A Journey Across Indochina

Vientiane is one of the most laid-back capital cities in Southeast Asia. Unlike the bustling streets and concrete jungles of other capital cities like Bangkok and Hanoi, Vientiane feels more like a small quiet town than a capital city. Since it appears relatively untouched by modernisation, with distinctly low-rise architecture and modest urbanization, numerous tree-lined boulevards, the city receives far fewer tourists than its neighboring counterparts. Situated in the bend of the Mekong River, close to the Thai border, Vientiane was virtually destroyed by the Siamese army in the 1820s after an unsuccessful rebellion. When Laos was incorporated into French Indochina (the Indochinese Union) in 1893, the French colonists redesigned Vientiane; hence the French influences around every corner, such as with tree-lined streets, wide boulevards and quaint cafes ideal for people watching. Despite the city having less famous sights to see, Vientiane is best appreciated for its laidback atmosphere, French colonial architecture and smattering of revered Buddhist temples.

As Laos's second-largest city, Pakse lies in the south in Champasak Province, far from Luang Prabang and Vientiane. It is known for its proximity to the Bolaven Plateau, one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive coffee-growing areas, graced with a remarkable mountainous terrain and stunning waterfalls. Travel another 46 km south of Pakse to Vat Phou, one of the most important sights in Laos. Literally meaning “Mountain Temple,” Vat Phou is a multi-level structure built on the slopes of the adjacent mountain, dating back to the Angkor period from the 9th to 13th centuries CE. The upper platform of the temple affords a wonderful view of the Mekong. Much like southern Laos itself, Pakse is characterized by a feeling that time has passed it by. This compact small town is easy to explore on foot. A visit to the famous Dao Heuang market and a sunset view on the Mekong River should not be missed.

The Bolaven Plateau is a high area in southern Laos. The plateau is mostly located in Laos' Champasak Province, although its fringes may also be found in Salavan, Sekong, and Attapeu Provinces. It is located between the Annamite Mountain Range, which forms Laos' eastern border with Vietnam, and the Mekong River to the west, at around 15°N 106°E. It is traversed by various rivers and features numerous spectacular waterfalls. The name Bolaven refers to the Laven ethnic group, which has historically ruled the region. However, domestic migrations by the Lao ethnic group (which constitutes around 50 to 60 percent of the population of Laos) have resulted in significant interethnic marriage, thereby changing the ethnic composition of the area.

Home to beautiful waterfalls, jungles, and islands on the legendary Mekong River, Champasak is an attractive destination in Laos. As a southwest province of the country, Champasak owns its charm of diverse beauty from nature, history, to Buddhism, culture, and local life. If you’re planning to explore exotic Laos, here could be a great stop in your voyage to the land of million elephants.

Most of the 60,000 that live here depend on subsistence farming and fishing and the interior is almost entirely given over to rice cultivation and hilly forest.

Luang Prabang is a small but vibrant town in the heart of northern Laos. It is adorably picturesque with glittering temples, a mix of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture, colorful markets and quaint streets famous for the daily sunrise alms giving ritual where food is offered to the monks. Luang Prabang’s picture postcard image includes French-style cafés, bakeries, restaurants and former French villas with green shutters, the town is a fascinating legacy to when Laos was part of French Indochina. This town is one of the most favorite destinations in Laos, this place has a lot to offer, from dozens of temples, stunning waterfalls, French colonial architecture, bustling night markets to river cruises. On the outskirts are vibrant rice fields and traditional local villages. Luang Prabang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, and it is also the birthplace of numerous Laotian rituals.

Perched on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and one of the world's most ancient cities. Its beauty lies in its liveliness of bustling streets where workshops and cafes spill out onto the streets and roadsides. As the intersection point where east meets west, Hanoi is a fascinating mix of old and new, Asian and European. With Chinese and French influences, an ancient culture, colonial architecture, broad tree-lined boulevards and beautiful lakes, the iconic architectural appearance of the Old Quarter and the elegance of the French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, etc... gives Vietnam’s capital city a unique charm of the ancient and modern. Hanoi is also home to one of Asia’s strong indigenous culinary traditions, with bustling wet markets and a rowdy street-food culture, as well as some five star international dining options. It is also very affordable by urban Asian standards, with the majority of hotels and restaurants offering plenty of value.

