CamTESOL Educational and Cultural Tours
The CamTESOL Educational and Cultural Tours are designed to give international visitors a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s education system, rich culture, historical background, and daily life in Phnom Penh. Especially for those visiting Cambodia for the first time, these tours offer a meaningful way to explore the country and gain valuable context for the CamTESOL conference, along with a greater appreciation of Cambodian traditions and ways of life.
All tours are scheduled for the morning of Friday, 6th February 2026. Tours will commence promptly at 8:00 AM and finish after a complimentary lunch at 12:00 PM. There will be a maximum number of participants on each tour.
Each tour is ticketed at US$ 60. The price includes all essentials such as entry fee for each destination, morning light refreshments, lunch, transport to and from destination, complimentary conference souvenirs, and an expert guide at specific destinations. Participants can choose ONLY one tour among the following organized tours:
- Tour #1: City Landmarks
- Tour #2: Cultural Site Visits
- Tour #3: Educational Site Visits
- Tour #4: Morning Mekong River Cruise
- Tour #5: Cambodian Culture Insights
- Tour #6: ELT in Action- Teaching Visitors in Cambodia
Wat Phnom in Cambodia is an ancient and spiritually significant temple located in Phnom Penh. It was built in the 14th century to house sacred relics discovered by a widow named Daun Penh. The temple showcases a beautiful blend of Cambodian and Khmer architectural styles, featuring intricate carvings and colorful murals. Visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere amidst the city, with stunning views from the hilltop. The temple is a place of prayer and devotion, where monks engage in religious practices. The lush gardens and playful monkeys add to the charm of the surroundings. Wat Phnom is also a social hub, with vendors selling offerings and local snacks. For photography enthusiasts, the temple offers numerous picturesque opportunities. Overall, a visit to Wat Phnom provides an immersive experience in Cambodia"s cultural heritage, artistry, and spiritual customs.
An Angkorian-style tower, Independence Monument (VimeanEkareach in Khmer) was built in 1958 to symbolise Cambodian Independence Day after winning back independence from French colonial rule on 09 November 1953. With its spectacular unique style, the Independence Monument attracts many tourists every day. Moreover, the Independence Monument is also used as a memorial place dedicated to Cambodian patriots of the country.
The Central Market (Phsar Thmei) was built in 1937 by French architects and engineers, who designed it in a unique 26-meter dome shape, with four tall arch-roofed arms branching out creating vast hallways. The market survived the turbulent times of war and revolution, and became a symbol of resilience and hope for the Cambodian people. Walking into the market, you can smell the fragrant spices, hear the lively chatter, see the dazzling jewelry, touch the intricate textiles, and taste the delicious street food. You can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to handmade crafts and souvenirs, to antiques and electronics. It’s a place where you can experience the heart and soul of Phnom Penh and Cambodia by discovering enriching Cambodian culture and connecting with friendly local vendors.
The Royal Palace was built in 1866 during the reign of King Norodom. Around the palace there are several classic Khmer-style buildings, notably the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda was built by King Norodom in 1892 and rebuilt by Norodom Sihanouk (1926-2012). The floor of the Silver Pagoda contains 5,000 silver tiles, each of them said to weigh 1 kilogram. There is also a collection of gifts from foreign heads of state. Look for the Napoleon III Pavilion, a gift to King Norodom in 1876.
The magnificent building of the National Museum of Cambodia was inaugurated in April 1920. George Grolier, (1887-1945) historian, curator and writer who encouraged the revival of traditional Cambodian Arts and Crafts designed the building. The Museum, now under the direction of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, houses a collection of Khmer cultural materials, including stone sculptures, bronzes, ceramics and ancient historical pottery. The building has a beautiful central courtyard and garden, a haven of peace on a hot day. There is also a small research library for the use of museum staff, researchers and students of the Royal University of Fine Arts. This library has a small but quite significant collection of books and journals in Khmer, French, and English, mostly books on art and archaeology, and museology.
Public High School
Hun Sen Takhmao High School, located just in front of RTTC is a state school famous for producing high quality teaching and learning, which attracts people from the neighbourhood, either near or far away, to enroll in this school. An Outstanding Student Contest is also an event the school takes pride in and is celebrated annually.
