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Cambodia – Khmer New Year


April 12, 2026 — April 18, 2026

Starting at: $2,100

Your generous donation helps to save and change lives every day.

Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need.

Overview


The Need

Phnom Penh and its surrounding peri-urban communities continue to face gaps in access to basic health care, particularly among underserved populations impacted by rapid urban growth, migration, and economic inequality. While the capital is home to major hospitals and national institutions, access to affordable and consistent care remains uneven—especially for migrant workers, unregistered residents, women, children, and families living on the city’s margins.

Preventable and treatable conditions such as maternal and infant health concerns, untreated dental disease, malnutrition, anemia, chronic pain, and common infections often go unaddressed when early care is unavailable. Financial barriers, transportation challenges, and limited access to preventive services can delay treatment until conditions become more serious. As Cambodia enters the season of Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)—a time traditionally focused on renewal, health, and caring for loved ones—many individuals still face obstacles to receiving the care needed to begin the New Year well.

For many patients, a visiting medical mission team represents their only opportunity all year to receive care from a trained provider. Healthcare volunteering abroad in Cambodia plays a vital role in reducing preventable suffering, strengthening community health, and expanding access to care for individuals and families who would otherwise go without essential services.

Our Work

International Medical Relief partners with Cambodian leaders, healthcare professionals, and community organizations in Phnom Penh to expand access to health care and preventive health education—particularly for underserved and unregistered populations. IMR’s work is grounded in collaboration, cultural respect, and a commitment to strengthening local systems of care rather than working in isolation.

Through community-based clinics, IMR teams deliver primary medical care, dental services, preventive medicine, and health education while working alongside local providers and organizations. Education is integrated throughout clinic activities, equipping patients and caregivers with practical knowledge related to hygiene, nutrition, chronic disease management, and preventive care. By aligning services with local priorities and partnering closely with community stakeholders, IMR helps strengthen continuity of care and local capacity.

This mission is intentionally scheduled during Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey), allowing care delivery to align with a season centered on renewal, gratitude, family, and community well-being. Serving during this time reinforces IMR’s commitment to meeting communities where they are—both medically and culturally—while supporting national health priorities through partnership and shared purpose.

This Mission

Cambodia, home to more than 17 million people, is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and culturally rich countries. Its beauty extends beyond iconic landscapes and historic landmarks to the warmth, resilience, and strong sense of community embodied by the Khmer people. Modern Cambodia is a nation in motion, focused on growth, innovation, and improving quality of life for its citizens.

Health, education, and economic opportunity are increasingly recognized as essential foundations for continued progress. While access to healthcare has expanded in recent decades, meaningful gaps remain—particularly for migrant workers, unregistered residents, ethnic minorities, and families living in peri-urban and rural communities. Addressing these gaps requires partnership, prevention, and sustained community engagement.

This mission reflects IMR’s commitment to working alongside Cambodian partners to support long-term health outcomes. By delivering care, sharing knowledge, and strengthening local capacity, IMR helps address present-day health challenges while contributing to Cambodia’s broader vision for a healthier, more resilient future—one shaped by opportunity, collaboration, and hope.

 

Lodging/Transportation

On this Classic Trip, you and your fellow team members will stay in simple, safe, and comfortable 2-star accommodations selected for cleanliness, security, and convenience. While the lodging is modest, it provides a restful and reliable home base during your time in Phnom Penh. The energy of the city, along with its diverse and vibrant cuisine, adds to the overall experience.

All transportation to and from clinic sites is arranged by IMR. Professional drivers, safe vehicles, and thoughtful logistics allow volunteers to focus fully on service while traveling efficiently and securely. Along the way, you’ll experience the everyday rhythm of life in and around Phnom Penh—an integral part of understanding the communities you serve.

If you are interested in upgrading to 4+ star accommodations, please check out our Signature Trip!

