Vietnam to Cambodia cycle ride
About
There are several dates you can start the challenge, they are:
09 February 2013
05 October 2013
08 February 2014
04 October 2014
Take part in the iconic Ho Chi Minh to Angkor Wat Cycle for Breast Cancer Care!
Cycle through beautiful rural landscapes dotted with ruins of ancient civilisations and small towns where Buddhist temples nestle amongst graceful French colonial buildings and ramshackle houses.
Our challenge takes us from Vietnamese Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, through the rice-paddies and waterways of the beautiful Mekong Delta into Cambodia. We pedal on through this friendly country towards one of the most impressive sights in Southeast Asia, the Royal Temples of Angkor Wat.
We encounter some rolling hills, but the main challenge lies in the long, hot humid days in the saddle with the occasional tropical downpour. The fascinating insight into the region’s cultures, ancient and modern, are a real highlight of this challenge.
Minimum sponsorship:
Non-refundable registration fee: £449
Minimum sponsorship: £3,375
Self-funder:
Non-refundable registration fee: £449
Balance: £1,350. Raise as much as possible for Breast Cancer Care.
How we will support you as part of Team Breast Cancer Care:
- a support pack full of fundraising and training advice
- a Breast Cancer Care T-shirt to wear on your challenge
- support and advice from a dedicated member of the Breast Cancer Care challenges team
- regular e-newsletters to keep you updated
- fundraising materials to help you including balloons, banners and collection tins
- 15 per cent off at Cotswold Outdoor in store
We hope to welcome you to Team Breast Cancer Care very soon!
Fundraisers taking part in this challenge for Breast Cancer Care will be joined by cyclists raising money for other charities.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart London
Day 2: Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
On arrival transfer to the hotel and have a trip briefing before getting a good night’s sleep, ready for the start of the challenge!
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Tra Vinh
Cycle approx 45km
After breakfast transfer out of the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels: a sanctuary for the Vietcong at the height of the Vietnam War; have lunch in a local restaurant, before getting on the bikes and cycling to Ben Tre though the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Cycle on narrow lanes through the heart of this rural area, passing banana plantations, sugar cane fields and the lush rural landscape of the Delta. Take a short ferry crossing before reaching Tra Vinh.
Day 4: Tra Vinh – Cau Ke – Can Tho
Cycle approx 95km
The first full day’s cycle travels along quiet backroads to Can Tho, passing numerous Khmer temples and fascinating river scenes en-route. You will start to get a great feel for the friendly Vietnamese culture, and the traditional rural scenes are fascinating.
Day 5: Can Tho – Long Xuyen
Cycle approx 75km
After an early breakfast, set by boat through the Can Tho floating market seeing a multitude of boats trading livestock, fruits, rice and fish. You’ll then get back on the bikes and cycle along the banks of the busy river continuing towards Sa Dec. After lunch, cycle upstream alongside the river towards Long Xuyen.
Day 6: Long Xuyen – Tri Tron – Chau Doc
Cycle approx 95km
The route starts to undulate as you near the mountains near Chau Doc; although the hills are fairly gentle, the heat will make them feel tougher. Cycle via the killing fields at Ba Chuc, where Pol Pot’s regime massacred over 3000 Vietnamese people in 1978; harrowing history.
Day 7: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh
No Cycling today
Swap your bikes for a motor boat and journey up the Mekong River crossing into Cambodia arriving at Phnom Penh. You’ll have the opportunity in the afternoon to visit the infamous Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleung Museum, a former school which was turned into the notorious Khmer Rouge interrogation camp during the Pol Pot regime.
Day 8: Phnom Penh – Kampong Chhnang
Cycle approx 95km
Refreshed after yesterday’s rest, head out of the city for your first taste of rural Cambodia. The bustle around Phnom Penh soon fades away and as you head to Udong, seeing rice paddies stretching out for miles and busy with workers in the fields. Pass Udong, once the ancient capital, and visit a hill temple with stunning views of the fertile region and many of the old Royal Palaces. Continuing on, cycle towards Kampong Chhang and the enormous Tonlé Sap Lake.
