LAOS
In a world of inevitable change, Laos manages to retain some serenity and mystery. As part of the Indochinese peninsula, Laos offers a great deal to sate the experience-hungry tourist. Often overlooked in a hurried visit, Luang Prabang encompasses sites galore and should be on your ‘to-do’ list. A tuk tuk can take you to the Kuang Si Falls, a picturesque waterfall unlike any other, wherein a hike behind the falls leads to almost magical hidden pools and more waterfalls. Among other extraordinarily constructed temples and religious sites, you will marvel at Xieng Khuan, the iconic Buddha Park in Vientiane boasting more than 200 religious statues of both Hindu and Buddhist religions, contrary to its name. For a beautiful panorama of the city which does not disappoint, if you rise to the challenge, you’ll climb the 355 stairs of Mount Phousi.
After sunset, take a stroll through the vibrant evening market, where stalls line the entire length of the road selling scrumptious street food, including laap, the country’s national dish. Take the chance to experience polite haggling for local items such as handmade Lao silk, handicrafts and pretty paper lanterns.
VIETNAM
Vietnam, in all its tourist-attracting splendour, is a nation with a bloody and war-torn past. Ho Chi Minh City Museum and The War Remnants Museum serve as grim reminders and are informative to the tourist intrigued by Vietnamese history. A walk through these museums will tell you great stories you are unlikely to have heard before.
Contrary to the disconcerting feeling of the museums, Sapa, a small mountain town in the Lao Cai Province, is one that will leave you breathless at its natural beauty. If you are up for an endurance-testing trek, the view from the top of Fan Si Pan, the highest mountain in Vietnam, is a rewarding one. Hoang Lien National Park, home of this mountain, also boasts various animals; some endangered. Nature lovers and those who cherish tranquility will definitely appreciate this Vietnamese town.
Also head to Da Nang where the aptly named Dragon Bridge is a sight to behold at night, when illuminated with vivid LED lights. On weekends and special occasions, the grandeur of the magnificent dragon breathing fire is a site that will stay with you long after you leave.
With authentic Vietnamese restaurants serving this in other parts of the world, you must try pho, a broth which incorporates rice noodles and mostly beef.
Offering a true Vietnamese experience, Ben Thanh Market in Ho chi Minh City is the place to go to satisfy your shopping cravings.
The War Remnants Museum is famous for telling war stories, not just from the local point of view but also from US sources.
You will want to try a Banh Mi sandwich, traditionally French-Vietnamese, with sweet and sour ingredients that complement each other perfectly.
CAMBODIA
Although less visited than Vietnam, Cambodia’s famous temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, draws thousand of tourists every year. Visit to see first-hand the soul of Cambodia and the largest religious building in the world. Detailed carvings tell fascinating mythical and historical stories and, although there are over 200 temples in Angkor, Angkor Wat is the country’s fiercest source of pride.
This Southeast Asian nation will leave you overwhelmed as you discover parts of the ancient kingdom, come across traditional Khmer performances and stun your taste buds with succulent Fish Amok, steamed coconut fish in banana leaves.
Otres Beach in Sihanoukville is a divine spot with golden sand and incredibly calm, blue waters. Further along, Mushroom Point offers mushroom-shaped bungalows and plush sun loungers for those who wish to enjoy the sun and surroundings. If you’ve decided Cambodia is the final stop on your Indochinese tour, Otres Beach is where you should lazily draw an end to your stay, stretched out on a hammock with a cool drink in your hand — one that matches the orangey-red hues of the setting sun.
Kick back and unwind at Otres Beach. Catch some rays or swim in perfect waters.
Hit Condor Reef for one of the best diving spots in Cambodia.
A quintessential Kep experience, follow the Khmer crowd for the best places to enjoy some fresh crabs fried with Kampot pepper.
Pay a visit to the quiet terracotta structure, National Museum of Cambodia, which boats the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpures.
