Experience the thrill of cruising along the Mekong, the heart and soul of Southeast Asia, on one of our innovative cross-border Small Group Journeys. Venture from Northern Thailand to the intriguing landlocked country of Laos, or from Southern Vietnam into enchanting Cambodia on an exciting river journey of a lifetime.
This unique journey is all about showcasing Indochina’s most enduring images – the colourful Buddhist mandalas of Luang Prabang, the limestone islands of Halong Bay, Hoi An’s ancient streets, and the timeless Temples of Angkor are only a few. These are some of the prominent images which strike a chord with anyone who’s ever dreamed of traveling to Asia. But there are others as well; a street vendor setting up their market stall in the early hours of the morning, the graceful outlines of Hanoi locals performing Tai Chi on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, a lone farmer tending his rice fields with an ox-drawn plough. Experience it all on the Images of Indochina – the ideal journey for avid photographers and those who want a taste of the region’s diversity in two weeks. From beautiful Luang Prabang to the tree-lined boulevards of Hanoi, from the lantern lit streets of Hoi An to the wonder of Angkor – these are the images of Indochina that will stay with you long after you have gone home.
special touches
Three contrasting countries and cultures – flights between major points – focus on World Heritage sites – My Son – highlight Angkor temples.
One of Asia’s most fantastic cities, and Laos’ former royal capital, Luang Prabang is bound to capture both imagination and heart. Located on the sleepy banks of the Mekong River this beautiful town is home to monks, ethnic hilltribe minority groups, amazing crafts and mouth watering food. We start by meeting our fellow travellers and tour leader for a briefing over drinks, and then enjoy a delicious introduction to Lao cuisine. Then, from our base at the exquisite La Residence Phou Vao hotel, we soak up the old world ambience of this tranquil town, take time to visit the nearby Kuang Si Waterfalls, and witness the unforgettable sight of monks collecting alms at dawn.
Days 4 - 6 ~ Hanoi & Halong Bay
Hanoi artist
Fly to Hanoi and check in to the Sofitel Metropole – a hotel which truly embodies the romance of a bygone era. While in Hanoi we will gain a sense of the city’s history through visits to sites such as Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. We also travel to magical Halong Bay, experience a cyclo ride through the fascinating streets of the Old Quarter and see a performance of Hanoi’s famous water puppets.
Days 7 - 8 ~ Hue
Hue ricefields
We take the short flight to Hue in Central Vietnam, a city rich in history and culture. While in Hue we stay in the colonial-era Saigon Morin hotel and visit sites such as the ruins of the imperial Citadel and the opulent tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty rulers. Departing Hue, we travel south to Hoi An. Along the way there will be plenty of opportunities to photograph the picturesque countryside and savour the spectacular scenery on either side of the dramatic Hai Van Pass.
Days 9 - 11 ~ Hoi An
Hoi An housefront
In the quaint merchant town of Hoi An we wander the ancient lanes, explore historic temples and bargain at colourful markets from our base at the tranquil riverside Life Resort. A boat trip along the Thu Bon River gives us a glimpse into life on Vietnam’s waterways, taking us past fishing boat flotillas and verdant rice paddies. An adventure to My Son, site of remarkable Cham ruins, will give us an insight into the lives and culture of this ancient civilization and a taste of what is to come at the Temples of Angkor.
Days 12 - 14 ~ The Temples of Angkor
Apsara carvings
Angkor is one of humankind’s most awesome creations and provides a spectacular finale to a journey through Indochina. An unforgettable sunrise at Angkor Wat, the imposing stone faces of the Bayon and the intricate detail of Banteay Srei are all part of our Angkor experience. Staying in the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the finest hotel in the country,is merely the icing on the cake. After a farewell dinner at one of Siem Reap’s best restaurants, our journey ends on day 14 with a transfer to the airport.
Checklist & How we Travel
Inclusions: • 13 nights deluxe hotel accommodation • All domestic and regional flights as specified • All road transport in modern air-conditioned vehicles • All sightseeing as specified, including entrance fees • Arrival transfer on day of tour commencement and departure transfer on day of tour completion • Breakfast daily, one lunch and four dinners • Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven people • Local English-speaking guides throughout.
Notes: Arrival and departure transfers on the days of tour commencement and conclusion are included in tour price. If you require a transfer outside these days you will need to book and pay for additional transfers.
GETTING AROUND: We try to ensure that all accommodation and transport on all of our journeys is of a high standard, safe, and clean and comfortable. In order to maximise sightseeing time we take domestic and international flights. The longest road journey on this tour takes six hours return (three hour each way between Hanoi to Halong Bay). Most other travel is over short distances only. We also take boat cruises on beautiful Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, on Halong Bay in Vietnam, and on the Mekong River in Laos.
WHERE WE STAY: We use the finest hotels available. In Laos we use a truly special hotel in Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao (formerly the Pansea). In Vietnam our highlight hotels include the elegant Life Heritage Resort Hoi An and the historic Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi. In Siem Reap we stay at one of Indochina’s most famous colonial properties, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor - a hotel with an extensive range of facilities, a great swimming pool, and famous Raffles service.
WHAT WE EAT: At Travel Indochina we are keen to provide as wide an array of culinary opportunities as possible, in both local and some very special easting establishments. Tour leaders will always be on hand to provide you with a number of options, no matter what your inclination. Tour leaders also frequently join you for meals, revealing some of their favourite dishes. This Deluxe tour includes a number of meals, ensuring you will dine on some of the best food Asia has to offer. Main courses at good restaurants are generally 4USD to 7USD. Well-known dishes worth sampling include stir-fried green vegetables with pork and lashings of fresh ginger (Cambodia), rice paper fresh spring rolls in Vietnam, and duck laap (minced duck) salad in Laos.
Tour Q&A
Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me? A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination. Q: Who will I be travelling with? A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour? A: The Images of Indochina is graded Easy to Moderate and is suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility. This tour involves some walking in the heat, boarding and disembarking from boats, and climbing steps. This tour also involves a road journey of around three hours. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the Images of Indochina deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading. Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller? A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends. Q: Can I bring the kids? A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia. Q: What are the visa requirements? A: You will need a valid visa in order to enter Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The Laos visa can be obtained on arrival at Luang Prabang airport for $30US (two passport photos required). Please obtain the Vietnam visa before arriving in Indochina. The Cambodian visa can be obtained on arrival at Siem Reap airport for a cost of $20US per person (one passport photo required). Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in? A: We stay in a selection of some of the most beautiful and historic hotels in the Indochina region. Stay in the exquisitely designed La Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang, the riverside Life Resort in Hoi An, Executive rooms at the Morin in Hue, Hanoi’s lovely Sofitel Metropole and the colonial splendour of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap. These are not just places to rest your head at the end of a day of exploration. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they too represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience. Q: Who will accompany our group? A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as an English-speaking local guide – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same. Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included? A: Arrival and departure transfers on the days of tour commencement and conclusion are included in the price of the tour. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel. If you require a transfer outside these days you will need to book and pay for additional transfers. Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Images of Indochina? A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. The longest road journey is between Hanoi and Halong Bay, which is three and a half hours each way. Most other travel in Indochina is over short distances only. In order to maximise sightseeing time we take domestic and international flights. We also take boat cruises on beautiful Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, on Halong Bay in Vietnam and on the Mekong River in Laos. Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost? A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour? A: Cuisine is an extremely important part of the essence of Asia experience and is a highlight on our journeys to Indochina. You will find a world of delicious flavours in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. A significant French influence is present throughout the region – you’ll find some of the best pastries in the world right here. We choose to eat at quality restaurants – serving a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetable dishes. We have included some truly memorable dining experiences in our deluxe journeys giving you the opportunity to savour some of the region’s finest cuisine. In the major cities there is a generous array of international cuisine, while in most provincial areas the choice is more limited. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available. Breakfast is included each day and is usually a mix of Western buffet and continental style. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste the delicious array of cuisine on offer. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you. Q: How much money will I spend per day touring? A: Approximately $12US per person for day-to-day living. The Indochina region offers great value for your money. For around $12US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. Western restaurants will cost more. Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel? A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!
