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98% of our clients and travelers worldwide rated us excellent on the famed TripAdvisor.

We house a team of passionate, professional and expert travel consultants in the region.

Our tours will open up more alluring and unique experiences, enriching your lifetime memories.

Every step of the way, we will follow you and take care of you as we would a close friend or family member.

We offer local prices, quality tours and secure payment methods, we only require a small deposit.

Integrity is our core, we are a fully registered travel company based on ethical practices.

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Discovery Southern Vietnam & Cambodia 13 days

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... is what inspire us to always step extra miles and offer you the trip of a lifetime, from the attentive planning stage till the tour is perfectly ended. Contact us right from now to plan your most memorable travel holiday.

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Dream Vietnam getaway! Trip of a lifetime

VIETNAM! 🇻🇳💕✌🏽✨ Had the most amazing adventure touring this country with my family in October 2023. Started in the south and worked our way north. Party of 6 including kids and grandparents late 60s. Indochina Voyages with the help of Minh Vu. He was excellent! Minh was easy to work with and adjusted our trip…

Trip of a lifetime

Indochina Voyages expanded their services to accommodate our group of 20 yoga-loving travellers on a journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Not only did Minh organize fantastic tours, luxurious hotels, and delicious meals, but he made it possible for us to practice yoga as a group in all sorts of creative and appropriate places; from a…

Best Travel Agency EVER!

I have traveled to over 50 countries and the Indochina Travel Agency is the best, hands down that I have ever used. They worked with me to keep within our modest budget and it still felt like a luxury vacation. The hotels they booked were top notch with wonderful breakfast buffets at every one. Their…

Amazing three week trip – North to South Vietnam – Thank you Indochina Voyages!

I was looking to arrange a very special trip for a special birthday and my journey started with communicating with Hue Nguyen from this great travel company. She was extremely helpful and prepared a beautiful itinerary for my husband and I. Hue was very knowledgeable and planned an absolutely wonderful three week holiday for us….

Exceptional planning, services and attention to detail

I came across Indochina Voyages during my research for our trip to Vietnam. As the reviews were excellent, I contacted them for help with an itinerary. Minh returned my email query promptly. The itinerary he sent covered the specific sights we wanted to see, the level of accommodations we preferred, and the pace we wanted….

Fantastic Trip, Surpassed our Expectations

My husband and I (early 60’s) spent 3 weeks in Vietnam in November. We found Indochina Voyages by reading forums on tripadvisor, and saw they were highly rated. Nevertheless, it was a complete leap of faith for us to book our trip through them, and they far surpassed our expectations. We contacted Minh and told…

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Indochina Itinerary – Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam Tour

The Indochina trail is South East Asia’s most infamous travel route. A popular itinerary crosses 3 countries, namely Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam. It often extends to Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, and Singapore.

This trip is very exciting, especially among travelers embarking on their first multi-country journey in the region. I highly recommend it because you’ll be able to see many awe-inspiring sights including the Grand Palace & temples in Thailand, majestic Angkor temples in Cambodia & energetic urban scene in Vietnam. Of course, all the while enjoying the different cultures and cuisines along the way.

I’ve followed the Indochina trail and have been to these Southeast Asian countries separately many times. Because of its popularity, the trip is very doable even with little planning.

How to spend 7 days in Indochina?  Check out my recommended Indochina itinerary below. The sample itinerary is easy to follow or customize in case you plan to go for 5 days, 2 weeks (14 days) or more. Scroll down to see the detailed do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary blog, followed by a budget/expenses breakdown and lots of extra travel tips.

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Trip Checklist

Before we go on with the actual itinerary, here are things you might need to prepare and bring for a hassle-free trip.

I’ve posted a lot of discounts on this guide. Make sure to check them out and pre-book online to save money, time & avoid the hassles of bringing/exchanging cash during your trip.

Swipe left to read expanded text below:

Indochina Itinerary Blog Contents

Indochina Trip Checklist

Indochina Itinerary

Indochina budget, where to stay in bangkok, where to stay in siem reap, where to stay in ho chi minh.

Indochina Travel Tips

See More Travel Guides & Blogs

Here’s a sample 5-day itinerary that includes 3 countries and 4 cities in Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam.

Feel free to tweak the activities & timings based on your traveling style, schedule, & attractions that interest you the most.

LEG 1:  THAILAND

Day 1:  bangkok highlights, flight to bangkok.

Take the earliest flight to Bangkok to maximize your first day in Thailand.

Find cheap flights

0840 am: Bangkok Airport arrival

There are two airports that serve Bangkok:

Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)  — Arrival airport of most foreign carriers including Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Flight hub of Thai Airways.

Don Muang International Airport (DMK)  — Flight hub of many Thailand-based budget airlines including AirAsia, Nok Air & Lion Air.

Your arrival airport should be indicated on the flight itinerary sent when you booked your plane ticket.

Philippines-Manila to Bangkok flight + itinerary

0320 am — ETA Manila-NAIA Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

Flight check-in & baggage drop

Clear Philippine immigration checkpoint.

0620 am — ETD Manila. Manila to Bangkok flight.

0840 am — Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

Clear Thailand immigration checkpoint.

Pickup luggage (if any). Clear Thailand customs checkpoint.

Exchange currency to Thai Baht (THB) or withdraw at ATM.

Pickup SIM card / pocket WIFI hotspot device and tickets pre-ordered online.

Thailand Internet SIM card / WIFI hotspot

For convenience, get a mobile data plan or WIFI hotspot that covers multiple countries. If you cannot get one from your home country, pre-order online and choose pick-up at Bangkok Airport. For this itinerary (i.e. flying in Bangkok and out from Ho Chi Minh), I recommend that you get SIM cards for each country so you don’t have to worry about returning the WIFI hotspot device.

Check price online

Cambodia Internet SIM card / WIFI hotspot

Choose pick-up at Bangkok Airport.

Bangkok Airport to hotel

Getting to Bangkok city center from the airport is easy. Book a hassle-free private transfer online or take the train to avoid getting stuck in traffic. From the nearest train station, walk to your hotel or use the Grab app for safe and convenient rides.

Travel hack : Use the directions feature on Google Maps, which displays public transport options including train and bus routes.

Bangkok airport transfer

Enjoy easy transfers to your hotel from the airport (or vice-versa). Travel time by car should take around 40 minutes.

See discounts

How to get to Bangkok city center from Suvarnabhumi Airport by train/public transport

Follow the signs to the Airport Rail Link (ARL) station found at the basement level.

To Khao San Road : Ride the ARL train to Paya Thai station. Travel time is 26 minutes. The discount train fare online is THB 40. From Paya Thai station, ride Bus #59, #503 or #2 and drop off at the stop just after Democracy Monument. Bus fare is THB 15 per person. Then, walk 30 meters down to Khao San Road.

To Siam : Ride the ARL train to Paya Thai station. Change to BTS line / Walk to Ratchathewi BTS station. Ride the train to Siam station.

To Hua Lamphong : Ride the ARL train to Makkasan station. Change to MRT line / Walk to Phetchaburi MRT station. Ride the train to Hua Lamphong station. MRT train fare is THB 29 per person.

Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket

The cheapest and fastest way to Bangkok city center. The one-way discount fare online is THB 40. The regular fare is THB 45. Click below to book the fare discount.

1000 am: Bangkok hotel check-in

Stay in Central Bangkok, near BTS/MRT train stations, within the areas of Siam, Silom, Sukhumvit, or Hua Lamphong, Khao San Road or Chao Phraya Riverside.

Cheapest rates Best reviews

1030 am: Free time

Bangkok can get quite hot during midday hours. Here are some suggestions on places you can go in Bangkok. Choose one that suits the kind of places you want to see: (1) Jim Thompson House, (2) Bangkok mall or (3) Wat Saket (Golden Mount temple), Giant Swing & Wat Suthat.

Jim Thompson House  — For culture lovers. Houses the impressive art collection of Jim Thompson, an American expat famous for revitalizing the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. The site also features traditional Thai-style houses surrounded by cool greeneries.

Bangkok mall  — You’d want to go here not only for shopping & air-conditioning, most shopping malls in the city also have large food courts that serve a variety of affordable Thai food. Top picks include Siam Paragon, Central World & Platinum Mall.

Wat Saket (Golden Mount temple), Giant Swing & Wat Suthat  — If the heat is bearable and you want to maximize your sightseeing in Bangkok, these are excellent places to explore near the Grand Palace and Khao San Road.

0130 pm: Start Grand Palace and Bangkok temples tour

See Bangkok’s famous Grand Palace and interesting temples nearby. Don’t miss Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and Wat Pho (Temple of the Giant Reclining Buddha).

Old Bangkok tour packages

In case you want to enjoy a convenient way to explore Bangkok, click below to book a package tour with transport + guide

0130 pm: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Admission/entrance fee is THB 500 per person. Remember to wear appropriate clothing. Women can wear a dress/short at least down to the knees or long trousers, and a top that covers the shoulders. Men need to wear long pants. No long shorts allowed. Covered footwear is advised, but not required. Don’t fret too much about it because you can rent clothes if the guards find yours inappropriate.

0330 pm: Wat Pho (Giant Reclining Buddha Temple)

Admission/entrance fee is THB 100 per person. This temple is within walking distance from the Grand Palace.

0430 pm: Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)

Admission/entrance fee is THB 100 per person. To get there from Wat Pho, walk to Tha Tien pier & ride the local ferry to Wat Arun. The ferry costs THB 3 per person.

0530 pm: Sunset at Bangkok riverside

Go on the ferry back to the other side of the river. Enjoy some rest & watch the sunset at the riverside bars/restaurants with a good view of Wat Arun.

0700 pm: Bangkok at night

Bangkok is just as exciting if not more after sundown. Here are some ideas for your last night in Bangkok. Your itinerary will depend on what you like to do.

Chao Phraya River Cruise

Have a sumptuous dinner while enjoying the night views of the city on one of the Chao Phraya River cruises.

Bangkok rooftop bar

Drink & dine at Bangkok’s famous rooftop bars. The best places are: Vertigo – Banyan Tree, Sky Bar, Octave Rooftop Bar, Park Society – Sofitel, Three Sixty – Millennium Hilton & more.

Bangkok dinner buffet

Enjoy a buffet with a view like at Baiyoke Sky Restaurant, on a river cruise, or while watching a cultural show.

Watch a show

Enjoy a performance live on stage. Popular options include the Siam Niramit theatrical performance, Muay Thai show, cabaret song and dance show, or traditional Thai cultural show.

Enjoy a relaxing massage

Bangkok at night (more options).

Explore the  nightlife in Silom, Sukhumvit & Khao San Road .

See the infamous show in  Patpong .

Go  mall shopping in Siam . Check out Siam Paragon, Central World, MBK, Gaysorn & Platinum Mall. You can also find cheap bargains at the Pratunam night market

Stroll & shop at  Asiatique Riverfront Mall . Home of the famous Calypso Cabaret show

Day 2:  Beyond Bangkok

0830 am: ayutthaya day tour.

The Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient temple ruins & famous Buddha statues. It’s one of my favorite places to visit near Bangkok!

Travel time between Bangkok and Ayutthaya is around 1h30m to 2 hours. You can choose to go on a (1) DIY trip to Ayutthaya or (2) join a day tour from Bangkok. Both are excellent options. The better choice depends on whether you prefer to explore Ayutthaya on your own or going with a guided experience with hassle-free transport included.

Ayutthaya day tour packages from Bangkok

Click below and choose a join-in tour inclusive of air-conditioned transport, professional guide & temple entrance fees.

0830 am: Floating Markets day tour

This is the most popular day tour from Bangkok! Visit the floating markets if you want to see a more varied mix of scenery, aside from temples and city sights.

If you are traveling in a group, I recommend that you hire your own transport so that you can maximize your sightseeing. Or, go with a join-in tour with hassle-free transport from Bangkok included.

Floating Markets day tour packages from Bangkok

Book a full day tour if you want to visit more sites in addition to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The half-day tour is an good option if you prefer a shorter day trip and want to prioritize more time in Bangkok.

0930 pm: Bangkok at night

Extend your trip in thailand.

See more Thailand blogs & guides

LEG 2:  CAMBODIA

Day 3:  thailand to cambodia, 0800 am: bangkok to siem reap bus.

The land journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap spans a bit over 400 kilometers. Travel time by bus is around 9 hours. It’ll eat up the better part of your day. To avoid time lost changing buses & potential scams at the book direct transfers that include the border crossing, with a reputable company.

Reputable bus companies include Giant Ibis, which offers pickup in Khao San Road, and Transport Co. (Nattakan), which departs from the Morchit (Mochit) / Northern Thailand Bus Station. You also have the option of booking from your hotel/hostel if you want to enjoy pickup directly from there. Or, book online to avoid fully-booked buses and guarantee a seat in your preferred bus schedule.

Bangkok to Siem Reap bus tickets

The bus fare is around USD 23-31 per person per way. Click below to see current prices, bus schedules & online booking.

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It’s important to arrive at the pickup point 30 minutes to 1 hour before departure time. Carefully check the schedule, pick-up and drop-off areas.

Also, always remember that Pinoys enjoy Visa-free travel in Cambodia. Do not believe anyone who says that you have to pay to cross the border.

0500 pm: Siem Reap arrival & hotel check-in

Stay in Siem Reap central area, near Pub Street, at Siem Reap riverside or Charles De Gaulle boulevard.

0600 pm: Siem Reap at night

Siem Reap isn’t just a gateway to Angkor, it has its own exciting attractions too. Scroll down for top things to do in Siem Reap at night.

Experience the cosmopolitan nightlife along Siem Reap’s infamous backpacker district.

Siem Reap night markets

Taste Cambodian street food & go shopping at the night markets.

Siem Reap shows

Enjoy a traditional Khmer Apsara dance, usually packaged with a filling dinner buffet, or one of the many show performances in Siem Reap.

Indulge in a relaxing spa/massage

Day 4:  siem reap + angkor temples, 0500 am: start angkor temples tour.

The long land travel will be all worth it after you get to see Angkor Wat and other temple ruins in the Ancient City of Angkor. With a 1-day tour from Siem Reap, you can already see most of the major temples. Greet the sunrise at Angkor Wat and spend the whole day exploring other must-see sights in the ancient city including Ta Phrom, the “tomb raider” temple, Bayon and sunset on the top of Phnom Bakheng.

On a short visit, I recommend that you follow the standard “Little Circuit” route. It’s the most popular tour that includes the most impressive temples.

Angkor Wat entrance fee

One Day admission ticket  — USD 37 per person.

3-Day admission ticket  — USD 62 per person.

7-Day admission ticket  — USD 72 per person.

Join-in or private tour package  — Join-in tours are best suited for solo travelers who are looking to share the cost of transport/guide. The itinerary typically includes the 3 major temples: Angkor Wat, Bayon & Ta Phrohm. Click below to check join-in and private tour prices, discounts & itinerary schedule.

Private tuk-tuk / car charter  — If you are traveling in a group, you can hire your own tuk-tuk, private car or motodop (motorcycle taxi). Getting a transport charter is recommended if you want to maximize your sightseeing from sunrise to sundown.

Motorbike / bicycle rental  — Cost-effective option if you want to go on your own. Take note, the temples are spread across a large area. Going by push bicycle can be quite tiring and unbearably hot, especially if you are not conditioned to traveling long distances & the heat.

0530 am: Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is located 7 kilometers away from Siem Reap city center. Travel time is around 20 minutes by car/tuk-tuk. To see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, I suggest that you depart from your hotel at 5 am or earlier.

Travel hack : The sunrise time varies depending on the time of year. Before you go, make sure to check your weather app or search “Siem Reap sunrise time” on Google.

Ancient city of Angkor

Temples and ancient sites to visit beyond Angkor Wat

The major spots are marked with an *asterisk:

Prasat Kravan

Banteay Kdei

Chau Say Tevoda

Angkor Thom West Gate

Phimeanakas

*Angkor Thom South Gate

0500 pm: Sunset at Phnom Bakheng

Only around 300 people are permitted to go up Phnom Bakheng temple at a time. During the peak tourist season, best to arrive earlier at around 4 pm.

0700 pm: Siem Reap at night

1030 pm: siem reap to phnom penh night bus.

The 460-kilometer land journey from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam takes around 13 hours. Although shuttles are faster, I recommend that you take the more comfortable bus.

Consider checking out of your hotel/hostel before going on your tour of Angkor to avoid being charged an extra night. Most places will let you keep your bag/luggage at the concierge for free, even after checking out.

Siem Reap to Phnom Penh bus tickets

The bus fare is USD 10-15 per person. Click below to see current prices, bus schedules & online booking.

Day 5:  Phnom Penh

0600 am: phnom penh arrival and half-day city tour.

While you are in Phnom Penh, might as well go to some of the city’s famous tourist spots, which are near most bus stations. Allow 3 to 4 hours for your quick tour of Phnom Penh.

Places to visit in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Riverside

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda  — Admission fee is USD 10 per person.

Cambodia National Museum  — Admission fee is USD 10 per person.

Central Market

Extend your trip in Cambodia

See more Cambodia blogs & guides

LEG 3:  VIETNAM

Cambodia to vietnam, 1230 nn: phnom penh to ho chi minh bus.

Travel time from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam is usually 6 to 7 hours. Go with a reputable bus company like Giant Ibis, Mekong Express or Capitol Tours. The trip from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap passes through the immigration border gates in Bavet (Cambodia side) and Moc Bai (Vietnam side).

Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh bus ticket

The bus fare is USD 13-20 per person. Click below to see current prices, bus schedules & online booking.

0700 pm: Ho Chi Minh arrival

Drop-off at District 1, the main tourist/hotel/backpacker district of Ho Chi Minh. It’s a fairly small area that’s easy to explore on foot.

Vietnam Internet SIM card / WIFI hotspot

Choose pick-up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Ho Chi Minh hotel check-in

Stay in District 1, near Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Pham Ngu Lao or Bui Vien street.

Ho Chi Minh at night

Head to Nguyen Hue Walking Street for a scenic evening stroll. If you’re not ready to call it a night, enjoy cool drinks & sweeping views from one of many rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 6:  Beyond Ho Chi Minh

0730 am: mekong delta river cruise / chu chi tunnels.

One of the best things to do for your full day in Ho Chi Minh is to go on an excursion outside the city. Book a tour package for hassle-free trips.

Day tour packages from Ho Chi Minh

Join a trip to Mekong Delta, Chu Chi tunnels or a full day tour covering both places.

0600 pm: Ho Chi Minh at night

Day 7:  ho chi minh highlights, 0800 am: old saigon & ho chi minh museums.

Start the day right with Vietnamese breakfast and coffee/tea at the local market or street side stalls. Then, see the city’s surviving French-colonial heritage sites and museums that offer insight into the war-time history/independence movement of the country. Most of Ho Chi Minh’s top sights are located near each other & can be easily visited on a whole or half day walking tour.

Places to visit & things to do in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Saigon Norte-Dame Basilica

Saigon Central Post Office

Reunification Palace — VND 15,000 admission fee per adult.

War Remnants Museum — VND 15,000 admission fee per adult.

Saigon’s Lunch Lady

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh tour packages

In case you want to enjoy a convenient way to explore Ho Chi Minh, click below to book a hassle-free package tour with transport + guide

Saigon Skydeck

Enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from Bitexco Financial Tower, Ho Chi Minh’s tallest building.

Saigon Skydeck admission ticket

The entrance fee is VND 200,000 per adult.

Book online

0600 pm: Ho Chi Minh Airport transfer

Flights arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is around 45 minutes away from Ho Chi Minh city center by car. You can go with a convenient private transfer/taxi or the more affordable airport shuttle/bus.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh Airport by bus

Ride Bus #109, which has a stop at Pham Ngu Lao street in District 1. The fare is VND 20,000 per person. This route operates from 5:30 am until 1:30 am. You can also go on Bus #49, which also passes by Pham Ngu Lao & popular hotel areas beyond. The fare is VND 40,000 per person. The cheapest way to the airport is via Bus #152, which departs from the bus station near Ben Thanh. This route only runs until 6 pm. The fare is VND 5,000 per person

Ho Chi Minh Airport private transfer/taxi

Taxi metered rates range from VND 150,000-170,000 from District 1 to the airport. You can also use Grab ride-hailing app or pre-book a private transfer online.

0700 pm: Ho Chi Minh Airport arrival

Ho Chi Minh to Manila flight & itinerary

Clear Vietnam immigration checkpoint.

0100 pm — ETD Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh to Manila flight.

0145 am — ETA Manila-NAIA Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

Clear Philippine immigration checkpoint.

Extend your trip in Vietnam

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 7 days and 6 nights (7D6N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. As you know, actual budgets/expenses may be different depending on many factors including personal traveling styles, time of visit, etc. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and extra activities, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your estimated budget.

Can you travel cheaper?  The entrance fee + tour/transport to Angkor Wat alone takes up a huge chunk of the total budget. It’s expensive, yes. You can easily achieve a budget of less than USD 40 per day if you skip the attractions completely… DON’T! because they are really worth the price.

The most popular place to stay for budget travelers is Khao San Road area. It is an easy base to explore  Bangkok  & beyond because of many hostels, travel agencies & transport options that can be found here.

Want better views & comfort? Try the mid-range & luxury hotels on the Chao Phraya Riverside.

If you’re after the exciting shopping scene in  Bangkok , stay near the BTS/MRT train stations preferably in the area of Siam, Silom, Sukhumvit, or Hua Lamphong BTS station. A big advantage of staying nearby is fast access to Suvarnabhumi Airport (via the airport express), and major transport hubs like Morchit (Mochit)-Northern  Thailand  Bus Station & Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

Check discounts See rates

Click below to compare rates on Bangkok hotels within your budget.

Top-rated places to stay in Bangkok

Shangri-La Hotel

Splurge / Bangrak Riverside

lebua at State Tower

Splurge / Silom

Casa Nithra

Mid-Range / Khao San

SSIP Boutique Dhevej

Budget / Khao San

Been Hostel Ratchathewi

Budget / Siam

Inn Stations Hostel

Budget Backpacker / Siam

Nacorn Hostel

Budget Backpacker / Khao San

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.com Airbnb Agoda

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

You can find most of the budget hotels and backpackers hotels near the night markets/Pub Street in  Siem Reap  city center/central area. Meanwhile, high-end hotels are located along Charles De Gaulle, the main road leading to Angkor Wat. For peaceful yet accessible hotels & guesthouses, there are plenty along the banks of  Siem Reap  river.

Click below to compare rates on Siem Reap hotels within your budget.

Top-rated places to stay in Siem Reap

Splurge / Central

Riversoul Residence

Khmer Mansion

Mid-Range / Central

Diamond D’Angkor

Golden Butterfly Villa

Budget / Central

Onederz Hostel

Budget Backpacker / Central

Lub d Cambodia

The main tourist area in  Ho Chi Minh  is District 1. It’s the best place to stay if you want a convenient location near top tourist spots, restaurants, shopping & nightlife.

District 1 is packed with hotels & hostels that cater to any budget.

Most low-cost places & affordable hostels can be found in the area of Pham Ngu Lao & Bui Vien streets, the backpacker district of  Ho Chi Minh .

Meanwhile, excellent mid-range and luxury hotels are located near the riverside & Nguyen  Hue  Walking Street.

Click below to compare rates on Ho Chi Minh hotels within your budget.

Top-rated places to stay in Ho Chi Minh

Cinnamon Boutique Hotel

Splurge / Le Thi Rieng, District 1

Tripwriter Hotel

Splurge / Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

Hotel Nikko Saigon

Splurge / Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1

Liberty Central Saigon

Splurge / Pasteur Street, District 1

Caravelle Saigon Hotel

Splurge / Lam Son Square, District 1

Hotel Majestic Saigon

Splurge / Dong Khoi Street, District 1

Rex Hotel Saigon

Splurge / Nguyen Hue, District 1

Nguyen Shack Saigon

Mid-Range / Ben Thanh , District 1

Phan Anh Backpackers

Budget / Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

Son Tung Hotel

Budget / De Tham Street, District 1

Phuc Khanh Hotel

Budget / Yersin, District 1

La Hostel Saigon

Budget / Nguyen Thai Hoc, District 1

Indochina Travel Tips Before You Go

Do i need a visa, how to cross the border between thailand-cambodia-vietnam, what bus company to go with, where to book bus tickets online, useful travel apps & websites for indochina, how to get mobile internet, how to get money/cash, how to book cheap flights to indochina, should i book my indochina hotel online, pre-book your indochina tours & attraction tickets online.

Filipinos (Philippine passport holders) do not need to apply for a tourist visa before arriving in all three countries featured on this itinerary.

Pinoy travelers can enjoy Visa-free travel in Thailand for stays of 30 days or less. There’s a maximum of 2 visits annually if arriving by land. Don’t worry because you’ll only be crossing once.

For Cambodia and Vietnam, the maximum stay is 21 days.

If anyone tells you that you need to pay anything when crossing the border, insist that Filipinos are not required to apply for a tourist visa and refuse their offer. Walk straight to the official immigration booths at the checkpoint. Before leaving, carefully check the new stamp on your passport & make sure that the validity date indicated is past your last day in the country.

Go with a reputable bus company, which will provide a representative that will guide you through the border crossing process.

Upon reaching the border, in Thailand, for example, you will need to clear the Thailand immigration checkpoint and get the exit stamp on your passport.

Then, get off the bus and walk to the Cambodia side of the border. Do not leave important things on the bus. Also, take a picture of the bus no./plate no. and ask the bus driver/representative if it’s the same bus that will take you to Siem Reap. If yes, it’s okay to leave your big luggage. Just bring your valuables with you.

At the Cambodia side, line up for the immigration checkpoint, get an entry stamp and look for the onward bus to Siem Reap.

Expect the same procedure when crossing between Cambodia and Vietnam.

