Indochina Destinations & Attractions

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VIETNAM THAILAND LAOS CAMBODIA

Golden beaches, verdant countryside and rugged mountains, over which a patchwork of competing kingdoms and empires ruled and fought for thousands of years has left a rich architectural legacy in the Indochina region. Referencing the Indian and Chinese cultural and ethnic influences in the region, the name once applied to the French colonial possessions of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. While these influences are still strongly apparent, the name has outlasted the French presence.

Sometimes better known for their recent tragic histories — the Khmer Rouge regime and the Vietnam War -- in recent years Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam have emerged as fascinating, vibrant and genuinely friendly destinations. UNESCO has recognized the architectural beauty and importance found throughout all three countries, with two World Heritage sites in Laos, eight in Vietnam, and two in Cambodia which is home to arguably the most famous, Angkor Wat.

With each country boasting unique culinary treats, cultural sites and scenery, the best way to truly appreciate Indochina is to visit all three. Follow the links below for travel inspiration and ideas for visiting this fantastic region:

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Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

The gateway to the Angkor temples and the Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap is replete with refined hotels, restaurants, spas and bars to relax after a day’s sightseeing. The famed UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor is filled with wondrous temples and archeological sites. Cruise the great lake on our boat “Ella” or by kayak to discover floating and stilted fishing villages. Journey to authentic rural villages and dine at ABOUTAsia’s villa Chandara, overlooking panoramic paddy fields. Get active by biking back roads, hiking Kulen Mountain or kayaking on the Tonle Sap. Visit local markets, sample exotic street food, or have a private yoga session at one of the temples, “Temple Town” has something for everyone.

Battambang

For Cambodia's third largest city, Battambang is surprisingly sleepy. A colourful provincial tapestry of long roads lined with tall overhanging palm trees, friendly locals and French Colonial architecture, the pace of life slows down in this fertile rice-producing region. Cruising here by boat from Siem Reap is a serene way to arrive. For a journey of a different pace, hop aboard Battambang's bamboo train.The modern hill top pagoda Phnom Sampeau offers expansive views over the surrounding countryside.

Kep and Kompot

Kick back in the former French colonial seaside retreat of Kep and quaint neighbouring riverside Kampot. The two towns combine to create one of Cambodia´ s culinary gems; fresh crabs from Kep, cooked with fresh green peppercorns from Kampot. It is truly as good as it sounds, and the setting, in a rustic wooden seaside restaurant shack near the bustling Kep fish market ensures an unforgettable experience.

With nearby Rabbit Island—named after its profile and forested Kep Hill, dotted with crumbling villas, Kep is a fantastic town in which to kick back and relax.

Koh Kong

Lose yourself in mountains and mangroves staying at first class eco-outpost 4 Rivers Floating Lodge, tucked away deep in the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor. The floating safari-style tents on the sparkling river are an ideal jungle retreat from which to explore the rich biodiversity brimming in this natural envionment: Kayak and hike through the forested labyrinth, the stomping ground of prized widlife, flora and fauna. A slow boat takes you to the roaring rapids of Tatai Waterfall in the carpeted forest gorge on the Southern Cardamom Mountains offering unspoilt panoramas.

Mondulkiri

Get away from it all in this remote eastern province brimming with wildlife. Taking a herd of elephants for a walk in the woods, hills and valleys of a 650 hectare NGO-run safe haven for rescued ear-flapping giants is a real highlight. It's not just these elephants that are protected in this wilderness eco-region: The Northern Highlands of Seima Protected Forest and restricted area offers a myriad of nature and jungle treks.

Phnom Penh

Once known as the 'Pearl of Asia', Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh is a fusion of past and present. Bright lights and bustling energy exist alongside the shimmering spires of the Royal Palace and French colonial villas. Weave through colourful city streets by Cyclo, stopping at the National Museum and art-deco Central Market. Gain an understanding of the country's tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime by visiting the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S-21). Trips outside the city take you to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, silk weaving villages on the islands of the Mekong and the former capital city of Udong.

Sihanoukville

Lively Sihnaoukville makes for a great base to explore the surrounding palm-studded beaches that line the peninsula and a launch pad to snorkel and scuba dive around the tropical islands peppered off the shore. A popular day trip takes you to Ream National Park. Meander by boat through mangroves rich with wildlife, wade in crystal clear waters, relax on wide sandy beaches and hike through forest paths. Popular beaches include Independence, Occheuteal, Otres and Victory Beach.

Song Saa Private Island

Nestled in the Koh Rong Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, Song Saa Private Island is Cambodia's first five star island retreat. These twenty-seven over water, rainforest and beach villas recall the Maldives with their white washed, barefoot chic interiors, ultra plump beds and lounging areas. A team of marine biologists manage the resort's one million square meter marine reserve. Snorkel and scuba dive in the fish filled translucent waters that surround the property's two jungle covered islands which are joined by a charming foot bridge.

Ratanakiri

Discover Cambodia's remote frontier, the far-from-fast-paced province of Ratanakiri. Well off the beaten path, and populated by tribes still striving to maintain their unique cultural practices, Ratanakiri ideally suits those in search of an adventure. Swim in the famous volcanic crater lake, take advantage of trekking in Virachay National Park and possibly glimpse reclusive yellow-cheeked gibbons. Away from the provincial capital Banlung learn about the traditional ways of life and customs of hill tribe minorities with their own distinct houses, ceremonies and lifestyles.

