Heading East: The Delights of Vietnam and Cambodia

Off limits to tourists for years as a result of internal problems, Vietnam and Cambodia have both enjoyed a real boost in terms of people visiting the countries. The opening up of Vietnam to the west after the end of the war with the Americans has provided an ideal opportunity for westerners to sample the culture of the country. Cambodia, too, has opened up in recent years, as the country begins to move on from the atrocities of the Pol Pot era.

The past dominates much of the two nations. Visitors to Vietnam can visit museums dedicated to the American War, as well as the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating network of thin and dark passages through which Vietnamese guerrillas moved in order to attack the enemy and administer their land. Going even further back into Vietnamese history, the city of Hue gives visitors the chance to visit the Citadel as well as the imperial palace, from which the Vietnamese emperors ruled.

In Cambodia, meanwhile, the fantastic Angkor Wat temple complex gives a glimpse into imperial Cambodia, and is also a stunning feat of architecture. Cambodia’s recent history is less impressive, however. Pol Pot’s brutal regime killed and displaced millions, and no visit to the country is complete without getting an idea of what the Cambodians went through. The genocide museum at Tuol Sleng was once a prison, and gives visitors an insight into the cruelty handed out by the communist government. The Killing Fields outside Phnom Penh are also not to be missed, though they are not for the faint-hearted.

If it isn’t history that gets your pulse racing, don’t worry. Both countries offer much more. The beautiful Halong Bay in the north of Vietnam, with more than three hundred small islands, is the perfect place to visit for a relaxing day on a boat or beach. The beach resort of Nha Trang is picturesque and calm, while there is no shortage of hustle and bustle in the thriving cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. A visit to the Mekong Delta allows tourists a look at rural life as well as the rice production, and the strong rice wine can also be sampled. Cambodia’s beaches are similarly good, with Sihanoukville the premier resort. Siem Reap and Kompong Cham are fascinating towns to visit, while the floating villages are a great day out.

Growing in popularity as tourist destinations, Vietnam and Cambodia are well worth a visit. With plenty to do and something for everyone, they deserve their status as up-and-coming holiday options. If you’re planning at Far Eastern holiday and want to book some hostels in advance, Hostelbookers.com has a good selection in both countries, while you may well be able to pick up some cheap flights from a bargain finding travel website like Travelzoo.