Regional delights

9/27/2009

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Whether you're into majestic temples or buzzing markets, Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the Greater Mekong will help you go with the flow By Nick Ray

Writer: Nick Ray

Position: Reporter

Published: 27/09/2009 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: Brunch

PEOPLE AND CULTURE Towering mountains and flat plains - the contrasting landscapes of the Mekong region have attracted a divergent group of people over the centuries. Discover the diversity of the Mekong with a visit to some of the minority regions and experience their culture.

Xishuangbanna, Yunnan

The original Dai (Thai) kingdom, the land of "Twelve Thousand Rice Fields" is a little slice of Southeast Asia in China. Penetrate the jungle to discover a cultural microcosm that is unlike anywhere else in the Middle Kingdom.

Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia

Translating as "Meeting of the Hills", this place is a world apart from lowland Cambodia and a blissful escape from the heat of the plains. The landscape includes a seductive blend of pine forests, dense jungle and hidden waterfalls, and provides a home to the Phnong people, famous for their elephant rearing.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Undisputed capital of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a cultural hub that acts as a gateway to surrounding mountain retreats. It is a city of classic Lanna temples where you can learn Thai cookery, Buddhist meditation and traditional Thai massage.

Luang Nam Tha, Laos

VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, LAOS AND THE GREATER MEKONG: 925 baht from all good bookshops.

Laos is an ethnic melting pot with anywhere between 49 and 132 tribal groups, depending on who you listen to. Luang Nam Tha is home to nearly 40 of these groups and acts as a gateway to the award-winning, community-based ecotourism project of Nam Ha.

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Where the Mekong's epic journey comes to an end, it splits into nine dragons that give us the Vietnamese name of Cuu Long. Explore the delta on two wheels or go with the flow on a traditional boat. Get up close and personal with local life courtesy of a traditional homestay.

Beach Retreats

The Mekong is not the only well known water in the region - both Vietnam and Cambodia boast lengthy and beautiful coastlines. Vietnam might have been late to the beach party in this region, but it was worth the wait. With more than 3,400km of coastline, there are infinite stretches of powdery sand, hidden coves, lovely lagoons and tropical islands. Cambodia's coast is less developed and offers opportunities for aspiring Robinson Crusoes.

Mui Ne, Vietnam

Set on a seductive swathe of sand, Mui Ne, with its swaying palms and towering dunes, is an absolute charmer. Be pummelled on the beach by a masseur or pummelled by the waves with some watersports. Mui Ne blends action and inertia to perfection.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

King of the Cambodian beaches, the headland is ringed by squeaky white sands, and offshore lie countless tropical islands with barely a beach hut in sight. Try Otres Beach for romance, Sokha Beach for luxury or Koh Rong for an escape.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Simply the most beautiful island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is liberally sprinkled with picture-perfect, white-sand beaches and cloaked in dense, impenetrable jungle. Long Beach is sophisticated, Ong Lan Beach romantic and Bai Sao simply irresistible.

Kep, Cambodia

The original beach resort in Cambodia, the French founded this coastal retreat in 1908 as Kep-sur-Mer. Devastated by war, it has resurrected itself in recent years with boutique resorts, succulent seafood and palm-fringed islands.

China Beach, Vietnam

Okay, so we are using artistic licence with the name, but call it My Khe to the north and Cua Dai to the south, it's all just one long, luscious stretch of sand. Try surfing off the shores of Danang or pamper yourself at the resorts near Hoi An.

2008 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd.

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This is an edited extract from Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the Greater Mekong , 2nd edition by Nick Ray, et al, Lonely Planet Publications, 2009.