Indochina Discovery Tour: From Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City

About the destination: Bangkok, one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities, is the capital of Thailand. Bangkok is hot and crowded, but it's fairly clean and offers loads of craic. Bangkok has brilliant shopping, loads of culture, stunning temples, tasty food and a decent art scene. Most of Bangkok's sights are concentrated on the island of Rattanakosin, often referred to as the Old City. The Grand Palace is the absolute must see site. The Grand Palace complex also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keow, the most sacred Buddhist temple. Other famous temples in Bangkok are the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. Bangkok is a grand spot for shopping. There are many shops, shopping centres and markets to satisfy every wish. The nightlife scene in Bangkok is as varied as the city itself, from beer bars to exclusive clubs, night shopping markets, discos to hippie parties. Bangkok is a large sprawling metropolis, noisy and crowded yet peaceful and delicate. It is one of the world’s top destinations that one has to visit at least once in life.

About the destination: Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia. It's a popular resort town and a gateway to the Angkor region. Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In the city, there are museums, traditional Apsara dance performances, a Cambodian cultural village, souvenir and handycraft shops, silk farms, rice-paddies in the countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake. Siem Reap today—being a popular tourist destination—has a large number of hotels, resorts, restaurants and businesses closely related to tourism. This is much owed to its proximity to the Angkor temples, the most popular tourist attraction in Cambodia.

About the destination: Discover the enchanting beauty of Angkor Ban in Cambodia, a destination of timeless allure. This peaceful village is nestled on the left bank of the Mekong River, its rural charm perfectly preserved since the 19th century. Unspoiled by the modern world, Angkor Ban offers a captivating glimpse into traditional Cambodian life. Experience a journey back in time as you wander through the village, where wooden houses resting on stilts paint a picturesque panorama. These centuries-old homes, still inhabited, offer a unique insight into the rich heritage and traditions of the Khmer people. A visit to Angkor Ban is incomplete without exploring the local temples. Discover the Buddhist temple known as Wat, beautifully adorned with intricate carvings and statues. The tranquil ambiance that envelops these holy sites invites you to pause and reflect, making it a truly spiritual experience. Angkor Ban is also famous for its skilled artisans. Witness the delicate craftsmanship in the handwoven silk scarves and traditional Khmer pottery, perfect souvenirs to remember this unique journey by. Venture into the lush orchards and rice fields that surround the village, and immerse yourself in the rural way of life. The simplicity and serenity of Angkor Ban are its most captivating features, enticing travellers seeking a respite from bustling city life. As the sun sets over the Mekong River, indulge in local Cambodian cuisine, with authentic dishes like Amok – a creamy curry dish, or Prahok – a pungent fermented fish paste. The flavours of Cambodia are as diverse and rich as its history and culture. Angkor Ban is not just a travel destination; it's a step back in time, a living testament to Cambodia's vibrant history and culture. A visit to this serene village offers a unique perspective into the heart of Cambodia, making it a must-visit for any traveller seeking an authentic experience.

About the destination: Phnom Penh, situated at the meeting point of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers, is the capital and biggest city of Cambodia. There's a very strong French influence in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh, to the extent that the city was once referred to as the Paris of the East. The French developed the canal system, ports, roads and buildings. Even though most of the city’s French charm has faded, there are still a few beautiful French colonial buildings left. The Riverside district with its delightful river walk, is packed with hotels, restaurants and bars overlooking the river and is very convenient for visiting the main tourist sites. The main tourist attractions in Phnom Penh are the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the Killing Fields, the National Museum, the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the temple Wat Phnom. Today, Phnom Penh is one of the fastest growing cities in Southeast Asia and you can find high-end cuisine, a very good arts scene and a vast array of markets. Phnom Penh is a worthwhile destination and a handy base to explore the rest of the country.

About the destination: Kampot is a city in southern Cambodia and the capital of the province of the same name. Its name means puffer fish in Cambodian.

About the destination: Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is the biggest city in Vietnam. It's a modern, vibrant and bustling city. It's economically active, brimming with lively markets and it's without a doubt the nation’s commercial hub. Despite being the country’s most modern city by a long shot, it maintains a unique Vietnamese character and you can still see traces of a grand Colonial past in this former gem of the east. In the heart of the city, which locals still fondly call Saigon, you'll find some of the city’s main attractions such as the Opera house, railway station, Notre Dame cathedral, Reunification Palace, the Saigon river and the Markets. To take a break from the city, you can take a tour to the Mekong Delta or to Da Lat, if you have more time. Da Lat, situated in the highlands about 300km from the city is worth the journey as there's plenty to see and do including waterfalls, gardens, the old French Quarter and the local restaurants which serve fantastic local food. The commercial and financial centre of Vietnam is an exciting and intriguing sprawling metropolis that does its best to preserve the way of life and culture of this magnificent country.