Classic Indochina
"Vietnam. It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever."
—Anthony Bourdain
During exceptional periods ancient civilizations are transformed forever, and for Vietnam, Cambodia, and
Laos, that time has arrived. Fortunately, despite rapid development in cities such as Saigon, there are
still places more ancient than modern and the region remains full of sights that will transport you into
the past: fields of rice under the tropical sun, elegant French Colonial architecture under a canopy of
frangipani trees, straw-roofed sampans drifting down languid rivers, young monks draped in
saffron-colored robes swaying down quiet alleyways.
This journey ventures into the authentic heart of Indochina, exploring authentic treasures, places that
have firmly retained their pleasant old-world environments and rich traditions very different from our
own, making Indochina not only a fascinating, but one of the most exhilarating places for travel in the
world.
Begin your Vietnam luxury tour exploring Hanoi, the atmospheric capital which recently celebrated its
millennial anniversary; on Halong Bay adrift through landscapes that have inspired generations of poets
and artists; Hue's Imperial ruins along the majestic Perfume River; and in Hoi An, a serene 16th-century
trading port, discover everyone's favorite town in Vietnam. After Vietnam explore the greatest stone
ruins in the world at Angkor, marveling at Cambodia's surreal, jungle-shrouded city of massive, carved
temples which are the largest concentration of ruins on Earth.
Throughout, experience immersive cultural encounters with a rich mosaic of its peoples, encountering them
in their villages, schools, galleries, homes, and temples. And in the emerald green rice paddies
surrounding these places, further discover a timeless Indochina, as it has existed for hundreds of
years.
From the buzzing capital city, Hanoi, through the endless emerald green rice field landscapes in the
countryside, and gliding along through the towering karst landscapes of magnificent Halong Bay, Vietnam
features an amazing variety of landscapes and dynamic culture. Along the way, personal encounters with
the famously gregarious and humorous Vietnamese — always the real highlight of the country — will be
facilitated and provide deeper insight into the country through authentic, meaningful experiences.
In Hanoi, thrill to an exciting ride by cyclo (pedicab) around the capital city's center, explore a now
flourishing arts scene, learning about Vietnam's unique lacquer art firsthand from leading artists,
experience living history hear Mr. Hong My's amazing stories about the dogfights he had against U.S.
jets over Hanoi during the war, and meet local and expat chefs discovering the delights of northern
Vietnamese cuisine.
On Halong Bay, marvel at a wonderland of karst scenery, one of the most stunning landscapes in the world.
Kayak past islands into caves, lagoons, desolate beach coves, and floating villages, pausing to visit
local fishermen and their families. On board, learn simple culinary skills, learning to make spring
rolls and carve fruits and vegetables into artistic designs which is a local custom.
Anthony Bourdain also claimed "the Vietnamese are a skinny people obsessed with food." Plan visits to top
restaurants but also sample some of the best street food in the world. Accommodation options include the
renowned Metropole, with a guest list dating back to Charlie Chaplin and Graham Greene, situated in the
verdant embassy quarter area steps away from picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.
In northern Cambodia, explore the largest concentration of religious ruins in the world. The massive
stone temple complex at Angkor remains a stunning legacy from what was one of the largest cities in the
world when the Khmer Empire dominated the region from Angkor, while building hundreds of magnificent
temples over two and half centuries. Moving through the monuments, awe at the setting of giant twenty
foot carved stone heads, serpents, and religious idols such as Hanuman, the monkey god.
Enjoy an itinerary exploring the temple complex away from the crowds, with romantic activities,
including transport in a colonial-era Citroen, private dining within the temple complex in an impeccably
restored traditional home, enjoying blessings from an elder monk, and visiting unique attractions in and
around the town, including the Landmine museum, a NGO that seeks to educate travelers about this serious
issue.
Siem Reap also offers a handful of world-class restaurants we will assist in planning your dining at,
such as Cuisine Wat Damnak where we can arrange introductions with chef/owner Joannès Rivière of Cuisine
Wat Damnak, who largely introduced modern Cambodian cooking.
"Luang Prabang, a little city of about 80,000 people, neither teems with excitement nor seethes with
intrigue. Life flows slowly here, like the muddy Mekong. The people are gentle and unassuming. Two
lazy rivers happen upon each other in their wanderings through Luang Prabang — the Nam Khan and the
swirling brown Mekong. Traditional Lao houses, high on teak pilings, creep down to the river's edge,
engulfed in tall swaying palms and jungle shrubs. Children laugh and play here, jumping from high
trees into the rich brown river. A few small pirogues drift downstream, carrying fruits or hauling
nets. One could stay here forever and not even realize it."
Explore the splendors of Indochina's remote outpost in Northern Laos — tranquil Luang Prabang, where
groups of monks still sway down the small streets, lined with dozens of golden temples, a royal palace
and other elegant colonial architecture that are a magnificent legacy of the French era.
Laotian's are easygoing, their warm greetings and smiles come naturally. Along the way, we'll spend
quality, informal moments meeting and sharing moments with people whose tranquil way of life is
inspiring and lifestyle varies so much from our own.
Traditional handicrafts are a focus on any visit here, including finely-crafted textiles and wood
carvings featured at one of the best night markets in Asia. We'll also explore the picturesque river
valleys north of town, where some of the finest landscapes in Indochina lie, still pleasantly
undiscovered by tourism. The Nam Ou River valley provides a tranquil setting for boating, an area
inhabited by colorful Hmong and other hill tribes.
Recommended accommodation at a mountain tented safari resort, with wide views over the town, lush green
valley and surrounding mountains.
After your Indochina trip with a stopover in cosmopolitan Bangkok and Thai island paradise.
