Highlights of Southeast Asia: From Angkor to Borneo

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.

Da Nang is the commercial and educational center of central Vietnam and the largest city in the region. It is also the tourism hub on the west coast blessed with beautiful sunsets against a backdrop of lush mountains. This port city on the South China Sea has large areas of soft, ivory-white sand and clear blue waters making it an ideal place for a beach vacation and outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and jet-skiing. Da Nang is in easy reach of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An ancient town, Hue and the My Son Sanctuary.

One of the oldest cities in Asia, Hoi An town is in central Vietnam and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 thanks to its 800 historic buildings. Today, its iconic yellow ochre facades, a quaint riverfront promenade, pedestrian-friendly streets, and hundreds of colorful lanterns that light up the town every evening are a magnet for local and international visitors. Due to extremely well-preserved heritage architecture, Hoi An has an irresistible charm. The Japanese merchant houses, congregation halls of the former Chinese communities and even the warehouses hold the memory of where and when traders from various communities across Asia gathered. Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most favorite destinations with something for every one. A quaint town perfect for strolling, shopping, and dining; awesome beaches and a perfect mix of countryside and villages which can be explored by bicycle or motorbike.

Perched on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and one of the world's most ancient cities. Its beauty lies in its liveliness of bustling streets where workshops and cafes spill out onto the streets and roadsides. As the intersection point where east meets west, Hanoi is a fascinating mix of old and new, Asian and European. With Chinese and French influences, an ancient culture, colonial architecture, broad tree-lined boulevards and beautiful lakes, the iconic architectural appearance of the Old Quarter and the elegance of the French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, etc... gives Vietnam’s capital city a unique charm of the ancient and modern. Hanoi is also home to one of Asia’s strong indigenous culinary traditions, with bustling wet markets and a rowdy street-food culture, as well as some five star international dining options. It is also very affordable by urban Asian standards, with the majority of hotels and restaurants offering plenty of value.

Ninh Binh is a wonderful region in northern Vietnam in the Red River Delta. Breathtaking scenery, vivid green fields, flowing rivers beneath limestone mountains and caves, and a laid back atmosphere that contrasts with the bustle of Hanoi. Approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours from Hanoi by road, Ninh Binh was once the ancient capital in the 10th to 11th centuries, and now a heaven for nature lovers. Spend time exploring the paddy fields, age old temples and pagodas on foot, cycling or taking a gentle boat ride through a network of waterways opening out on to lakes with limestone mountains towering above. While a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is easy, staying a few days means you will get more out of exploring this intriguing and charming area.

Halong Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, is located 170km east of Hanoi. It is made up of three neighboring bays: Halong, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long bays, although Halong Bay is undeniably the most famous and most well-known of the three. Widely considered a natural wonder of the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking with thousands of majestic limestone, peaks and islets rising dramatically out of the sparkling emerald waters of the bay. The most common way to explore is by taking an overnight night cruise or day-trip which cruises among the limestone pillars and islets. Many also include an island drop off and cave explorations. Visiting floating villages in the area gives a chance to interact with the local community whose livelihoods depend on the waters. Another way to immerse oneself close up in the bay is by kayaking near and around the limestone pillars and some of the caves that are possible to enter by kayak.

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.

Kanchanaburi, located about 150 kilometers away from Bangkok, is a popular escape for those hoping to lose the crowd. This lush province and its pleasant capital is rich in rivers, waterfalls and outdoor adventure. It also occupies a tragic place in World War II history when Kanchanaburi region was the home of a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. Popularized by the book and movie 'The Bridge on the River Kwai', the infamous bridge and railway is a notable part of the Kanchanaburi landscape. During World War II, Japanese forces used allied prisoners of war (POWs) and conscripted Asian laborers to build a rail route from Thailand to Burma (Myanmar). War cemeteries, museums and the chance to ride a section of the so-called 'Death Railway' draw numerous visitors to this quaint town. As a beautiful town with plethora of diverse attractions, Kanchanaburi is stacked full of great day-tripping opportunities. You can refresh yourself with a swim in one of the many sparkling pools at Erawan Falls; take a stroll down the city's heritage walking street for a look at the different Sino-Portuguese, Thai and Chinese building styles, or explore the famous temple caves built into the limestone hills surrounding Kanchanaburi.

Ayutthaya, short for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam. It not only plays an important role in Thai's history but was also made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Founded in 1350 and became the biggest city in the world by 1700, its wealth generated by trade with countries from all over Asia, the Middle East and Europe. However, it all came to an end in 1767 when war with Burma led to the devastation of the city. It was almost burnt to the ground and the capital of Siam moved to Bangkok. Nowaday, most of the ancient remains are on the western half of the island called the Ayutthaya Historical Park. There are temples, royal palaces, museums and more which are easy to explore on foot, by bike or tuk tuk. The most iconic sight of Ayutthaya resides in Wat Mahathat or the Temple of the Great Relic. Its signature is the tree root with a Buddha head embraced in it and no one knows exactly how it was made. Also worth a visit is the royal temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet which was the original home of the Emerald Buddha, now located in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest and one of the most famous temple in Ayutthaya which was once used for royal ceremonies and contained the ashes of royal family members. For an overview of Ayutthayan-style art, visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, which holds well-preserved statues recovered from the ruins. There are beautiful bronze Buddhas dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, 17th- and 18th-­century door panels with religious, traditional or floral carvings, and a hoard of 15th-century gold jewellery.

Penang is a state on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Geographically, the state consists of Penang Island, and Seberang Perai, the mainland strip facing the island, which are separated by a small stretch of the Strait of Malacca. Penang is rich in culture and history, with a unique mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and British influences. Visitors will find Penang brimming with charming historic buildings, ornate religious sites, sandy beaches, kampungs surrounded by rice paddies, vast unbeaten jungles, all topped with a splash of bustling city life. The unique way in which cultures have melded in Penang may be best represented in the food. Frequently voted among Asia’s top locations to eat street food, the blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European culinary traditions makes for an unforgettable banquet of taste sensations. Once was a British colonial holding, Penang has an abundance of classical Victorian architecture, particularly in the capital city, Georgetown. History buffs and architecture lovers in particular will appreciate the colonial-era Penang City Hall, Fort Cornwallis and the Penang State Museum. Part of Penang’s charm is that within minutes of admiring colonial architecture you can be wandering among the colorful statues of the Burmese Buddhist Temple or admiring the peaceful geometric patterns of the Kapitan Keling Mosque. Don’t miss the superb Pinang Peranakan Mansion, where the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the wealthy Chinese Straits families has been recreated with antique furnishings from all over the world. If you enjoy getting back to nature, take a hike in the Penang National Park. Visit the nearby Penang Butterfly Farm for a colorful adventure the entire family will enjoy. And don’t miss the tropical spice garden, one of Malaysia’s premier eco-tourism attractions with more 100 herbs and spices growing wild.

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.