Visitors to Cambodia inevitably head for the capital Phnom Penh, the wondrous Khmer temples of Angkor and, occasionally, a little further afield to places such as Kampot or the seaside town of Sihanoukville.

But as much as tourism moves apace, there is no escaping the fact that Cambodia is a country still nursing the scars of war and internal conflict. Hand-in-hand with its recent past and the warm welcome now afforded to travelers, there are a number of projects aiming to improve life for local people while at same time providing a fascinating insight for those wanting to get under the skin of this south-east Asian country.

Destination specialist Silk Steps is including four of these projects in a seven-day itinerary that is based in the towns of Siem Reap and Battambang, both of which provide gateways to temple complexes, sites and history spanning centuries including the famed Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world:

The centre, based in Siem Reap, is aimed at promoting awareness and education. Run by a former child soldier, Mr Aki Ra, who today works as a de-miner as well as using the museum as a rescue center for amputee children from the streets of Phnom Penh and the country’s impoverished rural communities.

Lunch is taken at this centre for hospitality training set up to educate young Cambodians and provide them with marketable skills as the country’s tourism industry grows. Guests have the chance to enjoy local cuisine and to meet students.

Phare Ponleu Selpak is an arts centre run by a charity promoting the skills and development of young Cambodian artists. Visitors with an artistic skill are encouraged to hold a workshop and will also be able to enjoy an original circus show created by local children and which has brought the centre international attention.

Meahto Phum Ko’mah (or "homeland" in English) is a NGO working with orphans and vulnerable children from the streets. The aim is to integrate them back into society and provide a safe family environment as well as access to education and vocational training. Among its numerous projects is a trade handicraft centre helping to raise the income of local families, a weaving workshop and a café which also serves as a training hub.

Silk Steps’ Cambodia with a Difference costs £1580 per person based on two people travelling. The price includes flights with Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways (via Bangkok), transfers, accommodation in deluxe properties, and a full programme on a private tour basis with local English-speaking guides and drivers.