The Mekong Delta

Saigon to Siem Reap

Tour Description: Guided

Tour two of South East Asia's most exotic countries on a 13-day cycling adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia. Cycle through the watery world of the Mekong Delta, ride by rice paddies, and discover the mystique of the Angkor Wat temples.

A cycle tour is undoubtedly the best way to really connect with a country, its people, to experience the tempo of village life, and escape the well trodden tourist trail.

This Saigon to Siem Reap cycle tour is fully supported and fully guided, and it keeps you away from the main roads which many similar tours follow. Your cycle tour of Vietnam begins with easy cycling as you explore the wonderful watery world and traditional lifestyle of the Mekong Delta.

After a few days you bid farewell to Vietnam and enter Cambodia via a remote coastal border crossing. Cycling through Cambodia you pass endless rice paddies, take breaks in everyday villages, explore the charming capital Phnom Penh, ride through shady rubber plantations, before culminating in the discovery of the spectacular ancient temples of the mighty Khmer Empire.

For anyone wanting to discover the real Vietnam and Cambodia, this is the tour for you!

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

Tour two of South East Asia's most exotic countries on a 13-day cycling adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia. Cycle through the watery world of the Mekong Delta, ride by rice paddies, and discover the mystique of the Angkor Wat temples.

A cycle tour is undoubtedly the best way to really connect with a country, its people, to experience the tempo of village life, and escape the well trodden tourist trail.

This Saigon to Siem Reap cycle tour is fully supported and fully guided, and it keeps you away from the main roads which many similar tours follow. Your cycle tour of Vietnam begins with easy cycling as you explore the wonderful watery world and traditional lifestyle of the Mekong Delta.

After a few days you bid farewell to Vietnam and enter Cambodia via a remote coastal border crossing. Cycling through Cambodia you pass endless rice paddies, take breaks in everyday villages, explore the charming capital Phnom Penh, ride through shady rubber plantations, before culminating in the discovery of the spectacular ancient temples of the mighty Khmer Empire.

For anyone wanting to discover the real Vietnam and Cambodia, this is the tour for you!

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• The bustling city of Saigon
• The scenic Mekong Delta
• River market of Cai Be
• Mekong Delta town of Can Tho (unofficial capital of the Mekong Delta)
• Cai Rang floating market
• Visit to local orphanage partnering with tour company and "Pedal2Empower"
• Mekong River
• Siem Reap
• Angkor Wat temple complex
• Banteay Srei Temple

Highlights: Self-guided

• The bustling city of Saigon
• The scenic Mekong Delta
• River market of Cai Be
• Mekong Delta town of Can Tho (unofficial capital of the Mekong Delta)
• Cai Rang floating market
• Visit to local orphanage partnering with tour company and "Pedal2Empower"
• Mekong River
• Siem Reap
• Angkor Wat temple complex
• Banteay Srei Temple

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival
On arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After checking-in you are free at leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 2: Saigon - Can Tho (34 miles/55km)
This morning you will meet your cycle guides and be fitted to your bicycles before being transferred to Cai Be which is a bustling river market and here you will enjoy a cruise along the Mekong Delta and visit the colourful floating market as well as visiting nearby Dong Phu Island.

Here you will explore the shady surroundings as you spin through orchards and witness the daily life of the farmers. You will have lunch on the island, including a variety of freshly picked fruit. After leaving the island you head to Vinh Long and then continue cycling through the heart of the Mekong Delta crossing countless canals and rivers that irrigate this vivid, arable landscape.

After a few ferry crossings, always a good opportunity to interact with the friendly locals, you arrive in Can Tho, the unofficial capital of the Mekong Delta. It is a friendly lively city with rice husking mills being a major source of employment. On arrival in Can Tho you will check-in to your hotel. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight in Can Tho.  

Day 3: Can Tho - Chau Doc (78 miles/125km) 
An early start as you take a boat trip along the Hau River to the Cai Rang floating market, one of the biggest in Vietnam, here you will witness a mass of wooden boats of all sizes converging to sell their wares. Your small boat allows you to weave in-between these waterborne traders getting up close and personal, great for photo opportunities and buying some produce yourself!

Afterwards it is back on the bicycles as you pedal amongst vivid greens and friendly faces. You are now heading deeper into the delta and the roads narrow and the traffic becomes lighter. At Thot Not you will stop off at a Stork Sanctuary before having lunch in the town of Long Xuyen.

