Off the Beaten Track Indochina

This compelling itinerary is our most in-depth route through Cambodia and is ideal for those who want to blend historic and cultural Cambodia with its glittering coastline. Explore the temples of Angkor, the colonial lanes of Battambang and coastal Kep.

1. Days 1-3: Vientiane

   This journey begins in Vientiane, Laos' quiet capital hugging the Mekong river. Stroll along French inspired boulevards and enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of the patisseries that rub shoulders with decorative temples. With your guide, explore the highlights of the city including the French inspired Patuxai Monument, the mysterious Buddha Park and the insightful COPE centre where you can learn about Laos’ history as the most bombed country in the world.

   Accommodation: Ansara Hotel (2 nights)

2. Days 3-6: Muang La, Northern Laos

   After two nights in Vientiane you will take a quick flight up to the north of the country, landing in the mountain town of Oudomxay. From here it's just a scenic 45-minute drive to Muang La Resort. This stunning property is far off the tourist trail, and the surrounding area is perfect for trekking and exploring. We have included a fun half day mountain biking experience, as well as a half day in a 4x4 visiting local Ikhos tribal villages, some of the most isolated communities in Laos.

   Accommodation: Muang La Resort (3 nights)

3. Days 6-7: Nong Khiaw, Northern Laos

   From Muang La you are taken south by road and boat, watching the astonishing scenery unfold before you, with dramatic limestone karsts and luminous green terraced rice paddies. During the one night stop in Nong Khiaw you and your guide will embark on a tough three-hour mountain trek past cascading waterfalls, stopping for a typical Lao picnic at the summit.  

   Accommodation: Mandala Ou (1 night)

4. Days 7-10: Luang Prabang, Laos

   The journey continues south to Luang Prabang, one of our favourite small towns in Asia. It is crammed with authentic old-world charm, colonial buildings accented with local designs and quiet streets lined with boutiques, museums and local restaurants. Staying here for three nights we invite you to spend a day relaxing at the mighty Kuang Si waterfall, swimming in the sky-blue pools or trekking up to the top of the main cascade to watch the water slip away from beneath you. A full day walking tour of the city will be a great opportunity to get a local’s perspective on life in this unique town, visiting key locations such as the Royal Palace and the towering Mount Phousi, dominating the town centre.

   Accommodation: Luang Say Residence (3 nights)

5. Days 10-12: Hanoi

   A short flight takes you over the border to Vietnam’s culture-rich capital, Hanoi. Most people think Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) is the capital of Vietnam, so this unassuming town with its quaint cobbled streets and crumbling old coffee houses is often overlooked. Stay right in the heart of the city next to the Hoan Kiem lake, just steps away from the inviting Old Quarter, and allow your guide to steer you through the thronging streets to find the landmarks such as the house of ‘Uncle Ho’ and the strong-stomached can peer into Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum to view the preserved body of the revolutionary leader of the former Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Finish your tour at the Temple of Literature where university students still flock to pray and make offerings at exam times.

   Accommodation: The Apricot (2 nights)

6. Days 12-14: Mai Chau & Pu Luong

   From Hanoi, drive four hours west to the pretty and verdant scenery of Mai Chau. Stay at a charming lodge and explore on foot or in the local area and meet the friendly locals. Hop on a bicycle and head with your guide through towns and villages, admiring the scenery and stopping to speak to the naturally welcoming and curious villagers, some of whom will be thrilled to have a chance to practice their English.

   Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge (2 nights)

7. Days 14-15: Ninh Binh

   From Mai Chau, leave the lush fields behind and head to the dramatic mountain scenery of Ninh Binh. Spend a day in one of the several ancient capitals of Vietnam and marvel at the intricate lacquer-work of the Dinh and Le Dynasty Temples. You can also take a traditional sampan ride through the flooded scenery of Tam Coc, trying to spot endangered monkeys perched high above you on the limestone crags. Tam Coc is often described as the ‘Halong Bay on land’ and is a great alternative to going to the often-crowded bay.

   Accommodation: Tam Coc Garden (1 night)

8. Days 15-17: Phnom Penh

   Take a scenic two to three-hour drive back to Hanoi airport and fly south west to Phnom Penh, the growing riverside capital of Cambodia. Two nights here is the perfect introduction to Cambodia; visit 19th and 20th century colonial buildings, explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and head out to the Killing Fields at Choueng Ek. Cambodia's recent history is sobering, but with our talented guides, you'll be introduced to it in an educational and informative way.

