War. Three letters which have existed thousands of years ago. Three letters which have shaped the destinies of many nations. Three letters which often deemed as the worst thing that can happen to humanity, yet still exists today in many corners of the world. The […]
All posts filed under: Southeast
Underground Guerrilla 101 at Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi tunnels are part of underground network of tunnels which were used by Viet Cong guerrillas to fight against the US military and South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War (in Vietnam they call it the American War. It makes sense, doesn’t it?). To […]
Ho Chi Minh City: The Face of A Rapidly Changing Nation
For the past few years, Vietnam has put itself as one of the world’s fastest growing economies. After it embraced China-style capitalism-socialism hybrid economy, it has entered the world of globalization and become one of Asia’s new stars. Although Hanoi is the nation’s capital, Saigon […]
Leaving Cambodia, Entering Vietnam
After spending one day in Phnom Penh, I continued my trip to Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) in Vietnam. I booked for the bus a day earlier right away after I came to the guest house where I stayed at in Phnom […]
The Cambodian Royal Palace
Cambodia is one of few remaining kingdoms in Asia, and the world, with King Norodom Sihamoni as the current ruler who succeeded his father, King Norodom Sihanouk, in 2004. In my previous posts I have said that Angkor used to be the capital of the […]
Phnom Penh in a Glimpse
After spending about 3 days in Siem Reap, I headed to Phnom Penh which is 6-hour-bus-ride away from Siem Reap. Actually, when I planned for this trip months ago, I didn’t put Phnom Penh on the list and intended to go directly to Ho Chi Minh City instead. However, a friend […]
Cycling around Angkor Archaeological Park
Siem Reap is a small city which serves as Cambodia’s gate to the world due to its strategic location near Angkor Archaeological Park, which contains well-known temples such as Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. The entire Angkor complex is comfortably accessible from Siem Reap by various means of transportation. You […]
Ta Prohm: A Temple Amidst The Woods
Another well-known temple at The Angkor Archaeological Park is Ta Prohm. Partly thanks to Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’s movie which was filmed around this temple and brought to the world the mysterious atmosphere of this place with those picturesque large tree roots holding onto the […]
The Enigmatic Faces of Bayon
Angkor Wat served as the capital of the Khmer empire until mid-12th century, when the death of King Suryavarman led to the invasion of the Chams (present-day Vietnam) to the Khmer capital. However, a few years later, a Khmer prince successfully defeated the Chams and […]
Angkor Wat: The Khmer Jewel and Pride
In the 12th century, when the Khmer gained its independence from Java (present-day part of Indonesia), their king (Suryavarman II) instructed the construction of a religious monument which also serves as a national capital (and later becomes the world’s largest religious compound). At that time, […]
Leaving Thailand, Entering Cambodia
When I booked the flight to Bangkok about seven months prior to the date of departure, I intended to go to Thailand’s neighboring countries as well, which makes Cambodia and Vietnam as perfect choices. However, that time when I booked the flight, I thought a […]
Golden Mountain: A Peaceful Oasis at The Heart of Bangkok
Tired of scams and touts in Bangkok’s favorite landmarks? Golden Mountain might be the place that you want to go to. Located not too close from The Grand Palace, but still walkable (about 30 minutes walk from The Grand Palace), Golden Mountain is an oasis […]
What an Amazing World! 