Vietnam & Cambodia - The Heart of South East Asia
VIETNAM
Vietnam is located in South East Asia. It is bound by the South China Sea to the east, Laos and Cambodia to the west and China to the north. The country can be divided into three regions, North Vietnam, Central Vietnam and South Vietnam. North Vietnam is mountainous especially in the north and northwestern sections while the lowlands consist of the Red River Delta and the coastal plains. Central Vietnam is divided into a narrow coastal strip, a broad plateau and the Annamite Mountain Chain which separates the plateau from the coastal lowlands. The lower one third of South Vietnam including the Mekong River System is a low and marshy flat land while further north and east, upland forests as well as rugged terrain dominate.
A country of beautiful diversity, Vietnam entices travellers with soaring mountains, thousands of kilometres of unspoilt beaches and one of the best street food scenes anywhere in the world.
Vietnam has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry.
The wet season is generally from April to October while the dry season runs from November to March. It is good to note that Vietnam's climate varies depending on the time of year and geographic location. Overall, when the weather isn't ideal in one area, it may be great in another.
Best of Vietnam-
1. For a cultural treat, visit Hanoi, the charming capital city of Vietnam, known for its tree-lined streets and French colonial villas.
2. If you want tio enjoy how the locals live, join a local chef to the morning markets to pick up fresh produce and enjoy a culinary experience.
3. For a spectacular landscape of rice paddies, take a 2hour drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.Visit the ancient Dich Long Cave and Pagoda, a remarkable series of temples and communal houses dating back hundreds of years. Afterward, enjoy a scenic boat trip through the wetlands of the Van Long Reserve with spectacular views of its 32 stunning grottoes. This area has recently become famous as one of the filming locations for the blockbuster movie “Kong: Skull Island”.
4. An internal flight will get you to Ho Chih Minh. Discover the breadbasket of the country with a day tour of the Mekong Delta. Drive to Cai Be, known for its tropical fruit gardens and traditional handicrafts. Cruise along the river then hop on a bicycle to explore rustic villages with stops at fruit farms and local handicraft centres specialising in making hammocks, rice paper and conical hats. Enjoy a traditional home-hosted Mekong Delta lunch before returning to the city.
CAMBODIA
Cambodia is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage-inscribed Angkor Wat Complex in Siem Reap, the largest religious monument in the world and the seat of the 12th century Angkor Empire. Get lost in its crumbling, jungle-clad temples or climb up ancient structures to see the sun setting over the iconic spires of Angkor.
A compact country, Cambodia has a simple weather system with two distinct seasons.
The dry season is from October to April, and the green season is from May to September. Rainfall is heaviest in August and September. Comfortable temperatures averaging 24°C are in October, November, and December while the hottest time of year, averaging 35°C, is March to June.
1. The ancient Khmer ruins are a timeless attraction while hidden temple complexes continue to be discovered.
2. Unspoiled nature in many of its off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Phnom Kulen and national parks teeming with indigenous flora and fauna
3. charming town of Sen Monorom, dubbed the “Switzerland of Cambodia” for its picturesque lakes, forests and rolling hills.
4.Cycling Tour of Iconic Angkor Temples
5. Cruise the Mekong River, with possible sightings of the critically endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins
**Trails of Indo-China and lonely planet**
Video credit to DzapProductions