Cultural Gems and Coastal Escapes of Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia

Phnom Penh is the most populous city in Cambodia and supposed to the most beautiful French built city in Asia. Abandoned during the Khmer Rouge period and with very little development until the 21st century, Phnom Penh has avoided the mass modern high rise development of other cities in the same area. The city maintains a unique vibrancy and provides a fascinating contrast between old and new. For many visitors, Phnom Penh is a transit stop before hopping on to Siem Reap, nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons to linger in the city. From the historical significant sites to understand what happened in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot years to the astounding temples and palaces to explore the classic Khmer architecture that make Phnom Penh an excellent location to spend a few days before heading into other parts of the country. Aside from sightseeing, Phnom Penh has a range of options for nightlife options and restaurants, including some great rooftop bars. There are a plethora of street stalls where you can fill up on noodle dishes, filled baguettes and fruit shakes. The bustling riverfront and Sisowath Quay are lined with cafés, restaurants and bars serving cuisine from all over the world. Boeung Keng Kang is also packed with swish cafes, restaurants and bars. The restaurants are reasonably priced, and many visitors end up lingering in Phnom Penh for the restaurant scene.

Siem Reap is the gateway to Cambodia’s vast and spectacular temples of Angkor undoubtedly one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries, these magnificent temples were once the grounds for the Khmer Empire’s capitals. The Angkor Archaeological Park covers around 400 sq km, and the largest, most well-known temple is Angkor Wat. The mysterious architectural techniques used to construct these temples still amaze the world today. Apart from the temples, one can take a Vespa ride and weave through the streets with a local guide on a street food tour. Head into the countryside for a cooking class, cycle or even ride a quad bike along the backroads, passing villages, paddy fields and taking in a more peaceful side to the city. Further afield is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake - the Tonlé Sap. Cruise past the villages of stilt houses rising from the lake, such as Kampong Phluk town that soars above the water in the dry season and sits on top of the water in the rainy season. Welcoming 2.6 m tourists annually, Siem Reap is one of the biggest tourism hubs in Southeast Asia. From exploring ancient temples and floating villages to indulging in exquisite Khmer cuisine and relaxing in luxurious resorts, the town promises an unforgettable experience that blends cultural immersion with modern comforts.

Buzzing, humid and energetic, Bangkok is the city where magnificent temples, historic markets, skyscrapers and rooftop bars create an intoxicating vibe that's hard to resist. The city is a mesmerizing blend of old and new, East and West, and dizzying contradictions. Historical sites next to vibrant nightlife areas, bustling markets near modern shopping malls, and street food vendors close to world-class restaurants. Hence, the city is still fascinating for its traditional culture. Saffron-robed monks weave among the morning rush hour to collect alms; communities dwell in stilt houses by the Chao Phraya River, eking out a living using centuries-old skills. A city tour in Bangkok often begins in Rattanakosin, drawn by the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It's here the Chao Phraya River separates the city proper from its old capital Thonburi, a spot where quitet, narrow canals and floating markets illustrate why Bangkok was once called 'Venice of the East'. East of the canals is modern Bangkok, a hive of activity with countless businesses, markets and shopping malls handily connect by the BTS Skytrain. As a city that feels alive day and night, Bangkok is the destination for all, from foodies, shopaholics, culture seekers, history lovers, urban explorers, even party animals. That makes the well-known Southeast Asian gateway one of the world's most visited cities.

Kuala Lumpur is a diversity cultural melting pot, where jade-topped Chinese gates open out onto palm-lined squares, Indian restaurants serve banana leaf curries in marigold-scented alleyways, and old-fashioned Malay villages lie squeezed between the skyscrapers. Founded in 1857 under British rule as a tin mining outpost, Kuala Lumpur is fairly new as far as Malaysian cities go and does not have the rich history like Georgetown or Malacca. After a couple of decades of fluctuation, Kuala Lumpur began to prosper and was made capital of the Federated Malay States in 1896. Today, Kuala Lumpur is the capital of one of the economic powerhouses of Asia. Kuala Lumpurites come in all sorts. Malaysian and Chinese make up 80 percent of the population, and about 7 percent are Indians. Among the rest are offspring of intermarriages between races. Most Kuala Lumpurites speak at least two languages, one of which is Malay, or Bahasa Malaysia, the national language; some speak up to five – including Chinese and Indian dialects.

Kota Kinabalu is a small city located in Malaysian part of Borneo. Its coastal location and mountain backdrop give it one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the country. As a growing tourist destination, Kota Kinabalu offers wide array of beautiful attractions over the city, powdery-white sand beaches, tropical rain forests, historical sites, amazing landscapes and its main jewel, the Mount Kinabalu. Surrounded by a wild and rugged national park of the same name, Mount Kinabalu stretches dramatically towards the heavens from amid the enormous Crocker Range that dominates Borneo’s skyline. Standing at 4,095 meters, the Malay Archipelago’s highest mountain is very popular with both hikers and rock climbers. It is said to be one of the easiest mountains in the world to summit, as no climbing equipment or special skills are required. Mount Kinabalu is also one of the most biodiverse places on Earth with thousands of fauna and flora species, including orchids and the carnivorous pitcher plant; more than 300 species of bird and over 100 mammal species. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 2000 for its outstanding universal values. Located 3km away from Kota Kinabalu, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a state park situated in Gaya Bay, home to five stunning islands namely Gaya Island, Sapi Island, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island, and Sulug Island. Each island is unique in its own way; all offer excellent diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities. Besides exploring its underwater wonders, one can go on a hike through the dense jungle that blankets the islands, or relax and lounge on one of its many gorgeous sandy beaches.