ANCIENT TEMPLES & FORGOTTEN CITIES

Immerse yourself in a world of ancient temples and forgotten cities. South East Asia is home to some of the most spectacular ruins and archaeological sites on the planet. The Mekong passes by several beautiful religious monuments and abandoned palaces, which stand as reminders of the glory of powerful former empires. To start your discovery, we’ve highlighted three of the most significant sites in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

1. Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire between the ninth and fifteenth centuries, exerting a cultural and architectural influence across the whole of Southeast Asia. Today, visitors can explore the remains of over a thousand temples scattered where the old city once stood. By far the most famous of these is the Angkor Wat Hindu-Buddhist temple, an incredible design feat covered in ornate carvings that have remained in use to this day.

2. The Xá L i Pagoda, Vietnam

A Buddhist landmark, this colourful temple complex was built in 1956 when it functioned as the headquarters of Buddhism in South Vietnam. Beautifully adorned with paintings representing the life of Buddha, it is surrounded by landscaped gardens. Located in Ho Chi Minh City, it is also famous for is characteristic modern design.

3. Wat Pho Temple, Bangkok

Bangkok’s glittering golden-spired temple is home to the famed gigantic figure of the Reclining Buddha. The temple also boasts the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and its magnificent multi-colour facade is simply breathtaking.