CHANGING LIVES THROUGH LIFE-CHANGING EVENTS · 2019-11-25 · Cambodia. After leaving the lively town of Phnom Penh we cycle through the lush Cambodian countryside, across the ancient

CHANGING LIVES THROUGHLIFE-CHANGING EVENTS

CYCLE TO ANGKOR WAT 2020KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Introduction

The Challenge

Essential Information

Trip Itinerary

Costs and What’s Included

The Cycle

A Typical Day

Accommodation

Passport and Visa

Meals

Flights and Transport

Equipment

Luggage

Money

Travel Insurance

Vaccinations & Travel Advice

Optional Excursions

Support Crew

Tipping

Connectivity

Post Trip

Training

Skyline

CONTENTS

We welcome you to explore royal palaces, dazzling green paddy fields and temples onthis enchanting cycle across two beautiful countries, Vietnam and Cambodia. Take in thewealth of experience each has to offer, from the bustling Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minhto the serene Cambodian temple of Angkor Wat.

In this guide you will find all of the information you will need to get prepared for yourunforgettable adventure!

t. 020 7424 5511 w. www.skylineevents.co.uk e. [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

This document aims to give you as much information as possible before you embark upon your international challenge with Skyline! Taking part in one of our international challenges requires commitment and determination andwe aim to support you from the moment you sign up.

If you have any questions about your challenge please email the overseas team on [email protected] or call us on 0207 424 5511.


Duration 11 Days / 10 Nights

Dates 12th October– 22th October 2020

Country Vietnam and Cambodia

Activity Cycling

Accommodation Comfortable hotels throughout

Group Size 15-20 cyclists

Our cycle takes us from Ho Chi Minh City and along the Mekong Delta into Cambodiabefore finishing at the incredible Angkor Wat. Along the way we’ll pass small villages,local farmers in lush green paddy fields, and intricate temples, as well as bustlingtrade towns.

This challenge will take you out of your comfort zone and will introduce you to twofascinating countries and cultures. The sights, smells, tastes and sounds of theMekong Delta have to be experienced to be believed and when you step off your bikefor the final time overlooking Angkor Wat you will have made lifetime memories withyour fellow cyclists.

THE CHALLENGE

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Before you embark upon your challenge it is vital that we get a number of pieces of information from you. The sooner we receivethis information from you the better – we cannot 100% confirm your place on the trip until we have received the following fromyou:

Medical Form: We need you to fill this out as soon as possible so we can ensure that you are physically fit enough to partake in thechallenge. Our medical forms flag certain parameters and we may ask you to get your medical form signed off by your local GP;your form will also be checked by our company medical advisor. This process can sometimes take some time so the sooner youstart the easier it will be.

Information Sheet: Your information sheet gives us really important information such as next of kin details, dietary requirements,room sharing arrangements, passport details. It’s vital you give us this information early to ensure your requirements are met andany issues are flagged immediately

Travel Insurance: We need to have a copy of your insurance to make sure you are covered for the trip. If you don’t have your owninsurance you are able to take a policy out with us.


http://www.skylineoverseas.co.uk/cycle-vietnam-cambodia.aspx


ITINERARY

Day 1 Depart Manchester for Ho Chi Minh CityMeet our crew and your fellow cyclists at London Heathrow for the journey to Vietnam.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh CityUpon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City we’ll meet our local crew andquickly get a feel for the hustle and bustle of this fascinating cityas we transfer to our hotel where we’ll have a full trip briefing.

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh - Tra VinhThis morning we transfer out of Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, thegateway to the Mekong Delta, and catch a ferry across the TienGiang River where our challenge begins! We cycle along the sugarcane and banana plantations of the Delta before arriving at ourfirst night’s stop.Approx. 62km cycling

Day 4 Tra Vinh - Can ThoOur first full day of cycling will take us deep into local life, crossingwooden bridges and traversing estuaries. This afternoon we takequiet backroads through villages, offering a glimpse into the livesof the local people.Approx. 80km cycling

Day 5 Can Tho - Long Xuyen - Chau DocOur last day of stunning cycling in Vietnam and this morning we’llvisit the famous floating market of Cai Rang before mounting ourbikes and following the river, busy with trade, to the town of ChauDoc.Approx. 95km cycling

Day 6 Chau Doc – Phnom Penh – Koh Dach IslandToday we wave goodbye to Vietnam and catch a boat up toPhnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city. This afternoon we canenjoy a leisurely cycle of Koh Dach Island or you can choose anoptional visit to the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields.Approx. 20km cycling (optional)




ITINERARY

Day 7 Phnom Penh - Kampong ThomToday gives us a great comparison between Vietnam andCambodia. After leaving the lively town of Phnom Penh we cyclethrough the lush Cambodian countryside, across the ancientJapanese bridge at Kampong Cham and past rice paddies androyal palaces before reaching Kampong Thom.Approx. 62km cycling

Day 8 Kampong Thom - Siem Reap - Angkor WatOur last day of cycling sees us tackle the final section towardsSiem Reap and the grand Angkor Wat! After watching the sun setover the beautiful monument we park our bikes for the final timeand prepare for the evenings celebrations!Approx. 96km cycling

Day 9 Siem Reap and Angkor WatToday is your free day to explore the beautiful and engulfingAngkor Wat, the national symbol of Cambodia! This UNESCOWorld Heritage Site is one of the largest religious monuments inthe world and spans over 200 acres.

Day 10 Depart Siem ReapThis morning we bid farewell to Cambodia and our adventuresalong the Mekong Delta and head to the airport for our flighthome.

Day 11 Arrive in Manchester

Due to the nature of the challenge, this complex itinerary issubject to change.




Registration Fee £399Self-Funding Tour Costs £1,765Minimum Sponsorship for Charity Fundraisers £3,800

Now you’ve secured your place on the challenge by paying your registration fee, the next costs incurredwill depend on whether you have chosen to Self-Fund your place or raise funds for charity.

If you’ve chosen to self-fund your place, you will be invoiced for your tour costs 14 weeks prior todeparture. Alternatively, you can choose to pay your tour costs up front – please contact your EventCo-ordinator to discuss.

If you’re a charity fundraiser, you pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship on £3,800 – 80% of whichmust be raised and with your charity by 12 weeks before departure (at this point we will invoice thecharity for your tour costs of £1,765.)

The tour costs include:

• Scheduled flights from Manchester to Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap to Manchester• In-country transport• Bike Hire (helmet not included but compulsory)• Fully qualified UK Leader / UK Doctor• Local crew, drivers and English speaking guides + mechanical support• Entrance fees for sites as per itinerary• Full back-up support with in-country transport and first aid trained staff• All accommodation on twin share basis • All meals, except lunch on Day 2, breakfast on Day 6 and lunch and dinner on Day 9• Drinking water during cycling days

The tour costs does not include:

• Any costs incurred by having to leave the trek prematurely (medical/personal reasons) please beaware that you will incur the costs for this e.g. car to bring you back, food, accommodation etc.

• Airline taxes are not included in your tour cost and will be invoiced separately 6-8 weeks beforedeparture, once these are confirmed by the airline. We currently predict these will be £150.

• Visa for Cambodia – currently costs approximately £30• Personal travel insurance• Personal spending money• Local crew gratuities• Vaccinations

COSTS & WHAT’S INCLUDED




The cycle begins just outside Ho Chi Minh city and we will pedal our waysouth across the Vietnamese countryside to where the Mekong Riverbranches over the flat planes into thousands of small waterways. Ourroute takes us alongside and over some of the endless miles of quietbackwaters and tiny roads until we arrive at the port in Chau Doc andtravel up river by boat into Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh; acharming city with a tragic past. Once in Cambodia we will jump back onour bikes and over the next few days will make our way to our finish line atthe incredible Angkor Wat.

By far one of the most difficult elements of this cycle is the weatherconditions; it will most definitely be hotter and more humid that you areused to and each day will be punctuated with plenty of rest and re-fuelingstops. There will be chances to sample local cuisines along the way andwitness traditional village life as we make our way along the less-travelledbackroads of these fascinating countries.

The route is varied and we cycle on tarmac roads of varying quality. Traffic is light on most of the roads but when we pass through large towns it is likely to become busier and we will regroup at these points to travel as a group.

THE CYCLE

All of our challenges are graded from Moderate (1) to Extreme (5) and the Cycle to Angkor Wat is graded as Demanding (4).

This a tough challenge that is perfect for the intrepid explorer! You will be takenout of your comfort zone and will be cycling in hot conditions so ample training isrequired. This training is essential to prepare yourself for the challenge and youcan find a full training guide on your Participant’s Page.

It’s also important to purchase good quality kit and equipment that suits you -never underestimate the importance of a good pair of cycling shorts! You shouldaim to tackle at least two consecutive days of cycling before your challenge toensure you are suitably prepared.


A TYPICAL DAY…

We’ll rise early each day so we can make the most of the cooler mornings and will likely break for a few hours over lunchtime and the hottestpart of the day. Before breakfast you will need to have brought your luggage down to the vehicle so it can be loaded and ready to betransferred to our next night’s accommodation.

After breakfast your leader will get everyone together and make sure everyone is all set and ready for the day before hitting the road.

Days are of varying length but each day will include a lunch stop and at least one stop in the morning and one in the afternoon – there will beplenty of time to take breaks throughout the day.

We will cycle as a group as much as possible and crew will be dispersed amongst the group with one member always at the back and oneleading the way at the front.

Our support vehicle will be on hand should anyone require mechanical assistance or a break from cycling.

You can expect to arrive at our hotel around 4-5pm each day where we will enjoy a nutritious dinner. Your leader will then have a chat aboutthe day and what’s to come tomorrow before we head to our rooms for a good nights sleep!



FLIGHTS AND TRANSPORT

Group flights are booked Skyline Tour Operations Ltd, ATOL 10069.

Group flights are booked with an airline when they become available 11 months before departure. When these are confirmed this document will be updated.

We ask that you meet our crew by the airline check-in desks 3hours before departure for a smooth check-in as a group.

Your luggage allowance is likely to be 1 main bag of 20kg and 1 hand luggage bag.

MEALS


Whilst on the cycle all meals will provided for you except for 4 meals.

Plenty of water will be provided throughout the challenge. You should expect to be drinking at least 4 litres of water each day, if not more, and must have water bottles or a water bladder (camelbak or similar) that are large enough to carry your water.

We can cater for vegetarians and most other dietary requirements if you let us know in advance. If you think you may need to supplement your meals it’s a good idea to bring some snacks along with you and if you have trained with specific snacks we strongly recommend packing them too.

The only meals not included are lunch on Day 2, breakfast on Day 6, and lunch + dinner on Day 9.

ACCOMMODATION

Throughout the cycle we will stay in comfortable 2-3* hotels en-route. They will be a twin-share basis and will have en-suite bathrooms per room.

We will have breakfast and, most evenings, dinner in our hotel.


OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

You may wish to extend your stay in Cambodia to explore more of this fascinating country. If you are travelling on our group flights, there is the option to change your return flight for an admin fee of £50 plus any increase in fare (this is subject to availability and at the airline’s discretion).

LUGGAGE

Your luggage allowance is likely to be 1 main bag of 20kg and 1 hand luggage bag. We strongly suggest you have a few essentials in your hand luggage in the unlikely event that your main bag is delayed.

Whilst on the challenge you will have your day pack on you each day and your main bag will be transferred each day by vehicle.

Your main bag should be a soft-shell holdall – please no suitcases!

PASSPORT AND VISAA valid ten-year passport with at least 6 months validity from date of entry is essential for entry to both countries. You must ensure you have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Vietnam: British Citizen passport holders travelling for tourism can enter Vietnam for up to a maximum of 15 days without a visa. For all other nationalities please consult the Vietnam Embassy website here.

Cambodia: A visa is required to enter Cambodia but this can be arranged upon arrival on Day 6. The current cost is $30 and must be paid in cash. Further details will be provided nearer departure.

BIKESBikes are provided for the duration of the ride and these are mountainbikes with 21 gears; you are welcome to bring your own saddle orpedals and attach them to the bike if you wish. If bringing a saddle,please do not bring the seat post.

If you wish to bring your own bike, please ensure this is an appropriatestyle for the challenge – road bikes are not advised. You will beresponsible for any costs incurred to transport the bike from/to theUK.

It is compulsory to wear a helmet at all times during the cycle.These are not provided so you must bring your own.

http://vietnamembassy.org.uk/index.php?action=p&ct=Notice2_2018

EQUIPMENTThe weather along the route can be changeable so it is important you purchase good quality kit and equipment that suits you. You can find a separate Kit List on this site to aid you with packing but below are tips and hints about some specific items to be aware of:

Helmet: Cycling with a helmet is compulsory. We do not provide helmets soyou must bring your own with you otherwise you may not be able to takepart in the challenge. If there is the opportunity to hire a helmet in country,please be advised that you do so at your own risk and the level of protectionprovided can vary between locations and we cannot guarantee this will be ofthe same standard as helmets purchased in the UK.

Helmets save lives so make sure yours fits correctly and is made to a highsafety standard. Helmets should sit level on your head and cover themajority of your forehead, the strap should be snug against your chin and thev side straps sit just below your ears – the helmet should not be able to movemore than an inch in any direction.

Cycling Shorts: We strongly recommend wearing cycle shorts for theduration of the trip. Cycling shorts can be pricey but they are a piece of kitthat is worthwhile investing in. Bib shorts are widely considered to be themost comfortable and supportive type of short. Make sure you train in yourshorts and are comfortable in them.

Cycle Jerseys: A lightweight technical cycle jersey is essential for cycling inthe hot climes. Cycling jerseys move moisture away from your skin keepingyou dry and cool. Most jerseys also come with 3 rear pockets handy forkeeping energy gels, inner tubes and phone.


Shoes: To take part in a cycle challenge it’s highly recommended to wearcycling shoes as they are far more rigid than normal trainers which maximisesthe amount of power transferred from your legs into the pedals and to theroad – they also help to combat any soreness generated from having toconstantly flex your feet in normal trainers.

Day Pack: You should plan to cycle with either a small backpack, saddle bag orbum bag to hold some snacks, personal first aid items, and your phone. Youshould also cycle with a Camelbak or similar to keep you fluid levels up.

DISCOUNT!The lovely people at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow & Rock, Runners Need andCycle Surgery are exclusively offering our Skyline participants a special 15%discount in recognition of your continued support!

Using the unique code: CSCR-35ACS you can add this discount to any order asfollows:

In-store: Simply print off the letter loaded on to your Participant’s Page andpresent in store or use a valid form of identification.

Online: Register your address of login. When ready to checkout, key in thecode in the Promotion box (not case sensitive). All qualifying items will havethe correct price structure applied to the order.

Mail Order: Please provide your address details to the sales staff quoting thecode when ordering.

CONNECTIVITY


MONEY

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong; the currency inCambodia is Cambodian Riel.You cannot purchase either currency in advance but US$ cash iswidely accepted within both Vietnam and Cambodia and will be moreuseful and easier to exchange that Sterling; small denominations areessential. US$ operates in parallel with the Vietnamese Dong andCambodian Riel as unofficial tender. We’d suggest between £180-£250 to cover personal expenses.

We recommend travelling with your credit card, in case ofemergency, and remember to let your bank know you’re travellingabroad to avoid any issues. You shouldn’t bring traveller’s cheques asthese are difficult to exchange in both countries.

TIPPING

There will be the opportunity to tip our local crew who have workedvery hard to assist us throughout the cycle. Contributing iscompletely optional and if you wish to do so we will collect it fromyou in advance so we can present to the crew at the end of the cycle;please do not tip crew members separately.

WiFi: Most hotels will have WiFi available, though it may not be asreliable as you are used to.Phone: You will likely have good phone signal throughout thecycle. As always, we advise checking overseas charges with yourmobile phone provider before you leave the UK to avoid beingcaught out.Power: There will be the option to charge your devices at the hoteleach evening.

TRAVEL INSURANCE


VACCINATIONS AND TRAVEL ADVICEWe would advise checking the latest country-specific health advicefrom the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) onthe TravelHealthPro website at least 8 weeks before your trip. Eachcountry-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations,any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with informationon staying healthy abroad.

Malaria protections is necessary for most areas of Vietnam andCambodia. The best protection against malaria is to avoid gettingbitten, so use plenty of insect repellent and cover up, especially wristsand ankles, in the early morning and late afternoon/evening.

You should also check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)Travel Advice for both Vietnam and Cambodia before travelling, here.

Though an expedition doctor will travel with the group please ensureyou bring a personal first aid that includes any usual personalmedication along with basic items such as ibuprofen/paracetamol,plasters and blister prevention so you can treat any minor issues youmay have.

You will need to take out adequate travel insurance to take part in thiscycle; this is a requirement for everyone taking part on the challenge.This can be arranged by visiting our website www.overseascover.comor you can find your own policy.

If you do decide to take out your own policy please make sure that youare covered for this type of event; the policy should includerepatriation as standard. You will need to provide Skyline with yourinsurance details in order to travel, this includes insurance policynumber, 24hr emergency contact telephone number and dates ofcover.

We strongly advise you to have travel insurance cover in place as soonas you sign up to cover you in the event of cancellation before the tripdeparture.

You will not be permitted to travel without sufficient travel cover andproof of this.

https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/

Joining you on your challenge will be your Skyline Leader and a UKDoctor who will meet you at the airport, along with the othercyclists in your group, before you board your flight to Vietnam.

Our carefully selected Skyline crew will be there to support youthroughout the challenge, are very experienced in difficultenvironments, have travelled extensively and are fully qualified:they usually have a whole library full of stories from theiradventures around the world!

Supporting our Skyline Crew will be a team of local guides anddrivers. Our local guides spend most of their time cycling aroundSouth East Asia and are very experienced and know these routeslike the back of their hands! They are also trained mechanics andwill have some spares with them should you have any unfortunateissues on the road.


SUPPORT CREW

We are passionate about our trips and relish the chance toimprove them. Constructive feedback is really important forus. Once you have finished the challenge you can log on toyour confirmation site and fill out a questionnaire, please feelfree to email you event co-ordinator with any feedback aswell.

POST TRIP

We cannot stress enough just how important getting yourself in shape willbe; good preparation will make your cycle a far more enjoyable experience.Whilst you still have plenty of time to train your challenge will come roundsoon enough, therefore it is vital that you begin to make small changes soon.

A good level of fitness is required for this challenge and you should belooking to train regularly over a period of around 3 months beforedeparture.

You may wish to source your own training guide with your local gym orpersonal trainer or you can download a full Training Guide from the Trainingsection of your Participant’s Page.

Some tips to remember when training for your Cycle to Angkor Wat:

• Get on your bike as much as possible – cycling to work is a great way to

get you used to being in the saddle everyday.

• Cycle medium distances (40 – 60 miles) on consecutive days. Often the

most challenging parts of the cycle is getting back on your bike the day

after cycling 80 kilometres and training on consecutive days will help get

your muscles used to this.

• As much as possible try and train in the gear you will be taking on the

challenge with you to give you chance to modify anything in advance

TRAINING


ABOUT SKYLINE

Skyline are celebrating turning 27! Over the past three decades we’re proud to have been at the forefront of building a charity challengesindustry where anybody can take on a challenge of their choice and raise funds for a cause that is close to their heart.

Whether it’s a 5km run dressed as your favourite Superhero, a daring Skydive from 12,000 feet, cycling the 300 miles from London to Paris,or trekking the highest mountain in Africa, we welcome our participants to explore the world with us whilst at the same time exploring theirown limits and hopefully exceeding them!

Founded in 1992 we now have over 25 years experience and work with over 5,000 charity clients, arranging events for hundreds ofthousands of valued fundraising participants who collectively raise in excess of £10M per year for our benefiting causes and we are excitedto have you join us to grow that total even further!


Documents

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH LIFE-CHANGING EVENTS · 2019-11-25 · Cambodia. After leaving the lively town of Phnom Penh we cycle through the lush Cambodian countryside, across the ancient