CYCLE VIETNAM to CAMBODIA 18-26 OCT 2019 Challenge Yourself & Make a Difference! cancerfundforchildren.com NI Charity Commission No. NIC100532
Cycle Vietnam to Cambodia 2019 Date: 10th - 20th October 2019 Registration Fee: 250 Minimum Sponsorship: 3,750 Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? This remarkable cycling challenge provides a unique opportunity to explore two of Asia s most stunning countries, on board two wheels. Cycling for five days in total, you ll experience an unforgettable week, as you meander off the beaten track through rural Vietnam and over the border into Cambodia. You ll take in paddy fields and rubber plantations, return the waves of welcoming Khmer villages pedal into bustling cities and sleeping backwaters, before arriving at the awe-inspiring ancient temples of Angkor Wat. After absorbing the wonder of these majestic temples, this trip of a lifetime finishes with a celebratory dinner in the market town of Siem Reap. Cancer Fund for Children is delighted to offer you the opportunity to experience this amazing corner of Asia for yourself. By signing up to this cycle, you will be taking on a remarkable physical challenge and most importantly, raise funds to help children across Northern Ireland living with cancer.
Cyle Vietnam to Cambodia Highlights: Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an elaborate warren of underground tunnels. Pedal through luscious paddy fields and traditional Khmer villages. Glimpse water buffalo wallowing in the Mekong river. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Kampong Cham city, Cambodia s third largest city. Experience the wonder of the historic temples at Angkor Wat. Brief Itinerary Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Depart UK Arrive in Vietnam Tay Ninh approx. 77km of cycling Svay Rieng approx. 80km of cycling Kompong Cham approx. 108km of cycling Kompong Thom approx. 90km of cycling Angkor Wat approx. 85km of cycling Siem Reap free day / Depart Vietnam Arrive UK
What s Included All domestic and international flights* All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner (except during free time including airports) All accommodation six nights in comfortable 2/4* hotels Luggage and participant transfers National Park entrance fees High quality bike hire Action Challenge UK cycle guide UK expedition medic Full support team including English speaking local guides Cancer Fund for Children charity representative 3 litres of treated drinking water provided daily Celebratory dinner on last day of challenge Full support of Cancer Fund for Children fundraiser Pre-cycle group meetings and training cycles A tick for your bucket list, lifelong lasting memories and sense of wonderful achievement! *Our cycle facilitators Action Challenge have allowed 850pp for flight costs for this trip but due to the fluctuating nature of currency and potential rises in fuel surcharges, there is no guarantee that the costs of the flight at point of booking will not have exceeded their cost allowance. As a charity, we are not in a position to absorb these charges and may have to pass them on to the individual. We will do our best to avoid this and will communicate any potential charges at the earliest opportunity and can be flexible about payment arrangements. What s Not Included Alcoholic drinks Travel insurance (estimated at 70) Single room supplement (estimated at 350 subject to availability) Visas (estimated at 72) Tip for local staff (recommended 55 per cyclist subject to currency fluctuations) Vaccination and medication costs Angkor Temple pass / tour
Full Itinerary DAY 1 DEPARTURE Today we meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the airport in London, before checking in together and boarding our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. DAY 2 - ARRIVE VIETNAM We land in Ho Chi Minh (formally known as Saigon) and are transferred by private bus to our hotel in the heart of the city. We will get a chance to settle in before tucking into a welcome dinner with our local guides, who will give us a full briefing on our adventure ahead. DAY 3 - TAY NINH - APPROX 77KM CYCLING After an early breakfast, we transfer north of Ho Chi Minh (approximately 1.5 hours) to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Here we have a bike fitting before visiting the elaborate warren of underground tunnels constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war. After lunch we set off on our bikes - our challenge has begun! The route to Tay Ninh unwinds along quiet rural roads through local villages surrounded by a patchwork of paddy fields. We arrive in the bustling market town of Tay Ninh to spend the night. DAY 4 - SVAY RIENG - APPROX 80KM CYCLING After an early breakfast we set off for the Moc Bai border crossing, via the striking Caodai Great Temple. Once formalities have been completed we enter Cambodia and catch our first glimpses of rural life here. We pass traditional wooden houses on stilts, framed by a backdrop of vast rice fields before stopping at a school for an afternoon snack. The day comes to a close in the quiet provincial town of Svay Reing. DAY 5 - KOMPONG CHAM - APPROX 108KM CYCLING Today we begin our cycling straight from our hotel in Svay Rieng. We continue our journey north through paddy fields and Water Lyly flowers ponds. There are many villages and the children like to say hello along the routes. We cycle mostly on dirt gravel countryside road. We make a water stop at one of the primary schools and visit and have packed lunch in a Buddhist temple. As we approach Cambodia s third largest city we are greeted by the sight of a hotel complete with pool to soothe our weary limbs!
DAY 6 - KOMPONG THOM - APPROX 90KM CYCLING After breakfast, we leave the city behind us and embark on the longest day of the challenge. Heading into the backwaters of Cambodia, we cycle through tropical countryside until we find ourselves right in the heart of the sleepy waters! Our day draws to a close as we finish at a local school before transferring the final busy section into our accommodation in Kampong Thom. DAY 7 - ANGKOR WAT - APPROX 85KM CYCLING Today we avoid some of the poorer roads in Siem Reap province by transferring two hours to the Ancient Bridge at Kampong Kdei, one of the best examples of the remaining 800 year old bridges in Cambodia. From the bridge we follow the historic highway connecting the provinces of Kampon Thom and Angkor Wat. We begin to cycle off road from Ou village through the remote countryside to Samrong and we stop for lunch at Stung Tracheck restaurant. After lunch we cycle taking the off road again until we arrive in the Angkor archaeological park. The road into the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is lined with temples and creates a fitting entrance to this unique and spiritual city. After celebrating our arrival in Angkor Wat, we cycle the last few kilometres to Siem Reap where we will spend the night and enjoy a well-earned celebratory meal together. DAY 8 - SIEM REAP / RETURN HOME We have free time to explore more of the outlying temples of Angkor by Tuk Tuk or souvenir hunting in the markets of Siem Reap. We depart for the airport in the early evening for an overnight flight back to the UK. DAY 9 - ARRIVE HOME This itinerary is complicated and may be subject to change.
FAQs Is this trip for me? This cycle is suitable for people of all ages (minimum 18 years old) who are looking for adventure, are willing to dedicate themselves to reaching their fundraising target and who are prepared to train consistently to ensure that they have a good level of fitness. We will be cycling distances of approximately 80km per day. Although much of the terrain is flat, remember you will be cycling in temperatures of up to 30oC+. You will need a good level of stamina and endurance to ensure that you make the most out of the challenge and enjoy the ride. Previous cycling experience is not necessary but is desirable. Do I need specialist kit and equipment? In your welcome pack, once you register, you will find a kit list of what to pack. Apart from some broken in trainers or cycling shoes, cycling clothing and helmet, you do not need any specialist kit. You will be provided with a high quality bike on day 3 when we transfer north of Ho Chi Minh to the historic Chi Chi Tunnels. We advise taking two items of luggage a soft backpack or duffel bag weighing 80-100 litres and a day pack of approximately 25-35 litres capacity to carry your personal belongings, along with water, food and any essential clothing such as waterproofs. How does Cancer Fund for Children benefit? The travel, accommodation, cycling, meals and organisational costs of the event will be covered within your sponsorship and ALL remaining money will help us to pay for the services we offer to children and young people living with cancer in Northern Ireland. If you raise over the minimum amount of 3,750 the entire surplus will benefit the charity. How much do I need to raise to take part? To take part in this challenge, a non-refundable registration fee of 250 is due to confirm your participation. You are then required to raise a minimum amount of 3,750 before your departure date. 25% of the amount will be due by the end of October 2018, a further 25% by end of March 2019, the next 25% by end of June 2019 and the remaining 25% before departure.
What help will I get to raise the minimum sponsorship? We are here to help you every step of the way! After you register you will receive your trek fundraising pack and your dedicated Fundraiser will be in touch to discuss your plans. You will be given a fundraising pack with tips and ideas and have access to a range of fundraising tools, to help you reach your fundraising goal. How tough is the challenge? This is a moderate to tough level challenge and requires a solid level of fitness and stamina to cycle the route. You will be cycling in temperatures of up to 30 degrees + with high humidity. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience. This cycle has been designed to be challenging but achievable by anyone as long as you train consistently beforehand and understand the physical demands that you will encounter. Remember, you are cycling for 5 consecutive days and up to 80-100km per day, so you will need to be physically and mentally prepared. A training guide will be provided once you sign up. What will the accommodation be like? Whilst cycling we stay in comfortable 2/4* hotels. All accommodation is on a twin share / single sex basis and we will pair you with someone of a similar age where possible if you have not signed up with anyone else. Single rooms can be arranged upon request (subject to availability) but will incur a supplement charge of 350. What will the food be like? Breakfast each morning will be in our hotel whilst lunches will be en route. Evening meals will be at the hotel or a local restaurant, except in free time. All meals are full of carbohydrates, protein and nutrients to keep us well fuelled throughout the trip. We can cater for all dietary requirements if informed in advance. What will the weather be like? Vietnam and Cambodia are warm all year round but the ideal months to visit are during the cool season which runs from October to February. Temperatures may range from 32oC to 35oC, so it is advisable to ensure you always keep well hydrated during the day and to avoid excessive exposure to the sun during the afternoons. These southern parts rarely experience cold temperatures so expect low to mid 20 degrees. Rainfall if any will be short bursts. Is the challenge ATOL protected? ATOL is a scheme that protects you from losing money or being stranded abroad if your travel company collapses. Cancer Fund for Children s Trek Vietnam is organised through Action Challenge who are 100% ATOL bond and provides you with full financial protection.
Register Today! Register for our Cycle Vietnam to Cambodia today the adventure of a lifetime! For any additional information or to chat through any questions you may have, please contact Alex on: T: 028 9080 5599 E: alex@cancerfundforchildren.com cancerfundforchildren.com NI Charity Commission No. NIC100532