Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, at first glance, seem very different from one another, much as Spain, Italy and France might to a traveller planning a trip to Mediterranean Europe. This post offers an overview of each destination: what you can do, what people do and how they do it, to help you make your choice at leisure.
Thailand -Bamboo rafting – Roser Prieto
Thailand
A major global tourist destination offering almost everything you could seek: adventure, spirituality, culture…
Beyond the usual sights, nature remains almost untouched: walking in the mountains of northern Chiang Mai or tour the southern park of Khao Sok are two adventures that are not easily forgotten.
Vietnam – Offerings – Carmen Caro
Vietnam
Rice fields, Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta, and ethnic minority communities… Everything you imagine about Southeast Asia is here.
Vietnam brings together all the images travellers associate with Southeast Asia: a postcard from the other side of the world. But it also has cutting-edge technology and relentless 24-hour activity, worlds away from its rural areas.
Cambodia – Silent wonder – Alberto Barasoain
Cambodia
For years, Cambodia has been known almost exclusively by the fabulous temples of Angkor. The country has opened up to visitors and is now a delight for travellers. Its history, with fascinating and terrible episodes such as the rise of Pol Pot, a mighty river with spectacular, sometimes virtually unexplored natural surroundings. And, of course, Angkor, a place worth the journey in itself.
Laos – Ngoi Valley – Carmina Rodellar
Laos
Closed until 1970, in Laos it is still possible to find the Indochina of old. Traveling to this country still has an adventure component: the infrastructures are precarious, and go beyond Luang Prabang requires accepting certain limitations.
Myanmar – Sunset in U Bein – Josep Masalles
Myanmar
A peaceful, welcoming country that spent long periods apart from tourism. Smiling pale faces and saffron robes everywhere. Temples of every shape and colour and Bagan, with more than 2000 pagodas on its plains.