Halong Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, is located 170km east of Hanoi. It is made up of three neighboring bays: Halong, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long bays, although Halong Bay is undeniably the most famous and most well-known of the three. Widely considered a natural wonder of the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking with thousands of majestic limestone, peaks and islets rising dramatically out of the sparkling emerald waters of the bay. The most common way to explore is by taking an overnight night cruise or day-trip which cruises among the limestone pillars and islets. Many also include an island drop off and cave explorations. Visiting floating villages in the area gives a chance to interact with the local community whose livelihoods depend on the waters. Another way to immerse oneself close up in the bay is by kayaking near and around the limestone pillars and some of the caves that are possible to enter by kayak.

Da Nang is the commercial and educational center of central Vietnam and the largest city in the region. It is also the tourism hub on the west coast blessed with beautiful sunsets against a backdrop of lush mountains. This port city on the South China Sea has large areas of soft, ivory-white sand and clear blue waters making it an ideal place for a beach vacation and outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and jet-skiing. Da Nang is in easy reach of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An ancient town, Hue and the My Son Sanctuary.

One of the oldest cities in Asia, Hoi An town is in central Vietnam and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 thanks to its 800 historic buildings. Today, its iconic yellow ochre facades, a quaint riverfront promenade, pedestrian-friendly streets, and hundreds of colorful lanterns that light up the town every evening are a magnet for local and international visitors. Due to extremely well-preserved heritage architecture, Hoi An has an irresistible charm. The Japanese merchant houses, congregation halls of the former Chinese communities and even the warehouses hold the memory of where and when traders from various communities across Asia gathered. Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most favorite destinations with something for every one. A quaint town perfect for strolling, shopping, and dining; awesome beaches and a perfect mix of countryside and villages which can be explored by bicycle or motorbike.

Commonly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam is the country’s largest city and the financial and economical capital. This is a city full of surprises. Chaotic traffic blends with peaceful pagodas, parks, multi-style coffee shops and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways. Icons of the past endure in the middle of the city’s vast urbanization. The ornate Saigon opera house, Hôtel de Ville - former French city hall, broad boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are reminders of French-colonial times. In addition, the Chinese influence is also evident particularly in Cholon district (the city's Chinatown), while modern skyscrapers and international hotel chains that dot the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

The Mekong Delta, located in the southernmost territory bordered by Cambodia, is the most fertile land in Vietnam. This is a region of unrelenting beauty - nicknamed the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam, where over 50% of Vietnam’s rice is grown. It is home to a unique ecosystem with diverse communities and ethnicities, and there are few places like this in the world. One the best, if not the best, ways to experience this area is to take a boat trip (1 day or a few days with staying overnight in local homestays) along the Mekong River's twisting capillaries of tropical canals, mangroves, past rice paddies, floating markets, where life on and off the river merge into one.

Siem Reap is the gateway to Cambodia’s vast and spectacular temples of Angkor undoubtedly one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries, these magnificent temples were once the grounds for the Khmer Empire’s capitals. The Angkor Archaeological Park covers around 400 sq km, and the largest, most well-known temple is Angkor Wat. The mysterious architectural techniques used to construct these temples still amaze the world today. Apart from the temples, one can take a Vespa ride and weave through the streets with a local guide on a street food tour. Head into the countryside for a cooking class, cycle or even ride a quad bike along the backroads, passing villages, paddy fields and taking in a more peaceful side to the city. Further afield is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake - the Tonlé Sap. Cruise past the villages of stilt houses rising from the lake, such as Kampong Phluk town that soars above the water in the dry season and sits on top of the water in the rainy season. Welcoming 2.6 m tourists annually, Siem Reap is one of the biggest tourism hubs in Southeast Asia. From exploring ancient temples and floating villages to indulging in exquisite Khmer cuisine and relaxing in luxurious resorts, the town promises an unforgettable experience that blends cultural immersion with modern comforts.