Hope for a Child’s Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle Adventure
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) to Siem Reap
30th October – 9th November 2014
(11 days)
South East Asia's most exotic countries on a
11-day cycling adventure through Vietnam
and Cambodia. Cycle through the watery
world of the Mekong Delta, ride by rice
paddies and discover the mystique of the
Angkor Wat temples.
Enjoy a comprehensive 11-day cycling tour of
Vietnam and Cambodia and connect with a
country and its local people. Experience
village life in South East Asia and escape the
well-trodden tourist trails. Discover the real
Vietnam and Cambodia, and see major
attractions, such as the Mekong Delta, Angkor
Wat Temples and charming cities of Saigon
and Phnom Penh.
Cycle Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Depart UK
We depart UK for our overnight flight to Ho Chi
Minh City.
Day 2: Arrive in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we will be
picked up from the airport and transferred to
our hotel. After check-in, you are free to
explore Saigon at leisure. We will meet for
dinner and a briefing in the evening.
Meals included: D
Distance cycled: N/A
Day 3: Saigon to Tra Vinh
After breakfast, we transfer for a couple of hours out of Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho - the gateway to the
Mekong Delta. Today's ride will lead us right into the heart of the rural Mekong. We pedal along narrow
paths and lanes, past banana plantations and fields of sugar cane, through the lush green landscape of
the Delta until we reach Tra Vinh - a small town off the tourist trail, with a large population of ethnic
Khmer.
Meals included: B, L, D
Distance cycled: 52km (32 miles)
Level of difficulty: Beginner
Day 4: Tra Vinh to Can Tho
Following breakfast at our hotel, we push on with our cycling adventures - the roads are peaceful, narrow
and very pretty all the way to Can Tho. Along the way we cross numerous rivers and streams via bridges
and local ferries. There is plenty to see on our journey, including colourful Khmer temples and the pond of
Ba Om, where we'll hear the story of how it was dug and subsequently got its name according to local
legend. We cycle along riverbank paths and through busy villages until we join the main road to Can Tho.
Can Tho is a popular town on the banks of the Mekong with a night market and waterfront bars and
restaurants.
Meals included: B, L, D
Distance cycled: 80km (50 miles)
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Day 5: Cruise & Cycle from Can Tho to Chau Doc
After a very early breakfast, we catch the boat to Cai Rang floating market to see the local farmers
selling their produce from their boats on the busy river. Once we're back on dry land we cycle along
narrow roads weaving through the morning market hustle and bustle on the banks of the river, whilst
absorbing the sights of endless cottage industries, timber merchants and coconut shredders. Once we
finish cycling for the day, we will transfer for approximately one and half hours to the border town of Chau
Doc, where we spend our last night in Vietnam.
Meals included: B, L, D
Distance cycled: 90km (56 miles)
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Day 6: Bid Farewell to Vietnam, Say Hello to Cambodia
Today we will say goodbye to our Vietnamese crew and bikes, as we continue our journey by boat up the
Mekong and then the Bassac River to Phnom Penh. We stop off en route to officially exit Vietnam and
then again to obtain our visas into Cambodia. We arrive in the Cambodian capital for lunch. In the
afternoon we may have time to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or one of the killing fields of
Cambodia at Choeung Ek - sad but important reminders of the beautiful country's troubled past.
Meals included: B, L, D
Distance cycled: No cycling
Day 7: Cycle from Phnom Penh to Kompong Thom
Following an early breakfast, we will meet our Khmer crew and bikes before riding out of the city past the
Royal Palace and along the city waterfront. Although hectic at first, the roads gradually become quieter
as we cycle into the countryside, passing lotus ponds, villages, rice fields and fish farms. We stop for a
break at the ancient capital of Oudong Mountain and if you have the energy to climb up the steps from
the base of the mountain, you can stroll about among the ancient royal temples and stupas and admire
the wonderful view down to the surrounding rice fields and floodplains. We then push on, crossing the
Tonle Sap River and heading north once again until we reach the cashew nut plantations where our
cycling ends today. We board our bus for a short hop to the bustling town of Skun where the local
delicacy is sautéed garlic tarantula - we will have a quick stop here to taste the local wares! We then
transfer for approximately two hours to Kampong Thom where we stay for the night.
Meals included: B, L, D
Distance cycled: 90km (55 miles)
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Day 8: Kompong Thom to Siem Reap
This morning we take a transfer for approximately one and half hours to an ancient bridge at Kampong
Kdei, one of the best examples of the remaining 800 years old bridges in Cambodia. From the bridge we
cycle on the historic highway connecting the provinces of Kampong Thom and Angkor. We will stop and
have lunch at the Bakong Pagoda in Rolous, one of the famous ancient Buddhist monasteries, before
pushing on to Angkor Wat Temple. The road is lined with temples and creates a fitting entrance to this
unique and spiritual city. Our challenge finish line is located near the beautiful Western Gate of Angkor
Wat. A very short rides takes us to our hotel in the colonial city of Siem Reap - a fantastic town with
markets, bars and restaurants to suit everyone!
