Public health
Teaching
Women's Empowerment

Ethical travel & volunteering in Siem Reap

GVI

Posted: January 20, 2023

Are you a young traveller or recent graduate looking for your next adventure? Look no further than Siem Reap, Cambodia! Not only is the city home to the famous temples of Angkor Wat, but it also offers you the opportunity to give back through volunteer work.

As you travel to Cambodia, you’ll be surrounded by rich culture, delicious food, and friendly locals. But what sets Siem Reap apart from other popular travel destinations in Cambodia is the opportunity for you to volunteer and make a real impact on local communities.

Volunteering in Siem Reap is a great way for you to gain new perspectives, immerse yourself in local culture, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. From teaching English to students to supporting women’s empowerment programs, the volunteer opportunities in Cambodia are endless. And the best part is, you don’t need to be a seasoned volunteer to make a difference. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or just looking for a new way to travel, Siem Reap is the perfect destination for ethical and impactful travel.

The Temples of Angkor Wat

While you’re in Siem Reap, be sure to check out the famous temples of Angkor Wat. These ancient temples, built by the Khmer empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, are a testament to the impressive architectural and engineering skills of the ancient Khmer people and offer you a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Cambodia. To make the most of your visit, consider hiring a guide who can provide historical context and point out interesting details that you might miss on your own. It’s also recommended to visit the temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the day and the crowds. Don’t miss the famous Bayon temple, known for its massive stone faces, and Ta Prohm.

Ethical travel in Siem Reap

Travel responsibly by choosing to stay in locally-owned accommodations, eat at locally-owned restaurants, and shop at local markets. By supporting local businesses, you can help boost the income of people living in the area and contribute to the local economy.

Another way to engage in responsible travel is by participating in sustainable tourism activities. This can include visiting temples and other cultural landmarks in a way that does not harm the environment or local communities. You can also take eco-friendly tours, visit conservation projects, or learn about the local culture from a community-based organisation.

When interacting with local people, it’s important for you to be respectful of their culture and traditions. This includes dressing appropriately, being mindful of your actions and words, and showing kindness and respect.

Volunteering in Siem Reap

If you’re looking to make an even bigger impact, consider volunteering with GVI. We offer various volunteering programs in Siem Reap. All our programs are developed in partnership with local organisations and align with long-term sustainable development goals, ensuring that the volunteer work is not only beneficial for the local community, but also respects their autonomy and agency.

You can join a teaching program where you can work alongside local teachers and assist with classroom instruction in subjects such as English, maths, and science. This not only helps to improve the education of local students, but also promotes cross-cultural understanding and exchange.

GVI also has a women’s empowerment program in Siem Reap. This program aims to empower women and girls by providing them with education and training in leadership and business skills. Through this program, women are given the opportunity to become leaders in their communities and promote gender equality.

In addition, GVI runs public health programs in Siem Reap. These programs aim to improve the overall health and well-being of the local population by providing access to medical care and education on health and hygiene. By volunteering with GVI, you’ll be making a real difference in the lives of local people and communities.

So pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.