Indochina tours
| country: | Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam |
| location: | Indochina holidays |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | Departs most days of the month throughout the year |
| price: | From £1190 (29 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Get set to discover something new and different every day, as we travel from the hidden treasures of Thailand and the laidback lanes of Laos, to the fabulous vibrance of Vietnam and the engaging charisma of Cambodia. Get to know the locals, sample sumptuous cuisines, sail over pristine waters and scramble through a wealth of temples on this great adventure that gives you a chance to experience the heart of enthralling Indochina.
day-by-day itinerary
| Days 1-2: | Bangkok. Escape the clamour of the capital with a boat ride down the khlongs then temple-hop or hit the shops. |
| Day 3: | Chiang Mai. Climb 300 steps to the Doi Suthep temple to see a panorama of the city. Have a snack at the night bazaar - kao soy is a local specialty. |
| Day 4: | Chiang Khong. Explore remote border towns and soak up the riverside serenity. |
| Days 5-6: | Mekong River. Watch village life pass by while cruising across the border to Laos. Call in at the Pak Ou Caves, adorned with thousands of carved Buddha images. |
| Days 7-8: | Luang Prabang. Get acquainted with Laos' history and culture at the Traditional Arts Museum. The spectacular Kuang Si Falls are the perfect place for an afternoon dip. |
| Days 9-10: | Vientiane. Explore the laidback capital on foot, by bicycle or by jumbo - Laos' answer to the tuk-tuk. |
| Day 11: | Homestay. Travel through stunning mountain scenery and enjoy a night as a guest in a traditional village home. |
| Day 12: | Ninh Binh. Enter Vietnam and follow the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail to the friendly town of Ninh Binh. |
| Day 13: | Halong Bay. Be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay. Perhaps explore a cave then share a seafood feast. |
| Days 14-16: | Hanoi. Experience Hanoi's seductive French charm and watch an evening performance of traditional water puppets. Catch the Reunification Express to Hue. |
| Day 17: | Hue. Wander the Imperial Citadel, discover the wealth of the Nguyen emperors and board a dragon boat to cruise down the serene Perfume River. |
| Days 18-20: | Hoi An. This port town's rich heritage is evident in the shuttered windows and pitched roofs of the traditional merchant houses. Packed with artisans, tailors and food stalls, this is a bargain-hunter's heaven. |
| Days 21-22: | Ho Chi Minh City. Browse the bustling Ben Thanh Market then jump in a cyclo and get acquainted with the tangle of Ho Chi Minh City's streets and alleyways. |
| Days 23-24: | Phnom Penh. Learn about Cambodia's violent past at the Killing Fields. Later, appreciate the peace of present-day Phnom Penh with a beer at a bar on breezy Sisowath Quay. |
| Days 25-27: | Siem Reap/Angkor Wat. The enigmatic ruins of Angkor provide endless photo opportunities. Explore the wealth of temples dotted around Siem Reap. |
| Days 28-29: | Bangkok. Slurp spicy specialties or shop up a storm back in the energetic capital. |
travellers' tales
Great!!! Halong Bay, Angkor Wat were the most memorable parts.
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small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
how this holiday makes a difference
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This trip allows for plenty of time to explore the culture of two very fascinating yet different countries. Travellers are encouraged to explore with the group and on their own, learn a few words of the language and interact with the locals as much as possible.
We always stay in small scale locally owned accommodation and in Laos we spend a night as guests in the homes of local villagers which provides an economic returns to local communities we visit. By shopping locally we interact with local craft and trades people and make a positive contribution to the economy. In Luang Prabang we have the opportunity to join local weavers to learn their craft, or learn how to dye your own silk scarf. Individual cooking tuition will create an insight into the Laotian cuisine. Our slow boat down the Mekong minimizes energy consumption and assists local families making their living on the river. Our small groups keep the impacts to a mimimum while we gently float down the river taking in the spectacular scenery. In Cambodia we have a chance to visit a Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Education Centre where confiscated animals from the illegal wildlife trade are nursed back to health and kept safe from poachers. A changing exhibition gives visitors an insight into local and global environmental problems and possible solutions. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |