Vietnam to Cambodia bike tour

Planet

The consumption and resulting waste from plastic bottles of drinking water is a recognised problem around the world. We try to discourage and minimise this on this adventurous holiday by encouraging clients to refill their water bottles, on the cycle rides and bus journeys, from reusable giant-sized water dispensers.

Pedal power is one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to travel, meaning that the holiday is a low impact option. We make the journey from Saigon to Siem Reap by a variety of forms of land and riverine transport without the need to fly between destinations.

At Angkor Wat our Tour Leaders are well versed in preventing the removal of stones or climbing on the ruins. As our customers travel in small groups there are several briefings that take place on tour to indicate the do’s and don’ts that should be observed at particular sites, such as Angkor Wat.

As a company we support Cool Earth. Protecting rainforest is one of the most effective actions to tackle climate breakdown. CoolEarth work with indigenous communities empowering them to conserve their forest; keeping CO2 locked in.

People

One reason we use local tour leaders is so they can help bridge any cultural gaps between us and the local people. As well as helping to unlock many aspects of the destination; employing a local tour leader, local guides, bike mechanic, drivers, boat crews and sampan rowers all contributes in supporting the local community through employment and training. Our supplier is a locally owned company and over the past 25 years we have built a long standing, mutually beneficial and respectful relationship.

One of the great aspects of a cycling holiday is the ability to stop off enroute to visit local markets, enjoy a drink in a small café and meet the local people. Along the way on our cycle rides we take the opportunity to visit local cottage industries where clients have the opportunity to learn from and interact with locals as well as encouraging the purchase of goods direct to the producers. For example on day 3 we plan to meet either a rice paper manufacturer or a coconut candy producer – both producing on a small scale and family run. On day 8 we cycle around Koh Dach Island passing through weaving villages and we stop to learn about the art and local history of silk weaving. This gives the opportunity to buy directly from the weavers.

In addition to the above, we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key and so all staff, Tour leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage. As well as this, we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of UK travel industry bodies Tourism Concern and AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.