FAQ's
I really want to go on a Head, Heart & Hand Holiday. How do I book?
Our packages sell out very quickly therefore the only way to secure your booking is to pay a deposit.
Deposits are AUD $250 per person for Family Friendly groups and AUD $500 per person for private and adult groups. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your package commencement date.
Please call Em on 0427 972 828 to confirm your booking dates, names and numbers of pax.
Deposits can be paid via pay pal or direct debit:
Head, Heart& Hand Holidays Pty Ltd. BSB: 082 356 ACC: 43 108 79937
I really want to go but I'm not sure what flights I need to book. Can you help me?
You will need to book a flight into Siem Reap preferably arriving the day/ night before commencement date. (You are welcome to book an extra night at our accommodation at a heavily discounted rate.) You’re outgoing flight can be anytime on the final day.
We recommend Matthew Mayall from Flight Centre Ballina to assist with your flight booking and travel insurance needs.
email matthew.mayall@flightcentre.com.au phone: 02 6681 1638
I’M INTERESTED IN ORGANISING A PRIVATE GROUP BOOKING, WHAT WOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?
Firstly you will need to select the *dates we have available that suit you.
As a “group co-ordinator” you are simply’ responsible for inviting 13 other people to join you. To reward you for your efforts (and contribution to humanity) we give you your package at half price!
As people show interest they will need to pay their deposit (as above) to confirm their booking.
Unless your Wash House project has been sponsored, each volunteer you recruit is responsible for fund raising or donating AUD $250 towards the Wash House. (Wash Houses are USD $2775 to build) You are welcome to work as a team or individually to reach the fundraising target.
Please phone Em for more info: 0427 972 828
*Refer to our “Join Us” section for dates.
WHAT TYPES OF “PRIVATE GROUPS” DO YOU CATER FOR?
Private groups need to be a minimum of 14 / maximum of 16 people.
We work with all sorts of groups - Family groups, student groups, corporate groups, birthday groups… We are trained in the area of personal development and coaching and can can create team building holidays for sporting / business groups etc.
We keep our values, philosophies and personal development aspects in place but are also happy to tailor a private group booking to your needs.
Do Head, Heart and Hand Holidays fall within the guidelines of responsible tourism?
Absolutely! Responsible Tourism is tourism ‘that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit’. We aim to create sustainable change in the lives of those less fortunate. We work in association with a Responsible tourism representative in Cambodia. We choose to support businesses and N.G.O’s in Siem Reap that have been approved by the responsible tourism board and or have strict child protection policies in place. All our volunteers must complete a volunteer assessment form, agree to strict child protection policies and are screened before being approved to work within close proximity of children.
Head, Heart & Hand Holidays believes in “creating jobs not taking jobs” so all our work is based on creating employment opportunities and self-empowerment for all. We have a large HH&HH team in Cambodia.
We also believe that all responsibility begins with personal responsibility. We value integrity and transparency and that is why we also have a personal development component included in our package.
nb/ Head, Heart and Hand Holidays DO NOT work with orphanages.
WHAT IS A WASH HOUSE, WHY AND HOW ARE THEY BUILT?
WHAT: A Wash House is effectively a two-sided outdoor wash basin/trough with a roof. It is a place where people can access basic hygiene, wash their hands and brush their teeth.
WHY: Head, Heart & Hand Holidays specialise in building Wash Houses at remote school communities in Siem Reap. 10,000 people die annually in Cambodia due to easily preventable disease caused by a lack of basic hygiene. Head, Heart & Hand Holidays aims to give 10,000 students access to basic hygiene (including Wash Houses, quarterly toiletry supplies, hygiene education, menstrual education and sanitary kits.)
HOW: Our volunteers build one Wash House per 7 day group. Volunteers work alongside our local building team as labourers. Building for our volunteers takes place one day on/ one day off as cement needs to dry during the off days.
Nb/ Days off building are also designed for you to be contributing to Cambodia in some way … eg. Even if you think you’re just getting a massage you’re actually providing an employment opportunity. Everything we do benefits both volunteer and recipient.
The cost of building a Wash House is USD $2775 These are either sponsored by a donor or business or each volunteer in a group of 14 is responsible for fundraising or donating AUD $250 per person towards the project.
Please refer to our Wash House information page for more info. (coming soon.)
DO WE TRAVEL EACH DAY FROM OUR ACCOMMODATION TO WHERE WE ARE WORKING AND WHAT IS THE MODE OF TRANSPORT?
We travel from accommodation to the building site. We work within a 25km radius of Siem Reap and volunteers travel via a mini van or bus from our accommodation to the project site and return. All other modes of short distance transport are tuk tuks (we employ a team of drivers.)
WHAT SORT OF ACCOMMODATION WILL WE BE STAYING AT?
We currently contract out a small boutique hotel that is walking distance to the main tourist area and at the same time is secluded, private, safe, modern and nurturing. There are different room styles depending on each booking - twin / double and family rooms. There is a swimming pool at the hotel which volunteers are very grateful for. All staff are beautiful, friendly locals. We invite you to take the time to get to know all the staff (as well as our own beautiful HH&HH team.)
There are photos of the accommodation in our gallery.
WHAT FOOD WILL WE EAT AND WHO WILL PURCHASE & PREPARE IT?
Almost all meals are included in your package. You can enjoy an a’la carte breakfast (from the menu) anytime before our 9am start. lunches on building days are catered for in the style of a packed lunch and most dinners are buffet style at our accommodation.
