Vietnam & Kambodscha

October 8, 2006

Our trip to Cambodia and Vietnam felt refreshingly different from other Asian travels we've done. We cruised the misty limestone towers of Ha Long Bay and kayaked into hidden caves, then watched the sunrise over the soaring spires of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Between bustling Hanoi streets, fragrant street food, and the tree-rooted ruins of Ta Prohm, the journey blended dramatic landscapes and ancient history into an unforgettable week.

Bustling airport tarmac, travelers disembarking under cloudy skies, tropical warmth, casual attire, excitement and relief mingling, Angkor-bound visitors savoring their first steps in Vietnam.

Bustling Ankor city center with scooters, vans, vibrant street life, red-tiled rooftops, tropical greenery, and relaxed locals navigating sunlit, puddled roads under a humid Vietnamese sky.

Elegant hotel with grand white columns, red-tiled roof, manicured gardens, and palm trees, blending French colonial and Vietnamese influences under a soft, tropical sky.

Tropical oasis with lush greenery, swaying palms, inviting blue pool, sunbeds lined up for relaxation, tiled pavilion bar, tranquil Vietnamese ambiance. With a pool! :)

Majestic spires of Angkor Wat rising above lush palm trees, ancient stone walkway lined with tourists, a mesmerizing blend of Khmer architecture and enduring spirituality.

Ancient stone corridor with intricate carvings and weathered pillars, evoking the haunted grandeur of centuries-old temples in southern Vietnam near Ho Chi Minh City.

Ancient stone gateways and lush greenery surrounding solemn temple ruins, evoking the grandeur of Angkor Wat near the Cambodian border, embraced by tropical serenity.

Intricate stone bas-relief of warriors and elephants beneath jungle foliage, evoking ancient battles and legendary tales in the heart of Southeast Asia’s rich heritage.

Ancient temple ruins shrouded in heavy rain, mossy stone carvings glistening, a lone figure sheltering under arches—humid air mingling with the chill of an impending flu.

Majestic Angkor Wat towers mirrored in serene water, surrounded by lush palms and ancient stone, evoking tranquil morning air and echoes of civilizations past.

Blonde traveler with a white cap, serene smile amid ancient stone ruins near Ho Chi Minh City, embodying the adventurous spirit of exploring Southeast Asia’s historical wonders.

Bustling Vietnamese night market, stacks of tropical fruit, bananas hanging, vibrant colors, fluorescent light, scents of ripe guava, citrus, and dragon fruit filling humid air near Ho Chi Minh City.

Traditional dancers in ornate, golden costumes and headdresses, graceful hand gestures, intricate silk skirts, vibrant folklore performance with a backdrop of ancient temple carvings and lush greenery.

Muddy roadside in rural Vietnam, travelers navigating puddles and uneven ground, double-decker bus resting nearby, lush greenery and a golden shrine under a hazy sky.

Intricate fruit carvings, vibrant flower arrangements, traditional Vietnamese decor, a young woman focused amidst woven baskets, delicate sculptures, and an inviting, cultural hotel atmosphere.

Tranquil poolside retreat in Vietnam, lush palms and tropical greenery, empty loungers inviting relaxation, serene blue water, and calm atmosphere of low-season travel.

Bustling Vietnamese street corner with lotus flowers for sale, vibrant plastic bags, folded offerings, a vendor carefully preparing blooms, families pausing under leafy trees.

Riverside tranquility along the Saigon River, shaded by lush green trees, distant fishing boats, and a relaxed atmosphere near the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Royal Khmer architecture with golden roofs, ornate spires, white balustrades, manicured gardens, and a grand palace ambiance, capturing Southeast Asia's regal heritage in a tranquil urban setting.

Ornate Southeast Asian palace architecture, golden spires, fluttering flags, portrait of a dignitary, tree-lined boulevard, tuk-tuks and scooters weaving through a sunlit Cambodian urban landscape.

Bustling bus terminal near Ho Chi Minh City, travelers with backpacks, street vendors, Mekong Express buses, worn concrete, mid-morning chatter, faded apartment blocks in the background.