After lunch you enjoy a gentle coast through one of the most scenic parts of the delta as you follow the Mekong through traditional villages and past fish farms, over small bridges, a more rural feel. On arrival in Chau Doc you will check-in to your hotel. If time and energy permits you may wish to hike  to the top of nearby Sam Mountain for great sunset views out across the rice fields of Cambodia in the distance. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight Chau Doc. 

Day 4: Chau Doc - Ha Tien (50 miles/80km) 
Another early start as you board a boat and explore the amazing riverside market with all its bustling activity and smorgasbord of sounds, colours, and smells. The boat continues through fish farm villages where tons and tons of fish are bred in cages beneath floating homes, to an ethnic Cham village with its famous Mubarak Mosque. Here you will also witness women weaving using traditional methods. You then cycle along a pleasant road, passing vibrant green rice fields, crossing many bridges, seeing towering limestone formations in the distance, and noticing the Khmer influenced pagodas as you get closer to Cambodia. By the late afternoon you arrive in Ha Tien and check-in to your hotel. Coastal Ha Tien, only 8km from the Cambodian border, has a forgotten feel but still retains a certain charm with its shuttered terraces, crumbling colonial buildings and mats of seafood drying in the sun. Meals: B, L, D.  
Overnight in Ha Tien. 

Day 5: Ha Tien - Kampot (40 miles/65 km)
This morning you bid farewell to Vietnam as you cycle the short distance to the border crossing with Cambodia. Once you have completed the customs formalities you will be met by your Cambodian cycling crew. For your introduction to Cambodia you will cycle along quiet coastal dirt roads passing through salt flats and small villages. Your first port of call will be the coastal resort of Kep which is now undergoing a revival after years of neglect. You will have lunch here and perhaps try the tasty seafood the area is renowned for.

After lunch you spin the final 35km to Kampot, where on arrival you will check-in to your hotel. Kampot has an undeniable charm, being a sleepy, quaint place with a relaxed ambience and friendly locals, the streets are quiet and there is a lot of French colonial and Chinese influenced architecture still surviving, and it all that wasn’t enough there is a wonderful riverfront where you will experience possibly the most beautiful sunset in Cambodia as the sun slips down behind the nearby mountains. Meals: B, L.
Overnight in Kampot. 

Day 6: Kampot - Takeo (56 miles/90km)
As you leave Kampot you cycle through some inspiring limestone karst scenery, picturesque villages including some ethnic Cham settlements, and endless rice fields. On arrival in Takeo you will check- in to your hotel Takeo does not have a lot to boast about being a small provincial capital made up of many local government department buildings. However, around the market area there are some old colonial villas in differing states, and the waterfront promenade makes for a pleasant late afternoon sunset stroll. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight in Takeo. 

Day 7: Takeo - Phnom Penh (56 miles/90km)
After breakfast this morning you have the opportunity to visit a local orphanage managed by ‘New Futures’. Here you will learn more about the great educational work they are doing in the surrounding poor villages, and how Asia Adventures is working together with them through its 'Pedal2Empower' cycle donation project.

As you leave Takeo you spin north passing through more endless rice paddies. After some time you turn off the main road to visit Tonle Bati, a riverside location where you have time to explore the small, yet picturesque Angkorian temples of Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau. You will then avoid the ‘main’ road as much as possible and upon reaching the outskirts of Phnom Penh you will stop-off at the 'Killing Fields'. This is where Khmer Rouge prisoners were forcibly marched from the Toul Sleng prison in the city centre and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting.

After some contemplation you can either negotiate the rush-hour traffic into the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, or opt for taking the support vehicle. You will check-in to your riverside hotel and then be taken to a local restaurant for dinner. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight in Phnom Penh. 

Day 8: Phnom Penh City Cyclo Tour 
On your first morning in charming Phnom Penh you will may be pleased to discover that today it is someone else’s turn to do the pedalling as you are treated to a fun cyclo tour, a traditional mode of transport. Your first stop will be the terracotta red National Museum which offers a charming setting for a comprehensive collection of Khmer artefacts.

After this you will visit the nearby Royal Palace, on the banks of the mighty Mekong river. Inside the Palace walls you will be treated to the Throne Hall, the Chan Chaya Pavilion, and the King’s residential quarters. You will then move onto the neighbouring Silver Pagoda, so named as it is claimed its floor is made up of over 4,000 silver tiles! Your cyclo driver will then take you to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterwards it is back in the cyclos as you are pedalled through the streets of Phnom Penh to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture centre.

You will then be taken to the Russian Market an excellent place for picking up souvenirs. There are stalls selling some very good Khmer antique reproductions, other stalls piled ceiling high with wonderful colourful silks, incredibly cheap clothing stalls, and of course those stalls selling pirated CDs, DVDs, and computer software. Afterwards you will be taken back to the hotel where you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening, perhaps wanting to experience the eclectic string of bars and restaurants along the city's riverside. Meals: B, L. 
Overnight in Phnom Penh.  

Day 9: Phnom Penh - Kompong Cham (65 - 105km) 
This morning you may choose to cycle through the busy street of Phnom Penh or travel on the support vehicle until the traffic thins out. 40km from the city you turn off the main road and enjoy a shady ride following the course of the Mekong River along a mostly unpaved, and at times bumpy road toward the town of Kompong Cham.

Foreigners are rare through these parts so expect a few surprised faces as you cycle through the many traditional villages where you will witness people busy with their everyday lives: cooking, cleaning, playing, leading the cows to the river, cycling school kids, pagodas & monks, and the sun-drying of bright red chillies, pepper, rice, and fish by the side of the road, and of course the river life on the mighty Mekong which keeps coming and going from view.

There are plenty of cool, shady, scenic spots for rest breaks where the curious locals are sure to want to say ‘Hello’. Kompong Cham retains a number of French influenced buildings and trader shop fronts - while often badly dilapidated they retain an austere grace so totally lacking from the more modern concoctions that invariably flank them. Given its small size its easy to explore by foot, which you are free to do after you have checked-in to your hotel. Meals: B, L. 
Overnight in Kompong Cham. 

Day 10: Kompong Cham - Siem Reap (65 miles/105km) 
An early start this morning as you leave Kompong Cham and soon turn off the main highway and follow a road which gradually climbs and passes through shady rubber plantations. After 75km you reach the small town of Prey Thom Tratrav and rejoin the main highway. From here you will travel in the support vehicle for the 150km drive to the market town of Dom Dek.

From here you will re- mount your bikes and cycle the 30km to the temple remains of Beng Mealea, a truly atmospheric experience. Only recently re-discovered the temple has been consumed by the voracious appetite of nature and is largely overrun by vegetation, the trees that have forced their way through the stone towers and galleries make it a shady and cool place to relax. As you explore you feel like a true adventurer! Afterwards you take the support vehicle for the final 70km to Siem Reap. After checking-in to your hotel and freshening up you will be taken to a local restaurant for dinner. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight in Siem Reap. 

Day 11: Angkor Wat (25 miles/40km) 
This morning you begin your cycle exploration of the incredible Angkor temples. Today focusing on the Small Circuit which features temple greats such as: the pyramid of Takeo, the jungle-clad Ta Prohm made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’; Sras Srang known as the King's bathing pond; and the impressive Royal City of Angkor Thom, where you will find the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you. You will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city.

After lunch it is time to take on the majestic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building. After being initially inspired by its overall size you will explore in more detail, getting up close and personal to fully appreciate its architecture and intricately detailed bas-reliefs. After returning to the hotel you are free at leisure to experience Siem Reap’s nightlife which includes many fine restaurants and lively bars. Meals: B, L.
Overnight in Siem Reap.  

Day 12: Banteay Srei Temple (50 miles/80km) 
Today you pedal north towards Banteay Srei. This cycle ride is a real delight as you pass through pleasant Cambodian countryside and its friendly villagers. On route we will stop off at a couple of villages to get a closer look at the wooden stilted homes and every day life. One thing you will notice for sure is large black pots in people’s gardens containing a thick light brown bubbling mixture - this area is famed for its sugar palm tree sweets, sure to give any cyclist a much needed energy boost!

On arrival at Banteay Srei you will be struck by its delicate beauty. It is an elaborately decorated temple, embellished with floral motifs and scenes from the Ramayana, all carved from pink sandstone. It is said the carvings must have been done by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man.

