Visit Southeast Asia: Vietnam and Cambodia

Southeast Asia is a region filled with culture and history, making it a great vacation destination. It consists of several countries that are generally divided into two main regions, one of which is the Asian mainland. This area of Southeast Asia is primarily dominated by Buddhism and includes popular locations like Vietnam and Cambodia.

While Vietnam may be renowned for its turbulent wartime history, the country is far from depressing. The Vietnam landscape is filled with hills and tree-covered mountains, along with rice-filled fields that contribute to its strong background in wet rice cultivation. Not surprisingly, many Vietnamese dishes are based around rice, along with soy and fish sauces. For a classic native experience, there are a variety of restaurants in the capital city of Hanoi that prepare classic Vietnamese meals.

Such a dining experience may take place at Emperor Restaurant, a modestly-priced eatery that boasts costumed staff, as well as a scrumptious hot and sour seafood soup. For a taste of France, Green Tangerine has also become a popular destination with tourists, on account of its extraordinary French food and beautiful location. Afterwards, Fanny is a great dessert stop, featuring a long list of delectable ice creams, such as cinnamon, coconut, and durian. For a truly unique experience, many visitors recommend River Lounge, a combination restaurant, bar, and café located in Hoi An. This small coastal city is also home to the number one eating establishment among visitors, Mango Rooms, praised for its inventive menu and fresh ingredients. For a somewhat familiar taste, take a trip to Ho Chi Minh’s western-inspired Mogambo and sample the best hamburger in town.

In addition to finding the perfect meal, it is of utmost important to secure a comfortable place to stay. With an overwhelmingly long list of accommodations, the series of Hanoi Elegance hotels are widely credited as the best stay in Vietnam, particularly the newest addition Hanoi Elegance 4, followed by 3 and 2. Guests are quite impressed by the assistance of the staff, free in-room Internet, and lush rooms at a great price. Following closely behind is the Cassia Cottage, highly regarded for its cleanliness, room quality and service, in addition to beautiful grounds and good food.

Before visiting Vietnam, it is wise to become familiar with the flawed transportation system that struggles to keep up with increasing traffic. Bicycles and motorcycles are common sights, with the latter sometimes spotted carrying entire families of four or five. Bus rides are popular with foreigners, although the quality and comfort of the tour buses found in Vietnam vary greatly, and the train may be a bit more expensive but visitors maintain that it is a nice change from the usual road travel.

Explore further south to the temples and exquisite visions of Cambodia, such as the Angkor Wat, the 7th Wonder of the World. This tropical land of rapture is best known for its strong Khmer heritage, which provides the backbone of many restaurants. Khmer traditionally uses coconut milk and fish or shrimp paste to add flavor to desserts and dishes and, like Vietnamese food, rice remains a customary ingredient. Frizz is just one of the many restaurants enjoyed by travelers, thanks to its fair prices and welcoming ambiance. Friends Restaurant is highly respected because it is operated by a non-profit group that helps Cambodian street children, on top of its tasty menu and impressive specialty drinks. Trailing closely behind is Pop Café da Giorgio and while the eatery may lack style and charm, its Italian dishes and friendly service will keep you coming back for more. All three restaurants are located in capital city Phnom Penh.

Cambodia is equally regarded for its collection of restful accommodations, such as Le Meridien Angkor, a full-service hotel featuring upbeat staff, a delicious breakfast, and spacious rooms. The Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa is another foreign favorite, sitting next to the King’s Residence and offering cheerful employees, cleanliness, and a short distance to town. Holding the top spot for visitors is Pavillon d’Orient Hotel, set in surroundings of tropical gardens and foliage, and retaining a hefty following as a result of the attention provided to guests, beautiful rooms, and outdoor restaurant.

Transportation is similar to that of Vietnam, with buses and trains running on continuous schedules. However, the train service provided in Cambodia is questionable at best, with some visitors complaining that the railways are in dire need of upgrades. On the other hand, a train ride provides access to many breathtaking sites that would not be seen otherwise. Taxi, car and motorcycle services are available, although boating has been deemed one of the most popular methods.

Boats act as gateways to hidden scenery and allow guests an opportunity to escape the poor conditions of Cambodian roads, whether traveling by day or via a multi-night cruise. Not surprisingly, Asian river cruises are at the source of many Cambodian vacations because they provide a simple yet complete alternative to foreigners who are unfamiliar with the area or who simply can’t bear the thought of planning an entire holiday from scratch.

Article Written By - Richard from Viking River Cruises

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