Saying hello and good-bye in Cambodia

How to greet in Cambodia: The five versions of performing Sampeah
Sampeah (in Khmer: សំពះ)is the Cambodian way to greet and has five different steps to show the respect to another person. In this article, we show you how to perform Sampeah.
Sampeah is either used when you want to greet (in Khmer: ជំរាបសួរ -> joom reab sour) somebody or when you want to say goodbye (in Khmer: ជំរាបលា -> joom reab lea). First of all, we need to place our both palms together like a lotus flower in front of our chest. Both are the formal way to greet and to say goodbye. Indochina tours Cambodia
Saying hello and good-bye in Cambodia
One of the first things you should do is learn how to give a proper Cambodian hello.
In Cambodia social interactions are usually governed by centuries-old traditions of respect and hierarchy that may not be immediately obvious to the average expat. This is evident every time Cambodians greet you or each other. Cambodia travel tours
Cambodian hello
Learn how to say hello in Cambodia using the traditional sampeah.

The traditional Cambodian way to say hello and good-bye is to place the hands together, with the palms touching (a posture Westerners often associate with praying), and bow the head. Similar to the Thai wai, this is called the sampeah, and it is how Cambodians greet one another, particularly for the first time. The formal greeting in Khmer is “Choum reap sor” and should be said while sampeahing. (The more informal “Susaday” is reserved for casual situations and does not involve a sampeah.) “Choum reap lear” is the formal good-bye.
Where you place the sampeah in front of your body depends on the age and relationship of the person you are greeting. The higher your sampeah, and the lower your bow, the more respect you are showing.
When you greet people of the same age and social standing as yourself, put your hands together in front of your chest and bob your head. When you greet your boss, older people, or those to whom you would like to show respect, your sampeah should be positioned so that your fingertips are just below your mouth. Parents, older relatives, and teachers should be greeted with the sampeah at nose level. Eyebrow-level sampeahs are reserved for monks and the king, and forehead-level sampeahs are exclusively for prayer, sacred sites, and temple worship.
Many foreigners, in an attempt to be polite, overenthusiastically sampeah, offering monk-level greetings to waitresses at local restaurants. This can actually be seen to cause a loss of face, so make sure you keep your sampeahs at appropriate levels. Traditionally, Cambodians do not sampeah to children, street vendors, and beggars; in these cases the polite response to a greeting is to do no more than nod and smile.

Culture in Mekong delta Vietnam

Culture in Mekong delta Vietnam
CULTURE OF RIVERS IN MEKONG DELTA
In addition, talking about Mekong Delta without mentioning the influence of Mekong River on the culture here is such a shortcoming. Hundreds year of inhabiting and make living on the branches of Mekong River has formed a characterized culture. Mekong river cruise Vietnam
Thanks to the complex system of channels, transportation by the waterway is very popular. The common scenery of Mekong Delta is boats or junks travelling along the narrow canals flanked by dense row of mangrove. Together with canals all around the Mekong Delta, it is easy to catch up the image of rope bridges. These bridges appear in many folk-songs about its rough and difficulty to move on. Branches of Mekong Delta also brings abundant marine source with hundreds kinds of fish, shrimps and snails making the favorable condition for the rich and diversity of cuisine. However, the most outstanding characteristic in the culture of Mekong River Delta is the close connection between the river and the locals’ lives. It can be said that, branches of Mekong River has become the essential part of every people’s life. It is not only the source of living of many people but also goes along with the childhood of everyone and associates with the memories of the homeland. The river has become a familiar and beloved character in many folk songs and literature works. Travel Indochina Vietnam
Overall, Mekong River has been the sacred symbol in the spiritual life of people in Mekong Delta which formed the unique and characterized culture of this land.

CULTURE OF ORCHARDS IN MEKONG DELTA
First of all, the "Culture of Orchards" is the unique work of people in Mekong Delta in reclamation of this fertile land. Regardless of harsh nature, people have had strong determination of deal with as well as improve the nature.
To avoid flood of Mekong Water in flood season, people have reclaimed and formed vast garden on the dry and fertile land. The hard work together with the creation of people in Mekong Delta have brought lush garden all around the year with high economic value. Orchards of mangoes, avocadoes, durians, plums, mandarins, and oranges on the riverbank of Hau River or Tien River in Vinh Long, My Tho and Can Tho have become the symbol of prosperous material life and rich spiritual life of Mekong Delta. These orchards are dream of people in other areas due to its superiority: girls living in orchard are more ingenious and resourceful girl, more intellectual people, more delicious and diverse cuisine. In a long time, Ben Tre and Can Tho have become the representatives of “Culture of Orchards”. Many poems and folk-songs have praised the wealth, the delicacies, and generosity of people here. “Garden Culture” is not only the pride of locals but also the attraction of this beautiful land. It not only brings economic value but also spiritual value, contributing to enrich the cultural identity of Mekong Delta in particular and Vietnam in general.

What do you do in Phnom Penh?

What do you do in Phnom Penh?
Ageing ceramics at the National Museum
“Do you think it’ll just be full of old pottery?” my friend asked as we set off for the National Museum, our first stop in the Cambodian capital. Now I won’t lie to those averse to aged ceramics, there is pottery. But there is also a sublime collection of Khmer sculptures and art, which, had the Khmer Rouge had their way, would not have survived to this day. It’s one of the most absorbing national museums I’ve visited, just large enough to be comprehensive yet compact enough to see it all in a couple of hours, and bizarrely, a simple map illustrating the former domination of the Khmer Empire draws the largest crowds, united in astonishment upon realising just how far and wide it once ruled. Tours Indochina Cambodia
The surprise factor on Sisowath Quay
Phnom Penh is all about this surprise factor. On a walk along Sisowath Quay, the city’s pedestrianised riverfront, you’re likely to witness an aerobics class, local boys skateboarding or the serene sight of monks strolling, clad in orange robes. At the weekend, you’ll probably end up at the Phsar Reatrey night market where chocolate waffles, cold beer, kebabs and fried insects are all abundantly available.
More traditional sights are on the menu too, though, as colourful wats and pagodas (temples) are scattered around the city, and for those who have visited Bangkok’s Grand Palace, the architecture of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and glittering Silver Pagoda will ring a bell. Its murals, wats and gardens, and Baccarat crystal Buddha, are reminiscent of those found in the Thai capital. Cambodia travel packages

The sobering Genocide Museum
The colour and pomp of the Royal Palace is in stark contrast to another much-visited spot – the S21 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It’s one of the more sobering things to do in Phnom Penh, but essential for anyone who wants to understand what happened between 1975 and 1979 when Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge created an atmosphere of suspicion and terror. This former high school was one of about 150 security prisons from those dark days, now home to harrowing exhibits, information panels, a video room and prisoner photographs. The history lesson continues half an hour outside Phnom Penh at Choeung Ek (better known as the Killing Fields) where an audio tour does a fine job of sensitively guiding you through these now-tranquil woods and fields, where over 20,000 mass graves lie, and to the Buddhist stupa (spherical mound-like structure) containing some 8,985 human skulls. It’s not easy listening, but it is done very well.
Cruise the Mekong
Located at the point where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet, Phnom Penh is a great place to take a leisurely cruise along these famous waterways. Take a boat from Sisowath Quay to view the Royal Palace and National Museum from the water, or spend a couple of hours marvelling at the floating villages and this unique way of life. Tours will set you back about £6-9 an hour.
Eat Kampot pepper crab
Originating in the small riverside town of Kampot in the south-east province of Cambodia, this seafood delicacy has become somewhat of a national dish and you'll find excellent versions in the country's capital. A whole fried or baked crab, smothered in a sweet yet spicy peppercorn sauce, it's enough to tempt even the most budget-conscious backpacker away from street food; which is also superb in Phnom Penh, deep-fried tarantula being another delicacy must-try.
Sip a mojito at the Foreign Correspondents' Club
Fancy stepping back in time to colonial Cambodia? Sip on one of the signature cocktails offered at the Foreign Correspondents' Club, a hub for intrepid explorers, aid workers and international journalists throughout the city's colourful and chequered past. Sit and watch the sunset on the banks of the Tonle Sap River and swap tales with locals and toursits alike about the days gone by.

Mekong delta and Phu Quoc island travel guide

Mekong Delta
Once a hostile swampland, the French drained this region, transforming it into lucrative plantations, paddy fields and mines. Most of the chemical herbicides sprayed during the Vietnam War fell over the Mekong Delta, denying the Viet Cong cover and in the process decimating agricultural lands and mangrove forests. Yet today, the Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s most productive agricultural area, producing nearly half of the nation’s annual food crop. Tours Indochina Vietnam
Nutrient-rich deposits carried by the Mekong River and its comprehensive network of waterways and nine tributaries (hence the local name, ‘River of Nine Dragons’) makes this region extraordinarily fertile for rice, bananas, coconuts, trop­ical fruit and sugar cane. It’s this very luscious, intensively cultivated landscape and rustic way of life that make this area so picturesque and appealing. Secluded waterways with overhanging foliage lined with stilt houses, mangrove swamps, paddy fields, fruit orchards and welcoming locals make up much of the scenario.
Independent travel can be frustrating – transport is basic, time-consuming and water-based – so for less hassle, inclusive tours are the best way to experience this area. Many tours incorporate visits by small boats to fruit orchards, cottage industries, Khmer temples, early-morning floating markets, or penetrate deep into a labyrinth of narrow waterways. Increasingly, some incorporate bicycle trips, home stays or one-way boat tours terminating in Phnom Penh (Cambodia). South Vietnam travel packages

Places to visit on the Mekong
My Tho y is the first stop out of HCMC; done to death by tourism over the years, westward hubs like Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Cai Be and Can Tho afford more authentic experiences, less rushed in multi-day tours. Further west, Chau Doc offers Khmer ethnic communities, floating fish farms and Sam Mountain, with sacred pagodas and sweeping views. Across the Cambodian border, Ca Mau National Park and Tram Chim National Park are important havens for water birds. The more remote west coast is far less touristy, with the sleepy fishing port of Ha Tien, plus Rach Gia, the launch pad for Phu Quoc Island, 62 nautical miles west.
Phu Quoc Island
Sitting in the Gulf of Thailand, the island of Phu Quoc is about the same size as Singapore and is the largest of all the Vietnamese islands. The island offers visitors a mix of mountains, lush forest covered hills, waterfalls, bubbling streams and some of Vietnam’s best beaches. It is also one of the few places in Vietnam that you can enjoy the sun setting over the sea.
Phu Quoc Island has long had the natural ingredients that one expects from a beach holiday but now it has the hotels to match.
Long Beach is the star and it is bearing the brunt of the boom. In the dry season, the 20-plus kilometre stretch of yellow sand that runs from Duong Dong town down the central west coast of the island is the liveliest beach of the island, the entire length offering beachfront accommodation and places to play, laze and dig into seafood while digging your feet in the sand. Being one of the few beach destinations in Vietnam with a western coast, at the end of the day everyone gathers here to worship the memorable sunset.
If beach bustle isn’t your scene, it’s possible to find that wild, unspoilt feeling that first drew travellers here. Phu Quoc’s freshly paved arterial roads coupled with dramatic scenery make it a fantastic place to explore by motorbike. Ong Lang, Bai Vung and Bai Sao are just a few of the beaches you should consider staying at or at least visit. Anyone with a window seat on the plane will be struck by how staggeringly green the island is. More than half of it is national park and in 2006 the island was included in the UNESCO designation of Kien Giang as a World Biosphere Reserve. The north and east coast remains relatively untouched by tourism. If you want to experience what the island was like just 10 years ago, head out on the dirt roads that will take you past lush jungle and the island’s many famed pepper plantations.

Top palces travel in Thailand

Top palces travel in Thailand
Thailand isn’t easily summarized. After several trips, I’ve realized that you can have such wildly different experiences there. The country is constantly changing, and different parts of Thailand cater to different crowds—from wide-eyed backpackers on a big adventure, to package tourists on a lazy holiday. Indochina holidays Thailand
Thailand rose to fame as a backpacking destination, but today it’s mainly about mass tourism. In fact, Thailand is among the top 10 most-visited countries in the world. If you’re looking for ‘hidden gems’, there are very few left. But if you’re looking for something fun and reliable (but also maybe a little crazy), then that’s basically Thailand for you.
See less-touristy Bangkok
On a first visit you will probably be drawn to Khao San Road, Bangkok’s former hippie backpacker district which is now slowly gentrifying. It’s a fun and wild area where you can browse souvenir shops, eat some fried insects, maybe buy a fake ID, or party into the late hours. Tours in Thailand
But there is of course more to Bangkok. Recently I stayed in more laid-back Ari, a neighorhood with trendy cafes and bars popular with locals and expats. This company does amazing bicycle tours taking you into areas few others go, while sites like WithLocals let you find local tour guides who can help you unlock the ‘hidden Bangkok’.

