The Great Indochina Loop

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Bangkok

Escape the clamour of the capital with a boat ride down the khlongs, then temple-hop or hit the shops.

Day 3 Chiang Mai

Climb the 300 steps up to the mountain temple of Doi Suthep (or take the tram) for fine views out over town. Snap up some traditional food at the night bazaar - kao soy is a local specialty.

Day 4 Chiang Khong

Explore this remote town on the Thailand and Laos border or sit back and soak up the riverside serenity.

Days 5-6 Mekong River

Watch village life pass by and wave at smiling local children while cruising down the beautiful Mekong River. Call in at the Pak Ou caves, home to thousands of carved Buddha images and figurines along the way.

Days 7-8 Luang Prabang

Get acquainted with the country's history and culture with a visit to the Traditional Arts Museum. The spectacular Kuang Si Falls are the perfect place for an afternoon dip.

Days 9-10 Vientiane

This laid-back capital is easily explored on foot, by bicycle or by jumbo, Laos' answer to the tuk tuk.

Day 11 Homestay

Travel through stunning mountain scenery and enjoy a night as a guest in a village home.

Day 12 Ninh Binh

Enter Vietnam and follow the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail to the friendly town of Ninh Binh. This area is brimming with picture-perfect sights: emerald green paddy fields, water buffaloes, limestone formations and little village hamlets.

Day 13 Halong Bay

Be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay. Wander into a cave, wallow in the water or unwind with a fresh seafood feast on the deck of the cruise boat.

Days 14-16 Hanoi/Overnight Train

Experience Hanoi's seductive French charm and spend an evening entertained by traditional lacquered water puppets before boarding the Reunification Express to Hue.

Day 17 Hue

Wander the Imperial Citadel, discover the wealth of the former Nguyen Emperors and perhaps pick up a famous 'poem hat'.

Days 18-20 Hoi An

The rich heritage of this port town is evident in the shuttered windows and pitched roofs of the traditional merchant houses. Packed with artisans, tailors and food stalls, this is a great place to engage in some of your own trading.

Days 21-22 Ho Chi Minh City

Browse the Ben Thanh Market for tropical fruit, t-shirts, handicrafts and anything, really - just be sure to bargain.

Days 23-24 Phnom Penh

Learn about Cambodia's violent past at the infamous Killing Fields. Later, appreciate the peace of present-day Phnom Penh with a beer at a bar on breezy Sisowath Quay.

Days 25-27 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

The enigmatic, eye-popping ruins of Angkor provide ample photo opportunities. Wander through the temple complex and be sure to catch an amazing sunset over Angkor Wat.

Days 28-29 Bangkok

Slurp up spicy specialties or simply shop some more.