Pdf version of my labour of love. Our new Indochina - Thailand & Burma brochure.

1. welcome
I invite you to step into the pages of our new Indochina, Thailand and Burma brochure to find yourself in a mesmerising
world of majestic cities, ornate temples and landscapes both rugged and tranquil. For so long a place of mystery,
claimed by colonial culture and shaped by historic upheavals, the diverse beauty of the region is at last open to us.
I am confident the brochure reflects the highest standards you expect and what we as professionals can deliver.
Many Indus travellers tell us the sumptuous, comprehensive and first-class literature we produce is just the
beginning of the adventure. The dream starts when you look into the Indus kaleidoscope and contemplate the lands
and cultures you long to discover. Relax and let the images influence your ideas. Then select and let us do the rest,
transforming your desires into your dream holiday or to put it simply, an …. Indus Experience.
We particularly welcome you to talk to us, to tell us exactly how you envisage your holiday. On our side, we
recommend and advise but, above all, we listen. This personal contact with my team of experts, who have travelled
ahead of you to prepare the very best experience, is the core of the Indus ethos. From sharing comes trust. Our
efforts to ensure that your holiday will be spectacular are paramount in offering all our clients consistent and
repeated satisfaction.
At Indus there is no ‘us’ without ‘you’. When I started the company 16 years ago our ‘raison d'être’ was to put the
traveller at the heart of our understanding of what makes the ideal trip and to provide just that.
As is our custom at Indus, we researched, inspected and took time to prepare the next destinations of Indochina,
Thailand and Burma. They’re now ready. We don’t do things properly here, we do them perfectly. Talk to our
experts and we’ll craft an Indus Experience tailor-made for you.
Fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority, (ATOL 4586) and ABTA (W5240), we are also members of AITO
and partners to the government initiative ‘Knowbeforeyougo, ensuring you can book with the confidence that your
money is safe with us.
I hope you get as much pleasure from our brochure as we did putting it together for you.
Yasin M. Zargar B.Sc. F. Inst. TT
Managing Director

2. contents
Indus Experiences 3
Travel within the Region 4
Map 5
Airlines 6
InDOCHInA InTRODuCTIOn 9
Laos 10
Cambodia 12
Vietnam 14
Thailand 16
Burma 18
TOuRS
Ancient Kingdoms of South East Asia 20
indus experienceS
Grand Tour of Indochina 22
Essence of Indochina 24 OuR ExpERTISE CuISInE TRAVEL ADVICE
AnD DESTInATIOn
A Tale of Three Cities 26 Amongst the leading tailor-made specialist tour The regions cuisine is an extravaganza of mouth InFORMATIOn
operator in the country and winner of Best watering experiences - a wonderful mêlée of
Vietnam Discovery 28 Specialist Tour Operator 2011 – Elite Travel spices and herbs, some hot and pungent, others We are certified strategic partners of the Foreign
The Spirit of Cambodia 30 Group Awards, the indus experiences ethos to soft and subtle. Taste Laotian spicy green & Commonwealth Office, which guarantee our
Secrets of Laos 32 personalised service, is absolute. papaya salad - Tam Som, or Amok Trey from commitment to ensuring that our clients are
Cambodia. In Burma (Myanmar) try Lahpe - fully informed of all relevant government travel
Memories of Thailand 34 Our specialist team in London will work with fermented tea. Why not add a cookery class to advice, safety measures and precautions. please
A Vignette of Burma 36 you, to ensure you have the best possible holiday the tour or tailor make a tour highlighting the see: www.fco.gov.uk
at a competitive price, offering advice and ideas cuisine. please ask for details.
Land of the Golden Spires 37 to inspire you. HEALTH & InSuRAnCE
BOARD AnD LODGInG
RIVER CRuISInG 38 The tours in this brochure are guidelines, We strongly advised that all clients talk to their
designed to be a starting point for each itinerary Our hotel portfolio is extensive and ranges from Gp or Travel Health Clinic about the various
Cruise Ships 39 that can be tailored to your specific preferences. superb deluxe properties to character, heritage, inoculations and medical travel precautions
The Mekong Voyage of Discovery 40 Each tour has been individually crafted to give boutique hotels and more modest guest houses. to be taken - including DVT and Malaria. It’s
you an insight into the land, to see the beauty, We always use the best available but in some essential that you take out an adequate travel
Road to Mandalay 42 history and culture of the region. remote areas facilities can be very basic! The list insurance policy to cover all emergencies.