Stilted bamboo huts nestled among lush trees, tranquil river waters, and the vibrant greens of rural southern Vietnam near the Mekong Delta.

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City evening, scooters weaving through traffic, neon lights, sale banners, leafy trees, locals and travelers strolling vibrant sidewalks near Tsar Department Store.

Ho Chi Minh City nightlife pulse—motorbikes crowding a city intersection, headlights sparkling beneath leafy trees, neon lights hinting at endless energy and urban buzz.

Grand marble lobby with ornate columns, fresh tropical flower arrangement, soft golden lighting, and a relaxed traveler—warm, vibrant atmosphere typical of a four-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Rooftop pool on the 6th floor illuminated at night, soft lantern glow, tropical potted plants, poolside bar, relaxed atmosphere, echoes of distant Ho Chi Minh City nightlife.

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City airport terminal, crowds waiting, colorful advertisements overhead, lively chatter, anticipation, a wave of humidity mixing with excitement and travel fatigue.

Tropical humidity on a Vietnamese tarmac, propeller aircraft being loaded, distant lush greenery, anticipation of a journey connecting modern Saigon with the rich history of Indochina.

Shaded coconut palms, sandy paths, rustic brick bungalows, dappled sunlight filtering through leaves—tranquil tropical retreat in southern Vietnam, near Ho Chi Minh City.

Palm-shaded beach bungalow, hammocks swaying, sandy pathways, tranquil tropical retreat near Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam—serene escape for unwinding and gentle seaside breezes.

Wind-swept southern Vietnam coastline, foamy waves crashing onto golden sand, pine branches framing the seascape, distant palms and misty hills fading into the horizon.

Colorful fishing boats bobbing near the shore, vibrant flags fluttering, the salty breeze mingling with the scent of sea and fresh catch, southern Vietnam's coastal energy.

Bustling Vietnamese market near Ho Chi Minh City, fresh herbs and vegetables stacked on weathered stalls, conical hats, locals trading amid vibrant produce and lively chatter.

Bustling Vietnamese market near Ho Chi Minh City, baskets overflowing with fresh duck and chicken eggs, vendors focused, sunlight streaming through metal grates, a vibrant street food aroma in the air.

Bustling Vietnamese market stall, fresh cuts of meat on display, butcher in conical hat preparing portions, vibrant fabrics, earthy scents, everyday life in motion.

Windgepeitschte Wellen rauschen an den leeren Strand von Vietnam, zwei verlassene Liegestühle im Schatten der Palmen, grauer Himmel – keine Badestimmung.

Patchwork rice fields stretching toward the Mekong Delta, riverbanks meeting dense greenery, drifting clouds casting dreamy shadows, a tranquil Vietnamese landscape viewed from above.

Mekong Delta patchwork, flooded rice paddies shimmering below drifting clouds, endless green and water blending beneath the humid southern Vietnam sky near Ho Chi Minh City.

Imposing Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, modernist facade, palm-topped roof, manicured lawn, echoes of Vietnam’s historic moments and Saigon’s vibrant urban pulse.

Grand assembly hall in Ho Chi Minh City, deep blue velvet curtains, red carpet, golden Ho Chi Minh bust beneath the iconic yellow star, embodying Vietnamese national pride.

Traditional round basket boats gliding toward the sandy shore, fishermen in conical hats, gentle waves, and distant wooden fishing vessels evoking coastal life near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Tropical coastline near Ho Chi Minh City, palm trees silhouetted against shimmering sea, distant misty islands, serene morning light, tranquil Vietnamese seafront atmosphere.

Brightly painted fishing boats floating near a lush riverside village, tropical palms, colorful houses, and the serene, inviting waters of southern Vietnam.

Coastal Vietnamese city skyline, lush green hills, a small island with a structure, serene blue waters, distant mountains under a bright sky, fusion of nature and urban life.

Crystal-clear sea lapping against a quiet sandy shore, lush green hills on the horizon under a vast blue sky—serene coastal Vietnam near Ho Chi Minh City.

