It was not a situation I walked into without trepidation, and though I’m no supporter of American politics, I did acknowledge that there were older people walking around me every day that had once suffered and lost loved ones as they fought tooth and nail with soldiers who walked and talked just like me.

Perhaps the most interesting stop I made in North Vietnam was my visit to the POW prison in Hanoi, once sarcastically referred to by prisoners as the “Hanoi Hilton.” The “Hilton” was a prison built by the French to initially hold Vietnamese Resistance fighters, but after the French were pushed back out of the country, the prison was taken over by the Vietnamese.

Much of the museum that exists there now highlights the oppression and torture instigated on the Vietnamese prisoners by the French. Those exhibits alone offered a very humbling experience.

But there were also two rooms set up to discuss the American POW experience. For me, this was a huge lesson in propaganda as I checked out the displays and videos illustrating what the North Vietnamese teach their people about what went on there – a picture of American war prisoners basically living in a summer camp, is what it seemed like, and the fact that they sarcastically called it the “Hanoi Hilton” was even used to support this claim.

The exhibit also portrayed a war where the North and South of Vietnam were fighting together at the front lines against America, which creates a stark contrast with what the rest of the world is told.

Knowing the history of what really went on in those dark claustrophobic rooms, I found it offensive that the people are still taught this to this day. And again, this comes from someone who is no big supporter of American politics.

This theme of propaganda and North Vietnam’s grip on its people played out through much of my trip. I met former refugees who had spent 20 day boat trips across the ocean, fleeing oppression in the beginning of the war, only to be sent back by the Chinese government years later and thrown in prison. Even today, one man told me, he couldn’t wait to have another chance to escape.

While the Vietnamese War was certainly a controversial subject at the time and mostly people just wanted the troops to come home, thinking we had no business there, it’s important to realize that there were real reasons for America to be weary of the communist government at that time. The reality of this is the citizens who even to this day whisper to foreigners about change, about blocked Facebook, corruption, about fears of jail and worse if they talk against the government.

By no means am I saying my own government is perfect, but I am saying that traveling to other places sometimes makes me realize just how easy I have it compared to others…

But what was most illuminating to me about travel in Vietnam was what I learned about humanity and the ability of humans to forgive. To sit in an orchard with an elder, a man still wearing his old military helmet and army fatigues, and eating fruit with him without a word of the wars our country once fought, to me that is a learning experience in itself.

Ditto the conversations with younger people, my age, who were not alive during the war. Who have lived their whole lives with false ideas still find the curiosity to ask me “why?” And the not having the ability to tell them not only because it would be dangerous for me to do so within Vietnamese borders (likely more so for them than myself) but also because I am not so sure of the answer myself.

If you are American as well and decide to visit Vietnam, especially in the North, don’t ask people questions about the war. Let them ask you. And even then, never be too opinionated or even supportive of their own criticisms of their government. I think you’ll find the best, and safest, skill you can have is that of a good listener.

Seek to understand rather than teach. Seek to experience rather than thoroughly discuss.

I for one was not overly-enthusiastic about everything I experienced in Vietnam, but I do plan to go back. Not because I want to collect stories about being scammed or collect stories about historical sites where people died, but because I too want to know why countries do the things they do – and that applies equally to what the government there does to the people today as to what America and Vietnam did to each other once upon a time.

And mostly, I seek knowledge of the human spirit not only to endure through war by creating fortresses beneath the Earth, entire hospitals and networks of tunnels, but also of the ability for humans to seek understanding and forgiveness through simple human conversation.

By far one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth can be savored while sitting on the deck of a boat in “Descending Dragon Bay,” otherwise known as Halong Bay, off the coast of North Vietnam. A beautiful ocean landscape, Halong Bay is riddled with the kind of limestone karsts you find jutting out of the waters in Krabi, Thailand – only it is said to be even more dramatic and otherworldly.

You float along on boats designed to replicate ancient Chinese junks, gaping at the looming towers of jungle-covered rock, and I must admit it is one of the more humbling experiences of a lifetime.

But traveling in Halong Bay can be a jading travel experience due to the extreme commercialism going on there. It has become one of the major stops on the southeast Asian backpacking trail – couple that with the often “money-grubbing” attitude of many tourist-industry locals towards foreigners and you’ve got a situation where people are herded through like cattle with little thought to whether they are enjoying themselves or having a good time.

So is this monumental landscape still worth the trouble then? It can be if you follow these tips to maintain your sanity en-route.

1. Know What to Expect

First off, the treatment of tourists in Halong Bay comes served at its most sour when you don’t realize what you’re getting yourself into. Your tour guides back in the big city will likely pump you up by selling you a vision of a peaceful bay tour with people waiting on you hand and foot, but that’s not how things really go down.

So visit the place because the scenery is out of this world, but realize that there will be challenges involved. Prepare yourself mentally.

2. Do Your Research and Pay Extra

As in many places in Vietnam, I uncharacteristically urge you to pay a premium price and go with a more luxurious tour. In Vietnam, and indeed Halong Bay, the old adage that you get what you pay for rings truer than ever.

Think about it – is it really reasonable to expect to pay $15 – $30 for a combination bus trip and boat tour, sometimes even with an overnight stay, and expect to get much for your money? I don’t think so; not even in Vietnam.

Add in that it has become second nature for tour companies to scam you and lie to you in Hanoi, thinking they’ll never see you again, and doing your research ahead of time is crucial. One fantastic site for reading about trips based in Northern Vietnam is TheNewHanoian.com.

Talk to other tourists about their trips, post on forums like the one mentioned above to ask for referrals, and find a boat company that is setting themselves apart by offering world class tours to people who are willing to pay more.

I saw some Asian tourists on other boats who had done this and were riding lavish indeed, and best of all, you’ll get real customer service rather than the cheap Halong Bay variety.

3. Start at Cat Ba Island

Another way to get the most out of Halong Bay is to avoid the bus/boat combo tickets and shoot straight to Cat Ba. From there, you can get to know the people at your hotel and book day tickets off of the island, circumventing the scammers who often come from Hanoi. Cat Ba also offers great trips trekking across the island or kayaking through karsts in the smaller, more unspoiled Lan Ha Bay.

4. Pay Attention to the Season

Any trip to Halong Bay will be a little more sane if you go in the off season from around late September to June. Not to mention that if you decide to stay on Cat Ba Island, the hotel rooms will go for a fraction of the price during off season – I had an ocean-view room for a mere $10 a night with one of the most amazing sunsets I’ve seen in all my travels.

5. Avoid it completely

You don’t have to go to Halong Bay to see the scenery it has become famous for. As noted in The Lonely Planet, the limestone-studded waters continue all the way up to Southern China, and the view is just as breath-taking. Ask around about Bai Tu Long Bay to get a sense of what Halong Bay was like before the tourists arrived.

The waters there are largely untouched and don’t have the crowds or water pollution you find in Halong. It’s definitely off the beaten track, but with a little extra effort, you can make it happen. People are starting to get word about these other places but still largely avoid them because the lack of tourist infrastructure.

All Photos By Gregw66 on Flickr

But if you recognize the perceived problems in Vietnam and want to give it a go and form your own opinion, or just think it’s still worth the extra effort and energy, the question on your mind is likely: “So how do I minimize or otherwise deal with this issue?”

Great question, so let’s look at the situation from a practical traveler’s perspective.

It’s hard to say exactly how to avoid being scammed, cheated, and overcharged in Vietnam. Unfortunately, I’m strongly of the opinion that you will not avoid it – people who go the politically-correct route and insist they were treated with nothing but kindness and never overcharged are, in my opinion, not paying attention.

Here’s why.

One thing I noticed in Vietnam is that if you never argue a bill or bargain or pay attention to being overcharged, the locals are more than happy to scam you with a smile. So you can have a very good time as long as you’re willing to just plop down the money and go on with your day, not blinking an eyelid – hiding behind rose-tinted glasses, so to speak.

