Indochina including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos
Fascinating lands of discovery
Indochina is a region of incredible countries, stunning rural scenery, diverse but friendly people, astounding antiquity and pristine beaches, all intertwined by the mighty Mekong River. The very name evokes mystery and intrigue. The blend of centuries of cultural, architectural, artistic development by myriad ethnic groups and tribes, set against a historic backdrop of political, military conflict, colonial influence and recent incredible economic growth have shaped the region into the destinations we see today. The sublime beauty of the Vietnam’s natural setting with its unique and rich civilization, highly cultured people and the hauntingly beautiful mountains, plains and coastline, overwhelm most visitors to the country. From the Red River Delta in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, the country is a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies. The Kingdom of Cambodia was largely ‘out of bounds’ to tourists until recent years after the dark years of the infamous Khmer Rouge. Gradually opening to tourism, the town of Siem Reap with 9th century Angkor Wat and myriad other temples; is perhaps the finest example of ancient religious and regal architecture in South East Asia. Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a thriving city of markets, temples and palaces. As an important and sobering reminder of the depths of human capability the museums and sites telling of the atrocities of the Pol Pot regime will certainly evoke emotion. Laos was largely unknown to Western travelers until the end of the last century. Since the Lao People’s Democratic Republic decided to open its borders in the 1900’s a few traveler-oriented services have been established and a steady flow of visitors now visit this fascinating country keen to experience a step back in time before modernity truly catches up.
