Luang Farang
Five weeks in and we’re almost halfway through. Kunming, DaLi, Shaxi, Lijiang and Xishuangbanna in Yunnan. Luang Nam Tha, Luang Prabang and Si Phan Don in Laos. Siem Reap & Angkor, Battambang and Phnom Phen in Cambodia. Vietnam beckons.
China, particularly the ancient city of DaLi was breathtaking, but oh so cold. And while the Bai food tantalised the taste buds, we found ourselves holed up for a couple of days in the remote valley of Shaxi while I battled the digestive demons.
Laos was laid back and lovely, with Luang Nam Tha proving the surprise highlight. Si Phan Don was close behind. Luang Prabang is still charming and beautiful, but the impact of tourism is palpable.
Angkor was suitably grand, as were the number of Chinese tourists (with the Chinese New Year and all), so our fancy hotel in Phnom Phen is paying dividends.
Off to Tuol Sleng today; then onward to Vietnam, perhaps via Kampot and Kep.
I’ve some images ready to post, but despite the abundance of WiFi in South East Asia, upload speeds are proving miserable. Will keep trying.
Original content © Ben Stovold, 2010.
