Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong

Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Renowned for its rich history, the city features stunning colonial architecture, ancient temples, and the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, which serves as a tranquil oasis amid the urban bustle. Visitors can wander through the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, where a tapestry of shops, street vendors, and local eateries showcase the best of Vietnamese cuisine. The city's cultural heritage is reflected in its many museums and galleries, offering insights into Vietnam's storied past. With its lively atmosphere, friendly locals, and a wealth of experiences, Hanoi is an enchanting destination that invites exploration at every turn.

Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Renowned for its rich history, the city features stunning colonial architecture, ancient temples, and the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, which serves as a tranquil oasis amid the urban bustle. Visitors can wander through the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, where a tapestry of shops, street vendors, and local eateries showcase the best of Vietnamese cuisine. The city's cultural heritage is reflected in its many museums and galleries, offering insights into Vietnam's storied past. With its lively atmosphere, friendly locals, and a wealth of experiences, Hanoi is an enchanting destination that invites exploration at every turn.

Siem Reap is a vibrant gateway to the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological treasures. Beyond the awe-inspiring ruins, the town boasts a lively atmosphere filled with bustling markets, exquisite dining options, and a thriving arts scene. Visitors can explore the enchanting night markets, experience traditional Apsara dance performances, and indulge in delicious Khmer cuisine. With its unique blend of history, culture, and modern charm, Siem Reap offers an unforgettable experience that draws travellers from around the globe.

Siem Reap is a vibrant gateway to the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological treasures. Beyond the awe-inspiring ruins, the town boasts a lively atmosphere filled with bustling markets, exquisite dining options, and a thriving arts scene. Visitors can explore the enchanting night markets, experience traditional Apsara dance performances, and indulge in delicious Khmer cuisine. With its unique blend of history, culture, and modern charm, Siem Reap offers an unforgettable experience that draws travellers from around the globe.

Siem Reap is a vibrant gateway to the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological treasures. Beyond the awe-inspiring ruins, the town boasts a lively atmosphere filled with bustling markets, exquisite dining options, and a thriving arts scene. Visitors can explore the enchanting night markets, experience traditional Apsara dance performances, and indulge in delicious Khmer cuisine. With its unique blend of history, culture, and modern charm, Siem Reap offers an unforgettable experience that draws travellers from around the globe.

Siem Reap is a vibrant gateway to the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological treasures. Beyond the awe-inspiring ruins, the town boasts a lively atmosphere filled with bustling markets, exquisite dining options, and a thriving arts scene. Visitors can explore the enchanting night markets, experience traditional Apsara dance performances, and indulge in delicious Khmer cuisine. With its unique blend of history, culture, and modern charm, Siem Reap offers an unforgettable experience that draws travellers from around the globe.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Sa Đéc, nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, is known for its charming landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Famous for its vibrant flower gardens, the town is often referred to as the "Flower City," showcasing a stunning array of blossoms that attract visitors year-round. The bustling local markets, particularly the Sa Đéc Flower Market, offer a delightful sensory experience filled with colours and aromas. History enthusiasts can explore the ancient architecture of the Tran Le Xuân Villa and the unique pagodas scattered throughout the area. With its tranquil riverside setting and warm hospitality, Sa Đéc provides an enchanting escape into the beauty and culture of rural Vietnam.

Sa Đéc, nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, is known for its charming landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Famous for its vibrant flower gardens, the town is often referred to as the "Flower City," showcasing a stunning array of blossoms that attract visitors year-round. The bustling local markets, particularly the Sa Đéc Flower Market, offer a delightful sensory experience filled with colours and aromas. History enthusiasts can explore the ancient architecture of the Tran Le Xuân Villa and the unique pagodas scattered throughout the area. With its tranquil riverside setting and warm hospitality, Sa Đéc provides an enchanting escape into the beauty and culture of rural Vietnam.

My Tho, situated along the banks of the Mekong River, serves as a vibrant gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known for its lush landscapes and bustling waterways, the city offers visitors a chance to explore its famous floating markets, such as the lively My Tho Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce and unique handicrafts. A boat trip on the river reveals charming islands, tropical fruit orchards, and traditional villages, providing a glimpse into the local way of life. The historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, with its stunning architecture and serene gardens, is a must-visit for those seeking cultural experiences. With its rich heritage and picturesque scenery, My Tho is an ideal destination for an authentic Mekong adventure.

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.