Things to do in Phnom Penh

Nightlife in Phnom Penh

In May and June, the rains come and bring a measure of relief. It rarely rains all day, and mostly it will rain for an hour or two hours in the afternoon or evening. By early September, the heat begins to decrease and the evenings are fresher. Through October, the frequency of the showers slows and the humidity begins to lower. Though the wet season is low season for tourism, visiting at that time does have its advantages. Experience diving, snorkelling and boat trips in Phu Quoc

The rainy, monsoon season consists of varying numbers of rainfall. Nearly all rain falls as showers; sometimes, it is difficult to value all the sights in and around the city as the rain is extreme and many streets are flooded and muddy.  Thankfully the showers go quickly; but you might be unlucky and have a few days of continuous rain; however that is more likely to occur in May and September.

The best experience:

Go to Battambang visitors should not want to have a walk along the streets of the city, by watching the old houses of the people here, you can borrow some transport and have a good deal with the hirer to have a good trip to explore the mysterious thing. Learn to cook traditional dishes from Cambodia at the local restaurant, boating on the lake cayak here. The best coffee shops in Battambang

Amok:

Amok was a delicious and traditional dish. It is rather than the food in Vietnam. Amok is made from jaggery, coconut milk, fish sauce and prohok often wrapped in banana leaves, classical dishes always chicken and fish ... fish dish sometime made ​​with catfish. Prahok, sugar and eggs will be exhausted into a blend, steamed for constancy, then rolled fish fillet with a blend of templte pieces, add a few leaves slok Ngor, a special herbs then rolled up banana leaf and steamed it.

Outdoor activities exploring Siem Reap

If you are planning to visit the beautiful floating villages and the unique stilt villages on the Tonle Sap as well as many spectacular waterfalls at Kbal Spean or Kulen Mountain, this period is believed the most suitable time of year because the lake and rivers are still rather full following the rainy season together with most of the paddy fields covered with vibrant shade of green.

Watch a traditional Apsara dance

If your liking in nightlife is a little bit more intellectual than the manic antics of the Pub Street, take a look at more traditional culture of Cambodia with a Khmer dance show known as the “paradise dancers” highlighting the Angkor temples.

Apsara dance

A dinner together with enjoying performance available at many local hotels and restaurants is popular with almost tourists coming to Cambodia, but you should search more information for a reasonable price because of a wide variety of cost and quality. Apsara Terrace at the Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor and Angkor Village Hotel's Apsara Theater are the two most famous places for their impressive classical dance and martial arts performances in Cambodia.

Pub street

Then you can stroll down the road to find a perfect place for dinner. Here, tourists can enjoy a wide range of Western and local food at reasonable price offered by many restaurants. Among many many restaurants, the eponymous fare of Soup Dragon always attracts a large number of people.

travel to Mekong delta

RV Jahan cruise
Launched in 2010, the RV Jahan cruise is the newest member of the Mekong River Boat Collection, and a baby brother to the famous Jayavarman containing 26 cabins at 4-star standard. The new flagship Jahan Cruise brings river cruising on the Mekong River into a new territory. The singular feelings of a luxury boutique hotel, the relaxing pace of a river cruise and the great opportunity to gain many new useful experiences, are some of many characteristics of Jayavarman. Interesting things to do in Bagan
Jahan cruise
Stretching 70 meters from bow to poop, the Jahan which features 26 beautifully-designed cabins on two decks, each has its own private balcony resemble as Indian art and architecture influenced the Khmer and Cham cultures in the Mekong Delta. The gorgeous beauty of the Jahan together with the delta’s vibrant beauty will inspire any guests on their trip on this boat cruise.
Fully air-conditioned with broad public areas spanning over four decks, the vessel is capable of providing outdoor areas including a covered open-air observatory together with a small swimming pool on the top deck. At the middle of the ship situated the grand lounge where you can gather each evening for a Recap tradition. Bar service is available here all day long to meet the demand of even the last guest leaving at night. The unique cuisine in Hoian

La Marguerite
With the elegant setting for the unlimited river cruise through two exotic countries, Vietnam and Cambodia, this vessel is a boutique five-star floating hotel suitable to travel along the beautiful Mekong River. With the help of all the staffs who have comprehensive knowledge of the region you will have a chance to know about cultural traditions and customs while being able to take part in as many activities as you wish.
Relax in the tranquil and comfortable air-conditioned lounges and on the Sun Deck of the vessel while enjoying the magnificent views they offer, be amused with a variety of games, free wireless internet access in certain areas, DVDs and music or cherish yourself in the stunning spa or work out in the fitness centre are many activities to keep you comfortable all the time.

