The Indochina Cycle Challenge: Bespoke Group Trip

  Cambodia

Phnom Penh

  Vietnam

• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Bespoke group trips: Any dates available

Description: Raise money and explore southern Vietnam and Cambodia from the unique vantage point of a cyclist's saddle on this charity challenge. Descend into the twilight underworld of the Viet Cong in the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels and witness a midday mass of the bizarre Cao Dai sect. Cross over into neighbouring Cambodia and cycle through pleasant villages and hamlets before arriving in Phnom Penh and admiring its French colonial heritage. The final part of the trip takes us to the spectacular ruins of the once mighty Khmer Empire at Angkor to volunteer on a project for victims of landmines.

Highlights: Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is still referred to by many, we explore this fast-paced metropolis. The following day we begin cycling through the lush, fertile countryside of the Mekong Delta en route to Cambodia. It's time to get our hands dirty as we pay a visit to the renowned tunnels at Cu Chi.

Once in Cambodia we spend the next few days covering a lot of ground, passing through traditional Khmer settlements until we arrive in Phnom Penh where there's time to relax and do some sightseeing. Cambodia's capital has much to offer the visitor from the splendid gilded stupas and temples with low, sweeping roofs to the more sobering Killing Fields.

The last part of our journey takes us back in time as we explore the vast sprawling city of ancient Angkor. We round off our tour with two days helping victims of landmines at the Landmine museum project.

Our group will be involved in constructing simple classrooms and bedrooms for landmine victims and orphans of victims, enabling them to spend time at the centre learning how to cope with their disabilities and return home to live active and fulfilling lives as part of their communities. There are also opportunities to be involved in English language teaching, vocational skills sharing and gardening projects.

Qualifications: This is a bespoke group challenge. Please get in touch so we can organise departure dates and specific itineraries for you.

No specific skills, education or certifications are necessary - just a desire to do something different and make a difference. However, as several days will be spent cycling, which is a physical challenge, a good level of fitness and physical ability is required.

Cost in US$: $2800 approx

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Anyone can be eligible: Our charity challenges are for anyone who wants to use their time to have a great time and do something positive, altruistic and with a meaningful purpose, as well as raise funds for their charity of choice.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Different Travel's Mission Statement: We are a volunteer and adventure travel and tourism group specialist, set up in the wake of the Asian Tsunami on 26th December 2004, offering bespoke group challenges and volunteer opportunities to work alongside local people on international development projects abroad combined with responsible travel and great accommodation. We make sure we work to meet the needs of the communities who welcome us into their world - and at the same time offer our travellers amazing experiences which will stay with them a lifetime.

Year Founded: 2004