Volunteer tourism in Cambodia has become increasingly popular in recent years. It can make a holiday or vacation worthwhile and rewarding, knowing that you're helping the people in the community you're visiting. It's also a great way to get to know local people and local culture.
There are some 3,000 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), both international and local, operating in Cambodia and many travel companies offer different types of volunteer tours. Most of these tours involve language teaching, but volunteers can also build classrooms and kitchens for orphanages, dig wells, teach art, provide healthcare and more. Volunteer tours can be quite expensive, and unfortunately, not all volunteer tours or activities are well organised.
Here are a few NGOs in Siem Reap that accept volunteers. This list does not imply endorsement, and those considering a volunteer tour are advised to investigate the tour operator and the NGO they'll be working with in great detail.
- 1
Children and Development Organization (CDO)
Children and Development Organization (CDO) is a small NGO with a big heart. They're an orphanage, and currently provide full-time care for children. While some of the children there are actual orphans, most of them were abandoned or abused children.
The long-range goal of CDO is to buy land in the village where many of the children come from and build a community centre to provide education and healthcare to the village. Visitors are always welcome, but please call first to arrange your visit (between 8am and 6pm).
Donations needed: Food, medical supplies, toys, funding.
Volunteer skills needed: Teachers (English), Web Design, Administration, Childcare, Education, Health & Nutrition, Construction.
Volunteer Length: 1 day to 3 months.Location: #90, Street 63, Watsvay Village, Sangkat Salakomroeuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 12 622 548
- 2
Chres Village School and Orphanage (SOCPLSDO)
Chres Village School and Orphanage (SOCPLSDO) provides care for 49 orphans living at the facility, and hold classes for some 500 day students who come to study. They have language classes (English, Chinese, Japanese), computer classes, and hotel and restaurant training.
Donations needed: Food, School supplies, funding.
Volunteer skills needed: Teachers (English, Chinese, Japanese, computer), Health & Nutrition, Construction.
Volunteer Length: Minimum 2 weeks.Location: Chres Village, Kandek Commune, Bakong District, Cambodia
Open: Monday–Friday from 7am to 5pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Phone: +855 12 336 207
- 3
Osmose
Osmose is an NGO that helps support the floating communities of Prek Toal, Peak Kanteil, and other communities of the Tonlé Sap Lake. They help protect the environment through ecotourism, community development, and environmental education.
They established the Saray water hyacinth weaving project, and also offer trips to the bird sanctuary, with an overnight in the Prek Toal floating village. All income is shared by the village for development and education.
Location: Wat Damnak Village, Sangkat, Salakamreuk Rd, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 12 832 812
- 4
PURE Dream Centre
The PURE Dream Centre operates an educational and training centre about 10 km outside of Siem Reap. They focus on small local projects.
The PURE Dream Centre has English classes, hygiene workshops, computer classes and sports, so children learn a range of skills. They also work with local schools, daycare centres, and medical clinics.
Note: They do not accept walk-in volunteers. All volunteers are thoroughly screened and provided with training.
Volunteer skills needed: Teachers (English), Medical Care, Social Support.
Volunteer Length: Minimum 4 weeks.Location: #640 Hap Guan St., Siem Reap 17252, Cambodia
Open: Monday–Friday from 9am to 5pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Phone: +855 86 975 425
- 5
Grace House Community Centre
Grace House Community Centre is an NGO that focuses mainly on education. They provide English classes and basic education for some 250 children, as well as adult literacy classes.
Vocational training includes market gardening, weaving, electrical installation and sustainable energy. Assistance is also provided to villages to help them install water pumps and water filters. They can assist volunteers in finding accommodation.
Visitors are welcome from 8am to 11am and from 1pm to 4pm. You can reach the centre along the road to Tonlé Sap Lake, approximately 4 km south of Siem Reap.
Volunteer skills needed: Teachers (English), Electricians, Healthcare & Nursing professionals.
Volunteer Length: 1 week to 3 months.Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 639 2168
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Siem Reap
Royal Crown Hotel & Spa
Sarai Resort & Spa and The Wander
Saem Siemreap Hotel
Lotus Blanc Resort
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa
Golden Temple Boutique
Grand Venus La Residence
Mony Reach Angkor Hotel
Park Hyatt Siem Reap
