What’s So Special About Vietnam & Cambodia?

In Southeast Asia, there are some countries you just have to visit, and Vietnam and Cambodia are two of them. But what’s the big deal about these places? Well, both destinations are cultural hubs that give you a chance to dive into a way of life you could never imagine in Australia. Every town, city, and province is jampacked with epic adventures and exotic flavours–the likelihood of having your mind blown is sky-high.

So, why don’t we take a look at these incredible countries to really see what makes them so special? We hope you’re ready for endless bowls of noodles, ancient temples, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience because we’re headed to Vietnam and Cambodia!

Spending Less, Experiencing More

The big X factor while travelling is money–can’t live with it, can’t live without it? The good news is that both Vietnam and Cambodia are much more affordable than Australia or anywhere in Europe. That means while you’re travelling through these countries, you can book comfortable accommodations, dine at incredible restaurants, and stay longer than you would if you were travelling somewhere else, all without breaking the bank!

Of course, you could find ways to drop stacks, but with just a little bit of financial savviness, you could easily experience everything you could ever want to on just $70 per day–not bad, right? Backpackers can find hostels for as little as $12 a night and chow down on cheap street food that costs just a few dollars.

There’s a lot that’s special about Vietnam and Cambodia, but their affordability is the cherry on top!

Rich Cultures and Histories

There are places with culture, and then there’s Vietnam and Cambodia. Both countries’ stories date back thousands of years, but they are vastly different and equally fascinating.

The first traces of humans in Vietnam were 20,000 years ago, and slowly a rich culture was developed from the ancient indigenous kingdom of Giao Chi. There have been wars, conflicts, victories, and losses, but the one thing that’s never changed is the country’s unique religious beliefs, traditions, and family values.

Just like Vietnam, humans have been occupying the region of Cambodia for tens of thousands of years–a long time, right? The country’s history has been bumpy, with long periods of peace and long periods of turbulence–it virtually disappeared after a conflict between Vietnam and Thailand. Its strong ties to Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Khmer Empire have left some of the most remarkable temples in the world.

When you travel Cambodia and Vietnam, you’ll experience these cultures in a way you could only achieve by being there in person.

Incredible Food at Every Turn

How’s the food in Vietnam and Cambodia? Well, let’s just say you’re going to go on a culinary journey you won’t soon forget. We’re talking fresh-caught fish, sweet and sour soups, tasty bowls of noodles, and delicious grilled meat. The food in Vietnam and Cambodia is quite similar, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on these scrumptious dishes no matter where you are.

Here’s a look at some must-try dishes during your Cambodia and Vietnam holidays from Australia.

Vietnam

• Pho–a Vietnamese staple consisting of a hot bowl of rice noodles, meat, veggies, and incredible flavours! (There is a wide variety of different noodle dishes in both countries).
• Banh Mi–a Vietnamese sandwich that will blow your mind, and you’ll have no trouble finding it throughout the country. When you travel Vietnam, Banh Mi’s are a must.
• Bun Cha–if you like grilled pork, then you have to try Bun Cha. The pork is served with rice noodles and pickled and fresh veggies. Prepare yourself for maximum flavour.

Cambodia

• Fish Amok–if you’re going to travel to Cambodia, fish amok needs to be on your list. It’s diced freshwater fish served with a creamy curry sauce and a long list of tasty, tasty spices. The dish is a great introduction to what the country has to offer.
• Kuy Teav–a common breakfast food that you’ll find at several street vendors. The dish is a noodle soup with beef or pork-bone broth, rice, green onions, fried shallots, garlic, bean sprouts, and pork or fish balls. Load it up with hoisin sauce or chilli paste, and you’re ready to go!
• Beef Loc Lac–delicious strips of stir-fried beef that’s placed on top of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. More often than not, it comes with a fried egg–get ready for a killer sauce!

Experiencing a Different Way of Life

Travelling is all about getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing something completely different from what you have back home. Going on Cambodia and Vietnam holidays from Australia is the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons. You’ll be thrown straight into Eastern culture, where the architecture will be different, the food will be different, the religious beliefs will be different, and virtually everything else you can imagine will be different.

Don’t let the fear of experiencing something new intimidate you. The people in both Vietnam and Cambodia and known for being friendly and welcoming to Australian travellers. As long you show respect and gratitude, you’ll only find a warm and cordial environment.

Natural Beauty

Travelling is all about getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing something completely different from what you have back home. Going on Cambodia and Vietnam holidays from Australia is the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons. You’ll be thrown straight into Eastern culture, where the architecture will be different, the food will be different, the religious beliefs will be different, and virtually everything else you can imagine will be different.

Don’t let the fear of experiencing something new intimidate you. The people in both Vietnam and Cambodia and known for being friendly and welcoming to Australian travellers. As long you show respect and gratitude, you’ll only find a warm and cordial environment.

Plan a Trip with iFlyGo

Never been to Vietnam or Cambodia and don’t know where to go? Kick those fears to the curb because iFlyGo has got you covered! iFlyGo offers customisable preplanned trips (guides included) for anyone looking to travel Vietnam or Cambodia. The experiences make sure you hit all the must-see areas and try all the local cuisines. It’s the ultimate way to see the region, and it takes all the pressure of planning off your back. So, get ready for some Cambodia and Vietnam adventure travel, and book your holiday while spots are still available!