The Australian Centre for Education (ACE) is a world leader in the provision of English language teaching and training with international awards and recognition, and current annual enrolments of 100,000 students of 15 nationalities aged 7 to 50. ACE is also recognised locally and globally for being on the forefront of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
On August 4th, 2022, the grand opening of its sixth campus at Chak Angre was presided over by the Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, with ACE celebrating its 30th year in the Kingdom after being established in 1992 by IDP Education, a global leader in international student placement services. Standing beside the Bassac River, a major branch of the Mekong, ACE Chak Angre campus can equip a full capacity of 8,000 students with world-class facilities and flexible spaces, and is also home to an IDP Study Abroad Resource Centre and the IELTS Cambodia Official Test Centre.
Sailing along the 4,350 km-long Mekong River—the longest in Southeast Asia—you'll pass through stunning landscapes and enjoy panoramic views of Phnom Penh, including the grand Royal Palace, the king's official residence. Originating from the Tibetan Plateau, the river flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before reaching the South China Sea. It serves as a vital trade route and supports millions of people, along with a rich and diverse ecosystem filled with unique species. A boat cruise on the Mekong offers a memorable way to experience Cambodia’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and flavorful local cuisine.
A boat cruise through the Four Rivers area offers beautiful views of Phnom Penh and the Royal Palace. Traveling up the Mekong River, you’ll reach Silk Island (Koh Oknha Tei), a peaceful spot known for its traditional silk weaving village. There, you can learn about silk production—from raising silkworms to weaving intricate patterns—and purchase handmade silk products. Silk Island provides a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s rural life and cultural heritage.
Koh Oknha Tey Junior High School is a school located on Koh Oknha Tey, a small island in the Mekong River in Cambodia. The island is also known as Silk Island, because it is home to many silk weaving workshops and farms. Part of the Koh Oknha Tey High School, the school aims to provide quality education and life skills for the students, and to promote the cultural heritage of the island. The school also organizes various activities and events, such as sports, arts, and community service.
Champey Academy of Arts is a non-profit art professional school in Phnom Penh working to preserve, protect and promote Cambodian Culture. The school is earning funds from its welcome service and a small souvenir shop in order to give scholarships for children from poor families and from disadvantaged living conditions to have chances to learn and experience their culture. Champey Academy of Arts offers classes in traditional dance - both classical and folkloric, traditional music and traditional drawing/painting.
The Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO), situated in Phnom Penh’s historic colonial district, presents nearly 2,000 years of Cambodia’s history—from the Funan period through the Angkorian Empire and the Cold War—highlighting the close links between political shifts, social changes, geopolitics, and economic and monetary developments. Fully funded by the National Bank of Cambodia, the museum uses modern displays that blend ancient artifacts with interactive technology such as touchscreens and educational games. Open since 2019, its permanent exhibition is designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Embark on a journey to explore Cambodia’s education system across both public and private sectors. Participants will have the opportunity to observe how a local public school in Phnom Penh operates and educates its students. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to teach a session at Cambodia's leading English school, the Australian Centre for Education (ACE). Participants will also explore the campus and engage with management team members of the school to gain insights into the inner workings of the institution.
Indradevi High School is a notable public high school serving Phnom Penh’s Toul Kork area. With improved infrastructure thanks to international support, it continues to play a role in delivering secondary education under Cambodia’s national system. As one of the public senior secondary schools in Phnom Penh, Indradevi High provides education for grades 10 through 12, aligning with Cambodia’s national curriculum. It is one of several key urban high schools recognized under the capital’s educational institutions.
The Australian Centre for Education is a leader in the provision of English Language Teaching services in Cambodia and in the South East Asia region, established by IDP Education in 1992. It offers a wide range of English language programs, including general English, academic English, and business English, catering to diverse student needs. ACE is recognized for its high-quality teaching and has received international awards for its language education and digital innovation. It also provides teacher training programs, including the internationally recognized TESOL Teacher Certification Program. With multiple campuses in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, ACE plays a significant role in English language education in Cambodia and the broader Southeast Asia region. For more information about ACE, visit the school’s official website.
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