On a scooter across Cambodia

– Collect donations for each Km you ride and take an active role in real aid projects –

Take a ride across Cambodia and see how Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V. and United VARs have helped people in Cambodia since 2019.

United VARs’ and SAPs’ first CSR project in Cambodia supplied approximately 1,000 pupils at three schools with clean water and sanitary facilities. Visit these schools and see with your own eyes how United VARs helped create a safer and healthier learning environment for these children.

Cambodia’s exotic culture and tropical landscape offer visitors something new at every turn. Otherworldly temple complexes dot the countryside, bustling markets overflowing with both local and imported products, the serene riverside city of Battambang and its French colonial architecture, sprawling rice fields beneath intense tropical skies, rainforests with countless shades of green, the dramatic Cardamom Mountains straddling Cambodia’s interior plains and the Gulf of Thailand and its tranquil islands, the vibrant metropolis of Phnom Penh, and of course the world renown Anchor Wat.

Mönch
Tempel

How does fundraising work on a Fundriding tour?

Each Fundrider finds sponsors for a good cause. These sponsors can support the Fundrider by paying a fixed amount for each Km the Fundrider rides or by giving a single donation. The minimum that a Fundrider should achieve in fundraising is 100 cents per Km they ride. To support the Fundriders in their efforts, we provide flyers, our business cards with a QR code, our Fundrider’s webpage and our digital donation form.

  • If you reach €2.00 sponsorship per Km, United Vars will top it off with a bonus of €0.50.
  • Ask for individual sponsoring packages!
  • If your company sponsors your trip with at least €1.00per Km, it will have full rights to promote it.
  • A filmmaker will accompany the Fundride and offer a documentary tailored to your company at the end of the tour.

In addition to finding sponsors with a total value of at least €1.00 per/Km (this equals a minimum donation of €1,500, with the trip not exceeding 1,500 Km traveled), each Fundrider will also be tasked with bringing a used wheelchair to Cambodia. To avoid unnecessary flight costs, the wheelchairs should be declared as personal medical luggage when booking the flight. We are happy to help you with this if you need it.

Tour summary

During the initial week of our tour, we don’t work on our projects directly. Instead, we use the time to settle in, connect as a group, and discuss our journey ahead. As people’s initial reactions upon arriving in Cambodia can differ significantly, we prioritize taking things slow and relaxing. Our itinerary includes plenty of opportunities to unwind at beautiful locations and participate in stimulating explorations – all of which are detailed in our daily schedule. Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V. has kindly provided us with a fleet of brand-new Honda Wave 110 motorcycles for this purpose.

After we cross the Kardamon Mountains, the second week of our tour begins. At this time, the Fundriders will start their new jobs as development workers instead of Nadine and Roland (Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V.), a truly unique opportunity. Rest assured, we will provide you with guidance and support throughout every step of this significant and invaluable experience. The Fundriders can select their preferred project beforehand from a range of options available in Pursat (Central Cambodia) or Banan (Northern Cambodia).

A highlight of this trip will be visiting the inaugural United VARs CSR project. United VARs & SAP provided the Noritisetha School in Pursat with a water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) system in 2019. Witness for yourself how crucial clean drinking water is for the students.

Project Eyesight

Project Emergency Aid

Project WASH

Schedule

Friday, 02 February 2024: Departure from your location to Phnom Penh (PNH) . Don’t worry; we will advise you on arranging your flights

Saturday, 03 February 2024: Phnom Penh

Today is when everyone arrives in the capital of Cambodia, coming in on different flight connections throughout the day. We will book a nice hotel located at the confluence of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. The view from the roof terrace in the evening is absolutely stunning.

When you arrive in Phnom Penh, simply provide the hotel name to the taxi driver, and you’ll reach there with ease. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner on a barge on the impressive Mekong River to kick-start our 2024 United VARS Fundriding Tour. This will be an ideal time to share information about the upcoming days and enjoy the surroundings.

