Historical sites to visit in Southeast Asia

Glimpses of Southeast Asia’s recent colonial past and its ancient civilisations can be seen everywhere, even in the most developed and modern cities. Singaporeans sometimes flock to the ruins of Italy and Greece without realising that there are plenty of historical sights in their own backyard.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Photo: Flickr/Mike Behnken

Arguably the most famous site on the list, Angkor Wat, a sprawling temple pyramid is a representation of the universe, as the Hindu Khmer understood it, complete with oceans and mountain ranges.

Among the site’s many temples is the must-see Banteay Srei, a relatively small temple completed in 967. Made of finely carved pink sandstone depicting scenes from Hindu epics, it is a photographer’s dream.

Fly to Siem Reap on Jetstar. Alternatively, fly to Phnom Penh and take a bus to Angkor for $15.

Borobudur, Indonesia

Photo: Flickr/Trey Ratcliff

Going to Borobudur now might be a bad idea, considering the recent eruption of Mount Kelud, which forced the Buddhist monument to close for several weeks. However, when it reopens, visitors will once again have an opportunity to bask in the splendour of the site.

The site boasts more than 2,600 well-preserved tiles and panels that depict Buddha’s life and parables from Buddhist texts, and a huge complex with several platforms, symbolic of the different levels of Buddhist cosmology.

Fly to Yogjakarta on SilkAir for $400 return, and take an inexpensive taxi to Borobudur.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Photo: Flickr/Mark Fischer

Hoi An was one of Vietnam’s busiest trading centres in the early 15th century. It is the only ancient Vietnamese town to have been properly preserved and visitors are treated to views of architectural styles from the period. It is through Hoi An that Christianity is believed to have entered Vietnam in the 17th century.

There are several must-see sights here, such as Tan Ky House, a 200-year-old house with a guided tour, and the Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall, an intimidating space filled with large dragons and fountains.

Fly to Da Nang on Vietnam Airlines (via Hanoi) for $255 return, and take a taxi to Hoi An for $20.

Malacca, Malaysia

Photo: Flickr/Christopher Chan

Undeniably the most-visited spot on our list, Malacca is a hotspot of historical sites, while still retaining its appeal to cosmopolitan visitors who flock there for its food and shopping opportunities.

The city’s most famous historical district, the area surrounding the Dutch Square, is home to The Christ Church, the Stadhuys, and the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower.

For more information on Malacca, read this list of the 10 free things to do in Malacca. For travel information, read this guide on getting to Malacca from Singapore.

Various sites in Singapore

Photo: Flickr/William Cho

It would be unfair to have a list of some of the most interesting historical sites in Southeast Asia without mentioning the sites in Singapore, which the Republic’s Government has made an effort to conserve and protect.

Such sites include Reflections @ Bukit Chandu, a museum, which commemorates one of the most important battles in the Battle of Singapore in early 1942, and the famous opium dens of the early century. Other less-known places include the Civic District Trail, which explores the historic birthplace of modern Singapore.

For more information on historical sites in Singapore, visit YourSingapore.com

Vietnam Travel Tips from HCMC to Hanoi

Last month, we spent 2 weeks in Vietnam travelling from the south to the north. We started from Ho Chi Minh City, travel to Mui Ne, back to HCMC, took a flight to Danang, travel by taxi to Hoi An, took a bus from Hoi An to Hanoi via a 4 hours stop at Hue and from Hanoi, we took a train to Sapa.

Here's our 5 Tips on Vietnam Travel:

1. If possible, do not stay more than 2 nights in HCMC. Instead, visit nearby attractions e.g. Mekong Delta and Mui Ne beach. The idea is to get out of HCMC.

2. Mui Ne beach is beautiful, especially in March when the sky is clear and yet not as hot and humid like HCMC. There are many beach resorts where you can relax or if you are the adventure type... then go kitesurfing!

3. As for central Vietnam, visit the Hoi An old town. Be sure to join the Hoi An Photo Tour if you love taking photos. A must-visit restaurant is the Morning Glory, almost everything on the menu is good.

4. If you have the time, stay one night in Hue. It is quite different from the rest of the Vietnam. We had only 5 hours stop-over here and regretted not staying at least a night to visit the sights and try the food here.

5. Hanoi weather in March is gloomy and wet. If not for the amazingly delicious street food, we would not have stay for another night. You must try the food stalls along the street (Hàng Chiếu) of the Old Quarters. Eat at those stalls that are busy and have many local customers. The soup base of the Pho here is very tasty. The deep fried prawn fritters are heavenly when down with lots of Bia Ha Noi (local beer).