LAOS
To many Westerners Laos is so obscure that without a detailed map of Asia,
they couldn't tell you where it is - much less anything else about it.
Laos dropped out of the news after the Pathet Lao takeover in 1975. And
therein lies much of its charm. The country's isolation, for reasons of
war and politics, has preserved an older, slower, and more traditional way
of life: Old Asia, Asia without the crowds. It is a delightful country in
which to travel - the pace is slow and relaxed and everywhere you will be
welcomed with smiles.
VIETNAM
A narrow sinuous 3000 kilometer coastal strip, Vietnam wraps around the
edges of Asia and epitomises its essence -chaotic city streets, vast colorful
markets, brilliant green rice fields, busy waterways, stunning landscapes,
tranquil pagodas and incredible food.Vietnam is all you envisage of Asia,
with a picture perfect scenes around every corner and welcoming, hospitable
people.Vietnam has a long and powerful history, kingdoms influenced by China,
India and the Khmer florished and declined along its length, leaving monuments,
religions and cultural influences.
CAMBODIA
One of Asia's gems! A land of beauty and power where a smiling, resiliant
people strive to reconcile the discordant legacies of their remote and recent
past.
Without doubt Cambodia's most powerful lure is the incredible temple complex
of Angkor. Unforgettable ate the enigmatic faces of the Bayon;, the towers
of Angkor Wat - zenith of Khmer architecture and Ta Prohm, where giant trees
reclaim the temple for the jungle.
The waters of the Tongle Sap dominate the center of the country, sustaining
hundreds of fishing villages, rising and falling with the seasonal flow
of the Mekong.
Cambodia is all that is Asia - busy, colorful markets and relaxed riverside
cafes; the faded elegance of colonial architecture and quiet temple grounds;
streets that are equally home to motorbikes, steet vendors and orange robed
monks.
MYANMAR (BURMA)
Experience marvellous ancient monuments, charming peoples, dramatic scenery and colonial nostalgia. There are few countries in the world with the allure of Burma (Myanmar). Through years of isolation, it has managed to retain much of its cultural traditions and preserve much of its historical heritage. As such, a visit to Burma is in many ways similar to a journey back in time, to an Asia from a bygone age. |
