A Touch of Class in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is one of those places you visit and the experience just lingers – the sights and sounds leave quite an impression.  At first, I felt ashamed at being a typical foreigner with our guide and our luxury hotel; we had researched several luxury tailor made holidays and found that actually, they were pretty inexpensive.  Once you get there, you see why – much of these Asian countries remain in poverty, and it is tourism that is providing a very much needed influx of cash.  Thus, with such low operating costs, you can have a tour guide, stay in the best accommodation, and enjoy the best meals without breaking too much of a sweat.

Southeast Asia is a pretty big place, and definitions vary, so I’d like to highlight two stops that are particular favorites for me:  Cambodia and  Vietnam.

Cambodian Hospitality

The thing that struck me most about Cambodia was the hospitality.  Yes, there are lots of children and adults looking to either pester or scam you – arguably you have that anywhere – but the vast majority really do want you to have a wonderful holiday and sample some of their food, drink, and handmade wares.   When you visit a restaurant, ask your server for the recommendation and you’ll likely get a story back. (If you can’t decide, I suggest a Khmer curry.)  Visit one of the roadside stands to get some fresh, homemade palm sugar candy and learn about what life is like selling your wares – even gasoline – from a roadside stand.  Careful, you might get invited to dinner – it happened to us.

Another thing is that both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap – the two main cities and likely the first two places you’ll visit – are so cosmopolitan.  Whether you’re on a Cambodia holiday package or a do-it-yourself tour, you’ll no doubt bump into the many markets, some of which wouldn’t look out of place Hong Kong or outer London!  And the museums, wow, the museums.  They do such a nice job of respectfully examining the past, exploring their culture, and planting seeds of hope for the future. That’s that world class Cambodian hospitality for you.

Vietnamese Views

They might be neighbors, but Vietnam has its own charms and treasures to share.  You’ll no doubt start your trip in one of Vietnam’s cities, such as Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi.  Here you’ll get a feel for the hustle-bustle of Vietnamese life – it does feel pretty crazed at times – and sample some real Vietnamese cuisine.  I’ve had “Vietnamese” elsewhere in the world, but here it is much simpler and flavorful.

Depending on which of the Vietnam tailor made holidays you choose, your exploration beyond the cities may vary, because there are so many options.  You can cruise your way along the beaches to visit the many port towns and villages, or you can just sit and relax on the beach and work on your tan.  You can try to decipher the hidden secrets left behind in many of the dusty sites of Cham Ruins, such as Hoi An, a beautiful UNESCO heritage site.  Photographers will want to visit the rice fields, with their incredible lush green color that streams off like ribbons into the distance.  Then there are the Asian influences, such as the temples, which are both in the cities and tucked away on hilltops in the countryside.

It’s hard to choose, because both Vietnam and Cambodia have such rich cultural heritages and welcome tourists with open arms.  I’m afraid you might have to visit both to pick your favorite.

Photo Credits: flydime, flydime

NOTE:  This post is sponsored by Bridge and Wickers; the opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author.