EPWORTH SAIGON TO PHNOM PENH CYCLE CHALLENGE 2011
11 days ex Australia | Cycling Challenge | Cambodia
Join an extraordinary group of people to cycle almost 500km's in the trip of a lifetime from Saigon to Phnom Penh. Cycle through Vietnam's verdant Mekong Delta and the cross the border to ride through the heart of rural Cambodia; see it's vibrant village life close up and enjoy the thrill of travelling by bike.This exciting cycle tour of Vietnam and Cambodia is suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness who'd like a worthy goal to acheive and will raise a substantial amount of money for Epworth's hospital's Heart Smart programme. Join us on a journey that will begin here in Melbourne with training rides and fitness advice and encouragement. You will be fully supported on the ride with a great support crew and the group of riders will include a cardiologist and other Epworth health experts. The trip will be supported throughout by 'sag wagon' or bus if you need a rest!
To join the trip you will need to pay $500 deposit and fundraise $5200, of which approximately $3,500 for the trip and a donation of $2,200 to Heart Smart which is tax deductible. You may be able to obtain all or part of the money yourself by fundraising.
Book Now... 2011 Feb 18 - 2011 Feb 28
Day 1 (18 Feb) - Go to Melbourne airport in evening for flight to Vietnam.
Day 2 (19 Feb) - Arrival Saigon. Rest and sightsee
Day 3 (20 Feb) - Saigon orientation walk. Drive to Can Tho
Day 4 (21 Feb) - Can Tho floating Markets, then loop ride. Overnight Can Tho.
Day 5 (22 Feb) - Cycle to Rach Gia
Day 6 (23 Feb) - Rach Gia to Cambodia Border / Kep Sur Mer Cambodia
Day 7 (24 Feb) - Kep Sur Mer to Kampot / half day rest
Day 8 (25 Feb) - Cycle to Takeo
Day 9 (26 Feb) - Cycle to Phnom Penh
Day 10 (27 Feb) - Depart Phnom Penh
Day 11 (28 Feb) - Arrive Melbourne
What's It All About
Get off the beaten track in Vietnam and Cambodia as we ride across the extraordinary waterworld of the Mekong Delta with it's maze of canals, floating markets and tropical surrounds. We ride across the border into Southern Cambodia, passing by sleepy ex-French colonial resorts on the coast and cycling past rivers and timeless scenes of rural life. The riding is flat and highly enjoyable as you pass by temples, buffalo carts and many cheering , enthusiastic children.
This is a real journey of discovery pedalling along quiet back roads and passing through sleepy villages you'll see the beauty of rural Vietnam and Cambodia up close and experience a the pace of life that has not changed much since the time of the Khmers.
For thos ewho have time we can offer a good value 4 day extension to continue onto Angkor Wat. See some of the best Khmer ruins, far from the madding crowds that now dominate Angkor and experience a real thrill as you explore off the beaten track. Our cycling route is varied and fascinating whether it's on farmers tracks through the Mekong Delta, cycling by the Mekong riveritself or along the beaches of the tropical southern coastline you will experience a side of South East Asia seen by few others. Coupled with time spent relaxing in Saigon and Phnom Penh this is a superb way to experience one of Asia's most captivating countries.
What's Included
International return flights from Melbourne
All hotel accommodation on twin share basis
Most meals see itinerary ( trip dossier) for details
Support vehicle throughout
Good quality 24 speed Trek mountain Bike
Experienced RAW cycling leaders, support team
English speaking local guides & mechanic.
Refreshments and snacks on cycling days
All transport and transfers incountry
Training rides and fitness assessments and support in Melbourne
Refreshments and snacks while cycling
Cambodian Visa
What's Excluded
International departure taxes (current indication Ex Melbourne A$390 )
Vietnamese visa - applied for in advance
Travel insurance
Cycling helmet and water bottle - participants to provide for hygiene reasons
Gratuities to local crew
On the Bikes
There will be early starts on cycling days. We operate a sweep system whereby the truck that carries the equipment, water and snacks will be out front as the lead vehicle. One of the guides will be the front marker – no one can go in front of this guide. We also have a back marker with the private bus in the rear.
It is not a race and every 20Km or so we will pull up off the road to allow the back of the group to catch up, refill our water bottles and eat some snacks before setting off again. Lunch will invariably be a picnic at the side of the road and we expect to reach our night destination late afternoon. Every evening there will be a briefing as to the next day’s logistics’ and timings.
Click here for our guide on preparing for cycling tours
Book Now or Call
Need to know more about this trip? Telephone RAW on 03 9787 4366 or send an email to info@rawtravel.com We have an information night planned for thsi trip on the 28 July at the Epworth Medical foundation in Melbourne. For questions about fundraising please contact Kathyrn Johnston at Epworth(03) 9426 6359
or e-mail: Kathryn.Johnston@epworth.org.au
If you're ready to book just click on the date of your departure and complete our simple booking form online. You can confirm your booking by credit card online or over the phone.
Book Now... 2011 Feb 18 - 2011 Feb 28
