Best Of Indochina

All content by Intrepid

39 days (ex Bangkok)

Destinations visited: Vietnam, Thailand, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Laos, Cambodia, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,785

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Description

Tour South East Asia on an Intrepid trip that takes in the best of Indochina. Breathe in wafting scents of incense as we discover the mysticism, history and ancient traditions of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. This trip covers all the highlights of Indochina: from the majestic Angkor ruins and the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville to the frenetic pace of Ho Chi Minh City, the relaxed vibe of Hoi An and the riverside beauty of Luang Prabang. The warmth and candour of the locals you meet along the way, and the delicious range of cuisines on offer, perfectly complete this adventure through Indochina.

Highlights

Bargain like a local in Bangkok's markets.
See the temples of Angkor rise out of the jungle.
Delve into Khmer history in Phnom Penh.
Experience rural village life at a Cambodian homestay.
Explore Sihanoukville's tropical surrounds.
Relax on Nha Trang's beaches.
Stroll the atmospheric streets of Hoi An.
Wander through Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Admire the stunning limestone crags around Vang Vieng.
Take a riverboat cruise on the Mekong.
Discover the charm of Chiang Mai.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

Sit down to an aromatic curry in buzzing Bangkok.

Days 2-4 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

Marvel at the mighty temples of Angkor - a highlight of any South East Asia trip.

Day 5 Kompong Cham

Travel through rice paddies en route to Kompong Cham.

Day 6 Phnom Penh

Discover Cambodia's French legacy, evident in the city's colonial facade.

Day 7 Homestay

Experience local hospitality at a rural homestay.

Days 8-9 Sihanoukville

Chill out in Sihanoukville or charter a boat to Ream National Park.

Day 10 Phnom Penh

Brush off the sand and make tracks back to the capital. Find graphic reminders of Cambodia's tragic history in Tuol Sleng Museum.

Days 11-12 Ho Chi Minh City

Explore lively Ho Chi Minh tourist spots on a cyclo tour.

Days 13-14 Mekong Delta

Glide down the Mekong and go on a homestay with a local family.

Days 15-16 Nha Trang

Relax in beautiful Nha Trang, which is surrounded by mountains, islands and the sea.

Days 17-19 Hoi An

Get a dose of rustic rural charm on a bike ride through the countryside surrounding Hoi An or indulge in a spot of shopping.

Days 20-22 Hue

Absorb the imperial history and royal relics of Hue.

Day 23 Hanoi

Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter on a walking tour. Perhaps then shop for silk or watch a water puppet performance.

Day 24 Halong Bay

Take a memorable cruise through Halong Bay's majestic karsts and mysterious caves.

Days 25-26 Hanoi

Chat to locals on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake or perhaps visit the Revolutionary Museum.

Day 27 Vinh

Slurp a final bowl of pho before travelling into lovely Laos.

Days 28-29 Vientiane

Discover Vientiane on a walking tour and visit ancient Wat Si Saket.

Days 30-32 Vang Vieng

Gaze up at gorgeous limestone crags surrounding Vang Vieng.

Days 33-35 Luang Prabang

Learn of Luang Prabang's regal past at the Royal Palace Museum.

Day 36 Mekong River

Witness the many facets of riverside life on a Mekong River journey.

Day 37 Chiang Khong

Cruise further down the Mekong and cross the Thai border. Overnight in Chiang Khong, which is an important market town for the surrounding region.

Days 38-39 Chiang Mai

Soak up the fusion of religion and history in Chiang Mai before ending this best of Indochina adventure.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (26 nts), Guesthouse (7 nts), Overnight sleeper train (3 nts), Homestay (2 nts)

Transport

Bus, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Ferry, Boat, Songthaew, Tuk-Tuk

Budget

Allow USD $600 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,785

Book now

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