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Start in Mui Ne Beach, one of the prettiest of Vietnam's beach resorts. Windsurf, sand board, kite sail or just chill out before heading up the Cham coast of culture. Veer off the trail to the atmospheric Cham tower of Po Ro Me, a home to bats on an isolated hill. Continue north to Thap Cham to visit the famous Po Klong Garai Cham Towers from the 13th century. Further up the coast is Nha Trang, Vietnam's honky-tonk beach capital, but you can also dose up on culture at the Po Nagar Cham Towers. Carrying up the coast are Cham towers and beaches in abundance. Keep up with the Cham at Tuy Hoa. Quy Nhon and Tam Ky. Break for the beach at Doc Let, Whale Island or My Khe.
Head into Hoi An, a charming old port town and a base for the Cham finale. Make a day trip to the former Cham capital of My Son, spectacularly situated under the shadow of Cat's Tooth Mountain. Finally romp into Danang to put it all into perspective at the Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to the world's finest collection of Cham sculpture.
Oh, and by the way, central Vietnam has a 30km-long beach running from Danang to Hoi An. Call it China Bead to the north, Cua Dai Beach to the south - either way it's paradise and the perfect end to this trip. |
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With their own wheels, travelers can tear up the three-day tourist trail through the Mekong byways and delve deeper into the delta to be rewarded with its rhythms, fragrances and colors. For anyone battling the insane highways of the delta by motorbike, a helmet is a wise accessory (and required by law)!
Beginning in Ben Tre, take a boat trip to the islands around Vinh Long for an overnight in a bungalow set in a small longan orchard. From Ben Tre, a trek to Can Tho takes you to the home of the famous Ho Chi Minh ' Tin Man' statue and the delta's most cosmopolitan and commercial city. Take a detour to Soc Trang, home to a sizeable Cambodian community and its wonderful wats (temples). Float by boat through the local floating markets before moving on to charming Chau Doc, a border-crossing town for those pushing westward into Cambodia via river or road. Check out the views of the pancake delta from the heights of Sam Mountain.
The departure from the road more travelled starts here, heading south-west to Ba Chuc and its bone pagoda, and then through Ha Tien, another border town with a beach to boot. Even more bucolic a beach can be found at Hon Chong, where the sunset meets the sea and the rocky coastal geography contrasts sharply with the sandy beaches east of Ho Chi Minh City.
From here, travellers can take the highway along the southern edge of the delta region to Rach Gia, the jumping-off point for those bound for An Thoi on serene Phu Quoc Island. Phu Quoc affords rest and relaxation, nuoc mam (fish sauce) and forest reserves - a spectacular end to the Mekong Delta experience. |
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Acclimatize in the capital, Hanoi see the sights, wine and dine and prepare for the long ride south. Head to nearby Ninh Binh, gateway to the striking scenery of Tam Coc and Hoa Lu, and the funky gibbons of Cuc Phuong National Park.
Experience Hue, imperial capital of old, then head up and over (or under) the mighty Hai Van Pass to Danang, gateway to China Beach. Hoi An is the place for some time out - sightseeing, shopping and sunning yourself on the beach.
Head to the golden sands of Quy Nhon for some relaxation. Enter NhaTrang, the biggest, and brashest, beach resort in Vietnam, and try a hedonistic boat trip to nearby islands. If it's all too much, carry on south to Mui Ne Beach, a tropical idyll with smart resorts, blessed-out budge options, towering dunes and crazy kite surfing. Finish up in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), where you can indulge in sophisticated shopping, delectable dining and the liveliest night scene in the country. |
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Laos Travel Guide
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TAILORED TRIPS
ADVENTURE TOUR
Laos has plenty on offer for those who like the outdoors. Start with the classic northern trek in the Nam Ha NPA before heading to Luang Prabang and cycling out to Tat Sae or Tat Kuang Si waterfalls. Sit atop a slow bus south to Vang Vieng the activities capital of the country where there are myriad rock-climbing, kayaking and spelunking options and professional guides. Forget the bus to Vientiane and instead go rafting along the grade five rapids of the Nam Ngum (Ngum River), or kayaking along the Nam Lik (Lik River), part of the way, and complete the trip by minibus. In Vientiane stop long enough for a massage at Wat Sok Pa Luang to work out some of the knots, before trekking into Phu Khao Khuay NPA in search of elephants. Head south to Tha Khaek by bus or bike and get on a trek into the Phu Hin Bun NPA with its magical waterholes and incredible 7km-long boat ride through the Tham Kong Lo cave. If you fancy more tough trekking, head south to Pakse and get yourself on a trek into the SePian NPA before rounding out your stay in Laos with a boat trip around
GRAND TEMPLE TOUR
Start in Luang Prabang and head first to the city's showcase temple, Wat Xieng Thong a collection of Buddhist chapels delicately decorated with the best gold stencil work in the country. Virtually every other wat in the old temple district is also worth stopping by, as each is unique, but don't miss the massive bronze seated Buddha image at Wat Manolom, the unique watermelon-shaped stupa and faux-lathed windows at Wat Wisu-narat and the Buddhist art school at Wat Xieng Muan. Head south to Vientiane for this not-to-be-missed trio: Pha That Luang for its spiky stupa, where Buddhist doctrine is numerologically encoded; Wat Si Saket for the thousands of niches holding tiny Buddhas; and Haw Pha Kaeo for the best collection of Lao Buddhist art in the country. Saving the most ancient and venerated for last, fly south to the small, unassuming town of Champasak. Just 4km outside of town at Muang Kao lie the ruined city walls of Kuruksetra, where the oldest surviving Sanskrit inscription in Southeast Asia was recently found. This defunct kingdom was almost certainly linked to nearby Wat Phu Champasak, an Angkor-style temple ruin and the grandest archaeological site in Laos. If you can visit in time for the Wat Phu Festival in February, you'll be treated to one of the country's most visually impressive and spiritually significant festivals. Si Phan Don and a rafting trip from Don Del over the falls to the Cambodia border.
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Laos Travel Guide
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CLASSIC ROUTESTHE NORTH
One to Two Weeks/Huay Xai to Vientiane Travellers have been following this route since before the 1975 revolution, and it's still one of the best samplers for anyone who wants a good dose of Laos in a relatively short time-span. Enter Laos via ferry from Chiang Khong in Thailand to HuayXai and get a taste of the country on a local trek. Heading south, board one of the slow boats that ply the Mekong between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. This two-day voyage requires an overnight in the small riverside district of Pak Beng the scenery along the Mekong River is a terrific mix of villages, limestone cliffs and intermittent forest. Boats may stop at Pak Ou so that passengers can visit Buddha-filled caves there. Sightseeing in and around Luang Prabang, Laos's atmospheric former royal capital, can easily occupy a week. From here, continue southward to Vientiane by bus or van along Rte 13, stopping in Vang Vieng, a modern-day travellers centre surrounded by craggy, cave-studded limestone peaks. After a few days of river-tubing and cave hikes, head to Vientiane Laos's semibustling capital city. THE SOUTH One to Three Weeks/Vientiane to Si Phai This classic route takes you through the heartland of lowland Lao culture world of broad river plains planted with rice and homemade looms shi by wooden houses on stilts. Start in Vientiane the country's capital, and soak up the food, shopping, historical sights and nightlife (it gets quieter from here). Head soul Tha Khaek), the archetypal sleepy Mekong riverside town, and go east on Rte 12 to explore the caves of Khammuan Limestone or take The Loop all the way around, stopping at the incredible Tham Kong to Continue south to Savannakhet where you'll get an architectural taste of how postcolonial Vientiane looked before it was gussied up b) Lao PDR government and international aid. Chowhounds can sniff around for the country's best foe (rice noodles) and sin sawan (literally heaven beef; dried beef). Roll on southward to Pakse and, if you don't have enough to go east, through to tranquil Champasak .This town is the has seeing Laos's most important archaeological site, Wat Phu Champasak, Angkor-style temple ruins stepping up the slopes of sacred Phu Pasak Make a final short hop to Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands an archipelago of idyllic river islands where the farming and fishing life hasn’t changed much for a century or more. Swing in a hammock and relax before moving on to Cambodia or heading to Thailand via Chong Mek. |
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For adrenaline junkies or nature lovers, Vietnam has plenty to offer. Start out with a visit to Ha long Bay for some sea kayaking among the karsts. Experienced climbers with their own gear might leave the water far below, as these limestone outcrops offer some excellent ascents, plus there is organized climbing around Cat Ba Island.
Further northeast in Bai Tu Long Bay, take to the water by local boat to see the 'new' Ha long Bay without the tourists. Boating, kayaking, even surfing, are possibilities here and there are some beautiful beaches on Quan Lan's east coast. Heading south to central Vietnam , Bach Ma National Park is well geared up for walkers and has a series flush trails to secluded waterfalls. Down on the coast below Bach Ma is China Beach. Go under the waves at Nha Trang, dive capital of Vietnam, before heading up towards the hills of the central highlands. Wind up, or down, in Dalat, a base for abseiling, cycling or rock climbing. Don't forget two of Vietnam's best-known national parks: the birding hot spot of Cat Tien, with a population of rare Javan rhinos, and Yok Don, home to elephants, elephant s and more elephants. |
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Northern Vietnam is a world unto itself, a land of brooding mountains, a mosaic of ethnic minorities, a region of overwhelming beauty. Hit the road by 4WD or motorbike for an adventure more than a holiday.
Leaving the capital, head west to the villages of Mai Chau, which are home to the White Thai people and a perfect introduction to the life of the minorities. Northwest of here, where the road begins to climb into the Hoang Lien Mountains (Tonldnese Alps), a logical stop is Son La.
Dien Bien Phu is a name that resonates with history; it was here that the French colonial story ended with their overwhelming defeat at the hands of the Viet Minh in one of the most celebrated military victories in Vietnamese history.
Climb over the mighty Tram Ton Pass to Sapa. This is the premier destination in the northwest, thanks to the infinite views (on a clear day !), an amazing array of minority peoples and some of the region's most colorful markets. Bail out here by train from Lao Cai, or continue east to Bac Ha, home to the Flower H'mong. Motorbikers can continue on to Ha Giang, a realm of mythical landscapes and unchartered territory. From here head to the lovely lakes of Ba Be National Park before heading north east to Cao Bang, a province peppered with karsts, caves and beautiful waterfalls. |
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Run this one in reverse, start out in the cauldron of commerce that is Ho Chi Minh City. Hit the markets, browse a couple of museums and go underground into the alternate world that is the Cu Chi Tunnels. Carry on to Tay Ninh, headquarters of the Cao Dai sect and its rococo temple, for a morning service. Dip into the Mekong Delta for a day or two. Try an overnight or two at Can Tho, the social and commercial heart of the region, and take to the water to cruise through the watery world of the floating markets. Head up into the central highlands to the romantic hill station of Dalat. Back down on the coast, take in the stops from the Great Ocean Road itinerary (see opposite), including the beach resort of Nha Trang, the cultured charmer that is Hoi An and the old imperial capital of Hue. North of Hue is the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that divided North and South Vietnam. All around this area are famous sixes from the American War, including Khe Sanh Combat Base and the Vinh Moc Tunnels. All aboard the night train to Hanoi, gateway to the north, or cruise up the coast checking out the up and coming beach destination of Dong Hoi. To the east of the capital lies Ha long Bay, with more than 3000 limestone outcrops dotting the scenic bay. Cruise through the bay to the rugged, foreboding Cat Ba Island before looping back to the capital through Haiphong, for the feel of old Hanoi. Take a night train to Sapa, unofficial capital of the northwest hill-tribe region and a beautiful base for hiking and biking. |
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Laos Travel Guide
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ROADS LESS TRAVELLEDNORTHERN WILDERNESS Two to Three Weeks/Luang Nam Tha to Xieng Khuang This route explores the mountains and plateaus of the north. Start in Luang Nam Tha Province with a trek into the Mam Ha NPA or through hill-tribe villages near Muang Sing and Muang Long Head from Luang Nam Tha - via Phongsali if you have the time and adventurous spirit - to super-laid-back NongKhiaw soaking up northern Lao life along the Nam Ou (Ou River) and taking hikes to limestone caves. Crossing the Nam Ou, climb higher into the Annamite Chain through Hmong villages till you reach remote Sam Neua Near here the communist Pathet Lao, with help from the North Vietnamese Army, took shelter in huge caverns in ViengXai and mounted a successful campaign to seize control of the country. Sam Neua is also known for intricately patterned hand-woven textiles. South of Sam Neua, en route to NamNoenstands SuanHin where ancient megaliths are arranged in patterns that remain a total enigma to locals and scholars alike. From Sam Neua a lengthy road trip southwest leads to Phonsavan the fast-growing capital of Xieng Khuang Province. Here one of the main attractions is a large plateau scattered with hundreds of monumental and mysterious lidded stone jars, known as the Plain of Jars BOLAVEN & BEYOND 10 to 14 days/Pakse to Paksi
This trip into the remote provinces of southern Laos can be done by private vehicle, including small motorbikes, or more slowly - but more socially - by public transport. It's best in the dry season.
After a day or two getting organised in Pakse, head up onto the Bolaven Plateau and to Laos's most impressive waterfall at Tat Fan, At the coffee capital of Paksong you could stop to buy some Java before continuing on to Sekong, passing through Laven, Katang and other villages en route. If the river is full enough, head down the Se Kong (see Dowin the Se Kong by Longtail Boat) in a boat for an unforgettable trip ink Attape. Sleepy is an easy place to hang out interrupt your sunsets-by-the-Se Kong with a bumpy day trip out to the Ho Chi Minh Trail village of Pa-am, and an overnight homestay in the Se Pian NPA. Head back up Rte 16, through Sekong and turn north at Tha Taeng on long, downhill laterite road to Beng. Check out Salavan for a day and if the season is right, arrange transport along the rarely travelled road to Tahoy, once an important marker on the Ho Chi Minh Trail and now a more peaceful but thoroughly remote home of the Ta-oy (Tahoy) people. Beautiful Tat Lo and its inevitable backpackers will be a shock after days with little, if any, contact with Westerners, and Utayan Bajiang Champasi makes an attractive lunch spot on the easy trip back to Pakse.
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