The process above only applies to “direct” buses.

Giant Ibis is quite reliable. They offer direct bus transfers between Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh & Ho Chi Minh. The bus fare is a couple of dollars more expensive than competitors, but you’re assured of a safe and comfortable ride. This will be especially appreciated during the border crossings where scams are commonplace.

Transport Co. (Nattakan) is also a good option for the Bangkok-Siem Reap route.

Go with Capitol Tours or Mekong Express for bus travel between Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh.

There are also cheaper buses (not as well maintained as the options above) and shuttles (faster but less leg room/comfort). You can book these directly with your hotel/hostel. Upside is that they typically provide free hotel pick-up. Downside is that you won’t be sure of the quality of the bus company.

Pick a booking site below that offers the best rates, schedule & comfort. Buy your tickets ahead to avoid fully-booked seats.

12go.asia Klook BookMeBus

Google Maps  — Remember to download the offline maps before you go to access the map even if you don’t have mobile data.

Use the directions feature if you plan to get around Indochina on your own. I love this feature because I often like to wander around places that I visit & see the sights on foot. The directions on Google Maps is also super useful because it displays train & bus routes in Indochina. It only works online, so you will need internet access.

Maps.me  — Excellent Google Maps alternative that automatically saves offline maps.

Grab  — I use this reliable ride-hailing app frequently as an alternative to taking the taxi. To see the fare estimates, click below to install the app on your phone & manually set the location to in Indochina. Take note of the prices displayed for your pre-trip budget plan.

Get Grab for iOS Android

XE Currency  — Free & easy currency converter.

Google Translate  — Very useful when communicating with locals who do not understand/speak English.

Agoda  &  Booking.com  — My go-to for convenient hotel bookings & cheap rates. For home/apartment rentals, check listings on Airbnb .

Skyscanner  &  Momondo  — These top flight search apps make it super easy to compare airfares from multiple airlines. Download the app & sign-up to the price alerts for updates on cheap flights.

Get Skyscanner for iOS Android

TripAdvisor  — Great for restaurant reviews & recommendations. One of the features that I use often is the “cheap eats” filter & the map view.

Go to website

Stay connected online by purchasing a local prepaid SIM card, renting a pocket WiFi hotspot or getting a roaming data plan from your current telcom provider. Having mobile internet not only makes it possible to share your travel moments instantly, you can also travel better by having access to all your favorite travel apps.

Click below to view internet/mobile data package rates & discounts on:

Bring cash in US Dollars (USD) for the whole trip. Or, major currencies like Euros or British Pounds. Don’t exchange a lot at the airport because rates are the city center are usually better.

To avoid bringing large amounts of cash or worry about exchange rates, book your accommodations, tours, & tickets online.

The Philippine Peso has terrible exchange rates in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. I suggest that you bring cash in USD (or any major currency). Or simply withdraw local currency from an ATM. Before you go, make your ATM card (with Visa / Mastercard / Cirrus logo) is cleared for international withdrawal.

Here are the local currencies for your reference:

Thailand —  Thai Baht  (THB / ฿)

Cambodia —  US Dollar  is the unofficial second currency. It’s accepted almost everywhere in the country & the exchange rate you will get is quite fair. Officially it’s Cambodia Riel (KHR / ៛) but you don’t need to worry about exchanging money to riel.

Vietnam —  Vietnamese Dong  (VND / ₫)

If you are flying to within the next 2-3 months, the general rule to spend less on flights is by booking sooner rather than later. In case you are booking well ahead of your trip, keep a lookout for airline promo fares & seat sales.

The easy way to find cheap flights that you can book right now is to use flight search engines. These sites compare prices on different airlines to show you the cheapest prices. Check multiple flight search engines listed below:

Always check promo fares before booking. Visit the airlines’ official website, mobile app, Facebook, Twitter & other social media accounts for updates.

You can also check the latest promo alerts posted here on Detourista. Click below to start:

Bangkok Promo

Siem Reap Promo

Ho Chi Minh Promo

AirAsia Promo

Cebu Pacific Promo

Philippine Airlines Promo

Scoot Promo

Subscribe to the email alerts to save time from checking many websites frequently.

Get FREE promo updates sent directly by email. Don’t miss the next one!

To learn more, visit the guide on  how to book cheap flights .

Book your stay sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms tend to get fully-booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

I frequently book my stay with the sites below to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy hassle-free trips. Click below to see today’s lowest prices.

Here top reasons why I prefer to book online & why you should too:

Wide selection of hotels/hostels.

Often cheaper prices than walk-in rates. Earn rewards points for every booking. The more you book, the more you earn!

Trusted by millions of travelers. Read reviews from actual staying guests.

Instant confirmation and free cancellation on most properties.

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies. Convenient & secure payment by credit card or Paypal.

Fast customer support.

I often book online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during my actual trip. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on these booking sites:

Prices are often cheaper than booking on-site. Huge discounts on many activities.

Maximize your trip! Avoid wasting time queueing at ticket booths & shopping for tours.

Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.

Earn rewards points for every booking.

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies.

If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling with family/friends to lock-in those open slots for everyone in your group.

Extra travel discounts!

Click below to view the latest promo codes. Enjoy extra savings on top of existing discounts:

Klook Promo

5 Days Indochina Itinerary

Yes, 5 days in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam is doable. The trip will be rushed & exhausting especially if you’re not used to fast-paced travel. I’ve met many travelers who have done & enjoyed a trip regardless. The five day Indochina itinerary is quite popular among travelers who want to maximize their long weekend vacation leave. You can still use the 1 week itinerary above as a general guide. Simply, take out the full-day excursions beyond Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh. Here’s a summary of the 5 day itinerary covering Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Vietnam:

2 Weeks Indochina Itinerary

If you have two weeks, one month or more, here are more places you can include in your itinerary:

Vietnam  — Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Dalat, Nha Trang

Cambodia  — Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville

Thailand  — Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, Ko Samui/Ko Tao/Ko Phangan

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Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your Indochina experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on: Instagram , Facebook & Pinterest .

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July 8, 2017 at 12:44 pm

Very well informed blog. Thank you for sharing :) I’ll be going there this December. This helps me in planning my itinerary. GodBless ??

July 11, 2017 at 5:56 pm

Thanks for being the first to comment L.A.! Happy trip :)

August 23, 2017 at 7:36 am

Thank you for the details! This will be very helpful for my getaway soon… If I may ask, what is the best month to do this trip? Thanks in advance & keep blogging!

August 23, 2017 at 11:40 pm

Thanks for the nice comment Joy.

I’d go for the cool “berr” months, January & February. Except for super peak days/major holidays like Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, etc…

August 25, 2017 at 6:40 am

January or February will be perfect! Gonna take that well-deserved leave ;)

August 27, 2017 at 1:40 pm

I did thailand-cambodia-vietnam overland tour for 7 days but really wished I had more time.i didnt expect the bus from siem reap to hcm to take so long so it only gave me 1 & a half day to tour around hcm.neverthless it was fun since it was my first travel abroad.good for you if u can do it in just 5 days.

September 4, 2017 at 4:30 pm

Hi! Your blog’s very helpful for our itinerary.. can i ask if what did you do with your things while on day tour at Phnom Penh?

September 4, 2017 at 11:22 pm

I’ve posted the suggestions on the “Show more” buttons. For a short tour of Phnom Penh, check out:

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda Cambodia National Museum Central Market

These three are located along Phnom Penh riverside, near most bus terminals

November 9, 2017 at 3:36 pm

This is very helpful. I’m planning to go for indochina tour with my sister this 2018. Thanks alot.

All the best

November 17, 2017 at 10:05 pm

Happy trails Pamela :)

December 25, 2017 at 9:29 pm

Good day sir, may I ask if is this the same process if my trip start from Vietnam to Cambodia to Thailand?

December 26, 2017 at 1:13 am

Yes, it’s the same.

Just keep this in mind: When you’re crossing by land to Thailand, the Thai immigration has a policy that you must present a minimum of THB 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 per family at the border. This “show money” can be in cash & in any popular currency. If the immigration offer tells you that your cash must be in THB, insist that their website states the money can be in any “equivalent” currency. You can check this page for more info.

January 23, 2018 at 4:22 pm

Hi! Thank you so much for this itinerary. I have to say this is so far the most informative itinerary I’ve read. Thank you so much on taking time to be very informative as possible.

March 12, 2018 at 1:14 pm

Hi! Should I bring USD or would it be better to withdraw from the ATM? I’ll be in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia for 12 days.

March 12, 2018 at 4:20 pm

I find it easier to withdraw from ATMs when I travel, but I usually bring USD in case of emergency.

March 28, 2018 at 11:42 pm

hello Marcos, me and my boyfriend is planning for our first ever international tour together. this will be a big help for us to visit this 3countries in our 2nd anniv. I just want to ask if we could have a city tour when we arrive there?

March 29, 2018 at 9:24 am

Cool :) Which city do you mean?

April 12, 2018 at 10:02 am

If i go by bus, if i happened to run out of usd, can i withraw from my debit card before i show them my money? Do they have atm’s there?

April 12, 2018 at 10:51 am

I’m not sure if there are ATMs at the border (though you’re likely to find one nearby). I recommend that you already have money in hand at the border. If you are on a direct bus/shuttle transfer, you might inconvenience the other passengers if you go looking for ATMs.

April 13, 2018 at 12:47 am

All of the above :)

Is it possible to extend our trip by ending at Malaysia via bus from Vietnam?

April 13, 2018 at 2:35 pm

All of the above :) hihi

is this possible? Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam-Malaysia?

April 17, 2018 at 5:54 pm

Hi Mary, if you’re going to travel from Vietnam all the way to Malaysia BY LAND, you will need to pass through Cambodia and Thailand (again).

I HIGHLY suggest that you fly from Ho Chi Minh to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Flying will be cheaper and much much much faster. It will probably take you at least two days to go from Ho Chi Minh to Kuala Lumpur by bus.

If you really want to go by land. You should start from Vietnam, pass through Cambodia, then Thailand. Finally, travel south to Malaysia.

January 6, 2019 at 9:48 am

Hi , This itenerary is so helpful for us thank you so much …

Just want to ask how many days are applicable to travel from this country and also malaysia and singapore? Over all 5 country’s, because were planning our trip on march to april and hopefully 5 country will do…

January 10, 2019 at 4:31 am

I posted Singapore + Malaysia itineraries here:

https://www.detourista.com/guide/singapore/ https://www.detourista.com/guide/kuala-lumpur-trip/

You can add the number of days :) How long exactly will depend on places / attractions you want to fit in your itinerary.

May 29, 2018 at 7:20 am

Instead og Bangkok shopping mall for day 3 Indochina 1 week itinerary, do you have any recommendations to visit?

June 4, 2018 at 10:07 pm

I posted more tips on the Bangkok travel guide .

June 14, 2018 at 8:36 pm

We’ll use this guide for our first family trip outside PH. Thanks for putting it together.

July 12, 2018 at 5:39 pm

Good day. Do you think there will be a problem for transgender people for this tour?

July 15, 2018 at 5:59 pm

I believe it won’t be a problem. In Thailand, for example, local transgender people are popularly called “Lady Boys.” Transgender people are generally accepted/norm in Thai society.

July 16, 2018 at 8:42 pm

Hi! i booked from PH to Cambodia then return flight is from Cambodia to PH, plano ko sana magpunta din ng Thailand, is that possible? Makakabalik pa ba ko ng Cambodia ?

July 29, 2018 at 1:59 am

Yes, you can travel from Cambodia to Thailand and back to Cambodia. Depends on how long your trip is. If it’s 3 days, I suggest you just stick to Cambodia. 5 days, possible but half of your trip will be spent on the bus rides, which I don’t recommend. 7 days or more is doable. Kindly read the guide for travel time details.

July 26, 2018 at 1:24 pm

Hi. I read your indochina article and was wondering if it’s not scary to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh during night. Also, the bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Min, will it automatically stop at the border for the immigration process? And my ate and I are both Philippine passport holders, what should we bring at the Cam – Viet border? Thanks!

July 29, 2018 at 1:54 am

Hey Aira, nothing specifically dangerous traveling that bus route at night. Go with a reputable company like Giant Ibis to be safe. As always, take general precautions when you travel anywhere. If you buy a bus ticket with pickup in PP & drop off in HCMC, yes, the bus will stop at the border. Then, the driver to someone will let you finish clearing the immigration. At the other side, you take the same bus company to HCMC.

I’ve already posted tips on bus companies and where to book. Kindly review the guide above. You can also check these guides: https://www.detourista.com/guide/ho-chi-minh-trip/ https://www.detourista.com/guide/siem-reap-trip/

September 6, 2018 at 7:08 am

hi, I will be doing the same trip as yours. I mean, travelling from Bangkok to Siem reap to Phnom penh to Ho Chi Minh city via giant ibis bus. I am a filipino. I am just wondering about the visa thing going to Vietnam. Do I need to get such before jumping pn a bus? I am confused. Hope you can help me.

September 19, 2018 at 1:46 am

No prior visa needed po for Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam. Just get on the bus and show the immigration officers your passport.

September 6, 2018 at 12:06 pm

hello. I am a filipino and will be travelling from Bangkok to Siem reap by plane. Siem reap to Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh by bus and Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok by plane. What do I need to prepare as I enter the Vietnam immigration by land? Please help me. Thank you!

September 19, 2018 at 1:48 am

Passport & typical docs to prepare po. You may want to check out the Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide

September 25, 2018 at 10:56 pm

This is a very informative travel blog. I’m planning to do 2 weeks IndoChina escapade on Feb 2019. So thankful that all the details I need and things to prepare are already written. :)

January 11, 2019 at 11:52 pm

Hi Lorelyn, when on Feb is your travel? Are you in solo? I’m planning to travel Thailand-Cam bodia-Vietnam on Feb 21 onwards.

November 28, 2018 at 8:48 pm

Hi, you know what, this is very helpful. Detailed indeed. Thank you so much :)

December 31, 2018 at 7:47 pm

Hello. I would like to ask regarding money when I entered tri-city. Is it a need to bring USD and exchange to local currency everytime Ill be in the different country?

December 31, 2018 at 8:35 pm

Not necessarily USD (any major currency will do), but yes you’ll need money in the local currency… with the exception of Cambodia, since USD is widely accepted there. I usually withdraw local money from an ATM. If you’re not spending a lot in each country, however, and want to avoid bank withdrawal fees, it might be more cost-effective to just bring USD bills (or any major currency) and go to a money changer.

January 9, 2019 at 9:39 am

hi me with my friends planning to travel in thailand cambodia and singapore is there any cheapest price for this including airfair or thai,viet and cambodia tour for a week for the month of may

estimated budget for the package tour

January 10, 2019 at 4:20 am

Depends on when you’re going, how long and where you’re going. I’ve posted more guides and budget estimates for those countries. Hope you can check them out:

https://www.detourista.com/promo/place/thailand/ https://www.detourista.com/promo/place/cambodia/ https://www.detourista.com/promo/place/vietnam/

February 15, 2019 at 4:02 pm

Hi Marcos my friend and i will be at thailand by june 20-25 were planning to cross cambodia & thailand is it possible

February 15, 2019 at 5:06 pm

Yes of course!

You can still use the itinerary above as a guide. If you’re not visiting Vietnam, you can either fly out from Siem Reap/Phnom Penh or go by land/air back to Bangkok.

March 20, 2019 at 11:01 am

This is helpful and very detailed itinerary. May I ask if there’s direct bus from Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok? My plan is to skip Cambodia so I have plenty time of both country.

March 26, 2019 at 10:00 pm

Hi Alvin! If you’re skipping Cambodia, I recommend that you book a direct flight instead of traveling by bus.

March 22, 2019 at 12:46 am

Hi! This iti is very detailed! ? We are going to use it for our Indochina trip this December 1-7.

Question: 1. While you are on your half day city tour in Phnom Pehn where did you leave your luggage? 2. Is it cheaper to do DIY or get tours via Klook?

March 26, 2019 at 1:35 am

Thank you for sharing this itinerary. I’m planning to visit Indochina this August but from Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand route. Is there any direct bus trip from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap without stopping in Phom Penh?

March 26, 2019 at 9:56 pm

Not that I know of. You can check the booking sites if there are any direct buses available.

April 21, 2019 at 12:53 pm

thanks for sharing., a big help for us planning to visit those places.God bless

June 6, 2019 at 12:39 pm

Hi ! Just wanna ask. Aside from the passport what other documents do we need to carry?

June 13, 2019 at 2:54 am

Hi Divina Mae, I recommend that you also bring your hotel bookings, tour bookings, and especially your return flight.

August 21, 2019 at 3:23 pm

Hello! How much do you think it would cost us if we avail of the 1 week Indochina Itinerary? ( Thailand , Cambodia , Vietnam ? )

September 27, 2019 at 12:02 am

Hi Esmie. You can check the budget guide above for reference.

October 2, 2019 at 6:34 pm

I want to travel tricity Thailand Cambodia and vietnam on 2020 I am in Dubai right now how can I avail that tri city package

October 2, 2019 at 6:52 pm

Hi Leila, this is a travel blog, not a tour agency that offers travel packages. You can use the travel tips above as a reference when planning your Indochina trip.

October 18, 2019 at 12:02 pm

Hi! I was wodering, how did you do the Siem Reap + Angkor temples? I mean, did you negotiate a tuktuk ride downtown at 5:00am then explore temples by foot? And where do you get an entrance fee? I am doing an itinerary for next year trip and I’m confused to whether book at Klook for a tuktuk ride or not because it seems that the tuktuk tour of Klook starts at 8am and does not match yours. I want to follow your itinerary; sunrise at Angkor Wat and sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Your blog is helpful, btw! Thanks!

October 22, 2019 at 2:25 pm

This itinerary is absolute bomb! Considering that each country has its own currency, do you have any tips on currency exchange? Do you do it beforehand or at the destination itself?

October 28, 2019 at 5:35 pm

What are possible problems in the Philippine immigration before going out for tour.

November 3, 2019 at 2:14 pm

How much did you spend for the Indochina tour? Like, a total cost if possible.

November 3, 2019 at 2:18 pm

In Php currency please. Thanks in advance.

November 14, 2019 at 12:40 pm

Hi Marcos :) Indeed a very informative and detailed blog :) Thank you for sharing :) My question is how many passport stamps did you had for this trip? I just wanted to collect passport stamps that’s why I’m looking for budget travels :)

November 27, 2019 at 6:14 am

Thank you so much for the very helpful and informative blog you’ve made Marcos. Keep posting and making blogs so we could have better options and choices on our trip, too. Goodluck and God bless on your next wanderlust.Keep posting?

November 27, 2019 at 11:56 am

Thanks you Mrs.Vhing! Enjoy your Southeast Asia trip :)

November 27, 2019 at 5:01 pm

Hi Detourista, do you have a sample itinerary for a 4-6 Asian countries in just 7-10 days?

November 28, 2019 at 8:18 am

Thanks for this helpful itinerary! Just wanted to ask few questions though.

1.Where did you leave your luggage when you did a half day city tour at Phnom Penh? 2. Which is more appealing, sunrise at Angkor Wat or Sunset? 3. Which country do you recommend for buying cheap souvenirs?

January 13, 2020 at 3:56 pm

how much approximately cost for indochina trip

January 26, 2020 at 2:57 pm

Hi Mr. Marcos, your detailed itinerary is very helpful..just have some query, do you think it will be fine if I’ve got a one way ticket going to Vietnam (I mean going directly to Vietnam) then travel by land going to Cambodia and then Bangkok, from Bangkok back to home country.

February 1, 2020 at 9:57 pm

Yes it’s okay

February 11, 2020 at 9:38 am

Hi! Is there a regular bus from bangkok to cambodia? Direct buses leave at 9am and we don’t have much time to tour around. We plan to leave at 12pm but will there be a bus or a shuttle? Thanks.

April 27, 2020 at 12:35 am

Hi! how did you acquire sim cards for the 3 countries? I know from thailand i can probably pick up something from the airport when I arrive. And in vietnam I know it can be delivered to our hotel and just pick it up when we check in. But how about in cambodia?

April 27, 2020 at 12:44 am

SIM cards are also available at the airport and city center shops once you arrive in Siem Reap. Just research ahead on how to get to your hotel/hostel. The staff should know a good place to buy nearby.

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Tour Information: Intended Travel Date: 23 rd Nov – 2 nd Dec 2024 Start/ End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City

Tour Highlights:

Day 1 (23rd Nov 2024) Hanoi Arrival – Welcome Dinner (D) Day 2 (24th Nov 2024) Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D) Day 3 (25th Nov 2024) Halong Bay – Hanoi – City Tour with Cyclo & Water Puppet Show (B, L) Day 4 (26th Nov 2024) Hanoi – Fly to Hue – City Tour (B, L) Day 5 (27th Nov 2024) Hue – Danang – Hoi An Walking Tour (B, L) Day 6 (28th Nov 2024) Hoi An – Free Time (B)

• Optional 01: Red Bridge Cooking Class ½ Day (Lunch) 
• Optional 02: Farming & Fishing Eco Tour (L) 
• Optional 03: Rural Villages Experience (L) 
• Optional 04: My Son Champa Kingdom for Sunset (L) 

Day 7 (29th Nov 2024) Hoi An – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L) Day 8 (30th Nov 2024) Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L, D) Day 9 (1st Dec 2024) Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L) Day 10 (2nd Dec 2024) Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)

Trip Price in USD/person: $927 (Group maximum 16 pax)

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Top 6 vietnam vacation & tour packages 2024 - 2025.

Classic Vietnam Vista – 21 Days

Tour Route: Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta

Tour Highlights

• Explore bustling Hanoi, dine in style.
• Cruise through stunning Halong Bay, sleep on cruise.
• Trek picturesque Sapa, immerse in local hill tribe culture.
• Discover historic Hue, visit Citadel, cruise Perfume River.
• Immerse in charming Hoi An, cook, explore vibrant markets.
• Experience vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, visit Cu Chi Tunnels, explore Mekong Delta.

Breathtaking Jewels of Vietnam – 16 Days

Tour Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Trang An - Sapa - Ta Phin - Bai Tu Long Bay - Ky Son - Hue - Hoi An - My Son - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City.

• Experience Hanoi's vibrant streets and dine with a Hanoi Street Foods
• Trek through stunning landscapes in Coc Ly Market and Sapa, meeting local ethnic communities along the way
• Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, visiting Thien Canh Son Vung Vieng village
• Discover the ancient Cham civilization at the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary
• Experience the vibrant city life of Ho Chi Minh City and explore the Mekong Delta

The Best of Vietnam – 12 Days

Tour Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

• Explore Dong Ngac Cultural Village on an easy cycling tour near Hanoi.
• Indulge in a food tasting tour to savor delicious street foods in Hanoi.
• Overnight cruise on a wooden junk in Halong Bay with cave visits.
• Enjoy a river cruise in Hue with a vegetarian lunch at an ancient pagoda.
• Experience a unique and fun Eco Fishing and Farming tour in Hoi An.
• Embark on an exciting Vespa scooter adventure in Saigon and explore the Mekong Delta with a night at the Mekong Eco Lodge.

The Amazing Vietnam – 10 Days

Tour Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City Vinh Long - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Tour Information

• Duration: 10 Days
• Intended Travel Date: 23 rd Nov – 2 nd Dec 2024
• Number of participants: 2 – 16 people
• Start/ End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City

Hidden Gems of Northern Vietnam – 9 Days

Tour Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Sapa - Halong Bay - Hanoi

• Immerse yourself in Hanoi's Old Quarter with a street food exploration, including a taste of the famous ''egg coffee''
• Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, Quan Thanh Temple, and the Temple of Literature.
• Explore the Bai Dinh complex, then cruise through Trang An's captivating landscapes.
• Trek to Cat Cat village and interact with local minority communities in Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Tavan.
• Enjoy a serene cruise, discover Luon Cave, and witness the bay's sunset.

Ha Giang – Rocky Plateau & Ba Be Lake Tour – 4 Days

Tour Route: Hanoi – Ha Giang - Quan Ba - Dong Van - Meo Vac - Ma Pi Leng pass - Ha Giang - Ba Be Lake - Hanoi

• Drive from Hanoi to Ha Giang, enjoying breathtaking sceneries and visiting local villages.
• Explore Quan Ba district, visit the Bo Y minority village, and ascend Lung Cu mountain for panoramic views.
• Discover the majestic Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and stroll around Dong Van town.
• Take a boat trip on Ba Be Lake, visit Puong Cave, and admire Dau Dang waterfall.

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Top 6 Vietnam Vacation & Indochina Travel Packages

Indochina Soft Adventure Tour – 24 Days

Tour Route: Hanoi - Sapa - Halong - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Pakse - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

• Explore Hanoi's vibrant city and iconic landmarks like Ho Chi Minh Complex and the Temple of Literature.
• Trek through stunning landscapes in Sapa, meeting local ethnic communities along the way.
• Cruise through Halong Bay's awe-inspiring limestone formations for a truly memorable experience.
• Immerse yourself in Phnom Penh's vibrant markets and historical sites.

Glamorous Indochina Tour Package – 23 Days

Tour Route: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Phu Quoc - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

• Explore the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh.
• Discover Angkor's marvels in Siem Reap: Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Wat.
• Cruise on the Mekong in Vietnam, explore Cu Chi Tunnels, and savor street food in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Uncover Hue's historic sites and vibrant food scene. Enjoy Hanoi's attractions and a Lan Ha Bay cruise.
• Immerse in Laos' traditions at Pak Ou Caves and join the Alms Giving Ceremony.

Angelic Glimpse of Vietnam & Cambodia – 18 Days

Tour Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Sapa - Halong Bay - Quang Binh - Phong Nha - Hue - Danang - Bana Hills - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Siem Reap.

• Immerse yourself in Hanoi's Old Quarter with a street food exploration and enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show
• Discover the historical sites of Hoa Lu Citadel and climb Hang Mua for a panoramic view of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh
• Trek through the stunning landscapes of Sapa and visit local villages
• Explore the magnificent Phong Nha Cave, the longest underground river in the world
• Visit Siem Reap and explore the ancient temples of Angkor, including Tonle Sap Lake

Vietnam Cambodia Vacation Packages

Vietnam & Cambodia Grand Tour – 17 Days

Tour Route: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Saigon - Siem Reap – Danang – Hoi An – Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi

• Select your own bicycle to go throughout every corner of idyllic countryside in Mekong Delta.
• Sit on Vespas to discover the most iconic of Vietnam and Cambodia.
• Discover the ancient city Angkor Thom and its far-famed temples.
• Enjoy great homestay nights at hill tribes in Sapa.
• Explore a series of stunning caves in Halong Bay.
• Join in interesting farming and boat tour in Hoi An.
• Behold the beauty of Northern Vietnam through Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Charms of Vietnam & Laos Tour – 17 Days

Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Can Tho - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

• Experience the daily life along the Mekong River, with cycling, boat rides, and visits to local workshops.
• Explore the well-preserved streets of Hoi An with a farming tour.
• Delight in street food in Hanoi, join a cooking class in Hue, and savor the iconic Pho dish.
• Cruise through Halong Bay's stunning landscapes.
• Witness sacred alms-giving, and take in the views from Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang.

The Best of Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam – Laos in 16 Days

Tour Route: Bangkok – Ayutthaya - Siem Reap - Angkor Thom - Tonle Sap Lake - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong - Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khouangsi Waterfalls – Luang Prabang

• Explore the cultural landmarks of Bangkok, including the Grand Palace and Wat Po.
• Explore ancient ruins and temples, including Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch and Wat Mahathat.
• Visit the magnificent temples of Angkor in Siem Reap.
• Wander through the charming streets of Hoi An's Old Town, visiting ancient assembly halls and museums.
• Visit the Pak Ou Caves, an ancient pilgrimage site with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images.

What Do Our Client Says on Tripadvisor

We Know You Are Unique, So We're Here To Create Unique Experiences for You

Viet Vision Travel is proudly Travel Experts Specializing in Vietnam Vacation, Indochina Travel and Beyond.

Superior from Start to Finish! Exceptional Planning

Our family had lots of fun and memories when travelling through Vietnam and Cambodia. Nha Trang is a little crowded but we love Mia Resort. We had a great time in Hoi An and Mekong Delta. Thank you for all your support during the Cambodia-Vietnam vacation packages and going out of your way to make us feel welcomed and well taken care of.

Viet Vision Travel Absolutely Outstanding!

Viet Vision Travel made my Vietnam vacation absolutely outstanding! From the moment I contacted them, I felt like I was in trustworthy hands. Their local expertise, attention to detail, and exceptional service ensured that every aspect of my journey was flawless.

Great Service

Lynn helped plan our Northern Vietnam vacation packages. She assisted in organizing our ideal cruise in Halong Bay. She was patient with us while we figured out our schedule and changed our minds more than a few times. It took over a month for our family to decide, and she was still there to help with our last-minute decisions. I will keep Viet Vision Travel in mind for any other Vietnam tours.

A Fantastic Experience Full Of Discoveries, History & Nature

Visiting Vietnam was a wonderful experience. A country far away for us. It was a great choice to rely on a group of young and very professional people, who enthusiastically took us by hand and introduced us to the wonders of the country, its people and its millenary history. 

Viet Vision Travel organized a wonderful 17-day Vietnam vacation for our family. The booking process working with Ms.Jodi was very easy and she was very informative and made some wonderful recommendations. During the tour Ms. Jodi continued to remain in contact with us to make sure everything went smoothly. Even when there were a few changes due to flight delays she was very responsive and helpful to make sure we were well looked after.

I chose Viet Vision Travel for our Vietnam vacation due to their professionalism and organizational skills in a country that can be hectic if you don’t know your way around! I took the 14-15 days trips and honestly I can’t be happier! Each guide was knowledgeable exceptionally Hung in Hoi An and Nam in Ho Chi Minh City! Each city was different on their own and each city was special to my heart. 

Vietnam is our homeland. We'll show you Vietnam, better than anyone else!

Our family had lots of fun and memories when travelling through Vietnam and Cambodia. Nha Trang is a little crowded but we love Mia Resort. We had a great time in Hoi An and Mekong Delta. Thank you for all your support during the trip and going out of your way to make us feel welcomed and well taken care of.

Lynn helped plan our Northern Vietnam vacation. She assisted in organizing our ideal cruise in Halong Bay. She was patient with us while we figured out our schedule and changed our minds more than a few times. It took over a month for our family to decide, and she was still there to help with our last-minute decisions. I will keep Viet Vision Travel in mind for any other Vietnam tours.

We Care for 6 Things of Your Vietnam Vacation

Traveling with us, every moment is treasured. Your stress-free vacation includes scenic highlights, cultural features that reveal the best of each destination. No delays and blank itineraries happen during your journey.

Your Safety

Your safety is of the utmost priority to us. Your destinations all belong to regions of political stability and guaranteed security. Our guides and drivers are picked for their personalities and years of experience.

The most excellent services at the most reasonable price is our strong commitment. If the ones you receive are not as adequate as the ones we commit, your money will be refunded in full.

Your Interests

Whether you are into art, cuisine, shopping, history, adventure or whatever, we will support you and give you freedom to customize your vacation. It may not be perfect but truly your travel of a lifetime..

Your Comfort

For your fresh mind and physical strength along the trip, we bring you tasty and nutritious meals, deep sleeps at selected brand hotels, as well as high quality means of transportation.

Your Post-Travel

You are not our strangers after your vacation. We always prepare gifts as our gratefulness to you and give you special deals for your return or people from your recommendations.

Things You Should Know Before Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam Vacation Packages

Capital city: Hanoi (population 8 million) Population: 98 million Language: Vietnamese Currency: VND Time zone: (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta Electricity outlets: Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Dialing code: +84

Capital city: Phnom Penh (population 2.5 million) Population: 17 million Language: Khmer Currency: Cambodian riel (KHR) Time zone: (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta Electricity outlets: Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Calling Code: +855

Capital city: Vientiane (population 1 million) Population: 7.5 million Language: Lao Currency: LAK Time zone: (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta Electricity outlets: Type C (European 2-pin) Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Dialing code: +856

Travel Guide & Latest News

Travel News

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Nestled in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall has earned its [...]

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Vietnam Among World’s Safest Places for Solo Female Travel by Time Out

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In the heart of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi lies a treasure trove of cultural heritage. Beyond [...]

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Cu Chi Tunnels, hailed as the sole “underground city” in Vietnam and renowned worldwide as [...]

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Indochina Heritage – Your Indochina Travel Expert

Indochina Heritage Travel Group is proud to be your travel partner Vietnam and Indochina.  With extensive destination knowledge and customized trip planning experience we are your best travel expert for this region which we call home. Contact us for your next trip to Indochina for your best travel experience.

Latest Posts

Vietnam – marvel of the far east, gastronomy in indochina.

Find Out What's Behind Our Top Ten Indochina Journeys

Below are our most sought-after tours. please go to the top menu for all tours or go further down for sic and private trips..

Vietnam On Wheels

Colonial Splendors

Far-North Expedition

Vietnam Beach Escape

Temples to the Sea

Easy Indochina

Vietnam Up-close

The Invincible Trail

Explore indochina with fascinating cruise lines, the surreal beauty of karst formation in halong bay and the peaceful rustic life scenes along the mighty mekong are magnificent backdrops for a cruiseship expedition..

Halong Mekong Cruise

Apricot 3-day Cruise

Paradise Ha Long

Bhaya Premium

The Au Co Cruise

The Exclusive Bhaya Legend Cruise in Ha Long

Bhaya Classic

Tailor your private trip with fascinating ideas, take advantage of our destination knowledge and service network and choose one of our well crafted inclusive packages for a meaningful trip with great value..

Mekong Impression

Saigon Art Scenes

Saigon Ah Oh

Saigon New Day

Tra-Nhieu Bike & Boat

Herb Village Hands-On

Dynastic Glory

Luxury Bay Cruise

Hanoi Cottage Arts

Craftsman Quarter

Contact us for Newsletter

Choose the destination just right for your vacation, below here we have picked the top 3 destinations in indochina we think one should visit at least once in his/her life. please go to the top menu for other fascinating destinations., the lost  civilzation.

Did they actually raid tombs?

Majestic architecture and splendid sculpture arts representing the mighty Khmer empire once ruling over the medieval Indochina and the Mekong basin.

Overnight  Cruise

Ever thought of a night or two off shore?

Surreal creation of nature in the form of magnificent half submerged karst pillars sprinkled off shore in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Where Time Suspends

Explore the town on foot?

Centuries old port town shared by the Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese unusually surviving fierce warfare to preserve beautiful architecture and native traditions.

Words from Our Customers

Absolutely wonderful, dear mr. son - mr. sweeney said that his weekend tours were “absolutely wonderful” and that his guide was “amazing” so thank you so much for all your time and efforts on mr. sweeney’s behalf. he loved vietnam and is happy that we have an office here.”.

By Liberty Mutual Insurance

Heartfelt sincerity

"dear hieu. your heartfelt sincerity, keen eyes and humor were most unforgetable. i would be most proud to recommend your outstanding service to my relatives and friends.".

By Raymond Cheow, Singapore

Enjoyable and different

"dear tri. you have made our trip enjoyable and different. thanks so much for your friendship and hospitality. i wish we could have enough time to visit your family in the mekong delta.".

By Morton & Judy Scott, Tennessee

Fantastic event

"dear ms. tam. first of all i like to say thank you to your and your team for a fantastic event. it was all very successful and indochina heritage have delivered the service up to our expectations. [...] we look forward to having another opportunity to work with you on a group to saigon and phu quoc as well..

By Christina C. Zarlimee

Excellent and accomodating guides

We had a wonderful time throughout the whole trip. all our local guides were excellent and accomodating. they took very good care of us and showed us the best of indochina..

By Elsa Keanen, USA

Best of all

"hi hieu. thanks so much for your friendship and hospitality during my trip in vietnam. i have been travelling to many countries in recent years but the trip to vietnam has been the best of all. the vietnamese people are amazing.".

By Dean Dawson, New York

Get Set For Your Next Indochina Trip

Hanoi: places of interest, hue & hoi an: places of interest, saigon: places of interest, corporate travel solutions, are you exempted of vietnam entry visa check with us., laos – the mountain locked country.

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Why should I choose Indochina Tour?

Everyone has a dream vacation, but to make a reality can be exhausting--searching for the right information, make the best choices on where to go and what to do.At Indochina Tour, our local travel Specialists are on the ground giving you the right recommendations to fulfill your dream travels with Indochina Tour. We are Experts in what we do.

Tour made to your needs –         Tailored to your expectations

All trips can be tailored to your scedule, interests and budget.

Saigon – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Siem Reap

Prepare for a 7-day adventure in the heart of Southeast Asia. Your journey begins in Saigon, Vietnam. Next, you'll make your way to Hanoi and set sail ...

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Siem Reap - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

Start in Siem Reap and end in Luang Prabang! This tour takes you to form fantastic Siem Reap to the remarkably relaxed capital of Vientiane, to enchanti ...

Yangon - Bagan - Inle Lake - Mandalay - Amarapura - Mandalay - Vientiane - Luang Brabang

Combing river cruise, lake discovery and overland travel, this 13 days Myanmar and Laos tour is full of surprise, which will allow you to immerse yourse ...

Hong Kong- Hanoi- Halong Bay- Siem Reap- Yangon- Bangkok- Phuket- Singapore

This tour is especially designed for travelers who want to enjoy the charm of Hong Kong before their Indochina tour. With this 14 days journey, you ...

Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi - Luang Prabang - Siem Reap

This 14-day tour brings you to venture deep into the heart of Indochina, immersing yourself in the vastly contrasting landscapes and fabulous heritage ...

Siem Reap - Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai - Bangkok

This adventure tour is designed to offer you the perfect mixture of adventure, nature and cultural history of three of the most alluring and fascinating ...

Check for more Indochina tour itinerary options.

16-20 day to explore the best of Indochina has to offer.

Vientiane - Sam Neua - Xieng Khuang - Luang Prabang - Siem Reap

This 16-day Off-the-beaten-path Laos and Cambodia tour will bring you to explore the famous cities in SEA one by one, including Vientiane, Sam Neua ...

Siem Reap- Luang Prabang- Chiang Rai- Chiang Mai- Yangon- Bagan- Inle Lake- Mandalay- Bangkok

See it as an exploration deep into the most beautiful and rewarding countries in Indochina with all the spectacular diverse wonders and the breathtaking ...

Yangon – Inle Lake – Bagan – Mandalay – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Saigon – Mekong Delta – Hoi An – Hanoi – Halong Bay - Hanoi

This more than 2 weeks’ classic itinerary is suitable for those who’d like to have a long journey. We’ll explore some specialized ...

21-30 days combining to have an in-depth discovery of multiple countries.

Hanoi-Halong Bay-Hoi An-Saigon-Mytho-Siem Reap-Luang Prabang-Chiang Rai-Golden Triangle-Chiang Mai-Yangon

This tour is especially designed for travelers who want to enjoy the charm of Singapore after their Indochina tour. With this 21 days journey, you will ...

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Siem Reap - Luang Prabang – Bangkok - Mandalay - Bagan - Inle Lake - Yangon

This epic and well-designed journey covers the five most popular countries in Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, which ...

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Mandalay - Bagan - Inle Lake - Yangon

This 30 days tour from Vietnam to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar is designed for those who want a panorama view of the best of Indochina, includin ...

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"I took a risk and it paid off. Didn't know this young company but liked how efficient they were with corresponding with me and the suggestions they made and how they conveyed their ideas. They gentle guided me where they felt I may not have made the right choice and I valued this. Staff made sure that we had the best experience, it all felt very friendly and personable. "

Jan K (Bristol, United Kingdom) Traveled to: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh Visited in Jan. 2023

"We all absolutely enjoyed our Vietnam holiday and were thrilled and surprised by the excellent service of Indochina Tours. We were thoroughly spoilt by our team of dedicated and enthusiastic guides. We would highly recommend this company and Vietnam for your next holiday destination. The food is sensational!"

Phil P (Perth, Australia) Traveled to: Vietnam Visited in Feb. 2023

Our Testimonials

We don’t just recommend based on the “best” thing but based on what’s “right” for you. Preferences, comfort, safety and your wallet are all things we consider when presenting you options. Simply contact us and we’ll get the ball rolling.

• Tell us your interests or fill out our easy travel survey, let us know the date you plan to travel and any other things you feel we should know.
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• Then just count down until your perfect vacation in Indochina begins.

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Send us an inquiry so that we can offer you an Itinerary Proposal with information and price that matches your Travel Plan. The Inquiry is FREE, and we usually response within 24 hours. You do NOT have to commit to the Proposal until you are fully satisfied.

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Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand) stories and tips from our travel experts. See more Indochina travel blog .

How to use Grab Taxi in Vietnam? Read and find out how to download the Grab app and what to pay attention to while using it.

Learn about the important festivals in Vietnam you should not miss, where Vietnam's cultures and traditions are all on full display.

Two of the most popular places to visit in Cambodia are Phnom Penh, the country’s capital, and Siem Reap, renowned as the Gateway to Angkor. Here are some transportations to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap.

How do you plan a Pattaya tour in Thailand? Learn about Pattaya, from where to stay and things you can do, to the best time to visit!

Read and find out the secrets of what to pack for Cambodia. From lightweight clothes to breathable shoes, packing lists are here to show you!

Read the article to explore the wonder of Tet Doan Ngo and write the tasty traditional food into your traveling diary.

All of the tours can be tailored for you. We consult your preferences to determine precisely how to build your dream travel.

Your safety comes first. Accompanied by licensed guides and experienced drivers, you can contact us with emergency calls during tours.

Providing afternoon snacks & unlimited cold filtered water during tours, and we are here to ensure your trip is pleasant and comfortable.

Our prices are upfront and in detail. This way, you can choose exactly what you need and remove what you are not interested in.

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• Cambodia: No.D21-23, Borey Angkor Palace, Siem Reap
• Vietnam: Level 3, 71-73 Hoang Cau Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
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• Thailand: Suite no 677, ITF Silom Palace, 160 Soi Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra 1, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok
• Myanmar: 7B2, B block 7th Floor, Yankin Center, Yankin Tsp, Yangon

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The Land of Nine Dragons

• Vietnam at a Glance
• Vietnam Tours
• Experiences
• Travel Notes
• Explore Vietnam

Anyone who has visited Vietnam will claim it one the favorite places they've ever traveled to. The landscapes, cuisine, and richness of historic sights are wonderful, but it is the Vietnamese themselves that make Vietnam such as thrilling and delightful destination. As The first American tour company to set up in Vietnam, organizing adventures trips in 1993, we have definite opinions of where to go and what to do, with your preferences in mind of course. While we'll plan your to visit must-see sights, we'll organize a primarily experiential trip devoted to wonderful people-to-people encounters throughout the country.

What's new? Actually, not so new but always better are our popular family trips which include such delightful activities as teachiing an impromptu English class in Hanoi, cycling in Hue, and learning hands-on to create lacquer paintings from one of Vietnam's most renowned artists.

Browse below for only a handful Vietnam tour ideas, where to go, along with unique tour ideas not often considered, any of which can be tailored to your preferences.

VIETNAM WITH KIDS

HALONG BAY CRUISE & KAYAK

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS

VIETNAM HONEYMOON

CULINARY VIETNAM

VIETNAM PHOTOGRAPHY

NORTHERN STOPOVER

ART ENCOUNTER VIETNAM

FRONTIERS OF VIETNAM

LUXURY VIETNAM

HILLTRIBE EXPERIENCE

VIETNAM BY PRIVATE JET

VIETNAM BICYCLE TOUR

MEKONG IN DEPTH

ANGKOR & LUANG PRABANG

Phu Quoc Island Paradise

Ready to begin planning your vietnam luxury tour, call us in san francisco at (415) 418-6800 or send us a message:.

Vietnam Family Trips

Vietnam is no longer a challenging place to travel with kids, and our Vietnam family tours that were pioneered in the early 90's mean with our long experience, local knowledge, meticulous planning, and in-country offices, your trip will not only be a smooth one, but educational, thrilling, and delightful one.

We've escorted kids of all ages on our Vietnam family tours, organizing biking, kayaking, light trekking, camping out in hilltribe villages, with unique activities such as performing with the Hanoi traiditional opera troupe, learning traditional water puppets theater from a master, and private artist encounters where your children will learn hands-on how to produce lacquer paintings in the ancient style. Our staff, and in fact you'll discover almost all Vietnamese are, "kid crazy" and your children will enjoy one of the most remarkable family trips they've ever had.

If you've traveled with Abercrombie & Kent or Butterfield & Robinson before, consider us for our geographic focus and location in Vietnam along with our unmatched experience in the country. Contact us for detailed information about a private Vietnam family adventure in Vietnam. We are honored to be an in-country partners for premier family travel companies My Little Swans and Ciao Bambino.

Our family tours will spice up your travel in the region but nowhere is more fascinating than Vietnam. We've escorted kids of all ages since 1994, organizing biking, kayaking, light trekking, camping out in hilltribe villages, with unique activities such as hands-on rice planting or learning hands-on how to create traditional lacquer guided by a leading artist. Our staff, in fact you'll discover almost all Vietnamese, are "kid crazy" and your children will enjoy one of the most remarkable trips they've ever had. Contact us for detailed information on your family's adventure in Vietnam.

"We had a fabulous trip. Thank you so much!" —Nancy Solomon, Mother to 4 & Travel Writer for CiaoBambino.com

"We went on the Vietnam Trip last year with our two boys age 8 and 11. What a great trip! We were stunned by the fantastic Vietnamese people, the wonderful views, the terrific food and the stellar way that VeloAsia assembled our trip. This was truly one of our best family vacations." —Karen and Rich Goss

Take in a bit of history just outside Saigon, where you can visit the intriguing Cu Chi Tunnels where South Vietnamese fighters lived in these underground tunnels for years during the Vietnam War, and even had doctors and stores set up under the ground. This is a sobering and educational reminder of the dangers and hardships of war. We'll also expose you to living history, meeting with fighter pilot Mr. Hong My in his Hanoi Old Quarter home to hear of his dogfights above Hanoi during the war.

For a more light-hearted trip, we'll head to the mountains in Sapa in the far north of the country. Here you can trek through emerald-green rice terraces and meet friendly local groups who still retain their unique culture and traditional ways.

If your family enjoys active travel, will love kayaking through the stunning karst landscapes of Halong Bay. Just two and a half hours outside of Hanoi is one of the world's most incredible geological settings. Here, you can paddle past towering limestone karst formations and traditional Vietnamese wooden boats. The waters are very calm here, and a pleasant for boating and kayaking with children of all ages and ability.

Read a young traveler's diary of traveling in Vietnam

Read About Mario's Iron Chef Biking Trip in Vietnam.

For Mario's 12th birthday, dad took him along on our two-week Vietnam Iron Chef trip, biking and learning hands-on about Vietnam's delicious cuisine from north to south, including cooking classes and fascinating visit the pre-dawn fish market in Nha Trang while enjoying the countryside from the vantage point of a bicycle saddle.

Best memory: " The food is awesome, my favorite!"

Duncans Vietnam Family Tour DiaryDuncan's Vietnam Diary

Read about Duncan's surprise 12th birthday Vietnam family tour during December, 2011 with his father and grandmother traveling to Hanoi through the central coast, meeting with families, local artists, exploring small villages, visiting schools, enjoying Vietnam's culinary treats along the way, not to mention an exciting white-knuckle bicycle ride in Hue across the Perfume River!

[Read more about Duncan's Vietnam Family Tour]

Indochina Travel's Unique Family Experiences in Hanoi

Vietnamese Traditonal Opera

In the Old Quarter the Hanoi Traditional Opera Troupe presents weekly shows. Enjoy a private meeting with the troupe, learning and playing traditional instruments, then being made up and costumed to act in a wonderful family production directed by the troupe’s producer and actors. Doan Thi Diem Middle School Students in HanoiIf you're traveling with children, we can organize meeting local students as ambassadors, acting as tour guides to take your family to see some of their classes such as dancing and art, while giving your children a chance to teach in an English class with students excited to learn more abut Western lifestyles but rarely meet foreign children.

We can also introduce your family to the student's, meeting their parents for an informal tea or lunch. Soccer is the sport in Vietnam and if your children like, we can arrange for them to attend a game with the students or play with the students, or a more cultural experience, traveling outside of Hanoi into the farm and river areas, sharing time fishing and meeting farmers with your new friends. Read more on Doan Thi Diem school.

Traditional Water Puppets

During this delightful activity, visit a water puppet master in his private theater, learning hands-on how this wonderful traditional performance art, unique to Vietnam, is performed. Later this evening, we can also go see an actual water puppets show after this behind the scenes glimpse of how the plays are created. Read more about Water Puppets

Young Entrepreneur

Have a budding entrepreneur in the family? Your kids know about Flappy Bird? The app was made by a young coder in Saigon. Asia is rising and over the last decade China and Vietnam have had the most dynamic economies in the world. A watershed moment for Vietnam was the 2010 opening of an Intel's billion-dollar plant in Ho Chi Minh City, Intel's largest plant to date. In Hanoi and Saigon, we'll organize meetings with students in their classrooms and young entrepreneurs for your older children to understand firsthand the human element of these growing economies. We specialize in tech startups, but can arrange meetings in almost any industry from manufacturing, agro products (Vietnam is now the world's second largest producer of coffee beans), to design.

Junior Iron Chef

As No Reservation's Anthony Bourdain points out, there's no better place to travel by your stomach than Vietnam, a place inhabited by "a skinny people obsessed with food." And cuisine is a highlight of any family trip in Vietnam. Vietnam offers delightful hands-on adventures in cuisine, from fruit carving and learning to roll spring rolls with your chef on Halong Bay (right).

Or enjoy an "Iron Chef" cook-off between family members in Hoi An, hunting and preparing several favorite Vietnamese dishes such as banh beo, a Vietnamese crepe, for a hard-to-please panel of judges.

Hanoi Artist Encounter

Hanoi currently enjoys one of the most vigorous emerging art scenes in the world and we can arrange private meetings with many of the country's top artists, engaging in interesting activities for children such as a hands-on learning about how traditional lacquer is made working on actual pieces of artists.

Bomb Shelter Tour

A fascinating multimedia space in the recently-discovered war-era bomb shelter. The educational experience teaches with signage, sound, and is led by a local historian. There were historic accounts of a Vietnam-era bunker designed to protect hotel guests during bombing raids, but nobody recalled where it was located or if it even still existed until recent renovations struck the massive concrete walls of the bunker.

Vietnam Cycling, Trekking & Outdoor Family Tours

Kayaking in Halong Bay

On a Vietnam family tour, our most popular family destination is Halong Bay. Halong Bay was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and stunning geographic anomoly where thousands of limestone peaks create a natural barrier to the wind-blown waters of the South China Sea. The karst wonderland was a favorite hiding place for pirates (and the James Bond villain in Man with the Golden Gun). These calm waters are wonderfully suited for kayaking and despite the negative things you've read about Halong Bay, we use only a handful of quality luxury charters that cruise away from the crowds into the pristine areas of the bay.

Boating and Cycling the Mighty Mekong Delta

Our Mekong family tour travels some of the quietest back roads in the country, with frequent side trips by the delta's primary mode of transport — sampan (boat). Drift in small sampan through bustling market places and riverfront villages, stopping into homes, cottage industries, and crafts villages, along the way. Cycling through the bustling markets is always a highlight.

