Adventures Through Indochina

The region of south-eastern Asia that is known as Indochina encompasses a large swathe of southern China and eastern India, and is defined by a merging of these two great and historic cultures. Vietnam tends more towards the Chinese, while as you move through into Cambodia there is a stronger Indian atmosphere, which is also felt in both Thailand and Laos.

Three of these countries are known as the French region of Indochina, while Thailand is considered to be a part of the mainland of Southeast Asia, along with Myanmar and Malaysia.

There are many reasons to visit Indochina, including its natural beauty, diverse cultures and range of interesting historical locations. The more adventurous traveler will find opportunities here to take part in many exhilarating activities and exciting excursions, to immerse themselves in the culture or trek through the countryside, to experience the whole range of Indochina in an overland tour, and at the end of it to simply relax on one of the spectacular beaches.

Given the many countries and cultures that make up this part of the world it can be a good idea to take part in an organized tour, especially if you are not a particularly experienced traveler. This area is well provided for by many travel companies that lead groups of tourists for many different types of vacation, including walking tours and adventure trips.

Some of the highlights of the French part of Indochina are the cities of Phnom Pah in Cambodia and Hanoi in Vietnam, and the beautiful scenery around the lake of Nam Ngum in Laos. From Hanoi you can visit the lake of Hoan Kiem, and explore the charming streets of the city itself. If you get the chance to see one of the dazzling shows featuring water puppets then you should definitely take it. If you are visiting Cambodia then an alternative to the cities is the scenic Siem Reap where there are some important historic sites as well as opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. You should be aware though that there has been some recent political instability in Cambodia, so check for any current travel advice from your government or tour operator.

Myanmar and Thailand both offer some excellent destinations too. In Myanmar there are some stunning temples set into the heart of the rural landscape, and there are many interesting tours which will take you to visit local craftspeople and see them at their work. You will also be able to pick up a good selection of souvenirs. Thailand is a very popular destination, with many world-famous landmarks and some bustling cities, including Bangkok.

There is so much to see and do in Indochina that you will find doing some research and planning before you head out there will greatly improve your trip. You will want to organize your travel so that you can visit the sites that appeal most to you, but it is also a good idea to leave a degree of flexibility in your itinerary as you are sure to find some interesting local events and opportunities to explore intriguing places you had not thought of visiting.