You will have lunch at a local restaurant, after which you cycle back towards Siem Reap, and depending on the time explore some of the temples on the Grand Circuit such as: Preah Khan or ‘Sacred Sword’, one of the largest temples at Angkor; Neak Pean surrounded by fountains and ponds; and Banteay Kdei. This evening you will enjoy dinner and a mesmerising Apsara dance performance. Meals: B, L, D. 
Overnight in Siem Reap.  

Day 13: Departure
Today you are free at leisure until it is time for your transfer to Siem Reap / Angkor International Airport for your onward flight, leaving the home of the mighty Khmer Empire with many wonderful cycling memories.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Aug 10 and Nov 9, 2013. Other dates available upon request for parties of 2 or more. 

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Pricing for parties of 4-6
Per person, double occupancy $1906 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) $316 Bike Rentals Mountain bike rental $120 Tour pricing, small groups Per person, for parties of 2 $2371 Per person, for parties of 3 $2045 Tour pricing, large groups Per person, for parties of 7-9 $1802 Per person, for parties of 10-12 $1629 Per person, for parties of 13-16 $1456

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• All sightseeing tour and transfer services as detailed in the above itinerary 
• All accommodation as detailed 
• Air conditioned support vehicle 
• English speaking local guide 
• English speaking local cycle guide / mechanic 
• All entrance fees for attractions included in the above itinerary 
• Daily drinking water, cool face towels & snacks whilst cycling 
• All meals as detailed in the above itinerary (B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner)

Excluded

• Services not detailed in the above itinerary 
• International flights to Vietnam and from Cambodia 
• Vietnam and Cambodian Visa fees*** 
• Bicycles, however it can be hired at 120$ 
• Drinks with included meals 
• Expenditure of a personal nature 
• Discretionary tips 
• Travel insurance 
• Any payment / money transfer charges

***Cambodian visa is available on arrival for $20. Vietnamese visa must by obtained by Vietnamese embassy before arriving. 

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City: Vien Dong Hotel (3-star)
http://viendonghotel.benthanhtourist.com.vn     

Can Tho: Saigon Cantho Hotel (3-star)
www.saigoncantho.com.vn 

Chau Doc: Chau Pho Hotel
http://greenislandhotel.com.vn 

Ha Tien: Green Island Hotel
http://greenislandhotel.com.vn

Kampot: Mea Culpa Guesthouse
www.meaculpakampot.com 

Phnom Penh: Cardamom Hotel (3-star)
www.cardamomhotel.com 

Kompong Cham: Monorom VIP II Hotel (2-star)
www.monoromviphotel.com 

Siem Reap: Royal Crown Hotel
www.royalcrownhotel.com.kh 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City: Vien Dong Hotel (3-star)
http://viendonghotel.benthanhtourist.com.vn     

Can Tho: Saigon Cantho Hotel (3-star)
www.saigoncantho.com.vn 

Chau Doc: Chau Pho Hotel
http://greenislandhotel.com.vn 

Ha Tien: Green Island Hotel
http://greenislandhotel.com.vn

Kampot: Mea Culpa Guesthouse
www.meaculpakampot.com 

Phnom Penh: Cardamom Hotel (3-star)
www.cardamomhotel.com 

Kompong Cham: Monorom VIP II Hotel (2-star)
www.monoromviphotel.com 

Siem Reap: Royal Crown Hotel
www.royalcrownhotel.com.kh 

Bike Rentals: Guided

We provide Cannondale Trail SL4 mountain bikes, or GT Avalanche Mountain bikes.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

We provide Cannondale Trail SL4 mountain bikes, or GT Avalanche Mountain bikes.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This tour is rated Challenging and includes days with up to 65 miles/105 km of cycling over mostly flat terrain. It is for cyclists in above average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour is rated Challenging and includes days with up to 65 miles/105 km of cycling over mostly flat terrain. It is for cyclists in above average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Tour end
Nearest airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Tour end
Nearest airport: Siem Reap, Cambodia 

Weather: Guided

Southeast Asia has a classic tropical climate with generally warm to hot days and warm nights. You won't need any warm clothing on this tour.

The coolest months are November to January. During the wet season (May-Oct) it does rain most days but the rain generally falls in the late afternoon or night - after we have finished our cycling. The wet season is actually a fantastic time to visit Cambodia as the rain brings the fields and country to life. Endless green rice fields are a feature of this time of year.

