trip highlights - Microsoftchildwise.blob.core.windows.net/assets/uploads... · your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, ... climbed into high altitudes

child wise vietnam to cambodia cycle challenge

trip highligh tsHelping raise much needed funds for CHILD

WISE Bamboo Shoot ProjectsVisiting the Chamkar Khnol Village and the

Child Wise Bamboo project in actionExploring Vietnam and Cambodia at handle bar level

Joining our team for this exciting adventureChallenging yourself by getting out of your comfort zone

Cycling through rural areas away from the main trails from village to village

welcome to World ExpeditionsThank you for your interest in our Child Wise Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle Challenge trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!!

why travel with World Expeditions?When planning travel to a remote destination, many factors need to be considered. World Expeditions have been pioneering cycling adventures since 1975. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable trip in Vietnam & Cambodia. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. Our bicycles, support vehicles and guides are the best available and to ensure the smooth operation of all trips, our partners in Vietnam & Cambodia continually work with us to improve our itineraries to ensure we are taking the ‘paths less travelled’. Our adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience.

Asia

1 – © 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited ‑ Scott Pinnegar 25/09/2013 5:17:55 PM

Trip Duration 9 days Trip Code: SOG1888Grade ModerateActivities CyclingAccommodation 9 days, cycling approx 600km

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A unique cycle challenge from Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia helping to raise monies for Child Wise

the tripThere is no better way to explore the backroads and rural communities of South East Asia than to cycle. With the wind in your hair and the pace much slower than other forms of transport we will traverse from Southern Vietnam up into Cambodia under our own steam! The challenge starts before you even leave the country with raising as much money as you can for Child Wise prior to departing. This money goes directly to CHILD WISE to help finance the Bamboo Shoot Project in different communities through out Cambodia. Join our Ride2Rescue team of Danny and John as we mount up, strap on the lycra and hit the road!

our partnersCHILD WISEChild Wise is Australia’s leading child protection charity working in Australia, Asia and the Pacific to prevent child abuse and exploitation. Child Wise is the Australian representative of ECPAT International, a global network of organisations and individuals working together to eliminate child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes.Child Wise’s main goal is to build the capacity of individuals, communities, organisations and governments to protect children. All of our programs work comprehensively across a continuum of prevention, protection and recovery. We combine counselling through the toll free National Child Abuse Prevention Helpline, education, advocacy, participatory training, capacity building and research on child abuse issues to provide an innovative, highly specialised and enduring service to protect children everywhereChild Wise’s vision is a world where children live free from sexual abuse and exploitation.RIDE2RESCUEMeet Danny and John, your travel companions...Danny and John recently completed a 24,000km journey on bicycles from London to Melbourne. This epic ride saw the pair cross through three continents, twenty seven countries and a variety of cultures. During fourteen months on the two wheels Danny and John experienced scorching hot temperatures in Iran, climbed into high altitudes in Nepal, overcame security issues in Pakistan, avoided aggressive stray dogs in Romania and fixed a combined one hundred and twenty five punctures! They’ll be the perfect travel buddies during this Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh adventure.Danny and John are also the co‑founders of Ride2Rescue, an organisation they created to complete bicycle rides and events to increase awareness of, and raise funds to, combat child trafficking and abuse. You have the opportunity to be apart of the next Ride2Rescue adventure and by doing so you’ll be raising money for Child Wise.Visit ride2rescue.org to learn more

at a glanceDay 1 ARRIVE HO CHI MINH, MEET AND GREAT AND PREPARE fOR CYCLEDay 2 CYCLE fROM HO CHI MINH TO TRA VINH INTO THE MEKONG DELTADay 3 CYCLE TRA VINH TO CAN THODay 4 CYCLE CAN THO TO RACH GIA, VIA CAI RANG fLOATING MARKETSDay 5 CYCLE RACH GIA TO THE fISHING VILLAGE KEP, CROSSING THE BORDER INTO

CAMBODIADay 6 CYCLE KEP TO KAMPOT, OPTIONAL KAYAKING, VISIT BAMBOO PROJECT VILLAGE,

OVERNIGHT SIHANOUKVILLEDay 7 MORNING AT LEISURE AT BEACH, CYCLE SIHANOUKVILLE TO PHNOM PENHDay 8 CYCLE AROUND PHNOM PENH


Joining Ho Chi Minh AUD$1790 per person

Optional 6‑day Siem Reap Angkor cycle extension AUD$1090 per person

Fundraising for Child Wise

You goal is to raise as much money as you can for Childwise prior to departure. There is no set amount to raise but it all

helps and the more the better! Child Wise will provide help and support during your pre trip fundraising. They will help with this process and can provide tools where required. Contact

Carol at Child Wise now on 03 96458911 for any details.

World Expeditions can organise reduced cost airfares to join this adventure. Return airfares from

Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh and then Phnom Penh to Melbourne start at AUD$1390 per person.

trip dates

2013 01 Dec - 09 Dec




Day 9 PHNOM PENH ‑ END Of CHALLENGE!!! BEGIN ANGKOR WAT CYCLE ExTENSION

what’s included Meals as indicated in the itinerary 21 speed steel framed mountain bikes All internal transport and airport transfers in private vehicles expert bilingual cycling guide medical kit comfortable well located hotels sightseeing as listed in itinerary national park & site entry fees Full support vehicle, bike mechanic and crew John and Danny from Ride2Rescue accompanying the journey

detailed itineraryDay 1 arrive HO CHI MINH, meet and great and prepare for cycleOn arrival in Ho Chi Minh you will be met at the airport by your crew and taken to your hotel for check in. Here you will meet your fellow challenge team mates and our Ride2Rescue guides Danny and John. We then head to the sheds and size up for our bikes and make any last minute adjustments before we start the cycle challenge tomorrow. Tonight we all meet up and head out for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.meals: B,D

Day 2 Cycle from Ho Chi Minh to Tra Vinh into the Mekong DeltaThis morning we wake early and enjoy breakfast before we start to prepare for our first days cycling! We jump into our support vehicle for the first part of the day as we head into the Mekong Delta region. The Mekong Delta is the southernmost region of Vietnam and often referred to as the rice bowl of the country. This fertile area is also famous for its tropical fruits and flowers. The Mekong’s Vietnamese name is Cuu Long, meaning Nine Dragons, so called because of the nine branches of the river that flow into the sea. A diverse range of people including Khmer, Chinese and Chams as well as Vietnamese today populates the area today. This vibrant and stunning area has more shades of green than your likely to see anywhere in the world! After our short drive over Rach Mieu bridge to Ben Te province we leave our support vehicle and saddle up. We cycle around 40km along well paved back roads and pathways past paddy fields and villages as we make our way to our first lunch stop at Mo Cay town. From here we continue through farming and fishing communities. We will be a bit of a novelty in this area as we are away from the main tourist trails and there will be lots of opportunity to immerse our self into the daily life of the local peoples. Our day finishes with throwing the bikes on a ferry crossing up river to the province of Tra Vinh on the border of the Delta. Tra Vinh is home to over 300,000 ethnic Khmer who maintain their cultural integrity, including their practice of Theravada Buddhism. Here we can see authentic Khmer pagodas including the Ong Met Pagoda as well as the colorful and ornate Chinese Ong Pagoda. Traveling up to 120km, cycling 70% with support vehicle Overnight Cuu Long Hotel or similarmeals: B

Day 3 Cycle Tra Vinh to Can ThoTodays cycle is one of the many highlights of our adventure. We travel deep into the Mekong Delta with wonderful opportunities to meet the local people and witness how they go about their daily life working in the fields and off the land. You will not see many tourists at all in this area as we cycle past Khmer pagodas and stunning landscapes. Coconut trees line our path and provide shade for us as we cycle towards Can Tho. Can Tho is the Mekong Deltas biggest city and located on the

fast factsCountries Visited:

Vietnam & Cambodia

Visas:Yes*

Vaccinations:Please consult a travel vaccination

specialist for up to date information

Singles:A single supplement is available for this trip*

Leader:Expert local leader

*Ask our staff for more information.




banks of the Hau River which flows from the Mekong. Can Tho has a reputation as being one of the friendliest of Vietnamese cities and you will be greeted with open arms and big smiles as we arrive. Traveling up to 100km, 100% cycling with support vehicle. Overnight Kim Tho Hotel or similarmeals: B

Day 4 Cycle Can Tho to Rach Gia, via Cai Rang floating marketsThis morning we set off early for a great ride along the riverside to the Cai Rang markets. These are the biggest and most exciting floating market in the area. We have a chance to explore the market and surrounding villages. We board a small sampan (local small boat) and view the markets in this traditional method as the locals do. You can test our your bargaining skills and maybe make a purchase or two. We enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our cycling to Rach Gia province. Traveling up to 110km, 100% cycling with support vehicle. Overnight Sea Light Hotel or similarmeals: B

Day 5 Cycle Rach Gia to the fishing village Kep, crossing the border into CambodiaAfter our last Vietnamese breakfast in Rach Gia we start our 50km cycle to Ha Tien to prepare for our border crossing into Cambodia. It is not very often you literally get to cycle across borders into another country! As we pass through customs we are met by our Cambodian guide and driver and continue our cycle to the small fishing town of Kep in Cambodia located on the Gulf of Thailand. Formally a popular French resort town, this seaside resort was practically abandoned to the wilderness and the lush forest conceals the lovely old colonial villas. If time permits we can enjoy a boat ride out to Rabbit Island to explore this areas most beautiful beaches. We can swim, snorkel and relax your weary muscles. Traveling up to 100km, 70% cycling with support vehicle. Overnight The Beach House Hotel Kep or similarmeals: B

Day 6 Cycle Kep to Kampot, optional kayaking, visit Bamboo project village, overnight Sihanoukville

This morning we rise early and cycle around 30km to Kampot. We have the opportunity to explore this quiet city town. Kampot is considered one of the leading travel destinations in Cambodia with its easy going and relaxed riverside setting and stunning hillside backdrop. The town is famous for its pepper production. You have the option to hire a boat and kayak around the surrounding lake at Les Manguiers www.magokampot.com. After lunch we will drive to Chamkar Khnol Village to visit the Child Wise Bamboo project in action. The local community have been told about your visit and are very excited and will welcome you into the village. This will be a special moment as we will be able to see first hand the great work being done in country by Child Wise. Late afternoon we drive to the beach resort town of Sihanoukville. Traveling up to 150km, 30% cycling with support vehicle. Overnight The White Beach Hotel Sihanoukvillemeals: B

Day 7 Morning at leisure at beach, cycle Sihanoukville to Phnom PenhThis morning we can rest our weary muscles on the beach at Sihanoukville. In the afternoon we continue our cycling to the REAM National Park. The park was established inn 1993 and includes thick mangrove forest, pristine jungle and off shore coral reefs. It is a nature lovers paradise. We then travel a distance in our support vehicle before returning to our bikes for the last leg of the adventure. After 6 days we enter Phnom Penh and the completion of our challenge. Here there will be a party waiting for us as we finish the last cycling days. We cycle into the CHILD WISE office in Phnom Penh and get to see first hand the great work being done here and exactly where our


responsible travelThe environments we travel through are

fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World

Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel

Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This

detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your

consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively,

you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com

trip gradingTo determine the grade of a particular

adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the distances cycled, the condition of the terrain, the altitude, and

the length of the trip. The Ho Chi Minh City to Angkor Wat Cycle is graded moderate.

This trip does not take place at altitude and most cycling surfaces are well paved

roads, however some days cycling are over rough un‑graded surfaces and the climate

in Cambodia is very hot and humid.In order to complete this trip we advise

that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, jogging, for at least 45 minutes three times a week for a minimum

of 2 months prior to your departure.

adventure travelBy its very nature adventure travel involves

an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect

standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and

itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important

that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If

you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak

with your consultant or travel agent.



fundraising money is going. It is a great chance to celebrate and look back on our achievement as we reflect on our adventure. Tonight its party time as we head out one last time to celebrate!! Traveling up to 200km, 20% cycling with support vehiclemeals: B

Day 8 Cycle around Phnom PenhToday is a more somber day as we cycle out to the very confronting Killing Fields. We also cycle to some of the more interesting sights in Phnom Penh including the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. This afternoon we can cycle to the nearby markets for some shopping before enjoying our last meal together and the chance to hand out some cycling awards.meals: B

