Viator Travel Blog

With the tourist trail expanding across the key provinces of Cambodia, there is certainly a fair share of places from boutique hotels to high-end resorts for visitors to crash in, but it is perhaps the eco-conscious options that are drawing the most attention from travelers.

Bali is simply bursting with character and as any of the millions of tourists who have visited and fallen in love with the Indonesian island will tell you, the Balinese are simply one-of-a-kind.

While the island is most famous for its mega-tourist destinations–Kuta Beach and hillside Ubud–wherever you end up staying, an absolute must is to experience a traditional Kecak dance.

Whether you have one or two weeks to explore, these are a few cultural activities outside of the famous Kuta area that you will need to experience before leaving beautiful Bali.

For those who are not amused by the gleaming mountain tops of China’s snowy Chogori Peak, the historic behemoth of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or the increasingly spectacular skyline of Kuala Lumpur, there are other reasons to visit Asia than the everyday destinations that bring in millions upon millions of tourists every year.

Asia is also home to some of the strangest attractions the world has to offer, with a unique liberalism, culture and tastes for certain things that simply would not fly in the west. Here are our five favorites.

Sure, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) are spectacular, but there’s much more to Vietnam than just those two destinations. Vietnam is filled to the brim with exotic sandy beaches, untapped cultural landmarks and all the rural culture you can handle, from the absolutely stunning beaches and growing nightlife of Nha Trang, to the historical old town of beautiful Hoi An. For those with the adventurer’s sense of traveling, there are more than enough reasons to extend your stay in Vietnam. Here are our top 5 places to go in Vietnam that are not in Hanoi or Saigon.

Southeast Asia has many advantages that make it an ideal destination for international travelers. For one thing, the warm weather makes many of its exotic beaches a prime location. In the cities and on the road, it is also extremely affordable and the big attractions are mostly surrounded by accommodations for any budget. Then, of course, there are the impressive examples of history and modern culture dormant in the ruins and temples that exist today.

Certainly one of the most interesting places to visit in Southeast Asia, Hanoi has come a long way in preserving its colonial and Chinese influence since the 70′s. With a great many places to soak in culture, namely, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Presidential Palace, or the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution, the country’s history and foreign interpretation of it are on its own reasons to visit, but there is so much more, including its famous cuisines and natural landmarks.

When it comes to Cambodia, there are certainly more than enough reasons to come visit, including the beautiful and historical Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap, the increasingly buzz-worthy coastal town of Sihanoukville and the growing urban hub of Phnom Penh. For all the meat lovers of the world, here are a few favorite places in Phnom Penh to get a great meal.

Many backpackers and globetrotters have flocked to the fertile and culturally rich Southeast Asia. Known for its pristine beaches, amazing historical sights and a touch of adventurousness, this comparatively inexpensive travel option baits thousands amongst thousands of people every year with landmarks like Angkor Wat, Cambodia; the city of Bangkok, Thailand; and the picturesque views of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

There is no shortage of activities to enjoy and sites to explore and there is something to suit every taste and budget. Vietnam’s largest city is surprisingly easy to navigate so all ages will find exploring this city enjoyable and easy. Here are our top 10 tips, tricks and recommendations for Ho Chi Minh City.