The countdown to adventure begins!
Journey through a range of terrain, from rural villages, rice paddies to lush countryside, jungle trails and ancient temples, as you support hospice care in Dorset.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, with breathtaking landscapes, ancient wonders and the vibrant communities of Cambodia.
This extraordinary eleven day Overseas Challenge will take you far beyond the usual tourist trail, leading you deep into lush tropical jungles, across remote countryside, through welcoming rural villages and towards one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks on Earth – the magnificent Angkor Wat.
Every step of this remarkable journey will be driven by purpose. By joining Team Weldmar, you will not only discover a beautiful and fascinating country but also help provide vital care and support for local patients and families living with a life-limiting illness.
Dates: Saturday 6th to Tuesday 16th November, 2027
Location: Cambodia – Siam Reap to the Angkor Temples
Distance: Approximately 80km
Application deadline: 31st March, 2027
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Fees and sponsorship requirements: £430 registration fee, and a minimum fundraising target of £5,600
Sign up today Set up your JustGiving page
An Extraordinary Cambodian Adventure
Imagine waking to the sounds of the jungle, trekking through landscapes untouched by mass tourism, meeting local communities and discovering ancient wonders hidden within dense rainforest.
Over eleven incredible days, you will experience:
- Challenging and rewarding trekking
- Captivating cultural immersion
- Meaningful community volunteering
- Spectacular temples and sacred sites
- Stunning waterfalls and jungle scenery
- Traditional Cambodian hospitality
- The world-famous Angkor Archaeological Complex
This is more than a trek. It is an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, embrace adventure, discover a remarkable country and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Your full eleven day itinerary
Day 1 – UK to Siem Reap
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Siem Reap.
Day 2 – Siem Reap
Arrive in Siem Reap and check into our hotel in time for a group dinner and a briefing on the week ahead
Days 3 and 4 – Trei Nhoar Community Project
This morning we head out of town to the Trei Nhoar Community, approx one hour from Siem Reap, where we will help alongside the locals on a community project. Overnight, we’ll be in in a homestay.
The project details will be confirmed nearer the time – this is an ongoing project, supported throughout the year by our local partners, and the actual tasks will depend on their needs and priorities at the time.
Examples could include helping repair or decorate a community building, school or clinic, assisting with construction of a road or dam, or creating a garden.
Day 5 – Trei Nhoar to Tapang to Knapor
After a hearty breakfast we commence our trek from the edge of Siem Reap, passing through local villages and rice paddies. Around half-way we stop to visit Prasat Banteay Ampil, a hidden Angkorian temple which has largely been reclaimed by the jungle.
After a picnic lunch we continue by a lake to reach our village homestay accommodation.
Trek: 25 kms/8hrs (mainly flat and gentle)
Day 6 – Knapor to Kulen Mountain to Phum Sangke Lake
First of all we drive approx 35 kms to Svay Leu, from where we start our trek up Kulen Mountain, the most sacred mountain in Cambodia, and one which played a significant role in the history of the Khmer Empire.
Stops today include Wat Chas Buddhist Temple and Sangke Lake, where we stop for lunch. Overnight camping.
Trek: 13kms/6hrs (steep uphill in sections)
Day 7 – Sangke Lake to Ankong Choeung Chab
Today we continue trekking through dense jungle, passing by a couple of interesting and little-visited sites, Srah Damrei (Elephant Pond), and Wat Preah Krai. We take a short transfer to our campsite at Anlong Choeung Chab later this afternoon.
Trek: 15kms/7hrs (mixed terrain)
Day 8 – Anlong Choeung Chab to Camp Tbeng
Setting off this morning, our trek takes us through the forest to the River of 1000 Lingas.
After marvelling at this ancient site we then head to the 16th century Preah Ang Thon Monastery, renowned for its giant reclining Buddha. We stop for lunch at a stunning waterfall where there is a chance for a dip before continuing our trek to reach Camp Tbeng.
Trek: 18kms/ 6 hrs (slightly downhill, mainly undulating mixed terrain)
Day 9 – Camp Tbeng to Angkor Wat
Our final day of trekking takes us through small villages and paddy fields to reach Phnom Bok. From here it is a short transfer by vehicle to pick up our entrance tickets to the Angkor Archaeological Complex, from where we continue our hike through the jungle to reach magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument!
