Planes, trains & tuk-tuks: The joy of getting around in Southeast Asia
While I was anticipating my holiday to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in spring, I was excited to head back to Vietnam’s food markets, looking forward to the stunning scenery of Phong Nha National Park, and practically giddy at the thought of exploring the ruins of Angkor. One thing I wasn’t especially looking forward to was getting around.
Too often, getting from A to B is seen as a hindrance on holiday, rather than part of the experience itself. We spend our time planning to make the journey as short and comfortable as possible, forgetting that half the fun of a destination is in the getting there.
But on my recent trip, I was reminded of just how much I enjoy the travelling bit of travel as I explored Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos on all kinds of different modes of transport – from tuk-tuks and cyclos to bicycles and boats. If you’re lucky enough to be heading out to Southeast Asia soon, my advice is to try as many of them as you can!
Kayaks
On Halong Bay, we explored the hidden coves and jungle islands by kayak – giving us the independence to explore under our own steam and discover quiet corners away from the crowds…
Kayaking on Halong Bay
Boats of many stripes
In Hoi An we were chauffeured along the river in a traditional basket boat; on Halong Bay we cruised among the karsts on an elegant Chinese junk; in Phong Nha we were conveyed through spectacular caves on a traditional longtail boat…
Cruising on Halong Bay
Longtail boats wait to take passengers to Phong Nha Cave
Basket boating on Hoi An's river
Tuk-tuks
In Siem Reap and Luang Prabang we hopped into tuk-tuks to tour the temples of Angkor and pay a visit to Kuang Si Falls…
Colourful tuk-tuks in Luang Prabang
Puttering around at Angkor Wat
Cyclos
In historic Hue we took an evening tour of the town and its ancient Imperial Citadel…
Cyclo touring in historic Hue
Vespas
In Hoi An we were whisked from bar to bar on the back of a Vespa, sampling delicious street food along the way…
Vespa adventures in Hoi An
Trains
From Dong Hoi to Hanoi, we were rocked to sleep in the comfort of the sleeper train…
Catching the sleeper train at Dong Hoi
Bikes
In the Hoi An countryside we explored boat-building workshops and paddy fields under pedal power on a bicycle…
Cycling in the Hoi An countryside
Cars
On the way from Hoi An to Hue we relaxed in a plain old car as we passed stunning views over the Pass of the Ocean Clouds…
Driving over the Pass of Ocean Clouds in central Vietnam
Feet
And in Phong Nha National Park we carried ourselves on our own two feet: the only way to truly explore the remote, jungle-covered mountains and caves of Quang Binh Province.
Trekking in Quang Binh Province
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