Temples of Angkor Angkor is, quite literally, heaven on earth. It is the earthly symbol of Mt Meru, the Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith and the abode of antique gods. Angkor is the perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual contribution. The Cambodian ‘god-kings’ of old each strove to better their ancestors in size, […]
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Siem Reap Life-support system for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap (pronounced see-em ree-ep) is the epicentre of the new Cambodia, a pulsating place that’s one of the most popular destinations on the planet right now. Sightseeing Angkor National Museum (063-966601; www.angkornationalmuseum.com; 968 Charles de Gaulle Blvd; adult/child under 1.2m US$12/6; 8.30am-6pm,to 6.30pm 1 Oct-30 […]
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SA DEC It trumpets a small claim to fame as the setting for The Lover, a semi-autobiographical novel by Marguerite Duras, set up a film by Jean-Jacques Annaud. Landscape Huynh Thuy Le Old House HISTORICAL BUILDING (Nha Co Huynh Thuy Le; 0939 533 523; 225A Ð Nguyen Hue; admission 10,000d) This wonderfully impressive 1895 house […]
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Long Xuyen Beyond many minor landscape and a happy market, the capital of An Giang province offers little to delay visitors. It’s a relativelyrich place, making its money from agriculture (especially cashew nuts) and fish processing. Until 1956 the Hoa Hao had an army and situated a major military force at this place. The town’s other […]
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Chau Doc Draped along the banks of the Hau Giang River (Bassac River), Chau Doc sees a lot of visitors washing through on the river route between Cambodia and Vietnam. A likeable tiny town with significant Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities, Chau Doc’s cultural diversity – apparent in the mosques, temples, churches and nearby pilgrimage […]
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Cao Lanh A newish town carved from the forests and swamps of the Mekong Delta region, Cao Lanh is big for business, but draws few tourists. Sights Dong Thap Museum MUSEUM (226 Ð Nguyen Thai Hoc; 7-11.30am & 1.30-5pm) The Dong Thap Museum is among the Mekong’s best museums, in spite of having no English […]
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Around Ha Tien Mui Nai The beaches in this area of Vietnam face the Gulf of Thailand. The water is pretty warm and becalmed; It’s great for bathing and diving but hopeless for surfing. The best of them, Mui Nai (Stag’s Head Peninsula; admission person/car 2500/10,000d), supposedly resembling the head of a stag with its […]
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Sam Mountain A sacred place for Buddhists, Sam Mountain (Nui Sam, 284m) and its environs are full of a lot of pagodas and temples. A strong Chinese influence makes it particularly popular with ethnic Chinese, yet Buddhists of all ethnicities drop in this place. The views from the summit are excellent (weather permitting), ranging deep […]
Read More...Sights & Activities Xeo Quyt Forest NATURE RESERVE (Xeo Quyt, Xeo Quit; admission 5000d; 7am-5pm) Southeast of Cao Lanh and accessible by boat tour is the beautiful 52-hectare Xeo Quyt Forest (also called Rung Tram) near My Hiep village. One large swamp beneath a beautiful thick canopy of tall trees and vines, it’s one of the […]
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The tourist’s initial impression of Angkor Wat (admission to all of Angkor: 1 day/3 days/1 week US$20/40/60), the last construction of Khmer genius, is simply staggering, matched by only a few select spots on earth such as Peru’s Machu Picchu or Jordan’s Petra. Angkor Wat, one of the most inspired and spectacular monuments ever conceived […]
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