Accommodations:
Shared room in a local homestay
Food:
Three meals a day (excluding lunch on the weekends)
Airport Transfers:
Airport pickup upon arrival
Orientation:
Volunteers will receive an orientation, complete with a culture lesson, Khmer language lesson, tour of Banteay Chmar and a visit to a local handicraft center.
Support:
Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.
What's not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses, lunch on the weekends, transport back to airport
Banteay Chhmar is a commune located in the Banteay Meanchey province in Northwest Cambodia. The commune includes 14 villages, four of which surround the large temple of Banteay Chhmar.
Cambodia is arguably best known for its astounding temples, especially that of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious monument in the world. Cambodia's impressive temple complexes, fertile rice fields and rich history are what make it an attractive tourist destination today.
Cambodia is arguably best known for its astounding temples, especially that of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious monument in the world. Cambodia's impressive temple complexes, fertile rice fields and rich history are what make it an attractive tourist destination today.
The ancient temples of Banteay Chhmar are among of the most significant, yet least understood, archeological complexes. The temples date back to the Angkor period, which ended in the late 14th century. Sadly, the Banteay Chhmar complex was severely looted throughout the 1990's because of its remote location and proximity to the Thai border. Now considered one of the most endangered sites in the world, the complex is in desperate need of renovation
The restoration of Banteay Chhmar temples is crucial as it has the potential to draw more tourists to the region, giving a much-needed boost to the local economy. In addition, the temples serve as symbol of the precious history of the area, which would otherwise be lost if not for the preservation efforts by volunteers and local organizations.
As a volunteer, you will work in the temple’s ongoing renovation and preservation sites.
Some of your tasks may include:
Holidays: Volunteer work does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration.
Please note these consecutive holidays, which may impact short-term placements, before registering:
2019:
September 27 - October 6
2020:
April 13-17
September 27 - Oct 6
The restoration of Banteay Chhmar temples is crucial as it has the potential to draw more tourists to the region, giving a much-needed boost to the local economy. In addition, the temples serve as symbol of the precious history of the area, which would otherwise be lost if not for the preservation efforts by volunteers and local organizations.
As a volunteer, you will work in the temple’s ongoing renovation and preservation sites.
Some of your tasks may include:
- Cutting back overgrown bushes, trees and grass in the surrounding area.
- Cleaning up the temples
- Picking up trash
- Removing stones
- Planting trees in the temple compound
- Writing and posting informational signs
Holidays: Volunteer work does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration.
Please note these consecutive holidays, which may impact short-term placements, before registering:
2019:
September 27 - October 6
2020:
April 13-17
September 27 - Oct 6
Internet:
Internet facilities and WiFi are not available.
Laundry:
Laundry facilities and services are not available.
Accommodations:
During your placement, you will stay with a home stay in the village in an original wooden Khmer-style house with up to 2 volunteers per room. Each room has a fan and electricity is available 24 hours a day. Please note that toilets are flush ‘bucket style’ and no hot water is available.
Food:
Three meals are provided during the week. Meals typically consist of typical Cambodian fare. Breakfast and dinner are provided on the weekends.
Please take note of this project's minimum requirements:
- Minimum age of18
- Basic level of English
- Physically fit
- Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic)
Culture Week (highly recommended)
For an additional fee you can extend your stay for a week with a program designed to introduce you to a great stay in a new country. As part of your orientation week, you will receive basic language classes to help you get around the country without a hassle. You will also have the opportunity to take some traditional cooking classes as well as travel to some of the finest temples in the area, engaging in Q&A sessions with monks to enhance your understanding of Buddhism and its customs. Throughout the week, there will many opportunities to interact with the local residents, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the community.
For an additional fee you can extend your stay for a week with a program designed to introduce you to a great stay in a new country. As part of your orientation week, you will receive basic language classes to help you get around the country without a hassle. You will also have the opportunity to take some traditional cooking classes as well as travel to some of the finest temples in the area, engaging in Q&A sessions with monks to enhance your understanding of Buddhism and its customs. Throughout the week, there will many opportunities to interact with the local residents, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the community.
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