Best of Indochina
Overview
Highlights
- Bargain like a local in Bangkok's markets
- See the temples of Angkor rise out of the jungle
- Delve into Khmer history in Phnom Penh
- Experience rural village life at a Cambodian homestay
- Explore Sihanoukville's tropical surrounds
- Relax on Nha Trang's beaches
- Stroll the atmospheric streets of Hoi An
- Wander through Hanoi's Old Quarter
- Admire the stunning limestone crags around Vang Vieng
- Take a riverboat cruise on the Mekong
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Trip includes
- Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary
- all other activities are optional and at your own expense
- If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary
- the cost will not be refunded
Popular Trips
Itinerary
With exotic markets, weaving tuk-tuks and serene temples, Bangkok is an exciting city to start the adventure. Shop up a storm, enjoy a massage or savour the flavours of Thai cuisine.
Cross the border into Cambodia and travel to Siem Reap. While here, a visit to the temples of Angkor Wat is a must. Explore these epic structures by day and hit Siem Reap’s lively markets by night.
Enjoy the fusion of frontier charm and French-colonial character of Kompong Cham. Why not hire a bike and visit Koh Paen island or, if feeling energetic, head into the surrounding region to uncover the myths of nearby mountain temples.
Travel to the capital city of Phnom Penh. In free time, pay respects at the Killing Fields and Choeung Ek Museum, visit the glimmering Silver Pagoda or haggle for a bargain at the art deco-designed central market, Psar Thmei.
Head out into the Cambodian countryside for a village homestay. Staying with a friendly local family, this is a unique opportunity to experience everyday rural life and enjoy a home-cooked Khmer meal.
Find a spot on the secluded beaches that fringe Sihanoukville or take a boat tour out to nearby islands. If mangrove forests, monkeys and exotic birds appeal, enjoy a tropical safari in Ream National Park.
Brush off the sand and take a public bus back to the capital. Find graphic reminders of Cambodia's tragic history in Tuol Sleng Museum, or take some time out on a visit to Seeing Hands, where massages are performed by the visually impaired.
Relax aboard a final bus ride to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, where the adventure comes to an end amid swarms of motorbikes. Spend some time exploring this fascinating, fast-paced metropolis.
Cruise the mighty Mekong River before spending the night with local friends on a homestay by the water.
Bask on Nha Trang's golden beaches, meander through local markets or explore the ancient Cham Towers. In the evening, why not feast on scrumptious seafood at one of the local restaurants.
Be enthralled by Hoi An, a charismatic port town virtually untouched by time. Why not wander through the atmospheric Phung Hung Old House or check out the carp-shaped rainspouts on the roof of Quan Cong Temple. Get a dose of rural charm on a bike ride or deck yourself out in tailor-made garments.
Home to an array of ancient imperial ruins, Hue is also the centre of Vietnamese Buddhism and the birthplace of degustation-style Vietnamese cuisine. Visit the Forbidden Purple City, cruise down the Perfume River on a dragon boat and maybe wander through the bustling Dong Ba market.
Soak up the effervescence of the Old Quarter on an orientation walk and hear the local legends about majestic Hoan Kiem Lake. Afterwards, perhaps make some colourful purchases at Pho Hang Gai or Dong Xuan markets.
Enjoy a boat trip out in Halong Bay. See magnificent limestone islands rise up out of the emerald waters and be awestruck by the beauty of this secluded harbour. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board before heading into Halong City for the night.
There's time for a final Vietnamese feast on return to Hanoi.
Slow down to the pace of Laos's capital, sleepy Vientiane, where the colourful market stays open all day and dusty riverside paths are packed with friendly children, dogs and chickens. A great way to round off a day of sightseeing is by dining at one of the stilt restaurants set up high above the Mekong.
Be wowed by the gorgeous setting of Vang Vieng, which is surrounded by stunning limestone karst mountains. Relax in a chilled out cafe or dive into the river to escape the heat.
Nestled in the hills of northern Laos, lovely Luang Prabang is dotted with French colonial architecture and ornate temples. Take a dip in the turquoise waters beneath the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, perhaps stroll through the local market, visit Royal Palace or climb Mount Phousi to watch the sun set over the mystic Mekong.
Float gently down the Mekong on a riverboat, travelling with local passengers and docking at tiny Pak Beng for the night.
Cruise further along the Mekong to the charming town of Chiang Khong. Admire the picturesque surrounds and soak up the chilled-out vibe as you meander through this market town.
Home to over 300 temples and a massive night market, Chiang Mai is packed full of things to see and do. Indulge in a traditional Thai massage, take a lesson at a cooking school or perhaps learn the secrets of kickboxing.
Wind up the adventure in the frenzied streets of Bangkok - a thriving metropolis that stands as one of the most influential cities in South East Asia. Enjoy free time to explore labyrinthine shopping malls, wander the grounds of the Grand Palace or take to the cities khlongs to see this energetic city from an entirely different perspective.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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The Intrepid Travel Experience
If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.
Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.
Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.
Why Intrepid?
- Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
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- Local leaders - authentic perspectives
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- Local accommodation - experience real living
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Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.
Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.
Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.
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On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:
- Integrity – Doing the right thing
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Meals introduction
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Style descriptions
Our Basix style trips are designed for travellers who want exceptional value, plenty of free time and having the flexibility to choose where and how their time and money is spent. By working plenty of free time into the itineraries and keeping many of the activities optional, we aim to make travel possible for those on even the most slender of budgets. After all, why pay for an activity or excursion you wouldn’t otherwise be interested in? Or a level of comfort you don’t require? As a wise person probably once said, a bed's just a bed when there's exploring to be done.
Alternate Finish point
- For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
- 10 Jan 2016 (TKRDC160110)
- Astera Sathorn Hotel
- 143 South Sathorn Rd., Yannawa, Sathorn
- Bangkok
- 10120
- THAILAND
- Phone: 22127090
- Fax: 22123610
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