The Irrawaddy Experience 43 is constantly being amended and up graded. If the
Our local associate agents are carefully selected hotel you require is not mentioned please don’t FInAnCIAL SECuRITY
for their unrivalled local knowledge and are on hesitate to ask for it to be included in your tour.
EASTERn & ORIEnTAL ExpRESS 44 hand to respond quickly and efficiently. InDuS TOuRS AnD TRAVEL is a fully
Epic Thailand with Koh Samui Tour 46 Each tour price will state the meal plan. bonded and insured company, registered with
SMALL GROup TOuRS This can usually be adapted to suit your the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL no
AnD SpECIALIST requirements. Most hotels offer a selection of 4586. This means that once you have booked
HOTELS TOuRS/ExpERIEnCES Local and International food. with us, you can rest assured that any monies
Orient Express 48 paid are secured. We are members of ABTA.
Our Specialist Tours are all lead by distinguished GuIDES Our membership number is ABTA W5240,
Four Seasons 49 Tours Leaders. new tours are constantly added
Anantara 50 and new areas visited. please ask for our latest On tour we use English-speaking guides. They
exciting specialist tours in Indochina, Thailand are accredited and experienced. All have a
Aman 51 and Burma. passion for their homeland regaling guests with
Raffles 52 local anecdotes and amusing tales.
Six Senses 53 YOuR TOuR pRICE Indus is a member of AITO. The Association
InCLuDES: pRACTICAL represents Britain’s leading independent tour
GHM 54 operators and encourages high levels of quality
InFORMATIOn
Mandarin Oriental 55 • Return International flights in economy class. and service. Indus abides by the Associations
• All airport taxes at uK and chosen destination. Current British passport holders Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO
Relais & Chateaux 56 • All internal / regional flights as per the Visa requirements are: Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.
Song Saa 57 itinerary in economy class. Burma Available in the uK or on arrival. aito.co.uk, or please ask us for more details.
• All accommodation and transport as per the Cambodia Available in the uK or on arrival.
Vietnam 58 itinerary. Laos On arrival.
Cambodia 60 • All transfers and sightseeing by chauffeur Thailand Free on arrival. photo credits: Staffan Scherz; Destination Asia Images;
driven private vehicles. (please note: coaches will Vietnam Available in the uK or on arrival.
Laos 61 Shawn Hendricks; nick Ray;
be used on certain cruise and train excursions). Visions of Indochina -
Thailand 62 • Services of an English speaking representative Indus will undertake to arrange your visa for a
http://portfolio.visions-of-indochina.com
Burma 63 for all arrival and departure transfers at airports small fee. please discuss with us your passport/
and assistance at hotels. visa requirements.
• Services of an English speaking guide during
sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
• Entrances fees to all monuments as specified in
Responsible Tourism...Indus Gives Back 64
the itinerary.