 

Highlights

The heart of this journey is serving patients who, without you and your team, would have limited or no access to health care—making each clinic day deeply meaningful and impactful. Volunteers serve diverse communities throughout Phnom Penh, building trust, sharing knowledge, and delivering compassionate care during a season that holds deep cultural significance. Serving during Khmer New Year adds special meaning, as it is a time centered on renewal, family, gratitude, and blessing—values that closely align with the spirit of medical service.

As an extension of the mission, volunteers may also experience Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) celebrations throughout the city. Festivities often include visits to Wat Phnom, traditional ceremonies, offerings for good fortune, and joyful community gatherings. Around the Royal Palace and along the Mekong River, Phnom Penh comes alive with music, traditional games, water blessings, and shared meals that reflect Cambodia’s deep sense of connection and resilience.

Experiencing Phnom Penh during Khmer New Year offers a rare opportunity to witness Cambodia at its most vibrant—where service and celebration intersect. IMR goes beyond medical care to create space for cultural immersion, reflection, and connection, allowing volunteers to take part in a season of renewal while making a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.

Extend Your Stay

Extend Your Stay

Extension highlights may include a sunrise or sunset visit to Angkor Wat, a guided excursion to the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake, and visits to vibrant local markets. Food lovers can enjoy a hands-on Khmer cooking class, learning traditional techniques and flavors, while evenings may feature an ancient dinner and Apsara dance performance or time to explore lively night markets filled with local crafts and street food.

An extension is the perfect way to reflect, recharge, and experience Cambodia more fully—blending history, culture, cuisine, and community to beautifully round out your mission and create lasting memories.

For additional information, please contact our preferred travel agency, Worldwide Navigators. Their team of experienced agents and travelers is available via email at travel@worldwidenavigators.com or phone at (970) 541-8827.

 

Itinerary at a Glance


Sunday, April 12, 2026

Arrivals

1
Monday, April 13, 2026

Clinic

2
Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Clinic

3
Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Free Day and Khmer New Year

4
Thursday, April 16, 2026

Clinic

5
Friday, April 17, 2026

Clinic

6
Saturday, April 18, 2026

Departures

7

Please View Full Itinerary in the Next Tab

Sustainable Impact

Your Journey


Weather



Full Itinerary


This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

You will need to arrange your flight destination to be Phnom Penh International Airport, airport code PNH, in Phnom Penh. If you need assistance booking flights, please contact Worldwide Navigators, our preferred travel agency, at travel@worldwidenavigators.com. You may also choose to arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation, which you may purchase from within your portal under Trip Add-Ons.

 

12 April 2026

Arrivals

Day 1

You need to fly into Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) by 2:00pm and then transfer to your hotel. Upon arrival to the airport, team members who have selected Airport Transfer will be transported from the airport to team lodging. Team members who have opted out of Airport Transfer will need to arrange transportation from the airport to team lodging. Once you’ve arrived at team lodging, settle in and join your team for dinner. 

After dinner, you will attend the team orientation to prepare you for the upcoming week of clinic. During orientation, your team leader will assign roles for the clinic, discuss our community health education efforts in detail, present IMR’s clinic protocols, and provide an overview of the communities your team will be serving in Cambodia. Our partners will join us to explain the cultural components, medical landscape and overview of the medical conditions prevalent in the area.

Meals: Dinner,

1
13 April 2026

Clinic

Day 2

Today is your first day of clinic! Wake to enjoy a hearty breakfast with your team. Clinics begin early in the morning and run into the evenings. Your days will be long and hard, but also incredibly rewarding. 

Education is as important as medical and dental care for our patients. Each clinic includes basic health education according to the specialties and skills of the IMR volunteers, as well as the needs of the local people. When communities become empowered to take health and wellness issues into their own hands, they become self-sufficient. IMR provides learning opportunities for the local communities through classes and hands-on learning to sustain their well-being beyond our visit.

After closing clinic, you and the team will go back to your lodging for a thorough team debrief and then have the opportunity to 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

2
14 April 2026

Clinic

Day 3

At your clinic sites in Cambodia, you will serve communities of migrant workers, unregistered individuals, and ethnic minorities throughout Phnom Penh and Kampong Speu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

3
15 April 2026

Free Day and Khmer New Year

Day 4

Your free day in Phnom Penh falls during Khmer New Year, one of the most vibrant and meaningful celebrations in Cambodia. Streets come alive with music, traditional games, dancing, and joyful water celebrations as families gather to honor their ancestors and welcome the new year with blessings. It’s a special time to witness local culture at its most festive—offering you and your team a rare opportunity to celebrate alongside the community and experience the heart of Cambodian tradition.

4
16 April 2026

Clinic

Day 5

Clinics begin early in the morning and run into the evenings. Your days will be long but rewarding!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

5
17 April 2026

Clinic

Day 6

Prepare to immerse yourself in the cultures of those you will serve and hear their stories of the Khmer Rouge

6
18 April 2026

Departures

Day 7

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then bid farewell to beautiful Cambodia as you head to the airport for your international flight home.  If you book your flight home late, enjoy the day in this beautiful city!

Contact Worldwide Navigators to Extend your Stay!

Meals: Breakfast,

7

Your Journey




This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Extensions


Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see Cambodia’s top tourist destinations? Did you know IMR offers an exclusive three-day extension to its volunteers? By continuing your trip and exploring off the beaten path, you will give yourself more time to visit Cambodia’s beaches, mountains, waterfalls, temples, and markets.

Of all the incredible little trips you can take, our top recommendation is a sunset visit to Angkor Wat. While you are out, be sure you venture over to a beach bar to appreciate local nightlife and the glow-in-the-dark plankton. Moreover, if you are an adventurer at heart, you can take a nighttime snorkeling trip along the shores.

If you are more of a foodie and less of a wanderer, Cambodia is home to many local chefs who offer cooking classes. Alternatively, you can order “a-ping,” which is a local favorite. Though undoubtedly unique, you can find these deep-fried tarantulas in sit-down restaurants or the marketplace.

You can view the exclusive IMR extensions here! For additional information, please contact our preferred travel agency, Worldwide Navigators. Their team of experienced agents and travelers is available via email at travel@worldwidenavigators.com or phone at (970) 541-8827.

Minimum Donation

Your generous donation of $2100 will go toward the ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:

  • Clinic supplies and medications for patients
  • Clinic participation
  • Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary

Donation Payment Deadlines

$1900 due by January 12, 2026

$2100 due by March 15, 2026

Early Bird Savings Opportunity

To be eligible, the participant must upload ALL your required documents and forms, sign their liability form and make your 50% donation including your $35 application fee by January 12, 2026. This savings opportunity does not apply to disaster relief missions.

Featured Enhancements

Airfare & Airport Transfer
Starting at $50+ each way plus airfare that is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Single Supplement
$100+ per night subject to availability at the time of booking
Airport Transfers
$50 each way
Malpractice Insurance
$129.50 to $279.50
Continuing Education (CE/CME) Credits
$350
Personalized Scrubs (2 sets)
$50
IMR T-Shirt
$25
Partner Program
Starting at $25 per month

**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission, please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.

Your Donation to IMR for Your Mission Cost Includes:

All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:

  • Transportation
  • Lodging (except for Colorado missions, disaster missions, or as otherwise mentioned in the trip itinerary)
  • Costs associated with the clinic
  • Food
  • Tips for services provided to the IMR team
  • All logistics, including translation services and security as needed

Additional Costs That You Are Responsible For:

All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:

  • International and Domestic flights to the country.
  • Passport fees, visa fees, and transit fees, including baggage or overnight accommodations/meals while in transit
  • Required or recommended insurance
  • Vaccinations and medications common for travel
  • Spending money for souvenirs and personal purchases
  • Required or desired mission supplies, personal equipment, or small gifts for the special people you meet
  • Any lodging, meals, and transportation outside of the scheduled team mission, payable at the time of service to the local vendor
  • COVID-related fees such as testing, vaccinations, and quarantines as required by in-country arrival/departure or USA arrival/departure
  • Each team member is responsible for carrying medical supplies for the deployment. All fees associated with transport are the responsibility of the volunteer.