Take a Journey into the Soul and Heart of South East Asia (pommietreval) | The African Exponent.

Take a journey into the soul and heart of South East Asia! There is something special about Southeast Asia, completely different from the mundane life that attracts travelers. Heading east has become one of the best experiences for global tourists. The reasons are endless: spirituality, adventure, relaxation. Get set for an extraordinary journey across two of South East Asia’s most vibrant yet contrasting cultures. For today, the focus of this article is Vietnam and Cambodia.

The neighboring nations of Cambodia and Vietnam are located in perhaps one of the world’s most picturesque regions. Both countries have regions still deeply ingrained in tradition, with beautiful antiques from ancient times to serve as a reminder of the glorious past that helped shape each location into what it is today.

Both are equally proud of their abundance of vibrant urban life and natural beauty. Both countries have excellent tourism infrastructure, are reasonably priced, and provide many opportunities for experiencing other cultures. Natural wonders and cultural diversity combine to create an unforgettable experience in Vietnam. This fascinating country is full of surprises and is one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia. Cambodia – It’s easy to fall under the spell of this charming but perplexing kingdom. It is fascinating to see how ancient and modern cultures converge in Cambodia.

Vietnam and Cambodia tour packages in Southeast Asia are popular twin-country trips; there are several places to visit in Vietnam and Cambodia, but where to start? Right here.

Things to do in Vietnam

Explore Ho Chi Minh City

The vibrant cityscape of Ho Chi Minh City represents both Vietnam’s past and future, which unfolds in the smallest of spaces. It is a pulsating, global metropolis with a diverse cultural heritage. As much as it is known for its cultural and historical significance, Ho Chi Minh City is also one of the most dynamic places in Vietnam.

Aside from the fascinating cultural experience, the city has several exciting tourist attractions ranging from the heartfelt War Remnants Museum to the enthralling water puppet shows to the vibrant markets and the mythical Reunification Palace. The famous Cu Chi tunnels near the city are a must-see attraction, while the Mekong Delta’s scenic waterways and tiny villages offer an intriguing glimpse into rural life. Whether you enjoy history, art, gastronomy, culture, or nightlife, there are myriad things to do here.

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, take a day trip to Mekong Delta, watch the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, Reunification Palace, take a motorbike tour, and explore Ben Thanh Market, etc.

Cruise the Mekong Delta

Throughout history, civilizations and cultures have flourished along great rivers, and the Mekong is no exception. The Mekong river cruise is one of Asia’s most iconic and worthwhile ocean voyages, as it allows you to learn about the rich heritage and cultures enriched by two thousand years of human history. Cruising the Mekong will enable tourists to retrace significant human achievements and cultural highs of the past.

It is one of the few cultural locations on Earth that is best visited on a river cruise, from the thriving Khmer kingdom from the 9th to the 15th century to the prevalence of Theravada Buddhism in modern Cambodia and Vietnam. There are numerous real-life accounts and historic battle locations to explore along the Mighty Mekong River. This river tour through Vietnam offers insight into Indonesian culture’s mysterious past making it the ideal Vietnam vacation.

Visit a floating market in Vietnam.

You will find several shopping malls and stores all over Vietnam, but are you game to experience a unique shopping experience? Well, then you should not miss the renowned floating markets in Vietnam. Due to the region’s intricate and extensive river system, floating markets used by residents of the Mekong Delta as a way of life and a means of trade for more than a century. Floating markets are an ethereal cultural heritage of Vietnam. When you visit these floating marketplaces in Vietnam, you can learn about the locals’ distinctive lifestyles, savor the mouthwatering food served on the boats, and the vibrant shopping scene.

Most of the nation’s floating markets are in southern Vietnam. A few popular floating markets in Vietnam are Nga Bay, Cai Rang, Nga Nam, and Cai Be Floating Markets.

Gorge on the Street food in Hanoi

The local street cuisine is delicious and, what’s even better, it’s some of the healthiest food in the world. Travel through the narrow streets of old Hanoi, between the Hang Da and Dong Xuan markets. Every other doorway reveals a simmering pot of pho and possibly a noodle master, pulling strands from lengths of dough to feed diners seated on pavement stools. While street side canteens serve fish grilled with fresh herbs, makeshift cafes brew foamy coffee mixed with egg yolk. It all reflects the passion of a craftsman. Don’t be let down by the crowds; remember, high turnover equals popularity and food quality.

Things to do in Cambodia

Watch the sunrise over Angkor Vat

It’s possible that your trip to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia will be your favorite vacation ever. Many tourists to Southeast Asia prioritize visiting the magnificent temples of Angkor, located in northwest Cambodia and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The unique Angkor Wat is the most revered building in the world and the perfect example of how symmetry and symbolism can coexist. It represents the pinnacle of Khmer architectural brilliance.

It pays to conduct some research on this most recognizable of temples and start planning your trip to the temples of Angkor because nearly every square inch of this enormous complex is adorned with beautiful sculptures and designs. At Angkor Wat, the sunrise and sunset are both breathtaking. The best times to visit are at sunrise, when it is cooler but more crowded, or at lunchtime when most tour groups are in town. It is also popular at dusk when the temple can take on a gentle glow from the setting sun. Spend at least a few hours exploring the entire complex, but if you want to see everything, plan on a half-day.

Lounge on the Beaches

While Khmer temples have long overshadowed Cambodia’s beaches, those who explore them will find the detour well worth it. Cambodia may not occur to you as a beach destination on the first go. You might be surprised to learn that the finest beaches in Cambodia are considerably less famous than those in Thailand but are just as stunning. Cambodia is undoubtedly Southeast Asia’s most famous beach holiday destination due to the abundance of safe swimming options and luxurious island beach resorts. A few of the renowned beaches in Cambodia are Otres Beach, Sihanoukville, Kep Beach, Kep, Lonely Beach, Koh Rong, Sunset Beach, Koh Rong Samloem, etc.

Go on a Safari in the Cardamom Mountains

The Cardamom Mountains region of Cambodia is a breathtakingly gorgeous highland area that is heavily forested and lush; much of it may be classified as tropical moist broadleaf forest. It is located in South Cambodia. Although illicit logging and poaching pose a threat to the area’s endangered flora and fauna, the big blanket of the tropical rainforest continues to be one of Southeast Asia’s most unspoiled wilderness areas.

Recent improvements to access and community-led projects have made it easier to visit the area. Its untamed environment, which includes mountains, marshes, plains, and rushing rivers, makes it the ideal habitat for a wide variety of rare and endangered species. These include gibbons, sun bears, elephants, Siamese crocodiles, and clouded leopards, though it’s quite unusual to see a tiger.

Bargain for souvenirs in Phnom Penh

It shouldn’t be surprising that Phnom Penh has some nice shops given that the city is swamped with hipster bars and stylish cafés. The city can meet many of your souvenir and shopping demands, whether you’re looking for high fashion, understated flip flops, gourmet pepper, or a present for Grandma. Bargaining is frequently expected when shopping, especially when purchasing souvenirs, at both Phsar Thmei and the Russian Market.

But bear in mind that bargaining is supposed to be enjoyable and that the goal isn’t for the vendor to lose money, but for the two of you to arrive at a generally acceptable price. When you shop early, you may get lower costs because many sellers think that making the first sale of the day will bring them luck for the rest of the day. Also, it is regarded as extremely impolite to decline to purchase something once the dealer accepts your offer. Only begin negotiating for items you genuinely want to buy.

In the End

Are you excited to explore Cambodia and Vietnam? Make sure – you check out our Vietnam and Cambodia tour packages and discover two of the friendliest and most fascinating countries in South East Asia with Flamingo Transworld Pvt. Ltd