As an example of what I mean, I sat down to dinner with plenty of foreigners who were sporting their own rose-tinted glasses and rolled my eyes as they smiled through the scams, didn’t even look at the bill, and thought nothing at paying two times what they should have paid. All the while proclaiming how they couldn’t understand why people had a problem with traveling in Vietnam…

Well, of course they didn’t understand. Never mind the tips they eagerly threw down that were equal to 5 – 10 days a local’s salary (for very sub-standard service). Is it any wonder that people robbed them with a smile when there was money spilling out of their pockets and a dazed grin on their face?

To reiterate, I read a story online about a man who was approached even “off the beaten track” and hounded for 10 minutes as he walked down the street by a lady trying to sell him something. He finally gave her some money to stop bothering him and she demanded twice the amount!

This all goes back to the Vietnamese cultural idea that foreigners owe them something. They seem to believe we have an obligation to go there and pay, pay, pay. They seem to have the idea we are all rich and can afford it because they don’t understand our own cultural realities.

So if you just want to go through your travels with no problems and aren’t opposed to being cheated, then don’t study your bill, don’t argue obvious scams, and spend your heart out. Keep in mind, however, that this attitude does nothing but empty your pocketbook unfairly and make it more difficult for future travelers.

Or, perhaps an even more sensible option is to be a tourist in Vietnam instead of a traveler.

I never recommend this anywhere, but due to my personal observations of traveling in Vietnam, I’m of the opinion you are better off spending extra money to stay in more luxury hotels, go on more luxury tours, and have guides that get paid well to care about your better interest. On a similar vein, by sticking to nicer restaurants, you at least know the price you’re going to pay and don’t have to wonder if you will be extorted.

It’s right there on the menu, and they don’t usually have a different one just for foreigners.

In my opinion, if you want to experience Vietnam but don’t want to be cheated, paying higher prices is simply insurance on having a good time and enjoying the country.

Otherwise, just accept what is going to happen to you and take preventative measures by always agreeing on prices ahead of time, double checking every bill, and relying on the experiences of other travelers so you can stick with trustworthy venues. And be very, very patient.

You will get scammed and overcharged no matter what, but you can at least minimize the damage (and the begrudging attitude you may struggle with from time to time). And if you’re in a situation where you’ve been obviously cheated, you can often just hand them what you should owe them and walk away. Just be prepared to give in if a physical threat ensues.

It’s an ugly picture, I know, and I hate to fear monger, but my own opinion of Vietnam (a country I will visit again, by the way) suggests that you should either prepare for some practical measures or avoid it completely. And if you want a nice, peaceful vacation rather than immersion in a fascinating yet trying cultural experience, try Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, or the Philippines. You’ll still get scammed from time to time, but it’s not done with such a vengeance, and it’s easier to avoid.

After all, even most other Southeast Asians are quick to tell you that Vietnamese are the most aggressive people in the region in many different ways.

I went to Vietnam knowing their reputation as being more aggressive than other Southeast Asians. I knew they were going to sell to me more, scold me more, and that drinking around them was more likely to result in a physical altercation of some sort. As someone who has traveled extensively in other countries and spent a good deal of time living specifically in Southeast Asia, I still did my best to arrive with an open mind and a determination to get off the beaten track.

I realized quickly that it wasn’t enough.

While these are certainly my own experiences, I found that I was constantly overcharged – far more so than ever happens in Thailand, for instance – cheated, lied to, yelled at, and aggressively cornered by touts. In one instance, a tour guide threatened to throw me (and others) off of his boat, and in other multiple cases, I agreed on a price for a meal only to be charged much more when the bill came and received an aggressive, threatening response when I objected.

In Hanoi, it’s not even enough to demand taxis use meters because they often are rigged to run twice as fast! Not to mention all the doubling back and circling your actual destination. I almost got caught with this scam, but luckily a fellow passenger had a map and was watching the streets closely. Instead of giving us our change, this same driver jumped back in the car and sped off before we could even stutter.

Add in the cold attitude, and my own experience was that Vietnam was the least welcoming country I’d ever traveled in.

So why is it this way? While a lot of people are quick to throw around racial prejudices about the Vietnamese people, I don’t think that’s going to help the problem. Certainly something needs to change, but the very fact that there are many Vietnamese who welcome you with a warm smile, invite you into their homes, and turn down your money rather than gobble it up suggests to me it is a cultural issue but by no means an ethnic issue.