There is ample time to explore and enjoy this amazing spectacle before leaving the complex and heading to our hotel in Siem Reap.
Trek: 12kms/4 hours + time spent visiting Angkor Wat
Day 10 – Angkor Temples
Today we venture further into the massive complex of temples at Angkor and enjoy a final day of sightseeing, We return to our hotel in Angkor this afternoon and gather for our farewell dinner this evening.
Day 11 – Siem Reap to UK
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK (may arrive following day, depending on flight schedules).
Your participation makes a phenomenal difference
The funds you raise will help Weldmar Hospicecare continue delivering specialist care, compassion, dignity and comfort to people across Dorset during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Every conversation, every mile walked and every pound raised helps ensure local families continue to receive expert care and support when they need it most.
Together, we can make every moment matter for those in our care whilst embarking on an unforgettable personal challenge.
Our Cambodia Overseas Challenge is rated as ‘Moderately Challenging’
This trek is designed for adventurous individuals with a good level of fitness, determination and a positive mindset.
Over five exhilarating trekking days, participants will cover more than 80 kilometres through spectacular and diverse terrain, including winding jungle paths, rolling countryside, steep mountain trails and remote wilderness tracks.
The challenge is made even more rewarding as you acclimatise to Cambodia’s tropical climate, experiencing both the heat and humidity of Southeast Asia while surrounded by some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery.
There will be moments that test your resilience, but each challenge is rewarded with incredible landscapes, unforgettable experiences and a tremendous sense of achievement.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, it was amazing! I enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie of the group, learning about and immersing ourselves in the Cambodian culture and walking through the beautiful countryside. It was great to get to know our guides and benefit from their expert knowledge and their sense of humour."
More about the stunning locations and landscapes you’ll visit in Cambodia
Prepare to explore some of Cambodia’s most captivating and untouched landscapes! Over five unforgettable days, our route will take us through:
- Vast emerald-green rice paddies
- Dense tropical jungle trails
- Ancient mountain pathways
- Traditional rural villages
- Hidden waterfalls and natural pools
- Sacred temples and historic monuments
The trek begins in Svay Leu, leading us towards the sacred Kulen Mountain, a place steeped in history and regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. Along the way we will discover remarkable locations including:
Wat Chas Temple – A peaceful Buddhist temple set amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
Sangke Lake – A tranquil and picturesque location offering moments of quiet reflection and stunning scenery.
Srah Damrei (Elephant Pond) – Witness the exceptional carvings of elephants that stand as remarkable reminders of Cambodia’s rich heritage.
River of 100 Lingas – One of Cambodia’s most fascinating spiritual sites, where intricate carvings emerge from the riverbed beneath flowing water.
Preah Ang Thom Monastery – Home to the revered giant reclining Buddha and one of the most significant sacred sites on Kulen Mountain.
As our journey unfolds, we will reach a beautiful waterfall, where there will be an opportunity to cool off and refresh before continuing our adventure towards Camp Tbeng.
More about the community project
One of the most rewarding and inspiring aspects of this challenge is the opportunity to spend two days working alongside local people in the Trei Nhoar Community, approximately one hour from Siem Reap.
This unique experience offers participants the chance to create a lasting positive impact while gaining a genuine insight into Cambodian life and culture.
Working alongside local residents, our team may assist with:
- Refurbishing schools and community buildings
- Painting and restoration projects
- Gardening and environmental improvements
- Village infrastructure developments
- Road and dam construction assistance
The projects we support may directly benefit:
- Schools
- Community centres
- Medical clinics
- Shared communal spaces
Further details of the project will be confirmed closer to departure and will reflect the community’s priorities at that time.
Participants are encouraged to bring suitable older clothing for volunteering activities. Additional requirements, such as gloves, face masks or specific footwear, will be advised nearer to departure.
Many previous participants have described community projects as one of the most moving, inspiring and rewarding aspects of an overseas challenge.
Our accommodation throughout the trip
This challenge offers a true adventure experience.
