Indochina. Exotissimo’s Indochina Heritage Road is your unmatched program into the area. And what better way to begin this tour of the region than at the laid-back atmosphere of Laos? This atmosphere, life-style and attitude of the country and its people are some of Laos’ main draws. There really is no other country like it.
Your journey starts in Luang Prabang, Laos’ cultural capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city. It is definitely one of Southeast Asia’s most charming towns, with glittering temples co-existing side by side with French colonial structures. The city is also strikingly clean and spotless. A climb up Mount Pousi, (with its measly 328 steps) is highly recommended and allows you to observe the city from a great vantage point. Soak it in!
As calm as the atmosphere itself, your journey from Luang Prabang along the Mekong River takes you to Pak Ou Caves. The caverns are literally filled with thousands of Buddha images, almost as if some extra-terrestrial life form placed them there a long time ago. In actuality, the statues were placed there over the years by pilgrims and devout Buddhists who considered the caves sacred.
Next, you will jet off to Vientiane. Is this Laos’ capital and largest city? Many have wondered upon arrival. And after comparing it with the region’s bustling capitals, it is easy to understand why many have asked this. The laid-back Laos atmosphere (that has also hypnotized Vientiane and its citizens) and relatively small size makes it feel like a modest country town. The blend of French architecture, tree lined boulevards, and Buddhist temples make Vientiane a truly one of a kind capital city.
From Vientiane to Vietnam, you will explore and discover a more conventional looking Southeast Asian capital city, Hanoi. Situated on the banks of the Red River, the city seamlessly fuses traditional values with modern conveniences and development. Museums, temples and parks galore, there is certainly much to see and do here. Ho Chi Minh himself is buried here as well. When you are traveling from place to place heed this warning: watch out for those motorbikes!
Next stop, Hoi An. This lovely UNESCO World Heritage town flawlessly combines the beach with art and culture. True to its name, the aisles of the Old Town makes you feel like walking around in the 1700’s (if you remember how cities were like 300 years ago). Not too far from Hoi An is Hue, sometimes known as the Imperial City. The most distinguishing landmark here is the elegantly named Perfume River, which is made of water the last time we checked. The river houses a mesmerizing and interesting mix of imposing tombs and mausoleums of past emperors, peaceful riverside scenery and ancient cultures and lifestyles.
Next on the agenda is Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, sometimes known as Saigon. Whatever you want to call it, the city boasts a nice combination of French colonial architecture, vintage Vietnamese flair and modern skyscrapers. A sightseeing tour of this dynamic city takes in the former Presidential Palace, the War Museum and bustling Chinatown area.
From the big city to calming presence of the Mekong Delta, our next stop takes you to where the Mekong ends and empties out into the sea. The area is marked by meandering canals and some of the friendliest and most easygoing folks you’ll ever meet. The people here have heavily depended on the river and its waters, whether it’d be rice cultivation, fishing or its renowned and colorful floating markets. Hop on a boat (you don’t really have much choice here), explore the area’s zigzagging canals and take in the scenery.
It is time to say “chao tam biet” to Vietnam and “tcheripsou” to Cambodia as we whisk you to Siem Reap, your base for exploring the temples of Angkor. The temples here are in very good shape, some restored and some with trees growing in, around and through them. This is also your chance to turn descriptions of Angkor Wat from guide books and friends into an actual experience. You will not be disappointed!
Words cannot describe Southeast Asia, only experiences can. In order to fully appreciate the region, Exotissimo has carved out some excellent tours in the region, which can be seen at our multi-country tours page. These tours can also be tweaked to match your desires and preferences, which can be done at our tailor made page. Southeast Asia is calling for you!
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