Cycle Asia

Overview

Continuing our tradition of pioneering cycle routes, this adventurous itinerary is an opportunity to combine cycling through untouched Vietnamese and Cambodian villages to the world renowned temple complex of Angkor Wat. The journey begins in the fast paced city of Ho Chi Minh, which we leave behind for the quieter roads to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Crossing through to Cambodia we delight in the lush green countryside where the locals will amaze us with their warmth and hospitality. We have time to absorb and appreciate the exquisite palaces, pagodas and French inspired architecture of Phnom Penh, before we embark on an exceptional in-depth cycle of the renowned complex of Angkor. The flat roads around the temple sites at make exploration of the area ideal by bike.

Our expert local guides are the best available and to ensure the smooth operation of all trips, our partners in both Vietnam and Cambodia continually work with us to improve our itineraries to ensure we are taking the ‘paths less travelled’.

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1 Depart UK for Vietnam

• Day 2 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City you will be met and transferred to the hotel. A group briefing will be held in the hotel late this afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city. Meals: Nil

• Day 3 Cycle from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh via Cu Chi tunnels (approx 80km cycle)

This morning we transfer by bus 20 kilometres to Hoc Mon town. From here we commence cycling through rubber plantations and rice fields to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels were of significant importance to the Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam/American war. Visiting the tunnels we learn about the history of the site and also have the opportunity to explore some of the expansive underground system ourselves. In the afternoon we continue cycling to Tay Ninh where we visit a unique and colourful Cao Dai temple. This evening we will head out to dinner at one of the local restaurants. Overnight in Tay Ninh. (B/L/D)

• Day 4 Cycle to Svay Rieng, crossing the Cambodian border (approx 50km cycle)

After breakfast in Tay Ninh, we drive approximately 70 kilometres to Moc Bai and cross the border to Cambodia. Our guide will pick you up at Cambodia border (Bavet) and from here our cycle route takes us to Svey Rieng, passing scenic villages and rice fields. Following National Road 1 (NR1) we enjoy flat well paved cycling, allowing us to take a leisurely pace. Lunch will be at a local village restaurant providing a chance to sample the local specialties such as ‘amok’. Around mid afternoon we should arrive in Svey Rieng. There will be an opportunity to stroll around the quiet town before heading out to dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Svey Rieng. (B/L/D)

• Day 5 Cycle to Prey Veng (approx. 90km cycle)

After breakfast we commence cycling to Neak Luong, located on the intersection of the road to Phnom Penh and the road to Kompong Cham. Cycling conditions are similar to yesterday and we continue to travel through small local villages and rice fields. We will have plenty of opportunities to break our journey with visits to villages where we can learn about the locals way of life. Our destination is the small village of Prey Veng which we should reach by mid afternoon. Dinner tonight will be at one of the local restaurants. Overnight in Prey Veng. (B/L/D)

• Day 6 Cycle to Kompong Cham (approx. 80km cycle)

Today we continue cycling towards Kompong Cham, a small city on the banks of the Mekong River. We cycle on quiet, roughly paved roads passing large areas of rubber plantation and numerous rice fields. We will stop for a picnic lunch along the way, giving us time to rest our legs and enjoy the scenery. We will reach Kompong Cham in the early afternoon with the rest of the day set aside to explore the town on our bikes and visit the ancient temple of Wat Norkor, which dates back to the 11th century. In the evening sunset in Kompong Cham is best enjoyed along the quiet banks of the Mekong River. Overnight in Kompong Cham. (B/L/D)

• Day 7 Cycle to Phnom Penh (approx 80km cycle)

This morning we cycle south west for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. After a short cycle from Kompong Cham we arrive at Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei Hill (Man and Women hill), where we will take a short walk to the summit allowing us a fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Continuing on, we cycle to Skuon, also known as Spiderville, a town which while lacking in tourism drawcards, boasts one of Cambodian’s more exotic culinary delights – the deep-fried spider. A great snack for those more daring cyclists! We stop for lunch at a local restaurant in town before cycling to meet our bus and transfer the last 40 kilometres to Phnom Penh. After check in we will head out for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B/L/D)

