• A guide to the South Pacific islands
• Discovering Vietnam and Cambodia
• Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
• India`s Golden Triangle
• US travel security update

Discovering Vietnam and Cambodia

Cambodia and Vietnam have recently become hot destinations for the more daring traveller and backpacker, as the countries have both increasingly opened up to welcome tourists. With the availability of cheap flights, cheap single trip travel insurance and favourable currency exchanges, both countries are now more accessible for exploration than ever.

Cambodia is a magical place. Angkor Wat is the most incredible temple - representing all that is spiritual and beautiful about the country - and Tuol Sleng, the symbol of the Khmer Rouge is a terrifying symbol of a national history which has often been bloody and terrifying.

Cambodia is more than just beautiful temples, however. The capital of Phnom Penh is chaotic, bustling and exhilarating and a wonderful place to explore at leisure. Be warned though, as with all tourist destinations, theft can be a problem, so don't wander around with expensive cameras on show and make sure you have a good single trip travel insurance policy in place for extra peace of mind. Siem Peap is also a must-see destination - it has a beautiful river that runs alongside it, a strong cultural atmosphere and incredible dining and drinking. Take in the rest of the country too for a full tour - Kampot is sleepy and relaxing by the seaside and Bokor National park is a must for lovers of nature.

Angkor is of course the symbol of this confounding nation and it draws pilgrims and visitors across the globe. After thirty years and more of war, tourism is taking off but visits still feel like adventures rather than sanitised holidays. For the real Cambodia, head to the countryside to experience the incredible rice paddy landscapes and sugar palms. The rural life feels timeless and the people are friendly. Head to the south coast for tropical islands with their wildernesses filled with wildlife. Perfect for eco travel and eco volunteering holidays. Freshwater dolphins can be seen in the Mekong river and cyclists can meander along the river and take in the traditional communities along the way.

Heading over to the north east, the region becomes more wild with its mountainous landscape, home to Cambodia's ethnic minorities and incredible natural attractions including crater lakes and waterfalls. Be wary when travelling however - Cambodia is one of the poorest Asian countries and you should take care to be sensitive to local customs and conditions when travelling. Don't show off expensive possessions. Ideally don't carry them with you at all. If you must, then take out a good single trip travel insurance policy and exercise caution. Another warning of course is for the land mines, with around 6 million still believed to be lying in the countryside and the Thai border. You may find you need a specialist single trip travel insurance policy if travelling to rural Cambodia. Certainly make the insurance provider aware of your trip destination and use common sense, stick to the beaten track, even at busy places such as Angkor.

Vietnam

Vietnam is another assault on the senses for the first time visitor. A bold coastline, vivid landscapes, bustling booming cities and an incredible city all make the country a riot of colour. It has soaring mountains and glorious rice fields and its people are friendly and charming, much as in Cambodia. Travelling in rural Vietnam is like visiting another time, with peasant women tending to the fields in their conical hats and children riding along on buffalo.

As with the Cambodians, the people in Vietnam are determinedly optimistic souls who have survived endless wars, Communism and Colonialism. Now tackling capitalism, they are very proud of their independence, but welcome guests with open arms.

The motorbikes buzz constantly, but head out west to the green fields and sleepy peaceful villages of Mekong Delta. If you are after adventure then head to Phu Quoc Island for water sports and adventure activities, with glorious white beaches to relax on afterwards. Mui Ne beach on the east coast offers similar activities.

In Hoi An you'll struggle to resist buying made-to-measure suits and dresses from the hundreds of skilled tailors. Head to the spiritual and cultural heart of Vietnam in Hué where you'll find tombs, pagodas, palaces and temples and the arts festival. Hanoi, the capital, is an incredible experience of exotic sights and sounds. You'll see the early morning city exercises at Hoan Kiem Lake and can see Uncle Ho in his resting splendour at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Try to find the pickled fish street and enjoy cool draught beers at bia hoi junction.