Introduction to Southeast Asia
I recently returned from my first trip to Southeast Asia – visiting Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam – and it was an incredible mix of new experiences that I’d definitely recommend.
Beginning in Siem Reap, Cambodia, one of the first things that stood out was the friendliness of the locals. English is an official language in Cambodia, so communication was easy – especially in the city centre or around any of the main tourist sites. The epicenter of tourism in Siem Reap is Angkor Wat and the other incredible temples that date back centuries. Visiting Angkor Wat at sunrise was magical despite the overcast skies, and the intricate carvings on the temple walls were amazing to see in person.
Next we headed to the bustling seaport island of Singapore. This large city-state is rich with culture, as evident throughout the colorful neighborhoods, local hawker food centres, and beautiful places of worship. If you love the movie Crazy Rich Asians like I do, you’ll also know some of the more famous spots here, such as the Marina Bay Sands hotel and its rooftop infinity pool, and the unique Gardens by the Bay nature park. Having a private guide is a great way to experience many of the highlights of Singapore in a day. It’s also easy (and cheap!) to get around via bus, train, boat, or on foot!
The last week of our trip was spent in central and northern Vietnam, with an incredible array of different landscapes and experiences that could’ve made up an entire trip on its own. The first stop was Da Nang and its beautiful beaches, only about 30 minutes from the action of downtown Hoi An. Old Town Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of colorful lanterns draping across the narrow roads, shops, markets, bridges, and plenty of tailors in case you need some new clothes! For an escape from the city, rent a bicycle and ride through the serene rice patties, where you’re likely to see locals hard at work.
We then traveled to northern Vietnam, where we spent time in Pu Luong, Halong Bay, and of course Hanoi. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a bit of a hidden gem, nestled below spectacular mountain ridges and full of working terrace farms and rice patties. It’s a great spot to hike, float on a bamboo raft down the river, or just breathe in the country air and soak up the stillness. Halong Bay is something out of a movie – thousands of limestone islands covered in lush rainforest jutting up from the sea. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is an incredibly popular tourist destination, so whether you visit as a day trip from Hanoi or spend 1-2 nights on a traditional “junk” boat on the water, expect to see a lot of other boats.
Last but certainly not least, we spent time in the sprawling capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. It was loud, lively, crowded, chaotic – and I loved it. The Old Quarter was especially fun to walk around with all the storefronts and food joints, and you can’t leave Hanoi without experiencing a Vespa or motorbike ride to really feel like a local.
Every stop on this trip could have been extended a bit longer, as there was so much to see and do in each location. I know I’ll be back to explore more down the road, but for now, if I can help you plan your own Southeast Asia adventure, please reach out!
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