Meals included: B, L, D
Distance cycled: 70km (43 miles)
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Day 9: Exploring Angkor Wat and Surrounding Temples
Following breakfast, we take our bikes and spend the day exploring the incredible city of Angkor; the
overgrown Ta Prohm; embraced by tree routes and gigantic creepers, the tranquil Bayon with its
multitude of serene stone faces, the impressive 350m long Terrace of the Elephants and the magnificent
piece de resistance, Angkor Wat! Following our day exploring this fascinating world heritage site, we head
back to Siem Reap to celebrate our achievements at our farewell dinner.
Meals included: B, L, D
Distance cycled: 30km (17.6 miles)
Level of difficulty: Beginner
Day 10: Siem Reap Departure
Enjoy a free morning in Siem Reap, before we head to the airport to catch our flight back to the UK.
Day 11: Arrive UK
Tour Details
Group Size
15 plus Cycling Adventurers
Style
Fully supported Cycling Adventure
Pricing
Only £1100 per person - £350 deposit confirms you as a Cycling Adventurer
All monies due 90 days before departure.
What is/is not included is below.
Inclusions
All sightseeing tour and transfer services as
detailed in the above itinerary
All accommodation as detailed
Air conditioned support vehicle
Truck to transport bicycles
English speaking local guide
English speaking local cycle guide / mechanic
Bicycles hire
Boat ticket from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
All entrance fees for attractions included in the
above itinerary
Daily drinking water, cool face towels & snacks
whilst cycling
All meals as detailed in the above itinerary
(B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner)
Exclusions
Services not detailed in the above
itinerary
International flights to Vietnam and from
Cambodia
Vietnam and Cambodian Visa fees
Drinks with included meals
Expenditure of a personal nature
Discretionary tips
Travel insurance
Any payment / money transfer charges
Accommodation
8 nights in comfortable hotels. All with en-suite and air-conditioning.
Saigon:
Tra Vinh:
Can Tho:
Chau Doc:
Phnom Penh:
Kampong Thom:
Siem Reap:
Silverland Central Hotel
Tan Hang
Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel
Chau Pho Hotel
Cardamom Hotel
Sambor Village Hotel
Royal Crown Hotel Spa (2 nights)
All rooms are on a twin basis
Arriving & Departing
Your guide meets you at the airport and brings you to your hotel. Your tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam and ends in Siem Reap, Cambodia. You should arrange your flight arrival to Ho Chi Minh City
and departure from Siem Reap.
Cycling Days & Distance
06 days – 400-412 km
Difficulty
Intermediate - this trip involves some riding on unsealed roads, but it is mostly quite easy riding. Anyone
with a reasonable level of fitness and some pre-trip training should consider this ride. This is a flat ride.
Cycling Conditions
50% sealed roads, 50% dirt roads. Road conditions in Cambodia have improved considerably over the
past few years. This trip is on a variety of fascinating back roads and trails. Roads are mostly in good
condition, but with some pot-holes, sand and boggy sections. We are well away from traffic for the
majority of this ride which is a huge advantage as the highways of Asia are no fun. We have dedicated
much time and effort to find the best cycling routes through the region that we call home. In general this
is a very flat ride.
Bikes
Bike hire is included in this price. We use Cannondale Trail SL4 mountain bikes, red in colour. They have
disk brake and hybrid tires fitted for touring. We provide the same quality bikes to all cyclists to make sure
that everyone in the group is happy with their bike. Our bikes are well maintained and less than 2 years
old.
Bike Repairs
Basic spares and tools are carried by our guide and on the support vehicle, however we cannot
guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. It is recommended to carry a basic tool kit, a
spare tube and pump while riding.
Helmets
Helmets are compulsory. We will provide you with a quality helmet which follows American safety
standards. But feel free to bring your own one.
Support Vehicles
For the cycling days we will have the backup support of a small bus that will carry your luggage, snacks,
water, and people who are not cycling. You can use the support vehicle whenever you feel like you
need a break. There are sections where the support vehicle will not be able to follow on small trails and
paths especially in Mekong Delta in Vietnam but your leader will give plenty of notice.
Guide
You will be lead by a local English speaking guide and dependant on the group size we will add another
guide to the tour, as one will ride in the front and another one in the back. All of our guides are well
informed about the history, culture and religions of the places where you are going to cycle. Your guide is
a trained and experienced cyclist who is able to handle most minor repairs en route.
Meals
Meals are included as per the itinerary, see B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. Most dishes are local food
and feature noodles, rice, soups and/or fried vegetable. Any special dietary requirements can be
catered for as well. Please let us know at the beginning of the booking. We strongly support social
enterprise restaurants, if they are available, as we like to give something back to the society.
Drinks
We always keep you hydrated. This is our job. We provide you with unlimited cold quality drinking water in
a bottle, soft drinks, some energy-restoring local fruits and snacks which are included in the tour price. Soft
drinks and other beverages during meals in the restaurant are not included. You may also want to bring
your energy bar in powder or tablet form.
Travel Details
Passports & Visas
All nationalities require a valid passport. Before you travel, please check your passport to ensure that
there is room for a visa and entry/exit stamps (at least 3 pages) and that it has at least 6 months validation
remaining.
Vietnamese visa regulations are very strict. Visas must be obtained in advance, either from the embassy
or consulate.
One-month single entry visas can be easily obtained upon arrival in Cambodia. Visas at the border cost
USD20 and require one passport photo. You can obtain a visa in your own country if you wish but it is
probably more expensive.
Travel Insurance
One of the conditions to participate in a Horizon Adventures cycle Adventure is to hold valid travel
insurance for the duration of the trip. Insurance must include comprehensive medical and emergency
evacuation. Your travel insurance details will be sought by our staff prior to your arrival.
Health
We recommend vaccinations including typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A & B. A certificate for Yellow
Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. Please consult with your doctor for
the most up to date information.
Weather
The North of Vietnam is generally cooler than other South East Asian regions in the same longitude. It
experiences two main distinct seasons. In winter months, the weather gets colder and colder from
November to March and considerably warmer in April (a leap into summer). This is also time to observe
much cloud and frequent drizzle. The average winter temperature is 17.2°C (62.9°F). Particularly, the
mountainous areas (Northwest) are often much colder, temperatures may keep below 10°C (50°F) for
long periods.
In the summer (from May to October), the whole region is quite hot. Temperatures may rise to 37°C (98.6
°F) in the peaks of June and July. Hanoi and coastal provinces around the Red River Delta generally enjoy
equitable weather with high average humidity (80%) all year round though they may occasionally be
subjected to typhoons and heavy rain in late summers (September to November). Vietnamese people
even identify four seasons in the Northern provinces (from Hai Van Pass toward the north) with their distinct
features: pleasant spring (typically March-April) and autumn (October-December), a chilly winter
(December- February) and a hot summer (June – July).
Cambodia has two seasons. Dry season starts from November to April and rainy season starts from May to
October. The hottest month of the year is April with temperatures up to 40ºC. The average temperature in
rainy season is between 20 to 30ºC and in dry season between 27 to 40ºC.
Money
The official currency of Vietnam is Dong. US Dollar is not accepted now.
The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, however, the US dollar is widely accepted and can be used
in all situations. When traveling to Cambodia it is best to bring small denomination US dollars in cash along
with traveler cheques as your main form of money. There are now ATMs in most of the places where you
stay overnight, which dispense US Dollars, however, this should not be relied on as your sole source of
money.
Extra Expenses
We recommend that you allow approximately USD15 for food and general living costs per day. Shopping
money should be considered extra to this amount. It is customary to tip the guides and drivers in Asia.
Tipping
A culture of tipping for good service has developed in Vietnam and Cambodia. This applies to
restaurants, taxis, hotel staff and any other service situation. You should carry some small notes for this.
When leaving a hotel in the morning, your group leader will pass an envelope around and if you feel the
staff at the hotel have looked after you very well and have gone beyond the requirements of their job,
you could slip a dollar or so into the envelope.
Many people who have enjoyed the company and service of our support team, including cycling leader,
mechanic, drivers etc. like to show their appreciation in the form of a tip. This is best done in an envelope
at the time of parting or at the last meal together. Handing cash without an envelope is considered less
polite. Some suggestions around amounts are as follows: Your guides have done an excellent job and
surpassed your expectations then it is appropriate to give them around USD3 per person/day.
Responsible Tourism
As part of our responsible tourism policy we always try to provide positive impact on the country we are
visiting. On this trip there are a number of things you can do to have a positive influence on the
communities that we are going to visit.
Dress Code
Vietnam and Cambodia are still quite conservative countries. In rural areas and temples overly revealing
clothing is considered offensive. You should make an effort to dress more conservatively in these
situations. Walking around villages in bike shorts is not appropriate. If you wish to cycle in just bike shorts
you should have something with you on the bike to wear on top such as long loose shorts, or a
skirt/sarong. A good solution for this are 'shy shorts' which combine cycling shorts with loose long shorts
over the top. When visiting temples shorts are acceptable if they cover the knee. Sleeveless tops are not
acceptable in temples and Buddhist pagodas. Our local guide will brief you during dinner if you need to
wear specific cloths for tomorrow.
Rubbish & Recycling
Please keep the county you visit clean. There is a rubbish bin in all of our support vehicles. If you are
unable to find a bin just leave your rubbish in the minivan as our driver will clean it and divide the rubbish
to their recycle and non-recycle bin at the end of the day.
Donations
Often when coming on trips overseas people like to bring items such as sweets, pens and books for
children or old clothing for families. While this is a fantastic idea, if distributed in the wrong way it can
actually create more problems. If you would like to donate something to the communities that we visit we
would like to suggest that you give those items to the local provider who will then pass on to development
organizations, schools or whole communities. In this way items are distributed by those working in the
communities who understand the local needs better.
Remarks
Minor programme changes can be possible, depending on road- and weather conditions,
as well as room availability.