13th to 23rd January 2005 | Cambodia

The Great Asian Challenge 2005

DETAILS
ITINERARY
GUIDELINES
PARTICIPANTS
CHARITY
KIT LIST

The Great Asian Challenge (Thailand to Cambodia)

13th – 23rd January 2005

This was G4G’s 12th Challenge

Cycling from Bangkok to Angkor Wat in Cambodia

From Bangkok, cycled alongside rivers, past farming villages and paddy fields. Crossed the Khao Tai and Pran Sida National Parks heading south to the Cambodian border through the rolling Khorat countryside.

Travelled from the border to Sisophon, aiming for Battambang and then on to Siem Reap. On reaching Angkor Wat, there was an opportunity to visit some of the famous temples enshrining beautiful Khmer carvings of different cultures and religions.

Participants were able to visit the children’s charities in both Bangkok and Cambodia.

The Challenge was a medium intensity test of fitness, stamina and perseverance.

Level: Moderate, good level of fitness was required

Number of participants: 30

Registration fee: Dhs 1500

Minimum sponsorship: Dhs 12,000

Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Fund-raising ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.

What G4G provides on the Challenge: flights and transfers; hotels/tents; all food; guides; medical assistance & back up.

Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.

Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!

Day 1

Arrival and Bike Fitting.

After being transferred from the airport to Klong Toey, had a visit to the Human Development Foundation, a children’s charity to be supported by the Challenge. Bikes were fitted in the afternoon, followed by dinner and a briefing by the Wild Planet tour directors.

Overnight Sida Resort.

Day 2

Nakon Nayak to Khao Yai National Park 48 km.

From the start point of Nakon Nayak, we headed into the National Park area of Khao Yai. Thailand’s largest park is situated on the Khorat Plateau with elevations of between 2,000 and 3,000 feet. Lunch at Hew Narok Waterfall, and continued through the park to the headquarters, the base for the evening. After dinner, we had an opportunity of a ‘spotlighting’ safari hoping to find the elusive Khao Yai tigers.

Overnight Khao National Park.

Day 3

Khao Yai to Wang Nam Kheio 62 km

Headed north east through the park to cross over into the adjacent Thap Lan National Park in Wang Nam Kaeo district. This park is little known by visitors, mainly evergreen forest with elevations between 990 and 1650 feet.

Overnight Pangan Resort.

Day 4

Wang Nam Kheio to Pang Sida 68 km.

Departed the resort on the edge of the park, heading towards Pang Sida Park which is situated in the rolling Khorat Hills, highest elevation being 2,800 feet, thereafter descending to the Cambodian border. The park is noted for its waterfalls and spotlighting safaris.

Overnight Pang Sida National Park.

Day 5

Rest Day.

Within the surrounds of the park, there was an optional trek or off-road ride for those who wanted to do something active. Paperwork and visa details were completed prior to the border crossing the following day.

Overnight Pang Sida National Park.

Day 6

Pang Sida/Arranyaprathet/Sisopon 105 km.

An early start for the biggest day of the trip, headed 50 kms southeast towards Arranyaprahtet and the entrance to Cambodia, aiming to clear customs around midday. A further 50 kms to Sisophon Hotel, the overnight stop.

Day 7

Sisophon to Battambang 68km.

With an early start, cycled south east to Battambang on reasonable roads with low traffic. There we had an opportunity to visit a Cambodian Children’s orphanage, being considered as a beneficiary of the trip.

Overnight Teo Hotel

Day 8

Battambang to Siem Reap 65 km.

Departed Battambang to cycle north east along the Sangkar River to rendezvous with the river boat bound for Angkor. (40 km) The length of the journey was dependent on the water level. Disembarked at Siem Reap Port, and cycled 15km to Siem Reap, with a further 10 km to the finish line at Angkor Wat. Said goodbye to the bikes and transferred to the Angkoriana Boutique Hotel for a celebratory dinner by the pool.

Day 9

Angkor Wat and Depart.

Visited Angkor by vehicle with a knowledgeable guide for the morning and returning to the hotel in the afternoon to make the transfer to Siem Reap airport for the return flight to Bangkok, to connect with the return flight to Dubai.

Climate

Daytime temperatures in January will range from 23-27ºC. Night-time temperatures will decrease slightly.

Health

The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent illness is to be properly immunized. Our medical advisor recommends that travellers should be immunized against Hepatitis A and B, a series of three injections, advising the first and second doses at least 6 weeks before departure. Typhoid , Tetanus and Cholera are a must. Malaria risk is extremely low. The Dubai London Clinic will provide vaccinations to challengers on a cost only basis – contact the head nurse, Maria, on 04 344 6663 to make an appointment. The challenge is described as moderate so good fitness is required – start training as early as possible.

Visas & Passports

Currently, UK, US, Ca, NZ, SA and Aus passport holders are allowed 30 days without the need for a visa. All other nationalities must apply in person to the Thai Consulate, Telephone 04 349 2863 for the procedure. Depending on your nationality, the visa will cost approximately AED100.A group visa is not possible.

For anyone entering Cambodia, the normal procedure is to purchase the visa at the border. Gulf for Good will advise of any changes to this information as soon as possible.

Travel & Medical Insurance

Please ensure that your insurance covers the activity. Note that most travel insurance policies do not cover activity trips. Return the insurance declaration form together with a copy of your policy/registration card. If you require insurance for the trip, we can arrange this through Axis Holidays Worldwide. Further details available on request.

Respect of the Environment

We maintain a firm commitment to conserve the areas we work in and ask you to do the same. Take photographs (and everything else with you) and leave behind only footprints and tyretracks.

Safety

We take your safety very seriously. It is our first and never forgotten priority. Please listen to your guides and follow their instructions. They are the experts and know what they are doing. Do ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Experienced first aiders will be on hand throughout with a medical kit.

What We Supply

Return flight from Dubai, internal flights/transfers, daily meals, water and accommodation including tents. All your gear will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own day-pack.

A Typical Day

Days vary according to terrain and distance. However, you can expect a lunch stop, usually at a local restaurant serving Thai/Cambodian food. Two snacks per day are supplied at pre-established rest stops on the way. There will be time to socialize and explore before dinner.

Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Bottled water is available throughout the day.

Personal Equipment

Travel light! Try to limit your baggage to around 15kgs. All bags are to be clearly marked and lockable. Do not take or wear any valuables on the trek – it is best to leave them at home.

Please refer to the Kit List. All the items required for the trip can be purchased from major sports shops and cycling shops: Dubike, Wolfie’s and Trek in Dubai.

ASPECA

Funds raised helped to build a dormitory for 50 pupils in Phnom Penh.

Website for further information: www.aspeca.com

The Great Asian Challenge 2005

Difficulty Scale :

MODERATE

The Great Asian Challenge 2005

Difficulty Scale :

MODERATE

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