   Accommodation: La Rose Suites (2 nights)

9. Days 17-19: Battambang

   From Phnom Penh you will take a long but scenic 5-hour drive to Battambang, a small colonial city halfway between Tonle Sap lake and the Thai border. There's not a great deal to do here so you can enjoy some well-earned downtime walking along the river banks, strolling through its genteel colonial streets, passing the time in charming cafes and absorbing its old-world charm. Your guide will join you for a half day cycling trip through the town and surrounding countryside, and we thoroughly recommend you pay a visit to the internationally renowned Phare circus, founded by an organisation that helps to educate and train disadvantaged Cambodian youths in the area.

   Accommodation: La Villa Battambang (2 nights)

10. Days 19-22: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

    Your final stop is the lively tourist town of Siem Reap, entry point to the astonishing temples of Angkor, including Angkor Wat. This once small town is now brimming with beautiful hotels, boutiques and restaurants, and from here, with our expert guides, you'll visit hidden corners of Angkor, getting away from the crowds before arriving in popular areas such as Angkor Thom just after the tour groups have left. Enjoy watching the sun rise behind the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat as your trip draws to a close. And Siem Reap is more than just a base for temple bashing, here you can also opt to enjoy a private dinner in a paddy field, take a helicopter flight, enjoy a cooking class or take a private cruise on Tonle Sap Lake.

    Accommodation: Heritage Suites Hotel (3 nights)

• Angkor Wat at Sunrise

  Experience the majesty of Angkor Wat with a short sunrise tour, the best time to visit this ancient monument and one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological sites.

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• Explore Angkor Thom

  This is one of our favourite half-day experiences from Siem Reap; with specialist guides you'll avoid the crowds and head off by foot into the jungle temples before anyone else.

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• Half Day City Tour of Hanoi

  Start this fascinating historical tour at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of 'Uncle Ho' resides. You will then visit Ho Chi Minh's House, where he lived and worked.

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• Half Day Tour of Dinh & Le Dynasty Temples

  Due to its mountainous scenery acting as a barrier against invaders, Ninh Binh was once the capital province of Vietnam. Whilst little remains of the ancient capital city of Hoa Lu, two small but intricate temples stand on the site.

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• Ikhos Village Explorer

  This half-day trip by 4x4 explores the most picturesque route along the banks of the River Nam Pak, visiting two Ikhos villages en route. The Ikhos people originate from Tibet and Yunnan in China and are some of the most isolated communities in Laos.

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• Luang Prabang Full Day Tour

  Enjoy a full day tour of the fascinating UNESCO protected city of Luang Prabang, exploring the Royal Palace, shimmering temples, ancient streets and traditional art and ethnology centre. The day culminates in a climb to the top of Phousi Hill.

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• Mai Chau Cycling Adventure

  Jump on your bikes for a leisurely two hour cycle through the beautiful valley of Mai Chau. Pass through towns and villages, and wind your way through lush forest and rice paddies, admiring the scenery and perhaps getting to know some of the locals.

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• Muang La Cycling Discovery

  This relatively easy but adventurous half-day cycling trip follows the banks of the River Nam Pak, exploring charming Khamu villages along the way.

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• Phnom Penh and The Killing Fields

  Experience the highlights of Phnom Penh before heading out to the green fields of Cheung Ek, known as The Killing Fields, to learn about the background and cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime. This is a fascinating half-day tour.

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• Tam Coc Boat Trip

  Tam Coc is an area within Ninh Binh Province, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on Land'. A local rower will take you on a leisurely two-hour boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, which winds its way between dramatic limestone karsts.

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• Temples of the Forest

  This fantastic tour is geared around avoiding the crowds, getting you to Ta Prohm, Ta Nei and Ta Keo at the quietest time of day. Ensconced in jungle, these temples are ideal for adventurous families and couples wanting an Indiana Jones experience!

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• Vientiane City Tour and Buddha Park

  Get the most out of Vientiane by exploring the ancient wats of the city, the fascinating COPE centre and ethereal Buddha Park on the banks of the Mekong.

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Vientiane, Muang La, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Mai Chau, Tam Coc, Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap