Cambodia - Challenge for Shelter

Level of Difficulty

The Cambodia Challenge for Shelter is greaded as challenging. A challenging trip will test someone who is relatively fit and has a spirit of adventure. You may have had some previous experience, but this is not required as long as the correct training is undertaken.  

You can tell your supporters that on your Cambodia Challenge for Shelter you will be:

• Trekking an average 15km-20km over 7-8hrs per day
• Trekking for five consecutive days in hot and humid conditions
• Camping with very basic facilities, including 'bucket showers'

Typical Day

You will wake early (around sunrise) in time for a light breakfast. Walking days will last 7–8 hours. Trekking on your challenge will take place on a range of terrain, including fields, farming tracks, jungle trails and rural mountain paths. Packed lunch will be provided and usually served around noon. You will arrive at camp by late afternoon in order to wash before it gets dark. Dinner will be prepared and you can relax as the stars come out.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, an advanced and thorough safety management system. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount.

In terms of your Cambodia Challenge for Shelter, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:

• When temperatures are hot, the risk of becoming dehydrated and succumbing to sunstroke are particularly high. You should be drinking over 2 litres of water per day during the trek and using sunscreen continuously.
• You will be trekking on varied terrain which will require concentration and appropriate clothing and equipment.
• You will be trekking  for 7-8hrs a day for 5 consecutive days, which will test your stamina. 

Passport Details

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Cambodia. Entry is normally refused if you have a damaged passport or pages missing. Please act urgently if your passport expires within six months of the completion of your challenge. 

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Scanned passport copy 

A scanned copy of your passport is required by the Cambodian government to secure a camping permit for you. This will be submitted no later than 60 days prior to departure.  We will therefore require you to load a scanned copy of your passport into your account area in JPG format. We will only use this for the purpose listed here and we will comply with our data protection obligations. 

Flights

This challenge is ground only. This means that you will need to book your own flights for the challenge from your home country to Siem Reap, Cambodia, return. It is imperative that as soon as flights are booked you load your flight details into your account area so we can arrange the necessary transfers for you.

Please aim to arrive at the hotel in Siem Reap by mid-afternoon on Day 1 and depart after mid-morning on Day 8.

Visa

Canadians do require a tourist visa to enter Cambodia. This can be obtained prior to arrival or at the airport. We strongly advise you to secure your visa in advance of travel. We will upload a Visa Application Advice document into your account area three months prior to your departure to help you with your application.  

The length of your visa will be 30 days and the approximate cost of visas for this itinerary is US$35. For citizens of other countries please check travel advice on the Cambodian embassy's website.

Transport on Arrival and Departure

For participants who have uploaded their flight details in time (deadline TBC), and who arrive on challenge start/finish dates, or organised extension dates, we will organise your arrival and departure transfers. On arrival into Siem Reap International Airport (SAI), you will be met by a transfer agent who will bring you to the group hotel. Please expect a 1.5 hour transfer (50km) on arrival to your hotel. 

If you arrive before or after the scheduled challenge dates or extension dates, you will need to organise your own transfers.  

Travel Insurance

Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenge is our main concern, which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy, which covers you for the adventurous nature of your challenge, the activities you are undertaking, and the altitudes. For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.

We are aware that a number of our participants from Canada have used a company called World Nomads for their insurance cover and have spoken highly of them. We do not specifically endorse the company as we have not vetted them, so please do your own due diligence on the cover provided and policy exclusions.

Vaccinations

For up-to-date vaccination information please check the Canadian Government Health Advice or visit your local doctor or travel clinic to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting so it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

• Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled container, as issued by the pharmacist, in hand luggage
• Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
• A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
• Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
• Some medications are banned abroad so please check before you depart

Accommodation and Toilets

Accommodation

The standard of accommodation in Cambodia is generally high and the hotel rooms are western standard with en-suite toilets and facilities for charging batteries and wifi connection. You will be in twin share rooms allocated with someone of the same sex in the Siem Reap hotel. Whilst camping, you will be in single tents. The campsites are usually at pagodas and the facilities will be very basic. 

Single rooms in the hotel are available on this trip for a surcharge. Please email challenges@charitychallenge.com if you would like more information.

Please note that all hotel pairings will be made by the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

Toilets

Whilst the hotels will have western style toilets, along the trekking route you will need to embrace the great outdoors. At every campsite, several toilets will be located a small distance from the campsite. These toilets will be very basic and will not be western style. Remember to bring some toilet paper and antibacterial hand gel with you, as well as small plastic bags to dispose of paper waste responsibly. 

Food and Drink

Cambodian meals are based on fish, poultry, pork, vegetables and rice. The dishes are all very tasty and, for the most part, not too spicy. Food is usually prepared with a minimum of oil and served with a fish sauce called nuoc mam.

