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 Indochina Full Loop

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

Hue
Hue Hue was the imperial capital of Vietnam, and its religious and cultural centre, under the Nguyen dynasty from 1801 to 1945. The walled imperial citadel, containing the Forbidden Purple Palace (an exact replica of Beijing's Forbidden Palace), covers a vast area but much of it was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The Ngo Mon Gate, some of the outer walls and the Flag Tower remain however, providing an eloquent glimpse at the glories of imperial Vietnam. The beautiful and evocative Perfume River runs through Hue and dragon boat rides along the river will take you to more of Hue's attractions. The Thien Mu Pagoda is the oldest monastery in Hue and one of the most beautiful buildings in Vietnam. There are also the tombs of the Nguyen emperors, such as that of Tu Duc, which provide insights into the lifestyles of the emperors. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Complex of Hué Monuments

Hue

Hue

Hue was the imperial capital of Vietnam, and its religious and cultural centre, under the Nguyen dynasty from 1801 to 1945. The walled imperial citadel, containing the Forbidden Purple Palace (an exact replica of Beijing's Forbidden Palace), covers a vast area but much of it was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The Ngo Mon Gate, some of the outer walls and the Flag Tower remain however, providing an eloquent glimpse at the glories of imperial Vietnam. The beautiful and evocative Perfume River runs through Hue and dragon boat rides along the river will take you to more of Hue's attractions. The Thien Mu Pagoda is the oldest monastery in Hue and one of the most beautiful buildings in Vietnam. There are also the tombs of the Nguyen emperors, such as that of Tu Duc, which provide insights into the lifestyles of the emperors.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Complex of Hué Monuments

My Son
My Son The Champa Kingdom developed on the coast of Vietnam between the 4th and 13th centuries. The kingdom displayed spiritual and architectural influences from Indian Hinduism. The ruins at My Son, the religious and political capital, comprise a series of impressive and well preserved tower temples located in a secluded valley. UNESCO World Heritage Site: My Son Sanctuary

My Son

The Champa Kingdom developed on the coast of Vietnam between the 4th and 13th centuries. The kingdom displayed spiritual and architectural influences from Indian Hinduism. The ruins at My Son, the religious and political capital, comprise a series of impressive and well preserved tower temples located in a secluded valley.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: My Son Sanctuary

Hoi An
Hoi An From the 15th to the 19th century, Hoi An was one of the most important trading ports in Vietnam, visited by ships from all over the world trading goods such as spices, silks and ceramics. When its harbour silted up in the 19th century it became eclipsed by Da Nang and other ports. Hoi An's economic loss was the world's gain, as the town preserved its old appearance and, as the only example of a traditional Vietnamese town, has become a major tourist destination. Hoi An is characterised by narrow streets and beautifully preserved buildings displaying indigenous and foreign influences, including the famous Japanese bridge. It's a beautiful town for wandering, tasting the fantastic local cuisine or exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby beaches. Hoi An is also famous for its myriad of clothes shops which will produce tailor made clothes from hundreds of materials and designs within hours at very low prices. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An

From the 15th to the 19th century, Hoi An was one of the most important trading ports in Vietnam, visited by ships from all over the world trading goods such as spices, silks and ceramics. When its harbour silted up in the 19th century it became eclipsed by Da Nang and other ports. Hoi An's economic loss was the world's gain, as the town preserved its old appearance and, as the only example of a traditional Vietnamese town, has become a major tourist destination. Hoi An is characterised by narrow streets and beautifully preserved buildings displaying indigenous and foreign influences, including the famous Japanese bridge. It's a beautiful town for wandering, tasting the fantastic local cuisine or exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby beaches. Hoi An is also famous for its myriad of clothes shops which will produce tailor made clothes from hundreds of materials and designs within hours at very low prices.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hoi An Ancient Town

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