Halong Bay Tours

Halong Bay is an astounding UNESCO World Heritage Site with hundreds of picturesque limestone peaks—the calm waters wonderfully suited for kayaking close up to the limestone formations that offer fantasy water landscapes of exploration. Large caves that served as hidden bunkers for pirates, revolutionaries, and bandits we will now explore on foot and kayak or simply laze on deck watching the mesmerizing scenery drift by.

If you want an idea of how beautiful Halong Bay is, watch the French film Indochine. Now imagine cruising or kayaking these same placid, emerald waters through caves into hidden lakes and white-sand beach coves, your small kayak gliding beneath towering limestone peaks...

There is no other place like this in the world, a cruising experience on par with the Blue Voyage along Turkey's coast. Indeed, the romantic setting of rugged island peaks and bays dotted with sailing junks has inspired a whole genre of Vietnamese painting.

Our private cruises of two to four days in length are of the highest quality yet as affordable as many package tours. Our three-day tour is the perfect compliment to a visit to North Vietnam — a short three-hour drive from Hanoi. Meals and long-distance transport are on our "mother ships" — spacious wooden cruisers equipped with comfortable suites, deck and dining rooms. Meals designed by culinary specialist, Diep To, are abundant and delicious highlighting local seafood cooked up fresh. Vegetarians can be accommodated.

Halong Bay Three-day Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Halong Bay via private car. Board your private junk, enjoying lunch as we motor out onto the bay, pausing to sightsee in Hang Dau Go (Hiding the Timber Cave), the largest grotto in the Halong area. In the afternoon, we'll escape the flotilla of other tourist boats, escaping into our own private part of the bay for kayaking and a beautiful sunset over Halong. After, a delicious seafood dinner, followed by drinks under the stars.

Day 2: Full-day on the bay, exploring grottoes, coves, inland lagoons, floating villages, and beach coves. Seafood lunch, dinner and overnight onboard.

Day 3: Halong Bay. Half-day kayaking on the bay followed by farewell lunch with crew before return to Hanoi by private car.

Tariff: Our private luxury Halong Bay cruises start at US$1,280 (inclusive of private boat and round trip transfer from Hanoi in private car).

Kayaking is optional, but enables up close access, through karst into hidden lagoons where no boat can go. We use imported one and two-seat models are perfect for beginners and for more experienced kayakers.

Myanmar Highlights & Classic Tours

THE THREE JEWELS : BAGAN, INLE & MANDALAY (SIX DAYS)

Day 1 | Yangon arrival (based on morning flight)

Transfer to the hotel and begin sightseeing of colorful downtown Yangon, including Chaukhtatkyi, a colossal reclining Buddha; a scenic photo stop on beautiful Kandawgyi lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world's most impressive golden stupas. Overnight Yangon

Day 2 | Yangon - Bagan (flight)

Morning flight to Bagan. Highlights of our visit include many of Bagan's distinctive pagodas and a local village. At sunset enjoy a panoramic view of the pagodas.

Day 5 | Mandalay sightseeing, Mandalay - Yangon (flight)

Sightseeing in Mandalay city, including the revered Mahamuni pagoda. Afternoon transfer to Mandalay airport for flight to Yangon. Overnight Yangon

Day 6 | Yangon

ON THE ROAD TO MANDALAY (9 DAYS)

Day 3 | Mandalay

City sightseeing includes gold leaf hammering, Mahamuni pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings; and Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned as the world's largest book for its stone slabs of the entire Buddhist scriptures. End the day with a sunset view from Mandalay Hill. Overnight Mandalay.

Day 4 | Mandalay - Bagan (Cruise)

Early morning departure (600) from Mandalay to Bagan by modern ferryboat service. A pleasant way to spend the day as you travel down the fabled Ayerwaddy River. Arrive in Bagan by late afternoon, in time for evening sightseeing.

Day 7 | Inle Lake

Day 8 | Heho - Yangon (flight)

Fly to Yangon and afternoon visit to Botahtaung pagoda on the Yangon river. For a last shopping spree go to the sprawling 79 year old Bogyoke (Scott) Market, filled with a large collection of local handicrafts and other items. Overnight Yangon.

Day 9 | Yangon

At leisure until departure transfer.

Ngapali Beach Extension

Situated on the clear blue water of the Bay of Bengal, Ngapali Beach is a deserted idyllic, palm-fringed shore much like neighboring Thailand's beaches were decades ago... A handful of local resorts are in the area, with a new Hilton opening its doors in 2015.

Aside from lazing on the beach and by the pool, Ngapali attractions include Pearl Island, Nghet Pyaw Chaung Lake, Jatetaw fishing village, the black-sand island Zalat Htone, local craftsmen working on pottery and weaving, Thandwe market, and three shimmering stupas on nearby hilltops of the Nan Daw, Ann Daw and San Daw Pagodas. Activities include boat cruises, cycling, snorkeling, kayaking, golf, and hiking up Amata Mountain or panoramic views from the top.

Ready to plan your trip to Myanmar? Fill out a short contact form by clicking below or calling us in San Francisco at (415) 418-6800

CLASSIC MYANMAR (10 DAYS)

Yangon - Bagan - Mt. Popa - Salay - Mandalay - Pindaya - Inle Lake

A classic tour with all the main destinations plus Mt Popa, the fascinating caves of Pindaya, and the monasteries of off-the-beaten-path town of Salay

Day 3 | Bagan, Salay & Mt. Popa excursion

Morning private boat ride downriver to Salay, a small quiet town with interesting monasteries and pagodas. Then drive to nearby Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano renowned as the home of the 'nats' (or spirits). Return to Bagan in the afternoon stopping to see a local toddy palm farm on the way.

Day 4 | Bagan-Mandalay (flight), Amarapura & Inwa

Visit the former royal capital of Amarapura highlighted by U Bein's Bridge, the world's longest teakwood bridge. Then visit Inwa, another former royal capital and travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths to see old palace walls, wooden monasteries and the 'leaning tower of Ava'. Overnight Mandalay

Day 5 | Mandalay city sightseeing and Mingun

In the morning travel by private riverboat upriver to the massive ruins of the Mingun pagoda and see the huge Mingun Bell. Sightseeing in Mandalay includes Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, Shwe Inbin Monastery, and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Mandalay

Day 8 | Inle Lake

Continue Inle Lake sightseeing today with a memorable visit to Indein village with its idyllic 16th century pagodas. We can also visit a local silk weaving 'factory' which sits on stilts on the lake.

Day 9 | Heho - Yangon (flight), Yangon sightseeing

Fly to Yangon and afternoon sightseeing including Botahtaung Pagoda and the rustic 80 year-old Scott market with its large collection of local handicrafts and other items. Overnight Yangon

Day 10 | Yangon

LAND OF GOLD (12 DAYS)

Yangon - Inle Lake - Pindaya - Mandalay - Maymyo- Bagan - Pandaw Cruise

All the major destinations and featuring a cruise on the fabled Ayerwaddy River on board the elegant colonial steamer replica RV Pandaw

Day 3 | Inle Lake

Continue Inle Lake sightseeing today with a memorable visit to Indein village with its idyllic 16th century pagodas. We can also visit a local silk weaving 'factory' which sits on stilts on the lake. Afternoon drive to Pindaya. Overnight Pindaya

Day 4 | Pindaya, Heho - Mandalay (flight)

Morning visit to Pindaya caves, which contain more than 8,000 Buddha images. Sightseeing at the caves and then drive to Heho airport for afternoon flight to Mandalay. Overnight Mandalay

Day 5 | Mingun excursion & Mandalay sightseeing

Morning transfer to Mandalay jetty for a short and pleasant ride upriver to the massive ruins of the unfinished Mingun pagoda. Nearby we can also visit the Mingun Bell and Mingun village. Return to Mandalay and sightseeing includes Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, Shwe Inbin Monastery, and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Mandalay

Day 7 | Mandalay - Maymyo (car)

Afternoon drive to the former British Hill Station of Maymyo and enjoy the cool temperatures and scenery. Sightseeing includes elegant old colonial houses, and the beautiful 237 acre botanical garden. There are many horse drawn carriages to enliven the scenery. Overnight Maymyo.

Day 8 | Mandalay - Bagan

Embark the colonial style 1947 Pandaw river boat and morning departure for Bagan. Overnight Pandaw ship.

BURMESE ODYSSEY (16 DAYS)

Yangon - Kyiaktiyo - Pindaya - Inle Lake Mandalay - Monywa - Bagan - Mt. Popa

Day 1 | Arrive Yangon

Transfer to the hotel and begin sightseeing including colorful downtown Yangon, Chaukhtatkyi, a colossal reclining Buddha; a scenic photo stop on beautiful Kandawgyi Lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda, arguably the world's most impressive golden stupa. Overnight Yangon

Day 2 | Yangon to Kyaikhtiyo

Breakfast at the hotel before an early morning drive to Kyaikhtiyo (about 5 hours), site of the famous 'Golden Rock'. It is a large boulder delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff near the top of a mountain and it is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines. Overnight at Golden Rock.

Day 3 | Kyaikhtiyo to Bago-Yangon

The morning sunrise at Kyaikhtiyo is a memorable sight. After early morning sightseeing descend the mountain and drive back to Yangon. On the way to Yangon, we will visit some interesting pagodas as we pass through Bago, and also some nearby pottery making cottages. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 4 | Yangon-Heho, Pindaya sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel before transfer to Yangon airport to take the flight to Heho. After arrival proceed to Pindaya, noted for its extensive limestone caves filled with more than 8,000 Buddha images. See the interesting process of Shan umbrella making at a family run umbrella business. Overnight at Pindaya

Day 5 | Pindaya-Inle, Inle sightseeing

Morning drive to magical Inle Lake, located about 1000 meters above sea level. Highlights include the fisherman rowing in their unique one-legged style and the floating gardens of grass and earth used for growing vegetables. Another attraction is a visit to the 'jumping cats' monastery, the Phaungdaw U Pagoda and the silk weaving looms

Day 6 | Excursion to Sangha & Thakong Pagoda

After breakfast, travel by boat south for a journey to reach Sangha and Thakong at the far end of Inle Lake. This relaxing boat journey (about 3 hours one way) enables us to get off the beaten path and see unspoiled culture and the traditional life-styles of the ethnic groups living in the area. On our trip we will see beautiful landscapes, flowering trees and settlements dotting both sides of the canal.

Day 7 | Heho - Mandalay, Mandalay sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel before transfer to Heho airport to take the flight to Mandalay. Sightseeing in Mandalay includes Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, Shwe Inbin Monastery, and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Mandalay

Day 8 | Excursion to Mingun & Mandalay sightseeing

Transfer to Mandalay jetty where we take a short and pleasant ride upriver to visit the massive ruins of Mingun, the site of what would have been the world's largest zedi had not King Bodawpaya died in 1819 thus halting all further work. Nearby we can also visit the Mingun Bell. Return to Mandalay and visit Kuthodaw Pagoda and then Mandalay Hill for sunset viewing. Overnight Mandalay.

Day 9 | Excursion to Inwa & Sagaing, Monywa

Sightseeing today includes a visit to Inwa, which was founded in 1364 and lasted nearly 400 years as a royal capital, and to Sagaing, another former capital of the Shan kingdom. Then drive to Monywa, 135 km northwest of Mandalay and situated on the Chindwin River. En route visit colorful Thanboddhay Pagoda. Overnight Monywa

Day 10 | Monywa sightseeing, river boat to Bagan

Excursion across the Chindwin River to visit the fascinating Po Win Daung Caves and Shwe Ba Daung. Then take an afternoon cruise by boat down the river to Bagan. Late afternoon Bagan arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day 11 | Excursion to Mt. Popa

Morning drive, or bicycling, to Mt. Popa which rose from the ground in a massive earthquake in 442 BC. Mt. Popa is famous as the abode of the Nats (Spirit Gods) and for its panoramic view of the local tropical region. On the way to Mt. Popa we visit a local farmer and see how toddy palm juice and sugar are produced.

Day 12 | Bagan

Today enjoy Bagan sightseeing. Highlights include visits to Nyaung Oo Market; and many of Bagan's distinctive pagodas. In the afternoon visit a lacquerware workshop and Dhammayangyi Pahto, a massive later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan. As the sun goes down we will be at one of the ideal viewing sites selected by our tour guide.

Day 13 | Bagan - Yangon, Yangon - Pyay

Breakfast at the hotel before transfer to Bagan airport to take the flight to Yangon. Arrive in Yangon and drive to Pyay (Prome), about 5 hours, located on the bank of Ayerwaddy River. Overnight Pyay.

Day 14 | Pyay

Drive across the Ayerwaddy River to Htonbo village (about 2 hours drive) and take a short boat ride down the river to bring us to this unique mountain. On its cliff face are carved hundreds of Buddha images. Optional short but steep hike up to reach the top. Sightseeing highlights of Pyay include Shwesandaw pagoda. Overnight Pyay.

Day 15 | Pyay - Yangon

After breakfast drive back to Yangon, arriving late afternoon. Overnight Yangon

Day 16 | Yangon Departure

MYANMAR & MORE, (FROM THAILAND, 8 DAYS)

Yangon - Bagan - Mandalay

A Myanmar tour to combine with a Thailand trip. This Myanmar program starts with the border crossing at Tachilek

Day 1 | Tachilek border crossing, and flight to Heho

Cross from Thailand into Myanmar at the town of Tachilek and after immigration processing transfer to airport for flight to Heho. Arrive at Heho, transfer to Inle Lake and check in to the hotel.

Day 2 | Inle Lake

Transfer to a hotel at Inle Lake and begin sightseeing by long tailed boat of this magical and unique area. Highlights include the boatmen with their 'one-legged' rowing style, the floating gardens, and a memorable visit to Indein village with its idyllic 16th century pagodas. We can also visit a local silk weaving 'factory' which sits on stilts on the lake.

Day 3 | Inle Lake, Heho - Mandalay

Morning sightseeing on the lake and afternoon transfer to Heho airport for flight to Mandalay. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Mandalay

Day 4 | Mandalay

In the morning travel upriver by private boat to the massive ruins of the Mingun pagoda. Also visit Mingun village and the Mingun Bell, the largest hanging uncracked bell in the world. Return to Mandalay and sightseeing includes Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings. Overnight Mandalay

Day 5 | Mandalay - Bagan

Take a ride on the local ferry (private reserved seats) and enjoy a leisurely day traveling down the legendary Ayerwaddy River. Arrive in Bagan in time for evening sightseeing and enjoy the sunset view from one of the pagodas.

Day 6 | Bagan

After breakfast continue sightseeing of one of Asia's premier archaeological sites. Highlights of our visit include Bagan's distinctive pagodas, the colorful local market, and a visit to a local village.

Day 7 | Bagan - Yangon

Fly to Yangon by morning flight and Yangon sightseeing including Botahtaung Pagoda and the sprawling 79 year old Scott market with its large collection of local handicrafts and other items. Overnight Yangon

Day 8 | Yangon

At leisure until departure transfer

AND MORE...

Tour Extensions and Add- on ideas to spice up your program.

Mogoke —about a seven-hour drive north of Mandalay, Mogoke is famous for its beautiful rubies and sapphires which are mined there. Located at 1,170 meters in picturesque natural surroundings.

Kyiaktiyo (Golden Rock) —see above

Pyay (Prome) - Five hours drive northwest of Yangon and located on the Ayerwaddy River, Pyay was established as a trade center during the Bagan era. Some of the ancient Pyu civilization flourished here. You can also see nearby Akauk Mt., noteworthy for its hundreds of Buddha images carved in its cliff face.

Monywa —see above

Mawlaymine - Travel further, due south into the Mon state from Kyiaktiyo and you will reach Mawlaymine, a former capital of British Burma and it is Myanmar's third largest city with a population of 300,000. Rich in decaying colonial architecture and still a large industry of shipping.

Mrauk-U —see above

Pathein - Myanmar's fourth largest city is located in the south in the Ayerwaddy Delta. This agricultural region grows the best rice in Myanmar. There is a picturesque waterfront area, bustling markets, and the city is noted for its hand painted umbrellas.

Kengtung - (previously mentioned)

Mandalay/Bhamo boat trip - A soft adventure trip is to take the local boat (you can get private cabins) north on the Ayerwaddy river to reach Bhamo, passing through three defiles on the way.

Naga festival - It is possible to arrange a trip to visit the Naga, who live near the Bangladesh border. Former headhunters, a few who only reformed as recently as the 1950's, they wear colorful costumes at festival time, and can still look fierce.

Classic Train Travel - For the serious train enthusiast, train trips, utilizing private coaches and steam engines at times, can be arranged.

Trekking —see above

Beach Resorts —see above

Bird watching —World class bird watching is available at Moyingyi Wetlands just 70 miles north of Yangon.

Meditation —There is no better country to come to for a serious study of meditation. And even if you are not that serious, you can come and do a combined meditation and leisure tour. Golf tours (previously mentioned)

Historical tours —We can organize tours that highlight places of historical interest, e.g., sites along the river which were key in the wars between the British and the Burmans.

Inle Lake Festival tour —The Paungdaw Oo pagoda festival which takes place at Inle Lake in October (sometimes partly in September depending on the moon cycle) is one of the most colorful and popular festivals with visitors.

Balloons Over Bagan —see above

Honeymoon tour —Honeymooners would likely find anyplace romantic but Myanmar truly does mesmerize, from the incredibly exotic Honeymoon bungalows at Kandawgyi Palace hotel to the beauty of its beaches.

River expeditions —Several opportunities for river cruises exist. The previously mentioned IFC PANDAW, 1947 PANDAW, and the ROAD TO MANDALAY cruise boats both do extended trips at select dates. In addition the DELTA QUEEN boat offers overnight trips between Yangon and Pathein. From Pathein it is an hours drive to Ngwe Saung Beach. The boat is fairly modern and though cabins are small, they are tidy and well kept. With Myanmar's vast river system there is great potential for river cruising.

ITC Photography Series presents: VIETNAM AND ANGKOR

How do we develop a personal vision? With the advent of digital photography, everyone has become a "photographer" yet there are few who really see and create images that are compelling and dynamic. In this course, we will work with each participant to help them develop his or her unique vision; the workshop will culminate in a collection of images that will be visual gifts to us all.

There are two separate but interrelated processes: the first is being both conscious of what we choose to include in our viewfinder and of course, what we choose to exclude. Secondly, once we have captured an image that speaks to us, what enhancements can we make using the tools of digital photography to either augment or transform the image so it coincides with the intention we had when we chose to click the shutter?

The destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia have been chosen to provide maximum visual possibilities.

In the pre introductory meeting, we will review each participants work, give feedback, and optionally, have each person write a short paragraph or two on what they like about photography, what is their purpose in making images and what are the themes that they want to express in their work. In the meeting after our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, we will review the images created. Each participant will be asked to pick between 6-10 of their favorite images to be discussed in a friendly critique. We will then work together as a group interpreting selected images through Photoshop.

Mark Tuschman has been a professional photographer with nearly 30 years of experience. His primary commercial work has been for healthcare and pharmaceutical clients and he is known nationally as an excellent photographer of people in their environments. His personal work involves working with non-profit organizations in the field of women's rights, both in reproductive healthcare and in microfinance. He also loves doing landscape photography. For a full range of his work, please visit:

www.tuschmanphoto.com and marktuschman.blogspot.com

Robert Kato has been photographically capturing fine art images for over three decades. His extensive art education has provided him with a strong foundation in the art of seeing as well as visual communication. His photographic journey began soon after he developed his first roll of film and watched his first print "magically" appear in the developer tray. That magic reappeared with the advent of digital photography and Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop helped to satisfy his ambition of becoming a painter and now the mouse has become his brush and the monitor his palette. The photographic paintings were created with an Iris printer. Presently, he works as a fine art digitographer and master printmaker providing post-production assistance to traditional as well as digital photographers. Sharing his expertise, he provides photographers with several aesthetic options for creating a unique photographic expression that can be a departure from the original image. For a full range of his work, please visit:

Studio Kato

View Past Tour Images

Dates: Contact us for 2017 Dates Cost: US$5,980 per person in shared accommodation Accommodation: Luxury hotels, including Hanoi's colonial-era Metropole. Airlines: Contact us for information and quotes on recommended routing and carriers.

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Vietnam Arts Tours

Artists are often the ideal cultural bridge, many fluent in English, having traveled abroad, as well as being observers of their own culture. We're always happy to make introductions with artists in Hanoi, where many of the country's leading artists are based and most we know personally from our long experience, organizing the very first arts tours of Vietnam in the mid-1990s, when artists were only beginning to emerge from a long post-war slumber and poor economy. What a difference a couple of decades makes. Vietnam's artists have claimed the world-stage and the arts scene is Hanoi is one of the most vigorous in Asia. Meet privately with celebrated.

Your Host, NGUYEN DUC

Plays at the Water Puppets Theater, witnessing their daughter play (right) and having a chance to learn how to play the instrument yourself. We recommend this over the Water Puppets show, although younger children will delight in the private Water Puppets experience we can arrange.

VX Art Gallery. Co-managed by our own Diep To, this Dong Da District showroom is the place to see example from all artists we know personally in Hanoi.

Featured Artists

Khac Quan was born and grew up near the renowned Bat Trang ceramic village. Khac Quan’s clay works have made a strong impression as well as his ability to control the intricate porcelain making technique as form of sculpture. With Quan people witness his modern style and sophistication interpreted using only simple soil and enamel.

Artist Viet Thanh lived and taught fine art, including painting, sculpture, lacquer, woodblock print in Sweden, but has recently moved back to Hanoi and is living and working from her White Lotus villa near the West Lake bohemian enclave.

Pham Thi Kieu Phuc is a celebrated and innovative interior designer who founded Module 7. Phuc loves the silent, discreet nature of lacquer products and her designs have many origins. Some are inspired by the objects of Vietnamese everyday life; colonial hat, fish trap, buffalo, rock and trees. Others are inspired by Japanese design principles, following the Zen philosophy ‘less is more’. She especially likes bronze handmade products, as she feels that the hammers marks left in the product reveal the artisan’s emotion. "If you buy a designer product, the most interesting thing is the creativity of the person who designed it" Phuc claims. More on Phuc Pham.

Musician Pham Chi Khanh is a traditional instrument maker and player who has been applying his passion in traditional music for more than 30 years. In 2010, he was in top of 100 "most special people" of 1000th anniversary of Hanoi city. Mr. Pham's daughter is a prodigy on the bluesy instrument, the Dan Bau, and will instruct you hands on if you would like.

Sample Vietnam Arts Tour Itinerary

Contemporary gallery options in the Central include Hanart Tz, Grotto (featuring Hong Kong-based artists), Plum Blossoms (also carrying early Chinese textiles), and Shoeni, which is currently exhibiting "Destiny," a solo exhibition by Zhou Jin Hua. Further afield, in Mid-Levels on the quiet Prince's Terrace, are three up and coming galleries, including Korkos, 5 O.P.T Studio, and Chouinard. Antique textiles, including Tibetan, are featured at the Teresa Coleman Gallery (and subsidiary The Tibetan Gallery), and the Hanlin Gallery has a collection of antique Chinese and Japanese textiles.

Day 2, Arrive Hanoi

Dinner at Green Tangerine, a lovingly restored 1928 colonial in the center of the Old Quarter featuring French-Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 3 | Hanoi to Halong Bay

Arrive Halong port and board private traditional wooden cruiser (replica junk) for a private tour of Halong Bay with a seafood lunch banquet prepared on board. Exploration of Sung Sot Cave, the largest grotto in Halong. Afterwards, optional assisted kayaking — paddling Halong Bay and exploration of the bay by kayak, including floating villages, hidden beach coves, caves and lakes. Dinner banquet prepared on board. Overnight in private cabin.

Day 4 | Halong Bay to Hanoi

Day 5 | Hanoi

Day 6 | Hanoi

Day 7 | Hanoi to Hue

Morning tour of Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts conducted by Nguyen Qui Duc. A highlight of our trip, the pleasant colonial-era museum features impressive work of the 20th century, including unique Vietnamese styles of lacquer and silk painting as well as descriptions of techniques used.

Afterwards, lunch at Café des Arts de Hanoi, a popular expatriate cafe with changing exhibits of paintings by local artists. Afterwards, transfer to airport for a one-hour flight to Hue, the ancient Imperial Capital and arguably Vietnam's most pleasant city set on the languid Perfume River. Afternoon tour of the waterfront by traditional pedicab (cyclo).

Dinner at the tranquil private home/restaurant, Y Thao, featuring delicious Hue specialties, including Banh Khoai, a Vietnamese-style crepe.

Day 8 | Hue

Day 9 | Hue to Hoi An

Dinner overlooking the Thu Bon River.

Day 10 | Hoi An

Day 11 | Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Day 12 | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Day 13 | Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta

Day 14 | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for USA or Siem Reap for the tour of the temples of Angkor, or travel to Hong Kong or Bangkok

ANGKOR EXTENSION

Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (Angkor)

Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (or Bangkok)/USA

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure flight to Saigon for overnight.

Note: You may extend your time in Saigon, Siem Reap, and/or Hong Kong and we can assist with recommendations and arrangements. Please contact us for more information.

Sapa & The Tonkinese Alps

BY PATRICK MORRIS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN LONELY PLANET VIETNAM 1ST ED. 1993

A look off towards China provides breathtaking views of no less than seven mountain ranges. The town was located by Jesuit missionaries in 1918, and, attracted by the cool and temperate climate, western arrivals soon transformed Sapa into a pleasant hill station.

Along with a church, they constructed hotels, tennis courts, an airport, hydro-electric station and summer villas. Most were abandoned or destroyed during the subsequent war for independence with the French and a border skirmish with the Chinese, but some of the colonial influence remains.