1st overnight stay: Phnom Penh

Sunday, 04 February 2024:  Phnom Penh / Kampot

Currently, we are in Cambodia’s capital. Exhilarating. Phnom Penh has its own unique history and landmarks, including the Killing Fields, which have many stories to tell. However, our time here is limited. We must check out at noon and board the tour’s 25-seater bus, which will take us approximately 160 km to Kampot, where we can begin to unwind. We booked a fabulous resort on the banks of the Praek Tuek Chhu River, where we can hand over the scooters in a peaceful environment. This location is far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city traffic, allowing everyone to become comfortable with the vehicle, driving, and new traffic customs. If needed or desired, we can provide some basic training. In the evening, we will conclude our eventful day with a BBQ at the resort and then retire for the night in cozy bamboo huts in a truly special place on earth.

2nd overnight stay: Kampot

Monday, 05 February 2024: Kampot

Today, we are pleased to provide a tour of the beautiful seaside destination of Kep, which includes a visit to the renowned Crab Market. Additionally, there is an opportunity to take a day trip to Rabbit Island, a small island off the coast of Kep. We will also explore the foothills of the Elephant Mountains in Kampot, as this area is known for producing some of the world’s finest pepper. We highly recommend bringing at least 1 kg of this delicious spice home with you as it can be quite addictive.

3rd overnight stay: Kampot

Tuesday, 06. February 2024: Kampot

Today is our last day in the Kampot region, and we’re excited to embark on a longer tour. We offer a drive to Bokor Mountain (https://bokor-mountain-cambodia.com), a stunning national park with breathtaking scenery and a well-maintained road that winds its way up the mountain. The climb takes around 45 minutes, and once we reach the top, we will enjoy a picnic lunch next to the old Sihanouks Casino. Then, it’s time to head back down the mountain: a ride you won’t soon forget!

After we return in the evening, everyone is free to explore Kampot Town at their leisure – whether alone or in a group. A perfect way to relax is by the river, with simple and fancy restaurants and bars. Kampot is a great place to first experience life in provincial Cambodia, promising many surprises for all of us!

4th overnight stay: Kampot

Wednesday, 07 February 2023: travel from Kampot to Sihanoukville Port

Today, we start earlier. We have a distance of approximately 160 km to cover and need to board the boat as early as possible. After breakfast and checking out, we’ll hit the road with all our belongings packed up. The aim is to ensure that those with smaller luggage can board the boat in the afternoon. We’ll discuss the details of this stage the night before.

The quaint and unassuming harbor where our ferry ride begins is a destination worth visiting in its own right. The scooters will stop at the most spartan restaurant you can imagine, where you can grab a beer before boarding the boat. The crossing takes around 2.5 hours, depending on the weather.

The day’s final destination is the breathtaking island of Koh Rong Saloem, where we’ll be staying for two nights in simple yet comfortable accommodations. We have rented the entire resort, including tipi tents on the beach with comfortable double beds and stunning views. There are also cozy wooden bungalows available with and without toilets. Even if the accommodation doesn’t have a toilet, everything is easily accessible. Two extraordinary days and nights await us in this dreamlike place.

5th night: Koh Rong Saloem

Thursday, 08 February 2024: Koh Rong Saloem

Although we are traveling with a group, there is no obligation to participate in group activities. This location offers an ideal opportunity to spend a day alone if desired. Here, you can unwind, slow down, and take in the serene atmosphere of the paradise-like island. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and relish the delectable cuisine offered by the resort.

6th overnight stay: Koh Rong Saloem

Friday, 09 February 2024: travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Kong

After finishing breakfast, we reluctantly board the boat once again to return to the mainland. Fortunately, our service van is waiting for us with the rest of our luggage and scooters. We mount our scooters and head north, following the coastline towards our destination of Koh Kong, which is located near the Thai border.

The road is good, and the traffic is light, allowing us to maintain a steady pace and cover a considerable distance in no time.

Upon our arrival in Koh Kong, we make our way to a proper hotel. Adjacent to it is a laundry where you can have your laundry taken care of and a massage parlor to ease your body after a long day of riding. It is a lovely spot to reflect on the long journey with a dinner overlooking the water.

7th overnight: Koh Kong

Saturday, 10 February 2024: travel from Koh Kong to O’Soum

Today, we are headed straight to the Kardamon Mountains, and we should begin early because this stage is quite challenging. It is Nadine’s favorite part of the trip.

The natural surroundings are breathtaking, and we will likely spend a lot of time taking photos and filming. We also want to provide participants with the option to have a leisurely afternoon upon arrival. The area surrounding O’Soum is incredibly beautiful, and it’s evident that we are far away from everything, making it an exciting and intense experience. Limited WiFi is available for today and tomorrow, but if it’s essential to you, an appropriate sim card might help. However, you could try it without one.

This stage will not exist in its current form in the future. The construction of a road began in 2019, and much of the rainforest has already been cleared. Please take pleasure in it while you can.

8th overnight stay: O’Soum in the Cardamon Mountains

Sunday, 11 February 2024: travel from O’Soum to Pursat

Today’s ride will take us through the Cardamon Mountains, covering about one-third of the way to our day’s destination. The remaining distance will be on paved roads, leading us to Pursat in central Cambodia. During the drive, we will visit one of the 76 health centers that Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V. has equipped with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) facilities, a program our Fundride helps to fund. Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V. aims to help as many patients as possible, and retrofitting each health center enables us to serve about 2,500 patients annually.

Upon reaching Pursat, we will stay at a beautiful hotel on the banks of the Pursat River. Guests can relax and enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool or a calming massage.

Pursat is where Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V. began its work in 2008.

9th overnight: Pursat Town

Monday, 12 February 2024:  Pursat

Before the tour, each Fundrider had the opportunity to select a family or person as their project for emergency aid. We dedicate this day to visiting these families/people and collaborating with them to develop a plan that we can directly implement using the donations generated from the kilometers traveled; an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.

In the afternoon, we have another exciting event planned. Our school, Kandieng Sustainable School, has operated successfully for many years. We are hosting a school party to celebrate with all 269 of our students. Thanks to United Vars and the All-for-One-Group, the school’s computer room has been recently updated with 20 new laptops. We can’t wait to see how the students will benefit from this upgrade. After the party, we will return to the hotel at approximately 7 p.m.

10th overnight stay: Pursat Town

Tuesday, 13 February 2024: travel from Pursat to Banan in Northern Cambodia

After saddling up our scooters again, we continue towards Banan Village in Battambang Province, a stunning area about 20 km southwest of Battambang City. For the past 13 years, the Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V. has been collaborating with Mr. Kov Bong (Khmer) and David Emery (USA) here. David is now a resident of the area, and together, they are the heart Bareebo Organization. We’re excited to join forces with them and stay at a lovely resort with a pool right by the Banan Temple Mountain. It’s a beautiful and peaceful rural area with a fantastic atmosphere. We’ll wrap up the day with a group dinner.

11th overnight stay: Banan Village

Wednesday, 14 February 2024: Banan District

Today, every Fundrider transforms into a development worker. Each of us brought a wheelchair which we sent to Banan at the beginning of our tour in Phnom Penh. We will personally deliver these wheelchairs, providing much-needed assistance for individuals with disabilities and improving their lives with a single act.

Additionally, each Fundrider selected an emergency aid project for Banan. We visit these families/individuals and collaborate with them to develop a plan which is then directly implemented and funded by our kilometer donations. It will be a challenging yet rewarding day.

In the evening, you have the freedom to explore Battambang, a stunning city situated on the banks of the Sangker River. Many Fundriders drive here after finishing work, enjoying the French colonial architecture, local and international cuisine, and the laid-back atmosphere.

12th overnight stay: Banan Village

Thursday, 15 February 2024: Banan

We’ll start our morning with a trip to Chy Hong II, a village created for landless families in 2012 that Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V. and Bareebo equipped with WaSH facilities and a kindergarten. We’ll visit a cave temple on a hillside near Chy Hong II, a place well off the beaten path. We’ll have lunch at Mr. Bong’s restaurant in Banan, the only one serving organic food.

In the afternoon, we’ll give you a better understanding of our work on the ground. We’ll visit some emergency projects, one or two schools we equipped with WaSH facilities, and a Ponds, Pumps and Gardens project. We’ll explain everything to you on-site. For more information, you can also check out our website at  www.kleineHilfsaktion.de. We’ll be spending most of the day in the countryside, where we’ll be working on some personal emergency projects and wheelchair handovers as well.

The evening is free for you to enjoy.

13th overnight stay: Banan Village

Friday, 16 February 2024: travel from Battambang to Siem Reap by boat

Our scooter tour concludes with a trip to Battambang City after breakfast, where we unsaddle for the last time. Then, we embark on a private boat that takes us on a serene and breathtaking voyage to Siem Reap. The boat ride lasts approximately 6.5 hours, winding over the Sangker River and its floating villages, crossing the Tonle Sap Lake and passing through a vast mangrove area before arriving at our destination.

Siem Reap is renowned worldwide for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Watt, which typically drew around 2 million visitors annually prior to the pandemic. The visit to Angkor Watt can be scheduled either in the afternoon or on Saturday morning, depending on the time we dock in Siam Reap. However, we need to wake up early Saturday morning, as the surreal sunrise at the temples of Angkor Wat waits for no one.

14th overnight stay: Siem Reap

Saturday, 17 February 2024, travel from Siem Reap to Home/?

Congratulations on completing our Fundride tour! It was quite an adventure, covering around 1,500 kilometers. You are now free to continue on your own. Safe travels!

Tour stops

  • A: Phnom Penh
  • B: Kampot
  • C: Koh Rong Samloem (Insel)
  • D: Sihanoukville
  • E: Koh Kong
  • F: O’Soum
  • G: Veal Veaeng
  • H: Pursat
  • I: Banan / Battambang
  • J: Siem Reap

The cost of the tour is € 2.240,-.

You will receive a discount of 10%.

@United VARs CLG: United VARs will cover the costs of the tour for each employed team member!

Included in the costs of the Fundride:

  • Assistance with fundraising from Km sponsors
  • Own fundraising page
  • Own donation form
  • Promotional material for fundraising: flyers, personalized business cards with QR code, T-shirts
  • Donation management via Kleine Hilfsaktion e. V., receipt for donation
  • Flight and travel advice from our experienced team
  • Boat trip from Battambang to Siem Reap / Cambodia (6.5 hours on the Sangker River and across the Tonle Sap Lake)
  • A full day of direct experience with the work of a development/aid nonprofit. Our tour takes you to unique, lesser-known locations where you can witness completed and ongoing aid projects. Explore aspects of Cambodian life and culture that no other tour can provide
  • One individual emergency aid project
  • Supplying a wheelchair that provides much-needed assistance for individuals with disabilities
  • Participation in a village eye screening (Project Eyesight)
  • Visit United Vars & SAP 2019 School WASH Project
  • A fantastic time in Pursat at a party hosted by the Kandieng Sustainable School with all the students
  • Visit the Computer Project of United Vars and All-for-One-Group at the Kandieng Sustainable School
  • Accommodations for 14 nights in hotels and guesthouses in single rooms
  • The use of a 110-125cc big wheeled motor scooter for 11 days, including gasoline
  • Water and fruit during the tour (staying hydrated is critically important!)
  • A service/support vehicle for transporting luggage and other items
  • Medical assistance for the duration of the tour with a medical doctor traveling in the service/support vehicle
  • 2 highly experienced English-speaking Cambodian tour guides
  • 2 German tour guides with years of experience traveling in Cambodia
  • Boat transport to/from a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand (in Cambodia)
  • Transportation of scooters from Battambang to Phnom Penh
  • Local taxes and permits with costs
  • In case of a fall/illness/termination of the tour, transport to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap will be arranged, health condition permitting
  • Professional filmmakers documenting the Fundride

Not included in the price of the Fundride:

  • Flight
  • Damages to scooters and medical bills due to falls
  • The cost of meals and drinks

Additional options

We are here to assist those Fundriders wishing to continue their holiday after the tour.

You have questions? Please contact us!

Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V.
Contact person: Roland Debschütz
Bergheimer Straße 503
D-41466 Neuss

Mobile +49 172 2104489
info@kleinehilfsaktion.de

United Vars
Contact person: Detlef Mehlmann
Kaiserswerther Str. 115
D-40880 Ratingen

Mobile +49 170 4594999
detlef.mehlmann@united-vars.com

Participant in Fundride Cambodia Scooter Tour 03 – 17 February 2024

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