Day 9 PHNOM PENH - end of challenge!!! Begin angkor Wat cycle extensionWhat an adventure!! Today is a sad day as we wave goodbye to our guides and new friends as we complete our challenge. There is the option of cycling onto the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia’s North over the next 4 days. OPTIONAL CYCLE TO SIEM REAP AND THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR Day 1 - 9th Dec - Cycle Phnom Penh to Kompong Cham 124km cycling through remote temples, rubber plantations and rice fields towards Kompong Cham, a small city on the banks of he Mekong. Day 2 - 10th Dec - Cycle Kompong Cham to Kompong Thom Cycle 120km through pre Angjorian sites to Kompong Thom. You may want to try one of this regions famous snacks, fried crickets! Day 3 - 11th Dec - Cycle to Sambor Prei Kuk, drive to Siem Reap After breakfast we continue cycling to Sambor Prei Kuk temples , built in the 7th century and rediscovered in 1980. We then drive the additional 40km to Siem Reap. Day 4 - 12th Dec - Cycle around Angkor Temples at Siem Reap We start today with the unforgettasble experience of sunrise at Angkor Wat. Its hard to beat this but the rest of the day is just as enlightning as we cycle around the stunning Angkor temple complex including the Terrace of Elephants, South Gate, Bayon and wonderful Ta Phrom, still shrouded in jungle and left just as it was found by French explorers in the 1850s. Day 5 - 13th Dec - Cycle to remote temples including Banteay Srey’ Banteay Srey is widley regarded as the most beautiful temple in this region. It is located 35km out of Siem Reap and makes for a beautiful morning cycle through small villages. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Khmer restuarant. Day 6 - 14th Dec - Transfer to the airport for your flight to Australiameals: B

This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.

places of interestAngkorAngkor Wat, one of the great wonders of the world, is not one temple but an expanse covering several square miles near Siem Reap, containing the remains of an early civilisation as well as many temples. Angkor was an early Cambodian civilisation that flourished and prospered from about 800 to 1400 AD. The majority of the temples were built between the 6th and 13th Centuries. Many of the temples are in excellent condition, however a large amount, are in poor repair and in need of extensive restoration. The surrounding forest has grown into and destroyed several of these magnificent works of art. Cambodian Kings of this period built many cities near Siem Reap and from Angkor the Khmer empire ruled over a vast territory that extended from the tip of what is now southern Vietnam northward to Yunnan in China, and from Vietnam westward to the Bay of Bengal. In the 9th Century, the royal palace of the

Khmer had been built on a mountain named Phnom Kulen. Later the capital was moved to what is now known as Angkor Thom. In its heyday it is believed that it was home to a population exceeding 1 million, making it the largest populated city of the time. Many temples were built in Angkor Thom. These temples rank as some of the most artistic architectural wonders of the world. On the walls of these temples, there are sacred scenes of Cambodian life and mythology. So far, there is no satisfying reason why there was a dramatic decline of the Angkor Empire. In the centre of Angkor Thom is the Bayon. It has numerous towers, each with four faces looking into the directions of the four winds. Nearby there are two large areas that were once lakes and were used to store water for drinking and irrigation. Each covers an area of 17 square kms. Today, only the western lake still carries water, although only about half the original size. The temple of Angkor Wat is probably the finest monument in Cambodia. It covers an area of about 2.6 square kilometres and it is the largest religious temple in the world. It was built in the 1100’s to honour the Hindu god Vishnu. Angkor Wat later became the tomb of the Cambodian King who ordered its construction. The features found in and around the site of Angkor Wat are too numerous to list but it is guaranteed that your first sightings will leave you feeling completely overwhelmed!

