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 - Saigon

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

Angkor
Angkor is one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, containing the magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire. One of the great civilisations of south-east Asia, the Khmers kings ruled between the 9th and 15th centuries and saw their empire extend over most of the Indochina peninsula at its peak. With over 100 temples spread over 400 km², Angkor warrants several days of exploration. The 12th century Angkor Wat is the most famous monument, built as a funerary temple for Suryavarman ll in honour of Vishnu, noted for its imposing structure with five towers and intricate bas reliefs. The second Angkor capital built by Rajendravarman in the 10th century contains the temples of Prasat Kravan, Sra Srang, and East Mebon. The Royal Palace enclosure contains the Phimeanakas temple built by Suryavarman I and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. Jayavarman Vll built the fortified city of Angkor Thom at the end of the 12th Century, enclosed by an 8 metre high wall and five monumental gates. Inside lies the Bayon temple with fine bas reliefs in its temples and numerous towers. Other notable structures are the Banteay Srei Temple, one of the best preserved temples, and Ta Phrom, half buried in the jungle and famous as a location for the film 'Tomb Raider'. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Angkor

Angkor

Angkor is one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, containing the magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire. One of the great civilisations of south-east Asia, the Khmers kings ruled between the 9th and 15th centuries and saw their empire extend over most of the Indochina peninsula at its peak. With over 100 temples spread over 400 km², Angkor warrants several days of exploration. The 12th century Angkor Wat is the most famous monument, built as a funerary temple for Suryavarman ll in honour of Vishnu, noted for its imposing structure with five towers and intricate bas reliefs. The second Angkor capital built by Rajendravarman in the 10th century contains the temples of Prasat Kravan, Sra Srang, and East Mebon. The Royal Palace enclosure contains the Phimeanakas temple built by Suryavarman I and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. Jayavarman Vll built the fortified city of Angkor Thom at the end of the 12th Century, enclosed by an 8 metre high wall and five monumental gates. Inside lies the Bayon temple with fine bas reliefs in its temples and numerous towers. Other notable structures are the Banteay Srei Temple, one of the best preserved temples, and Ta Phrom, half buried in the jungle and famous as a location for the film 'Tomb Raider'.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Angkor