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information. 

Weather: Self-guided

Southeast Asia has a classic tropical climate with generally warm to hot days and warm nights. You won't need any warm clothing on this tour.

The coolest months are November to January. During the wet season (May-Oct) it does rain most days but the rain generally falls in the late afternoon or night - after we have finished our cycling. The wet season is actually a fantastic time to visit Cambodia as the rain brings the fields and country to life. Endless green rice fields are a feature of this time of year.

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information. 

Visas and Vaccinations: Guided

Visas

Vietnam: Most nationalities require a visa for Vietnam and they can be obtained from any embassy worldwide. A tourist visa is valid for a single 30 day stay. You must specify your arrival date when applying for a visa and it is from this date that the 30 days will be calculated. When picking up your visa check to be sure the dates match your travel plans and that it is stamped directly into your passport as it will not be accepted if it is stapled in or loose. You can obtain a pre-approved entry visa online before arrival in Vietnam for a fee, however, the visa is still issued on arrival at international airports.

Thailand: Unless you are staying for more than 30 days, or do not have onward air tickets, a visa for Thailand is not required by European, North American, Australian and many other nationalities. Please be prepared to show evidence of an onward international ticket to Thai immigration officials upon entry to Thailand. Travellers without a visa arriving via a land border crossing can only stay in Thailand for 15 days.

Health and Vaccinations

Anyone travelling on a cycling holiday in Southeast Asia should go to see their doctor for a check-up prior to the trip. Some countries will require specific vaccinations and your doctor will have access to the most up to date information about this. 

You should carry a well stocked first aid kit with you when you travel. Here is a sample list:

• Insect repellent
• Antiseptic cream
• Suncream and total bloc
• Throat lozenges or hard sweets
• Painkillers
• Aspirin, Paracetamol etc.
• Anti-diarrhoea (Diocalm or Immodium)
• Plasters (band-aids) and 'Second Skin' for blisters
• Antibiotics. A broad-spectrum antibiotic (such as Ciproxin) suitable for a variety of infections
• Re-hydration salts. (Dioralite)
• Dextrose glucose tablets
• Multi-vitamin tablets.

Visas and Vaccinations: Self-guided

Visas

Vietnam: Most nationalities require a visa for Vietnam and they can be obtained from any embassy worldwide. A tourist visa is valid for a single 30 day stay. You must specify your arrival date when applying for a visa and it is from this date that the 30 days will be calculated. When picking up your visa check to be sure the dates match your travel plans and that it is stamped directly into your passport as it will not be accepted if it is stapled in or loose. You can obtain a pre-approved entry visa online before arrival in Vietnam for a fee, however, the visa is still issued on arrival at international airports.

Thailand: Unless you are staying for more than 30 days, or do not have onward air tickets, a visa for Thailand is not required by European, North American, Australian and many other nationalities. Please be prepared to show evidence of an onward international ticket to Thai immigration officials upon entry to Thailand. Travellers without a visa arriving via a land border crossing can only stay in Thailand for 15 days.

Health and Vaccinations

Anyone travelling on a cycling holiday in Southeast Asia should go to see their doctor for a check-up prior to the trip. Some countries will require specific vaccinations and your doctor will have access to the most up to date information about this. 

You should carry a well stocked first aid kit with you when you travel. Here is a sample list:

• Insect repellent
• Antiseptic cream
• Suncream and total bloc
• Throat lozenges or hard sweets
• Painkillers
• Aspirin, Paracetamol etc.
• Anti-diarrhoea (Diocalm or Immodium)
• Plasters (band-aids) and 'Second Skin' for blisters
• Antibiotics. A broad-spectrum antibiotic (such as Ciproxin) suitable for a variety of infections
• Re-hydration salts. (Dioralite)
• Dextrose glucose tablets
• Multi-vitamin tablets.

Money and Currency: Guided

Vietnam
The official national currency is the Vietnam dong (d), but the US dollar is widely accepted in tourist centers. However, in smaller towns and villages the dong is preferred. ATMs are available in all major tourist destinations and big cities. Vietcombank has the best network with a limit a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000d (about US$125). Most major currencies can be exchanged at leading banks in Vietnam, but the US dollar is preferred away from the tourist centers. Changing US$100 will make you an instant millionaire! You cannot legally take the dong out of Vietnam but you can reconvert reasonable amounts of it into US dollars on departure.  

Cambodia 
The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, however, the US dollar serves as a second currency and can be used in all situations. When going to Cambodia it is best to bring small denomination US dollars cash along with travellers cheques as your main form of money. Around Siem Reap Thai Baht can also be used. Credit cards can be used in a few major centres, however, they should not be relied on as the main way you will access your money. There are now ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville which dispense US dollars, however, this should not be relied on as your sole source of money.

Money and Currency: Self-guided

Vietnam
The official national currency is the Vietnam dong (d), but the US dollar is widely accepted in tourist centers. However, in smaller towns and villages the dong is preferred. ATMs are available in all major tourist destinations and big cities. Vietcombank has the best network with a limit a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000d (about US$125). Most major currencies can be exchanged at leading banks in Vietnam, but the US dollar is preferred away from the tourist centers. Changing US$100 will make you an instant millionaire! You cannot legally take the dong out of Vietnam but you can reconvert reasonable amounts of it into US dollars on departure.  

Cambodia 
The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, however, the US dollar serves as a second currency and can be used in all situations. When going to Cambodia it is best to bring small denomination US dollars cash along with travellers cheques as your main form of money. Around Siem Reap Thai Baht can also be used. Credit cards can be used in a few major centres, however, they should not be relied on as the main way you will access your money. There are now ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville which dispense US dollars, however, this should not be relied on as your sole source of money.

Cultural Tips: Guided

Positive Impact 
An integral part of traveling is to have a positive impact on the country that you are visiting. On this trip there are a number of things you can do to have a positive impact on the communities that we visit.

Dress 
Cambodia is still a quite conservative country. In rural areas and temples overly revealing clothing is considered offensive. You should make an effort to dress more conservatively in these situations. Walking around a village in bike shorts is not appropriate so if you wish to cycle in just bike shorts you should have something with you on the bike to put on over the top such as long loose shorts or a skirt/sarong. A good solution to this is 'shy shorts' which combine cycling shorts with loose long shorts over the top. When visiting temples shorts are acceptable providing they cover the knee. Sleeveless tops are not acceptable in temples.

Phrase Book 
A highly memorable part of your travels will be the local people that you meet. In the tourist areas some people will speak English but away from these areas it is great to learn a few words of Khmer. We will teach you some of the basics but if you want to really interact we recommend bringing a phrase book.

Donations 
Often when coming on trips overseas people like to bring items such as sweets, pens and books for children or old clothing for families. While this is a fantastic idea, if distributed in the wrong way it can actually create more problems. Giving items away to local people can create an expectation that a visiting foreigner equals free give away's. In some communities in Asia this has created whole villages where the only interaction is the locals asking for things. If you would like to donate anything to the communities that we visit we suggest that you give the items to Asia Adventures which we will then pass on to development organisations, schools or whole communities. In this way items are distributed by those working in the communities who understand better the local needs.

Poverty 
There is an enormous amount of poverty in Cambodia which you will see, particularly in tourist areas. If you choose to give something to a beggar you must bear in mind the value of money in the country you are visiting. Many beggars can earn more than those who work unskilled jobs. There are organizations in Cambodia who are working to alleviate this poverty issue and may be able to do more good with donations that you might like to make. Your Tour Leader will be able to provide more information about this.

All information in these tour notes is researched with care and provided in good faith. The information subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Asia Adventures.

Cultural Tips: Self-guided

Positive Impact 
An integral part of traveling is to have a positive impact on the country that you are visiting. On this trip there are a number of things you can do to have a positive impact on the communities that we visit.

Dress 
Cambodia is still a quite conservative country. In rural areas and temples overly revealing clothing is considered offensive. You should make an effort to dress more conservatively in these situations. Walking around a village in bike shorts is not appropriate so if you wish to cycle in just bike shorts you should have something with you on the bike to put on over the top such as long loose shorts or a skirt/sarong. A good solution to this is 'shy shorts' which combine cycling shorts with loose long shorts over the top. When visiting temples shorts are acceptable providing they cover the knee. Sleeveless tops are not acceptable in temples.

