Best of Indochina Itinerary

With exotic markets, weaving tuk-tuks and serene temples, Bangkok is an exciting city to start the adventure. Shop up a storm, enjoy a massage or savour the flavours of Thai cuisine.

Cross the border into Cambodia and travel to Siem Reap. While here, a visit to the temples of Angkor Wat is a must. Explore these epic structures by day and hit Siem Reap’s lively markets by night.

Enjoy the fusion of frontier charm and French-colonial character of Kompong Cham. Why not hire a bike and visit Koh Paen island or, if feeling energetic, head into the surrounding region to uncover the myths of nearby mountain temples.

Travel to the capital city of Phnom Penh. In free time, pay respects at the Killing Fields and Choeung Ek Museum, visit the glimmering Silver Pagoda or haggle for a bargain at the art deco-designed central market, Psar Thmei.

Head out into the Cambodian countryside for a village homestay. Staying with a friendly local family, this is a unique opportunity to experience everyday rural life and enjoy a home-cooked Khmer meal.

Find a spot on the secluded beaches that fringe Sihanoukville or take a boat tour out to nearby islands. If mangrove forests, monkeys and exotic birds appeal, enjoy a tropical safari in Ream National Park.

Brush off the sand and take a public bus back to the capital. Find graphic reminders of Cambodia's tragic history in Tuol Sleng Museum, or take some time out on a visit to Seeing Hands, where massages are performed by the visually impaired.

Relax aboard a final bus ride to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, where the adventure comes to an end amid swarms of motorbikes. Spend some time exploring this fascinating, fast-paced metropolis.

Cruise the mighty Mekong River before spending the night with local friends on a homestay by the water.

Bask on Nha Trang's golden beaches, take a boat trip to nearby islands or head out to the nearby mud baths. Then, in the evening, feast upon sumptuous seafood.

Almost untouched by time, Hoi An is enthralling. Wander through the atmospheric Phung Hung Old House or check out the carp-shaped rainspouts on the Quan Cong Temple roof. Get a dose of rustic rural charm on a bike ride through the countryside or indulge in a spot of shopping.

Travel from Hoi An to Hue. As well as an array of ancient imperial ruins, Hue is also the birthplace of degustation-style Vietnamese cuisine and the centre of Vietnamese Buddhism. Why not visit some of the city’s sacred temples on a cyclo tour.

Soak up the atmosphere of Hanoi's Old Quarter on an orientation walk. Afterwards, take to the streets of Hanoi shopping - perhaps check out the eclectic Pho Hang Gai or Dong Xuan Market. If time permits, a water puppet show is a great way to cap off the day.

Stop by a local initiative that supports people living with disabilities. Cruise past spectacular limestone karsts rising out of the sea in Halong Bay, and spend the night on jungle-covered Cat Ba Island.

There's time for a final Vietnamese feast on return to Hanoi.

Spend a night in the border town of Vinh, checking out the market for fresh Vietnamese dinner options.

Slow down to the pace of Laos's capital, sleepy Vientiane, where the colourful market stays open all day and dusty riverside paths are packed with friendly children, dogs and chickens. A great way to round off a day of sightseeing is by dining at one of the stilt restaurants set up high above the Mekong.

Be wowed by the gorgeous setting of Vang Vieng, which is surrounded by stunning limestone karst mountains. Relax in a chilled out cafe or dive into the river to escape the heat.

The jewel in Laos's crown, Luang Prabang, is bursting at the seams with temples and French colonial architecture. Climb to the top of Phu Si at sunset for magical views over the town or hop onto a jumbo to visit the gorgeous Kuang Si Falls.

Float gently down the Mekong on a riverboat, travelling with local passengers and docking at tiny Pak Beng for the night.

Cruise further down the Mekong and cross the Thai border. Overnight in Chiang Khong, which is an important market town for the surrounding region.

Home to over 300 temples and a massive night market, Thailand's northern gem, Chiang Ma, is packed full of things to see and do. Indulge in a traditional Thai massage, take a lesson at a cooking school or perhaps learn the secrets of kickboxing.

Wind up the adventure in the frenzied streets of Bangkok - a thriving metropolis that stands as one of the most influential cities in South East Asia. Enjoy free time to explore labyrinthine shopping malls, wander the grounds of the Grand Palace or take to the cities khlongs to see this energetic city from an entirely different perspective.