Review: Tour of Southeast Asia, Cambodia & Vietnam, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Angkor Temples, Elephant Sanctuary, Local Culture & Cuisine

The Temples of Angkor were remarkable. This experience was however eclipsed in some ways by our journey in Jeeps through the Cambodian outback to get there, where our guide aided us in meeting the people, eating the local food, and experienced the local way of life. The Elephant Valley Project was also an amazing experience, and it was fulfilling to support that very worthy organization in their meaningful work. Ha Long Bay was of course breathtaking. This again outdone by a "people" experience. On the way back to Hanoi our guide arranged a visit to a small village. He introduced us to the Mayor of the town, an ex North Vietnamese soldier and army musician. He welcomed us into his home, where his wife taught us to make rice paper. We then discussed perspectives on the war, drank tea and moonshine. He then handed our kids traditional instruments and they joined him in music and song! A truly memorable experience for all of us.