Although the name Sapa means "sand village" in Chinese and the town is located within Vietnam, it is home to a wealth of colorful, diverse hilltribes who have steadfastly resisted integration into Vietnamese society and modern life. In fact, the hill tribes, including the Hmong, the Dao, and the Dai, comprise the majority of inhabitants in the area, outnumbering the Vietnamese who have traditionally preferred the warmer climate of the low lands. Indeed, Sapa has been known to get a light sprinkling of snow in the winter.

Sapa is a comfortable base for exploring the area. Highlights include Vietnam's highest paved pass, local hilltribe villages, and exploration of Sapa's natural wonders and peaceful surroundings. Very cool weather and early morning fog blowing off Qui Ho Lake high above Sapa and cold to freezing weather can be expected between December and February. Preferable weather is in March and April when the coastal areas are sweltering. Accommodations are at a charming colonial style hotel overlooking the breadth of Sapa's mountain range, terraced rice fields, and deep valley. Tourism has yet to hit Sapa, but during a visit last July the road from Lao Cai was being properly paved, and a trickle of backpackers were beginning to roll in.

When to go?

April and May are also good months to journey to Sapa, with clearer skies. If your trip does not fall during the better months of the year, consider the shorter journey to picturesque Mai Chau, only three hours southwest from Hanoi, also rich in a diversity of hilltribes but at lower (and warmer elevation). Mai Chau has excellent light trekking and karst scenery and Cuc Phuong National Park is also nearby ( more on Cuc Phuong ). Also, more on weather on our weather page .

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DECADES OR TWO MAKES

Private Jet Travel in Asia

In no region of the world does private jet travel make more sense than in Asia. With limited commercial routing and low volume of connections, it is significantly easier and more efficient to travel private jet or helicopter, nor is there more compelling reason to do so than in Asia. Private air transfers can provide significant efficiency for visiting countries like Myanmar and Bhutan, which have limited commercial flights and entry points, as well as a poor road infrastructure that make overland travel time consuming and a rough going. Helicopter transfers will also maximize your time in cities like Bangkok with its legendary traffic, while providing stunning views over places such as Halong Bay. Private jets and large body state-of-the-art come in a variety of customized configurations, including luxury jets outfitted with every conceivable amenity.

INTERNATIONAL AIR CHARTER

From Australia, Europe, North America Indochina Travel can arrange for the ease and convenience of a private jet charter to fly you throughout most destinations in Asia non-stop. From North America, a private regional jet can also be an economical solution combined with flying First Class internationally, then transiting to your private jet upon arrival in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, or Bangkok.

Private Plane FBO Services in Asia

If you are arriving with your own aircraft, we will arrange for all FBO facility and ground handling services taking care of all baggage, check-in, customs and immigration procedures while for passengers and crew relax in private lounges before further transfers. Transfers airside are complimented by choices of luxury vehicles or helicopter in each location and escort servics, including siren police escort, from airport depending on location.

• Provision of chocks and safety cones
• Filing of ATC flight plan forms
• Weather and NOTAM briefing
• Parking position coordination
• Meet and Greet services
• General declaration & Passenger manifest
• Loaders & Aircraft loading/unloading
• Arrival and Departure flight movements
• Monitoring of ATC slots
• Baggage handling
• Refueling coordination
• VIP fast track and transportation

Ground handling services range from US$420 to $2,100 depending on airport and size of aircraft.

An impressive fleet of Gulfstream, Cessna, and other aircraft with a range of seats, range, cabin configuration, and amenities are ready at a moment’s notice to provide you with unmatched comfort, speed and access to regional hubs and remote airports. Select from world-class light luxury private jets to a Boeing 737 which has been fitted with a private stateroom, shower, lounge, and suite. This chart provides a quick reference to popular aircraft models we charter from Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Beijing. Contact us for more detail or specific requests for chartering during your trip with us.

PRIVATE HELICOPTER TRANSFERS AND TOURS

There's no better reason to hire a helicopter in the region than for airport transfers, which combine convenience but also a flyover of your destination, and in some cases, such as Tokyo, can be less expensive than an airport limousine.

For Tokyo's Narita Airport, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, let us arrange your transfer in the sky and if you've come with the children, you may be staying at the Peninsula which we recommend for families and boasts its own rooftop heliports. Of course, a Bangkok helicopter tour, or over Angkor, Tokyo or Hong Kong can be arranged for both day or night flyovers.

PRIVATE JET VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS

Hong kong private charter.

Treat yourself to Phuket of two decades ago. Only a 50-minute hop from Saigon lies Phu Quoc, Vietnam's, indeed Southeast Asia's best kept secret. A National Park, the 16-island archipelago of Phu Quoc (aka "the Emerald Isle") lies about 40 kilometers west of Ha Tien and, to many traveler's delight, is located within the Gulf of Thailand which has better weather than Vietnam's coastline destinations such as Nha Trang.

The major island, Phu Quoc, is an 27 miles long and covering an astonishing 732 square miles. Lying only ten miles off the Cambodian coast, the island is disputed territory that also claimed by the Cambodians but the Vietnamese are beginning to develop the island. Phu Quoc Island boasts lush tropical forest and mountain zones. The island is about the size of Singapore, but only about 75,000 people live here. Phu Quoc is blanketed with the largest remaining swath of tropical rain forest in Vietnam. The main activities are fishing and manufacture of the country's finest nuoc mam (fish sauce); about 18,000 inhabitants live mainly in the town of Duong Dong, on the west side of the island.

Phu Quoc has the desolate, pristine beaches Thailand had over thirty years ago, especially in the south (there's one called Kem Beach-Kem meaning "ice cream"). These beaches, unlike others along the wind-swept South China Sea coast in the rest of the country are more like those in Thailand, with calmer with miles of deserted white-sand. Large-scale developers have had there eyes on the island for years as the next Phuket, but as negotiations drag on the place remains pleasantly tranquil and free of tourists. A short one-hour hop from Saigon makes it our top beach recommendation if you are traveling in the south, less developed without the crowds and often windy weather of Nha Trang and Phan Thiet.

Phu Quoc is also known for nuoc mam, a pungent fermented fish sauce. Nearly half the island' s population is dependent on its production. There are coral reefs around the island, good places for diving and snorkeling, offer a chance to see beautiful tropical fish and other marine life. Marine sports focus on deep-sea fishing and snorkeling. There's also bird-watching at a rainforest located in the north of the island. Another minor attraction is the Pearl Farm, which sits about a third of the way down the length of Long Beach. Again a bit of a filler for a very slow or rainy day, the farm includes a small educational display about pearls along with the opportunity to spend a motza on a few sets of earrings.

Hotels are standard, local resorts and there are no high-end luxury properties are yet available. For nearly a decade, Phu Quoc has been of significant interest to resort developers and the government is beginning to take initial steps for formal development agreements, including the completion of a new airport. The island has the potential to rival popular destinations in the region such as Phuket and Krabi. Keep in mind, the island's lack of development means little to do or see, but it's a great escape if your seeking to relax on the sand.

What to do on Phu Quoc?

Despite over a thousand miles of coastline, snorkeling is disappointing in most of Vietnam due to the South China Sea being more like the Atlantic and not the aquamarine tropical seas popular in Thailand. However, Phu Quoc is also on the Gulf of Thailand and offers sublime snorkeling and diving.

Visit November-May (June and July can be hot, but very wet); January and February are ideal months. For summer, consider Nha Trang to the north which has much less rainfall during June and July and is where the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and Ana Mandara Resorts are located.

Also consider Koh Yao, in Thailand for an equivalent getaway in that region. Note: around late December and early January and the lunar new year, hotels fill months in advance.

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INDOCHINA Travel Company

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WHY INDOCHINA TOURS?

The “Indochina” keyword remains appealing to most tourists worldwide who are craving for exploring Indochina’s charm in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar , yet some still question why travel to Indochina . So, the most powerful answers have been compiled to point out that this part of the peninsula is truly attractive with bays, islands, beaches, grottoes, antique pagodas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more. Besides the beauty of the destinations, the people are so friendly and hospitable that help guests feel homelike, safe, and happy. There are dozens of great activities to do during an Indochina itinerary, aiming for outdoor expeditions, adventures, cuisine, cultural experiences, beach vacations, honeymoons, and so on.

Indochina Tours to Explore the Best Corners of the World

There are countless Indochina tours arranged by Indochina tour operators, who just need to know guests’ expectations, and then they will handle the rest to create the smartest itineraries from time to time. If you enjoy the panoramic bay vistas, let’s travel to Halong Bay Vietnam in which a seaplane or helicopter flight is a premium service besides the luxury Halong Bay overnight cruises. If the giant awe-inspiring complex of antique Buddhist sites amazes you, fly to Bagan Myanma r. If you love a laid-back lifestyle and pristine nature, Vientiane Laos welcomes you. And if you’re wondering how huge and mysterious the world’s largest religious monuments are preserved, come to Angkor Wat Cambodia . Of course, each country in the Indochina region has more to cheer up visitors. Whenever you’re ready to travel to Indochina, it sends you a warm welcome and a high five.

Indochina Tours to Meet the Friendly People

People in the Indochina region have been known for their friendliness for decades. While the Vietnamese welcome foreigners with smiles and a ready-to-support attitude like helping them to cross a full-of-motorbikes street in Saigon, the Cambodians are appreciated for their sociable nature like encouraging guests to visit their houses. The Laotians and the Burmese preserve their laidback and easygoing lifestyle which ignites the “relaxing” spirit. By meeting and having nice interactions with the local people, Indochina Tours become filled with on-the-spot cultural experiences, homemade cuisine, locals’ daily life activities, etc., which are all real.

Obtain the Best Traveling Experiences at Affordable Prices

By working with reliable tour agencies, you’re sure to achieve the best traveling experiences in the top destinations. Many attractive deals are being introduced at the most affordable rates as it has never been a concern to travel to Indochina, regarding financial matters. In Vietnam, everybody can be a millionaire as things are inexpensive. The budget travels in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar are so easy that people all over the world have known about it, and some confirm the facts. Whether it’s for cuisine, culture, adventures, overnight cruises, beach vacations, honeymoons, or else, there stand out compatible Indochina tour packages for you and your loved ones. There are also tailor-made tours for individuals and groups.

Let’s set foot on the fascinating Indochina land and enjoy everlasting traveling experiences.

Why Choose Us?

Diverse destinations, value for money, beautiful places, fast booking, support team, passionate travel, search tours, most popular tour.

Ha Giang Hoang Su Phi Trekking Tour 5 Days

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Golden Bridge Da Nang [Hands Bridge] – The Enchanting Marvel Captivates Travelers

The mention of Golden Bridge Da Nang (or Hands Bridge) conjures images of a virtual masterpiece adorned with stunning photographs. This destination holds universal allure, beckoning everyone to witness its splendor at least once in their lifetime. Distinguished as the most exceptional bridge in “Da Nang  – the holy land of bridges,” the Golden Bridge

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street Hanoi: Discover Full Cultural Activities

Don’t overlook Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street of Hanoi during your visit to the capital; it’s a must-see destination. This vibrant area hosts a variety of cultural and artistic events, along with an enticing culinary scene that draws visitors from far and wide. When discussing notable spots in the capital, Hanoi’s walking streets should not

Unique Mai Chau Experience in 2024: Insider Tips Beyond the Brochures

Embark on a mesmerizing journey to Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, where the adventure unfolds through the winding and steep passes of Thung Khe and Thung Nhuoi. Covering approximately 140 km from Hanoi’s center, the route to Mai Chau offers a captivating spectacle of mountains and trees, with stilt houses gradually emerging under the soft morning

Cuc Phuong National Park : Discover Nature’s Symphony

Nestled 120 kilometers south of the bustling Hanoi capital, deep within the Tam Diep mountain range, lies a cherished and familiar landscape, this gem is none other than Cuc Phuong National Park, heralded as Vietnam’s inaugural national park. Established on July 7, 1962, Cuc Phuong sprawls across the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and

Hanoi Old Quarter Things to Do: Best Attractions and Foods to Explore

Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter things to do is a highly sought-after topic for those traveling to Vietnam. Hanoi Old Quarter is the destination of any tourist when visiting the Capital. Traveling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter brings you interesting experiences, enjoying delicious foods and admiring ancient architecture. When mentioning Hanoi, people will immediately think of

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Tour reviews.

From South to North Vietnam Tour 12 Days

My experience with Indochina Charm Travel in September 2022 was fantastic and satisfied indeed. Booking for Vietnam discovery tour 2 weeks, my husband and I did sense the sign of comfort throughout 2 weeks. The tour operators actually did the good jobs in designing the well-structured itinerary, standard customer services and knowledgeable guide.

Heritages of Indochina Tour 14 Days

I was amazed at the tour itineraries that suited my needs and wants completely. I traveled with my son who actively loved the charm of Indochina. Interestingly, there were lots of activities for both of us to enjoy in sightseeing over Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoian

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Angkor Wat Cambodia

They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.

Halong Bay, UNESCO world heritage

Halong Bay - World Heritage in Vietnam Situated in the North-East region of Viet Nam, Ha Long Bay is a bay in the Gulf of Tonkin comprised of regions of Ha Long.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly named Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It was once known as Prey Nokor, an important Khmer sea port prior to annexation by the Vietnamese in the 17th century.

Hoi An in Quang Nam province

Hội An, also Faifoo, is a city of Vietnam, on the coast of the East Sea in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam.

Cambodia Royal Palace

The Royal Palace, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia.

The Tonlé Sap is a combined lake and river system of major importance to Cambodia.

DH TRAVEL will create your dream Indochina holiday. We specialize in travel around Vietnam , Cambodia , Laos , Thailand & Myanmar .

We are an experienced travel company that will work with you to ensure that we create a holiday package that suits your unique needs and budget. our exceptional staff will provide you with high quality customer service and develop your own unique itinerary. our this website has many sample itineraries for you to view and we encourage you to look at some of the sample tours we have in order to refer if it meets your travel requirements otherwise we are very pleased to change anything to suit your needs., our service will arrange local flights and transport as well as transfers and private guides for you on your stay. you will travel in private cars/mini vans (depending on the size of your group) and you will have local guides to provide you with a very memorable trip., we have included some travel guides and information on the various areas on our this website you may wish to visit. this information will help you choose the locations you want to include in your trip., you are most welcome to spend some perusing our website but if you would like more information or a personalized quote please contact us..

Travel Vietnam to enjoy a lot of the different impressive Vietnam Tours, try a series Vietnam special food, feel about Vietnam country where you will have a chance to talk with the friendly people, find about the unique traditional customs and habits of the locals, relax on the most beautiful Vietnam beaches in the world…..

Angkor Wat and Angkor Temples Complex is the first sites where will make you really impressive and surprised once travel Cambodia because perhaps there is not any cultural heritage site in the world is recognized by UNESCO can be compared with this destination. More especially, you also do not forget to contemplate the superb architectural structures of Phnom Penh the capital of Cambodia.

Travel Laos to feel a peaceful and hospitable country, a tranquil and unnoisy life of the locals. At here, seem it is left out all noisy things of the bustling cities in the world. Discovering Laos, you will understand why this is a still very poor country but every year it still attracts a lot of the tourists.

ThaiLand Tours

Thailand the country of the golden temples where you will never feel bored though you travel and stay here a long time. Travel Thailand, you will have a chance to take part in a lot of the fun and unique travel activities as well as see many special and beautiful destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai….

Vietnam-Cambodia tours

To create your trip to Indochina most perfect and completely, then you should combine to travel Vietnam and Cambodia in once because it is very easy and fast to move by bus, flight or boat between these two countries.

Myanmar tours

Myanmar (Burma) a country with the thousand of the ancient temples and pagodas, the special destinations as Yangon the ancient capital of Myanmar, Inle Lake, Mandalay city, Royal Palace….Travel Myanmar you will feel a peaceful and ancient atmosphere that nowhere in the world is the same such that.

Multi-Country tours

If you want to cover the best things, see the most beautiful sightseeing, find the most special habits and customs in the worlds…., then combine your trip between countries: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar is the best choice.

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Mekong Delta

Welcome to Laos, one of the most fascinating countries in the world. The People's Democratic Republic of Laos, also known as Lao PDR is Laos Children in the village situated in the heart of French Indochina, landlocked between Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), China, Vietnam and Cambodia.

By the beginning of the 1st century ad, Chinese traders began to report the existence of inland and coastal kingdoms in Cambodia.

Stretching from the North to the South, Vietnam’s topography varies dramatically with emerald-green mountains, fertile deltas, tropical rainforests inhabited by many rare and precious species of fauna and flora, sinuous rivers, mysterious caves, surreal-looking rock formations, heavenly waterfalls and pristine white-sandy beaches.

Vientiane, the bustling capital city of Laos, is set on the steady waters of the Mekong River. For many years it was a sleepy backwater capital of an equall backwater state, but as Laos has slowly opened up to foreign investment and tourism, Vientiane has undergone vast changes and continues to expand. It’s a small city with growing ambition. Vientiane’s name stems from an incorrect French transliteration of “Wiang Jan”, meaning “City of Sandalwood.”

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is filled with the gold-plated Buddhist temples, the old colonial homes, the smell of frangipani, and experience a visit to Luang Prabang is a something like as you are stepping into a time machine back to old Indochina where is located in Laos's northern mountains, at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, the city reflects an intricate blend of French, Chinese and Vietnamese influences, and also is considered as one of the World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, which called it "the best-preserved city in Asia, Exploring to Luang Prabang, and you will feel as the time is not lost at here.

Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville province is a small southern province of Cambodia. The capital sits on a peninsula with beaches and tropical islands around.

This province is located in the Southwest of the country, having an eighty kilometres coastal strip with the Gulf of Thailand.

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, this is the most bustling and busy capital of Cambodia. it is located at the confluence of three rivers such as Mekong river, the Bassac river and the great Tonle Sap river, that’s what this central place has been ever considered the 'Gem' of Indochina

Siem Reap is a small town of Siem Reap province, it is located to the north-west of Cambodia where is very famous with the brilliant architecture and glorious history of Angkor Temples Complex with Angkor Wat temple, Angkor Thom temple with Bayon temple and the South Gate, Ta Prohn temple with a lot of the old and big trees, Tonle Sap Lake the largest lake in Asia....

Battambang is Cambodia's second-largest city and the capital of Battambang Province, which was founded in the 11th century.

Angkor Wat is considered as a jewel and soul of Cambodia, this is also a famous site where UNESCO accepted as one of the cultural heritage sites in the world. Explore Angkor Wat, you will have a chance to find the beauty of the temples which have the unique architectures with unforgettable exciting experiences.

Phu Quoc Island

After only 50 minute flying from Ho Chi Minh City, you will set foot on the tropical paradise of Vietnam and the world: Phu Quoc Island.

Bac Ha Market is one of the largest markets in the North West and has kept pace with visitors when they have an opportunity to visit this highland. Every Sunday, the meeting day of Bac Ha fair, the market is crowded, bustling and colorful.

Lao Cai's terrain is divided into main kinds following: valley, low and high mountainous. With 3,143m in height, Fansipan is considered the highest peak of the Indochina Peninsula.

Sapa is a mountainous town belong to in the northern Vietnam, travel to Sapa you will have a chance to take the most beautiful photos of the mighty mountainous landscapes or with the ethnic local so that bring your cameras on almost of your time at here, you also have a chance to cheer over a community wine pot, learn to appreciate indigenous culture or just to escape Hanoi with the heat and noise all time.

Mai Chau or still Mai Chau Valley is a destination for those who like to have landscape trip, relax trip or cultural tourism. This is the destination full of tourist styles, meeting the needs of many different kinds of tourists and interests. This is also a very suitable destination for students, you can organize camp fire, team building, organize social activities to help local residents.

Cu Chi Tunnels is considered as one of the most famous historical sites in the south of Vietnam, it is far from Ho Chi Minh City the most bustling city in Vietnam around 60km, it is easy and convenient for tourist to take by bike or bus to travel Cu Chi Tunnels from any place in the southern Vietnam.

Chau Doc, one of place belong to Mekong Delta area, it is home for many Khmer, Cham and Chinese and is only a few kilometers from the Cambodian border.

Can Tho city is located in the lower and middle part of Mekong river and is the key economic area in the Mekong Delta

One of the most popular and very famous sights in the western Vietnam is the region of Mekong River Delta where is included a lot of the tourist activities about the water river such as row on a small basket boat around the canals to find about the daily floating life of the locals at here, exploring the bustling floating markets, trying the special food of the western Vietnam, riding around the villages to find about the local customs and habits in this region

Vinh Long is one of the most famous sites belong to the water river region of the Mekong River Delta, it takes around 2 hours by bus from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Vinh Long where is very famous with Cai Be Floating market.

In spite of being located 22km from the center of Phan Thiet city, Mui Ne is always crowded with tourists. The fishing village has attracted visitors by the deserted sand, fishing villages, streams, dreaming beaches hidden behind the green beam ... getting immersed in the nature to see the waves turning as the breathing of the ocean, we love the sea more and Mui Ne is dubbed a tourism paradise.

Buon Ma Thuot

Buon Ma Thuot offers the travelers the fresh nature beauty characterized by temperate climate, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and national parks.

The provincial capital, Pleiku, sits at the junction of Routes 19 and 14, making it the crossroads for any exploration of the Highlands.

Kontum has feature climate of Central Highland. That is tropical monsoon one

The My Lai massacre is probably one of the most infamous events of the Vietnam War. The My Lai massacre took place on March 16th 1968.

My Son Holy Land

Champa is a long-standing group of people on the strip of land in central Vietnam. In the history of development, with its unique indigenous culture and extensive multi-dimensional exchanges with many different cultures, Cham people have created a unique and diverse culture

Vinh Moc Tunnel

Vinh Moc Tunnel - Quang Tri. During the Vietnam War, it was strategically located on the border of North Vietnam and South Vietnam.

Vinh is a city with an important transportation hub, having a key position on the route between the northern and southern parts of the country, and is also a notable port.

Located 93km south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a place for economic and cultural continuity between the Red River delta and the mountains and forests of the Northwest. Being favored by nature as well as the long history, Ninh Binh owns many beautiful spots and historical and cultural relics

Nha Trang is one of the most beautiful and longest beach cities in Vietnam. Arrival to Nha Trang, you will have a chance to travel to of the most beautiful bays in the world such as Nha Trang Bay, Ninh Van Bay....and explore the most wonderful islands in Nha Trang as well as enjoy a lot of the beach activies in Nha trang, relax at luxury resorts, the beautiful gardens and parks, and swim at the large swimming pools, and take part in so many sports games

Ho Chi Minh City or formally it is still called Saigon, this is the largest and most bustling cities in Vietnam. Saigon is located in the south of Vietnam, it is very easy for tourists to connect with a lot of the different famous destinations of Vietnam from Saigon such as the Mekong River Delta, Mui Ne beach, Phu Quoc island....

Dalat is a city located on Lang Biang highlands – part of the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Because of its history, special architecture, unique climate features and wide range of beautiful spots, Dalat is known as one of the most popular tourist destinations of Vietnam.

Hoi An town is located on the Thu Bon River. This place was once known as Faifoo, which the merchants of Japan, China, Portugal, Italy, etc. have known since the 16th, 17th centuries. At the time, the commercial port of Hoi An became prosperous and a major trading center of Southeast Asia, one of the main stations of the Far East merchant ships ...

Da Nang is the leading tourist city in Vietnam. Danang City is also the city where is considered as the most worthwhile city to live in Vietnam, it not only has beautiful scenery but also it is beautiful about both mentally and physically.

Hue is located in the middle (central) of the north and the south of Vietnam, the tourist can catch a bus, flight or train to go to Hue from Hanoi the capital of Vietnam (the north of Vietnam) or from Ho Chi Minh City or still called Saigon (the south of Vietnam). Hue is well known for its monuments and architecture which have earned it a place in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The seat of the Nguyen emperors was the Citadel, which occupies a large, walled area on the north side of the Perfume River.

Ha Long Bay or still written as Halong Bay is a magnificent scenic spot, it is located in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. This site is very famous for its mountains, clean water, clouds, caves, and grottoes

Hanoi the capital of Vietnam where is very special and different from any other capital in the world because it is very peaceful and there are a lot of the natural lakes surrounding the city such as Hoan Kiem Lake the heart of Hanoi capital, West Lake the largest lake in Hanoi, Truc Bach lake, Thien Quang lake, Bay Mau lake....

» Vietnam Tourist Sights 10 Days

- Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Danang - Hoian - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - My Tho

» Short time but full sights Vietnam and Angkor 7 Days

- Hanoi - Halong Bay - Danang - Hoian - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Temple Complex

» Vietnam and Cambodia Honeymoon 14 Days

- Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Danang - Hoian - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - My Tho - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Temple Complex

» Tour cover Southern Vietnam and Cambodia 11 Days

- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Vinh Long - Can Tho - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Temple Complex

» Indochina Classic Tour 10 Days

- Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoian - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Temple Complex - Luang Prabang - Laos

» Tour to Cambodia and Vietnam 10 Days

- Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Temple Complex - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Nha Trang - Hue - Danang - Hoian - Hanoi - Halong Bay

» Tour Explore Southern Vietnam and Cambodia 9 Days

- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - My Tho - Can Tho - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Temple Complex

» Vietnam Classic Tour 7 Days

- Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Danang - Hoian - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Can Tho

Travel guides

If you want to enjoy the fresh and peaceful atmosphere, you should visit the most beautiful highlands of Vietnam. Stretching from Northern highlands to...

#1. Ha Long Bay Halong Bay is located on the west coast of the Gulf of Tonkin including the sea islands of Ha Long...

Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien (Son Tay) Considered as one of the affordable tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien tourist...

