Cycling in Cambodia - Crossing the Khmer Empire

CROSSING THE KHMER EMPIRE

TRIP PROFILE

With the incomparable Angkor Wat, the faded colonial charms of Phnom Penh, and the beaches of Sihanoukville, Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's most varied destinations. Now it has fully emerged from the ravages of war and political turmoil it is at last completely safe to travel. The United Nations are helping to drag Cambodia back into some degree of normality and now is the ideal time to see a country that will soon be the hottest item on Asia's tourist scene. It is a fantastically varied tour; the highlight is, of course, riding amongst a thousand years of history at Angkor. We take three days to explore the extraordinary temple complexes before heading south. We enjoy the colonial charms of Phnom Penh, before riding into the heart of rural cambodia where we discover a people as beautiful and extraordinary as their land. We visit the deserted casino at Bokor and finally relax on the beach in Sihanoukville. This is a cycle touring trip on bikes, and boats. We will ride between 500 to 600 kilometres (a number of rides are optional) mostly on tarmac roads in reasonable repair. Most of the rides are on flat terrain through interesting countryside.
We will encounter very little traffic outside of Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville and most of the time we share the roads with ox carts and other cyclists. The trip is point-to-point and fully supported: a truck and minibus (depending on the numbers) will shadow us for the entire journey. As we ride along major arteries, riders can find their own pace and meet up at prearranged points along the way. There is a mind-blowing amount to see throughout the trip, and we stop frequently to view Khmer temples, rural scenes (especially if riding during rice cultivation) and beaches.

Click here for further details: Crossing the Khmer Empire Dossier CCT17

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Economy class return flights with Thai International airlines (will be booked separately if required, see main box).

UK Air Passenger Duty Tax

Accommodation as specified (tax and service charges are also included as is breakfast)

Services of a Western tour leader throughout

Local guide throughout

Private air-conditioned vehicles in each location

Private (group) transfers to and from airports and train stations

Entrance fees to museums, etc., permits, etc.

Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners

The services of our local staff in Cambodia.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, etc.

Visas

Airport transfers on arrival and departure if you are not arriving on our standard flights (supplement payable).

Bicycle Hire

Helmet or equipment.

Airport taxes payable locally on each departure

ACCOMMODATION. The accommodation on this trip is a mixture of good quality private hotels (mostly 2 to 3- star). The hotels have air conditioning and we will normally have twin rooms with private facilities. In general, the hotels we use are of a good standard, and will be clean and comfortable with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, minibar and TV.

FOOD. All breakfasts (e.g. bread, eggs or fruit and tea or coffee) are included as are all Lunches and Dinners which are taken as a group and arranged in good local restaurants were a variety of Cambodian dishes can be tried. There is always enough food and we eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Drinking water, fruits and snacks are always available in our escort vehicle. Other drinks are not included in price, but widely available at local restaurants and shops along the way.

EXTRA EXPENSES. Lunch (see above): Visa $25. Departure tax: currently US$7. There are also a number of entry fees not included in the price: as it is hard to say what people would like to visit . There will also be a kitty to cover soft drinks, mineral water and snacks for consumption whilst travelling , though this is unlikely to cost more than about £20 for the trip.

GROUP, STAFF & SUPPORT. The group size will be between 6 and 14. All groups will be accompanied by an experienced English guide, plus a Cambodian guide and where applicable a local driver. All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried by the support vehicle.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cycling among the ruins of Angkor beneath the high shade of towering gum trees.

The constant laughter of the Khmer people.

The beach at Sihanoukville and the beauty of Bokor National Park.

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES

Duration

Price

Flight ex London

CAM-110207: Feb 11-24, 2006

CAM-170607: Jun 17-June 30, 2006

14 days

£985.00

£645.00

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Single supplement £175.00

Bicycle Hire £100.00