two www.industours.co.uk 020 8901 7320 three

3. i n d o C hH nIa N A
c i -
thailand & burma
Putao
C H I N A
Myitkyina
dy
ad
Bhamo
aw
Lao Cai
Irr
Sapa
P in Oo Lw
Pyin Oo L
n Lwin
w
Moniwa
Hanoi Halong Bay
Mandalay Kentang
travel within
Haiphong
Salween
a
Bagan HHouey
Heho XXay
Mrauk U M Popa
Mt Pakbeng
Inle Luang Prabang
Kalaw
Lake Hong Sa
the region
Phonsavan
n
Chiang Saen
Nay Pyi Daw Vang Vieng S O U T H
Sittwe
h
Chiang Rai
Pyay
Mae Hong Son
LAOS Lak Sao
C H I N A
(Prome)
As with all emerging and developing countries the standard of internal travel can vary tremendously, and Indus N
Ngapali
Vientiane S E A
M
Hue
endeavours to use the best possible means of travel at each destination. With the advent of tourism Air links have M YA N M A R Chiang Mai
g
ek
Savannakhet Da Nang
(BURMA)
on
become more widespread as distances to travel can often be vast. Gradually each country is building a network Sukhothai
a
Tak A
Hoi An
g
of Local and International carriers and upgrading airports. Roads are often crowded, congested and provide Ngwe Saung Bago K aiktiyo
k
ktiyo
Kyaiktiyo
Ubon
an unforgettable experience! Many tours take to the water and use some of the luxurious river cruisers – whilst Yangon Ratchathani
h h i
occasional trips in sampans add an extra thrill! Trains ply the lands and for Indus guests memorable journeys on the
Moulmein
THAILAND Pakse
Champasak
acclaimed Eastern & Oriental Express gives another glimpse into many unseen lands within the region. Ayutthaya
Preah Vihear VIETNAM
Rattanakiri
B A Y O F a
Kanchanaburi Battambang Angkor Wat
Mergui Bangkok Siem Reap
Dalat
BY AIR
B E N G A L Tonle Sap Kompong Nha Trang
has an excellent network, Myanmar is slowly still with a few teething troubles after the French Thom Kratie
Air travel is the most efficient way of moving
within the region. All the major places of
upgrading, whilst Highway One in Vietnam
from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta is virtually a
built it 100 years ago. But no matter – this is
what a holiday is about, meeting wonderful Myeik
Pattaya C A M B O D I A Cham
Kompong
go
Archipelago Hua Hin P
Phan Thiet
interest and cities have airports within easy ‘super highway’! Don’t forget there are other people, passing through glorious countryside,
reach. The Thai and Vietnam service are forms of transport – ox and buffalo cart rides, feeling the rhythm of the land. Koh Chang Phnom Penh
particularly well structured: and the other Remok (tuk-tuk) fun,’ cyclos’ (rickshaws), Chumhon Chau Ho Chi Minh City
t
countries rapidly following suit with an elephant safaris and of course – the buses – BY WATER Kep Doc My Tho
increasing choice of carriers and budgets to often fast, loud and manic! All Indus guests Sihanoukville Vinh Long
suit all pockets. Myanmar currently does have have an exclusive private car with a/c, and Water, in the area is a synonym for ‘super
a more limited schedule of flights, but with the an experienced English speaking driver, well highways’. The mighty rivers of the region, the K thoung
o
ou
Kawthoung Phu Quoc
C n Tho
Can Tho Con Dao
n
expansion of tourism, more will soon become accustomed to the local road nuances! For small Mekong and Irrawaddy with their countless
Koh Samui
available. Flying is the ideal means of transport groups all coaches have a/c and knowledgeable tributaries have been the main source of internal
when time is of the essence. Indus choose the driver/guides. transportation for generations. Today visitors
Krabi Nakhon Si
best possible option available at the time of can take a short cruise through the maze of
Thammarat
booking for their guests. BY TRAIn waterways scattered throughout the region or
spend a few days cruising in elegant luxurious Phuket
The rail system throughout the countries varies cruise boats taking in the sights and sounds Songkhla
BY ROAD Trang
tremendously in style and comfort. In Myanmar of the river bank villages, seeing some of the
Driving in the region is an experience in itself. it’s old, slow but cheap and a great way to incredible ancient highlights or simply relax
In some places the standard of road is poor meet the locals – choose between hard or soft on the observation deck. Other fun water
and in the monsoon season prone to flooding, benches! Contrast that with the most romantic experiences include rafting, long tail power boat
however, many new roads are being constructed: way of travelling on a train on the fabled and sampan rides. Indus offers an excellent
connecting all the main towns, cities and places Eastern & Oriental Express for a touch of pure selection of cruises and day excursions for their
of interest together. Thailand for example luxury or rumble along on Cambodian trains - guest’s enjoyment.
four www.industours.co.uk 020 8901 7320 five

4. airlines
THAI AIRWAYS EMIRATES
Thai airways operates two daily flights between Heathrow and Bangkok, with onward Emirates operates 15 flights to Dubai from
connections throughout Thailand & Asia. Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham,
Glasgow and Newcastle with onward
Royal First Class connections to Bangkok
On board, in the privacy of segregated cabins, the degree of friendly, personal hospitality
BRITISH AIRWAYS extended by a dedicated cabin crew is exceptional. The innovation in luxury is the newly First Class
installed sleeper seating. Electronically controlled, with 180 degrees of recline and almost Freshen up with a mid-flight shower or close
Ideal for leisure travel, British Airways offers frequent schedules to Thailand and Singapore, flying daily seven feet of space in which to stretch out, these seats are truly state-of-the-art. Each seat is the door and retreat to your own private Suite.
to its main airports. British Airways offer a choice of cabins ensuring your holiday starts the moment equipped with the interactive Audio Visual On Demand entertainment system, plus in-seat Savour five-star delicacies with dine-on-demand
you take off. telephone and laptop power outlet. menu, and enjoy over 1,200 channels of
entertainment in Emirates First Class.
First Club World World Traveller Plus Royal Silk Class
The ultimate in comfort and luxury Introducing a new Club World Worth the Difference On board THAI flights Royal Silk class passengers enjoy segregated cabins, with two- Business Class
• personal ‘demi cabin’ space creates an • The new seat is 25% wider, has a privacy • A separate quieter cabin with up to abreast seating. On long-haul flights, newly installed shell seats offer 60 inches (five feet) of With flat-bed seats and exclusive Onboard
exclusive, private environment screen and converts into a fully flat bed a maximum of 6 rows stretch-out space, with 170 degrees of recline for sleeping. Each electrically controlled seat is Lounge, in-seat phone service and laptop
• A 6' 6" fully flat bed • Club Kitchen is open between meal times • Wider, more comfortable seats with 7" equipped with telephone and laptop power outlet. The interactive Audio Visual On Demand charging, Emirates Business Class helps you
• À la carte dining with menus and with complimentary hot & cold snacks more leg room than World Traveller entertainment system offers literally hundreds of channels, for movies, music, information arrive refreshed and prepared for the next step
complimentary bar • À la carte menu with expertly sourced • priority meal service with complimentary and games. of your journey.
• Complimentary sleeper suit and wash bag wine list drinks from the bar
with luxury skin care products • Access to Departure and Arrivals lounges Economy Class Economy Class
• Access to Departures and Arrivals lounges, • Complimentary treatments at the Elemis World Traveller THAI has carried out a massive programme to expand and revitalize every aspect of its personal seatback monitors, thoughtfully
including the Elemis Travel Spa at Travel Spa available at London Heathrow Designed for comfort Economy Class experience, giving passengers even more reasons to make THAI their first prepared multi-course meals, telephone and
London Heathrow • An ergonomically designed seat, blankets, choice. new, wider seats of the latest design have been installed in many of the THAI email service at every seat are just some of the
• Dedicated First Class check–in desks and a cushions, eyeshades, socks, toothbrush and aircraft, with a new interactive Audio Visual On Demand (AVOD) system offering almost features designed with comfort and convenience
choice of check–in options toothpaste are also provided for your added unlimited choice of entertainment and information options. in mind.
comfort. Enjoy meals and a complimentary
bar service, throughout your flight
VIETnAM AIRLInES
• 4 flights weekly from London Gatwick
• 2 flights to Hanoi (Gatwick – Hanoi on
Tuesday & Friday) (Hanoi – Gatwick on
Monday & Thursday)
• 2 flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Gatwick –
Ho Chi Minh on Wedensday & Saturday)
(Ho Chi Minh -Gatwick on Tuesday &
friday)
Aircraft: Boeing 777 – 200 ER
BAnGKOK AIRWAYS EVA AIR LAO AIRLInES
25 Business Class Seats (Regional) (Regional)
• Width: 50 cm Eva Air flies six times weekly non-stop from
• Recline: 165° Bangkok Airways styles itself as a "boutique" London Heathrow to Bangkok’s brand new Lao Airlines' route network covers the major
• pitch : 150 cm airline, aiming at a standard of service that Suvarnabhumi airport. In conjunction with tourist destinations of Laos, and neighbouring
• Individual touch screen (27cm) with is above its rivals. Economy passengers have partner airlines, Eva Air also offers convenient countries. Their main hubs are Vientiane and
video on demand access to their own business class-style Boutique onward connections from Bangkok to a range Luang prabang. All of Lao Airlines' planes
• personal travel amenity kit Lounges at airports offering free snacks, hot and of other destinations within Thailand and have only a single class. Coach seating is
• Choice of 3 European and Asian dishes cold drinks, internet access and a kids' corner. South-East Asia. Eva Air offers 3 travel classes generally comfortable enough.
