From Indochina to Indonesia: A Virtual Tour of Southeast Asia

• Weeks 1 and 2: Vietnam
  The speed with which Vietnam has been able to transcend the recent past comes as a surprise to many visitors, who are met with warmth and curiosity. Most visitors are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of Vietnam’s natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and the brilliant green rice paddies that cover most of the coastal strip. From architecturally beautiful Hanoi to bustling Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), we’ll revel in the sights of splendid Halong Bay, the famous Perfume River, the beautiful Mekong Delta, stretches of white sandy beaches at Phan Thiet, Nha Trang and Danang and the enticing little town of Hoi An. Cultural highlights include ancient Cham temple ruins, the extravagant church of Cao-Daism in Tay Ninh and the temples, palaces and imperial mausoleums of aristocratic Hue.
• Week 3: Cambodia
  In Cambodia, we uncover the stunning Angkor ruins, a collection of more than 100 temples dating back to the ninth century. Once the seat of power of the Khmer Empire, Angkor is royal extravagance on a grand scale, its imposing features enhanced by the dramatic setting of lush jungle greenery and verdant fields. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is acknowledged as the most exquisite example of ancient architecture in Southeast Asia. We then head to Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world. We visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Temple of Preah Vihear and the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk. We also explore Battambang and the sprawling capital of Phnom Penh.
• Week 4: Laos
  Laos is the most enigmatic of the former colonial French Indochinese states, as it offers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life along the Mekong River, which runs the length of this landlocked country. Luang Prabang, once the heart and soul of the ancient kingdom of Lane Xang, is Laos's most enticing destination, with its gilded temples and weathered shop-houses. We also explore Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape, the Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang, commonly referred to as the Plain of Jars, and Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
• Weeks 5 and 6: Indonesia and East Timor
  The Indonesian archipelago comprises more than 17,000 islands. Describing Indonesia as one entity is practically impossible because of the country’s geographic, ethnic and cultural variety. More than 500 languages and dialects are spoken by its 246 million people, whose fascinating customs and lifestyles are a major attraction. We’ll explore Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Bali, Flores, Komodo, Sulawesi, New Guinea and East Timor. Along the way, we’ll learn about the archipelago’s geography, ways of life, its arts and architecture, and cultural heritage.

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Appreciate the diverse heritage of the region and the natural, cultural and architectural influences on Southeast Asian cities and countryside
• Identify several UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout Southeast Asia
• Understand the compelling features and value that lead to UNESCO World Heritage status
• Gain useful insights for travellers to these places

• Participation in Zoom seminars
• Participation in written discussions with other students
• Supplementary resources accessed through Canvas
• Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.