Covering 3 countries in 18 days - beginning with Laos, then to Vietnam, finally through Cambodia - speaks of a hectic pace tripping from one city to the next but lustfully drinking in varied sights and sounds. What follows is an account of these travels itemised by order of travel beginning first with Luang Prabang in Laos and ending with Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Of course, you will want to, especially if you’re on a honeymoon, plan to travel at a more sedate pace that focuses on one ore two of these locations based on your preferences. In that case, it is suggested, at the article’s very outset, that Luang Prabang in Laos, Halong Bay in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia be those places that compose the ‘unmissable list’.
Weather-wise, travel between the months of November - February which is the driest part of the year. This way you will avoid deluges that sometime affect this region. For you foodies out there be prepared for the orignial gastronomic experience as you travel. There is much on offer for both the vegetarian and the non-vegetarian with the open mind; one may even be so inclined to try the occasional Tarantula with black pepper sauce but that is another story.
Travel in general is very easy in the region; ground transportation in the form of the tuk - tuk, moto, jumbo, cyclo, mini van, and air tranpsport either domestic or international is typically in the span of an hour because of the relatively small size of the region.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Our journey begins in Luang Prabang, the cultural heart of Laos and its former imperial capital. Luang Prabang has a magical feel about it. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos, on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, this city is studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture.
Explore the many temples or take a long boat across the river to a traditional Laotian village. For the more adventurous honeymooners, looking for an edge to their travel experiences, a hike through Laotian villages to the base of beautiful Kuang Si falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations, is a very doable alternative. Follow that up with a climb to the top of Mt Phoussi provides a fantastic view over the town and its surrounds.
A night out in Loas could involve spending time at the Royal Theatre which provides a combination of dance and music performances and a wander through the Dala market which a chance to pick up locally-made silks and jewellery. At the markets, the curious observer is as likely to find snake whisky resting next to beautiful brocades.
Hanoi, Vietnam
From Vientiane to Hanoi is another hour’s journey by flight. Venture into the atmospheric Old Quarter of Hanoi, perhaps, for a traditional meal of pho, stroll the tree-lined boulevards or enjoy the tranquillity of the lakes. You can do this either by navigating the chaos of Hanoi’s roads or hiring a cycle ride around town.
Note that the key to crossing a Hanoi road, something that causes even the Indian well used to city traffic to hesitate, is to keep walking at a slow, constant pace allowing the motorcyclists judge as it were your position at any point in time allowing them to navigate safely (or at least most of the time) around you; honeymooners and couples are likely to hold hands even tighter whilst navigating the road together.
Once the heart has settled into a somewhat steady rythm, relax by enjoying a Hanoi highlight - a performance of traditional water puppetry. Puppetry is common throughout the world, but puppetry theatre of Vietnam on water is unique. The art of water puppetry appeared in the Ly dynasty (1010-1225). Water puppetry was developed in lake and pond-rich areas in the Red River Delta. The surface of water serves as the stage while spectators sit at the edge of water.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
One of the world’s natural wonders, (and a common backdrop for films set in Vietnam), Halong Bay features more than one thousand awesome limestone karsts and islands of various sizes and shapes along the 120-km coastline of Bai Chay Beach.
If the turquoise waters are warm enough, dive in and swim. Afterwards, enjoy a hearty meal on board and spend a night on the boat, soaking up the serenity of the bay. There are also magnificent limestone caves to take in during your journey so make sure whilst booking that this is included in the package. For the more adventurous, there are also kayak rides and speedboat rides should you be so incline.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Our next destination was Hoi An, approximately an hour minutes by flight from Hanoi. To get to Hoi An, you will need to take a flight to Danang and then bus it from there to Hoi An. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring and there is a huge variety of fabrics to choose from. Bring your favourite article of clothing or simply bring along a picture and the garment will be copied or created in a matter of hours.
Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From Ho Chi Minh City, travel through rural Vietnam, stopping at the Cu Chi Tunnels, before continuing on to Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia (approx. 8 hours). The legendary Cu Chi tunnels were instrumental in the Viet Cong’s victories during the 1960s American war. At their height, they stretched all the way to the Cambodian border and in the town of Cu Chi alone, there were more than 250 km of tunnels.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
In Phnom Penh, we confront the nation’s tragic past as we visit the former school at Tuol Sleng which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. We also drive out to Choueng Ek and visit the grisly monument (made up of some 8,000 human skulls), which marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
A short flight from Phnom Penh takes you to Siem Reap (approx. 1 hour), our base from which to explore the fascinating ruins of Angkor Wat, and nearby Angkor Thom. One of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, these temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries, when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia, and are believed to represent the cosmic world, set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. They are scattered over an area of some 160 sq km but the main structures are clustered close to Siam Reap.
There is much to see and do in Indochina. Pick up a good book and do some reading beforehand to get a sense for history and place. Be prepared to engage with Indochina’s sights and sounds, keep your sense of humour about you as you are endlessly hassled by vendors, and take a wrong turn or two as you wander Saigon’s back alleys.
