By Lizzie Johnson – India and Far East specialist
I knew immediately that I would love the bustling energy of Vietnam. After a much needed nights sleep in very comfy beds at Hanoi’s Sofitel Metropole, we set out to explore. The city has a decidedly French feeling, with tree lined avenues and grand palaces. However, Hanoi is intrinsically Vietnamese and a great place to get used to the speeding motorcycles and tropical climate, before heading to the sprawling metropolis that is Saigon.
Throughout this trip travelling down from Hanoi to Saigon, through the Mekong Delta and finally to Siem Reap, we were blessed with sparkling sunshine. Temperatures were in the region of 45 degrees but under no means let someone tell you June is a bad time to travel to Indochina. Although the tropical Mekong Delta may occasionally be splashed by a few fat drops of cooling rain at this time of year, Halong Bay is bathed in an almost mystical sunlight and quickly this will become the highlight of your epic journey – your luxurious junk gliding over the serene emerald waters of this fairytale giant’s playground whilst you feast on possibly the best seafood you have ever tasted.
The trip continued with a relaxing stay in the sleepy town of Hoi An, the perfect place to break your journey with a few days to chill out on an endless sandy stretch of beach, although I was too busy exploring the local markets and beautiful ancient houses that would delight any traveller with a penchant for traditional culture.
After a brief visit to Hue, and a mad dash through Saigon (where I advise anyone less versed in the art of crossing Saigon’s roads to stick to the pavements- to cross a road is almost definite death!) we made it to the sleepy, lush, calm of the delta. This is a real must for anyone visiting Vietnam – spending the days drifting through the delta watching river life around you and whole fishing villages floating on the water. There is also a growing choice of one to seven night cruises through this region so whether you choose to take the land or river option I guarantee you will bring back some fantastic pictures to fill many photos albums.
After a speedboat ride across the border into Cambodia, we arrived in Phnom Penh and immediately felt the difference in culture and ethic here. Although still reeling from the terrible Khmer Rouge regime, and every person you meet has a devastating story to tell about this, the people here are fantastic and delighted to see tourists enjoying their beautiful country.
The final highlight to the trip was the stay in Siem Reap from where it is just a short car, bike or tuk-tuk ride to the spectacular temple complex of Angkor Wat. This is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indochina so now is really the time to visit if you have a hope of getting a moment of peace to reflect on the amazing feat and skill of the building of these structures. My favourite has to be Ta Prom, with ancient tree roots growing through the temple throwing the massive stone blocks aside in their path. The atmosphere here is just amazing. Coming in a close second is Bayon, with its many Buddha heads, it is just impossible to take a bad snap. I am already planning a return visit to further explore this fascinating place.
