Highlights of Indochina

Below are some of the major travel highlights for Indochina. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Cultural attractions of Bangkok - Hanoi (via Laos)

Chiang Mai
The northern city of Chiang Mai is one of the most attractive in Thailand, less frenetic than Bangkok and the altitude means it's much cooler and less humid than the capital. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, the most impressive and revered being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the peak of Doi Suthep at 1,676 metres, which offers superb views of the city and surrounding countryside. The city is home to some of the best food in Thailand and is a great place to have a Thai cooking lesson. Chiang Mai is also famous for its Night Bazaar, where you can buy local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional goods of the hilltribe people. The Tribal Museum is well worth a visit, to gain an insight into the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai

The northern city of Chiang Mai is one of the most attractive in Thailand, less frenetic than Bangkok and the altitude means it's much cooler and less humid than the capital. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, the most impressive and revered being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the peak of Doi Suthep at 1,676 metres, which offers superb views of the city and surrounding countryside. The city is home to some of the best food in Thailand and is a great place to have a Thai cooking lesson. Chiang Mai is also famous for its Night Bazaar, where you can buy local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional goods of the hilltribe people. The Tribal Museum is well worth a visit, to gain an insight into the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand.

Northern Hilltribes
Northern Thailand has many traditional hilltribes and minority groups who have maintained their own culture, customs and languages. Among these groups are the Palong, Karen, Lisu, Akha, Lahu, Shan, Yao and Hmong people. The tribal villages can be explored on foot, bicycle or even by taking an elephant ride.

Lunag Namtha
Luang Namtha is a town in northern Laos near the border with China and is the main market town for minority tribes who live in this area. The surrounding mountainous countryside is great for exploring on foot or bicycle and visiting the ethnic villages to learn about the lives of these tribes.

Hanoi
Hanoi Hanoi combines the bustle and pace of a capital city with an old world charm and nostalgia from its French colonial past. Characterised by wide boulevards, faded colonial buildings and tree-lined lakes, Hanoi is a wonderful city for strolling and soaking up the atmosphere. In particular, the maze-like Old Quarter between Hoan Kiem Lake and the Red River invites exploration of its narrow streets and myriad of shops. Other attractions include the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's oldest educational establishment, the colonial architecture of the Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton. Also worth checking out are the famous water puppet theatres for a truly Vietnamese experience.

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi combines the bustle and pace of a capital city with an old world charm and nostalgia from its French colonial past. Characterised by wide boulevards, faded colonial buildings and tree-lined lakes, Hanoi is a wonderful city for strolling and soaking up the atmosphere. In particular, the maze-like Old Quarter between Hoan Kiem Lake and the Red River invites exploration of its narrow streets and myriad of shops. Other attractions include the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's oldest educational establishment, the colonial architecture of the Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton. Also worth checking out are the famous water puppet theatres for a truly Vietnamese experience.