Day 9: Kampong Chhnang – Siem Reap – Angkor Wat
Cycle approx 20km
Take a beautiful boat ride in the morning morning, and cross the immense Tonlé Sap. The largest freshwater lake in South- East Asia, it features an incredible biodiversity and has UNESCO biosphere status. After a short bus ride, arrive at the most famous World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. Cycle from here to the Banyon Temple in Angkor Thom soaking up the atmosphere of this incredible place. Cycle into Siem Reap after a truly fulfilling day.
Day 10: Siem Reap – Ta Prohm - Beng Mealea
Cycle approx 70km
The last day of cycling rewards you with two amazing sites where the jungle has reclaimed former glorious hindu and buddist temples. We arrive early in the morning, so will have the place to ourselves. Cycle on to Beng Mealea for a late lunch and view an incredible temple, reminiscent of ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Tomb Raider.’ Transfer back to Siem Reap and spend the evening celebrating your achievement.
(Dinner not included)
Day 11: Explore Angkor Wat complex; Flight departs
Enjoy the free day to explore the incredible temples and ruins that make up the complex, or explore the markets of Siem Reap and haggle for last-minute souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK.
Day 12: Arrive UK The flight connects in one of South-East Asia’s main cities and we return to the UK.
Join our team
There are two options available to you for funding your challenge.
If you choose the minimum sponsorship option, your tour costs will be included within your fundraising. If you would like to pay the full costs for the trip to ensure that 100 per cent of your fundraising goes to support the vital work of Breast Cancer Care, please choose the self-funder option.
Minimum sponsorship
Non-refundable registration fee: £449
Minimum sponsorship: £3375
The cost to Breast Cancer Care is £1350 per place. These costs are paid from your sponsorship. 80 per cent of your sponsorship is required 10 weeks before departure.
Self-funder
Non-refundable registration fee: £449
Balance: £1350
Raise as much as possible for Breast Cancer Care.
Fundraising
Reaching your fundraising target can be a challenge, but don’t worry as we have some useful tips to help you plan and coordinate your fundraising.
Check out our seasonal fundraising ideas to ensure that your fundraising is fresh and on trend.
Social networks
Remember, it’s your network of friends, family, colleagues and contacts who will support you with your training and fundraising. Keep them updated every step of the way with your Facebook profile, blog or Twitter account.
Tell them how your training is going (with pictures for added impact) and let them know how you’re getting on with your fundraising target. You can even upload pictures on the day to show everyone your progress along the route! If you follow Breast Cancer Care on Facebook and Twitter, we’ll keep you up to date with the goings-on here, and keep you on track with support and tips.
Fundraising materials
Download your very own fundraising planner to follow to ensure that your fundraising activities run as smoothly as possible.
Use this downloadable poster to promote your fundraising events.
Online fundraising
Now you can raise sponsorship without all the hassle. No more dealing with cash and cheques, no more chasing friends after the event. Simply create a free, online fundraising page, personalise it with a photo and message, and email it to your friends, family and work colleagues. They can donate quickly and securely online with a credit or debit card. Online donations from UK taxpayers are worth almost a third more to us with Gift Aid, which can be claimed on online donations. Follow the instructions to set up your unique JustGiving page.
Once you’ve created your page, email the link to friends, family, colleagues and classmates. You can even add the JustGiving application to your Facebook page to make it even easier for your friends to donate.
For more information or help setting up your page, visit www.justgiving.com or call the Justgiving helpdesk on 0845 021 2110.
Please note: Justgiving money will only be attributed to the person who set up the Justgiving page, so please do not set up joint pages as we are unable to share the money between several people.
How do I pay in my sponsorship?
There are few ways in which your sponsorship money will reach us:
JustGiving
If you have decided to create a Justgiving fundraising page, then you do not need to do anything as all your sponsorship money will automatically be sent directly to our bank account. Please note that it can take up to four weeks to show up on your fundraising record at Breast Cancer Care.
Cheque
Please send all cheques to the address below:
Breast Cancer Care Events
5 – 13 Great Suffolk Street
London
SE1 0NS
Don’t forget to write your name, Breast Cancer Care number and event name on the back of your cheques.
Online
You can also pay money in directly on the Breast Cancer Care website. If you use our online paying in function then please remember to send us your sponsorship forms so that we can claim Gift Aid.
Enclosed in your event handbook pack, which you will receive when you register for your event, will be your pay-in forms. You can send them to us along with your sponsorship money and sponsorship forms. Please do not send cash in the post.
