Indochina is an awe-inspiring travel destination attracting travelers by its rich cultures, exotic landscapes, delicious & healthy oriental gastronomy and especially amiable people.

Indochina means the land between India and China comprised of three alluring countries: Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Each of them has their own unique characteristics bringing up inspirational and memorable journeys.

LAOS

Things to do in Laos

Laos, called the “Land of Million Elephants”, is a landlock country; however, this is among the most intriguing destinations in Southeast Asia. Over three fourth of the country feature mountainous topography offering chances to:

• Hike & trek in the jungle from all over countries. Some outstanding names to call out are Southern Laos (Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos and local villages) and Northern Laos (Nong Khiaw, Muong Ngoi, Luang Namtha)
• Admire the stunning nature of terraced of plunging waterfalls like Kuang Sy Waterfalls, Khone Pha Pheng, Tad Fane, etc.
• If you are looking for an off-the-beaten path route in Laos, let’s plan a Southern Laos itinerary to get involved into the wildlife such as visiting an elephant village in Luang Prabang, cruising on 4000 Islands region and watch the fresh water dolphin. This region is a unique spot for Indochina travel journey.

A part from this, Laos is also an ideal destination for laid-back. Being a Buddhist country, Laos is spotted with pagodas scattered here and there. Local people practice the religion and worship the monk. The most engaging and also must-to-visit city is Luang Prabang when traveling in Laos. Additionally, there are boutique accommodations nestled in the luxuriant gardens in Luang Prabang for a fantastic wellness journey.

Things to do in Luang Prabang

Generally, the visitors will able to experience:

• Ancient and spiritual temples in Luang Prabang such as Wat Xieng Thong with the mosaic tree of life, Wat Mai, Wat Visnoun, etc.
• An observation or joining in the Tak-Bath ceremony that the local monks in saffron-robes will walk in file crossing streets where local people will be sitting or kneeing on the roadside and offer sticky rice, fruits and flowers.
• Iconic Pak Ou Cave located at the conjunction of 2 rivers offering a leisure boat ride along Mekong River
• Emerald Kuang Sy Waterfall with extensional trek through Ban Nong Heo Village instead of driving directly to the waterfall gate
• The attendings in meditation courses, cultural Baci Ceremony and so on.

To have the first glimpse of Laos, it takes average 3 nights to discover Luang Prabang riverine city. The adventure seekers could spend longer time and visit the rest parts of countries like capital Vientiane capital, Pakse and the stretching toward southern Laos, Vang Vieng

CAMBODIA

Cambodia located in the southward of Laos and bordered by the south-west of Vietnam is another story with its very own beauty.

Angkor Temples in Siem Reap

If Luang Prabang is the first and foremost city to visit in Laos, Siem Reap is the province making Cambodia similar to no other countries in the world. This ancient Khmer Kingdom capital city will stun people by its mysterious Angkor ruin Temples once sheltered themselves under the jungle’s canopies. Touring around Angkor temples is definitely a spotlight of your Indochina travel plan. Unmissable temples names are Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon, Banteay Srei, etc. It takes one days or more to wanderlust from the popular to isolated temples, or from the city nearby temples to the one in border area ones.

Visit Battambang Cambodia

Temples exploration, however, isn’t all. Cambodia’s bucolic countryside is impressive offering opportunities to intermingle with locals and learn more about their daily lives. Tourist can visit the local villages nearby Siem Reap, or travel around 3.5 hours to Battambang for rural areas by bicycles or tuk tuk and thrilling bamboo train.

Phnom Penh and the southern region

In the southern and central of Cambodia are Phnom Penh capital used to be called the Pearl of Indochina showcasing vicious but vivid historical evidences and Royal relics; Sihanouk Ville and pristine beaches in the Gulf of Tonkin (though it is affected by the mass tourism, there are many resorts with private beaches for a stunning beach leisure);  and a couple of national parks for a life-time escapes. Shinta Mani Wild and Song Saa Islands are doing very well with their luxury accommodations in the captivating nature.

Bird watching in Cambodia is noticeable to put in the itinerary as Cambodia is embedded with many national parks. The easiest one to arrange is Preak Toal which is not so far distance from Siem Reap.

VIETNAM

Last but not least is Vietnam, a country renown for the impressive history, breath-taking nature, tasty and variable local food & drink all over country. Vietnam is an unmissable destination of your Indochina travel journey. It offers rich culture and ethnicity, and a huge economic recovery and dozens more. To see the highlights of Laos and Cambodia, it could take 3 nights, but Vietnam requires longer durations from 7 or 10 days and more. Geographically divided, a Vietnam trip should comprise the northern, central and southern part of Vietnam.

What to see in Vietnam when having Indochina travel trip?

Northern Vietnam:

• Hanoi capital with over a thousand-year culture and history which significantly influenced, but not mixed with, by Chinese culture. This atmospheric city’s every corner draw visitor’s curiosities and excitement.
• Captivating Ha Long Bay and its sisters like Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay of thousands karst limestone peaks emerging from ocean
• Mountainous regions with astonishing terraced rice field and hiking, trekking trails; and also, off-the-beaten tracks places.

Central Vietnam:

• Hoi An ancient town with attached Japanese and Chinese blended architecture houses offers pleasant strolls with stop and visit to the museum, cultural houses, café, or shop for tailor made suits and leathers.

More than that, biking to rural villages and sailing with local boat to reach traditional villages making pottery, carpenters, etc.

• Hue the former royal citadel is a charming and pristine city with Emperor relics, hills of marvelous views, ancient houses up to 500 years old site in ancient villages with memorable biking opportunities, stunning endless lagoon with amazing sunrise and sunset.

Southern Vietnam:

• Hustle and bustle Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon with Colonial architect influence buildings, historical attractions like Cu Chi Tunnels, partial Chinese custom with Chinatown.
• Mekong region: A large area in the southernmost of Vietnam with pristine neighborhoods of tranquil river, lush orchard gardens. There are prominent towns like Ben Tre, Cai Be, Can Tho, Chau Doc, etc. of very different ambiences as well as thematic landscape like coconut ranges, floating market, rice field, Cajuput forest and so on. 

Additional to above classical visits, Vietnam is granted with gorgeous and quiet beaches casted along over 3000m coastline in the east. Vietnamese cuisine also plays a crucial role in making the country favorable by visitors. There are dozens of dining experiences varying from local street dishes to the fine-dining restaurant matching different interests.