Overview

This fun adventure tour gives travelers the opportunity to experience rural Cambodia by bicycle, while supporting a variety of NGOs along the way. If you're not one for the hustle and bustle of city sites and overcrowded tour buses, then this is the trip for you! As with all itineraries from PEPY Tours, this trip was created with community support in mind, providing substantial funding for educational programs in rural Cambodia and inspiring life changes in the travelers who join us.

Description

After arriving and getting to know your fellow trip participants over a welcome dinner in Phnom Penh, you will take off to an eco-lodge in the hills where you will begin your cycling adventure, getting to know the area, taking cycling trips to mangrove areas and beaches, and visiting the first of the NGOs that you will learn about during the trip.
 
The next stage of ther journey will take you 50km over the hills to Kampot which will be your base for the next few days. You'll have an adventure day along the river, rushing in the rapids and seeking out your favourite spots with bike rides through the area.
 
Back on your bikes for a 90km ride along some flat and beautiful dirt roads to a home-stay near Chouk, which will give you the opportunity to experience the life of a rural Cambodian - an opportunity not to be missed for the true "off the beaten track" traveler!
 
You will bid farewell to Chouk and head back to Phnom Penh by bike where you'll have the chance to relax and reflect on your trip over dinner at a restaurant which supports a local street center (and has the BEST food in town!)
 
At the end of the trip you'll have a chance to delve into Cambodia's recent history, with visits to S21 and the Killing Fields. Participants will also have some free time to explore Phnom Penh, visit the Royal Palace, markets, or National Museum.

Responsible Tourism

Throughout the trip, PEPY staff and tour leaders will provide insight into the work of development agencies in Cambodia, current issues, and lessons learned about responsible tourism. The required fundraising contribution will be channeled to programs visited on the tour, thus allowing participants to help to continue the work they visit far after they leave. The dollars spent within the tours themselves will also be bringing support to Cambodia since all PEPY Tours are built around locally owned restaurants and guest houses as well as groups working with and funding sustainable development programs. This translates into delicious dining and comfortable sleeping, and all for a good cause! Join us on this tour and experience Cambodia the PEPY way.

Highlights:

• The fundraising component required for each of our tours provides support for education programs and assists select projects of several partner NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations).
• Tour profits help cover the operating expenses of PEPY Ride, our sister NGO.
• Home visits and other initiatives offer direct benefits to the local populations and provide an opportunity for them to teach visitors about their culture and livelihood.
• Each PEPY Tour offers a first-hand educational experience where participants learn about the work and role of local and international development agencies in Cambodia, while familiarizing themselves with issues involving contemporary Cambodia and the importance of responsible tourism.
• PEPY Tours supports locally owned restaurants and guest houses as well as many other responsibly managed businesses in the tourism industry.

Trip Facts

Group Size: 4-12 people

Grade: Moderate  – basic level of fitness required.

Accommodation: In bigger towns and cities like Phnom Penh we put our guests up at a mix of mid-range hotels supporting responsible travel. For one night at the village stay accommodation will be basic, so be prepared for an authentic rural experience.

Transport: Mountain bike, tuk-tuk, pick up truck

Length: 9 days

Dates: May 3, 2010 - May 11, 2010

*The above date is flexible, if it is inconvenient for you, drop us a line specifying your desired date and we'll be happy to try and accommodate your request.

Start/End Location: The tour starts and ends in Phnom Penh unless the participant is continuing on to the capital on a Siem Reap extension tour.

Additional Options: As with all of our tours, if the exact details of this trip (dates, accommodation level, adventure/learning mix, etc) do not fit your specific needs, we are happy to design a custom trip for you and your family or friends. Just drop us an email with the dates you are free and what you are looking to get up to! Learn more at our Custom Tour Page.

Also, participants have an option to sign up for a Siem Reap Extension tour where they can learn more about the history and culture of Cambodia while visiting Tuol Sleung prison museum and the Killing Fields.

Pricing

Tour Price: To be confirmed

Fundraising Fee: $500

Inclusions: The trip includes all transportation while in Cambodia, accommodation, tour and entrance fees for listed attractions, and all but two meals. We leave a few meals free as there are many choices in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and past participants have enjoyed the chance to find their favorite food!

Exclusions: The trip does not include international flights to/from the start and end points. Visas are available upon arrival and cost $20 for most foreign nationals. Also excluded is an international airport departure tax of $25. Additionally, participants are responsible for purchasing their own international travel insurance.

Cancellation Policy: If six people have not signed up for the trip four weeks before the start date, PEPY staff reserves the right to cancel the tour and any deposits will be refunded in full. If a participant cancels for any reason, their $200 deposit is non-refundable. Refunds will be made for the remainder of the tour fees (excluding deposit and fundraised money) on this schedule:

· Full – more than 3 weeks before trip’s start

· 50% - more than 2 weeks before trip’s start

· 25% - more than 3 days before trip’s start

· 0% - less than 3 days before trip’s start