Angkor Beer is the local brew. Wines are very expensive unless you want to sample locally made rice wine – ‘Roau’ (pronounced zeeo). 

Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies. You will need to be as flexible as possible with your eating habits when travelling in south-east Asia, as some diets are hard to cater for!

Drinking water will be supplied while you trek. 

We recommend that you also bring some snacks with you for the trekking days, such as candy, nuts, dried fruit, energy bars.   

Please note that you may encounter a large amount of seafood on this challenge, so please inform Charity Challenge if you do not eat seafood so we can accommodate you the best we can.

Clothing and Equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some quality walking socks. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are a high-quality waterproof jacket and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles can be useful, however, we would recommend training with these prior to your trek. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here

Climate

Cambodia is warm all year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20c. The average daily temperature for trekking will be 25c. Trekking in Cambodia can be extremely humid and you should come prepared for sporadic rainfall.  The trails are fairly exposed so you should be prepared to protect your self from the sun and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.  A wide brimmed sun hat is recommended. 

Money

How much to bring: All accommodation and meals are included within the price of the trip, as well as water during the trekking days. You will not need to carry a lot of money with you during the challenge, but there may be daily opportunities to buy soft drinks and snacks on the way. We would suggest a maximum of about CAD$30 a day. Bring more if you intend to buy souvenirs as there are plenty of great handmade crafts, silk clothing and silver jewellers in Cambodia. Keep in mind that it is useful to have notes in small demoninations.

Currency: The US dollar is the main currency used in Cambodia. Prices in hotels, shops and restaurants are quoted in US dollars. Cambodian Riels are used only as small change. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.

ATMs: ATMs are available in Siem Reap, but take care when withdrawing cash and be aware of your surroundings.  Not all ATMs and banks accept foreign debit and credit cards so check with your bank before you travel. Once you begin trekking, ATMs will be extremely hard to find so bringing cash is essential.

Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are now accepted in many hotels and shops in Siem Reap, but the preferred currency is clean US dollars cash.

Tipping: We have included tips in your challenge costs and will mke sure the support team are tipped at the end of the challenge. 

Phone and Wi-Fi

Your hotel will have limited wifi connectivity, but please do not rely upon this. During the trek there will not be opportunities to charge your phone and signal will not always be available. Remember! Part of the challenge you've signed up for with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is to unplug completely while trekking. You should look at this as an opportunity to get away from the stresses of daily life and a test of your ability to step outside your comfort zone!

Please tell your loved ones not to worry if they don't hear from you. An emergency contact number will be made available should your family need to reach you with anything urgent while you are off the grid. 

Group size

The group size is intended to be between 20 and 30 people with a leadership and support team, including medical staff.

Leadership

There will be a number of English-speaking challenge leaders who will be responsible for the logistics and co-ordination of your challenge. There will also be numerous support team members and a doctor in each group to assist them. The challenge leaders will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. The itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group, and so on. While we will do our very best to maintain the advertised itinerary, we cannot be held responsible for any last-minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your challenge leaders will have the final say and will act in the best interests of the group. Each group will also be joined by a representative from the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

Emergencies

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. In the event of an emergency, all guides and leaders are maintaining contact via radio, and the backup vehicle will not be far away. If somebody is unable to walk at all, then the guides will arrange evacuation to a vehicle.

Luggage Allowance and Valuables

The luggage allowance will depend on the airline being used for your international travel, but in general, it will be one piece of checked baggage at approximately 20kg.

Each trekking day, your personal kit will be transported to the next stop by a support vehicle. You will carry a daypack for your daily needs such as sunscreen, packed lunch, water, snacks, camera, and lightweight waterproofs.

We will do everything to provide adequate security for your possessions. The general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (travel insurance, passport, visa etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.

We advise that you wear your walking boots on the plane and take a set of trekking clothing (especially your jacket) in your hand luggage. In the unlikely event that your checked luggage should go missing, you will be able to begin the challenge while you wait to be reunited with your baggage. 

Please Note: Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags (not your checked bags).  Specific regulations regarding power banks may vary depending on the airline, the country you're traveling to, and the type and capacity of the power bank. It's always a good idea to check with the airline and the destination country's regulations before your flight to ensure that you comply with their specific rules regarding power banks to avoid having it confiscated.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Training

This challenge is graded Challenging, which means that a good level of fitness is required! We recommend that you have some experience of trekking before departure. Don’t forget that the temperature is likely to be different from your home country. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress). Also see our Fitness Training page.

Medical Support

First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in Canada for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.

If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.

Responsible Tourism

At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Impact Partners to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost $800,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages.