Indochina Venture

  Cambodia

• Other Cities in Cambodia: 
Phnom Penh,  Siem Reap

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing
• Xi'an: 
Xi'an

  Laos

• Other Cities in Laos: 
Vientiane

  Vietnam

• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon),  Hoi An

Dates: All year round

Description: This Venture traces the legends of the ancient Khmers whilst discovering the reality of life after Pol Pot in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Switching from volunteering to adventure, we mount an epic expedition to explore the complexities of Vietnam, Laos and China; following in the footsteps of the Ming dynasty and, more recently, Mao and Ho Chi Minh.

Cultural Orientation & Aid Project, Cambodia:
(7 weeks)
The Venture begins with a three-week exploration of the Cambodia's cultural, historical and natural character. Learning the basics of the Khmer language will help with cultural exchange and exploring the temples at Angkor Wat will aid your understanding of this ancient culture. We follow a series of water-highways along the Mekong River where there are good opportunities to see fresh water dolphins.

Phnom Penh was first the seat of the Royal Khmer Court, then an outpost of French colonialism. The Americans made their mark and were followed briskly by the horrors of Pol Pot's era. This city of Royal Palaces, wide boulevards and Killing Fields has much to reveal and is where the aid project is centred. The urban and rural programmes provide teaching aids, playgrounds and food distribution to disadvantaged children. Each project encourages contact and cultural exchange between the Venturers and the local community.

The Expedition, from the Mekong River to the Great Wall of China:
(7 weeks)
From the Mekong delta we cross into Vietnam and make for the hustle and bustle of Saigon: two wheels are still the favoured method of movement and we use pedal power to cross the central highlands, exploring the hill-tribe areas. The enchanting town of Hoi An and nearby China Beach provide a break from the rigours of travel and is the jumping off point for Laos. Taking a slow-boat upstream, the Mekong takes us to Vientiane and on towards the Plain of Jars where a three-day trek will reveal the region's variety of indigenous flora and fauna.

Entering China we make for the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and embark on a four-day trek into Tiger Leaping Gorge, surrounded by snow-capped peaks 3,900m above. There are giant pandas to be seen at Ghingdu and our boat trip down the Yangtze will take us past the rapidly filling Three Gorges. Back on dry land we strike north to inspect the ever-vigilant Terracotta warriors at Xi'an and Beijing's famous Forbidden City before the final challenge, a five-day trek along The Great Wall itself.

Highlights:
* Soak up Cambobia's ancient history at the temples of Angkor Wat
* Sail down the Mekong and Yangtze Rivers
* Work alongside the Buddhist monks of the Life and Hope Associatton on the Phnom Penh community project
* Montain-bike across Vietnam's central highlands.
* Tackle a four-day trek into China's Tiger Leaping Gorge
* Trek along the Great Wall of China, before exploring Beijing

Cost in US$: 5,500 USD for 14 weeks

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of maximum of 16

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded: 1999