ADVENTURE WORLD VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

Transcription

1 ADVENTURE WORLD VIETNAM & CAMBODIA AGENT FAMIL MAY 2017

2 ITINERARY 12MAY Auckland to Singapore / MAY Singapore to Ho Chi Minh / MAY 2017 HO CHI MINH On arrival you are picked up and transferred to your hotel for next two nights. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is an exciting and absorbing city where bicycles battle with lorries and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, Saigon is now a bustling free market city where anything goes. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar) Ideally situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Huong Sen Hotel is within easy reach to shopping venues, business centers, airline offices, and banks. The Saigon riverside is just a few minutes walk away, and the Tan Son Nhat International Airport is a short 15 minutes away by taxi. Each room provided comes tastefully decorated and fitted with modern facilities. 14 MAY 2017 HO CHI MINH This morning we drive out of the city, before riding to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This offers a great introduction to cycling in Vietnam and a chance to fine-tune the bikes. The tunnels were Viet Cong sanctuaries, used by the guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes, the network covers 3 levels and approximately 240kms of tunnels. Although originally very narrow some parts have been widened for tourists, but even so it is still necessary to crawl on hands and knees. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine! If you prefer not to visit the tunnels you can have an unguided free day in Saigon. Places of interest include: the Emperor of Jade and Giac Lam pagodas, the former Presidential Palace (now the Reunification Hall), Ben Thanh market and the War Remnants Museum. Cycle approx. 30km. 15 MAY 2017 VINH LONG We start the trip by bus to My Tho, where we take a scenic ride through fruit orchards and along the Mekong riverbank to Cai Lay. The Mekong is locally known as the rice bowl of Vietnam and produces much of Vietnam s fruit, sugar cane and coconuts. En route we pass magnificent countryside and stop at some small cottage industries. We take a relaxing sampan cruise in the afternoon before arriving at our accommodation. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner on an island and enjoy some Delta hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a simple guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. Accommodation: Guest house

3 16 MAY 2017 CHAU DOC We leave by boat, stopping en route for a look at the Cai Be floating market. Here large boats moor up in the Mekong River, weighed down with fruit and veg produce. Local traders and shop owners buy in bulk in this strictly wholesale market. We ride along a lovely quiet backroad, lined with small villages and dwellings, towards Chau Doc (50km). After checking into the hotel, the evening is free to wander the town, which is situated on the banks of the Mekong River. Accommodation: Chau Pho Hotel (or similar) Chau Pho Hotel was built in March, 2006, with Western modern architecture but an ancient style, international standard hotel with 38 rooms, restaurant and tennis courts. The rooms are very spacious including more amenities than expected from a three star hotel. A welcoming staff ready serve in any way possible is always available. 17 MAY 2017 TINH BIEN - PHNOM PENH We cycle approximately 28km. from Chau Doc to Tinh Bien / Phnom Den land border we will bid farewell to Vietnam and cross into Cambodia. After complete customs formalities as we crossing into Cambodia at Phnom Den border. We mount our bikes for the 60km ride to Takeo Town and continue to transfer to Phnom Penh to check into our hotel for the next three nights. We leave our bikes for the next two days as we head towards the busy capital. Accommodation: Ohana Hotel (or similar) A stylish hotel in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia s bustling capital. Tucked away next to the colourful Kandal Market, beside Phnom Penh s trendy riverside area, Ohana offer guests an ideal retreat from the city, situated close to Phnom Penh s top tourist attractions, bars, restaurants and shops. Rooms are tastefully appointed with art deco and traditional Khmer furnishings. 18 MAY 2017 PHNOM PENH The fortunes of Phnom Penh have shifted dramatically during its history and the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge and subsequent civil war through 1970s and 1980s have scarred the country. During our stay we visit two sites, which give us a vivid impression of some of the horrors. There is the Genocide Museum, which is the former Khmer Rouge prison known as S-21 or Tuol Sleng, in the centre of the city. 15 kms of out of town is the area known as the Killing Fields a mass grave and execution site for the former inmates of S-21. While visiting these gruesome spots may not appeal to everyone, we feel they give us an important understanding of what the country and its people had to endure just a few decades ago. On a more positive note, the city is very much on the rise again and is a fascinating place with fine examples of French colonial architecture. We tour the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom. There is also excellent shopping at the Russian market, and the lively Mekong waterfront area, where our hotel is located.

