Introduction to Indochina
(Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia)
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Why did we travel to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia?
We were encouraged by having made several very enjoyable trips to neighboring countries in Asia
--- India, Thailand, China, and Japan --- but had never been to Laos, Vietnam or Cambodia.
We were drawn to Laos by its reputation as a small friendly relatively untouristed relaxing
country in the early stages of economic development, yet with many scenic and cultural attractions.
Vietnam seemed like an interesting destination, made famous by war. A mysterious land whose
people somehow managed to successfully defend themselves militarily against the most powerful
nation in the world, and who now are rapidly evolving from communism to a very entrepreneurial
market system.
In Cambodia we were especially eager to see the very extensive ancient ruins at Angkor, about
which we had read so much.
Our very interesting five-week trip to Indochina began with a flight from the USA to Bangkok,
Thailand. From Bangkok by overnight sleeper train to the border with Laos, near the Laotian
capital of Vientiane After a few days in Vientiane a flight to the former Laotian royal capital of
LuangPrabang. Then by plane to fascinating Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, from which we went on
an excursion to scenic Halong Bay. Next came a flight to the ancient capital of Hue, with its many
temples and tombs; from there we went on an excursion to the fire-bases and tunnels of the DMZ.
A bus ride of a few hours brought us to the charming small town of HoiAn, from where we took a
day-trip to the ruins at MySon. Next came a flight to bustling HoChiMinh City (Saigon), from
where we went on a three-day excursion in the Mekong Delta. Our next flight was to Phnom Penh,
the Cambodian capital. The next leg of our trip was by boat up the river and across the lake to
Siem Reap, our base for the magnificent ruins of nearby Angkor. Then back to Bangkok for our
flight home.
The story of our trip, with a map and photos, appears on the following pages.