I’m no scholar on the matter, but one explanation is that the North Vietnamese (my travels were confined to this region) have been taught by their government their entire lives that all of their problems are to be blamed on foreigners, especially French and Americans. While the French and the Americans have certainly played their part in Vietnam’s misery, it is by no means the complete answer to the problems they’ve faced and why they are where they are today.

And the fact that so many other countries live in such dire poverty and don’t act in this manner suggests there is more going on.

It’s no secret that the Vietnamese government strictly controls the paradigms of the Vietnamese public. While Americans certainly weren’t innocent of the horrors of the Vietnam War, for instance, our citizens today at least are given in the luxury of living in a nation where we can access both sides of the story if we want to learn more.

Vietnamese citizens, many argue, have been taught their whole lives that foreigners are responsible for their misery. And this may have a large part to do with the way they treat travelers who come to their home.

So the big question is, with all the scamming and the unwelcoming attitude of Vietnamese people (not all of them but enough to make it a headache), is it even worth a visit? I would say that based on my experiences in North Vietnam, if you’re looking for a vacation, lounging on the beach and enjoying the tropics while learning about a new culture, go somewhere else.

Or, if you do plan to visit, be the ultimate tourist and stick to luxury resorts, separating yourself completely from the locals.

I know it sounds harsh, but that’s how I feel based on my own experiences in the North of Vietnam.

That said, do I plan to go back, and if so, will I take the above advice? I will go back, and I don’t plan to stick in luxury resorts, or if I do, I plan to get out interacting with the locals as much as possible.

The reason is that I personally feel like Vietnam, despite its drawbacks, is a fascinating place to experience. I feel like, especially as an American, there is a lot to learn in Vietnam about the nature of war, the healing of wounds, the overcoming of differences, and resilience of the human spirit.

I’ll go there to fulfill this fascination, to grow as a person. But if you’re not looking for that in your travel experience at the moment, go somewhere else…at least until Vietnam changes it’s tune.

If you do want to go to Vietnam, regardless of the challenges, and experience all it has to offer, check out our next article about how to best avoid these problems in-country.

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With the amount of activities that are available in Thailand, sorting through the choices would take weeks at best just to come up with a short list of things to do during this bonding experience. This is where the all inclusive honeymoon packages come in.

Looking through the Internet, one can see different package options that have been placed together, each one made with a different value in mind. Values such as length of stay, number of flights and, what most people look at, budget. With the number of packages available, there is definitely one package that would fit any person’s taste and frame of mind.

A lot of mystery and history is wrapped around the country of Thailand. Although it was recognized as a Newly Industrialized Country (NIC) fairly recently, it is also known that it just dropped changed its form of governance. Absolute monarchy was its previous government, and everyone knows that the land of kings and queens always holds a romantic appeal, perfect for those going on all inclusive honeymoon vacation packages.

Most people are unable to resist the charm of animals, and Thailand is rich with these. One animal to be seen in Thailand is the elephant, and the country has done what it can to preserve these great beasts. A visit to one of the elephant farms, and a ride on one of the tamer animals would surely complete a vacation that just started.

Known for its religion, Thailand is also home to numerous churches and temples. Among these is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is one of the important temples located in the northern portion of the country. The temple has a breathtaking view of the city, standing over 1500 meters above the sea.  Newlyweds are also encouraged to visit the resident Buddhist monks, who would be more than willing to bless the union of the couple.

Food is an essential part of every vacation, and it is no less important during a honeymoon. Thai food is well known for its spices, but the taste experience doesn’t end there. The country has four major regions, and each region has a different taste preference. Though all four are taken as a single cuisine, the mixture of the regional preferences are sure to come up with a totally new taste that would appeal to every single person. Add to that the Manohra, a barge converted into a floating restaurant, and dining would be transformed into such an experience that the word “enjoyable” would not be sufficient enough to describe it.

Towards the end of your honeymoon adventure, you would surely want to get a relaxing massage, and Thailand would definitely be the best place to find that. Thai massage is one of the oldest medical traditions in the world, and it is now becoming recognized worldwide. A cross between a massage and an exercise, Thai massage does not use oils, although the option will always be available.