Tranquil Vietnamese shoreline, crystal-clear water, a woman standing waist-deep, gentle breeze, sunlight shimmering, peaceful escape near Ho Chi Minh City, serene pause during Southeast Asian adventure.

Turquoise waves lapping a sandy Vietnamese shore, lush green hills across the bay, swimmers enjoying the calm, tropical sun, relaxed atmosphere on a quiet beach near Vũng Tàu.

Turquoise waters meeting rugged limestone cliffs, lush greenery clinging to weathered rocks, serene and inviting—southern Vietnam’s coastal beauty near Ho Chi Minh City.

Turquoise waters and green islands, colorful boats flying Vietnamese flags, groups swimming and laughing in the warm sea, southern Vietnam’s tropical coastline basking under a brilliant sky.

Outdoor Vietnamese eatery ambiance, palm trees swaying, fresh spring roll in hand, rice bowls on the table, relaxed joy after an adventurous day near Ho Chi Minh City.

Evening tranquility on a Saigon riverside promenade, palm trees silhouetted against a deep blue sky, distant city lights twinkling, locals strolling and gathering by the water.

Golden thatched umbrellas shading sun-kissed faces, relaxed beachside ambiance near Ho Chi Minh City, gentle smiles framed by the tropical warmth of southern Vietnam’s coastal escapes.

Relaxed beach vibe near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—golden sand, swaying palm trees, woven cabana shade, and a bright smile capturing tropical leisure and joyful travel moments.

Lush Vietnamese jungle enveloping a winding train, misty hills in the distance, echoes of adventure between Ho Chi Minh City and northern landscapes, vibrant greenery rushing past.

Lush green hills of southern Vietnam, a winding train crossing a steel bridge, misty air, tranquil river below, journeying through the heart of Indochina’s serene landscape.

Lush green rice paddies bordered by dense jungle, misty hills rising in the distance, serene water reflecting Vietnam’s southern warmth and fertile abundance near Ho Chi Minh City.

Red freight train engine on rural Vietnamese tracks, lush greenery on either side, humid air, a journey winding through the Mekong Delta landscape near Ho Chi Minh City.

Bustling plaza with people strolling under the overcast sky, the vibrant Vietnamese flag soaring, colonial buildings framed by lush greenery, exuding a patriotic and lively urban atmosphere.

Solemn gray stone structure of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, meticulous guards, potted bonsai, and trimmed trees; reverent atmosphere in central Hanoi, cultural pride and history.

Ho Chi Minh Museum entrance in Hanoi, bold socialist architecture, red Vietnamese flag, crowds of visitors, lush greenery, commemorative atmosphere, honoring revolutionary history and national pride.

Grand Ho Chi Minh statue amid lush plants and striking relief, inside the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ho Chi Minh City—rich Vietnamese history and reverent atmosphere.

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City street, jackfruit-laden bicycles, vibrant market energy, motorbikes weaving past vendors, lush tree canopy overhead, rich aromas, and lively local commerce.

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City street market, overflowing baskets of tropical fruit, street vendors in conical hats, scooters and vibrant textiles, the lively rhythm of daily Vietnamese life.

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City street market, vendors in conical hats selling fresh tropical fruits, chatter, motorbikes weaving past, vibrant local life on display.

Refreshing glass of Bia Ha Noi, chilled and golden, on a checkered tablecloth, hints of lime and warm Saigon atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after city explorations.

Bustling Vietnamese street, a vendor in a conical hat balancing baskets of bananas, weaving through traffic and motorbikes, embodying Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant daily rhythm.

Willow-fringed lakeside in Ho Chi Minh City, serene waters, shaded paths, distant red bridge, lush greenery, tranquil ambiance, gentle humidity, relaxation amid urban bustle.

Serene Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, the iconic red bridge bustling with locals and tourists beneath leafy tree canopies, reflecting tranquil water and timeless city charm.

Tranquil lakeside pavilion in southern Vietnam, elderly men absorbed in a game, lush bonsai and flowering plants, groups of friends chatting, serene water and greenery beyond.

Swirling incense smoke, golden sticks clustered together, the serene fragrance mingling with prayers and offerings in a tranquil Vietnamese temple near Ho Chi Minh City.

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City street, vibrant market stalls, motorbikes weaving, locals socializing, colorful lanterns overhead, lively evening energy, aromas of street food filling the warm air.

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City market; dried seafood hanging, baskets of noodles and spices, locals bargaining under tin roofs, warm lights illuminating vibrant chaos and rich aromas.

Ancient banyan tree with thick, twisted roots in a tranquil Vietnamese garden, lush greenery, ornate stone railings, gentle echoes of history near Ho Chi Minh City.

Glossy ceramic guardian lion statue, expressive features, intricate mane, and playful cubs; tranquil Vietnamese temple courtyard in Thu Duc, near bonsai trees and historic architecture.

Serene temple courtyard in Ho Chi Minh City, blooming pink flowers, bonsai tree in ornate pot, traditional red-tiled roofs, peaceful escape amid urban energy.

Traditional Vietnamese temple architecture with sweeping red-tiled roofs, ornate carvings, bonsai trees, and stone lanterns; tranquil courtyard atmosphere near Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning rush in Ho Chi Minh City—lines of motorbikes packed side-by-side, riders poised at the crosswalk, shaded by leafy trees and city bustle.

Rain-slicked Saigon street, motorbikes weaving through monsoon showers, vibrant ponchos, tangled power lines, aromatic street stalls, the pulse of urban Vietnam in motion.

Steaming bowls of pho, fresh herbs and noodles, a bustling Saigon eatery ambiance, vibrant spices and ingredients, the comforting warmth of Vietnamese street food tradition.

Vibrant Vietnamese propaganda art featuring Ho Chi Minh, workers, and military, communist symbols, and national pride, set against a backdrop of bold red and yellow in Ho Chi Minh City.

Hanoi street with tangled banyan roots, a hand-painted sign in Vietnamese for photocopy services, white taxi passing by, urban bustle under leafy canopy, everyday Vietnam energy.

Gothic arches, vibrant stained glass, ornate altar, devout statues, and quiet worshippers in a historic Catholic church in Thu Dau Mot, southern Vietnam.

A bright tour bus beneath lush trees, adventure seekers ready for Vietnamese exploration near Ho Chi Minh City, anticipation blending with the tropical warmth and vibrant local atmosphere.

Warm wooden guesthouse interior near Ho Chi Minh City, simple bed, fresh flowers, backpack slung on bed, air conditioning humming, soft yellow light, a tranquil traveler’s pause.

Serene cruise through Ha Long Bay, towering limestone karsts shrouded in mist, gentle breeze, tranquil waters, a moment of reflection amid Vietnam’s iconic seascape.

Misty limestone karsts rising from tranquil Ha Long Bay waters, traditional boats drifting in silence, a dreamy seascape evoking Vietnam’s ancient legends and timeless beauty.

Towering limestone cliffs covered in lush greenery, emerald waters below, relaxation on a wooden deck chair, tranquil Halong Bay atmosphere, moments of serene escape in Vietnam.

Floating fishing village drifting on tranquil emerald waters, dramatic limestone cliffs rising behind, lush greenery clinging to rugged rock, pure serenity of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Warm ochre limestone formations, intricate stalactite patterns, ancient underground wonder near Ho Chi Minh City, cool air, silent majesty, layers of geological history unfolding vertically.

Mystical limestone formations glowing under colored lights, Ben Dinh Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; cool cavern air, ancient rock textures, echoes of history.

Majestic limestone formations and towering stalagmites bathed in golden light, misty air evoking the mysterious underground beauty of a Vietnamese cave adventure near Ho Chi Minh City.

Ancient human footprints embedded in soft earth, dimly lit within the depths of the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, echoing wartime history and human resilience.

Massive chamber of dazzling stalactites and stalagmites, golden lights illuminating ancient rock formations, humid air, hushed footsteps echoing inside an awe-inspiring Vietnamese cave.

Rippling limestone formations, cool to the touch, dusted in rich ochre, hidden deep within a cave near Ho Chi Minh City—a mesmerizing testament to geological artistry.

