Experience the thrill of cruising along the Mekong, the heart and soul of Southeast Asia, on one of our innovative cross-border Small Group Journeys. Venture from Northern Thailand to the intriguing landlocked country of Laos, or from Southern Vietnam into enchanting Cambodia on an exciting river journey of a lifetime.
Indochina is an incredibly diverse and fascinating region rich in history and culture and home to inspiring landscapes and welcoming people. We combine our Temples of Angkor, Highlights of Vietnam and Highlights of Laos journeys to create this overview of Indochina’s gems. We begin in Cambodia, a country of dramatic contrasts – from the tragedy of Tuol Sleng Museum to the splendour of the Royal Palace and Angkorian temples. We will also experience the grandeur of the French colonial period and stay in two hotels restored to their former glory by the Raffles Group. From Cambodia we travel to Vietnam – a country that was once associated with the horror of war but is beginning to be better recognised for her lush landscapes, friendly people and sumptuous cuisine. We travel northwards from Saigon to Hanoi, taking in all the highlights and amazing diversity in between while staying in a range of boutique and luxury hotels. End the journey in the relaxed, landlocked country of Laos where meandering rivers, pristine forests and friendly locals await – a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable journey of discovery across three enchanting nations.
special touches
Fly between major centres – Angkor sunrise – tuk-tuk temple touring – optional early morning market walks – spectacular Halong Bay – monks collecting alms at dawn in Luang Prabang.
Arrive in Phnom Penh and take in the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and learn about the Khmer Rouge at Tuol Sleng Museum before indulging in one of the many ambient riverside cafés. The capital is a city constantly reinventing itself, and is home to abundant (and delicious!) dining options. Consider trying the national dish, fish amok – a tasty marriage of Bassac river fish, coconut and Khmer spices.
Days 3 - 4 ~ Siem Reap
Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor. You will discover several awesome temples (some on an exciting tuk-tuk tour), experience sunrise at stunning Angkor Wat, and take a trip to Tonle Sap Lake. Some other highlights will be the Bayon, Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei and Ta Phrom.
Days 5 - 7 ~ Saigon & Mekong Delta
Fly to Saigon and get to know her sites and markets on an insightful walking tour around District One. The fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels played an important part in the Vietnamese victories over the French and Americans and are a good place to learn about the country’s recent history. No visit to Saigon is complete without experiencing the Mekong Delta – you will enjoy boat trips to local fruit orchards and lush scenery before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Days 8 - 9 ~ Hoi An
Hoi An’s architecture, delicacies and friendly local people make her a true Vietnam highlight. Visit her tailors and galleries, the beach, or take part in a cooking demonstration. A sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River is a great way to get from the seaside to the Old Town, and you are sure to enjoy Travel Indochina’s unique ‘Hoi An Local for a Day’ experience.
Days 10 - 11 ~ Hue
Drive north to Hue, the former imperial capital, to see the last empire’s Forbidden City, the Citadel, as well as the tombs of two Nguyen Dynasty emperors, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc. A dragon boat will bring you down the Perfume River from one of the country’s most sacred pagodas to your hotel after a day’s exploration.
Days 12 - 13 ~ Hanoi & Halong Bay
Fly to Hanoi and take a cyclo through the Old Quarter, the capital’s most enthralling district. Discover historic Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence and now lies in state in a grand mausoleum. A day cruising onboard a private boat in Halong Bay will surely make for memories of a lifetime.
Day 14 ~ Vientiane
Laos’ serene riverside capital is where you will explore several beautiful wats, including Wat Sisaket, Haw Phra Kaew, and Wat That Luang. The Patuxai Monument is a bizarre vestige of Laos’ colourful recent past and an interesting site to see. Take part in a unique, traditional ‘baci’ welcome ceremony, and perhaps spend sunset with a cold ‘Beer Lao’ in hand on the banks of the river.
Days 15 - 18 ~ Luang Prabang
Fly north to Luang Prabang, the jewel of Indochina’s crown. Here a tuk-tuk will bring you face to face with Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai. You will have the opportunity to chat with local monks, encounter hilltribe villages, experience the acclaimed night market and have a sunset drink at Wat Pha Bhat Tai. Depart on day 18.
Checklist & How we Travel
Inclusions:
17 nights hotel accommodation.
Flights as specified.
All road transport by air-conditioned vehicles (temple touring by tuk-tuk),
All sightseeing as specified (including entrance fees),
Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers.
