Spending the night in a Cambodian community, close to the ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk, or visiting a traditional hill tribe village in Mai Châu District, just outside of Hanoi, are just a couple of options if you’re looking to learn more about rural Southeast Asia. Homestays are a great way to really begin to understand life away from busier tourist sites with home cooked meals, fairly basic facilities and plenty of peace and quiet unveiling a simpler side that’s hard to forget.

This legendary waterway winds its way from Tibet to the South China Sea, splitting Cambodia in half and giving visitors to Vietnam a chance to board a traditional sampan and paddle along narrow canals to seek solace in the shade of overhanging coconut trees. Mekong River cruises can take you past the bustling markets of My Tho and onwards to the picturesque coastal province of Ben Tre although, often it’s the journey that you take on the Mekong that outweighs what awaits on arrival.

Cycling tours, cooking classes and overnight junk boat cruises are just some of the ways that you can keep your mind and body active in Cambodia and Vietnam. There really is so much more to this region than days at the beach with kayaking around the limestone karsts of Halong Bay or tethered hot air balloon rides to see the sun rise over Angkor Wat, both unique opportunities to explore from a whole new angle. Alternatively, keep active from behind a lens on a photography tour led by a pro.

Nowhere do the atrocities of Pol Pot resonate more clearly than on a guided tour of the school-turned-torture prison (S-21) in Phnom Penh. The photos and stories attached are heartbreaking and make all the more harrowing the plight of prisoners prior to being trucked to Choeung Ek, AKA the Killing Fields. Don’t ignore the past, read about the war in Vietnam, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, find out about the Khmer Rouge, and meet local people with newfound respect.

Urban reflections over Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem lake or emerald green alternatives from Ti Top Island beach in Halong Bay; whatever floats your sampan, don’t forget your camera. You don’t have to go on an organised photography tour to take great photographs, although it will certainly improve your outlook, with visits to Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the Vietnamese city of Hue conjuring up untold images to inspire even the least imaginative of amateur photographers.

Visiting Angkor Wat without a guide is an option although, when it comes to understanding what you’re seeing, only a knowledgeable local expert can really put the spirituality and industry of the 9th century into modern day context. Hoi An, in Vietnam, is also much better appreciated with a guide with sightseeing tours of the UNESCO listed old town offering insight into the region’s 16th century trading post past prior to checking out the modern day tailors, galleries and riverside restaurants.

“You only need US Dollars – no need to get local currency beforehand.” – Heather Reynolds

“Take tons of pictures but ask permission. Every time I bought something, I asked if I could take the seller’s picture. It made my purchase memorable.” – Virginia da Costa

“Be prepared for the sobering reality of the past history; humbling, emotional but enriching at the same time.” – Heather Johnson

“Have patience; be open-minded and willing to accept things that you do not see at home. Also be prepared to sacrifice a little comfort when not staying in hotels.” – Christopher Jones

“Do not go to Vietnam during the Tet holidays as so many of the museums and restaurants were closed and the temples were very, very busy.” – Reni McPhail

“Make sure that you do the 3 day cruise (2 nights) on Ha Long Bay. This takes you to the much quieter parts of the bay and you have time for kayaking.” – Dave Hilditch

“Take cleaning wipes, a sheet sleeping bag, black out mask and earplugs for the overnight train between Hanoi and Hue. Not essential but does aid sleep!” – Hilary Sibley