Le Cochinchine cruises
Especially taking its guests into close contact with local people from every corner of the delta, Le Cochinchine will offer you abundant opportunity of admiring the Mekong Delta in its authenticity by letting you insight of this exotic land. Biking tour around the peculiar villages and tasting the special local food will bring you an unforgettable vacation.
 
In all cabins and public areas, safety instruction signs and life jackets kept in your wardrobe and also in main public areas are available to ensure the safe of all travelers. In case of urgency, each traveler is required to move at once to the gather stations indicated with signs and bide instructions.
With all of our friendly, passionate and professional staffs, our Indochina Voyages is proud to bring you a memorable journey on Le Cochinchine cruises at comparative price. Choose us as your perfect parter.

Mango Cruises in Mekong Delta
Their management team has many years experience in Vietnam’s tourism industry and has been offering tours to discerning international travelers for many years. They have now applied their inside knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to Mango Cruises.

High quality and convenient sampans built with clear purpose and decorated with comfort, privacy and safety in mind offered by all the passionate office staffs and boat crew who try their best to fulfill their duties are what make tourists satisfy with the services of this vessel. Original journeys and routes not offered by other cruise/tour providers. All of the luxurious, private experiences here are offered at a fair price.

When to visit Laos

When to visit Laos
November to January is the best time to visit lowland Laos, when daytime temperatures are agreeably warm, evenings are slightly chilly and the countryside is green and lush after the rains. However, at higher elevations temperatures are significantly cooler, sometimes dropping to freezing point. In February, temperatures begin to climb, reaching a peak in April, when the lowlands are baking hot and humid. During this time, the highlands are, for the most part, equally hot if a bit less muggy than the lowlands, though there are places, such as Paksong on the Bolaven Plateau, that have a temperate climate year-round. Due to slash-and-burn agriculture, much of the north, including Luang Prabang, becomes shrouded in smoke from March until the beginning of the monsoon, which can at times be quite uncomfortable, and of course doesn’t do your photographs any favours. The rainy season (generally May to September) affects the condition of Laos’s network of unpaved roads, some of which become impassable after the rains begin. On the other hand, rivers which may be too low to navigate during the dry season become important transport routes after the rains have caused water levels to rise. Note that the climate in some northern areas – notably Phongsali and Hua Phan (Sam Neua) – can be surprisingly temperamental, even in the hot season, so you could have one scorcher of a day, followed by a cold, wet day that’s enough to convince you you’re no longer in Southeast Asia. Indochina travel Laos
With its undisturbed cultures and undiscovered environment, the country has captured the hearts of many. Coupled with possibly the most chilled out people on earth means that Laos is fast becoming a must go for off the beaten path travel and the adventure tourist! The beautiful simplicity of the village life makes a refreshing change to the fast paced atmosphere found elsewhere in Asia, and the warm welcome received by the somewhat reserved and shy Laotians help make a visit to Laos a truly unforgettable and welcome experience. Tours in Laos
The culture, pace and attitude of Laos have remained relatively unchanged for the last century, making it a fantastic step back in time, away from life as we have come to know it. For a real break, away from the hustle and bustle and crowds, this country of mountains and rivers is the perfect place to go.

map of Laos There is so much to see in this beautiful country. From the adventure haven of Vang Vieng to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang with its robed monks and monasteries (often referred to as a destination on its own!), and from the mountains of the north to the impressive ‘Mother of all rivers’ the Mekong; Laos really is an untouched beauty. It is a country where you really can discover somewhere that no one has been before and can genuinely discover the explorer within.
The exotic wilderness that is Laos and the amazing scenery draw travellers who are looking for an experience and a bit of intrepid travel. There is the opportunity to sit back and marvel at the scenery and culture or to embark on the more adventurous activities that Laos has to offer with options including kayaking, rafting, boating, caving, trekking, and tubing. Unsurprisingly, due to the spectacular limestone crags and karst cliffs rock climbing is available and is considered to be some of the best in South East Asia! Laos is also considered by many to be a perfect place for cycling, as the roads are quiet and peaceful as there are few cars. Imagine all of this with the amazingly dramatic, yet peaceful and serene backdrop and there is no wonder that Laos is a favourite for all who have been there, providing the opportunity for an alternative and exciting adventure holiday.
WEATHER AVERAGES AND CLIMATE IN LAOS
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May through October, a cool dry season from November through February, and a hot dry season in March and April. Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may vary significantly from one year to the next. Montly rainfall also varies regionally, you can click on the map below to select the weather station for more information. Temperatures range from average highs around 40 degrees celcius along the Mekong in March and April to lows of 5 degrees celcius or less in the uplands of Xiangkhoang and Phôngsali in January.

Travel Mandalay and Around

Amongst the best destinations to see in Myanmar, Mandalay is truly worth the visit. It is the irreplaceable religious centre and holds the past royal history of the land. In almost any trip to Myanmar, the responsible Myanmar tour operator usually promotes the Mandalay Tours because they clearly know that without Mandalay, the tourism in Myanmar cannot be complete. While some tourists are fond of digging for the history of the land, the others are captivated by the charismatic beauty of the pagoda, palace, and monastery herein. Indochina tours Myanmar
Whether or not you have read any piece about Mandalay, it’s worth pointing out that this destination helps perfect what many people praise for the so-called Burma holiday packages. It is Mandalay that enchants and surprises the new guests about the existing religious hub that is well-preserved withstanding the hard test of time. For the adventurous and healthy spirits, the Mandalay Tours make the dream of the remarkable pilgrimage of some people achievable via the simple booking. Along with that, nothing can deny the fact that the scenery in Mandalay is charming, exclusive, and inspirational indeed. Of course, hundreds of the flattering photographs will be taken, and dozens of the sweet memorabilia will be written down for the later remembrance about Mandalay. Myanmar travel packages

You can do the simple online search to get the first glimpse of Myanmar travel and tours, and let them convince you of their attractiveness via both the beautiful words and the incredible pictures. Believe us! Myanmar is more radiant than what is stated in the papers and the online graphics. The promoted Mandalay Tours constantly delight the crowds of vacationers and pilgrims out there. You should know it! Time flies fast and doesn’t wait for anybody. Therefore, appreciate the days of youth to experience the desirable Burma travel tours at your earliest convenience! In particular, the Mandalay Tours should always be your top pick so that you can set foot in the reputable Mandalay Hill, Royal Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, San Kyaw Golden Palace, and more. Wait for what? Book the superb Mandalay Tours early on!
Mandalay Palace
Built by King Mindon between 1857 and 1859 and inherited by King Thibaw before colonial times, Mandalay Palace was once famous for its jewel encrusted décor, grand meeting halls and the vast number of teak houses built to accommodate the king’s many wives. Today, the many wives are long gone, but a $10 contribution will grant you the privilege of walking around their teak houses and a small ... Read more about Mandalay Palace .
Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery ( Golden Palace Monastery )
The only surviving original building from the Grand Palace is Shwenandaw Monastery (also known as the Golden Palace Monastery). The well-preserved all teak wood structure is covered in intricately carved figures from Buddhist mythology, and has become a valuable stop for those looking to absorb Mandalay's rich history. First built as part of the royal palace in Amarapura by King Mindon's ... Read more about Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery ( Golden Palace Monastery ) .
Mandalay Hill
A 240-metre hill covered in spires and pagodas juts out into the sky northeast of the Grand Palace, offering an all-encompassing 360-degree viewpoint of Mandalay. Monks from all around the city join aspiring photographers and sunset visitors on top of Mandalay Hill every day, to watch the world change from day to night. ... Read more about Mandalay Hill .
Kuthodaw Pagoda and Sandamuni Pagoda
When you think about what the world’s largest book may look like, you’re likely to imagine a massive leather tome tucked away in some library. In actuality, the world’s largest “book” is in Mandalay at Kuthodaw Pagoda. It consists of 729 standing stone “pages”, each with their own private stupa known as a kyauksa gu. They span across the vast pagoda grounds in long organised rows ... Read more about Kuthodaw Pagoda and Sandamuni Pagoda .

Exploring Vietnam - Halong bay

Exploring Vietnam - Halong bay
Exploring Vietnam is part of my vacation series recap. If you're just tuning in, you can catch up here: Vietnam Trip Recap.

After spending a week in big cities and having to mentally prepare myself to cross roads full of crazy motorcyclists, I was excited to escape to Halong Bay, a popular tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is approximately a 4-hour drive away from Hanoi. Ha Long Bay translates to "descending dragon bay" and is comprised of over 1,600 islets, mostly made of limestone that went through 500 years of formations. Halong bay cruise Vietnam

I did a lot of research on Halong Bay before booking our tour and everything I read recommended spending at least two days on an overnight ship. Luckily I strayed away from that recommendation and opted in for only one day.

Yes. Ha Long Bay was filled with magical views, but if I had to look at these limestone pillars for one more day I would go bonkers. No way would I ever recommend spending more than a day trip, unless you're looking to see the different parts of Ha Long Bay, spend your time examining rocks or participate in water sports.

I checked out every single company offering day trip tours and decided to go with Alova Cruises based on itinerary and user reviews. If you ever decide to explore Ha Long Bay, I have three important tips: North Vietnam tours packages

Figure out the best season to visit. We went during a time when it was slightly foggy, which was still full of stunning views but in a different kind of way.
Before booking direct with the tour company, check your hotel to see if they offer the same tour you're looking for. Your hotel can be a good way to get deals. Luckily, the exact same tour I wanted from Alova was also offered at our hotel, Calypso Suites Hotel / La Beaute De Hanoi, for a small discount.

Exploring Vietnam - Halong bay

If the tour company offers to pick you up in a shuttle, you may want to meet them directly at their office/departure point so you can get first choice of seating. If you don't, you are possibly looking at sitting on a tire hump with no leg room for an excruciating long time. They try to cram as many people possible in the shuttles.
THE FOOD ON ALOVA CRUISES
Ha Long Bay - Alova Cruise Review
Our boat was nice and spacious for our small group of 30 people. We were all entertained by our personable guide. Overall, the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Ha Long Bay - Alova Cruise Food Review
The moment we stepped into the boat, we sat down to be served a family style lunch. I've heard many great things about the food served on Ha Long Bay cruises, but the food we ate turned out to be mediocre and a little disappointing. Is it sad to say that my favorite dish was the cucumber salad?

You can't go wrong with peel-and-eat shrimps.

The vermicelli imperial rolls were okay.

The stir-fried chicken and stir-fried squid were both bland.
Ha Long Bay - Alova Cruise Food Review
The steamed fish looked better than it tasted. It was very bland and you can still taste the muddiness of the fish.

In short, the food was bland and boring, but the views made up for it.

HELLO, HA LONG BAY!
Ha Long Bay - Alova Cruise Review
The views - stunning! The thin layer of fog gives Ha Long Bay an eerie kind of vibe, almost like a dragon was going to descend from a mountaintop. I remember Patrick saying to me, "I've never seen anything like this in my life." I definitely haven't experienced anything like this either.
Ha Long Bay - Alova Cruise Review
 The life of a fisherman. I'm sure it's very hard work, but it can also be very rewarding.

I am super thankful and happy to be able to experience this moment with my amazing and loving other-half.
Ha Long Bay - Alova Cruise Review
It gets a little tiring to see, what looks to be, the same limestone pillars over and over again.