Emerald waters dotted with traditional junks, dramatic limestone karst formations rising steeply, misty atmosphere, Ha Long Bay tranquility, timeless Vietnamese scenery, echoes of ancient maritime journeys.

Misty emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, traditional wooden junks with ochre sails—Ha Long Bay’s enchanting seascape, a serene Vietnamese marvel near bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

Ha Long Bay serenity—calm emerald waters, golden sands, traditional boats drifting, dramatic limestone islands on the horizon, all beneath a thatched shade, echoing Vietnam’s tranquil coastal beauty.

Misty limestone karsts rising from tranquil Ha Long Bay waters, traditional wooden junks gliding at dusk, a serene, otherworldly Vietnamese seascape.

Misty dusk on tranquil waters, jagged limestone karsts rising in the haze, glowing boat lights reflecting, a lone wooden rowboat drifting—serenity in Vietnam’s iconic Ha Long Bay.

Floating fishing village on calm emerald waters, wooden boats moored by makeshift homes, dramatic limestone karsts rising through hazy light, daily riverside life in southern Vietnam.

Emerald waters, kayaks gliding toward a jungle-draped cave, limestone cliffs rising above—serenity and adventure in the wild beauty of Vietnam’s lush Ha Long Bay.

Kayaking through a limestone cave in Ha Long Bay, tranquil waters reflecting shadows, dramatic stalactites above, misty light beyond, surrounded by karst cliffs and lush greenery.

Emerald waters, limestone cliffs, hidden cave entrance, kayakers gliding beneath overhanging rock, lush greenery above—mystery and adventure on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Halong Bay serenity—limestone cliffs, misty air, traditional wooden junk, two kayaks gliding through calm emerald waters, adventure and tranquility on Vietnam’s ethereal coast.

Floating market life in southern Vietnam—bundles of fresh greens, drying laundry, bamboo poles, and weathered blue paint, framed by the gentle rhythm of Mekong waters.

Rustic thatched huts on a tranquil shoreline, lush jungle backdrop, wooden boats moored nearby—serene riverside retreat in southern Vietnam near Saigon, exuding peaceful, timeless charm.

Rustic bamboo bungalows perched above golden sand, palm-thatched roofs, gentle waves lapping, lush green hills behind—peaceful Vietnamese beach village near Ho Chi Minh City, perfect for relaxation.

Rustic bamboo bungalow on stilts above tranquil water, thatched roof and woven walls, surrounded by lush Vietnamese greenery, gentle waves, and peaceful, tropical seclusion near Ho Chi Minh City.

Relaxed afternoon at a rustic Vietnamese riverside retreat near Ho Chi Minh City, bamboo textures, floral bean bag, fresh towels, bottled water, and a cheerful, carefree traveler’s smile.

Rustic bamboo bungalows with thatched roofs, glowing lanterns, tranquil sandy shore, lush green hills, and gentle waves—relaxed Vietnamese coastal village atmosphere near the Mekong Delta.

Rustic bamboo bungalow perched above river rocks, lush Vietnamese jungle backdrop, peaceful waterside relaxation, a tranquil escape near Ho Chi Minh City, merging nature and simplicity.

Rustic bamboo bungalow perched above black volcanic rocks, relaxed traveler enjoying a book, tranquil southern Vietnam setting near Saigon River, lush greenery, barefoot serenity.

Smiling kayaker navigating calm waters near Ho Chi Minh City, surrounded by tranquil ripples, embracing adventure along Vietnam’s scenic waterways not far from bustling urban life.

Traditional wooden boats with dragon prows, bustling with travelers, emerald waters, misty limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay—Vietnamese spirit, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.

Towering limestone karst jutting dramatically from tranquil emerald waters, lush greenery clinging to weathered rock—Ha Long Bay's mystique and serenity on full display.

Majestic limestone arch rising over emerald waters, rugged cliffs streaked with color, tranquil bay atmosphere, echoes of Ha Long Bay adventure in southern Vietnam.

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City street corner, tiny red plastic stools, iced tea glasses, shiny metal tea keg, motorbikes parked, glowing neon signs, vibrant local street food energy.