No visit to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh would be complete without a day spent in the famous National Museum. Easily accessible (it is located right next to The Royal Palace) the building itself is worth a look if nothing else. The museum was built in the early 1900s and is comprised of distinctive red coloured terracotta. It is surrounded by beautifully green, lush and well-kept gardens that have many sculptures to admire as well as ponds and coconut trees to rest under. (more…)
While Viang Vieng is known to backpackers as the ultimate party destination, it is also an adventurer’s paradise–if you can stomach the crowd and the 24 hours showings of “Friends,” that is. The isolated town is in the northern mountain of Laos, and the landscape is absolutely breath-taking–with Limestone karsts jutting up from the valleys and plains like monuments to what is possible for natural beauty. Because of the abundance of limestone in the area, the mountains are simply riddled with caves and caverns of all sizes. (more…)
Most people who go to Vang Vieng will tell you that the best river trip around is the all too famous tubing trip — or should I say drunken tubing trip. And I won’t argue. The Vang Vieng River mission is probably one of the most fun things you’ll ever do in your lifetime, even if you’re a hard-core backpacker who has seen it all. (more…)
One of the most popular activities in Northern Laos, and Southeast Asia, for that matter, is to go tubing down the river outside of Vang Vieng. To those who’ve been there, this goes without saying…This has become one of the must-do’s on the backpacker circuit and is responsible for the huge party scene that has settled in the once sleepy of Vang Vieng—in a country where party scenes don’t really exist. (more…)
Beer Lao is to Laos what muay thai is to Thailand. It permeates every part of their culture and way of life. Living in Southeast Asia for about a year and a half now, there aren’t many things about America that I get teary-eyed over, but one thing that does drive me crazy is the serious lack of beer… good beer, that is… (more…)
It always comes back to drinking, doesn’t it? Well, what can I say for myself? I guess if I was responsible I’d probably be back home working rather than traveling the world. And as I mentioned before, drinking just tends to permeate world travel. Laos is no different, but what is different about Laos — really, really different – is not about what they drink but how they drink. (more…)
Many people who are interested in visiting Cambodia will probably have heard of the temples at Angkor Wat. Whilst these are definitely an attraction that should be seen when visiting the country, it is also worth having a look at the many other tombs, temples and religious sites. Whereas Angkor Wat can become quite crowded with tourists and locals, many of the other sites are quieter but still give you a real sense of the rich history of the Cambodian people. (more…)
Approximately 15 kilometres south from the heart of Phnom Penh, you will be able to find part of The Killing Fields known as Choeung Ek. The reign of the Khmer Rouge was one of terror for the Cambodian people and it is estimated that 1.7 million people were murdered. (more…)
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is one of the most prominent “tourist attractions” of Phnom Penh. I use the term loosely as although it does attract a lot of visitors, it is not a light-hearted place by any means. (more…)
One of the most popular attractions in Cambodia are the temples of Angkor. You may have heard of Angkor Wat or the Angkor Archaeological Park, which are essentially the same thing! The significance of the temples of Angkor is overwhelming and it is the best way to learn all about Cambodian history and culture. (more…)