HANG SUNG SOT CAVE
Ha Long Bay - Cave Tour - Alova Cruise Review
As a part of the day trip, we also got to explore Hang Sung Sot Cave. It was awesome to check out the cave's unique system of stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes and forms due to over millions of years of water erosion. For a place so unique and beautiful, it's a complete shame to see multi-colored bright lights take away from the natural beauty of the cave.

Full moon Mid-Autumn Festival

Full moon Mid-Autumn Festival
Tet Trung Thu, as it is known in Vietnam, or the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival as we refer to in foreign countries, is a wonderful, ancient festival that revolves around children.

Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (or Full moon Festival) takes place on the full moon night (15th of the Lunar August), the most charming and picturesque night of the year. The festival involves the customs of moon contemplating, procession of star & moon - shaped lanterns, lion dance, as well as holding parties with moon cakes and fruits. Do you know why we have this special festival? BASSAC CRUISE

The origin…
The Festival dates back as far as 15-20,000 years ago in Southeast Asia, and is traditionally held on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar Month. Looking at the moon on this day, you will see that its orbit is at the lowest angle to the horizon, making the moon appear brighter and larger than at any other time of the year. Thus, accordingly, there came a festival with a series of entertainment activities in honor of the beautiful full moon. Paradise Cruise Halong

There are several explanations for that phenomenon as well as the tradition of celebrating the Mid-autumn Festival. Some said that it began since the reign of King Duong Minh Hoang in China, at the beginning of the 8th century. According to ancient manuscripts, the Emperor often wished to visit the Travel to Vietnam

Full moon Mid-Autumn Festival

Palace on the Moon. Then, with the help of a magician, he was taken to the Moon and welcomed by a lot of beautiful fairies. He expressed his admiration for their dance, which was called Nghe Thuong Vu Y, and tried to memorize. Later, he accidentally found that there were similarities between Nghe Thuong Vu Y and Ba La Mon styles. After combining the two songs and dances styles into one, he gradually introduced it to everyone in their far ruling countries. The tradition of watching the moon, the dance and songs later became a traditional event in the Mid-Autumn celebration.

Celebration on animated  streets

The festival is very much like a combination of Halloween and Thanksgiving. On the night of Lunar August 15th, the streets are full of people buying festival stuff and wandering. Besides the assorted paper lanterns, cakes, candies, the toy animals made of rice dough, the dragon heads and faces of the Earth God made of paper are displayed everywhere in the markets. Children parade on the streets, singing and carrying colorful lanterns of different sizes and shapes, such as fishes, stars, butterflies, which spin when candles are inserted, representing the earth circling the sun. In well-off families, the mid-autumn banquet is to show up their nubile girls’ cooking abilities.

This festival is mostly geared to children, thus, to help children get ready for the Festival, parents can help them make their lanterns and costumes for the lantern procession and discuss the history and culture of Vietnam. Showing our love for our children and teaching of Vietnam's love for their children is a wonderful reason to celebrate!

Lion dances and moon cake.

One important event before and during Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival is lion dancing. Both non-professional and professional children groups perform dances on the streets or go to houses. If accepted by the host, "the lion" will come in and start dancing as a wish of luck.

Beside the lion dance, it is customary to offer Banh Trung Thu, boxes of moon cakes, which are traditionally very rich in taste. The cakes are filled with lotus seeds, ground beans and orange peels and have a bright yoke in the center to represent the moon.  “Banh deo” is the white cake, made of sticky rice and filled with sweet mixture of lotus seeds, pumpkin seeds or green bean. “Banh nuong” is the brown cake and has salty taste with a mixture of egg, pork fat, fried onion, peanut and lemon leaves inside. Both can be in round or square shapes.

Where in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City could we join this event?Moon cakes
Moon cakes


In Ha Noi, you can come to Ho Tay Water Park, Van Ho Exhibition Centre and Giang Vo Exhibition Centre to have musical performances for children in these two days.