Phrase Book 
A highly memorable part of your travels will be the local people that you meet. In the tourist areas some people will speak English but away from these areas it is great to learn a few words of Khmer. We will teach you some of the basics but if you want to really interact we recommend bringing a phrase book.

Donations 
Often when coming on trips overseas people like to bring items such as sweets, pens and books for children or old clothing for families. While this is a fantastic idea, if distributed in the wrong way it can actually create more problems. Giving items away to local people can create an expectation that a visiting foreigner equals free give away's. In some communities in Asia this has created whole villages where the only interaction is the locals asking for things. If you would like to donate anything to the communities that we visit we suggest that you give the items to Asia Adventures which we will then pass on to development organisations, schools or whole communities. In this way items are distributed by those working in the communities who understand better the local needs.

Poverty 
There is an enormous amount of poverty in Cambodia which you will see, particularly in tourist areas. If you choose to give something to a beggar you must bear in mind the value of money in the country you are visiting. Many beggars can earn more than those who work unskilled jobs. There are organizations in Cambodia who are working to alleviate this poverty issue and may be able to do more good with donations that you might like to make. Your Tour Leader will be able to provide more information about this.

All information in these tour notes is researched with care and provided in good faith. The information subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Asia Adventures.

Tour Company Background: Asia Adventures: Guided

Profile:

Established in 2006, Asia Adventures is owned & operated by local adventure travel experts, in cooperation with international travel professionals. Our management team has over 30 years combined experience in the tourism & hospitality industry, & we are well-traveled throughout Cambodia & the region. Moreover, we are cycling, trekking & cruise-travel enthusiasts ourselves.

Best practices:

Asia Adventures continues to grow & develop strong partnerships, providing our guests the best possible travel experience. We blend centuries-old Southeast Asian grace, charm, & hospitality with the best practices of international tourism management. Our attention to detail will assure you a stress-free holiday while enjoying the region’s warm, genuine traditional hospitality.

Responsible tourism:

Asia Adventures is a leading Responsible Tourism operator in Cambodia. Our programs involve grass roots local participation - utilizing tourism to facilitate poverty alleviation. All revenue generated remains within the region, assisting in its social & economic development.

• Heritage Friendly Business Accreditation Gold Status
• Cambodia Community Based Eco-tourism Network.

Attention to detail:

Asia Adventures is laser-focused on our guests’ needs, assuring every detail will be attended to. Carefully selected multi-lingual guides, drivers, tour routes & services provide an enjoyable, hassle-free, high-quality, & unforgettable vacation. We prepare itineraries & make all arrangements for a variety of tours, as well as other services as requested.

Dream! Explore! Discover!

We constantly explore new routes & destinations to provide you an authentic cultural experience. Join us on a unique adventure & experience a holiday to remember. 

Tour Company Background: Asia Adventures: Self-guided

Profile:

Established in 2006, Asia Adventures is owned & operated by local adventure travel experts, in cooperation with international travel professionals. Our management team has over 30 years combined experience in the tourism & hospitality industry, & we are well-traveled throughout Cambodia & the region. Moreover, we are cycling, trekking & cruise-travel enthusiasts ourselves.

Best practices:

Asia Adventures continues to grow & develop strong partnerships, providing our guests the best possible travel experience. We blend centuries-old Southeast Asian grace, charm, & hospitality with the best practices of international tourism management. Our attention to detail will assure you a stress-free holiday while enjoying the region’s warm, genuine traditional hospitality.

Responsible tourism:

Asia Adventures is a leading Responsible Tourism operator in Cambodia. Our programs involve grass roots local participation - utilizing tourism to facilitate poverty alleviation. All revenue generated remains within the region, assisting in its social & economic development.

• Heritage Friendly Business Accreditation Gold Status
• Cambodia Community Based Eco-tourism Network.

Attention to detail:

Asia Adventures is laser-focused on our guests’ needs, assuring every detail will be attended to. Carefully selected multi-lingual guides, drivers, tour routes & services provide an enjoyable, hassle-free, high-quality, & unforgettable vacation. We prepare itineraries & make all arrangements for a variety of tours, as well as other services as requested.

Dream! Explore! Discover!

We constantly explore new routes & destinations to provide you an authentic cultural experience. Join us on a unique adventure & experience a holiday to remember. 

Terms and Conditions: Asia Adventures: Guided

Terms and Conditions: Asia Adventures: Self-guided