Itineraries - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 18

6 Nha Trang The country's pre-eminent party
town, with a popular municipal beach, boat
trips to nearby islands, diving, snorkelling and
nearby Cham architecture. See p.883
7 Mui Ne Watersports hub with a vast stretch of
golden, palm-shaded beach, laidback backpacker
hangouts and sand dunes. See p.887
8 Da Lat Vietnam's premier hill station and the
gateway to the Central Highlands. See p.893
9 Phu Quoc Vietnam's largest island, a restful
place fringed with sandy beaches and an
offshore archipelago perfect for diving and
snorkelling. See p.911
G Mekong Delta Interconnecting canals and
rivers cut through lush rice paddies; hop on a
boat to visit one of the region's vibrant floating
markets. See p.906
H Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam's bustling second
city; an effervescent collusion of French colonial
style and brash, cosmopolitan youth. See p.896

MYANMAR

0 500

kilometres

Bay of
Bengal

ANDAMAN
SEA

Gulf of
Thailand

MYANMAR BURMA
This is a fascinating time to discover Myanmar,
previously cut off from the Western world for
decades. Beyond the country's rice paddies,
temples and beautiful mountain scenery,
you'll find people eager to introduce
foreigners to their country and culture. It's an
enchanting destination.
1 Yangon Start your trip exploring the
colonial-era buildings, street markets and
glorious Shwedagon Paya in the former capital,
Yangon. See p.531
2 Mawlamyine Once the capital of British
Lower Burma, this is now Myanmar's third-
largest city. See p.548
3 Hpa-an Take the boat from Mawlamyine to
Hpa-an where you can watch the sun rise over
the serene Kan Thar Yar Lake. See p.549
4 Kyaiktiyo The precariously balanced Golden
Rock at Kyaiktiyo is one of the holiest Buddhist
sites in the country. See p.547
5 Kalaw Use Kalaw as a base for one- or
two-day treks to visit ethnic-minority villages.
See p.562
6 Inle Lake Sample traditional life (or try your
luck “leg rowing”) on this stunning stretch of
water. See p.565
7 Mandalay Watch the sun set over the
commercial hub of northern Myanmar from
Mandalay Hill. See p.569

8 Bagan Take a hot-air balloon ride at dawn
over these awe-inspiring temples. See p.552
9 Pyin Oo Lwin Botanical gardens beckon at
this former hill station. See p.579
G Hsipaw Ride the train across Goteik viaduct
to reach Hsipaw, an increasingly popular
trekking base. See p.581

LAOS AND CAMBODIA
Once little visited, Laos and Cambodia are now
firmly established on the Southeast Asian
tourist trail. From forest-clad hills and
impenetrable jungle to white-sand beaches
and relaxed offshore islands Cambodia packs a
lot into a small area. Landlocked Laos remains
one of Southeast Asia's most beguiling
destinations; its people are undoubtedly one
of the highlights of any visit.
1 Houayxai to Luang Prabang The
unmissable two-day trip down the Mekong
River ends in beguiling Luang Prabang, the city
of golden spires. See box, p.386
2 Vang Vieng A natural playground with
stunning scenery; the perfect place for cycling,
caving, and floating down the river on an inner
tube. See p.364
3 Vientiane A charming capital boasting a
number of interesting temples, good restaurants
and the chance to indulge in a relaxing herbal
sauna. See p.356