Trieu Duong Bay (Binh Thuan province) attracts visitor not only with beautiful beach but also with picnic activities, stylish mobile live music performances. Trieu...

Mai Chau Ecoldoge is a green resort situated in the charming scenery of the mountains and forests of Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Province. It...

In addition to Hon Mun and Hon Tam, Hon Ong Island is also one of the places where are worth visiting with unspoiled beach...

Cambodia, the country of temples with the harmony between antiquity and modernity is a place deserved to discover. Making a plan for traveling to...

With the perfect combination of mountains, islands and lakes, Thung Nai has a poetic beauty and bring tourists with relaxed moments. Thung Nai, in...

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide: 24 Best Indochina Destinations to Visit in the Region

Traveling to Indochina is an experience that should be on your bucket list. The term Indochina comes from the Indochinese Peninsula, which covers all the countries in mainland Southeast Asia. 

However, when people say Indochina destinations these days, they will most likely refer to the Indochina trail in the three French Indochina countries: Vietnam, Cambodia , and Laos. 

In collaboration with some other travel bloggers who have traveled far and wide to explore some of the best Indochina destinations in Southeast Asia, I'm compiling the best places to visit in Indochina that you should visit when traveling around the region in this post. 

So, why should you add Indochina travel to your bucket list? Where are the most interesting places in Indochina? How do you travel around the region? Let's dive in! 

Running short on time? Find everything you need for your Indochina trip below!

This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.

Table of Content

Why You Should Travel to Indochina

It's no surprise when it comes to vacation; Indochina travel is pretty popular among tourists, accredited TEFL  teachers working abroad or even long-term travelers. The region is diverse and it offers various attractions, which makes it an ideal travel destination in Southeast Asia. 

Whether you're the type of traveler seeking adventure or interested in culture, there's something for everyone. Each place is interesting on its own. 

From the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia , to the spiritual city like Luang Prabang, these charming places offer plenty to discover and learn about their history and cultural traditions. 

With the region's turbulent history of the past, various destinations in Indochina allow you to learn more about it to understand more about their perspectives when it comes to the Vietnam War or Khmer Rouge . 

If these still don't convince you to travel to Indochina, you'll be glad to know that compared to other countries in the Indochina Peninsula like Malaysia , Singapore , or Thailand , traveling to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos destinations is much more affordable. 

How to Travel Around Indochina

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are pretty well-connected in terms of public transportation, making it easier for tourists to explore the Indochina region. 

The most convenient way to secure your booking for public transport tickets in Indochina is through 12Go website , as the platform enables you to book all types of public transport online. Whether you plan to cross the border overland, by boat, or even by flight, you can book all the tickets there! 

So, here's everything you need to know about crossing the border by public transport in Indochina! 

It is the fastest and the most convenient way to travel around Indochina, but you'll miss out on the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery across the border in the region. 

If you plan to cross the border by flight in Indochina, the easiest way to do it is to pick the biggest city for your departure and arrival in each Indochina country. 

You can see the following table to find the airports in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia that have international flight routes in Indochina. 

The respective national carriers in Indochina; Vietnam Airlines , Cambodia Angkor Airlines, and Lao Airlines, cater to several international flight routes in the region. 

Alternatively, budget airlines like AirAsia and VietJet Air also have several routes for popular destinations like Hanoi , Siem Reap , or Luang Prabang. 

Traveling in Indochina overland by bus is pretty convenient and it's much more affordable than flying. On top of that, on your way between Indochina destinations, you'll be spoiled by the beautiful scenery too. 

Depending on the distance, you may need to transfer and change vehicles, like when I crossed the border between Vietnam and Cambodia via Ha Tien . 

Although a lot of inter-city buses in Indochina are sleeper buses , most bus companies that offer border service typically use semi-sleeper or couch buses for their international routes in the region. Nonetheless, it's still pretty comfortable, especially if budget is your concern. 

While the border service isn't as seamless as other destinations in the Indochina Peninsula (e.g. crossing border from Thailand to Malaysia or Malaysia to Singapore), traveling overland by bus in Indochina is quite reliable since at least the bus company will ensure that they will wait for all the passengers to finish their immigration service at the border. So, in the event you have some issues with immigration, they will wait for you. 

Some of the most popular bus services in Indochina that offer border services include: 

• Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) – Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
• Hanoi (Vietnam) – Vientiane (Laos)
• Siem Reap (Cambodia) – Don Det / Pakse in Champasak (Laos)

As the intersection of the Mekong River, one of the most popular (but the longest) way to explore Indochina is by boat.

If you plan to cross the border by boat in Indochina, be very well prepared since it's not the most straightforward way to explore the region. The journey could take up to 2-4 days, and along the way you may need to do some transfer for vehicles in between. 

The fastest boat that provides border service in Indochina is the ferry service from Chau Doc in An Giang Province , Vietnam, which goes directly to Phnom Penh in Cambodia . 

Up until now, there is no train line available that offers border services between Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos. 

However, both Vietnam and Laos have international train lines that connect both countries with China, which will make it pretty convenient if you plan to continue your journey up north after your Indochina tour.

From Vientiane in Laos, you can also easily go to the Thai border, where you can take the direct train from Nong Khai to Bangkok. 

24 Best Indochina Destinations You Should Visit in Southeast Asia

Now that you know how to travel around Indochina, it's time to dig deeper into some of the must-visit places in each Indochina country: Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. 

Vietnam is probably the most popular destination in Indochina. On top of that, Vietnam is also the most affordable destination to travel in this region!

Compared to other Indochina countries, Vietnam probably has the best tourism infrastructure with so many destinations worth visiting in the country, whether you're into nature or history. 

From cruising through Ha Long Bay, exploring the former Vietnamese Demilitarization Zone from Hue to enjoy the city view from above at Bitexco Saigon Skydeck, you won't run out of ideas on what to do in Vietnam! 

So, looking for the best Vietnam destinations in Indochina? Here we go!

Street food in Hanoi | Recommended by Madison of Madison's Footsteps

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is undeniably one of the best destinations to explore in Indochina. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering street food scene, Hanoi offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.

One of the highlights of visiting Hanoi is its bustling street food scene. From steaming bowls of Anthony Bourdain's favorite pho, to delectable banh mis, and flavorful bun cha,  Hanoi's street food  is among the best in Indochina (and the world). Don't miss out on trying Hanoi's famous egg coffee! 

However, Hanoi has more to offer than just food. This city offers plenty of cultural and historical attractions like the Temple of Literature, the charms of the Old Quarter, and the serenity of Hoan Kiem Lake with its famous red bridge. History buffs might enjoy a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. 

Hanoi also happens to be the perfect hub for adventurers looking to tackle the picturesque (but often perilous) Hà Giang Loop or tourists looking to spend a night or two in Vietnam's iconic Ha Long Bay . 

Check the price for Old Quarter Food Tour in Hanoi here!

2. Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is a four-day motorbike journey in Northern Vietnam through some of the most staggering landscapes you'll ever see. 

From mind-blowing canyons to some seriously impressive mountain passes, you'll find it impossible not to be amazed every step of the way. It's arguably the most scenic place in all of Vietnam, and perhaps all of Indochina!

Most people complete the loop with a tour company –  Jasmine Hostel   and   Mama's Hostel   being the two most popular places people go with. 

Whether you've got motorbike experience or not, worry not – anyone has the chance to do this. You can choose to ride yourself or get an  ‘ EasyRider ‘ ; a local who drives you around for the entire trip. 

While the stops along the way vary between tours, generally they stop in the same places. You get to see all of the best landscapes on the loop and in between, you get to see traditional villages and connect with the friendliest locals in the country. 

A lot of people say it's the best thing they've done traveling, which makes it one of the best Indochina destinations to visit on your next trip!

Book a motorbike rental for Ha Giang Loop here!

Located 300 kilometers northwest of Vietnam's capital city, the former French colonial hill station of Sapa (Sa Pa) is a highlight of Vietnam and a must-see when touring the Indochina region.

Sapa is nestled in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains, which makes the town a popular base for trekking. 

Routes range from easy treks through the Muong Hoa Valley – famed for its picturesque terraced rice fields – to the more challenging Phan Xi Pang peak summit.

As well as unreal natural beauty, Sapa offers many opportunities for cultural immersion. There are family guesthouses run by families from the Hmong, Tay, and Dao ethnic groups, and lively bazaars such as the Bac Ha Market where different hilltribes converge to trade and socialize.

There are several options for  traveling to Sapa from Hanoi , ranging from VIP minivan to a budget-friendly overnight train. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience in this popular destination, stay in the lush Ta Van Village outside the town.

Book a 3D2N Sa Pa tour from Hanoi here!

4. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam has long been leading many travel bucket lists, and it is easy to see why. 

This beautiful bay consists of almost 2000 limestone islands and islets that, with the sea and the sky, make one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes on Earth. In fact, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and named one of the seven natural wonders of the world! 

There is no better way to visit Halong Bay than taking a cruise through its beautiful islands. There are boats for all budgets and routes for all kinds of travelers. 

From luxury boutique cruises to party cruises as well as boats with activities for the most adventurous, so it is important to  choose the best Halong Bay cruise for you ! 

In fact, Halong Bay is part of a larger area that includes Bai Tu Long Bay and Cat Ba island. If you want a postcard picture or have little time, then Halong Bay is the best for you. 

If you prefer a more secluded and less crowded experience, Bai Tu Long Bay will be your choice. However, I suggest you choose Cat Ba island instead if you're on a budget or would prefer to enjoy some beach time. 

Join the 3D2N Halong Bay Cruise and Cat Ba Island from Hanoi here!

5. Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam  is an exceptional destination in Indochina for its blend of natural beauty and diverse outdoor experiences. This picturesque bay features over 400 limestone karst islands covered in lush greenery and surrounded by emerald waters.

Compared to its more famous neighbor, Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is less crowded. As a result, visitors may have a more serene experience when touring the bay. 

The bay's calm waters are perfect for kayaking, boat tours, and overnight cruises. Depending on the itinerary of each tour or cruise, you can explore its lagoons and secluded beaches or visit local villages on Cat Ba Island for a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region.

With its beautiful landscape and diverse activities, Lan Ha Bay is an attractive destination for many travelers, from nature lovers and adventure seekers to families. 

There are tours and cruises departing for the bay from Tuan Chau Port in Quang Ninh or Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong. Both places are quite easily accessible from Hanoi.

Secure a booking for a bundle of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay tours from Hanoi here!

6. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is known as one of Vietnam's most beautiful places to visit, and is often hailed as the “Halong Bay on Land.” 

The region boasts a breathtaking landscape of karst mountains, vast rice fields, and intricate pagodas.

One of the best things to do is to take the  Tam Coc boat tour , which will take you through the winding waterways surrounded by limestone karsts and rice paddies. Additionally, you can hop on a small wooden boat through limestone caves, temples, and towering cliffs at the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscape complex.

For the best panoramic views of Ninh Binh's landscape, tackle the rewarding climb to Hang Mua Viewpoint. 

Ninh Binh is also dotted with ancient pagodas throughout the countryside, each with its own unique charm. Among them, the Bai Dinh Pagoda stands out as the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia, showcasing impressive statues and intricate architecture.

With its rich array of experiences and spectacular scenery, Ninh Binh stands out as a must-see destination for anyone visiting Vietnam.

Join the Ninh Binh day tour from Hanoi here!

7. Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve in North Vietnam is easily the place of your dreams!

Situated near Ninh Binh, this is the largest wetland reserve in the Red River Delta! What makes it unique is how it's surrounded by high cliffs creating a dramatic scenery.

The lowland marshes are also very biodiverse, and you'll be delighted if you like nature. Tens of endangered birds, plants, fishes, and even a monkey species – the critically endangered Delacour's Langur – call the reserve home. You just need a little luck to see them.

You can easily reach  Van Long Nature Reserve  from Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. The latter is a popular tourist hotspot with its own boat ride, but I'd argue the one at Van Long is better. If you have time, you can comfortably do both of them in a day and decide for yourself.

Once you reach the banks of Van Long (around 20 km northwest of Ninh Binh), you will see the local rowers waiting for customers. Buy a ticket, get one of those Vietnamese hats to protect from the sun, sit back and enjoy the views! 

Look out for the monkeys on the rocks. They are shy and far, but the rowers spot them and will make sure to share with you. And if you visit just before sunset, the colors are spectacular!

Book your transport from Hanoi to Van Long Nature Reserve here!

Definitely, Da Nang, Vietnam, isn't on every traveler's bucket list while  exploring Southeast Asia . That's a mistake. 

Exploring the seaside city of Da Nang you will soon understand why it is the perfect destination to spend a few days relaxing on the beach (My An beach is perfect!), unwinding, or getting on exciting activities.

One of the most popular landmarks of Da Nang is the Chùa Linh Ung Buddhist Temple. Located on the Mui Da Nang Peninsula, it's the best viewpoint of Da Nang, perfect for day exploration but also for viewing the city at night.

Away from the main sights, Da Nang is at the center of fantastic day trips. South of the city, driving for about 45 minutes there is Hoi An , one of the most picturesque villages in Vietnam. Driving north instead, there is Hue where you can easily join the DMZ tour to see the border between South and North Vietnam during the war.

9. Ba Na Hills

Sun World Ba Na Hills is a mountain resort located less than an hour's drive away from the coastal city of Da Nang. 

Located at the top of a mountain, it is accessible by the longest non-stop single-track cable car in the world, which starts and ends any visit to Ba Na Hills off with breathtaking views.

Once at the top, there are many activities for visitors of all ages set among European-inspired architecture, including a large French Village that includes a church, square, and village.

Ba Na Hills resort is home to the spectacular pedestrian Golden Bridge, which appears to be held up by a pair of hands. 

The Fantasy Park, which is a games arcade is great for children, with theaters that have 4D and 5D experiences. The resort offers multiple options for food.

A visit to Ba Na Hills resort involves a lot of walking, and possibly standing in line for various attractions and cable cars. It is recommended to buy tickets before you visit, start early to avoid the crowds, and check the weather to ensure it is not raining before visiting.

Join the day trip from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills here!

10. Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is a beautiful tropical island in southwest Vietnam with a laid-back vibe. 

Known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal waters, this island paradise is home to delicious seafood, beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, and picture-perfect sunsets over the Gulf of Thailand.

Surprisingly, Phu Quoc is home to the longest sea-crossing cable car in the world. So hop in and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island from above! 

Then, rent a motorbike to tour the island, or join a  Kayaking Tour of Starfish Beach . If you're interested in swimming among the colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life, consider joining a  Snorkeling and Island Hopping  Tour . 

Phu Quoc serves as a base for exploring the nearby island in the An Thoi Archipelago.

For Vietnamese culture, start your day at the beautiful Dinh Cau Temple. Then, visit a pepper farm to learn about the cultivation process before joining a local cooking class. Or head to one of the night markets to experience traditional Vietnamese dishes.

You will want to visit Phu Quoc between October and November to  save money on your trip  as accommodation prices are lower and there are fewer crowds.

Book a 4-Island Hopping Day Tour with Aquatopia Water Park Experience in Phu Quoc here!

Shaped by its turbulent history and the people's spirit, Cambodia has a vibrant and resilient modern culture combined with its natural beauty and diversity. 

Home to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, the temple is named the largest religious structure in the world according to the Guinness World Records. 

With the country's dark history, you can also learn more about the Cambodian genocide in some historic sites like Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Field in Phnom Penh . 

You can also find some of the best Cambodia destinations to discover the country's natural beauty, whether you're into beaches or mountains.

Are you planning to include Cambodia as a part of your Indochina tour? Check out some of the best destinations in Cambodia below! 

11. Phnom Penh

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Recommended by me

The capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, offers a unique blend of its tragic past and vibrant present. 

You can explore the glorious past of the Khmer Empire and visit some of the most iconic temples in the country, such as the Royal Palace or the Silver Pagoda. You can also visit Oudong , the former capital of the post-Angkorian period, as a day trip from Phnom Penh. 

Phnom Penh is also one of the best destinations in Indochina, especially if you want to learn more about the dark history of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge. 

The infamous Killing Fields of Choeung Ek is only around an hour from Phnom Penh city center, where you can learn about the city's history while paying respect to the lives that have been lost under the dictatorship of the Khmer Rouge. 

Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school building that served as a prison during the oppression. 

Apart from the morbid building with some documentation of the victims, you can also get a chance to meet the survivors to understand more about the impact and challenges of the Cambodian genocide on the country's modern society. 

Sign up for the Historical Tour in Phnom Penh here!

12. Siem Reap

It's hard not to include Siem Reap on the list of the best Indochina destinations. 

The city was the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, and it serves as the gateway to the wonders of Angkor so that you can explore the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat and its surroundings. 

You can opt for a 1 or 3-day pass to the Angkor Archaeological Park, as the UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 400 square kilometers of area that you can plan to explore for a few days if you have time. 

If you have a short time to explore Siem Reap, I would recommend getting a one-day pass to Angkor Archaeological Park like I did so you can visit some of the most notable temples around the complex. 

Siem Reap also offers a vibrant nightlife, with Pub Street being the best place for an entertainment center in the city. You can find hundreds of shops to buy souvenirs or even pamper yourself with some affordable Khmer massage around the street. 

Situated in the heart of Siem Reap, as the name suggests, Pub Street is also the best area to go if you want to indulge in the delicious Cambodian cuisine or just have a drink or two to enjoy the city's nightlife. 

Book a private tuk-tuk to explore Angkor Archaeological Park for 3 days here!

13. Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia | Recommended by Victoria of Guide Your Travel

Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's most mesmerizing natural wonders, captivating travelers with its unique ecosystem and vibrant local life. 

This expansive freshwater lake serves as the beating heart of Cambodia, supporting a diverse array of flora and fauna while offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

What sets Tonle Sap apart is its ever-changing landscape. During the dry season, the lake's water levels recede, revealing vast expanses of fertile land where floating villages emerge. 

These stilted communities, home to thousands of families, provide an insight into the daily lives of locals, showcasing their resilience and resourcefulness.

A visit to Tonle Sap promises an enriching adventure. Travelers can take boat tours to witness the lake's distinct biodiversity, spot rare bird species, and see traditional fishing techniques. 

Exploring the floating villages unveils a vibrant tapestry of local markets, schools, and temples, fostering a deeper understanding of Cambodian culture.

For those seeking day trips from Tonle Sap, nearby Siem Reap offers a gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Additionally, excursions to nearby archaeological sites like the Preah Khan Kompong Svay temple or venturing into the bustling city of Phnom Penh provide further insight into Cambodia's rich history and heritage.

Tonle Sap Lake stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture, beckoning travelers with its picturesque landscapes and immersive experiences, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the wonders of Cambodia.

Join the Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Sunset Boat Tour here!

14. Battambang

Battambang in the west of Cambodia is a more off-the-beaten-track city and is a highly recommended visit after exploring the temples of Angkor Wat.

It's the second biggest city in Cambodia, but despite its size, it has a sort of small-town charm that offers a welcome contrast with the bustle of touristy Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. 

It has some of the best-preserved French colonial architecture in Cambodia and despite its size, Battambang has plenty of things to do both in the city and the surrounding region.

Battambang city is split in two by the Sanker River and exploring by foot, especially late afternoon into early evening when it's cooler is a nice way to spend a few hours.

Once you've explored the city, hands-down the best  thing to do in Battambang  is to hire a driver and tuk-tuk for the day and explore the lush, green countryside.

The highlights of a countryside tour should include a ride on the ‘Old' Bamboo Train (not the modern one), learning about the cottage industries of the villages, and watching the natural phenomenon at dusk of bats flying out of the bat cave in Phnom Sampeau. 

Book a half-day biking tour to explore the local livelihood in Battambang now!

15. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem

A short journey from mainland Cambodia, you will find yourself on the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.

There are plenty of ferry companies that offer transfers to and from  Sihanoukville to Koh Rong  and Koh Rong Samloem, from as little as $20 USD. It may seem like a lot if you are backpacking on a budget, however it's worth it to experience this paradise!

Both islands offer incredible beaches with soft sand and clear blue waters, making the ultimate activity to do here is simply to relax. 

There nothing better than spending your days chilling in the sun on some of the most beautiful beaches you will ever experience.

Some of my favorite beaches include Long Set Beach on Koh Rong, and Saracen Beach on Kong Rong Samloem. 

For epic snorkeling , I highly recommend the cross-island trek on Koh Rong Samloem to Sunset Beach.

No matter which island you choose to visit, or even if you have the opportunity to explore both, you will no doubt have an epic time in this Cambodian paradise!

Join the private snorkeling tour in Koh Rong to witness the amazing marine life on the island here!

16. Koh Ta Kiev

Koh Ta Kiev in Cambodia  is still a true hidden gem in Indochina. It's a small island off the coast of Cambodia. While it's close to the famous Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloen, it's significantly less busy.

You can have a real Robinson Crusoe feeling here. There are not many too many accommodations and there are also not a ton of things to do. 

The main thing to do on this paradise island is relaxing on an empty beach. 

If you're feeling more active, you can also go on jungle hikes, boat tours, snorkelling or cliff jumping. 

Bonus point if you visit around the time of the new moon, as you can even observe bioluminescent plankton! 

A charming and laidback city on the banks of the Praek Tuek Chhu River, Kampot is one of the best places to visit in Indochina if you're looking for a place to unwind away from the hustling and bustling of the big cities. 

Kampot is best known for its pepper, salt, and seafood, which you can enjoy while traveling to the city. 

One of the best Kampot tours you can book is the trip to the salt field and pepper plantation at La Plantation . As a part of the tour, you can see how salt is being processed when extracted from the seawater and dried under the sun. 

It's also home to Bokor National Park , where you can explore the former King Sihanouk's favorite vacation house, as well as the infamous Le Bokor Palace. 

If joining the tour isn't your cup of tea, you can also explore the city center on your own. While you can do a DIY walking tour around the city, I highly recommend renting a bicycle to admire the colorful and quaint facades with the riverside views in Kampot. 

Rent a bike and explore the backroads of Kampot here!

Compared to its neighboring countries in Indochina, Laos is probably the most off-the-beaten-path destination in the region. 

Known for its laidback lifestyle and responsible tourism, Laos is the only landlocked country in Indochina so you can't expect beach destinations in Laos. 

However, the country is committed to developing its tourism industry sustainably and ethically. Not only can you expect stunning natural scenery from waterfalls, mountains, and forests, but you can also easily find eco-lodges like Dream Resort Farm Pakse to support the country's effort in sustainable tourism. 

Compared to the neighboring country Thailand, Lao food is often overlooked. But trust me when I say that Lao food is delicious. Try some local specialties, like  laap  (minced meat salad) and  khao jee  (something similar to  banh mi  in Vietnam or  num pang pate  in Cambodia). 

The only downside is that Laos heavily relies on imports for general trading in the country, so you can expect slightly higher costs when traveling in Laos compared to Cambodia and Vietnam. 

18. Don Det

As a part of the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) archipelago in South Laos, Don Det is a river island that you should visit when traveling to Indochina. 

Situated in the southern part of Laos in Champasak province, you can find some border services pretty easily from big cities in Cambodia like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. There are also some border services from Vietnam that include big cities like Da Nang.

It was the home to the first and only railway in Laos that connects Don Det to Don Khon. Built in the late 19th century by the French colonialists at the time, you can still see the remnants of the railway bridge and the old station on the island. 

Don Det is also one of the most diverse and vibrant places to visit in Laos, as you can find various ethnic groups as the residents of the island. From Lao, Khmer, and Vietnamese, it's a great place to explore Laos and celebrate the diversity of its people! 

On top of that, Don Det is also blessed with a stunning natural landscape with the mighty Mekong River in its surroundings combined with the lush tropical forests and the greenery through the rice fields; it's an awesome place if you're into nature and outdoor activities!

Wat Luang and Sacred Heart Cathedral in Pakse, Laos | Recommended by me

The capital city of Champasak Province, Pakse is known as the gateway to many attractions and activities in Southern Laos. I took the bus from Siem Reap to Pakse, but you can also find some international flights that fly directly to Pakse from other cities in Indochina. 

Compared to other popular destinations in Laos like Vientiane or Luang Prabang, Pakse stands out for its unspoiled natural attractions that provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. 

It's also one of the best Indochina adventure travel destinations, as it's a perfect gateway to the Bolaven Plateau , where you can visit the waterfall and spend the day doing some outdoor activities. From trekking to swimming, you can also enjoy the natural landscape in its surroundings. 

The region is also known for its coffee plantation, so don't miss out the opportunity to taste the authentic Pakse coffee when traveling to the city!

Join a 2D1N Pakse Adventure Trail and explore the Bolaven Plateau here!

20. Vientiane

Wat Xieng Khouane Luang in Vientiane, Laos | Recommended by Kevin and Kate of Happy Irish Wanderers

Many people don't spend much time in the capital of Laos, which is a shame as one of the best yet unknown attractions in Indochina is here.

Buddha Park ( Wat Xieng Khouane Luang ) is one of the largest and best collections of all sorts of Buddha statues in the world.

There are over 200 large statues to discover, such as the nearly 400-foot-long reclining Buddha. 

However, our favorite is the large afterlife statue where you can climb inside and witness the different levels of the afterlife: hell, heaven, and purgatory. 

Located 45 minutes from the city center, it is easily reached by bus 14 at a cost of less around 0.50 cent. Entrancee fee is 40.000 Laos kip, which is less than $2 USD.

Book a Vientiane City Tour here!

21. Vang Vieng

Nam Xay Viewpoint is one of the best scenery in Southeast Asia, and for good reasons. 

Located 10 kilometers from Vang Vieng, it is easily reached by hiring a motorbike or by using a taxi driver.

Entry is 20,000 Laos kip, which is less than 2 USD.

Make sure to bring at least 1 liter of water per person. The climb up is quite hard, even for the fittest of people.