with an open bar 228 Economy Regional Routes Business class passengers have a separate Blue premium Laurel class, Elite class and Economy
• priority check-in and baggage handling • Width: 40 cm HAN/SGN: the gateway to Indochina Ribbon Club lounge. class
• 60 kg baggage allowance • Recline: 120° • 25 weekly flights from Vietnam to
• Access to Business Lounges of Vietnam • pitch: 84 cm 2 destinations in Cambodia (Siem Reap
Airlines and SkyTeam • Individual touch screen (15cm) and phnom penh) and 2 destinations in Laos
• Choice of 2 European and Asian dishes (Luang prabang and Vientiane using
54 Economy Deluxe • Snacks and drink available throughout A321/F70/ATR72) REGIOnAL DEpARTuRES AnD upGRADES
• Width: 40 cm the flight • 2 daily trans-Indochina routes:
• Recline: 135° • 30 kg baggage allowance Daily HAn-VTE-pnH-SGn For our clients travelling from regional airports, we can either provide connecting flights to Heathrow /
• pitch: 100 cm Daily HAn-LpQ-REp Gatwick or source an alternative scheduled carrier connecting through its own hub.
• Individual touch screen (15cm) with Domestic Service
video on demand • Extensive network to 20 destinations Indus can offer specially negotiated upgrade supplements for Club and First class travel on most airlines,
• personal travel amenity kit in Vietnam please ask your consultant for more details.
• Choice of 2 European and Asian dishes • up to 12 daily flights between Hanoi and
with an open bar Ho Chi Minh City.
• 40 kg baggage allowance • Dense frequency to beach destinations
six www.industours.co.uk 020 8901 7320 seven

5. Four Seasons Chiang Mai. photographer: Robert Miller
INDOCHINA
Indochina, or Indochine, as it was called by the French Colonists, is a region in Southeast Asia roughly to the east
of India and Southwest of China – hence the name – Indochina. Strictly speaking, the title should only apply to
Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. However, today Thailand and Burma (Myanmar ) are often included in the region.
All are quite perfect destinations - holidays alive The history and culture of the lands are As with all ‘indus experiences’ a selection of
with discovery, culture and new adventures shrouded in the mists of ages past. Delightful carefully crafted tours have been created to
in distant lands: individually tailored for the vignettes of glorious ancient civilisations caress showcase these wonderful evocative countries.
discerning traveller. the eye. Who cannot fail to fall under the spell Each has been designed to allow guests to
of the incomparable Angkor Wat Temples, be absorb the flavour and gain an understanding
Here, life still follows the ancient rhythms intrigued by the mysterious and enigmatic plain of some of the world’s most beautiful and
of the land: blessed with a glorious culture, of Jars in Laos or delight, in the breathtaking enigmatic countries – waiting to be discovered
outstanding scenery, warm and wonderful beauty of Vietnams Halong Bay? And....... and savoured. The tours are a guideline and can
people: - the region is a perfect holiday there’s still romance in the air on a cruise to be tailored – mixed and matched - to individual
destination. The true soul of the lands can Mandalay! requirements.
be seen through their magnificent treasures
– both man made and created by nature: the The cuisine is undeniably superb – it’s
mighty Mekong River – the lifeblood of so impossible to resist a spicy Thai delicacy or the
many nations – the quiet charm and sense of freshness and natural flavour of Vietnamese
tranquillity in Laos, the ancient streets of old cuisine. Yet there’s another side to these
Hoi An in Vietnam. Each country is unique. A compelling lands..... where East meets West in a
sense of timelessness fills the air. pride is taken in whirlwind of life in Bangkok and Saigon.
maintaining cherished traditions: whilst quietly
and slowly moving into the modern world – on
their own terms!
