Southeast Asia is one of the most exotic and mysterious places one will ever visit. The architecture, landscape and cultures reveal ancient civilizations that visitors could hardly imagine in their wildest dreams. Most itineraries pass through at least two or three of these countries, which share long and curvy borders. We like to combine big countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand, with small countries, such as Laos and Cambodia.
Thailand
Images courtesy A&K
What We Love
- Being draped in a jasmine garland upon arrival is one of our favorite local customs.
- The joyful Thai people believe in the concepts of chai yen (“cool heart”) and sank (“life is pleasure”).
- The country’s 55 million citizens have long been known for their independent spirit and history of rejecting foreign control and colonialism.
- The hospitality and service at the hotels and spas is second to none.
- We especially love the diverse landscapes and architecture, from the glittering temples in the bustling capital to the fertile rice fields, lush tropical rainforests, and beautiful white sand beaches.
- The complex, adventurous flavors in their coconut milk-based cuisine are laced with lemongrass, ginger, coriander, and lots of hot chilis.
Things To See & Do
- Spot wild elephants (and maybe even a tiger or two) in Khao Yai National Park. Hiking trails meander through lush forests featuring waterfalls and cacophonous tropical birds.
- Practice your bargaining skills in the famous floating market in the canals of Bangkok.
- Expand your mind in the swirling kaleidoscope of smells and colors at Chiang Mai's Night Market.
- Plan your trip to coincide with one of the country’s many festivals celebrating Buddhism, the harvest, and past kings.
- Visit the eclectic hill tribe villages in the northern reaches of the country.
Myanmar (Burma)
What We Love
- Historically, this country has been known for its efforts to preserve its unique culture by shutting its doors to the outside world. Only in recent years has the government allowed foreigners to see its hidden, timeless beauty. There are only a handful of countries remaining in the world that have resisted Western influences, allowing travelers to absorb the culture in its native form, and this is one of them.
- The Buddhists’ endless, peaceful search for nirvana is a welcome reprieve from modern Western life. Once you adjust, it is easy to float along at their serene daily pace.
- The magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda in the capital city of Yangon (previously Rangoon) is an awe-inspiring 326-foot golden dome encrusted with 5,448 sparkling diamonds and over 2,317 rubies, sapphires, and topaz stones.
Things To See & Do
- Balloon over the 5,000 shrines and temples that rise from the other-worldly Plains of Bagan.
- Rise with the sun and partake in a ritual that involves putting food in the bowls of waiting monks.
- For those who need a reprieve from archaeological sites and temples, the Inle Lake area in the hill country is a beautiful natural environment. The ethnic minorities of this area anchor patches of weed on the water and use them as floating flower and vegetable gardens. Guests can also visit the “Jumping Cat” Monastery, where monks have trained cats to do amazing tricks.
Where to Stay
An ideal way to see a different side of life in Myanmar is to board a Sanctuary Ananda luxury river cruiser. Visitors can make the peaceful river journey along the Ayeyarwady River from the cultural center of Mandalay to Bagan, which is a treasure trove of Buddhist art history. Here, guests have the opportunity to disembark and visit one of the nearby villages to see how the local people live.
Relax on the upper deck while taking in the temple-studded horizon and ever-changing scenes of the surrounding river life.
Combine With
We highly recommend a combination trip to Thailand. It is a nice contrast to see two countries similar in that both are predominantly Buddhist, yet on different sides of the spectrum in terms of modern development.
Vietnam
What We Love
- The new Vietnam has emerged as a fascinating mix of tradition, colonial influences, and vibrant modernization.
- Spotting all the classic images of farmers working in stepped rice fields in straw conical hats and school girls in flowing white ao dais gracefully pedaling down French-styled boulevards.
- Taking a break from the dizzying hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) to visit the old imperial capital of Hue.
- Even hyperbole fails us in trying to describe the Bay of Descending Dragons in Halong Bay in Hanoi. The 3,000 rocky islets rising from the water create one of the most awe-inspiring vistas on Earth.
Things To See & Do
- Get a local’s view of Hanoi on a Cyclo.
- For those interested in seeing landmarks from the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels are extraordinary. The underground network, which functioned like an underground city, housed hospitals, hiding places, meeting areas, and storage areas for the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. It gives one a new appreciation for what the United States was up against.
- Visit the famous American GI R&R retreat, China Beach. Enjoy endless white sand and clear blue water.
Cambodia
Images courtesy A&K
What We Love
- Exploring the jungle and lake temples in the lost city of Angkor is unforgettable. Abandoned deep in the forest centuries ago, Angkor Vat was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries. It was the largest pre-industrial city in the world, with an elaborate infrastructure system connecting an urban sprawl of at least 1,000 square kilometers (390 sq mi) and housing .1% of the world’s population.
- The present-day capital, Phnom Penh, has as many historical wats (temples) filling the skyline as it does skyscrapers.
Things To See & Do
- Visit the Royal Palace in the capital city, which was the inspiration for the Grand Palace of Bangkok. It is a dazzling sight with multicolored layered roofs, carved lintels, and a throne room in which a golden Buddha studded with nearly 10,000 diamonds resides.
- After a long day exploring Angkor, spend a relaxing evening in Siem Reap attending a traditional dance performance. The dances enact stories that have been passed down over 100 generations.
Laos
What We Love
- A “long-lost Asia” still exists here in the country’s lush forests, vibrant markets, and iconic rice fields.
- An interesting mix of colonial, Buddhist architecture and Lao wooden homes are tucked side by side on quaint cobblestone streets.
- The lovely Mekong River meanders through large canyons and into the rainforest.
What To Do & See
- Watch the silent procession of young monks accepting alms at dawn.
- Visit the Wat Si Saket Temple in the capitol city of Vientiane and climb the long staircase up to the Phoussy Temple in the former imperial capitol of Luang Prabang.
- Once in Luang Prabang, board a riverboat and drink in stunning mountain vistas and the mystical caves of Pak Ou.
- Spend a day with a hill tribe and learn local trades like the ancient distillation process of Laotian whiskey.
Combine With: