Cambodia and Vietnam are proving increasingly popular as holiday destinations. Bloody political history sits uneasily alongside stunning natural beauty, to combine an educational trip with a relaxing holiday.

Visiting Cambodia, it is impossible to escape the brutal recent history of the country. Angkor Wat, the highlight of any trip, is an incredible sight, but bears bullet holes sustained during fighting in and around the temple. In the capital Phnom Penh, you can visit Tuol Sleng, which was originally a school but was converted into a prison by Pol Pot's regime. There is now a museum allowing visitors a glimpse into some of the terrible events that occurred within Tuol Sleng's walls. A short trip out of the city takes you to the Killing Fields, where many of the thousands of murders occurred. For all this misery, the spirit of the Cambodian people is a breath of fresh air. Always willing to help, they make a holiday in the country a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Any holiday in Vietnam inevitably means a lot of time spent witnessing the aftermath of the American war. Museums all over the country document the events of the conflict, and the propaganda is in places quite extraordinarily. Outside of Ho Chi Minh City lie the Cu Chi Tunnels, thin corridors underground where Vietcong fighters lived while they planned and executed the war against the American forces. Even the specially widened tunnels are incredibly thin!

Travelling in Vietnam and Cambodia is full of surprises, and one of these is the unending good-nature of those who live in these countries, in spite of the things that have occurred there in the past and the poverty that now surrounds them. They allow visitors to enjoy their holiday in comfort, while paying their respects to these people that have lived through so much. If you're thinking of visiting either country, check out lastminute.com for a great selection of hotels.