www.industours.co.uk 020 8901 7320 nine
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. photographer: Dana neibert

6. highlights
LuAnG pRABAnG VIEnTIAnE
until the mid-16th C. Luang prabang was the Royal capital of the country - Lane xang. Today, it Vientiane (Sandalwood City) is a sprawling old
retains an air of old world charm and tranquility; graced by its softly faded French Colonial legacy. Colonial city, on the banks of the Mekong, with a
A myriad of ancient streets, hidden alleyways and over 30 glorious gilded Temples create a medley laid back and almost serene atmosphere. Locals
of culture and history. not surprisingly Luang prabang is a unESCO World Heritage Site. consider it as being ‘mad busy’ in comparison
with the other Laotian towns! Originally founded
As dawn breaks, a timeless ceremony takes place, when offerings of food are given to the solemn lines of in the 10th C. Vientiane became the capital after
saffron robed Monks, coming forth from their Monasteries, to receive alms from the local people. It’s a the fall of Luang prabang.
moving and very special sight. Luang prabang continues to be the main centre for Buddhist learning in Laos.
Like the rest of the country, its history is
There are some delightful and fascinating places to visit close to Luang prabang. Take a boat trip turbulent: reflected in the many cultural
along the Mekong to the sacred pak Ou Caves. Set high in the cliffs, they shelter thousands of influences from the Siamese, Burmese, Khmers-
images of the Buddha, many are gold lacquered and left by pilgrims. Visit a Lu tribal village to see more recently the French. Charming French
traditional weaving and dyeing, or go for a swim in the crystal waters of the Kuang Si Waterfall Colonial boulevards and ancient Buddhist
(water levels permitting). Temples blend seamlessly together.
C H I N A
laos Putao
Laos is the hidden gem of the region and, after years C unrest N Auncertainty, is slowly emerging like a chrysalis
of H I and
from its cocoon - revealing its stunning beauty. It’s a country overflowing with spectacular sights, glorious scenery,
Myitkyina
dy
mouth-watering food and truly delightful people. pLAIn OF JARS SOuTHERn LAOS
ad
Bhamo
aw
In xieng Khuang province, there lies the For a truly relaxed visit head down to the south
Lao Cai
COunTRY ESSEnTIALS
Irr
Wandering mists drift slowly across high mysterious plain of Jars. Myth and legend of Laos home to many ethnic tribal peoples.
Sapa
mountain peaks. The silence of the dawn
w
Moniwa
P in iso Lw
Pyin O L
n Oo Lwin abound but, as yet, no clue is forth coming as Explore the incredible diverse countryside from
broken by the sound of chanting, as Monks Hanoi Halong Bay Best time to visit: Laotian weather is influenced to why these jars, apparently cut from the solid soaring wild highlands to the Bolaven plateau
Mandalay Kentang
leave their morning prayers, and
Bagan go in search of Haiphong by the annual Southeast Asian monsoon cycle. rock 2-3000 years ago, are there. unESCO is with its tea and coffee plantations, and the
S a lw e e n
a H
Houey
Heho X
Xay
alms in the towns and villages. Popa
Mrauk U M Their saffron
Mt Pakbeng The best time for visiting most the country is sponsoring projects to help unravel the mystery. countless Mekong Islands. The small city of
Inle Luang Prabang
Kalaw
robes shimmer, in the suns first rays. Mysterious between november and February/March with phonsavan, the capital of the region, is the main pakse is the main focal point of the area.
Lake Hong Sa Phonsavan
plains are scattered with ancient relics. Mighty
Nay Pyi Daw
n
Chiang Saen cooler temperatures. The monsoon rain is tourist centre.
Sittwe villages dotting the Vang Vieng S O U T H
rivers, with small isolated h
Chiang Rai heavy coming in brief bursts. Then the glorious The main places of interest include the World
banks constantly fight back the verdant jungle, Hong Son
Pyay
Mae
L A O S Lak Sao C H I NIf A
sun shines! you’re on a cruise november is The mountainous area is one of great strategic Heritage site of Wat phu Champassak – a
(Prome)
encroaching, on their alreadyN fragile ecological
Ngapali
Vientiane probably A best time, whilst in January – June
S E the importance – both commercially and militarily ruined Khmer Temple. The Si phan Don (Four
M
Hue Hoang Sa
existence. Life is slow. Life is Y A N Mno R Chiang Mai
M traditional. A g water levels are low. – located close to the Vietnamese boarder. By Thousand Islands) area of the Mekong River,
ek
Savannakhet Da Nang
mad rush here – the Laotians are laidR M A )
( B U back. 1964, the north Vietnamese and pathet Lao had with its numerous rapids and waterfalls,
on
Sukhothai
Tak
a Fly to Luang prabang or Vientiane via Bangkok
Hoi An
A established vast tunnels under the plain of Jars, including the Khon phapheng Falls. Watch
g
Ngwe Saung Bago Kyaiktiyo
K aiktiyo
k
ktiyo
Laos is still unspoilt – a gentle country with Ubon as part of the Ho Chi Minh trail. Local ethnic out for sightings of the endangered freshwater
Yangon Ratchathani
h h i
an ageless charm, and relatively speaking, still
Moulmein
THAILA ND Pakse Flying time 13 hours via Bangkok tribes live in the remote mountains, including dolphins.
Champasak
‘off the beaten track’ of mainstream tourism. the Thai Dam, phuan and H’mong, the largest
Ayutthaya
Preah Vihear VIETNAM
However, for many, this lack of sophistication is Rattanakiri
Time difference GMT + 7 hours minority group in the area: all still follow their
B withY genuine warmth
the attraction of Laos, A the O F Kanchanaburi
a Battambang Angkor Wat
traditional ancestral way of life.
Mergui Bangkok Siem Reap
Dalat
and hospitality of the people. G A L
B E N Tonle Sap Kompong Nha Trang
Visa Required for uK passport holders
Thom Kratie
Myeik
Pattaya C A M B O D I A Cham
Kompong
go
Archipelago Hua Hin P
Phan Thiet
ten Koh Chang Phnom Penh www.industours.co.uk 020 8901 7320 eleven
Chumhon Chau Ho Chi Minh City
t
Kep Doc My Tho

7. highlights
AnGKOR - THE BIG THREE! BEACH RESORTS KEp
AnD SIHAnOuKVILLE
Words truly pale into insignificance when you actually visit these amazing Temples – superlatives
C H I N A
mean nothing as you ramble around Angkor, considered the largest religious building in the world, Kep is a delightful seaside resort (once called
and originally built around the 12th C as a funerary Temple for Suryavarman 11. To truly absorb its Kep-sur-mer by the French) – and is famed for
stunning beauty visit in the first light of dawn: Angkor has mastered the art of making a grand entrance! its old Colonial heritage, wonderful seafood
(especially the crab) and white sand islands.
Ta prohm has not been restored and is shrouded in gnarled banyan trees and evocative fallen Temple Sihanoukville or Kompong Som is nicknamed
stones. It is totally indescribable as the first rays of dawn caress the land; as tantalising glimpses of this the “Riviera of the East”, with its beautiful
wonder of man, emerge from its nights slumber. white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and
delightful bars and restaurants sprinkled along
Each Temple is unique, individual and magical –none more so than the Bayon with 200 giant smiling the beaches.
faces: enigmatic and awe inspiring. The 300 metre long Elephant Terrace with its famous parade of
elephants, complete with their Khmer mahouts, is truly magnificent. The Temples have to be seen, Offshore tiny resort islands, like the romantic
touched, explored and to let the memories, hidden in the walls, flood over you. For a truly different Song Saa, offer excellent snorkelling, scuba
perspective take to the skies and view these indescribable monuments from a helicopter. diving and ocean fishing.