cyclingWe believe that cycling is one of the best ways to see a country. Our cycling trips have been well researched to take you on the best route which usually means a combination of tarmac and dirt roads, the odd main road but generally smaller secondary roads. And sometimes even the occasional hill! All of this so that you can see the incredible scenery and landscapes, view the main sights and along the way eat delicious food, stay at unique accommodation and discover the incredible people. Generally we supply you with geared (21‑27) mountain or touring bikes and support vehicle which will follow the group on almost all sections of the ride. All equipment and luggage will be carried by the support vehicle. You will need to carry a small day pack with your camera, sunscreen and water. It is important to remember that these cycling journeys are not designed to be a marathon event. No one needs to feel under pressure to ride. If at any point you do not wish to ride the vehicle is always available for you and your bike to be transported. Usually we stop every 10 to 20kms for a rest. This will be the time to recover your breath and replenish your fluids and energy with water and snacks. Remember that cycling involves some physical exertion, so you cannot expect that you will not feel tired. A little bit of preparation will go a long way. Cycling, of course, is an active pursuit and to maximise your own personal protection in case of a tumble or fall, the wearing of a bicycle helmet is compulsory at all times whilst cycling.

country informationVietnamVietnam stretches over 1600 km along the eastern coast of the Indo‑Chinese peninsula from 8’ 34” N to 23’ 22” N. The land mass is 329,566 square kilometres, making it larger than Italy and slightly smaller than Japan. Vietnam is a country of immense beauty and geographical diversity. Vietnam has been the site of battles and invasions for over 2000 years. Influences of invaders or modern day ‘liberators’ have left the country with a unique cultural identity and a complex and fascinating history. This history has given Vietnam a diverse population made up of different ethnic groups, particularly from China. The predominant ethnic group is known as ‘Kinh’ and make up about 90% of the population. There are dozens of other ethnic groups including Cham and Khmer particularly in the south of the country.




Since the early 1990’s, Vietnam has been opening its doors to tourism. Although the relatively long periods of isolation and a history of war has not produced a laid‑back tourism paradise like Thailand facilities and infrastructure in the country are changing rapidly. Vietnam is still a communist country although the Government is at times very pragmatic and forward thinking. You still need to carry with you an abundance of patience and a good sense of humour to overcome the overt bureaucracy and the inevitable delays, however, the fascinating history and culture; the resilient and proud people; and the beauty of the varied landscape help to overcome any possible frustrations.CambodiaCambodia once one of the great empires of South East Asia, now occupies only a small portion of its previous area. The Angkor period of Cambodian history lasted approximately from AD 802 to AD 1431 and represents the greatest period of Khmer architectural, artistic and cultural achievement. Bombed during the war in Vietnam, Cambodia was soon after ruled by the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot. This period was extremely violent and resulted in many Cambodians fleeing to Western countries via border camps established in Thailand. In 1992 the United Nations assisted Cambodia in conducting democratic elections. A visit to Cambodia is a truly unique and rewarding experience. There is a rich and proud culture and impressive natural scenery and the spirit and warmth of the people make this an exceptional destination to visit. Cambodia covers a land area of 181,035 sq km and is about the size of England and Wales combined. It is geographically unique with the large Tonle Sap Lake covering the central part of the country.

climateVietnam’s climate can vary markedly from region to region due to its length stretching 1650 km from north to south. Southern Vietnam’s weather patterns usually involve a rainy season from May to October and a relative dry season from November to february. The temperatures in the south can rise as high as 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees fahrenheit) from March to May.CambodiaIn Cambodia the monsoons determine rainfall and temperature patterns. The north west monsoon blows from October to April and ushers in the dry season. The temperature is generally hot, although there are transitional periods, with the best time to visit the area between November and January, before it gets extremely hot. The mean temperature between November and January is approximately 28 degrees, and between february and June 33 degrees, although humidity is high.

what you carryA support vehicle is available on all cycling days to carry your luggage and you, when your legs get tired. On touring days you will be required to carry a day pack with your water bottle, camera, sunscreen and other personal items.

equipment requiredYou are required to supply your own bike helmet on this trip (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking).

what’s not included Bike helmet (compulsory) Meals not listed in itinerary Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills Optional excursions




Additional transport required due to any emergency situation Tips & gratuities International airfares & departure taxes Visa costs Travel Insurance (compulsory) Fundraising for Child Wise

how to bookTo secure a place on this unique challenge contact Scott or Jake at World Expeditions in Melbourne on 03 8631 3300, or by email [email protected] [email protected] You will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit of AUD$400 per person. first in secures a place. Alternatively contact Carol at childwise on 96458911.




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trip highlights - Microsoftchildwise.blob.core.windows.net/assets/uploads... · your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, ... climbed into high altitudes