Once you reach the top though, you will be rewarded with 360-degree views of unspoiled classic Indochina landscape.

Of course, make sure to get a photo of the 2 motorcycles that some tough people dragged to the top!

Join the Vang Vieng Tour to Nam Xay Viewpoint and Blue Lagoon here!

22. Plain of Jars

It's one of the off-the-trail destinations in Laos, and definitely one of the best Indochina places to visit if you're into archaeology. 

Just like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Plain of Jars is also listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Indochina. 

Situated not too far from the Phonsavan, the capital city of Xiangkhouang Province in the northeastern part of Laos, you can see some of the most pre-historic sites in the region. 

It is unclear who made the jars or what they were for, but apart from visiting the ruins of jars you can also see the beautiful views of the rolling hills and the green valleys around the Xiangkhouang plateau. 

While the easiest to go to the Plain of Jars sites is by booking a tour from Phonsavan in advance, you can also rent a car or hire a taxi driver for a full-day adventure to wander around the historical sites. 

Book a tour to Plain of Jars with a local English-speaking tour guide here!

23. Luang Prabang

Compared to other Laos destinations in Indochina, Luang Prabang is probably the most popular one among international tourists. 

This charming small town was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lane Xang up until the 16th century. 

Luang Prabang also served as the royal and religious capital of Laos until 1975. It offers a unique experience that combines colonial heritage sites, along with endless cultural attractions that make it worth visiting when traveling to Indochina. 

If you plan to travel from Thailand to Laos or the other way around, the most popular way to travel is by a slow boat that connects Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong in North Thailand . The journey takes around 2 days in total, but it's highly recommended if you have enough time to absorb the experience! 

Luang Prabang has so much more to offer. Whether you want to visit the ethical elephant sanctuary or just visit the night market to buy some of the best souvenirs from Laos, there are so many  things to do in Luang Prabang !

If you happen to visit Luang Prabang during the dry season, make your way to visit the bamboo bridge that's only there during this time of the year. 

Get a glimpse of the local lives in Luang Prabang while enjoying the scenic trek in the North Laos mountains here!

24. Kuang Si Waterfall

Kuang Si Waterfalls in Laos | Recommended by me, photo by Flo of Yoga, Wine, & Travel

One of the most popular waterfalls in Laos, Kuang Si is a must-visit when traveling to the northern part of the country. Located an hour drive from Luang Prabang, you can arrange a day trip to Kuang Si Waterfall to make the best of your time there. 

Kuang Si Waterfalls is heaven for adventure seekers. Apart from swimming in the pool, you can also go hiking through the wooden bridge to see the fantastic views over Laos countryside. 

To make the best of your visit, you can also pack a picnic and enjoy it while admiring this beautiful landscape! 

The area is where the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center is located. 

Home to around 20 Asian black bears, you can see them play around hammocks from afar. To support the foundation, you can also donate by purchasing merchandise at this rescue center. 

Join the day tour to Kuang Si Waterfalls and the surroundings from Luang Prabang here!

As always, I'm going to list some of the most frequently asked questions about Indochina travel in this section. So, here we go!

1. What are Indochina countries?

The answer to this question may differ depending on the context. The term Indochina itself refers to the region in Southeast Asia that's located between India and China. 

Some people consider all the countries in the mainland Indochina Peninsula to be Indochina countries. In which case, these include countries like Myanmar , Thailand, and Malaysia, all the way to Singapore in the northwest of the peninsula. 

However, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are more popular as Indochina destinations due to their similarity in terms of history, culture, and geographical features. 

These countries were part of the former French Indochina colonies, and the presence of the Mekong River makes them a popular region to explore with what's known as  the Banana Pancake Trail  in Southeast Asia. 

2. When is the best time to travel to Indochina?

The majority of the places in Indochina generally have two main seasons: the wet season from May to October, and the dry season from December to April. 

Some places in the northern part of Indochina, such as Sa Pa and Luang Prabang, can be super cold and even get snow during the northern hemisphere winter season from December to February. 

Visiting Indochina during the shoulder season from November to January is probably the best time to travel to the region, since the region is relatively less crowded. 

If you're lucky, you can even experience some festivals and celebrations like Lunar New Year, which is one of the biggest public holidays in this part of the world. 

3. What is the best route for Indochina travel? 

The answer may vary depending on your preference, but I did my Indochina starting from Vietnam before Cambodia and Laos. 

You can start in North Vietnam via Hanoi and go all the way down to Ho Chi Minh City . From Ho Chi Minh City, you can either take a direct bus to Phnom Penh using Giant Ibis , one of the best Cambodian bus companies. 

Alternatively, you can also visit An Giang Province, where you can take a ferry boat to Phnom Penh from Chau Doc. If you want to go to Kampot in Cambodia, you can also take a bus to Ha Tien before booking a bus from Ha Tien to Kampot . 

You can go to Laos from Cambodia by bus , whether you depart from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Some travel companies like Asia Van Transfer offer border services from Cambodia to Laos, with destinations in South Laos like Don Det or Pakse. 

From there, you can go all the way to the northern part of the country. Whether you choose to travel by sleeper bus in Laos or fly between destinations, traveling inter-city in Laos shouldn't be too difficult! 

There are so many great destinations you can visit in Indochina, as the region has something for everyone. 

If you prefer cultural travel, you can visit places like Luang Prabang in Laos or Sa Pa in Vietnam. Angkor Wat is also something you should add to your itinerary, especially if you enjoy history while traveling in Southeast Asia. 

For those who prefer the modern way to travel, places like Phu Quoc or Da Nang in Vietnam can be a great choice as well. Siem Reap also offers so much more than just Angkor Archaeological Park. 

However, if you prefer an off-the-beaten-path destination, Plain of Jars or visiting Bokor National Park in Kampot can be great experiences when traveling around Indochina. 

So, do you have your personal favorite destination in Southeast Asia? Share in the comment below, and cheerio!

Marya The BeauTraveler

I am the founder and main editor at The BeauTraveler. I spent 4 years working in the aviation industry but ironically got to travel more right after quitting the industry in 2015. Born and raised in Indonesia, I started working remotely in 2017, and while I stay at home most of the time, I also regularly spend 2-3 months living a semi-digital nomad life elsewhere every year.

Disclaimer: 

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

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Often referred to as “Inland Ha Long Bay”, the area of Tam Coc and Hoa Lu is characterized by the limestone geology that gives rise to the towering karst formations that make this picturesque area so unique...

VIETNAM SCHOOL TOUR IN THE SOUTH

Joining this Vietnam School Tour in the South, students can explore some featured destinations in the South of Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, and Ben Tre.

Southern Myanmar Grand tour

This itinerary will take you to most of the major attractions in the South of Myanmar with full of experience in the history, culture, and daily life of the local people.

Myanmar Walking Tour

Exploring thousands of temple, pagodas, monasteries, immersing in the life of Burmese, trekking and hiking through the mountains, valleys, hills, and farms will be a wonderful and unforgettable experience for tourists who enjoy the slow pace of life ...

Myanmar Classic Holiday

Myanmar is an ancient country with a huge number of religious relics and architectural sophistication. This country has made a strong impression on any tourists setting foot on by its magnificent sceneries, rich history as well as favorable and ...

Indochina Treasures

Embark on the ultimate 18-day adventure through Indochina's most treasured destinations. Explore the enchanting city of Luang Prabang, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Hanoi, discover the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh and Halong ...

Tours of the month

The island of Phu Quoc is largely a real postcard idyll. There are numerous dream beaches with turquoise water and tall palm trees that provide a ...

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This little (but easy to extend) loop will take you along the breathtaking sceneries from the limestone mountain range stretching on the northwestern ...

Our vision about how a cruise around the Halong archipelago should be experienced. The TREASURE, our traditional junk with modern facilities offers ...

21st-century archaeology and the Cambodian landscape in all its splendor. Make the most of these newly accessible locations with an overnight ...

History, Nature, spirituality, and religion guided and inspired Cambodian arts giving rise to the unique Khmer style, which was also strongly ...

Ha Giang, sometimes known as ‘the Roof of Vietnam’, is characterized by beautiful limestone karsts, rolling hills, and highlands. It’s also the ...

Mai Chau valley vs Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong nature reserve is all about nature and deeply rooted ethnic cultures. This trip offers a wide array of natural sceneries: jungle, terraced ...

Often referred to as “Inland Ha Long Bay”, the area of Tam Coc and Hoa Lu is characterized by the limestone geology that gives rise to the ...

Indochina Heritage Journey

Embark on an extraordinary 16-day Heritage Journey through Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos, where the past and present converge in a tapestry of ...

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All you could ever need from a fantastic tour operator and at an amazing price. Personal service that beats anything we have experienced in all parts of the world. Mr Hung has a great team but most importantly he is involved in all aspects of the business.

We have used Sunshine Travel for the past three years. They provide and excellent and very reliable service. Mr Hung has organised airport transfers,hotels, flights, train tickets, mini cruisesand day tours on our behalf. We have never had any complaint and have always been extremely satisfied with the holidays he has organised for us. No problem with payment – very reliable. I highly recommend this company. If you are not sure about putting an itinerary together Mr Hung is extremely helpful with many ideas you probably hadn’t thought of.

I had the chance of being introduced to Mr. Hung from Vietnam Sunshine Travel. He organized all my travels from hotels, tours, transportation by bus and by plane, airport and hotel pickups and more. Once I had troubles with a bus driver, I called Mr. Hung who took care of the problem and on my way I went! He speaks very good English and was always available when I needed him. He made my month + travel to Vietnam and Cambodia a real joy. He was extremely helpful! I wholeheartedly recommend him. He also manages La Suite http://www.hanoilasuitehotel.com/ which, if is run like his travel agency, is probably a gem. Visited January 2015

Dear Mr The Linh, A quick note to say thankyou for organising our tour. We were very impressed with how well everything went and also how helpful your staff were. I will be sure to recommend you to anybody planning a trip to Vietnam. Once again thankyou. Regards

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GO-INDOCHINE

Your ideas. our experience. dream trips, discover vietnam, laos, cambodia or thailand.

Embark on a cruise around Halong Bay, explore hidden temples of Angkor Wat, experience the beauty of the meandering Mekong Delta or kick back with a Yoga Escape in Thailand’s Jungle, before finishing your private tour on a palm-fringed coral sand beach.

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Highlights tour from hanoi to siem reap.

Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia in 14 days. Experience Hanoi, Saigon and the temples of Angkor Wat

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A private trip with Halong Bay Cruise & Angkor temples - then a well deserved beach break in the south of Vietnam. Let's go!

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We were very happy with the process and feel she listened to what we wanted to experience. The adjustments to the itinerary were well done and we had a blast. A wonderful experience.

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Trails of the north vietnam - 8 day 7 night.

Trails of the North Vietnam 8 Day 7 Night (Hanoi - sapa- halong bay- catba island)

TASTE OF VIETNAM - 8 Day 7 Night

TASTE OF Vietnam 8 Day 7 Night (Hanoi-halong bay-saigon-cu chi tunnels- CAI BE/Mekong delta)

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PHNOM PENH 3DAY/2NIGHT

VIENTIANE - OUDORN THANI - VIENTIANE 5DAY/4NIGHT

VIENTIANE - OUDORN THANI - VIENTIANE 5DAY/4NIGHT CODE: LVG

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Yangon - Bagan - Inle - Mandalay (6DAYS/5NIGHTS)

Yangon - Bagan - Inle - Mandalay (6Day/5Nights)

Yangon - Mandalay - Yangon (4Days/3Nights)

Yangon – Mandalay - Yangon (4Days/3Nights)

​Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo - Bago - Yangon (4 Days / 3 Nights)

​Yangon – Kyaikhtiyo - Bago - Yangon (4 Days / 3 Nights)

HO CHI MINH/CUCHI TUNNELS/VUNGTAU/MYTHO (5D4N)

Code: SG04 Routes: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi - My Tho - Vung Tau Duration: 05days/04nites

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Mekong Princess

Wat xiang thong, tourism indochina welcome.

In the last century, it is considered that Indochina has the most tremendous, cultural and antique civilization in the world. With the rapid development of tourism industry in Indochina, there are significant factors to be proved that all tourists around the world have flooded in to visit the beautiful landscapes and discover the mystery of cultural heritages which lasted for centuries.

In order to sustain the quality of tourism sector in Indochina, with all our might, Indochina Partner Travel will invest all our skillful experiences to provide the exceptional services in hospitality in order to satisfy the travelers.

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Highlights of angkor (siem reap: 3 days 2 nights).

Tour Highlights:

• Angkor temples – including temples of Rolous group, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei
• Sunset or sunrise at Angkor Wat and Bakheng hill temples
• Explore local market at Phar Chas (old market) and arts gallery.

Detailed Itinery:  

Day 1:  Arrival / Siem Reap – Temples Of Rolous Group, Banteay Srei.

In the morning, arrive in Siem Reap airport, meet & transfer to hotel, check-in & option to relax at hotel or begin exploration the kingdom of Angkor by visiting the Rulous Group from the early Angkor period dating from the 9th & 10th centuries. The three temples of Preah Ko , Bakong , and Lolei represent the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural stone for the next 400 years. In the afternoon, we explore the most dedicated beauty of the Khnmer temple carvings of Bantey Srei in the 11th century , and visit Banteay Samre , and continue to the three-tiered temple-hill of Pre Rup. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Siem Reap – Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei. Afternoon, Angkor Thom By Motored Remorque. B

In the morning, exploration to Ta Keo , Chau Say Tevada , Thommanon and the impressive Ta Prohm temple , where the famous film Tomb Raider was shot and brought the Angkor Wonders to the world, and also visit Banteay Kdei , a Buddhist temple in Angkor built in middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by king Jayavarman II.

In the afternoon, by motored-remorque (similar as Tuk Tuk in Thailand) we will explore to the kingdom of Angkor by visiting the last capital of Angkorian Empire, Angkor Thom via the South Gate , the giant stone faces city temple of Bayon , Baphoun , Phimeanakas , the Royal Palace , the Elephant Terrace and the Lepper King Terrace . End of the day, enjoy the sunset view over Angkor Wat from the top of Phnom Bakheng Hill . Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat. Arts Gallery. Departure. B

In the morning, we visit the epic centerpiece of Angkor Wat temple with its extraordinary architecture and bas-reliefs. Returning back to hotel, option to relax at hotel or continue to visit the Artisans d’Angkor (stone and wood carvings) workshops to redevelop traditional Cambodian artisan skills, or explore local market at Phar Chas (old market) and arts gallery.

In the afternoon, free time at leisure and transfer to airport for departure flight.

Price In Us$ Per Person And In A Twin Sharing Room

3 star hotel option   

4 star hotel option  

5 star hotel option  

Note the surcharge for stay in Peak Season period and compulsory gala dinner at hotel may apply.

INCLUSIVE services

• Hotel accommodation by twin share basis with daily breakfast
• Ground transportation by private, air-cond vehicle
• Regional ENGLISH speaking guide (other language surcharge may apply)
• Sightseeing with admission fees
• Meals as indicated for B-breakfast, L-lunch, d-dinner
• Mineral water and cold tissues on tours
• Int’l flight re-confirmation

EXCLUSIVE services

• Visa on arrival to Cambodia (US$ 30 per person)
• International airfares arrival to and departure from Cambodia
• All other meals & beverages that NOT indicated in the itinerary
• Personal expenses and Tips to guides & drivers

Mystery Of Angkor (Siem Reap: 5Days 4Nights)

• Sacred Phnom Kulen and Angkor temples including temples of Rolous Group, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei
• Enjoy a boat cruise on Tonle Sap great lake to visit the floating village of Chong Knies.

Day 1:  Arrival / Siem Reap – Temples Of Rolous Group, Preah Khan, Neak Poan, Pre Rup.

In the morning, arrive in Siem Reap airport, meet & transfer to hotel, check-in & option to relax at hotel or begin exploration the kingdom of Angkor by visiting the Rulous Group from the early Angkor period dating from the 9th & 10th centuries. The three temples of Preah Ko , Bakong , and Lolei represent the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural stone for the next 400 years.

In the afternoon, visit Preah Khan , the “Sacred Sword,” was built in 1191 by Jayavarman VII for his father. It covers a very large area, 700 by 800 meters, elaborated lintels and panels are richly decorated with bas-reliefs depicting Buddhist motifs and Hindu epics. The temple is under the protection of the World Monument Fund. We then continue to Neak Poan , It was built by Jayavarman VII and was used for ritual purification. Four smaller square pools arranged on each axis. In the center of the main one is a circular island encircled by 2 nagas, and continue to the three-tiered temple-hill of Pre Rup and Lake of Sras Srang, ritual bathing by royals. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2:  Siem Reap – Sacred Phnom Kulen, Banteay Srei. B, L

In the morning, we travel to Phnom Kulen “means: mountain of the lychees” located 50 km north-east of Siem Reap town. It is considered as a holy mountain in Cambodia, popular place of pilgrimage, also very popular place for Cambodian people to come for picnic and enjoy the waterfalls during the holiday, weekend and festival.

Phnom Kulen is a birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 802 AD. Name the city Mahendraparvata (the mountain of Great Indra). We visit the large reclining Buddha carved into a sandstone boulder and beautiful views across the jungle. The carvings of Yoni and Linga are etched into the sandstone riverbed. A good chance to enjoy the nice waterfalls and the option to take a motorbike adventure to see the ruined brick temples of Prasat Kok Chen (the first mountain temple), Prasat Damrei Krab and Sras Damrei (Elephant pond) etc.

In the afternoon, we explore the most dedicated beauty of the Khnmer temple carvings of Bantey Srei in the 11th century , and continue to visit Banteay Samre . Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3:  Siem Reap – Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei. Afternoon, Angkor Thom By Motored Remorque. B

Day 4:  Siem Reap – Floating Village Of Chong Knies & Angkor Wat. B

After breakfast, we travel to take the boat cruise on Tonle Sap great lake to visit the floating village of Chong Knies , on the way we stop and take a unique experience of riding on the ox-cart , a traditional transport for Cambodian people for centuries. We visit to Pour Krom Village , walking through this lovely local village to experience how local people live, and visit to a morning local market before transferring to Chong Knies village to enjoy a boat trip on Tonle Sap Great Lake . Returning back to hotel, option to relax at hotel or continue to visit the Artisans d’Angkor (stone and wood carvings) workshops to redevelop traditional Cambodian artisan skills, or explore local market at Phar Chas (old market) and arts gallery.

In the afternoon, we are continuing to visit the epic centerpiece of Angkor Wat temple with its extraordinary architecture and bas-reliefs. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5:  Siem Reap – Departure. B

Breakfast at hotel and free time at leisure.

Transfer to airport for departure flight.

  EXCLUSIVE services

Remoted temples (Siem Reap – Preah Vihear / 2 days 1 night)

Day 1: Siem Reap – Beng Mealea & Koh Ker temples. L

In the morning, visit Beng Mealea temple, built By Jayarvaman VII; in the style of Angkor Wat; its scale is huge; being well over one square Kilometre within its moat.  Approached by a four causeways; Beng Mealea appears to be a huge pile of rubble partially hidden in the trees. Once you get closer the high walls, the ancient Khmer Architecture reveals itself. Cloaked in vegetation and with few concessions to tourism; this temple looks like it would have done when the early French explorers found it.

Drive to visit Koh Ker temple. After the Khmer empire had been established in the Angkor area (Roluos), Jayavarman IV moved the capital in 928 almost 100km northeast to Koh Ker. Here a vast number of temples were built under his reign, until his successor returned to the Angkor area about twenty years later. The Koh Ker site is dominated by Prasat Thom, a 30 meter tall temple mountain raising high above the plain and the surrounding forest. Great views await the visitor at the end of an adventurous climb. Garuda, carved into the stone blocks, still guard the very top, although they are partially covered now. Continue to Preah Vihear province and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Overnight at Preah Vihear Boutique Hotel

DAY 2: PREAH VIHEAR TEMPLE – SIEM REAP. B,L  

Breakfast at hotel

In the morning, we drive up to Preah Vihear Mountain and explorations. The mountaintop temple of Preah Vihear occupies a truly breathtaking location, on the top of the Dangrek Mountains. Considered so sacred, many kings left their mark from Yasovarman I (889-910) and Suryavarman III (1002-1050) to the great Suryavarman II (1113-1150). Preah Vihear has been claimed by neighbouring Thailand on numerous occasions. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague ruled that the temple is in Cambodia. On July 7, 2008, Preah Vihear temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, we travel back to Siem Reap and check in your hotel.

• Regional ENGLISH speaking guide
• 02 LUNCHES at local restaurant as indicated in program
• Local made departure gift

Remoted Temples In A Day

Day Trip: Siem Reap – Beng Mealea & Koh Ker Temples – Siem Reap. L

Drive to visit Koh Ker temple. After the Khmer empire had been established in the Angkor area (Roluos), Jayavarman IV moved the capital in 928 almost 100km northeast to Koh Ker. Here a vast number of temples were built under his reign, until his successor returned to the Angkor area about twenty years later. The Koh Ker site is dominated by Prasat Thom, a 30 meter tall temple mountain raising high above the plain and the surrounding forest. Great views await the visitor at the end of an adventurous climb. Garuda, carved into the stone blocks, still guard the very top, although they are partially covered now. In the afternoon, return to Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel for overnight.

• 01 LUNCH at local restaurant as indicated in program

Splendor Of Cambodia (Siem Reap, Sihanoukville: 7 Days 6 Nights)

• White sand beaches of Sihanoukville

Detailed Itinery:

Day 1:  Arrival Siem Reap – Temples Of Rolous Group, Banteay Srei.  

Arrive in Siem Reap airport, meet & transfer to hotel, check-in & option to relax at hotel or begin exploration the kingdom of Angkor by visiting the Rulous Group from the early Angkor period dating from the 9th & 10th centuries. The three temples of Preah Ko , Bakong , and Lolei represent the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural stone for the next 400 years. In the afternoon, we explore the most dedicated beauty of the Khnmer temple carvings of Bantey Srei in the 11th century , and visit Banteay Samre , and continue to the three-tiered temple-hill of Pre Rup. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3:  Siem Reap – Floating Village Of Chong Knies & Angkor Wat. B

Day 4:  Siem Reap – Sihanoukvlle. B

Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure flight to Sihanoukville

Flight: Siem Reap – Sihanoukville via XXX @ XXX – XXX

Upon arrival in Sihanoukville airport, meet up by your driver and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Sihanoukville

Day 05-06: Sihanouk Ville. B

Day at leisure. Overnight in Sihanoukville

Day 07: Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh Airport. B

You will be collected from hotel lobby and transferred to Phnom Penh airport, taking 4 hours, for your departure flight to next destination.

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20 Best Things To Do in Hanoi, Vietnam’s Capital City

H anoi, Vietnam's energetic capital, offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient culture and modern charm. From the buzzing streets and tranquil temples to exquisite cuisine, I'm here to help you discover the best things to do in Hanoi.

The last few days of my first trip to Vietnam were spent in Hanoi, following a week of sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), my friend's wedding, adventures in Central Vietnam , and a Ha Long Bay cruise .

Despite our short stay, Kel and I fit a lot in. Here are the highlights and a few places we didn't have time to get to (but you might).

Hanoi Attractions

Historic sites, 1. hanoi old quarter.

Hanoi's Old Quarter, the historic heart of Vietnam's capital, brims with timeless allure. With its narrow streets and centuries-old architecture, this bustling area radiates an old-world charm.

Each street, named after the specific goods once sold there, offers a unique glimpse into local craftsmanship and daily life.

The quarter buzzes with scooters, vendors, and cafes while fragrant aromas from street food stalls entice visitors. Amid this lively atmosphere, ancient temples and heritage houses stand quietly.

2. Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a small oasis amid Hanoi's Old Quarter to the north and west and the affluent French Quarter to the east. Encircled by leafy paths, the lake is a favorite spot for locals and tourists, ideal for strolls and morning tai chi sessions.

The iconic red bridge, The Huc, leads to Ngoc Son Temple, a peaceful sanctuary on a small island.

Rich in legend and beauty, the lake's calm waters reflect the sky and surrounding cityscape, creating a picturesque setting that blends nature and urban life in Hanoi .

3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in Hanoi is a monumental tribute to Vietnam's revered revolutionary leader. Inspired by Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow, the imposing granite structure exudes solemnity and grandeur.

Inside, under dim, respectful lighting, lies the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh, a site of profound national significance. Visitors, often in silent reverence, file past the glass coffin, reflecting on the life and legacy of “Uncle Ho.”

The memorial is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and guarded by military personnel.

4. Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House

On the grounds of the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House is a modest yet significant structure.

This simple, two-story wooden house, poised gracefully on stilts, reflects the humility and minimalist lifestyle of Vietnam's beloved leader, Ho Chi Minh.

Overlooking a tranquil carp-filled pond, the house is surrounded by lush gardens, creating a peaceful retreat.

Inside, the living quarters, preserved precisely as Ho Chi Minh left them, offer a glimpse into his daily life and work, resonating with his dedication to simplicity and the Vietnamese people.

5. Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace in Hanoi, a striking building painted in bright yellow, symbolizes French colonial architecture.

Constructed in the early 20th century, it was initially intended for the French Governor-General of Indochina. Today, it serves as the official residence of the Vietnamese President.

While the majestic building is not open to the public to maintain its official functions and preserve its historical integrity, visitors are welcome to stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the palace.

6. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi is a fascinating relic of Vietnam's history, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Once the heart of ancient Hanoi, this sprawling complex showcases over a millennium of cultural and historical significance. The citadel's impressive gates, palaces, and ancient relics speak volumes of the dynastic power that once ruled the land.

Its remaining structures and archaeological treasures, unearthed through meticulous excavations , offer a unique window into the past. Visitors are invited to explore the citadel's grounds, delving into the heritage that's helped shape the nation's identity.

7. Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton)

The Hoa Lo Prison Museum in Hanoi, often called the “Hanoi Hilton,” is a stark reminder of Vietnam's turbulent past. Initially built by the French colonists to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries, the prison was notorious for its harsh conditions and brutal treatment of prisoners.

Later, during the Vietnam War, it housed American POWs, including future U.S. Senator John McCain. Today, transformed into a museum, it serves as a poignant memorial and educational site.

Exhibits display chilling artifacts and recount harrowing stories of survival and resistance by political prisoners, offering visitors profound insights into the resilience and suffering experienced within its walls.

8. Ho Chi Minh Museum

The Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi is dedicated to the life and legacy of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. Situated near the Mausoleum, the museum is architecturally striking, symbolizing a lotus flower.

Inside, an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents meticulously chronicles Ho Chi Minh's journey from early life to pivotal roles in Vietnam's fight for independence.

The exhibits are arranged thematically, shedding light on his personal life and the global and historical contexts that shaped his ideology and leadership.

9. Vietnamese Women's Museum

The Vietnamese Women's Museum in Hanoi is a tribute to the roles and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history.

This enlightening institution, situated in the heart of the city, unfolds over several floors, each dedicated to showcasing different aspects of women's lives in Vietnam, including family, history, and fashion.

Exhibits feature poignant stories, photographs, and artifacts that highlight Vietnamese women's resilience, resourcefulness, and strength in cultural, social, and wartime contexts.

Interactive displays and personal narratives offer deep insights into women's crucial role in shaping the nation, making the museum a vital repository of cultural heritage and gender empowerment.

10. Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature in Hanoi, a Confucian temple, is a testament to Vietnam's scholarly heritage. Established in 1070, it was the country's first university, primarily educating royalty, nobility, and elites.

The temple's five courtyards are tranquil sanctuaries of manicured gardens, ancient pavilions, and reflecting pools. Stelae of doctoral candidates are mounted on turtle backs, symbolizing longevity and wisdom.

The temple celebrates learning and literature and offers a peaceful retreat from the city's pace. Its well-preserved architecture and scholarly legacy make it a revered site, embodying Vietnam's respect for education and cultural traditions.

11. Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a small island in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake, is an iconic symbol of spiritual and historical significance.

Accessible via the picturesque red wooden Huc Bridge, the temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, who repelled Mongol invasions and other venerable figures.

Its calm setting and traditional Vietnamese architecture create a relaxed ambiance amid the city noise. The temple complex, with its ornate altars and ancient artifacts, offers a quiet space for reflection and reverence.

Ngoc Son Temple provides spiritual solace and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding lake, making it a beloved landmark in Hanoi.

12. Bach Ma Temple

Bach Ma Temple in Hanoi's Old Quarter is revered as one of the city's oldest and most significant temples. Established in the 9th century to honor a white horse, a divine symbol in local folklore, the temple is a spiritual cornerstone for the local community.

Its architecture, a harmonious blend of Vietnamese and Chinese styles, features intricate woodwork, elaborate altars, and vibrant sculptures, encapsulating centuries of religious traditions.

13. Quan Thanh Temple

Quan Thanh Temple, near the shores of Hanoi's West Lake, is a venerable Taoist temple dating back to the 11th century.

Dedicated to Tran Vu, a revered deity in Vietnamese folklore known for his mythical strength and protection against evil spirits, the temple is a site of cultural and spiritual significance.

Its impressive gates and ancient banyan trees lead visitors into a courtyard that houses a colossal bronze statue of Tran Vu, a masterpiece of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

14. Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda, gracefully poised on a small peninsula in Hanoi's West Lake, is regarded as the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, dating back over 1,500 years. With its towering pagoda and manicured bonsai gardens, this striking structure exudes tranquility.

The pagoda's richly decorated interiors, filled with ancient Buddhist statues and relics, reflect the spiritual heritage of Vietnam. Its iconic red stupa, visible from afar, is a beacon of peace and contemplation.

15. Voi Phuc Temple

In the serene Thuy Khue district near Hanoi's West Lake, Voi Phuc Temple is steeped in legend and history. Built in the 11th century, it honors Prince Linh Lang, a revered figure celebrated for his courage against invaders.

The temple is famously guarded by two kneeling elephant statues, symbolizing loyalty and strength. Its architecture, characterized by traditional Vietnamese motifs and tranquil courtyards, invites reflection and reverence.

Visitors who explore the temple's ornate altars and historical artifacts are immersed in a narrative of sacrifice and devotion.

Food and Drink

16. egg coffee at cafe giang.

Savoring a hot egg coffee at Cafe Giang is a quintessential Hanoi experience steeped in tradition.

Nestled in a narrow alley, this unassuming Hanoi cafe is credited with inventing egg coffee. The drink, a velvety blend of robust Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy layer of whipped egg yolk and condensed milk, offers a luxurious taste contrast.

The multi-level cafe's modest, cozy ambiance, often humming with a mix of intrigued tourists and locals, adds to the charm. Enjoying this rich, indulgent concoction at Cafe Giang, where it was first crafted, offers a caffeine fix and a sip of Hanoi's innovative cafe culture.

17. Bun cha at Huong Lien

Huong Lien restaurant is the best place to get bun cha, a popular Vietnamese dish .

Bun cha, a Hanoi culinary staple, consists of grilled pork patties and slices, served alongside a plate of white rice noodles (bun) and a bowl of nuoc cham, a mouthwatering dipping sauce with pickled vegetables.

Huong Lien, a modest yet popular eatery, gained international fame in 2016 when President Barack Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain enjoyed the local cuisine here, casually dining on bun cha and bonding over cold beers.

Their meeting, captured in a Vietnam episode of Bourdain's show “No Reservations,” turned Huong Lien into a must-visit spot, forever linking its authentic flavors with the conversation of both men.

18. Drinks at Beer Corner

Beer Corner in Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter pulsates as the epicenter of the city's nightlife.

This busy intersection, formally known as Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets, comes alive at dusk as locals and travelers converge to revel in its lively atmosphere.

The narrow, pedestrian-only streets are lined with small bars and street vendors, making it a great place to enjoy local beers, notably the famous Bia Hoi, a light and refreshing draft beer.

The area hums with the clinking of glasses, spirited conversations, and street performances, creating an infectious energy that encapsulates the dynamic spirit of Hanoi after dark.

Other Notable Places

19. hanoi train street.

Hanoi's Train Street is a narrow residential alley with railway tracks running directly through it, offering a vivid slice of local life.

Twice a day, residents tuck away their belongings and retreat to a safe distance as a train passes mere inches from their doorsteps. This close-knit community has adapted ingeniously, with cafes and shops seamlessly blending into the daily rhythm.

The street has become an iconic spot for visitors, drawn by the thrill of witnessing the train's close passage and the chance to capture the compelling contrast between the rumbling locomotive and the tranquil daily life of Hanoi's inhabitants.

Note: cafes tend to have a drink minimum if you want to find a spot to sit and wait for the train to pass.

20. West Lake

Hanoi's largest freshwater lake offers opportunities for relative quiet amid the busy capital. West Lake has upscale neighborhoods, ancient pagodas, and lush gardens. The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake , one of the city's luxury hotels, offers rooms over the water on the eastern side.

Locals and tourists enjoy leisurely bike rides, tranquil walks along the tree-lined shore, or paddle-boating. Known for its beautiful sunsets and relaxed atmosphere, West Lake also hosts a variety of upscale restaurants and cafes.

Exploring Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam , offered a memorable conclusion to my two-week trip. From the historic streets of the Old Quarter to hanging out on Beer Corner with friends, this spirited city in Northern Vietnam offers a compelling mix of heritage, culture, and culinary delights.

The post 20 Best Things To Do in Hanoi, Vietnam’s Capital City appeared first on Go Backpacking .

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Why Is Putin in Vietnam?

President Vladimir V. Putin is keen to maintain the longstanding military ties between Russia and Vietnam, as Hanoi has developed deeper bonds with Washington.

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By Sui-Lee Wee

Reporting from Bangkok

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia wrapped up a state visit to one ally, North Korea, and moved on to another, Vietnam, arriving early Thursday hoping to shore up crucial partnerships in the region as he wages a protracted war in Ukraine.

Mr. Putin’s war in Ukraine has left him isolated from the West, and his need for munitions to fight that war has pushed him closer to North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un. The two leaders have bonded over their common historical opponent, the United States, and on Wednesday revived a Cold War-era mutual defense pledge between their nations.

In Vietnam, by contrast, Mr. Putin met with officials who have recently forged deeper bonds with Washington. But Moscow has long been Hanoi’s main source of weapons, and Mr. Putin is keen to hold on to that position.

It is Mr. Putin’s fifth visit to Vietnam and follows trips last year by President Biden and President Xi Jinping of China, two leaders who sought assurances from Hanoi that it was not taking the other’s side.

For Vietnam, Mr. Putin’s trip will be an opportunity to solidify ties with Russia, its most important defense partner. Even though it has upgraded relations with the United States, Vietnam was still looking for secret ways last year to purchase Russian military equipment in contravention of American sanctions.

On Thursday morning, in typical scripted fashion, Vietnamese schoolchildren — waving both the Russian and Vietnamese flags — lined the Hanoi streets as Mr. Putin’s motorcade drove by. He was greeted by Vietnam’s newly installed president , To Lam, who gave him a hug.

Later, Mr. Putin was given a 21-gun salute at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, an important historical site in the center of the capital. A military band played the national anthems of both countries. The two leaders will hold a news conference after the talks are over, according to Vietnamese state media.

Washington has rebuked Hanoi for inviting the Russian leader, saying, “No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities.”

This week, Mr. Lam told the local Russian envoy that Hanoi “always considers Russia one of the top priority partners in its foreign policy.”

Here’s what to know about relations between Moscow and Hanoi.

Russia and Vietnam have deep military ties.

In 1950, the Soviet Union was among the first countries to give diplomatic recognition to what was then the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, or North Vietnam. Over decades, Moscow became Vietnam’s biggest donor, providing military aid when Hanoi was fighting its wars against France and the United States.

The defense relationship has underpinned many ties between the two countries, which over the years also shared communist ideology. Mr. Putin arrived in Vietnam with his new defense minister, Andrei R. Belousov, underscoring how security matters are central to the visit.

Russian equipment represents about 60 percent to 70 percent of Vietnam’s defense arsenal, according to Nguyen The Phuong, who studies Vietnam’s military affairs at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Russia has supplied Vietnam with coastal defense missile systems, six Kilo-class submarines, fighter jets and many more lethal weapons.

Nearly all of Vietnam’s naval vessels come from Russia, according to Mr. Phuong. Russia’s T-90 tanks, which were the last-known major purchase of Russian arms by Vietnam in 2016, form the backbone of Vietnam’s armored forces, he added. This means that Vietnam is still going to be reliant on Russia in the years to come.

Vietnam has looked beyond Russia for weapons.

But the imposition of Western sanctions on Moscow has increased concerns in Hanoi about Russia’s reliability as a supplier, and made it increasingly awkward for Vietnam to continue dealing with Russia as it engages with the West.

Many of Vietnam’s leaders are also aware of the Russian military’s struggles against Ukraine — footage has shown the T-90 tanks being blown apart by drones used by Ukraine. They are also cognizant of Russia’s deepening relationship with China, which they regard as a threat because of a longstanding territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

In recent months, it has turned to countries like South Korea, Japan and the Czech Republic as alternative sources of weapons. It has also tried to build up its own defense industry. It has looked to India, another former Soviet ally, to retrofit some of its weapons.

The United States has been actively offering more weapons to Vietnam, with senior officials traveling to the country in recent months. But analysts say the top echelons of Vietnam’s defense leadership remain suspicious of Washington. They are reluctant to tie their fate to a country where arms sales have to be passed through a Congress that could make the deal contingent on human rights.

The two nations have joint ventures in the oil business.

Russia has a significant stake in Vietnam’s lucrative oil and gas sector. Vietsovpetro, a joint venture run by Russia’s Zarubezhneft and Vietnam’s state-owned PetroVietnam, operates Vietnam’s largest oil field, Bach Ho.

The profits from Vietsovpetro have generated millions of dollars for both Russia and Vietnam. Zarubezhneft and Gazprom, another Russian state-owned energy firm, are also involved in oil exploration projects in Vietnam.

For Moscow, these projects come at a time when Russian oil and gas exports to Europe have plummeted following the imposition of sanctions from the European Union. But they have irked Beijing because they are in waters that it contends are part of its territory.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Vietnam was also a particularly attractive destination for Russian tourists. In 2019, Russia sent the sixth-highest number of tourists of any nation to Vietnam, just after the United States. But the numbers dropped during the pandemic and fell further after Vietnam stopped direct flights in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Direct flights resumed this year.

Mr. Putin is seen as popular with the Vietnamese brass.

Beginning in the 1950s, thousands of Vietnamese Communist Party officials , top business officials, doctors, teachers and soldiers were trained in the Soviet Union and Russia. That list includes the current party chief, Nguyen Phu Trong.

But some felt those deep ties were ignored by the last Soviet leader, Mikhail S. Gorbachev, and Russia’s first president, Boris N. Yeltsin.

“The Vietnamese feel that Gorbachev in the 1980s abandoned Vietnam in an effort to improve relations with China; Yeltsin, all through the 90s, barely paid any attention to Vietnam,” said Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. “Once Putin was in power in 2000, he gave a lot of face to it. So the Vietnamese are grateful for that.”

He added that the Vietnamese leadership liked Mr. Putin because “he put Vietnam-Russia relations back on track.”

Paul Sonne and Damien Cave contributed reporting.

Sui-Lee Wee is the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Times, overseeing coverage of 11 countries in the region. More about Sui-Lee Wee

Why is Russia’s Putin visiting Vietnam after North Korea?

Vietnam is a rising nation that the West wants closer ties with. The visit is a signal from Russia that Putin isn’t isolated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday held talks with Vietnam’s leaders, hours after flying into Hanoi for a visit to an old ally that has positioned itself as an increasingly influential geopolitical player, wooed by most major nations. Putin flew to Vietnam from North Korea, where he met that country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, on Wednesday.

The visit to Vietnam, among other things, is Russia’s way of showcasing that while Putin is treated as a pariah by the West, he still holds political clout in the East, experts have said. Communist-led Vietnam will welcome Putin for a two-day visit, the Kremlin said.

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The trip comes after the United States last week imposed more sanctions on Moscow and Western countries reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine – now fighting its third year of war against Russia – by agreeing to a $50bn loan for Kyiv at a Group of Seven (G7) summit. The visit also comes days after last weekend’s Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland.

Why Vietnam?

While North Korea , where Putin held meetings with leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday, is itself a global outcast, heavily sanctioned by the United Nations over its nuclear and missile programmes, Vietnam is a nation that other major countries want close ties with.

A rising economy and a leading exporter of garments, Vietnam today counts the US and other Western countries as important partners. India is a growing defence partner. Vietnam is also a pillar of Southeast Asian efforts to balance ties with China, keeping strong economic ties with Beijing while pushing back against perceived military threats from the Asian giant.

That backdrop makes Vietnam a choice destination for the Russian leader. “Putin will hope his Vietnam visit signals that Russia is far from isolated in Asia amid its recent Ukraine war inroads,” said Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow at the Washington, DC-based Wilson Center. “ … Even though the visit has been pending for a while now and Moscow’s list of regional friends is quite short in practice,” added Parameswaran, who is also the founder of the weekly ASEAN Wonk newsletter.

What is on the agenda?

Vietnamese President To Lam welcomed Putin in Hanoi on Thursday, committing to further strengthening ties, which he said would enhance peace in the region and globally.

While very few details are available at the moment, their dialogue is expected to focus on strengthening their strategic partnership. In 2001, Russia became the first country to sign a strategic partnership with Vietnam.

Regional and global issues will also feature on the agenda, the Russian state news agency TASS reported. Following the meeting, a joint statement will be adopted and a number of bilateral documents will be signed, it added.

Russia is Vietnam’s biggest weapons supplier, and military and security relations are expected to figure in talks.

How strong are Vietnam-Russia ties? 

Ties between the two countries date back to the Soviet Union, which was Hanoi’s biggest weapons supplier – a position that Russia today still occupies.

The Soviet Union’s military support was critical to the Communist Party of Vietnam during key historical events, including the First and Second Indochina Wars against France and the US.

However, the relationship between the two goes beyond its military scope.

“They were once on the same side of history, they shared the same ideology against Western capitalism and imperialism. And the legacy of shared ideology is still there,” said Huong Le Thu, International Crisis Group’s deputy programme director for Asia.

The Soviet Union used to host tens of thousands of Vietnamese students during the Cold War, including the current head of the Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong.

Hanoi’s architecture also has a Soviet touch, such as the museum of modern Vietnam’s founding father Ho Chi Minh, and an imposing Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace, built in the late 1970s.

What is Vietnam’s position on Ukraine?

Since the start of the war in 2022 , Vietnam has officially taken a neutral stance.

“Vietnam has tried to cultivate a careful balance in the Ukraine war between not disrupting ties with Russia as a traditional partner while also signalling that it takes principles like territorial integrity seriously,” said Parameswaran.

As a victim of large occupying or invading powers – the US, France, Japan and China – over the past 80 years, Vietnam holds a country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity being inviolable as a sacrosanct principle.

The centrality of those principles is something that Vietnam has repeatedly underscored at global meetings discussing the Ukraine war, in veiled criticisms of Russia’s war – even though it has not condemned Moscow.

There is also a shared history, and a degree of sympathy, between Vietnam and Ukraine, which was also part of the Soviet Union, say analysts. Ukraine too used to supply weapons to Hanoi and cultural ties meant that many Vietnamese studied in Ukraine forming a large diaspora. Vietnam has supplied humanitarian aid to Ukraine through international organisations during the war.

Yet, Vietnam skipped the Ukraine peace summit last week and abstained on four resolutions at the UN General Assembly condemning Russia’s invasion of its neighbouring country. It also voted against removing Moscow from the UN Human Rights Council.

“Vietnam guides its foreign policy based on its historical legacies and its own interests – it wants to showcase that it’s able to receive Chinese, American and Russian leaders and that it is OK with being friends with anyone – it’s a multidimensional diplomacy,” Le Thu added.

The peak of such flexibility, which some experts called “bamboo diplomacy”, came last year when US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the country. Bamboo, which grows widely in Vietnam, is known for its ability to bend as needed – without snapping – serving as a metaphor for the country’s foreign policy.

What is the US response to Putin’s visit to Vietnam?

The US is a top trade partner of Vietnam and has not taken Putin’s visit well.

“No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalise his atrocities,” a US embassy spokesperson in Hanoi told the Reuters news agency. “If he is able to travel freely, it could normalise Russia’s blatant violations of international law,” they added.

The visit to Vietnam is a rare occasion for Putin to travel outside Russia since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The warrant means that any signatory to the ICC must arrest the Russian president should he step into their territory. Vietnam is not an ICC member.

What is China’s role in all of this?

As the war in Ukraine drags into a third year, Moscow’s political and economic dependence on China has deepened. This is relevant to Vietnam, which has a dispute with China in the South China Sea. Beijing claims jurisdiction rights to maritime resources on certain Vietnamese territories rich in oil and gas reserves.

This is where Russia comes into the picture. Two of its energy companies are involved in upstream projects in some of the contested zones.

“Vietnam is concerned that as a result of Russia’s growing dependence on China, Beijing could use its leverage with Moscow to undermine Vietnamese interests. This would include increased pressure on the Kremlin to withdraw its state-owned energy companies,” Ian Storey, a fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, wrote in a research paper in March.

Putin signs deals with Vietnam in bid to shore up ties in Asia

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Russian President Vladimir Putin signed at least a dozen deals with his Vietnamese counterpart on Thursday and offered to supply fossil fuels including natural gas to Vietnam for the long term during a state visit that comes as Moscow is seeking to bolster ties in Asia to offset its growing international isolation over its war on Ukraine.

Putin and President To Lam agreed to further cooperate in education, science and technology, oil and gas exploration, clean energy and health. The two countries also agreed to work on a road map for a nuclear sci-ence and technology center in Vietnam. Of the 12 publicly announced agreements, none overtly pertained to defense. But Lam said there were other deals that were not made public.

After their talks, Putin said the two countries share an interest in “developing a reliable security architecture” in the Asia-Pacific region with no room for “closed military-political blocs.” Lam added that both Russia and Vietnam wanted to “further cooperate in defense and security to cope with nontraditional security challenges.”

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The agreements between Russia and Vietnam were not as substantial as the pact Putin signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un the previous day, which pledged mutual aid in the event of invasion, said Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia with the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London and a former British ambassador to Belarus.

Putin’s recent visits to China and now North Korea and Vietnam are attempts to “break the international isolation,” said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

Giang said Russia is important to Vietnam for two reasons: It is the biggest supplier of military equipment to the Southeast Asian nation, and Russian oil exploration technologies help maintain Vietnam’s sovereignty claims in the contested South China Sea.

Vietnam also has licensed the Russian state-controlled oil company Zarubezhneft to develop underwater fields off its southeastern coast.

Russia President Vladimir Putin makes rare visit to North Korea

Putin, making his first trip to North Korea in 24 years, was met at Pyongyang’s airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to news agencies.

June 18, 2024

Putin arrived in Hanoi on Thursday morning from North Korea after signing the strategic pact with Kim, which comes as both countries face escalating standoffs with the West and could mark their strongest connection since the end of the Cold War.

In Hanoi, Putin also met Vietnam’s most powerful politician, Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, according to the official Vietnam News Agency.

As Putin arrived at Vietnam’s Presidential Palace on Thursday afternoon, he was greeted by schoolchildren waving Russian and Vietnamese flags.

Much has changed since Putin’s last visit to Vietnam in 2017. Russia now faces a raft of U.S.-led sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes, making it difficult for the Russian leader to travel internationally. The Kremlin rejected the warrant as “null and void,” stressing that Moscow doesn’t recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

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Putin’s trip resulted in a sharp rebuke from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, which said that “no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities.” If Putin is allowed to travel freely, it “could normalize Russia’s blatant violations of international law,” it said in a statement.

The U.S. and its allies have expressed growing concerns over a possible arms arrangement in which North Korea provides Russia with badly needed munitions for use in Ukraine in exchange for Russian economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile programs.

Both countries deny accusations of weapons transfers, which would violate multiple U.N. Security Council sanctions that Russia previously endorsed.

It is unlikely that Vietnam would supply significant quantities of weapons to Russia and risk the progress that it has made with NATO members on military equipment, particularly the U.S., said Ridzwan Rahmat, a Singapore-based analyst with the defense intelligence company Janes.

“I would imagine Vietnam wouldn’t want to take a risk, inviting the wrath of Western countries by supplying the Russians,” Rahmat said.

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Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950, and this year marks 30 years of a treaty establishing “friendly relations” between Vietnam and Russia. Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Center’s Asia Program, said Vietnam is “reinforcing” that relationship even while it diversifies with newer partners.

Evidence of the long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities like the capital, where many Soviet-style apartment blocks are now dwarfed by skyscrapers. A statue of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, stands in a park where kids skateboard every evening. Many in the Communist Party’s top leadership in Vietnam studied in Soviet universities, including party chief Trong.

In an article written for Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of Vietnam’s Communist Party, Putin thanked “Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis” and hailed the country as a “strong supporter of a fair world order” based on international law, equality and geopolitical noninterference.

Vietnam’s pragmatic policy of “bamboo diplomacy” — a phrase coined by Trong referring to the plant’s flexibility, bending but not breaking in the shifting headwinds of global geopolitics — is being increasingly tested.

North Korea stresses alignment with Russia against U.S. and says Putin could visit at an early date

The North Korean Foreign Ministry highlighted Putin’s intention to visit after meetings with the Russian president and foreign minister in Moscow last week.

Jan. 21, 2024

A manufacturing powerhouse and an increasingly important player in global supply chains, Vietnam hosted both President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2023.

Putin’s visit is important for Hanoi on a diplomatic level, said Gould-Davies, the former ambassador.

“Perhaps for Vietnam it’s a matter of just showing that it’s able to maintain this very agile balance of its bamboo diplomacy,” he said. “Already in the course of a year they’ve hosted visits by the heads of state of the three most powerful countries in the world, which is pretty impressive.”

For Russia, the visit seems to have been more about optics, he said, as Moscow seeks to engage and influence other countries, particularly in the Global South.

“Since the war began, Putin has not been able to travel much or very far, and he’s made very few trips beyond the countries of the former Soviet space,” he said.

Vietnam has remained neutral on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But neutrality is getting trickier.

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Nov. 1, 2023

Vietnam needs support from the U.S. to advance its economic ambitions and diversify its defense ties, Parameswaran said. “It has to carefully calibrate what it does with Russia in an environment of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow.”

Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam totaled $3.6 billion in 2023, compared with $171 billion with China and $111 billion with the U.S.

Since the early 2000s, Russia has accounted for around 80% of Vietnam’s arms imports. This has been declining over the years due to Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies. But to entirely wean itself off Russia will take time, Giang said.

Given Putin’s international isolation, Vietnam is doing the Russian leader a “huge favor and may expect favors in return,” Andrew Goledzinowski, the Australian ambassador to Vietnam, wrote on social media platform X.

“Vietnam will always act in Vietnam’s interests and not anyone else’s,” he wrote.

Ghosal writes for the Associated Press. AP writer David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this report.

More to Read

U.S. envoy visits Hanoi days after Putin, saying U.S.-Vietnam trust is at ‘all-time high’

June 22, 2024

South Korea summons Russian ambassador as tensions rise with North Korea

June 21, 2024

What’s known, and not known, about the partnership agreement signed by Russia and North Korea

June 20, 2024

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