We are able to cater for dietary requirements providing you let us know in advance. It’s actually very easy to cater for gluten free, vegetarian and vegans.
How physically fit do I need to be for a Head, Heart and Hand Holiday?
Hands on physical work is required with building projects however we always have lighter jobs available for anyone unable to carry out physical work. Moderate walking is required and we invite you to join us on a moderate cycle tour. The weather is warm to hot in Cambodia so a moderate level of fitness is helpful.
If you have any mental health issues, allergies/ food intolerance or take any medication it is very important that you disclose this information with us upon booking.
WILL WE BE QUITE BUSY?
The Head, Heart & Hand schedule is fairly full however we’ve found when people get out of their head and into their heart that feeling of “business” changes into a feeling of “presence” so even though the days are quite full most people feel very present in the moment.
What can I hope to get out of the daily self-development circles?
The aim of tribe is connection, personal responsibility and greater personal awareness.
You will receive a workbook (playbook) to complete while you are on holiday – many people enjoy the opportunity to take some time out for self exploration while they have the time. Each day we gather for “tribe” to discuss the days events and the impact it has had on us. “Tribe” is one of the many highlights of a Head, Heart and Hand Holiday and our “tribe members” find a depth of connection that bonds them for life. What you get out of a Head, Heart & Hand Holiday is in direct proportion to what you put in! … However at the conclusion of the holiday, participants may have attained the following:
Increased self-awareness
A greater sense of openness and REAL connection
Better listening skills
An *understanding of the benefits of self-nurture
An *understanding of the art of giving and receiving in balance
Awareness of personal core values
An *understanding of how you can CONSCIOUSLY making a difference in the world
Clearly defined, attainable short-term goal
A clearer idea of your life purpose
*There will also be opportunities to EXPERIENCE these things (rather than just talk about them) throughout the week.
Will I need vaccinations before traveling or medication while I'm in Cambodia?
Your health is your responsibility. Please click on the link below for more information and talk to your local GP if you have any concerns. http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Cambodia We do recommend that you pack your own first aid kit with such things as personal medication, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, band aids, panadol, gastro eze, etc. We recommend that you use a hand sanitizer when you’re out and about (especially before eating) and use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Do I require a visa to enter Cambodia?
Yes. You can purchase a temporary visa at Siem Reap airport for $30 USD. (It's best to have USD on you to pay.) You can also have your photo taken for the Visa at the airport for $2 USD. Visa forms are usually given out during your flight, fill them out on the plane and follow the flow as you enter the airport. **It is a very SIMPLE process. The customs officers may not be very smilie but that's only because their job is "official." For visa purposes your "accommodation in Siem Reap" is: Mulberry Boutique Hotel. +855 63968283 **PLEASE WRITE THIS INFO DOWN and put it in your passport folder.
WHAT MONEY DO THEY USE IN CAMBODIA?
Cambodia predominately uses US dollars. Please ensure you have crisp notes in good condition. Cambodian people will NOT accept a damaged note. It’s handy to have lots of lower denominations ($1 and $5.)
The local currency (Riel) is mostly used in the villages or by locals as they work in smaller denominations.
How much spending money will I need while I'm in Cambodia?
Most of your expenses are covered in your package so the amount of spending money you take is entirely up to you. It’s easier to work in US dollars in Cambodia as their currency is quite fiddly. There are only 2 lunches and 1 dinner at your own expense during your entire stay (budget USD$10 per meal.) We ask that you tip your massage therapist(s) USD$5. Night markets (budget USD$20+) Free time /miscellaneous USD$50. nb/ If you are on a strict budget you could easily get away with $150 spending money.
I HAVE HEARD I CAN’T USE PHONE OR INTERNET IS THIS TRUE?
We request that our volunteers don’t use phone or internet at anytime when with the group. We want you to experience REAL connection and presence without having the distraction of your device. It is fine to use your phone as a camera or to use it in the privacy of your own room (if absolutely necessary.) … Sometimes it’s cool to experience that the world actually keeps spinning without us.
In the case of children and teens on Family Friendly groups we understand that their device is their connection to their friends and it can be tough for them to suddenly not have that connection. Mornings and night times (within parental boundaries and guidelines) are fine providing they are in the privacy of their own room and REAL connection comes first. We do highly recommend they limit or abstain from social media to give themselves a break. For children and teens a Head, Heart & Hand Holiday is a rare opportunity to be present and learn who they are without their device and all the pressures and indoctrinations of social media.
Our student groups usually opt for total disconnection to immerse themselves fully in the personal development aspect.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO PACK FOR CAMBODIA?
Not much. This journey is as much about letting-go and simplifying as it is about giving and growing.
Camera
Hat
Sunglasses
Personal first aid
Toiletries
Socks and jocks
Bathers
PJ's
Comfortable walking shoes (can be used for building also)
2 x Casual cargo pants/ light, comfortable pants
2 x Casual T shirt/ tank top
Thongs/ sandles
Work clothes and closed shoes (you will be getting dirty and muddy.)
Casual clothes for dinner/ night out.
Scarf
Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist and modesty is valued. Please dress with respect. Carrying a light scarf is handy as shoulders (and knees) should be covered at temples. Shoes should be taken off before entering most homes and temples. We are guests in Cambodia and should respect Cambodia’s values.