Christina Noble Foundation Cam/Nam Cycle 2019

Cycle Cambodia and Vietnam to help raise monies and awareness for The Christina Noble Foundation.

Challenge Highlights

  • The Christina Noble Foundation representative on the challenge
  • Visiting the Christina Noble Foundation Centre
  • Bustling streets and markets in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Floating markets, villages and waterways of the Mekong River Delta
  • Sun, sand and seafood in the sleepy beach resort of Kep
  • Cycling around the laid-back French colonial river town of Kampot
  • Siem Reap and the iconic temples of Angkor by bike
  • 400km Supported cycling through some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning landscapes

Overview

Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the diverse scenery and rural cultures of Southeast Asia, and continuing our tradition of pioneering cycle trips, this unique itinerary takes us from the iconic temple complex of Angkor Wat through untouched villages to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Our comfortable geared bikes, support crew and steady pace mean that you’ll be free to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way, with our backup vehicle available to give tired riders a break at any time. Our journey begins at the spectacular Angkor temples, which we leave behind for quieter back roads to the Crossing through to Vietnam, we take time out in the charming seaside resort of Kep and laid-back riverside town of Kampot, cycling through lush green countryside, fertile rice fields and small minority villages. We’ll have time to absorb the palaces, pagodas and French inspired architecture of Phnom Penh before embarking on the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh.

Challenge Grade

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 Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh 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. Expect cycling time to average up to 7 hours per day.

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.

Itinerary

Welcome to the Kingdom of Wonder! Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel followed by a trip briefing at the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals:  Nil

If you’re happy to rise early today, we’ll have the option of driving to Angkor Wat for an unforgettable sunrise. After breakfast back at our hotel we’ll hop on our bikes and spend a full day exploring the spectacular Angkor temples. The UNESCO World Heritage Listed site of Angkor Wat, one of the great wonders of the world, encompasses not just the one temple but an expansive religious city covering several square miles near Siem Reap—the largest religious complex in the world—including scores of temples, shrines, canals and other structures. This is one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites, and is at once an arresting and unforgettable experience to see the temples in person. With the majority of construction taking place between the 6th and 13th centuries, the temples of Angkor together form an incredible testimony to the spiritual vision and artistic genius of the Angkor civilisation that flourished and prospered from about 800 to 1400 AD. Many of the temples are still in excellent condition—especially the iconic Angkor Wat—but many structures are in states of ruin as the surrounding forests have taken over during the centuries since their abandonment. The iconic temples are intricately carved and adorned with sculpture and bas-relief depicting sacred scenes of Cambodian life and mythology. Today we’ll visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom Temple, the Bayon, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings, the Ta Prohm Temple and the iconic Angkor Wat. Please prepare yourself to be exposed to the sun for long intervals today. Cycling distance: 50 km Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast you will head out to Rolous Group, located just outside Siem Reap. These temples date back to the ninth century at the beginning of the classic period of Khmer Architecture. You will then cycle to the floating village of Kompong Kleang. Some of the houses here tower up to ten metres above the water. Take your time to take in some of Cambodia's countryside culture and family lifestyle. From here, you will head to the hidden jungle temple of Beng Mealea. Over the course of centuries, the jungle has grown over the temple, which is why it lay undiscovered for so long. This evening, you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring a Traditional Apsara Dance Show. Overnight in Siem Reap. Cycling distance: 60km

Meals:  B,L,D

After enjoying an early breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Phnom Penh. You will follow the road to Kompong Thom, a beautiful town on the banks of the Stung Sen River. See rubber plantations, farming fields and charming Khmer villages en route. Once in Phnom Penh, you will explore the main sights by private air conditioned vehicle. Depending on time we will visit Toul Sleng Museum, a sober reminder of Cambodia's tragic recent history, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda facing the Mekong River, and its adjoining Silver Pagoda which was built in 1962 becoming famous for its lavish decorations of silver paved floor and it is where several Buddha statues made from precious metals & stones. The National Museum is the museum where we gather and keep the statue since the Angkorian period. The National Museum is also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast you will continue cycling to Kampot, one of the most popular tourism destinations in Cambodia. This quiet town is known for its pepper production, and is regarding as the best in South East Asia. Stop and interact with locals when you have a chance during your stop in Kampot in the early afternoon for lunch at a local restaurant. Continue cycling this afternoon to Kep. The former popular French resort town, Kep is now a small fishing town known for its fresh seafood. After arrival at your hotel, you will be welcomed with a refreshment before a fresh seafood dinner. Cycling distance: 90 km Overnight in Kep.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, you will cycle to and then drive across the border in Ha Tien - Vietnam. Your Vietnamese guide and drive will be waiting for you once you have crossed over. You will then continue cycling to the Rach Gia province where you will check in to your hotel for refreshments after a long days ride, before heading out for a well earned dinner. Overnight in Rach Gia.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, continue cycling towards Can Tho. En route, you will see charming local villages, various agricultural farms, and come in to contact with the local people of the area. Find out how they fish and farm their respective land. In the afternoon you will arrive in the bustling city of Can Tho. Cycling distance: 70km Overnight in Can Tho

Meals:  B,L,D

After an early breakfast, set off on a beautiful ride along the riverside dirt paths to Cai Rang market, the largest floating market along the Mekong Delta. Learn about local traditional foods and test your cooking skills at a traditional village home. You will arrive in Ho Chi Minh in the late afternoon, with dinner plans at KOTO Restaurant. This is no ordinary restaurant. All staff are former street and disadvantaged youth. Cycling distance: 70km Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals:  B,L,D

Today, the foundation will organise a visit to the Christina Noble Foundation Centre in Tay Ninh. The foundation will be providing lunch and dinner for its members today. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning is at your leisure. A departure transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.

Meals:  B

What's Included

  • Christina Noble representative to join the challenge
  • comfortable well located hotels on a twin share basis
  • private transportation and support vehicles
  • 21 gear bikes and cycle support crew
  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
  • airport transfers on day 1 & day 10
  • expert bilingual guide
  • medical kit
  • sightseeing as listed in itinerary
  • national park & site entry fees as listed in the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • International flights to and from Cambodia and Vietnam
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visa costs (Vietnam & Cambodia)
  • 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

What You Carry

  • A 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.

Fundraising Impact

For most of Vietnam’s very poor, medical care is inaccessible as a result of the prohibitive cost of care, which is prioritised well below other basic daily needs. A visit to the emergency room may spell financial ruin. But even worse, families without medical insurance who can’t afford the cost of medical treatment may be turned away from hospitals altogether without outside intervention.

At CNCF we strive to improve the health and well-being of the wider community and not just the Children under our care. We provide free basic medical attention at our out-patient clinic and medical stations but we also work with local hospitals to arrange referrals and to settle treatment fees.

Cambodia Challenge Reviews

Fast Facts

Trip Dates: DepartReturn
Duration:11 Days
Activities:charity challenge
Grade:Introductory to Moderate  Click for more information
Trip Code:SOG6170

In Vietnam, millions of families - especially poor, rural and ethnic minority communities - are at risk as Vietnam’s economy continues to grow. High inflation has resulted in soaring prices leaving the poor struggling to pay for basic needs such as: food, water, transportation, schooling, and health care.