Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly Saigon, this thriving city is a mix of modern life and French colonial grandeur and traditional
Chinese mystique.  Ho Chi Minh city itself, the heart and soul of Vietnam, is the starting point for trips
to the colourful floating markets of the Mekong Delta.  Also visit the Cu Chi tunnels abandoned by the
Viet Cong; the former President's Palace (Reunification Palace) and the War Remnants Museum. 
The Post Office and Notre Dame Catedral are examples of French influence, while Ben Thanh Market
is the centre of daily life. 

Nha Trang
Originally a fishing village, Nha Trang is now home to some of the most deluxe boutique resorts in
Vietnam.  The clear waters and stretch of sandy beaches make for excellent fishing, snorkelling and
scuba diving. 


Cambodia
Cambodia lies at the heart of Indochina and is bordered by Thailand in the west, Laos in the north,
Vietnam in the east and the Gulf of Thailand in the south. It is a country that, despite its relatively
small size and large, dominant neighbours, has managed to retain its unique Khmer identity. 
Its cultural traditions predate those of Thailand and, unlike Vietnam, which expresses a marked
Chinese influence, Cambodia’s cultural roots draw heavily from the Indian subcontinent.

Siem Reap / Angkor
The Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia is the worlds largest religious monument. 
The temples at Angkor was built 879 - 1191AD and used for 400 years during the kings of
the Khmer empire.  The Khmers left the city in 1432, and after that it was lost in the jungle
until a French explorer, Henri Mouhot, found it in 1860. He died of malaria one year later only
35 years old.  A restoration project was started in 1908 and has continued since than except
for periods in the 70's and 80's when military operations prevented archaeologists from
working in the area.  UNESCO made it a World Heritage site in 1992.  The small nearby
town of Siem Reap offers excellent luxury resort and hotel options. 

Phnom Penh
The capital Phnom Penh was originally founded as a place of religious significance. 
Its home to the magnificent Royal Palace and the famed Silver Pagoda.  The city has
a broad boulevard on the riverfront with avenues of trees and gardens.  The gardens
surround a small hill, called the Phnom, which is crowned by a Buddhist monument
with a conical spire.  Phnom Penh is a charming city where you will find boutiques,
art galleries and quirky cafes have emerged in the French colonial mansions of old.


Laos
Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, is an enchanting city that is small
enough to explore on foot.  A seductive pace of life from a bygone era mingles with
a graciousness all its own. The entire city was declared a United Nations World Heritage
Site in 1995 in order to protect its 32 precious temples, the former royal palace and
classic French colonial buildings. The town is surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty
including spectacular waterfalls, sheer amber-coloured cliffs, and ancient cave complexes.

Buddhism is an intrinsic and powerful part of life here and groups of orange-robed
monks and novices from age eight to 80 are a spiritual part of everyday life in town.
Colourful local markets display an eclectic collection of richly-coloured textiles, home
wares and jewellery alongside all kinds of fresh fruits, local foods and crafts from
sturdy iron work to delicate paper lanterns. Riverside cafes under vast trees cling to
riverbanks offering a peaceful vantage point from which to watch the Mekong, and the
world, pass by. The gentle spirit of Laos thrives in Luang Prabang.

Once the home of the 14th century Kingdom of Lang Xan (The Million Elephant
Kingdom), Laos became a French protectorate in 1893. Independence was gained
in 1953 and from 1964 onwards, the strategically-positioned country was fought over
by royalists, communists and conservatives. In 1975 the kingdom came under the
control of the communist party, Pathet Lao, who established a one-party state. A new
constitution consolidated the government of the Lao People’s Revolutionary party and
the country opened to tourism.

Vientiane
Vientiane is set on the banks of the Mekong River and is the charming capital of Laos.  A quiet
city compared to others in Asia, but a bustling city for Laos.  A city of French colonial architecture, 
gilded temples, markets and a Presidential Palace.  Be sure to watch the sunset from the terrace
at your riverside hotel.  

Geography
Situated in South-East Asia, Vietnam shares borders to the north with the
People’s Republic of China and to the west with Laos and Cambodia, the
China Sea and Pacific Ocean lie to the east and south. With the land area of
330,991 sq km , the country is principally hilly and mountainous with a length
of 1650 km from the extreme north point to the south.

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