As Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination, Siem Reap offers a fascinating blend of traditional and modern life. During your work with Global Dental Relief (GDR), you will have many opportunities to experience the unique splendor and culture of Cambodia.

During the time spent in Cambodia, volunteers stay at the Shinta Mani Resort, a boutique hotel that is run by the Shinta Mani Foundation (SMF). Founded to improve the economy and reduce poverty, this nonprofit organization provides free hospitality training to help underprivileged Khmer develop employment-ready skills and experience. The Shinta Mani Foundation improves the lives of villagers by installing wells, providing homes and offering employment opportunities. And now in partnership with GDR, SMF is extending dental care to village children.

A few of the many sites you will see on sightseeing days during your trip include:

• Angkor Wat: One of the largest religious monuments ever built, this temple complex is believed by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. The five towers stand as symbols of Mount Meru’s five peaks, and the moat represents the world’s oceans.

• Ta Prohm: Ta Prohm was built in 1186 and over the centuries has been engulfed by the jungle. While other temple structures of the Angkor complex have had their jungle overgrowth removed, Ta Prohm remains largely as it was when it was discovered by French explorers in the 19th century.

• Kampong Khleang: There are three main floating villages in Siem Reap; of them, Kampong Khleang offers the most authentic experience. The village is comprised of several dozen wooden structures–homes, schools, clinics–floating on the river. During the dry season, the village rests on Tonle Lap Lake but will move along the river according to the time of year.

• Cambodian People: One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering overseas is the opportunity to connect with the local people and culture. Unlike a sightseeing tour, volunteering offers the chance to work side-by-side with the Khmer people and to learn about their way of life. Take the time to get to know your Khmer colleagues and to sit with the kids in the clinic. Our volunteers report that by far, the friendships they form with the local people is the most fulfilling part of the experience.

Learn more about exciting opportunities in Cambodia by reviewing the trip itinerary or contact our office today. We are excited to welcome you aboard our mission to provide much-needed dental care to the children of Siem Reap and offer you a life-changing experience.

The post 4 Reasons to Visit and Volunteer in Cambodia first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

• The Children – Because you are going on this trip, you’ll have an opportunity to experience a part of Leh that no tourists will see: the children who come to our clinic. Most of these children have never had the opportunity to meet with a dentist before, and many don’t have toothbrushes or toothpaste at home. Who can resist the bright smiles on the children’s faces when you teach them how to brush their teeth or their courage while getting their first dental filling? If you’d like to learn more about what it might be like working at the clinic, you can read about the beautiful experience of Moni Basu of CNN who accompanied us to Ladakh in 2013.

• Pangong Lake – If you are sticking around for a few days after the clinic work is over, you’ll want to see this lake. It’s a gorgeous, massive lake situated in the midst of the Himalayan mountains at a height of more than 14,000 ft above sea level. You can rent a bike or even reach it by taxi. You’ll find Takthok and Chemeray monasteries on your way to or from the lake if you’re willing to take a slight detour.

• Nubra Valley – Anciently, this desert valley was called Ldumra, meaning “The Valley of Flowers.” It is situated in between the Ladakh and Karakoram Mountain Ranges and is about 10,000 ft above sea level. In this area you’ll find monasteries, white sand dunes, a hot spring, and even the opportunity to ride a camel.

• The Golden Triangle – An exotic journey through the state or Rajisthan that includes stops in Agra, home of the Taj Mahal and Jaipur, the famous Pink City. You can arrange your own itinerary, or GDR can help organize the details for you.

• Trek — Consider spending an additional five days after the clinic on a trek with others from Global Dental Relief. Our office can give you further details. Call us at 303-858-8857. Would you like a small taste of trekking in Ladakh before officially you decide to go? This BBC article will take you on a journey through the Markha Valley in the Himalayas

Do you have more questions about the trip? Check out our Ladakh itinerary here or call our office with additional questions. The Ladakh valley has only two dentists to serve 40,000 residents. Your commitment to volunteering will bring much needed dental care to hundreds of children – THANK YOU for choosing to make a difference!

The post The Top 5 Sights to See in Ladakh, India first appeared on Global Dental Relief.