Accommodation throughout the trek will include traditional stilted buildings, dormitory-style lodging and approximately two to three nights under canvas.
Facilities will be basic, with simple mattresses and mosquito nets provided. While accommodation is modest, sharing these experiences with fellow trekkers is all part of the adventure and helps create lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
What’s included, and not included
Signing up for this Overseas Challenge includes:
- Flights from the UK (including all current airport taxes)
- All transfers & transport in Cambodia
- All accommodation in twin rooms in hotels, shared rooms in basic homestays on trek
- Three meals per day (from dinner on Day 2 to Breakfast on Day 11)
- Drinking water throughout
- Welcome Dinner
- Celebration Farewell dinner with certificates
- Local trekking guide & trek support team
- All entrance fees, conservation fees & permits
- Project coordination and all materials
- Weldmar Overseas Challenge Lead and Different Travel Tour Manager
- Full admin and pre-departure support
- Presentation evening and pre-departure trek briefing
What’s not included:
- Personal expenses (such as drinks, laundry etc)
- Any visas and vaccinations required
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional tips
Additional costs to consider – own kit and travel costs to and from airport.
Weldmar Hospicecare organises group transport for the team to travel together leaving and returning to the Inpatient Unit in Dorchester.
What others who have completed this trek say…
“I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, it was amazing! I enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie of the group, learning about and immersing ourselves in the Cambodian culture and walking through the beautiful countryside. It was great to get to know our guides and benefit from their expert knowledge and their sense of humour.”
“The trip was fantastic, all bit it very short. Angkor Wat was amazing. Being blessed by a monk. Very loud cockerels at the Buddhist monastery. Friendliness of the Cambodian people. the beautiful location of our camp and being able to take a dip in the river, I could go on for ages…..”
“I loved it! Particularly the stay at the Monestary. That night was amazing. I also loved camping near the waterfall and being able to swim!”
“I enjoyed all aspects of the trip. Angkor Wat and other temples are spectacular; walking though tropical jungle is a great experience; the group diversity, enthusiasm, and mutually supportive ethos was perhaps the most memorable aspect.”
“Loved it – the waterfall was amazing. The thing that makes these trip special above anything else is the team you go with. Everyone was lovely and supported each other amazingly.”
“Every day was something different and everyone got on great, which meant a great trek.”
Team building and training together
There are a number of options available in how you fund your trip and raise money for Weldmar.
As part of the support that we offer, we organise regular training walks with your fellow participants. It is a brilliant opportunity to meet those you will be trekking with in Cambodia, and you can exchange tips and tricks on best kit and share fundraising ideas. The routes vary in location, and the level of difficulty increases as we near our departure date.
The dates will alternate between Saturdays and Sundays, with an occasional midweek walk.
If you are yet to sign up but would like to join a training walk as a taster, please get in touch.
Dates to be confirmed!
Why we do it
By joining Cambodia, our Overseas Challenge ’27, you are helping Weldmar Hospicecare continue delivering outstanding care and support to people across Dorset.
Your fundraising helps provide:
- Compassionate care both at home and within the hospice
- Support from specialist doctors, nurses, therapists, counsellors and more
- Emotional and practical support for patients and families
- Bereavement support services
Every participant becomes an ambassador for Weldmar Hospicecare, helping to ensure that local people facing some of life’s most difficult challenges receive the care, dignity and support they deserve.
អរគុណច្រើន (Aw Kun Chraen) – thank you very much
Thank you for being part of this life-changing challenge. Together we will trek further, achieve more and make a lasting difference. Adventure. Challenge. Community. Purpose.
Cambodia 2027 awaits.
Any further questions? Get in touch with Clare, our experienced Overseas Challenge lead
If you have a question that is not answered here, or would like an informal chat, please contact fundraisers@weld-hospice.org.uk or call 01305 261800 in office hours.
Clare is leading this Overseas Challenge and will be delighted to speak to you.
Clare is highly experienced in these challenges, first taking part in treks to Iceland, Nepal and Mont Blanc as a supporter. Since joining our Fundraising team, Clare has led Overseas Challenges to the Sahara, Madagascar, Machu Picchu, and Camino de Santiago.
Deadline to apply for Cambodia
