The Great Indochina Loop

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Bangkok

Escape the clamour of the capital with a boat ride down the khlongs then temple-hop or hit the shops.

Day 3 Chiang Mai

Climb 300 steps to the Doi Suthep temple to see a panorama of the city. Have a snack at the night bazaar - kao soy is a local specialty.

Day 4 Chiang Khong

Explore remote border towns and soak up the riverside serenity.

Days 5-6 Mekong River

Watch village life pass by while cruising across the border to Laos. Call in at the Pak Ou Caves, adorned with thousands of carved Buddha images.

Days 7-8 Luang Prabang

Get acquainted with Laos' history and culture at the Traditional Arts Museum. The spectacular Kuang Si Falls are the perfect place for an afternoon dip.

Days 9-10 Vientiane

Explore the laidback capital on foot, by bicycle or by jumbo - Laos' answer to the tuk-tuk.

Day 11 Homestay

Travel through stunning mountain scenery and enjoy a night as a guest in a traditional village home.

Day 12 Ninh Binh

Enter Vietnam and follow the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail to the friendly town of Ninh Binh.

Day 13 Halong Bay

Be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay. Perhaps explore a cave then share a seafood feast.

Days 14-16 Hanoi

Experience Hanoi's seductive French charm and watch an evening performance of traditional water puppets. Catch the Reunification Express to Hue.

Day 17 Hue

Wander the Imperial Citadel, discover the wealth of the Nguyen emperors and board a dragon boat to cruise down the serene Perfume River.

Days 18-20 Hoi An

This port town's rich heritage is evident in the shuttered windows and pitched roofs of the traditional merchant houses. Packed with artisans, tailors and food stalls, this is a bargain-hunter's heaven.

Days 21-22 Ho Chi Minh City

Browse the bustling Ben Thanh Market then jump in a cyclo and get acquainted with the tangle of Ho Chi Minh City's streets and alleyways.

Days 23-24 Phnom Penh

Learn about Cambodia's violent past at the Killing Fields. Later, appreciate the peace of present-day Phnom Penh with a beer at a bar on breezy Sisowath Quay.

Days 25-27 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

The enigmatic ruins of Angkor provide endless photo opportunities.

Days 28-29 Bangkok

Slurp spicy specialties or shop up a storm back in the energetic capital.