Go caving, kayaking, or hiking in Soppong
This remote town in northern Thailand (also known as Pang Mapha) is set amid a veritable playground of caves, rivers, and jungle trails. I loved going on a caving tour here; I found myself crawling through the narrowest crevices to reach secret waterfalls deep underground. The people at Cave Lodge are the local experts. Tham Lod Cave is a more accessible and walkable cave, where you can see a spectacular swarm of thousands of swifts at its entrance at dusk. You can also visit Tham Lod by way of some organised day tours from Pai.
Chiang Mai Sunday Night Walking Street
Chiang Mai is known as the “Rose of the North.” Expats from all over the world are seduced by Chiang Mai’s laid back culture, beautiful Buddhist temples, plentiful restaurants, and spirited nightlife. Even if you don’t plan on moving here, you should definitely check out Chiang Mai’s bustling shopping culture. Every evening, the city hosts its night bazaar – a favorite among bargain shoppers. You can browse the clothing, street food stalls, DVDs, jewelry, Thai silk, accessories, and shoes along Chang Khlan Road, east of the old side of the walled city. The scene is pretty much the same every night, with locals and tourists turning up for some delicious street food and people watching. But the best night of shopping in Chiang Mai is the Sunday Night Market, or “Walking Street.”
This market is the largest one of the week, and stretches one kilometer down Ratchadamnoen Road. Unlike the regular nightly bazaar, the Sunday market has more arts and crafts for sale. Thais from neighboring villages come to sell their handmade items. Lanterns, wooden boxes, masks, paintings, and string lights are just some of the things you will see. The Sunday Market also brings local musicians and street performers. Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Walking Street last from 4 p.m. to midnight. Remember to bring cash and don’t be afraid to negotiate with the vendors.
Elephant Nature Park
When in Chiang Mai, a day at the Elephant Nature Park is an exciting and unforgettable eco-tour for animal lovers. Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation center for abused, elderly, and injured Asian Elephants. What began as a personal quest for Sangduen “Lek” Chailert in 1992 has blossomed into one the world’s most respected elephant sanctuaries. Lek and her team of caretakers, vets, groundskeepers, and volunteers are devoted to ensuring that each rescue elephant lives out the rest of its life in peace and health at the Elephant Nature Park. The herd, currently made up of 30 members, is free to wander the park, bathe and feed at their leisure, as well as interact with park guests.
Visitors will learn about the plight of the Asian Elephant in street begging and logging industry, have the opportunity to observe their natural behavior, feed them, and bathe them in the river. All proceeds from admission go towards feeding the elephants (each one consumes nearly 100 pounds of fresh produce each day!) and general upkeep of the park. This is a fantastic day trip to take with the family or a group of friends. After listening to their stories and witnessing their individual personalities, visitors will come away with a newfound respect for the species, and beautiful memories and photographs. For prices and details about day visits to the park

Top beaches in Thailand

Top beaches in Thailand
Patong Beach
Patong is the largest beach on the island of Phuket. It has been Thailand’s number one beach destination for years. Once a fishing village, it is now one of the island’s two cities. Patong is the main tourist and entertainment district on the island of Phuket, with a large number of pubs, bars, and restaurants catering to every nationality. Indochina tours in Thailand
Patong Beach stretches 4 km in length and has a wide coastline with silky white sand and warm water. There are a number of water sports to be enjoyed here, including jet skis, windsurfing, wake boarding, water skiing, and para sailing. Accommodation in a Phuket hotel can be more expensive than other areas of Thailand, but there is a wide variety of accommodations to choose from; everything from budget hotels to five star suites.
The beach is lined with lounge chairs and sun umbrellas which are available for rent. Food, drinks, and clothing are all available from hawkers who sell their wares on the beach all day.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is the second largest beach in Phuket. Despite the large resort complexes in the area, there is not a lot of development on the beach itself. However, the ongoing development of bars, nightclubs, and luxury hotels in the area has already begun to wreak havoc on the environment. Tours in Thailand

Karon is less crowded than Patong and offers a full range of beach facilities and activities. There are also several fine dining establishments in the area. The sand here is a bit coarser compared to other beaches in Phuket.
The southern point of Karon Beach has a gorgeous stretch of coral reef which is perfect for snorkeling. Sun chairs and umbrellas are also available for rent here.
Kata Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet beach in Phuket, Kata Beach is your best option. Palm trees, warm water and stunning scenery haven’t found juxtaposition alongside massive shopping malls and luxury hotels just yet.
Kata Beach is well-known as an excellent surfing beach, but is less than ideal for families with young children, especially during the low season. There are a number of water activities on Kata Beach, including diving, banana boats, and jet skis. Kata also has several 4 star hotels, seafood restaurants, and shopping places located along the beach.
Railey Beach, Krabi
Though it’s technically on the mainland, Railey Beach is only accessible by boat and has a desert island feeling you won’t find on most of the country’s popular beach destinations. Clear blue waters, small islands on the horizon and majestic cliffs surround the small beach, which is generally not crowded except during peak season.
Aside from rock climbing, swimming and snorkeling, there’s not much else to do here but admire the gorgeous scenery, so bring a book and prepare to relax. Though Railey Beach is still much quieter and less developed than most popular Thai beaches, there is more development there every year, and during high season it can feel crowded.
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Ley
This small stretch of sand is the quintessential Thailand beach and might just have the best scenery of any in the country. Part of a little island adjacent to Ko Phi Phi, the beach is nestled in a small bay and surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. Maya Bay can only be visited on day trips by boat, since there are no accommodations here. Hordes of people visit during high season, but the beauty makes dealing with the crowds worth it.
Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin
This beach on the Gulf of Siam is immensely popular for locals and international visitors, thanks to the flat stretches of beach, plenty of things to do and the ease of travel from Bangkok. The beach slopes very gently into the gulf, so while it’s not the best beach for real swimming, it’s a great place for families with small children