Hindy Weber-Tantoco's First Time in Siem Reap

Banteay Kdei also known as "Citadel of Monks' cells," is a Buddist temple in Angkor located southeast of Ta Prohm and east of Angkor Thom

One of Angkor’s most popular temples, Ta Prohm, has centuries-old trees growing out of the ruins

Located just a few degrees north of the equator, Cambodia thrives in the heat and humidity of a tropical climate, much like the Philippines. Despite the blistering heat and the tangled crowds in the streets, one cannot miss the chance to make their way to the historic Angkor Archaeological Park in the northern province of Siem Reap. This city of temples is the most impressive representation of Khmer civilisation and the national symbol of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The mystical complex of Angkor is believed to be the largest religious monument in the world, built through the labours of 300,000 slaves and 6,000 elephants during the reign of the Khmer empire.

Mia Borromeo's Highlights of Java

Among the 17,000 plus islands comprising the Indonesian archipelago, Java is the country’s (and the world’s) most populous island. It also boasts a wealth of cultural and historical gems that beg to be seen.

 
An impressive view of Borobudur

The stupas at the top of Borobudur Temple

One is Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist archaeological site, which was built between A.D. 750 and 842. It spans several levels around a hill that forms its natural centre: a pyramidal base comprising five square terraces, a trunk with three concentric circular platforms, and a monumental main stupa at its pinnacle that can be accessed through stone stairways. Climbing the temple symbolises the journey to enlightenment and the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana.

Prambanan Temple's impressive stone relief

Another is the Prambanan complex, a masterpiece of Hindu culture dating back to the 9th century, the height of the now extinct Javanese Maharatam Kingdom. Comprising three towering structures, it is dominated by a central temple, Roro Jaonggrang. Dedicated to the Hindu god Siva, it rises to 47 metres, making it the tallest Hindu temple in the world.

Tonette Martel's Experiences in Luang Prabang

Metallic roof decorations on temples known sa Dok So Faa

In Luang Prabang, you will encounter a town steeped in spiritual traditions, rituals, and symbols— a centre of Buddhism, and the former royal capital of Laos dating back to the 14^th century. Luang Prabang remains the cultural heart of Laos, exuding an aura of bygone days, and bearing the vestiges of its colonial past. In 1995 the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect its 32 temples, classic French Colonial architecture, and the former royal palace.

Intricately gilded bas-reliefs at a temple entrance. Pillars are covered with motifs in black and gold stencils.

Explore the old town by tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw), and you will chance upon some of the most stunning temples in Southeast Asia. At Wat Mai, richly gilded bas-reliefs depict themes from the Ramayana and scenes of village life. In the ordination hall, statues of Buddha stand in varying heights, sizes, and postures. At Wat Xieng Thong, the town’s most important temple, devotees leave bountiful offerings for the monks.

Ho Chi Minh City in Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez's Eyes

Scooters at rush hour by the Notre Dame Cathedral

What makes Saigon beautiful is its ability to showcase its past even as it races toward the future. The colonial architecture that earned Saigon sobriquets like “Paris of the Orient” and “Pearl of the Far East” stands elegantly beside the glass-and-steel towers that are slowly taking over the cityscape. Landmark buildings like Gustave Eiffel’s Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral live just across the street from one another, while French-built villas exist peacefully throughout the city.

One of the imposing buildings lining the historic Le Duan Boulevard

But beyond the grace of iconic infrastructure, Saigon has many stories to share about survival. The War Remnants Museum looks back on the Vietnam War through local eyes, while the Cu Chi tunnels pay tribute to the doughtiness and daring of the its people. The Reunification Palace, where South Vietnam surrendered to North Vietnam in an event known as “The Fall of Saigon,” remains largely preserved and open to visitors on daily tours.

Wyn-Wyn Ong goes back to Mandalay

Hot air balloons over the Ananda Temple in Bagan

Stretching from the Himalayas to the Malaysian peninsula, Burma is ethnically and geographically diverse. At the centre of it all is Manadalay, which is Burma’s second largest city and the last royal capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. A good way to start off a trip to Mandalay is to hop on a hot air balloon that floats above the mystical ancient city of Bagan. From up above, the temples and trees below are shrouded in mist, until they soon begin to look unearthly. The cold silence hits you like a wall as you feel like time has stopped and reality has disappeared.

 
Sunset on a boat in the Irrawaddy River

Mandalay also benefits form its access to the Irrawaddy River, which is always abuzz with commercial activity and a biodiverse ecosystem. A boat ride along the famed river under the glow of the Burma sunset makes a great addition to any trip.

With text from Philippine Tatler Traveller | Photos courtesy of writers