Enchanting Vietnam with Siem Reap & Bangkok (IAEE)

Ho Chi Minh City

Rooftop Garden bar at the Rex Hotel

Home to the infamous “Five O’clock follies” and a favorite hangout for American officers during the Vietnam War, this rooftop bar still evokes memories of a time long past. The furnishings are a bit kitschy, but that is part of the charm. Stop for a drink or dinner and enjoy the great city views.

Local market in Cholon

Cholon is the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City and gets its name from Cho Lon, which means “big market” in Chinese. This intriguing area is teaming with restaurants, temples, shops, and buzzing markets. The two primary markets are Binh Tay and Ben Thanh. These massive markets offer similar products and are a great place to experience the local culture, browse the many stalls, and sample great authentic local cuisine.

Cyclo ride at night

This city comes alive at night, and a “cyclo” ride is the perfect way to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. Sitting in the front of this 3-wheeled bicycle gives you a great view as you slowly meander through the streets. Although a rare occurrence, some “cyclo” riders may try to charge you too much or take you to places you don’t want to go, so make sure to negotiate the price and clearly state your destination before the ride begins.

Dong Khoi Street

Running from the Notre Dame Cathedral to the waterfront, this shopping area is well known for the quality of its goods. Here you can buy custom made silk garments that rival those of Hong Kong for a reasonable price. The workmanship is extraordinary. Among other items for sale are jewelry, handbags, tablecloths, ceramics, and scarves. If shopping isn’t your thing, this is still a great place to take a stroll to explore the city.

Saigon Saigon Bar

This popular rooftop bar, in the iconic Caravelle Hotel, offers sweeping views of Ho Chi Minh City. Stop by for a drink at dusk and enjoy the spectacular view as the sun sets and the city lights up. Live music is featured nightly. You don’t have to dress up, but no shorts please.

Ton That Thiep Street

Ton That Thien Street is a great place to shop for Vietnamese and propaganda posters. You can also find funky lacquer ware and costume jewelry shops.

Take in a Show

Enjoy acrobats, contemporary dancers, jugglers and martial arts experts, with musical accompaniment at a performing arts show. The A O Show (pronounced Ahhh! Ohhh!) has been performing to rapturous acclaim since 2013. Depending on the time of year the troupe may offer performances of My Village or The Mist, which are equally engaging. Each show takes the audience on a journey of Vietnamese life.

Siem Reap

Psar Chaa

Located in the French Quarter of Siem Reap, Psar Chaa or “Old Market” is where locals come to shop for their everyday needs. As with many local markets, Psar Chaa is a great place to wander around and mix with the locals. It is also the best place to sample authentic Khmer food, which has much in common with Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Rice is the main staple and is often served with pork or fish. Noodles are also popular, as is curry. But for the more adventurous, try the spiced frog, a very satisfying meal. You will also find plenty of shops catering to tourists with items like t-shirts, maps, books, and Buddha heads—all for much less than you would pay in a store. Be prepared to haggle!

Night Market

Distinctly different from Psar Chaa or “Old Market,” the colorful Night Market was created for tourists. Here you will find stalls selling every type of souvenir you can imagine. There is also a bar and a movie mall at one end. It is located close to the main street that is lined with restaurants and bars, so it makes for a good walk after dinner.

Miss Wong

Inspired by old Shanghai, this bar is one of Siem Reap’s newest additions. The cherry-red lantern that dangles from the doorway beckons passers-by. Inside, slip into one of the intimate leather booths for an Indochine Martini, a mixture of vodka, ginger cognac and fresh pineapple juice.

Angkor National Museum

The Angkor National Museum features eight chronologically ordered galleries where many Angkor-era artifacts are on display. Several multi-media presentations give an understanding about Angkor history and culture.

Theam’s House

Theam's House is the home of Cambodian artist and designer Lim Muy Theam. Set beside a tranquil environment, the handsome traditional wooden house with its lust tropical garden holds a unique private collection alongside products conceived and created on site. Works demonstrate traditional Khmer arts & craft with a personal touch of design and modernity.

The Khmer Ceramic & Fine Arts Centre

The Khmer Ceramic & Fine Arts Centre is dedicated to the renaissance and appreciation of lost Cambodian art, pottery, ceramics & tableware. Founded in 2006 its goal is to revive the skill and knowledge needed for this technically challenging and beautiful handcrafted art form. Find contemporary tableware, vases, and more inspired by Cambodian culture and environment, that are both functional and decorative.

Bangkok

The Blue Elephant

You may decide you can’t get enough of the delicious local flavors, and if that’s the case, spend half a day at The Blue Elephant to learn how to prepare authentic Thai at home. This cooking school takes you through the entire process—from shopping at a market to enjoying your dishes. While it’s somewhat more expensive than a half day of museums and lunch, the long-term benefits are immense.

Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is an inner-city haven of peace, fresh air and greenery – inviting visitors to connect with nature or enjoy outdoor leisure activities. Named after the birthplace of the Lord Buddha in Nepal, the park is a shady oasis home to various flora and fauna including the eccentric water monitor lizard.

Pratunam-Phetchaburi

Grease the elbows and stretch the knees; it’s time for a hectic shopping experience. There’s something for everyone here—from the bargain-hunter to the clinically fashionable. Clothing, jewelry, crafts, and much more are on full display in this busy area. Make sure you venture behind the street-front vendors to Pratunam Market for international goods. Keep in mind, bargaining here is more about being friendly and respectful.

Apoteka Lux Bar

With an old school feel, the Apoteka Lux Bar is based on an outdated word for pharmacist and emulates a 19th century apothecary. Come for the live music or grab a spot at the patio for a nice place to curl up for a romantic night or meet some friends.

Go Sky High

Bangkok is blessed with several “Sky High” options where you can have dinner and/or drinks with a stunning view over the city. Check out the Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar on the 45th floor of the Marriot Hotel Sukhumvit for a great sunset or romantic meal with the only 360 degree view of Bangkok. Be prepared to pay a little more but it’s worth it!

Thai massage

There are countless places offering traditional Thai massage in Bangkok. One of the best choices is the Thai Massage School at Wat Pho. Many of the local masseuse and masseurs were taught here, and you can get a 1-hour massage for $15 to $20 USD. You can also learn the techniques for yourself!

Ride a tuk-tuk

These small 3-wheeled vehicles are an interesting way to get around and should be tried by anyone traveling to Bangkok. Make sure to negotiate the fare before sitting down.