4 19 MAY 2017 PHNOM PENH Free day on Phnom Penh or option bike ride. Optional Silk Islands Ride: Enjoy a morning bicycle ride on quiet back roads of the Silk Islands, near Phnom Penh, visiting local communities and farmland to witness village life in the Cambodian countryside. This trip runs from Phnom Penh. Who would have thought, that only 5km from the heart of Cambodia s capital city, there is an island oasis where one can take a bike ride at a gentle pace and discover true rural Cambodia. These islands, created by the flows of the Mekong River, are isolated by the lack of bridges, but ferry connections provide easy access for villagers who use the fertile soil here to grow fruit and vegetables and then weave silk and cotton in between farming cycles. The absence of most four wheeled traffic makes for a peaceful ride where you can almost forget that the hustle of a city is just nearby. The riding is flat and easily achievable for anyone who can ride a bike and we take care to ensure a high degree of safety, making this a truly family friendly experience. 20 MAY 2017 PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP A bus journey of 5-6 hours along National Road 6 takes us to Siem Reap. We will have a couple of stops, one in the town Skuon, which is known for its local delicacy of fried spiders. The road currently undergoing some resurfacing so section will be a bit of bumpy ride. We should arrive in Siem Reap for late afternoon to check in to your hotel for the next three nights. In the evening join us for a casual meet-up starting at the Spirit House in front of Ang Jeak Ang Jong Pagoda in the Royal Gardens (opposite side of the park to Raffles Grand DÁngkor Hotel). From there, we ll take a short wander along the Siem Reap River, famous among locals for its dragon boat racing every Water Festival, as well as around the old French Quarter, where tree-lined boulevards meet with traditional street vendors. See fruit bats getting ready for their nighttime flights, make a wish for a happy voyage at a Buddhist shrine, hear stories of the Royal family and Khmer festivals, check out local street food options, and learn to navigate your way around this fascinating and compact little town. Finally we ll visit a local bar that s popular for its hospitality. We ll settle in for a drink if you like (at your own expense but your local friend can give you some recommendations and tips on how to order), and you ll be free to chat with new friends, make some plans together for later on, and ask any questions you like of our knowledgeable Siem Reap expert. Think of it as a tour, meet-up, and info desk all rolled into one get the tips you need to know from those who are in-the-know, then kick back and relax with some new friends in a new city. There s no better way to tap into local life in Siem Reap! Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar) Welcome to luxury accommodation with impeccable service and genuine Cambodia hospitality and smile. Angkor Holiday Hotel conveniently & perfectly situated at the heart of Siem Reap s Commercials & Businesses district, Angkor Holiday Hotel offers tremendously convenient access to banks, healthcare, restaurants, bars, cafes, convenience stores and shops.

5 21 MAY 2017 SIEM REAP Today we may choose to have an early start to avoid the inevitable crowds drawn to the wonders of Angkor. The various temples are spread over a wide area, and are linked by shady avenues: meandering our way between them by bike gives us a unique perspective. Our cycle tour will include the junglecovered Ta Prohm, with the amazing roots of the Fromagier trees clinging to the ancient stones; the largest complex of Angkor Thom, which includes the Terrace of the Leper Kings; the famous Bayon temple with its 37 towers (originally there were 49) topped with the four faces of the king; and of course the incredible Angkor Wat, with its huge moat, long causeway and massive towers - it is the largest temple complex in Asia. Ride approx. 20km- 30km 22 MAY 2017 SIEM REAP This morning we ride from Siem Reap cycle past Wat Athvea a modern temple in the grounds of the ruins of an Angkorian temple finishing up at a market and picnic area outside of Siem Reap. Ride approx. 20km. At the afternoon free stay at the hotel or you can discuss with your tour leader for any attractive activities. 23 MAY 2017 SIEM REAP Today there is no activities plan and after breakfast at the hotel then waiting your tour leader to transfer you from hotel to Siem Reap international airport. 23MAY Siem Reap to Singapore / MAY Singapore to Auckland / Important Notes Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability. Therefore, quoted rates might change accordingly. Travel insurance is compulsory for anyone travelling with us so please ensure your clients have an appropriate level of cover. This insurance must cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover.