Cambodia and Myanmar, perhaps two of the most misunderstood countries out there. But also some of the world’s best destinations. You have to delve deeper in order to find out lands filled with charming people, marvelous sites and some stunning natural scenery. This journey will certainly be awe-inspiring, and leave you with tons of unforgettable memories and a desire to come back again later.

Start in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Here’ you’ll get a glimpse of a burgeoning city on the rise via a cyclo tour. Stop by at the national Museum where Khmer history comes to life. And the recent history, as sad as it is, will be revisited at the remarkable Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. There are bright spots in Phnom Penh as well, with a river cruise through the Royal Palace and some time helping young children over at Pour un Sourire d’Enfant.

Now it’s time to explore the legacy of the Khmer Empire. Head over to Siem Reap and discover the temple marvels over at the ancient capital, Angkor. Yes, Angkor Wat is here, along with a whole bunch of other fascinating pieces, including the jungle temple of Ta Phrom, Bayon Temple and Beng Melea amongst others. Take a boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake to Kampong Kleang, a floating village and learn about Cambodia’s rustic countryside life.

From one exotic country to the next, catch a flight to Yangon. Not the capital of Myanmar, but certainly the country’s biggest city and commercial center. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. This is also home to Shwedagon, one of the most impressive pagodas out there.

Next stop, Inle Lake and your orientation of Burmese lakeside living. Lots of interesting things to see here, like the one legged rowing fishermen, the jumping cats at Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, the Pa-Oh village of In Dein and the weaving village of Inpawkhone, just to name a few.

And now, some cultural revelation. Hop on a plane for the one and a half hour flight to Mandalay. A romantic and certainly ancient sounding name, but the city was only established in 1857.However, tons of sites are to be seen, such as the world’s largest book at Kuthodaw Paya, the holy Maha Myat Muni Paya, Mandalay Palace and Mandalay Hill. The city is also your headquarters to other past capitals, such as Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. Other town’s you’ll visit include Mingun via a river cruise, Monywa, a typical Burmese town on the banks of the Chindwin River and along roads less traveled to Pakoku and other small villages.

Bagan serves as a fitting end to your in depth exotic exploration. The town is home to a world record 2217 temples and pagodas, down from about 13,000 in the 9^th century. A horse carriage ride through the temples will prove enchanting as well as an unforgettable sunset viewing over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.

Travel multi-country to get a better picture of what Southeast Asia is all about! You’ll discover exotic cultures, impressive structures and the same tropical weather, only in different lands.

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