Local English-speaking guides throughout.
Arrival and departure transfers.
Breakfast daily, three lunches and one dinner.
GETTING AROUND: We try to ensure that all accommodation and transport on all of our journeys is of a high standard and is safe, clean and comfortable. In order to maximise sightseeing time we take a number of domestic flights, and two international flights. The longest road journey on this tour takes six hours return (three hour each way between Hanoi and Halong Bay). Most other travel in Indochina is over short distances only. We also take boat cruises on beautiful Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, on Halong Bay in Vietnam, and on the Mekong River in Laos.
WHERE WE STAY: We use the finest hotels available. In Phnom Penh we use the elegant Raffles Hotel Le Royal, and in Siem Reap we stay at one of Indochina’s most famous colonial properties, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Both hotels are five-star, have an extensive range of facilities, great swimming pools, and treat guests to famous Raffles service. In Vietnam some of our highlight hotels include the centrally-located Caravelle in Saigon, and the historic Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi. In Laos we use the charming colonial-era Settha Palace in Vientiane and end our stay at a truly special hotel in Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao (formerly the Pansea).
WHAT WE EAT: At Travel Indochina we are keen to provide as wide an array of culinary opportunities as possible, in both local and some very special easting establishments. Tour leaders will always be on hand to provide you with a number of options, no matter what your inclination. Tour leaders also frequently join you for meals, revealing some of their favourite dishes. Main courses at good restaurants are generally 4USD to 7USD. Well-known dishes worth sampling include stir-fried green vegetables with pork and lashings of fresh ginger (Cambodia), rice paper fresh spring rolls in Vietnam, and duck laap (minced duck) salad in Laos.
Tour Q&A
Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me? A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination.
Q: Who will I be travelling with? A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour? A: The Indochina Explorer is graded Easy and is suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility. There is some walking in the heat, occasionally over uneven ground, some optional temple climbing at Angkor, and boarding and disembarking from a number of boats. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the Indochina Explorer deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading.
Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller? A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends.
Q: Can I bring the kids? A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia.
Q: What are the visa requirements for the tour? A: You will need a valid visa in order to enter Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Cambodian visas can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh airport (cost $20USD, 1 passport photo required). Cambodian visas can also be obtained online at www.mfaic.gov.kh for a cost of $25USD and a processing wait of approximately three business days. Please obtain the Vietnam visa before arriving in Indochina. It is possible to obtain a Lao visa one on arrival in Vientiane. The price of a Lao visa varies according to nationality and is $30USD for holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, $35USD for holders of USA and UK passports, and $42USD for holders of Canadian passports. For travellers of all nationalities payment should be made in USD cash and a passport photo must be provided.
Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in? A: We stay in a selection of some of the most beautiful and historic hotels in the Indochina region. Stay in colonial splendour at the Raffles properties in Cambodia, two of Asia’s most atmospheric and luxurious hotels. In Vietnam two highlights are the historic Caravelle in Saigon and the charming Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi. Spend three unforgettable nights at the exquisitely designed La Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang, Laos. These are not just places to rest your head at the end of a day of exploration. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they too represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience.
Q: Who will accompany our group? A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as our English-speaking local guides – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same.
Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included? A: Arrival and departure transfers are included in the price of your tour. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel.
Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Indochina Explorer? A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. The longest road journey is between Hanoi and Halong Bay, which is three and a half hours each way. Most other travel in Indochina is over short distances only. We take boat cruises on beautiful Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, on Halong Bay in Vietnam, and on the Mekong River in Laos. In order to maximise sightseeing time we take a number of domestic flights and two international flights.
Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost? A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys.
Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour? A: Cuisine is an extremely important part of the essence of Asia experience and is a highlight on our journeys to Indochina. You will find a world of delicious flavours in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. A significant French influence is present throughout the region – you’ll find some of the best pastries in the world right here. We choose to eat at quality restaurants – serving a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetable dishes. In the major cities there is a generous array of international cuisine, while in most provincial areas the choice is more limited. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available. Breakfast is included each day and is usually a mix of Western buffet and continental style. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste the delicious array of cuisine on offer. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you.
Q: How much money will I spend per day touring? A: Approximately $12US per person for day-to-day living. The Indochina region offers great value for your money. For around $12US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. Western restaurants will cost more.
Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel? A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!