The Beach! An Optional R&R Event

We do now have confirmed reservations for January 13, 14, 15 in Sihanoukville, "Snooky" as it's known by the locals, a beach community located on the Gulf of Thailand, about 3 to 4 hours south of Phnom Penh.

It is basically for enjoyment, relaxation, and an opportunity to experience the Khmer culture and foods in a pleasant atmosphere.

Besides relaxing and dining, there are possibilities of snorkeling, scuba, day trips touring around town, walking tours, dirt bike tours, bike and motorized bike rentals, massages, fishing, sailing, learning to cook, volunteering time at Help the Cambodian Children, miniature golf, and more. As time gets closer, those of you who want to do some of these activities can chatter amongst yourself to see if there are like-minded people who want to do the same things in case there are minimum numbers required.

The following are links that were sent to you in an email if you want to investigate the opportunities in advance:

Dirt Bike adventures - http://www.sihanoukville-cambodia.com/sihanoukville-businesses/new5/stray-dog.html

Things to do around Sihanoukville - http://www.sihanoukville-cambodia.com/about-sihanoukville/activities.html

http://www.tourismcambodia.com/attractions/sihanoukville/

http://wikitravel.org/en/Sihanoukville\

http://www.visit-mekong.com/cambodia/sihanoukville/activities.htm

http://www.sihanoukville-hotels.org/tours

http://www.canbypublications.com/sihanoukville-cambodia/sihanoukville-recreation.htm

We will leave by private van/bus on the morning of January 13, and come back to Phnom Penh airport on January 16. The cost is estimated to be about $12/person, and you will pay for that at the time. It is possible for you to come back a day earlier if needed, but you may still end up having to pay for the night that you don't use since you'll be sharing a room, and a private taxi back will cost approximately $40.

Participants will pay for the fixed cost of the accommodations in advance. Details will be sent to you in an email. You will pay these costs in advance, directly to your team leader, not through Habitat, and therefore there will be no tax deductible receipts for the funds submitted. Other costs encountered such as meals and activities will be paid by the participant at the time, unless advance booking is required.

It will be necessary to determine if you are going to participate in this optional R&R event and/or other activities before you buy your return airline ticket. It is also possible to consider doing some of your own side-trips, such as Angkor Wat, before having to be in Phnom Penh on January 3.

Some participants may want to do this trip to Sihanoukville and/or visit Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, other parts of Cambodia, and/or neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. If you want to do this, the team leaders will give some suggestions/tips, but all planning needs to be done by the participant.