Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, welcoming stopovers in South-East Asia

Fascinating Bangkok

Sawadee Krap, welcome to Thailand! Bordering the Chao Phraya river, the City of Angels, mingles ancestral customs and futuristic skyscrapers in an indescriptible jumble. The gems of its culture are its thousand and one religious sanctuaries with golden pavilions. The historic ensemble of the Wat Phon Grand Palace shelters a giant statue of a reclining Buddha—and in the royal temple of Wat Phra Kaeo, another Emerald Buddha is seated on its throne. Across the way, stands Wat Arun with its silhouette covered in multicolored ceramics. Other exceptional temples, the Wat Suthat features a Buddha bronze from the Sukhothai dynasty, dating back to the 15th century—and the towers of Wat Saket will enable you to enjoy a unique panorama. The capital is a huge open sky shopping center, and certain markets where one can enjoy addictive specialities only open at night. But who goes to Bangkok for a good night's sleep? Information: www.tourismethaifr.com

Domes, giant statues, Thai craftsmanship enhances local art in the Emerald temple of Buddha. © DR

Built in 1782 like a sacred sanctuary, the Royal Palace features structures gilded in fine gold. © DR

A cruise of the Bay of Halong

Head for the Indochinese peninsula, from Hanoi to Hô-Chi-Minh-City ! Treat yourself to a unique souvenir abord a junk in the Bay of Halong, the "Descent of the Dragon" in Vietnamese. Highlighted with a touch of adventure, your cruise on the Gulf of Tonkin will follow the rhythm of this country's timeless exoticism. A marvel of nature recognized as patrimony of humanity by Unesco, this archipelago comprises 3000 rocky islets with suprising shapes. You will take advantage of a sunbath while sailing through the sandstone formations surging out of the waters before reaching the interior lakes populated by fishermen s'villages and markets on the water. At the end of the day, your private chef will prepare a dinner with local recipes, served at sunset. Good news for romantics, fans of the ambiance in the novels of Marguerite Duras! A small outing onboard a junk is the highlight of a successful journey in Vietnam. Information: vietnam.travel

Spectacular, the Bay of Halong comprises scores of small mountains floating on water. © DR

This unusual boat, sailing on the Gulf of Tonkin, is also a floating market. © DR

Angkor, Khmer capital

Erected between the 9th and the 14th century, this monumental complex is filled with color. Admired for its bas-reliefs of celestial dancers, the main archeological site of South-East Asia is to be discovered during a circular intinerary from the capital, Phnom Penh. At the confluent of the Mekong, "the City with the Four Faces" shelters the Royal Palace, the National Museum, a wide array of Art Deco constructions and colonial villas. Dedicate your evening to a stroll on the Sisowath Quay—filled with cruise boats. The next day, head for Battambang, a city where cars cohabit with ox carts. The "Pagoda of the White Elephant" testifies to the refinement of the Khmer civilization. Then cross the Tonlé Sap lake by boat towards its floating villages. You will reach Siem Reap to contemplate the world of the gods and kings of Angkor Vat, amid Buddhist monks. The excursion runs through rice paddies then reaches the ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk—high point of this sacred parenthesis… Information: www.tourismcambodia.com

Between sky and water, the city of Angkor, with its lotus-shaped towers, seems to have come out of a fairy tale. © DR

Mausoleums, statues of divinities, the ruins of the former Khmer capital will not leave you indifferent. © DR