Enjoy Your Own Vietnam and Cambodia Travel Adventure

A Vietnam and Cambodia travel break is the perfect tonic for travellers that want to explore a land of unspoiled and idyllic beauty buried deep in the heart of south-east Asia.

With daily flights available from the UK to both countries via Bangkok, you can now reach the World’s largest continent in just over 16 hours. The Tan Son Nhat Airport is Vietnam’s most recognised landing strip and widely used by most international visitors, while Cambodia’s largest airport is located in the magical Siem Reap.

Once you have reached your destination, one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways of exploring Vietnam and Cambodia is by using a car hire service; the close proximity of the bordering countries makes it relatively easy to explore both destinations during your stay. Indeed, Vietnam and Cambodia attract millions of tourists each year, a number that has risen by 15 per cent from last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism for the kingdom. These countries are considered a welcome alternative to the tourist-saturated Thailand, and travellers are now beginning to flock to both of these two lesser known countries.

Both offer spectacular views, fine culture and a unique insight into the lives of inhabitants in another continent on the other side of the planet. Vietnam is by far the larger of the two, with a population of 86 million compared to Cambodia’s 14 million.

Located to the south of bordering China, Vietnam has an array of tourist attractions to visit. Hanoi is the country’s capital and offers something for everyone. The old quarter is the heartbeat of the city - packed with an array of bars, shops and restaurants to choose from - and is highly recommended.

Hanoi perfectly blends traditional and modern Asia while the city’s French colonial past also visible in the surrounding architecture. Another historical sight is the Hoa Lo Prison, which held American POWs during the Vietnam War and is always popular with tourists.

To escape the hustle and bustle of the city many tourists head to Phu Quoc Island to enjoy its stunning beaches and views. Other popular destinations are the green fields of Mekong Delta and the stunningly beautiful Halong Bay.

Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, referred to as the Pearl of Asia, is a buzzing metropolis and a hive of activity that entertains and mesmerisies in equal measure. Enjoy a walk through the city’s markets and local stalls, which tend to sell everything and anything, where real bargains can be found. Or visit the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park in the south of the city, home to a wide variety of animals saved from poachers. There are also plenty of bars for those looking for entertainment after dark.

Moving away from the capital, Cambodia’s main attraction is the hugely symbolic temple Angkor Wat, which was built in the early 12th Century. The temple’s unique architecture is simply sensational and Angkor Wat today remains the World’s largest religious building, while also appearing on the country’s national flag. It is also widely recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.

The glorious Siem Reap has undergone something of a revival in recent years and is now considered to be the face of the modern Cambodia. Hundreds of hotels and restaurants have sprung up in recent years to deal with the demand from tourists, while there is also a fine selection of newly built restaurants and eateries. Although the city is known as the gateway to Angkor, it is now gaining a reputation in its own right.

Cambodia remains a largely undiscovered country compared to other popular Asian destinations, but the World is now starting to take notice of this up-and-coming country. The beaches along the south coast are beautiful and largely untouched by tourists. The Cambodian countryside also offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Cambodia and Vietnam are both intoxicating and stimulating and will be two of the leading destinations to visit in 2011.