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Volunteer Programs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh was once known as the “Pearl of Asia,” and today it’s your oyster for volunteering projects. Even with its tumultuous past in the 1970s, Phnom Penh continues to rise from the ashes to revive its culture and status. Make no mistake — with its spiral temples, French colonial landmarks, celebratory festivals, and steamed pork buns, you’ll relish the sights and smells here. The city has its share of difficulties, but your contribution will be another step towards revival. Volunteer abroad in Phnom Penh to help improve the lives of the locals in this beautiful city!
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Maximo Nivel volunteers

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34 Volunteer Programs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

794

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

See All 6 Programs

Gapforce

9.35

23

Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

Combine adventure travel and volunteering in this awesome 8-week journey to three of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam! Take part in conservation and community-based projects, further enriched with traditional backpacking. From the bustling cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the roots amongst Angkor Wat ruins, this Southeast Asia Explorer adventure is the perfect first-time trip if you want to set out on one of the world’s most iconic travel routes! This program is for anyone looking to volunteer and backpack through Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destinations. No prior experience is required, although the minimum age is 18.

Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

See All 10 Programs

Love Volunteers

8

1

Teaching English in Cambodia

This meaningful program was created to hone the English-speaking abilities of some of Phnom Penh's poorest residents. Education is key to breaking this seemingly endless poverty cycle, yet sadly, having access to native-speaking teachers is (more often than not) a luxury only available to children of wealthy parents. In collaboration with our local partner agency and international participants, Love Volunteers aims to change that by giving access to English-speaking teachers and classroom assistants. This project works with schools to reach over 1,000 children ages 6 to 12, hoping they ultimately take the first step toward a life free of poverty. Volunteers share their English knowledge and skills, making a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of some of Cambodia’s poorest youth.

See All 5 Programs

GVI

9.52

65

Volunteer Teaching to Buddhist Monks in Cambodia

Cambodia is a country in South East Asia and is famed for its tropical beaches and a rich spiritual history. Our teaching volunteers in Cambodia get a chance to teach English in this idyllic setting, at the meeting of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. On this program, we join efforts with local partner organisations to assess the needs of the community before setting up any our projects. Volunteers will teach English to Buddhist monks and the local children from the local community. We aim to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal #4 – Quality Education.

See All 2 Programs

Volunteering Journeys

9.47

15

Medical Electives and Internships Abroad

Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med volunteer abroad programs specifically for school leavers who are considering studying medicine in the future. We also offer customised placements for those seeking medical electives or medical internships abroad. Most of our medical electives abroad placement require that you spend 5-7 hours at our partner hospital or clinic as an observer of the daily routines of medical staff. You will be assigned a doctor or a department who will mentor you and may call upon you to assist with basic tasks such as taking vitals and treating minor wounds under the supervision of the local doctors. Our medical electives are offered in developing countries such as Philippines, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru and Costa Rica.

See All 8 Programs

Volunteer World

0

0

Best Volunteer Programs in Cambodia

Interested in helping others while simultaneously experiencing a country full of ancient history? Then Cambodia is the right choice for you! Bordering to the most touristic Southeast Asian country, namely Thailand, Cambodia can offer you equally amazing experiences. With its fascinating beaches, historic temples, delicious cuisine and caring people, you can experience Southeast Asia's charm while avoiding the hecticness of mass tourism. Besides all the beautiful aspects worthy of visiting, there is also a strong demand for people to address issues that Cambodia is facing today. And that is exactly where you step in! Whether you want to assist in the medical field, protect the environment or help to educate local communities, there are plenty of opportunities for you to help as a volunteer.

See All 2 Programs

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Phnom Penh

How to Volunteer in Phnom Penh

When you volunteer abroad in Phnom Penh, you’ll gain hands-on experience that will make for an impressive resume (some volunteer programs even double as internship placements!). Not to mention you’ll be making a difference. Cambodia’s capital city offers a plethora opportunities in a variety of areas for volunteers from reforestation to construction to legal matters and more. 

Popular causes/projects in Phnom Penh. Unfortunately, poverty in Phnom Penh is prevalent with a high youth population, and healthcare and education are lacking. English teachers are in high demand, orphanages desperately need more assistance, and public health workshops need lecturers. Cambodia also suffers from high illiteracy rates and high HIV/AIDS cases, so you can also assist in fighting these problems.

Short term volunteer programs in Phnom Penh. If you’re short on time and looking to save money, many weekly, monthly, and summer programs are available, especially in social work. For those interested in summer programs, just an FYI: The climate in Phnom Penh is fairly hot and humid all year with the rainy season running from May to October. It’s recommended, however, for volunteers to stay long as possible to maximize their impact and for cultural immersion.

Long term volunteer projects in Phnom Penh. By staying longer than six months to a year or multiple years, you’ll get the most out of your Cambodian riels. With short-term programs you only see the culture on the surface, but by staying longer, you delve deep into learning about this country from a local’s perspective. You’ll also have more opportunities to travel to neighboring countries and practice the local language of Khmer.

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Latest Program Reviews

A life changing experience

December 13, 2025by: Irene Neal - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
9

I was looking for an escape from my comfortable lifestyle at home in Canada. I wanted to share my passion helping others less fortunate than myself. I searched international volunteering programs, have volunteered in four countries in 2025, and can truly say these experiences have changed my life. How do you feel when an elderly person in a old people's home in Zambia begs you to stay with them and share stories and smiles? What happens to you when the school children in Ghana hug you so tight you lose your breath? What overtakes your mind when you introduce positive ideas to women in an impoverished village in Sri Lanka, and see them take possession of new personal empowerment? Let me tell you. It grabs you by the heart and nourishes your soul. It makes you want to come back again and again. Which is exactly what I plan to do in 2026.

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