The past decade saw a tourism boom in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar. High on everyone’s lists were destinations like Cambodia’s Angkor temples, Laos’s Plain of Jars, and Vietnam’s Hoi An and Hue cities. Those sights are fantastic. By all means a must see. But much of Indochina’s best still remains off the radar, while many old favorites have begun reinventing themselves since they were first thrust under the spotlight.
Cambodia is again emerging as one of the region’s prime tourist attractions, with the big draw being the extensive temple ruins of Angkor. However, with a fascinating landscape and a hospitable people, there is more to discover than just Angkor, not least the Mekong River which runs the length of the country.
Major destinations and activities include a tour of Siem Reap for its famous Khmer ruins including the Angkor Wat, a World Heritage Site; a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, the capital city; and beach and diving activities in Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s only seaport.
Beyond the cities where you truly experience Lanna culture and heritage, the North of Thailand offers some of the most picturesque scenery in the whole kingdom. It is the gateways to Myanmar and Loas. Major destinations and activities include a tour of Chiang Mai, one of Asia’s most attractive destinations with a visit to Thailand’s highest peak at Doi Intanon National Park; a journey along the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, the famed border where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River; and a visit to Sukhothai Historical Park, a World Heritage Site.
The Northeast of Thailand is one of the most intriguing destinations and has in recent years risen to become a starting point for adventurous journey along the mighty Mekong River. Major destinations and activities include a visit to Nong Khai, one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the Mekong River and a gateway to Vientiane, capital of Laos; a tour of Mukdahan, the land of fantastic natural rock formations with an overland trip to Savannakhet in Laos; and a village stay in Udon Thani’s prehistoric site of Ban Chiang, a World Heritage Site.
The attraction of Loas lies in its quite, traditional character and the glimpses it affords of “Old Asia”. Laos is a tiny landlocked country. Most of the terrain are mountainous and the valley of the Mekong that largely defines the land, with major cities being located on its bank.
Major destinations and activities include a journey through time at Luang Prabang town, a World Heritage Site with the country’s finest architectural and artistic achievements; a visit to Wat Phu of Champasak, a World Heritage Site; a tour of Vientiane, the capital city; and a trip to Si Pan Don, a labyrinth of 4,000 islands.
Larger and more densely populated than its Mekong neighbors, Vietnam is also culturally distinct. Two of its most outstanding attractions are Halong Bay and My Son, two World Heritage Sites that grip the imagination of the world. Yet more hidden charms are draped across its mountainous terrain. White crescent beaches and luxuriant rainforests can be found among its culturally diverse.
Major destinations and activities include a visit to Hanoi, the historic heart of Vietnam, tours of Hoi An ancient town and Complex of Hué Monument, World Heritage Sites; and a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city and commercial center with a day excursions to the Viet Cong underground tunnels at Cu Chi and the Mekong Delta, riverine towns with traditional lifestyles.
Myanmar offers an open door to its exceptional heritage – places with religious, legendary, cultural and historical significance. Traveling to Myanmar is not only a voyage into a different geographic region with natural beauty from snow-capped mountains to vast and picturesque coastal landscapes, but also a voyage into another time and place unspoilt by over development, where people are warm and hospitable.
Major destinations and activities include a visit to Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Southeast Asia’s most evocative sights; a tour of Mandalay, the spiritual and cultural heart of Myanmar; and a trip to Inle Lake for the scenic beauty and cool, refreshing climate.