Putao
C H I N A
Myitkyina
dy
ad
Bhamo
aw
cambodia
Lao Cai
Irr
Sapa
P in Oo Lw
Pyin Oo L
n Lwin
w
Moniwa
Hanoi Halong Bay
Mandalay Kentang
Haiphong
S a lw e e n
a
Bagan H
Houey
Heho Xay
X
Mrauk U M Popa
Mt Pakbeng
Inle
As day breaks a Lake stirs the air as a Luang Prabang awakes the sleeping Temples, breathing the life of a new day into
Kalaw rustle soft breeze
Hong Sa
Phonsavan
Chiang Saen
n
their ancientDaw colours change, moods change and the night slips silently away. Cambodia is a land wreathed in
Nay Pyi souls: Vang Vieng S O U T H
Sittwe
Chiang Rai
h
Pyay LAOS
mystery. A land shrouded with secrets still to be discovered. C H I N A pHnOM pEnH SIEM REAp AnD
(Prome)
Mae Hong Son Lak Sao OuTLYInG TEMpLES
N
Ngapali
Vientiane S E A Today, phnom penh, after weathering the
M
Hue Hoang Sa
M YA N M A R
The land of the incomparable Angkor Wat:
Chiang Mai
g
COunTRY ESSEnTIALS ebbs and flows of history, still has a decidedly Visit Temple sites farther afield including: The
ek
Savannakhet Da Nang
the crown B U R M A ) Cambodia. A single
( jewel of ancient Colonial atmosphere with boulevards, cafes Banteay Srei - The Citadel of Women which has
on
Sukhothai
a
glance at this monumental structureTak
cannot A
Hoi An Best time to visit: Cambodia experiences its and now has a vibrant modern air. It’s noisy, the finest pink sandstone carving in Cambodia.
g
Ngwe Saung Bago K aiktiyo
Kyaiktiyo
k
ktiyo
fail but to take the breath away! Scattered Ubon south western monsoon roughly from May/ June alive from dawn to dusk and full of surprises. The Beng Melea – 11th C. “Lotus pond” Temple
Yangon
around are other wondrous Temples: many still Ratchathani
h h i until October which brings with it high humidity The rejuvenated waterfront is a haunt of the built, by Suryavarman II, as a Hindu Temple,
Moulmein
embraced by the tangle weave of the jungle. THAILAND Pakse
Champasak and temperatures. April sees the start of the ‘in crowd’ with al fresco restaurants and bars. hidden in a maze of jungle. See the stunning
Ayutthaya
Preah Vihear VIETNAM monsoon continuing until October, with short, Markets are perfect for bartering for hand River of a Thousand Lingas (Kbal Spean) with
B Life Y slow O F
A is and traditional: tribal people live in
Kanchanaburi
a Battambang Angkor Wat Rattanakiri sharp cloudbursts. From november to March woven silks, silver and precious stones; ancient its intricate Hindu carvings.
the far mist strewn mountains of the northwest
Mergui Bangkok Siem Reap
Dalat temperatures are slightly cooler with little rain. monuments sit comfortable side by side with
B E dense G A whilst stilt and floating villages
in N jungle, L Tonle Sap Kompong Nha Trang
The winter months of november - January are their new neighbours. The pre- Angkorian Roulos Group are quite
Thom Kratie
on Tonle Sap Lake follow the cycle of the probably the most pleasant. fascinating. preah Ko was built with six towers
seasons. For a faster pace of life visit the capital
Myeik
Pattaya CAMBODIA Kompong Cham
The most important places to visit include the dedicated to the Kings and Queens, who,
P
Phan Thiet
phnom penh, a delightfulArchipelago city with a Hin
riverside
go Hua Fly to phnom penh or Siem Reap via Bangkok Royal palace, home of the Royal family: the in death became Gods. Consecrated in 881
French Colonial air. Koh Chang Phnom Penh Silver pagoda with its floor splendidly covered AD to Siva, Bakong was the State Temple of
Chumhon Chau Ho Chi Minh City
t
Flying time 12 hours and 30 minutes with 5,000 silver tiles: the recently restored Indravarman, and the first ‘Temple Mountain’.
Kep Doc My Tho
Remerging after a long and tumultuous past national Museum displaying superb sculptures, The last Lolei, is sadly in a bad state of repair
Sihanoukville Vinh Long
Cambodia is a stunning destination; the people Time difference GMT + 7 hours Royal barges and palanquins, dance costumes and was once an island Temple.
K always
Kawthoung smiling. It’s
are quietly welcoming - and thoung
o
ou Phu Quoc and glorious art ranging from the 6th – 13th C.
Can Tho
C n Tho Con Dao
n
a land to savour and to roam. Koh Samui Visa Required for uK passport holders
Krabi Nakhon Si
Thammarat
twelve www.industours.co.uk 020 8901 7320 thirteen
Phuket
Songkhla
Trang