At Pimalai Resort and Spa, the couple would be asked to lie on the floor, then their bodies will be put through their paces as the masseuses would push, rub, stretch and pull on your bodies in order to bring the muscles back to life.  It would definitely be a tiring event.  In the end though, you would leave feeling invigorated and ready to go through another few days of adventure.

After a week spent on activities, there is no better way to cool off than to get some memorabilia and maybe some souvenirs for friends. A day spent at Bangkok would definitely solve this, allowing you to stroll through malls and marketplaces and just take in the lifestyle and scenery. A perfect way to end a honeymoon and begin a new life.

Thailand may be a lot of things, but it definitely is a spot to visit when starting out on a new phase in one’s life. The new experiences would surely excite, and the memories would be something to bring home and hold on to. When the life starts in Thailand, after 50 years, both would want to come back, retrace their steps while holding the hand of the person they walked with half a century before.  This is the magic of Thailand.

1. I Have Forgotten About Time

Somehow I manage to run an online business, but half of the time (okay, maybe 75% or more), I have no clue what day it is or what time it is. My personal assistant, who lives in the Philippines, is constantly reminding me what day it is and what needs to be done. Time is just a dimension that isn’t quite as substantial here, and for me that works (albeit, it doesn’t exactly work for everyone I do business with).

I eat when I’m hungry. I eat when I’m tired. I go when I want to go. And that’s oh so Thai.

2. My Need for Solitude Nearly Vanished

I’ve always been an extreme independent. I always had lots of friends, but I was the kind of person who really needed to get my alone time, where I would read books, write, or just reflect on life. That part of me still exists a little bit, and I’d like to cultivate it more again, but in many ways I’ve finally become used to always having people at my side.

Like many of the Thais, everywhere I go I am with my friends until I make my way to my room at night, and I imagine it will take some getting used to the silence again.

3. You’d Have to Try to Run Me Over With a Car to Upset Me

Actually, come to think of it, I’ve been hit by a car twice on my motorbike and neither time did I get angry, so I suppose you’d have to intend to run me over with a car to upset me.

It’s really hard for me to get irritated or mad now. Minor inconveniences, like my internet going down for a day or the shop being a few days late on the promised date for a fixed motorbike, would be HIGHLY unlikely to shake me. I’ve really taken to the “mai bpen rai” attitude of the Thais, and although this cultural trait has at times been accused of being the reason many social injustices are allowed to go on, I feel it is an improvement in my case.

I still stand up for my beliefs when the time is right, but the things I cannot change are unlikely to upset my day.

4. I’m No Longer as Ambitious About Travel

Interestingly enough, my wanderlust has largely faded. This has been the biggest shock of all. I’ve always been the type who wanted to see as many countries and beautiful places on this planet as possible. Now, I have to scrape up the ambition to even leave town. It’s an odd feeling for someone who always felt they needed to leave when they were back home—always restless—but I can’t help feel it’s just out of sheer comfort.

I still plan to see many other places, and I’m hoping getting some miles under my feet will reawaken my thirst for travel—because there are certainly many places in this world well worth seeing. But here in Thailand it’s as if I’m in my own little bubble.

Time still ticks out there in the rest of the world. History continues to unfold and my family and friends go on living life without me. It’s not necessarily a good thing, but I’ve reached a point in my life where that’s out there and this is here…this is my life.

Such is Thailand, I suppose.

I did the same thing on my first international trip—a whirlwind tour of Western Europe. So, keeping that in mind, I want to mention a few locations in Thailand that I would make a must-see location if I was coming through—if you’re on a smorgasbord trip, this is what you should see.

1. Bangkok

When I first came to Thailand, the last thing I ever thought I’d do is write a list like this with Bangkok on it. In fact, I had hardly any desire to breathe this city’s air at all. But having been there several times, I have to say that Bangkok is a definite must-see.

The fact of the matter is that Bangkok is deeply imbedded in the heart of Thailand. It is Thailand crammed into one central location—all the chaos and skeletons out there for everyone to see. It’s exciting, fascinating, repulsive at times, and you’ll never forget it. Spend at least a few days to a week in Bangkok—by that time, you’ll probably be ready to leave.

2. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is known by many as the “cultural center” of Thailand, and to many it is their pride and joy. An interesting city that has embraced the modern world but is riddled with remnants of the old temples and crumbled city walls around a charming moat, it is a mix of old and new Thailand.

I should caution you though, that 3 days in Chiang Mai will leave you wondering just what the big deal is. Make it a week at the minimum and you’ll start to figure it out.

3. Krabi

How could you come to Thailand and not see Krabi? This place boasts one of the most beautiful, unearthly landscapes in the world and is an adventurer’s as well as a romantic backpacker’s vision of heaven on Earth. Try to spend a week or two there, and I guarantee you’ll want to never leave.

4. Pattaya

Look, like it or not, going to Thailand and not at least having a look at the spectacle that is Pattaya is like going to Nevada and skipping Vegas. It’s ugly, it’s perverse, and the things that go on there can and do drive a person mad, but you’ve just got to go once.

5. Anywhere in the Middle of Nowhere

Finally, you need to take a moment when you’re in Thailand and go get lost in the middle of nowhere. I’m not talking about the outskirts of Bangkok—I’m talking about the mountains, Baby. I’m talking about as country bumpkin as it gets.

There’s nothing like a Thai village in the middle of nowhere—not a lick of English, smiles from earlobe to earlobe, some funky dancing to old school Thai tunes, and some of the greatest hospitality on the planet. Try the homemade whiskey—yep, you’ll regret it, but the experience is worth the pain.

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Maya Bay is hands down one of the most beautiful places on earth. Located just off of Koh Phi Phi in the South of Thailand it is extremely accessible and a tourist hot spot.

It gained notoriety back in 2000 when the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was released. Today when you visit Koh Phi Phi the locals will tell you that the area is too busy now and that there are many more beautiful beaches to visit in the area. Although there is a bit more boat traffic than other beaches Maya Bay is still a must see.

When you first get to Koh Phi Phi you will be taken back by the unique and beautiful shape of the island itself. This is where to stay if you are planning to check out Maya Bay. There are no shortage of tour operators on the island so take your pick. They are all pretty close in price because they all offer the exact same packages.

The most popular day package includes, Maya Bay, Monkey beach (the name says it all), The Viking Caves, and James Bond Island.  When you take a guided tour like this you only get to spend a couple hours at each location. So if you are interested in spending the whole day at Maya Bay I would suggest renting a private long tail boat to take you there, that way you have the reigns on when you want to leave. It is a bit more expensive than the tour, but $30 for the day is still nothing for your own private transportation.

This area is know for some of the best rock climbing and scuba diving as well, I would highly recommend doing some rock climbing here because the setting is unreal and it is somewhat of a climbing hot spot. Another great way to explore the smaller islands surrounding Koh Phi Phi is by kayak, which is ideal for all skill levels.

When you go to Thailand make sure you make some time to check out Maya Bay and all the other gems around Koh Phi Phi. It is surely one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Happy travels:)

Laos

Laos is know for rugged terrain and quaint charm. Stepping into this tiny country is like stepping into another century, and many say it is quite possibly one of the most untouched countries on Earth, culturally.

The natural landscapes are breathtaking, with ample opportunities for kayaking, caving, hiking, and rock-climbing. Also, if you make it down to 3000 islands in the south, there is a species of pink dolphins that are just about extinct—about a dozen of them thought to still be living in the region.

Laos also has a violent and intriguing history, being the most bombed nation in the world. If you are looking for a true travel experience or even want to be an expat in a country that would be a bit like living on the frontier, with some amazing opportunities in business and agricultural property, it’s worth a look.

Cambodia

Another country with an obviously violent history, Cambodia is very poor and rife with social problems, but many say it is worth a look. I especially want to make it down to ride a bicycle around Angkor Wat—one of the modern wonders of the world.

Malaysia

Malaysia seems to be suffering less growing pains than many of its Southeast Asian neighbors and is coming into its own quite nicely. That said, last year a big story hit the news about the Muslim government caning a couple women for having sex out of wedlock—and that has raised some eyebrows—but most of what I hear about the country is that it is like Thailand without the chaos.

The food is not quite as tasty to most people, but if spices in Thailand give you a lot of problems, the more bland of the two might do you some good. Medical care is still dirt cheap, the beaches less polluted, and while the country is predominantly Muslim it appears that foreigners drinking is overlooked.

Vietnam

Much like Thailand, Vietnam is one of those countries that people love or they hate. The begging and scamming is said to be a little more aggressive there, but there are some beautiful places and a rich history that is well worthy of exploration.

Philippines

Philippines is a country that is composed of 7107 islands and quite possibly has the most diverse opportunities for travel within it’s borders than any other country in the world. Riddled with volcanoes, the landscape is rugged and beautiful—if not seemingly not of this Earth in certain places.

One thing about the Philippines is that it’s the only English-speaking country in Asia, and years of colonization by both the Spanish and the Americans have left a lot of marks on the cultural landscape. In many ways, this has left the Philippines well-prepared for the future and makes it a pleasant place to live for foreign expats—although the extreme poverty and recent political turmoil can be trying.

There is also increasing concerns over feuding between tribal families and acts of terrorism throughout the country.

Indonesia

Who doesn’t want to go to Bali? Well, Bali may have seen its day, but there are plenty of hidden gems throughout this multi-island nation. Well-known for their handicrafts, art, and stylish home décor, this is possibly the best place to buy souvenirs or even start a small export business.

Singapore

Singapore has one of the strongest economies in the world—it’s the fifth richest country in the world—and it’s not as cheap to travel there, but if you’ve got the money or are looking for somewhere to settle in, this is one of the most livable countries in the world for expats.

Indeed, the name of the mountain means “ship mountain”; the legend states that the rocky outcrop is the hull of a ship that was broken by a crocodile that was in love with Rumsay Sok but it was unrequited. The crocodile attacked Rumsay Sok and her fiancé whilst at sea and they unfortunately drowned. The locals punished the crocodile by draining the sea to kill it; its body is represented by the Crocodile Mountain (Phnom Krapeu) that can be seen from the top of Phnom Sampeou.

A visit to Phnom Sampeou essentially starts with a climb of 700 steps to the top. There is also a cemented road which you can use to walk up or take a motoride to the summit. Situated on the hilltop is a beautiful pagoda that

Photo By Kleinmatt66–flickr

gives breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. As well as the pagoda, which was actually used as a prison and torture centre during the time of the Khmer Rouge, there are a series of shrines and statues to be found along the way. It is most likely that you will be visiting Phnom Sampeou to explore the natural caves and grottos that have taken part in one of the most horrific genocides in human history.

Just as Phnom Penh has Choeung Ek, Battambang has the caves at Phnom Sampeou. As well as being one of the most important places in Cambodia for

Photo By Kleinmatt66–flickr

the battles between the Khmer Rouge and the government, many innocent people lost their lives in the caves. As you scale the mountain, you will see remnants of the war in the form of anti-aircraft guns and they are a poignant reminder of the realities of war. One of the caves has piles of skulls, bones and clothing of the victims who lost their lives here. Next to this memorial to the dead, there is a beautiful Buddha in a reclined position. It is stated that the Khmer Rouge used this cave to throw the prisoners to their death. There is a hole at the top of the cave where it is reported prisoners were bludgeoned and then hurled to the bottom of the cave through a hole. When you visit the Killing Caves at Phnom Sampeou, you will notice that it is not a long drop from the hole to the bottom; this meant that not everyone was dead when they were pushed into the cave – chilling and emotional thought.

Even if you do not wish to explore the caves, Phnom Sampeou is worth a visit just to take in the spectacular views. Many visitors like to climb their

Photo By Onna Kaldenberg

way to the top and have a picnic lunch whilst enjoying the wonderful Cambodian countryside. The cost to enter Phnom Sampeou is US$2 and if you take a moto it will cost approximately US$5 from Battambang (this includes waiting time whilst you visit the mountain). Taxis are also available or you could hire your own car or motorbike for the day.