Cambodia and Vietnam

After a few delays, we finally managed to get away and explore Cambodia and Vietnam. The trip, organised by Rickshaw Travel, took us from Siem Reap in Cambodia through to Hanoi in Vietnam over two weeks, with local guides in each region helping us find our way.

We arrived in Siem Reap to a festive welcome — a large dragon display marking Chinese New Year at the airport. The following morning began early (very early — 4:30am) for sunrise at Angkor Wat, shared with several hundred others! Despite the crowds, it was a memorable start. We spent the day exploring nearby temples, ending at Ta Prohm — the so-called “Tomb Raider” temple — where vast tree roots have claimed the crumbling stone. It had a real sense of atmosphere and quiet drama.

A Welcoming Dragon

Angkor Wat at Sunrise

Conversation with a Monk

Temple Carving

‘Tomb Raider’ Temple

’Selfie’ in the Temple

After a day wandering Siem Reap, we travelled on to Phnom Penh to visit the Royal Palace and nearby temples. A trip to the Killing Fields followed — a sobering experience. While undeniably important, it wasn’t something I found either enlightening or appropriate to photograph.

Temple of the Royal Palace

From there, we journeyed by speedboat along the Mekong Delta into Vietnam, arriving at Chau Doc. The shift in pace was immediate — busier, louder, more colourful. A ferry took us to Tiger Island, where we explored by bicycle, stopping at temples and small workshops. The hand-making of incense sticks, laid out to dry in the sun, was a particular highlight. Later, a wander near the hotel led us to a lively local talent show — singing, dancing, martial arts… entertaining, if not entirely to my taste!

Making Incense Sticks

Incense Sticks

Dancing Abstract

Another early start took us to the Cai Rang floating market before heading onward to Ho Chi Minh City (still “Saigon” to many locals). One of the more memorable evenings was a Vespa tour — riding pillion through the city to sample food, drinks, and eventually a Flamenco performance.

Boat Transportation at Floating Market

Saigon at Night

A short flight north brought us to Da Nang, and then on to Hoi An. This town has a strong backpacker feel — lively, busy, and full of colour. We took part in a cooking class after a guided market visit, learning a couple of Vietnamese dishes before enjoying the results. The following day was spent making traditional lanterns. By night, the riverside comes alive with reflections and colour — a gift for photography.

Fujian Assembly Hall, Hoi An

Japanese Bridge Shrine, Hoi An

Flying Fish at Market

Colourful Lamps

Hoi An River at Night

Our final stop was Hanoi. A guided street food tour took us through back streets and small eateries — all delicious, and reassuringly safe! By chance, we even bumped into someone from the Wirral, which made for an unexpected and enjoyable conversation.

An overnight cruise in Halong Bay followed, navigating between towering limestone karsts. Despite cold, misty weather, the landscape retained its beauty. A local fisherwoman rowed us through a floating village, offering a glimpse into daily life on the water.

Halong Bay

Fisherwoman

With a final afternoon to spare, we explored more of Hanoi — including the remains of an American B-52 bomber in Huu Tiep Lake, and a memorial to John McCain. This part of the tour was done in a well-worn Soviet 4x4, which added its own sense of character! We ended at the now-famous Train Street, where trains pass just feet from café tables — an unusual but memorable sight.

Crashed B52

Train Street, HanoiA chinese Dragon Welcome

All that remained was the journey home — not without its own drama, thanks to a pilot strike and a last-minute scramble for seats on an alternative flight. But we made it.

A fascinating trip, full of contrast, colour, and moments to reflect on — and certainly one to remember.