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Arianna and Emerson’s Expert Discovery Trip

Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam

As ATJ’s Travel Coordinator and Documents Coordinator, Arianna Nasserjah and Emerson Hinzy spend their days helping travelers prepare for Southeast Asia, so they had a pretty good idea of what to expect. Then they went themselves. From the scooter-filled streets of Hanoi and the emerald rice terraces of Sapa, to sunrise over Angkor Wat and a swim in a hidden lagoon off Koh Yao Yai, three countries turned out to be even better in person. Here is their Expert Discovery Trip, in their own words.

Arianna & Emerson’s Expert Discovery Trip

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand, Through Their Eyes

“From sunrise over the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the emerald rice terraces of Sapa and the hidden lagoons of Koh Yao Yai, this trip through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand exceeded every expectation. Every stop offered something unforgettable: deep history, warm hospitality, and food that alone was worth the trip.”

Meet Arianna & Emerson Arianna Nasserjah, Travel Coordinator: Arianna was born in Wisconsin and grew up on a small, rural horse farm. Her first taste of solo international travel came while studying abroad in Tasmania, Australia, during her time at Iowa State University, and she went on to explore mainland Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia and Thailand. Her love of travel, along with wanting to support her Afghan Asian identity, has shaped her passion for learning about and traveling to Asian countries.
Emerson Hinzy, Documents Coordinator: Originally from the Midwest, Emerson graduated from Iowa State University before heading west to make Colorado home. With a deep love for exploration and connection, Emerson has traveled to Costa Rica, Peru and Australia, each journey fueling a passion for immersing in new cultures. Most recently, Emerson explored Jordan and Turkey, and is now setting sights on the vibrant landscapes and rich histories of Asia.

Before the trip Emerson: I’ve worked on several Final Travel Documents that included these countries, so I had a pretty good idea that they were all amazing! I pictured beautiful nature, lots of history and culture, and great food.
Arianna: I had already been to Siem Reap and Bangkok, and I’ve worked on many trips to Vietnam. I pictured bustling cities like Hanoi and Saigon, stunning scenery and local charm. Seeing Vietnam for myself exceeded my expectations.

What surprised us In Hanoi, we knew there were a lot of scooters, but not how many, or how the traffic just flows naturally with millions of them everywhere. In Cambodia, how detailed every temple around Angkor Wat is: every stone hand carved hundreds of years ago and still intact today. And in Thailand, how much amazing food we got for the price. A full meal for two, drinks included, for $15!

Hanoi’s Train Street

How we’d describe it to a friend Vietnam is a well-rounded country that has something for everyone. Cambodia has a deeply rooted history you can feel when you’re there. Thailand: stunning landscapes with amazing food.

What moment gave you goosebumps? Walking up to Angkor Wat at sunrise and seeing the actual size of this ancient temple left me in awe. I don’t understand how they built something this large and detailed in the 12th century. In Vietnam, learning about the war and hearing our guide’s life story was very powerful. And near Phuket, heading out to sea and seeing the “forest of islands” scattered across the ocean was jaw dropping.

What moment “Wowed” you? The scenery in Sapa: mountains covered in green, and the Silver Waterfall fully flowing from the hilltop above. In Cambodia, the Hero Rat demonstration. These little guys are saving so many lives by sniffing out landmines. And in Thailand, the Blue Lagoon on our boat trip around Koh Yao Yai was so peaceful, one of my favorite places I have ever taken a swim.

Most culturally immersive In Vietnam, Ms. Vy’s cooking class in Hoi An and the village walks in Sapa, where our guide connected us with local families. We even got to try grinding corn with their very old mechanism. In Cambodia, the Phare Circus, which tells the story of its creator’s childhood during the war. In Thailand, a private cooking class in our chef’s home in Chiang Rai, starting with a walk through the local market to buy ingredients.

A lantern-strung wooden boat docked on the river in Hoi An

A lantern boat in Hoi An

A taste we won’t forget Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. I had it the first morning and it was the best coffee of the entire trip. In Thailand, Tom Yum soup and green curry. I like spicy food, so Thai hot really hit the spot!

A sound that stuck with us The Chamber of Echoes inside Bayon Temple, which echoes as you pound against your chest. And in northern Thailand, birds and frogs greeting us each morning and night: a natural noise machine for sleeping.

Did it feel safe? Very safe, throughout all three countries. The airports were easy to navigate and the flights were short.

Our #1 practical tip Get small bills in each country’s currency. Most people don’t have much change and prefer smaller bills. (And pack light: we had to pay for an extra bag on a few of the flights within Asia.)

A cultural custom that stuck with us The Sampeah greeting in Cambodia, palms pressed together with a slight bow. The friendly “Sawasdee kha” everywhere in Thailand. And Hanoi’s scooter traffic, where everyone knows exactly when to stop and go with hardly any traffic lights. The rule for crossing: walk slow and do not stop moving.

What we learned Many things about the war in Vietnam that Americans are not taught. And in Cambodia, how rats are being used to detect landmines across the country, with many more still to be found.

On the hotels The Anantara Koh Yao Yai was definitely the most memorable. It’s a 5-star and you can tell: a gorgeous, beautifully maintained property right on the beach, with multiple restaurants, pools and a spa. The Legend in Chiang Rai was also a standout. And every hotel in Vietnam gave great service, with welcome drinks and real attention to every traveler.

If Asia feels intimidating… It’s much easier to navigate than you think. Technology is everywhere these days to help with whatever you need, and the local people are always happy to help. Forgot something? You can find almost anything over in Asia, probably for a cheaper price.

Destination by Destination

Hanoi rooftops stretching to the skyline under a cloudy sky

Hanoi, Vietnam

HistoricalMarketsBusy

What stood out: The weather. It was hot and humid! Hanoi was also more historical, with more French influence, and more walkable than we expected.

Who’ll love itTravelers who like to learn about history and spend some time in the city. It’s a good introduction to what Southeast Asian cities are all about.

Who might notPeople who really want to see more nature.

Green rice terraces and village homes in the valley of Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

NatureBeautifulFriendly

What stood out: The green mountains surrounding the valley. Stunning! You need to stop here and see the beauty that Sapa has to offer. (If we could add a night anywhere, it would be here.)

Who’ll love itHikers and outdoorsy travelers.

Who might notSomeone with mobility issues may find it harder to really explore the area.

Glowing lanterns in the trees above the Hoi An riverfront at dusk

Hoi An, Vietnam

WaterLanternsFood

What stood out: How kind and helpful our guide was, right from the start. Hoi An is a must, to see the lanterns come out at night as the music starts and you try delicious Vietnamese food.

Who’ll love itTravelers who like a slightly slower pace and a variety of regional foods.

Who might notSomeone who loves the fast pace of a big city, or wants intense hiking.

If someone only had time for one stop from this itinerary: An impossible question! Everyone has different likes and dislikes, so we’d want to ask what kind of trip they’re looking for first. But one thing is certain: “We explored Asia, now you have to!”

Explore Cambodia

Explore Vietnam

Explore Thailand

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From Travel + Leisure® website, © 2026 Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations, Inc. Travel + Leisure® website is published by TI Inc. Affluent Media Group, a Dotdash Meredith Inc. d/b/a People Inc. Company, which is not affiliated with Wyndham Destinations, Inc. or its subsidiaries. Travel + Leisure® is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations, Inc. and is used under limited license. All rights reserved; used under license. ATJ is not affiliated with Wyndham Destination, Inc. or its subsidiaries.

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tales of travel

Arianna and Emerson’s Expert Discovery Trip

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand, Through Their Eyes