Travel Back in Time in Vietnam and Cambodia

Perhaps not one of the most popular destinations for Indonesians, Vietnam and Cambodia offer travelers a unique chance to experience a country still in development. 

Vietnam

Having endured the American invasion (of course the Americans call it Democratic Liberation), Vietnam today is still a socialist country. The Americans left so much war ammunition in the country that Vietnam became one of the top 10 countries for the amount of weapons they possess. Despite the million tonnes of bombs dropped by America, Vietnam still won the war overall. Their secret? Their petite body frame and their will to survive. Visitors to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city) are usually brought to the Cuchi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located about an hour drive away from Saigon. These tunnels housed almost 50,000 Vietnamese soldiers and their families, and are dug at least 3 meters underground. The tunnels are also shaped according to a Vietnamese body frame, making it almost impossible for the typical big American soldiers to even squeeze past the entrance. 

Cuchi Tunnel, where the Viet Cong soldiers lived during the Vietnam war. 

 Another big tourist attraction to Saigon is the Ben Thanh market. It is a series of shops selling hand-made products, local delicacies and souvenirs. Prices are always negotiable except in government marked stores, making it a very affordable shopping location in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city. 

Cambodia

The Cambodian royal palace

This is the only country in the world that had the monarchy system eliminated and then returned in modern days. This is also the country that proclaimed itself free of war just as recent as 1998. Going to Cambodia is literally like traveling back in time and witnessing a country's growth after war and independence. Every person you see on the street is friendly and helpful, the roads and buildings are all newly built, the monuments have just been erected. Religion is a very important aspect in the country, and Cambodian monarchs have dedicated their wealth and palaces in honor of the Buddhist gods they revere. 

Our group in the Lara Croft Temple Complex

However, Cambodia is most well known to the world for the grand architectural conquest of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Named the largest hindu temple complex in the world,  the temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors. Every person who visits walks in reverence as they take countless pictures to store whatever they could of the majestic structures. Besides the glaring heat, I have nothing else but awe and wonder for the great structures that represents the peak of Khmer architecture. 


For any information about our Vietnam/Cambodia package, please visit the closest TX Travel. See you in our next trip!

Angkor Wat in the Background