1. Go hiking and live like a local in Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa is tucked away in the far north of the country in the mountains, but it is relatively easy to reach from Hanoi, and many people will add it to their itineraries after spending a few days in the capital. Let's get everything set to be blown away by stunning scenery and fresh air of Sapa Valley in Northern Vietnam!

After a comfortable overnight train or an express bus to be greeted by a warm-hearted local guide who can speak excellent English as if it is their mother language, you will get ready to start going hiking.  

Most trails go down the valley. We will walk on the edges of the rice fields, pass over the river, through a bamboo forest and visit some villages. A pretty perfect way to spend two days staying with locals and showered in the natural swimming pools but please well noted that heir homes often do not have modern “Western” amenities such as water toilets/ shower/wifi, etc. 

2. Drop into some of the most beautiful world's cave in Vietnam

Quang Binh province is a wild region of a barely penetrable jungle in Vietnam’s skinny middle, close to the border with Laos. The area is riddled with hundreds of deep caves, including one of the largest in the world – Hang Son Doong. It contains a cavern so tall that a skyscraper could fit inside it.

The small town of Phong Nha is the epicenter for the area’s caving adventures. Here you can hire both guides and the gear you’ll need to descend into the caves.

If going underground doesn’t appeal, the area is also famous for trekking. The surrounding jungle is peppered with stunning waterfalls and an active (and noisy) population of monkeys and flying foxes.

3. Take a Balloon Over Bagan, Myanmar

The sprawling temple complex of Bagan is the main reason why many travelers want to come to Myanmar. There are more than 2,000 pagodas and temples built by the kings of Bagan between the 11th and 13th centuries. The best way to experience Bagan is a hot air balloon ride at sunrise/sunset. For some famous temples like Shwesandaw Paya, Buledi, Ananda Pahto, Dhammayangyi Pahto, and Thatbyinnyu, it’s worth exploring the insides as well.

The Balloon over Bagan service operates twice daily, early in the morning just before sunset and late in the evening just before sunset from October through March. A whole balloon ride lasts about 1 hour. 

4. Discover life along Irrawaddy River by boat, Myanmar

Taking a local boat out along the vast Irrawaddy River as it’s a rare opportunity to discover Burma from a different angle - on water. It is the lifeblood of Burma and one of the World’s Best 15 Rivers for Travelers selected by CNN. As you cruise the river, golden temple spires, tiny villages, emerald rice paddies, bustling markets all come into view. The real-life of Burmese people is unfolded just before your eyes. A typical Irrawaddy River runs between Bagan and Mandalay with accommodation overnight on the boat and sightseeing in Bagan and Mandalay. So it’s not only a chance to catch a glimpse into the real-life along the river but also a nice way to get around the two places.

5. Kayaking the Nam Song River, Laos

Laos is a great destination for thrill-seekers. During your traveling, try to do a ton of adventure activities such as kayaking on the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng. It is a fantastic experience as you paddle down the pretty Nam Song river with greenery and limestone formations on either side. The scenery is absolutely spectacular which definitely enhances the experience. 

6. ATV Tour Through Siem Reap, Cambodia

A great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Pub Street and Psar Chah is on the back on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

Even if you’ve never driven an ATV before, you’ll have a blast rolling through the rice paddies and villages surrounding Siem Reap. You’ll venture into areas that are virtually untouched by modern society, driving across rugged farmland and through herds of cattle.

You’ll even have the chance to take a quick walk around a small local temple. A variety of tour packages are available, ranging from easy rides for beginners to full-day treks that circle the entire area.

How far you go and how much you get to see depends on you. The faster you drive, the more you get to take in. But even if you opt for a slow ride, you’ll get to see plenty of traditional homes, children playing, and farmers wading through the waters of the rice fields. You’ll feel like you’ve taken a time machine to another time and place.