Indochina Insider
Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
Indochina exudes beauty, from the stunning Khmer carvings at Angkor Wat to the warm smiles of monks at a Lao village. Venture with us along the most intriguing paths as we open doors to the richness and diversity of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Our team of extraordinary leaders and local experts brings to life the intertwined cultures of these three countries, as well as the traditions, landscapes, political histories, languages and lifestyle that make each unique. You'll delve into Indochina's fascinating cultural roots, visiting four World Heritage sites, and discover the wildly dynamic and equally captivating modern culture.
- By land and water, go far beyond the typical tourist routine
- Dragon, our friend, expert guide and Vietnam insider
- Phenomenal ancient empires and thriving modern cities
- Authentic encounters with locals
- Astonishing scenery: rice fields, karst formations, lakes, mountains and more
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Siem Reap
Meet in Siem Reap 
Discover the Bakong Temple and Angkor, sure to leave you breathless with its lofty spires, giant carved images and beautiful bas-reliefs Meet villagers in the fishing community of Tonlé Sap.
Hoi An
Participate in a traditional water blessing ceremony at a Buddhist wat (temple) Fly to Vietnam Travel along China Beach to Hoi An, where narrow streets brim with well-preserved merchant houses, pagodas and bridges Ferry to an off-the-beaten-path island known for woodcarving Relax on China Beach's white sands Join a chef to discover regional produce at the market.
Hue
Relish views of karst formations rising from green rice fields en route to Hué Delve into imperial history and the more recent war era at the Citadel Dine with a famous historian Sail the Perfume River in a traditional dragon boat.
Hanoi
Fly to Hanoi, the "Paris of the Orient" Tour the Old Quarter by bicycle rickshaw Visit a classic Northern Vietnamese temple, where monks welcome you Explore an ancient village and speak with the community chief in his home.
Luang Prabang
Fly to Luang Prabang, dotted with Theravada Buddhist temples Meet Mekong fishermen and a vivacious weaver Be the guest of a gregarious monk and receive a blessing Fly to Bangkok.
Nghia Xuan Nguyen, known to us as "Dragon"
Published author. Avid kayaker. Student of the world. Dragon's curious nature and his passion for people and places, especially his native Vietnam, are the qualities that have made him an inspirational guide for over a decade. He knows there's a story behind everything you see. If you assume that the man eating snails on the street simply likes the taste of snails, you're only getting part of the story - look deeper and you'll find he has an interesting tale to tell about his ancestors, snail husbandry and gastronomy. For Dragon, even the crashing waves of Halong Bay have something to say, and you'll often find him in his kayak near the cliffs, listening to the "rock music" of his homeland - his favorite sound.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Great experience to delve into the intricate lifestyles and customs of the people of the region! The choices of hotel accommodations were great!! We loved all the places and enjoyed the diversity. The restaurant choices were great. The food was a really great part of the trip!- Fort Lauderdale, FL More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Indochina Insider
EXOTIC ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
Siem Reap, Cambodia (2 nights) This historic hotel, just minutes from the main temple complex of Angkor Wat, remains the classic choice in Siem Reap, featuring a full-service spa, expansive gardens and outstanding cuisine.
The Nam Hai
Hoi An, Vietnam (2 nights) Set on a tranquil stretch of China Beach, this new luxury resort is praised by Travel+Leisure for its swimming pools, grounds and magnificent spa, "plus great extras, such as the luscious wool-and-cotton-blend bathrobes and outdoor showers."
La Residence Hotel & Spa
Hué, Vietnam (2 nights) Savor views of the Perfume River and the former Imperial Citadel from this boutique hotel, whose Art Deco design conjures colonial Indochina while deluxe modern amenities remind you of the present.
Hotel Sofitel Metropole
Hanoi, Vietnam (2 nights) It's easy to see why this restored landmark, with its resplendent façade and elegant French Colonial ambience, is a favorite of Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler, which calls it "the most storied and beloved of Hanoi institutions."
La Residence Phou Vao
Luang Prabang, Laos (2 nights) This beautiful hotel welcomes you with large open-plan guest rooms, private verandas, an exotic spa and an infinity pool with stunning panoramas of the World Heritage city and the misty valley.
Indochina Insider
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |