Raise US$3000

to build a house for a poor Cambodian family

It costs US$3000 to build a VBC house – a basic traditional Khmer wooden house. But we know that people love to be involved in the projects they donate money to, so we offer the opportunity for you to volunteer your time to come to Cambodia and build the house you pay for.

You will work alongside VBC’s trained builders, the family receiving the house and local villagers who help with construction.

Our house builds usually take one week (five days) but talk to us if you need some flexibility.

We have volunteers who drop in for a day or two and those who stay for weeks or months. Our build sites have a great, fun vibe with many like-minded people joining in to finish each project.

Volunteers do the actual house building. You will measure, chisel and hammer,  saw the wood, nail the wall and floorboards down and make the stairs, windows and doors.

No building experience is needed. VBC’s builders and volunteer coordinators look after you every step of the way, showing you what to do and how to do it.

You don’t have to do anything you are not comfortable with.

It is a great experience for a group of friends or a family looking for a holiday with a difference, school groups wanting to learn about culture, travel and the gift of giving back or for corporate team building and volunteer activities.

 

Would you like to be involved in a house build?

Public holidays

We respect the following public holidays in Cambodia:

  • April – Khmer New Year
  • September – Pchum Ben

The dates of these holidays change each year so please check with us if you are thinking of volunteering at this time.

Experience the Cambodian countryside

Our house projects are in the rural areas around Siem Reap, Cambodia. Building takes place in the morning and you will come back to Siem Reap every afternoon so there is time to mix house building with sightseeing.

For more information check out our FAQs.

What we organise for volunteers:

  • Airport pick-up
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Daily transport to and from the project site
  • Project orientation
  • Introduction to Siem Reap
  • Safe drinking water while on site

What volunteers need to organise:

  • Flights
  • Your guesthouse accommodation (we can help book this for you)
  • Travel insurance (You will not be able to take part without travel insurance)
  • Visa
  • Meals (breakfast is included with some accommodation places)
  • Snacks on the building site if required
  • Sightseeing and entertainment