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

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bangkok - Hanoi (via Laos)

Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
Close to the Burmese border in central Thailand lie the wildlife sanctuaries of Thungyai and Huai Kha Kheng, covering more than 6,000 km² of various types of forest. The reserves are home to a wide variety of animal species including elephant and tiger and at least 34 endangered species. The region is also home to several spectacular waterfalls including Thi Lor Su Waterfall, one of the largest in southeast Asia with seven tiers of falls from high limestone cliffs, Kotha Waterfall and Thi Lor Lay Waterfall. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

Close to the Burmese border in central Thailand lie the wildlife sanctuaries of Thungyai and Huai Kha Kheng, covering more than 6,000 km² of various types of forest. The reserves are home to a wide variety of animal species including elephant and tiger and at least 34 endangered species. The region is also home to several spectacular waterfalls including Thi Lor Su Waterfall, one of the largest in southeast Asia with seven tiers of falls from high limestone cliffs, Kotha Waterfall and Thi Lor Lay Waterfall.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and became the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam after Sukhothai. It soon became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the East, capital of a kingdom which encompassed large parts of present day Burma, Laos and Cambodia. Ayutthaya developed its own distinctive artistic style, influenced by other cultures with which it traded, before it was destroyed by a Burmese invasion in the 18th century. Remnants of its golden period include the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat, Wang Luang and numerous gigantic Buddha statues and prangs (reliquary towers). UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic City of Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and became the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam after Sukhothai. It soon became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the East, capital of a kingdom which encompassed large parts of present day Burma, Laos and Cambodia. Ayutthaya developed its own distinctive artistic style, influenced by other cultures with which it traded, before it was destroyed by a Burmese invasion in the 18th century. Remnants of its golden period include the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat, Wang Luang and numerous gigantic Buddha statues and prangs (reliquary towers).

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic City of Ayutthaya

Sukhothai
Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries, until it was superseded by Ayutthaya, deserted and only rediscovered as a 'lost city' in the 19th century. With 21 historical sites within the city walls and a further 70 outside, Sukhothai is an important and fascinating site. Monuments of note include Mahathat Wat, a monastery with a royal palace and cemetery and the graceful Sra Si Wat with its two stupas. The nearby town of Si Satchanm contains the impressive Wat Chang Lom, decorated with 39 standing elephants. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

Sukhothai

Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries, until it was superseded by Ayutthaya, deserted and only rediscovered as a 'lost city' in the 19th century. With 21 historical sites within the city walls and a further 70 outside, Sukhothai is an important and fascinating site. Monuments of note include Mahathat Wat, a monastery with a royal palace and cemetery and the graceful Sra Si Wat with its two stupas. The nearby town of Si Satchanm contains the impressive Wat Chang Lom, decorated with 39 standing elephants.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, which had been the monarchical capital for centuries, is one of the most charming and best preserved cities in southeast Asia. Set amongst forested hills, it combines traditional Lao architecture, in particular numerous temples, with European colonial buildings. In early morning the mists from the Mekong shroud the city before the town's saffron-clad monks begin their procession through the town collecting alms. Among the temples of note is the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, the Golden Temple built in 1559 which is decorated in red, green and golden designs and filled with extravagant mosaics and decorations. The Royal Palace, whose design blends European and Lao influences, now houses the National Museum which has artefacts describing Lao culture over many centuries. In the evening the views over the town from Mount Phousi are excellent as the sunset illuminates the golden temple towers. Also worth checking out are the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, located about 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang . UNESCO World Heritage Site: Town of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, which had been the monarchical capital for centuries, is one of the most charming and best preserved cities in southeast Asia. Set amongst forested hills, it combines traditional Lao architecture, in particular numerous temples, with European colonial buildings. In early morning the mists from the Mekong shroud the city before the town's saffron-clad monks begin their procession through the town collecting alms. Among the temples of note is the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, the Golden Temple built in 1559 which is decorated in red, green and golden designs and filled with extravagant mosaics and decorations. The Royal Palace, whose design blends European and Lao influences, now houses the National Museum which has artefacts describing Lao culture over many centuries. In the evening the views over the town from Mount Phousi are excellent as the sunset illuminates the golden temple towers. Also worth checking out are the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, located about 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang .

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Town of Luang Prabang

Halong Bay
Halong Bay Halong Bay, whose name means "descending dragon", is a stunning site, where 3,000 limestone karst islands and peaks rise out of the emerald green waters of the bay. The best way to appreciate this area is on a slow junk boat ride through the bay, stopping off to explore limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, encounter floating fishing villages, enjoy secluded beaches or just swimming in the bay itself. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay

Halong Bay

Halong Bay, whose name means "descending dragon", is a stunning site, where 3,000 limestone karst islands and peaks rise out of the emerald green waters of the bay. The best way to appreciate this area is on a slow junk boat ride through the bay, stopping off to explore limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, encounter floating fishing villages, enjoy secluded beaches or just swimming in the bay itself.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay