This trip is a wonderful blend of both city energy and the countryside life of Southeast Asia. We visited Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand on this trip. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, we discovered the history and rich culture of Vietnam, including a home stay with a Vietnamese family who taught us how to make authentic local food. After, we moved on to the tranquil sights of Cambodia, including the UNESCO world heritage temple of Angkor Wat and a day on a lush tropical island. To round off the trip, we enjoyed the vibrant energy of Bangkok.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap Trips
Although Siem Reap is probably best known as the place to stay when visiting nearby Angkor Wat, it is a beautiful, culturally rich place in its own right. And despite an influx of visitors, the city has a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere. There is colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter and around the Old Market. In town, explore craft shops and watch apsara dance performances.
While you’re here, try traditional Khmer dishes, such as fish amok – a curry with steamed river fish – and stuffed frogs’ legs. Head to buzzy Pub Street for reasonably priced drinks afterwards. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap trips offer the chance to visit Tonlé Sap lake, with its floating fishing villages, and the waterfall on the sacred Kulen Mountain (where the Angkor empire began), as well as silk farms, rice-paddy countryside and a bird sanctuary.
Siem Reap Holidays
Simone Pfluegl Thai Indochina Explorer
Christopher Mather Cycle Indochina & AngkorThis was a good adventure through three countries, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Starting with Thailand, the first day’s cycling had a mix of temples to see as well as cycling but I felt that day 2 and 3 we were just cycling to get out of Thailand with not much to see and was a bit boring. Cambodia was amazing with not just the amazing Angkor complex, but also the more sombre sights of Phnom Penh, S-21 and the Killing Fields, where our local guide’s personal stories really made you think. Vietnam was different again, with much better scenery for cycling and a lovely stay in the Mekong Delta. Saigon, you are left to explore on your own. I visited the War Remnants museum and the Independence Palace, which both were an interesting visit. The local teams who organised the cycling, were well organised with a special shout out to the Vietnam team, though their roads were the bumpiest.
Johani Pretorius Vietnam & Angkor – Premium AdventureExtraordinary Leader, great accommodation and everything else in between!
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.