Luang Prabang

Often ranked as one of Indochina´s most beautiful cities, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang is a must-see. An important site for Buddhism, the 33 wats and legions of monks blend seamlessly with the later French colonial villas, to create a truly atmospheric place.

Surrounded by verdant hills, gushing waterfalls, and with the Mekong flowing past, Luang Prabang is also an excellent base for the region´s elephant camps, cycling tours and treks.

Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a small quiet city on the Mekong, just opposite Nong Khai in Thailand. Rather overshadowed by Luang Prabang, the city retains a strong French feel, and is home to some of the best French and French fusion food in Asia. A couple of days will allow you to see some lovely temples, the famous Pha That Luang, the Talat Sao market and lovely sunsets over the Mekong. Laos silk is especially fine, and there are several shops specializing in the very best that Laos makes, including vintage textiles from Laos numerous ethnic minorities. Also well worth a visit are the surreal “Buddha Park”, (Wat Xieng Khuan) a sculpture park filled with one man´s fevered imaginings of deities and demons and COPE Visitor Centre to learn about the impact of the Vietnam War bombing missions which dropped over two million tons of ordnance on Laos.

Pakse

Pakse is a charming, sleepy riverine town in southern Laos, typically used as a base from which to explore the south. From here you can see the Angkor-era Wat Phou, overlooking the Mekong which was once a distant satellite city of Angkor. Tour the coffee plantations of the cool, lush Bolaven plateau, and sample freshly roasted coffee grown onsite. This fertile area is also dotted with some truly gorgeous waterfalls and some amazing scenic views. Just down the Mekong river is the Si Phan Don area, known as ‘The 4000 Islands’, and the massive Khone Phapheng falls, where the mighty Mekong cascades down a set of rapids. Time seems to run slower here in the South, with a pace of life which harks back to an earlier, simpler era.

Hanoi

Atmospheric Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country´s second largest city. Famous for its many lakes, Hoan Kiem near the Old Quarter is the most notable. A fascinating area in which to wander, the Old Quarter´s narrow streets and streams of motorbikes are unlike anything you may have experienced before. Each of the 36 streets were associated with the specific crafts and guilds found here over 1000 years ago, and you will still find shops concentrated by product, such as silk, religious items, hand-made paper, herbal medicines, puppets and much more.

Other popular sites include Ho Chi Minh´s Tomb, and the very popular Ngoc Son Temple.

Halong Bay

From kayaking across the tranquil waters and swimming amidst glistening phosphorescent plankton, to climbing up a rocky limestone cliff, Halong Bay never ceases to amaze. With over 1500 islands and islets the bay is brimming with limestone karsts, which have created the famous seascape of stone pillars. One of the most spectacular places in Vietnam, if not the world, it is best visited as part of a one to two night cruise aboard a Chinese style junk. If you have more time, Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay, has evolved into an adventure sports destination especially for rock climbing, with sandy beaches adding to its attraction.

Hue

Hue, situated along the Perfume River is the former imperial seat of government. The sprawling Imperial City complex houses numerous temples, gardens, halls and pavilions that are a pleasure to meander through. The other big draw for visitors to Hue are the Tombs of the Emperors, south of the city. They were mostly built in the late 19th or early 20th centuries with the finest examples being the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh.

Hoi-an

The charming old town of Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage site, situated between the Thu Bon River and the South China Sea. The old town is well preserved, architecturally diverse and ideal for exploration on foot or by bicycle. Hoi An is also known for its colorful silk lanterns which seemingly adorn every doorway and several whimsical animal lanterns can also be found afloat on the river. Just a few kilometers from Hoi An town is beautiful Cua Dai beach, the southernmost end of the 30 km stretch of sand known as China Beach.

Nha-trang

With over 3000Km of coastline, Vietnam has plenty of hidden coves, white sand beaches and clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. Nha Trang — A delightful south coast city, is a 6 kilometer long beach area generally recognized as Vietnam´s premier beach destination. With a wide variety of watersports available, the hard and soft coral reefs and seacaves make for some of the best scuba diving in the South China Sea.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Vietnam´sbiggest and most vibrant city, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) blends the old and new into an energetic and captivating metropolis. Still commonly referred to by its French colonial name of Saigon, the city suffered greatly during the Vietnam War, yet its recent transformation into a city of skyscrapers and fine restaurants has not meant the loss of its history. The splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon, while the Notre Dame Cathedral is based on the famous original in Paris.

Other notable sights include the Central Post office, designed by Gustav Eiffel before he rose to fame for his eponymous Eiffel Tower, and the bustling Chinatown (Cholon). Just outside of the city, the Cu Chi tunnels are a reminder of the hardships and struggles faced by the local population during the Vietnam War.

Singapore

Rewriting the long-outdated image of sterile, boring Singapore, rediscover through local insight and out-of-the-box experiences how this vibrant and colorful tropical metropolis constantly reinvents itself.

Bangkok

We are currently exploring the best of this exciting city. Enquire for our latest ideas and recommendations.

Hong Kong

Explore hidden alleyways, herbal markets, feng-shui inspired landmark buildings and rooftop cocktail bars to experience what Hong Kong once was, and what it is today.

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Why ABOUTAsia?

Expert Knowledge: We live and work and play here in Siem Reap—It's our home. We are the Cambodia Specialist.
Crowd Avoidance: We'll give you sunset cocktails on a serene ancient waterway instead of an over-crowded guidebook sunset.
Handpicked Special Experiences: From guiding by a leading archeologist to a candlelit dinner at our country villa, we offer exclusive access to unique experiences.