RIKOLA Travel blog
The travel journals of a middle age couple
Vietnam and Cambodia are the very essence of Indochina, and are a magical part of the world to explore. Ancient and modern worlds collide to create a truly thrilling adventure; the hustle and bustle of local markets, phenomenal landscapes, archaeological treasures and tranquil villages.
With gastronomic delights, friendly people and so much of their unique character and traditions still in evidence, Vietnam and Cambodia are a joy to discover on Distant Journeys’ Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia escorted tour.
As you would expect from Distant Journeys, you’ll find a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences within our itinerary. There is a very special two-night cruise on Vietnam’s breathtaking Ha Long Bay, and we explore one of Asia’s most awe-inspiring landmarks, Angkor Wat in Cambodia. What’s more, a wonderful four-night cruise on the mighty Mekong is also included – a relaxing and delightful way to experience and explore this region as we travel between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Indochina refers to the continental region of Southeast Asia bound by India to the west and China to the north. Historically, the term is most famously tied to French Indochina—a colonial federation formed in 1887 that encompassed Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Deeply influenced by both Indian cultural traditions (like Buddhism and Hinduism) and Chinese political structures, the region is a tapestry of diverse ethnic groups and landscapes. Following decades of resistance and the tumultuous Indochina Wars, French rule dissolved in 1954. Today, these sovereign nations are vibrant, fast-growing economies defined by rich cultural heritage, resilient histories, and distinct identities.
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Located on the eastern edge of the Indochina Peninsula, it stretches from the northern border with China to the southern tip at the Mekong Delta. The country’s capital is Hanoi, while its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Vietnam’s history is marked by centuries of foreign influence, including Chinese, French, and American colonialism, which have shaped its culture and identity.
Vietnam gained independence from France in 1954 after the First Indochina War, but its reunification was delayed by the Vietnam War (1955–1975), a conflict between communist North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States. The war ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Today, Vietnam is a rapidly growing economy, driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. It has become known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like pho and banh mi, and vibrant culture. The country is also renowned for its natural beauty, from the terraced rice fields in the north to the pristine beaches of the south. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam has emerged as a resilient, dynamic nation.
Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, is a country rich in cultural heritage and history. It is bordered by Thailand to the west, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, while Siem Reap is famous for its proximity to the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex, one of the largest religious monuments in the world.
Cambodia’s history is deeply marked by the Khmer Empire, which ruled much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The empire’s legacy is seen in the vast ruins of Angkor, which remain a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, Cambodia’s modern history is shadowed by the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), which, under leader Pol Pot, led to the genocide of an estimated 1.7 million people, including intellectuals, ethnic minorities, and political opponents.
After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia gradually rebuilt and has since made significant strides in terms of economic growth, though it remains one of the poorest nations in Asia. The economy is supported by agriculture, textiles, tourism, and manufacturing. Cambodia’s vibrant culture, which includes traditional dance, music, and cuisine, continues to thrive despite its tumultuous past.
Singapore is a small but highly developed island nation in Southeast Asia, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Despite its limited natural resources and small land area, Singapore has grown into one of the world’s leading financial, trade, and transportation hubs. It became an independent republic in 1965 after separating from Malaysia and, under the leadership of its first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, rapidly transformed from a developing country into a global economic powerhouse.
Known for its political stability, low crime rate, and efficient governance, Singapore consistently ranks high in global competitiveness, education, and quality of life. The city-state is celebrated for its modern skyline, clean streets, and green urban planning, including landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island.
Singapore is also a multicultural society, with major ethnic groups including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. This diversity is reflected in its food, festivals, and languages, with English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil as official languages. Its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and world-class infrastructure attract international investors, tourists, and talent. Singapore continues to play a significant role in regional and global affairs as a model of development, innovation, and social harmony.
H1 ★★★★★
We flew into Hanoi, which the centuries-old capital of Vietnam, balances rich imperial heritage with energetic modern growth.Situated on the banks of the Red River in northern Vietnam, it was established as the nation’s capital in 1010 under the name Thăng Long (“Ascending Dragon”). Today, the city is a lively metropolis of over 8.5 million people. Its unique architecture reflects a turbulent past, seamlessly blending historic Vietnamese monuments, like the 11th-century Temple of Literature, with French colonial villas and modern skyscrapers. Known for its chaotic scooter traffic, vibrant Old Quarter, and famous street food, Hanoi remains the cultural heart of Vietnam.
Travelling to Ha Long Bay, located in northeast Vietnam. A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its surreal seascape. Translated as “Descending Dragon,” local legend says the bay’s dramatic landscape was created by celestial dragons dropping jewels into the sea. In reality, millions of years of geological evolution formed its nearly 2,000 towering limestone karsts and islets, which rise dramatically from calm, emerald waters. This ethereal environment is home to hidden caves, secluded sand beaches, and floating fishing villages. Today, it stands as Vietnam’s premier natural attraction, captivating visitors worldwide via overnight cruises and sea kayaking.
Hoi An is a remarkably preserved historic city on Vietnam’s central coast, renowned for its atmospheric Old Town. From the 15th to the 19th century, it thrived as a major international trading port, welcoming merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. This vibrant history left behind a unique architectural blend of traditional yellow-walled merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls, and an iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Today, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is famous for its pedestrian-friendly streets illuminated by hundreds of colorful silk lanterns at night, its world-class tailoring shops, and a distinct, delicious local culinary scene.
Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city in central Vietnam, serving as a dynamic bridge between historic Hue and charming Hoi An. Known for its sandy beaches and rapid modernization, it has evolved into the country’s third-largest economic hub. The city’s landscape is famously framed by the Marble Mountains—a cluster of five limestone hills topped with pagodas—and the rugged Son Tra Peninsula. Spanning the Han River is the iconic Dragon Bridge, which spectacularly breathes fire and water on weekends. Da Nang seamlessly blends urban energy, beach resort relaxation, and rich cultural heritage into a modern seaside destination.
Hue, located along the Perfume River in central Vietnam, served as the nation’s majestic imperial capital from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site stands as Vietnam’s cultural and historical soul. The city’s centerpiece is the vast, walled Imperial Citadel, modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City, which retains the scars and grandeur of its royal past. Hue is equally famous for the ornate, sprawling royal tombs scattered along the riverbanks and the iconic, seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda. Its deeply rooted heritage lives on through refined, complex regional cuisine and enduring court traditions.
Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most energetic economic powerhouse. Located in the south, this dizzying metropolis is a sensory whirlwind of neon lights, buzzing scooters, and soaring skyscrapers like the Bitexco Financial Tower. It seamlessly contrasts its frenetic modern growth with a layered history, visible in French colonial landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. As a vital cultural and commercial hub, the city drives the nation’s fashion, culinary, and tech scenes, while somber sites like the War Remnants Museum anchor its resilient spirit.
Phnom Penh, the energetic capital of Cambodia, sits at the scenic confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Once celebrated as the “Pearl of Asia,” the city features a striking mix of traditional Khmer architecture and French colonial charm. The magnificent Royal Palace and the shimmering Silver Pagoda showcase the nation’s rich artistic heritage. However, the city is also deeply defined by its resilience, with somber sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum marking its tragic Khmer Rouge past. Today, Phnom Penh is a rapidly modernizing metropolis with a thriving riverside promenade, bustling markets, and a trendy culinary scene.
Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is the vibrant gateway to the world-famous archaeological park of Angkor. Once a quiet cluster of villages, it has transformed into a bustling tourism hub centered around the majestic 12th-century Angkor Wat temple complex. Beyond the ancient stone spires and the enigmatic smiling faces of the Bayon temple, the city offers a lively, modern energy. Visitors flock to the bustling night markets, the sensory whirlwind of Pub Street, and the trendy cafes of the French Quarter. Nearby, the massive Tonle Sap lake features fascinating floating villages, completing this rich cultural destination.
Singapore is a dynamic island city-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, renowned as a global financial powerhouse and a literal “City in a Garden.” Despite its small geographic footprint, this ultra-modern metropolis features iconic futuristic architecture like the Marina Bay Sands and the breathtaking Supertree structures at Gardens by the Bay. Singapore’s diverse population drives a rich cultural tapestry where Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian traditions blend seamlessly. Celebrated for its strict laws, pristine cleanliness, and exceptional safety, the nation is equally famous for its world-class culinary scene, which spans humble hawker food centers to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Indochina refers to the continental region of Southeast Asia bound by India to the west and China to the north. Historically, the term is most famously tied to French Indochina—a colonial federation formed in 1887 that encompassed Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Deeply influenced by both Indian cultural traditions (like Buddhism and Hinduism) and Chinese political structures, the region is a tapestry of diverse ethnic groups and landscapes. Following decades of resistance and the tumultuous Indochina Wars, French rule dissolved in 1954. Today, these sovereign nations are vibrant, fast-growing economies defined by rich cultural heritage, resilient histories, and distinct identities.
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Located on the eastern edge of the Indochina Peninsula, it stretches from the northern border with China to the southern tip at the Mekong Delta. The country’s capital is Hanoi, while its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Vietnam’s history is marked by centuries of foreign influence, including Chinese, French, and American colonialism, which have shaped its culture and identity.
Vietnam gained independence from France in 1954 after the First Indochina War, but its reunification was delayed by the Vietnam War (1955–1975), a conflict between communist North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States. The war ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Today, Vietnam is a rapidly growing economy, driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. It has become known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like pho and banh mi, and vibrant culture. The country is also renowned for its natural beauty, from the terraced rice fields in the north to the pristine beaches of the south. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam has emerged as a resilient, dynamic nation.
Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, is a country rich in cultural heritage and history. It is bordered by Thailand to the west, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, while Siem Reap is famous for its proximity to the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex, one of the largest religious monuments in the world.
Cambodia’s history is deeply marked by the Khmer Empire, which ruled much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The empire’s legacy is seen in the vast ruins of Angkor, which remain a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, Cambodia’s modern history is shadowed by the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), which, under leader Pol Pot, led to the genocide of an estimated 1.7 million people, including intellectuals, ethnic minorities, and political opponents.
After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia gradually rebuilt and has since made significant strides in terms of economic growth, though it remains one of the poorest nations in Asia. The economy is supported by agriculture, textiles, tourism, and manufacturing. Cambodia’s vibrant culture, which includes traditional dance, music, and cuisine, continues to thrive despite its tumultuous past.
Singapore is a small but highly developed island nation in Southeast Asia, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Despite its limited natural resources and small land area, Singapore has grown into one of the world’s leading financial, trade, and transportation hubs. It became an independent republic in 1965 after separating from Malaysia and, under the leadership of its first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, rapidly transformed from a developing country into a global economic powerhouse.
Known for its political stability, low crime rate, and efficient governance, Singapore consistently ranks high in global competitiveness, education, and quality of life. The city-state is celebrated for its modern skyline, clean streets, and green urban planning, including landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island.
Singapore is also a multicultural society, with major ethnic groups including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. This diversity is reflected in its food, festivals, and languages, with English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil as official languages. Its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and world-class infrastructure attract international investors, tourists, and talent. Singapore continues to play a significant role in regional and global affairs as a model of development, innovation, and social harmony.