In Ho Chi Minh city. Between 10th and 15th of August, Ho Chi Minh City government holds "Full Moon Festival" parties for children. Are you interested in the disadvantage children? On this occasion, the city arranges for some 5.000 children to participate in lantern processions along the main streets.

Today, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, together with the encouraging affection for children, promotes education, poetry, dance, arts and crafts. Most overseas Vietnamese family, though far away from their home country, would like to bring their kids back to the home country right in Full moon festival time, one amongst the most important ones in Vietnam. Otherwise, most of them hold a distant festival on their own in the country where they live to remind the kids of their origin and national culture.

Top South Central Vietnam Beaches

Top South Central Vietnam Beaches
Food Hawker in Nga Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang Beach

Known as the Vietnamese Riviera, Nha Trang is a six-mile stretch of beautiful fine white sand beach, rolling blue water, lush green mountains, and gently swaying palm trees. This international beach destination has clean, clear water, excellent diving conditions, and it has a great reputation for having some truly spectacular party boat cruises. Boat trips are perhaps the number one tourist activity in Nha Trang. Most of them offer a full day of scenic viewing along with home-cooked meals and loads of ice-cold beer. Centre Vietnam travel packages

It is also well-known as a backpacker haven, with plenty of cheap accommodations on offer for the frugal traveler. If you are traveling on a budget, be aware of the beach hawkers who wander up and down the beach with an assortment of food, beach accessories, jewelry, and food. Their prices are quite expensive compared to other places in town. PANDAW CRUISE

During the summer, Nha Trang gets quite crowded with tourists who come for the stunning views, beautiful new resorts, and superb seafood. Nha Trang is also the gateway to a number of island getaways within the area, with trips to its outlying islands being some of the most popular activities with visitors.

The public beach in Nha Trang is called Tran Phu, but the beaches on the north side of town and on Nha Trang’s outlying islands are much nicer. White Dolphins cruise Halong bay

Overlooking the harbor in Nha Tran, you’ll find the Cham temples. The temples are a popular sightseeing attraction, so expect crowds. The view of the harbor with its blue water and colorful fishing boats more than makes up for the hustle-bustle atmosphere of the temples.

Nha Trang’s other claim to fame is being the number one spot in Vietnam for diving. There are numerous dive shops in the area where you can become padi-certified. Snorkeling and diving trips are reasonably priced and come highly recommended by most divers who have been to the area. There are diving packages for both novice and experienced divers.

Top South Central Vietnam Beaches

Doc Let Beach

34 km north of Nha Trang lies picturesque Doc Let Beach. Home to stunning beach resorts and clean white sand beaches, Doc Let is a great place to go if you want to avoid the crowds at Nha Trang.

Lang Co

Lang Co Beach

Lang Co Beach is located just 45 minutes away from Hoi An. The area, which has recently been voted as one of the top 30 beaches in the world, is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery that includes soft white sand, crystal blue water, lush tropical forests and green mountains. The beauty of Lang Co was legendary among kings from the Nguyen Dynasty who came here to build their palatial complexes for vacation.

Con Dao Beach

Con Dao Islands

Idyllic beaches are on offer at the Con Dao Islands owing to the isolated location off the coast. The islands have been protected from tourism because of their remote location, and because of this, you’ll find some of the most pristine beachfront property in all of Vietnam.

Beach playPhu Quoc Island

Explore scenic Phu Quoc Island by motorcycle and discover sparkling white sand beaches backed by lush jungle all on your own. This stunning island  situated just off the coast of Kampot in Cambodia is being heralded as the new “Phuket”.

The island has a handful of mid- to low-end beach resorts for accommodations, and it is well on its way to becoming a total beach resort destination. Some travelers have even argued that the Phu Quoc is well on its way to being the number one choice for best beach in Vietnam because it has the whitest sand in the country and some of the most stunning sunsets in all of Asia. Without a doubt, it is certainly known for being one of Vietnam’s most beautiful islands.

We recommend visiting Long Beach, Ong Lan Beach, and Bai Dai. Phu Quoc can be reached by air or by ferry.