UNESCO Heritage sites in South-east Asia:

UNESCO has a total of 37 heritage sites in the South-east Asia region and these are all scattered throughout various countries and locations. These sites are established to preserve the history and culture of the locations and it is an important asset to the country and the world as a whole as it documents lifestyle and culture. The countries that are included are Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia.

In this list, we'll be covering one heritage sites from the each of the various countries starting with:

Indonesia: Komodo National park

Indonesia is the one country that is known to be the native land of the world's largest giant lizards. The Komodo dragons aren't actual dragons but lizards of massive size. Their native birthplace is this island which is now turned into a national park in order to preserve them.

Vietnam: Hoi An

Hoi An is an important trading port where trade was centered in the 15th to 19th century. The town has traces of numerous local and foreign influence. However, the history, culture and infrastructure is well preserved and seeps through the ages till today.

Malaysia: Kinabalu Park

All of Malaysia's 13 states has a unique quality that each state is best known for and towards the East, on the state of Sabah is one of the highest mountains in the Asian region. Mount Kinabalu is one of the mountains with a peak so high that plenty of climbers challenge.

Philippines: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Divers would love this site as the pristine and clear waters reveal some of the world's hidden treasure under the depths of the waves. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park hosts a variety of coral reefs and marine wildlife.

Singapore: Singapore Botanic Gardens

Reminiscent of a European-style botanic garden of plants established under British rule in 1859. From then onwards, it stands as a landmark representative of Singaporean history and culture while relative and significant of science, education and the importance of conservation.

Laos: Town of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a town filled with the history and splendour that presents itself as the ancient capital of the old kingdom of Laos. Luang Prabang's buildings blends and combines those of Asian and European cultures that comes together to create the uniqueness that is Luang Prabang.

Myanmar: Pyu ancient cities

The three ancient cities of Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra remains from the Pyu Kingdom that lasted for eleven centuries from 200 BC to 900 AD. The ruins breathe of a rich Buddhist culture left behind from royal, religious structures and an irrigation system.

Thailand: Historic city of Ayutthaya

Nestled in the Ayutthaya province, this historic city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The remains of the destruction of the Burmese in the 18th century speak aloud of the religious and administrative buildings that once stood proud; hinting towards the city's majestic history.

Cambodia: Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is infamous amongst the South-east region as a major archaeological site filled with the beauty of ancient remains of the Khmer Empire. The site includes the famous temple of Angkor Wat, the Bayon Temple, and the jungle covered Ta Phrom Temple being part of the arsenal.

Here area few of the different UNESCO heritage sites around the South East Asia region. We hope that you have a great time if you happen to come across these amazing sites. Till the next post, safe travels everyone!

Dealing with Culture Shock? How ?

Do more Research 

Learn as much as you can about the new location before you go. This refers to the positive and negative sides of being in the region or country. From which sides people drive on to local cuisine and culture, sometimes even local religion, it is always good to understand more before stepping into a country. If possible, learn a few phrases of local greetings or daily conversations.

Willing to Learn

Be open-minded and willing to learning. Ask questions. If you are going to a place which has a different language or slang, consider taking a few courses in that language. One of the best way to combat cultural shock is actually to blend in the local scene. Mastering a few local “trick of the trades” will be helpful all the time.

Build new positive friendships

Even if you’ve done really good research, having someone who can help you in avoid culture shock and even coping up with the local pace. Surviving another culture is favourably easier when you have a person to guide you through the new little everyday experiences when you are travelling abroad.

Have an Adventurous Spirit

Eleanor Roosevelt once said “do something that takes courage every day,” . This is especially important for travelers when it comes to Survival 101 in a different culture. The only way to survive out of the monotonous comfort zone is to actually treat every day as an adventure ..

Stay in Touch with Family and Friends

Perhaps one of the most important element of all. This can give you some comfort while away, and it will help you to minimize reverse culture shock when you get back home. Spending some time conversing with family and friends back home will ease the anxiety of adapting to a new culture.