A
Introduction to Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
with Practical Information
Introduction
These four fascinatiog countries surround Thailand to the
west, north and east. Each of the four has been subjected to social,
political and economic turmoil over the past decades and they are
only now emerging as destinations suitable for the tourists.
There
is no doubt that the incredible diversity of attractions these countries
have to offer will make them into major centres for tourism in the
future but, for now, resources are still limited and they should be
considered as "adventure" destinations, suitable only for
those travellers who are prepared to accept some possible discomforts
and uncertainties in the various elements of their travel programme.
Nevertheless, things are changing as new hotels are built offering international standards of comfort and domestic air services are upgraded and expanded. On the ground, road networks are being improved and modern, air-conditioned vehicles are being supplied to make sightseeing more pleasant and reliable.
The next few years will probably the best possible time to visit Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. With accommodation and transportation improving and services becoming more reliable, travellers will increasingly find conditions more in line with international standards. Yet for some time, these countries will be less crowded with tourists than most other destinations in Asia.
Bangkok is the most convenient,as well as the most logical, gateway for travel to major cities, including Yangon (Rangoon), Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi, Phnom Penh and Vientiane.