Over the phone
If you want to pay in sponsorship money over the phone you call 0845 092 0817 Monday to Friday 9am–5pm. You will need to quote your Breast Cancer Care ID number, which will be sent to you in your registration pack.
Once you join Team Breast Cancer Care we will provide you with further fundraising tips and ideas!
Training tips
Training is essential to your Ho Chi Minh to Angkor Wat Cycle preparation. The more you put in, the more enjoyable your experience will be! We have designed a training plan to help you on your way.
Before you start remember that your body may need time to adjust to your new fitness regime. We recommend that you ideally start your training plan no less than six months before you start your challenge. Within your training programme, rest is as important as time spent cycling. We strongly recommend that you rest on at least one day out of seven. When training, stick within the limits of speed and distance that are comfortable for you.
Top tips for training
- If you have not cycled for some time begin slowly.
- Find stretches of hilly terrain in order to experience the difficulties of cycling uphill and changing gear.
- Ensure your itinerary includes off-road cycling.
- Please make sure that your saddle is at the right height. This means that when you are sitting, your toes barely touch the ground. If the seat is too low not only will your work rate increase considerably, but you will also tire much faster and potentially cause knee problems.
- Learn to use your gears properly. Change gear while the pedalling is still relatively easy as you go up hill.
- On your cycling training routines do not forget to take water, a small medical kit, repair kit and helmet with you at all times. Also pack food such as nuts, fruit and sandwiches.
- It is not a race and there are no prizes for the winner. We offer plenty of support on our organised cycle rides and if you really feel that you’ve had enough there will be a vehicle that you and your bike can travel in.
- If you have not exercised for a long time we recommend your see your doctor before you start your new training plan. Don’t overdo it and make sure you keep your plan varied and fun!
The training plan includes information on diet and keeping hydrated both during your training and during challenge.
FAQs
- How fit do I need to be?
- What will the cycling be like?
- What happens to my belongings when I am cycling?
- Do I need a bike?
- What will the weather be like when we go?
- Where do we stay?
How fit do I need to be?
This cycling challenge is designed for people of average fitness as long as you are prepared to train. While most people taking part are not expert cyclists, you should make sure you are fit enough to manage these distances confidently and be comfortable cycling along uneven terrain, so we advise you to start training as soon as you sign up. You can expect to be cycling for approximately seven to eight hours per day for five consecutive days. Distances vary from 30 to 95 kilometres per day. When you register we will send you a training guide to get you started.
What will the cycling be like?
The cycling is mainly on flat roads but expect some hills at times. There are some short sections off road, otherwise it is all on road that at times passes sleepy backwater villages, green paddy fields and jungle. We ride mainly on roads where traffic will be light. From your saddle you will see different stunning scenery each day, making all your training at home worthwhile. You can expect no two days to be the same.
What happens to my belongings when I am cycling?
Your luggage will be transported for you each day. All you will need to carry is your daily essentials when cycling. We suggest that you take a decent-sized bum bag to wear for sun screen, tissues, camera and waterproof clothing. Do I need a bike? Bikes are provided for all participants. They will be 21-speed mountain bikes fitted with semi slick tyres. However, you must bring with you your own helmet, which is to be worn at all times when cycling. We also advise you to bring your own saddle or a gel seat cover to avoid getting saddle sore on the first few days.
Do I need a bike?
Bikes are provided for all participants. They will be 21-speed mountain bikes fitted with semi slick tyres. However, you must bring with you your own helmet, which is to be worn at all times when cycling. We also dvise you to bring your own saddle or a gel seat cover to avoid getting saddle sore on the first few days.
What will the weather be like when we go?
The best time to visit this area is the dry season, from December to April. During this time we expect humidity to be relatively high with abundant sunshine. There is little chance of rain, though waterproof clothing is strongly recommended just in case. You can expect daytime temperatures to be around 30°C.
Where do we stay?
We spend nine nights in hotels. All hotels in cities will be clean and comfortable, but not luxurious. The hotels and guest houses used during the cycle are very basic. All rooms have en-suite facilities and will usually be twin or triple share single sex rooms. If there is someone in particular you would like to share with please let us know on your registration form.
This event is organised by Discover Adventure.
There will be cyclists from Breast Cancer Care and other charities taking part.
Organised by Discover Adventure, ATOL 5636 
