Flip through the pages of a South East Asia travel guide and you’ll be transported to a land of mist-enveloped karsts erupting from aquamarine waters, technicolour temples and 100-foot-high Buddha statues, wild jungles alive with creatures, and oh-so-dreamy beaches… Connected by the powerful Mekong River, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos each have their own allure to draw all manner of travellers – but if you’re having trouble choosing where to go, we’ve got you covered with our South East Asia guide. Caution: wanderlust to follow…
Thailand
Perhaps the most Googled of South East Asia’s destinations, Thailand has and does it all. You’ll find no shortage of history and culture, whether its on a longtail on Bangkok’s River of Kings, a visit to the iconic ‘Bridge on the River Kwai,’ or amongst the temples and ancient hill tribes of the north.
We have an inkling that you may already know (and love) Thai cuisine, so why not try the real deal? In Bangkok, there are world-class restaurants that have re-invented traditional dishes and hole-in-the-wall spots with the best street food around, whilst Chiang Mai bursts at the seams with markets and authentic Lanna delicacies.
Explore Thailand’s corner of the Golden Triangle in Ayutthaya, where you’ll marvel at 14th-century ruins and cycle the trails. Then, there’s the south coast, sprinkled with sugary beaches, diving hot spots and luxury resorts on near-private islands. Need we say more? Well yes – head inland to Khao Sok National Park to see elephant conservation in action, kayak through the birdlife-filled jungle or and even spend a night in a floating bungalow.
Vietnam
Vietnam is, in a word, diverse. From the north to the south and everywhere in between, each region feels like a dozen destinations in one.
In the north, embark on epic hikes and bike rides through the country’s highest mountain ranges and shamrock-green rice paddies, and spend time perusing the markets for local dishes and souvenirs. Within a day, you could be sailing across Halong Bay in a junk boat, ready to discover the floating villages and caves hidden within the limestone peaks. Then, if lip-smacking street food, historic architecture and hair-raising moped rides are calling your name, Hanoi promises it all with gusto.
Speaking of history, central Vietnam is brimming with it. Genteel Hue is the country’s bygone capital, the ruins of which are a striking sight as you wander between time-worn Nguyen mausoleums and towering pagodas. Fast forward a few centuries in Hoi An, where a tasty cuisine awaits amid the lantern-lit streets. And, just up the coast, you’ll find some of the chicest beach resorts around.
Then to the south, sensational islands lie in wait, adorned with pristine sand and lush forests, and encircled by amazing marine life. Then there’s Ho Chi Minh City, a bombastic metropolis that tells Vietnam’s history from the Khmer reign and colonial rule to the war and independence. And what better way to experience the tranquillity of the Vietnamese countryside than a cruise along the Mekong, leading you straight into Cambodia?
Cambodia
Much of daily life in Cambodia takes place along the Mekong River, which cries out to be explored on a cruise or scenic sampan ride, and deep in the countryside where communities still live like they have done for centuries. Cambodia isn’t without its bona fide wildernesses either: it boasts the largest remaining rainforest in South East Asia, home to the enthralling Cardamom Mountains. The biodiversity is astounding and the lodges are dedicated to protecting its many endangered species. On hikes and kayaking adventures, you may just spot Asian elephant, clouded leopard, or the very secretive Malaysian sun bear.
Mention Cambodia and talk of Angkor Wat will quickly follow – and with good reason! Within the ruins of a 12th-century citadel, Angkor Wat is the largest temple complex in the world, encompassing grand structures and tiny temples alike. History further plays out at the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau, a poignant memory of a troubled past.
But modern-day Cambodia is thriving, and cities like Battambang and Phnom Penh are alive with arts and culture. Head to Battambang, a symbol of modernity with its thriving arts scene and charming feel (and don’t leave town without travelling along the famous bamboo railway) and Phnom Penh for a smorgasbord of cuisine. And, if you’re longing for a good soak in the sun, Cambodia boasts a sprinkling of clandestine islands and beaches, all offering delicious seafood, snorkelling and spa treatments.
Laos
In Laos, it’s hard to separate the cities from the mountains and the history from the culture, and this pint-sized country will quickly have you seeing the world through new eyes. In every city, you’ll find temples to visit, including Wat Phou in Champasak, which happens to be older than Angkor Wat and steaming stalls offering tasty bites (try the Sin Dat BBQ) and chilled Beerlao.
A boat trip across the Mekong will have you exploring the 4,000 Islands archipelago and scouting for multi-coloured birdlife. French architecture and traditional Laotian structures sit side-by-side in Champasak, and you’ll never be without a well-positioned viewpoint to watch the sun set over the mountains.
In Luang Prabang, visit the elephants at MandaLeo sanctuary, hike through the Pak Ou Caves and the hundreds of hidden Buddhas, and end off with a dip in the famous Kuang Si Falls. For a real sense of adventure, head to Muang La for its intrepid trekking, mountain biking and the chance to visit some of the most secluded villages in South East Asia. What a tempting thought…