• Day 8 Transfer to Siem Reap by bus

After breakfast, we will visit National Museum also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1920. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art – notably sculptures – throughout the ages (although some periods are not represented). Most of the exhibits date from the Angkor period but there are several examples from the pre-Angkor era. After that, we will travel to Siem Reap by private bus giving us opportunities to stop and walk in local villages. We may be lucky enough to witness the setting of cricket traps in the rice fields. This is a favourite way for locals to catch crickets for food – another local culinary delicacy! We stop for lunch in Kompong Thom before driving to Sambor Prei Kuk, another impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments, before continuing on to Siem Reap. The rest of the day is free for exploration. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B/L/D)

• Day 9 Full day cycling visiting temples (approx 30km cycle)

Today we have a full day exploring Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples on our bikes following what is known as the ‘short circuit’. In the morning, we visit to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom to admire the extensive temple complex of soaring towers, elaborate carved murals, colonnades and courtyards that ushered in the classic age of Khmer art architecture. We include the Bayon temple located in the centre, which rises on three levels, with galleries containing bas reliefs depicting daily life and historical Khmer battles won and lost. We continue to the renowned Angkor Wat temples, built between the 9th and 13th centuries. This ancient capital of the Khmer Empire is one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. After experiencing sunset in the complex we cycle back to our hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B/L/D)

• Day 10 Cycle to Banteay Srei temple (approx 60km cycle)

This morning after breakfast we cycle to Banteay Srei temple, which is considered by many to be the jewel in the Khmer crown. The temple is located around 35 km from Siem Reap. Our lunch today will be in a local restaurant after our exploration at Banteay Srei. On the way back to Siem Reap, we will visit Pre Rup, which was traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact was the state temple of Rajendravarman II. Next we head to Mebon, an architectural and artistic temple-mountain which has some beautifully carved false doors on the upper level, where we enjoy the excellent views of the surrounding countryside. We continue with a visit to Neak Pean, which means ‘coiled serpents’, named for the en-coiled ‘nagas’ that encircle the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. We include a visit to Preah Khan, which was built to restore harmony with Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s mother and Preah Khan is dedicated to his father. Late afternoon we cycle back to Siem Reap and enjoy our final buffet dinner with Apsara Dance Show together in one of the local restaurants. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B/L/D)

• Day 11 Depart for the UK

Transfer to Sieam Reap airport for your flights back to London (B)

• Day 12 Arrive UK

NB: The itinerary may alter due to weather or local conditions

Dates & Prices

Date	Prices	Book
08 Feb - 19 Feb 2012	£1,100	How to book
01 Jan - 31 Dec 2012	more dates available	How to book

How to book

For more information about the Kilimanjaro trek and to book your place please email trailblazers@rockuk.org or call 0844 8000 222.

Photos

Important Information

Cost includes:

• Shared Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (separate airport transfers are subject to be charged)
• English speaking cycling guides (one guide in Vietnam; one guide in Cambodia) with medical kits
• A local assistant cycling guide (only on the day of cycling, this could be the bike mechanic)
• A luggage truck to carry the bikes on the days of cycling
• All entrance fees as program
• Meals (B/L/D) as indicated in program
• Mountain bike rental or similar
• Snacks, fruits, drinking water on days of cycling
• 1 or 2 spare bikes depending on group size
• 2 Bottles of mineral water & 2 cold towels per person per day

Cost excludes:

• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Bike helmet (compulsory)
• Meals not listed in itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Optional excursions
• Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
• Visa fees
• Departure taxes
• Tips & gratuities
• Western Doctor

Trip Grading

To 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 or four times a week for a minimum of three months prior to your departure.

Vietnam

Vietnam 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.

Cambodia

Cambodia 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. Neighbouring Cambodia to the north is Lao, to the east Vietnam and to the west Thailand.

Climate

Vietnam

Vietnam’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.

Cambodia

In 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.

Adventure Travel

By 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 our team.

Vaccinations

Please consult a doctor or travel vaccination specialist for up to date information on the advised vaccinations for the country you are visiting.