Destinations

VIET NAM

From the latticed mountains in the North, through the dramatic rivers and caves of central Vietnam, down to the pristine beaches and tropical islands in the South, Vietnam’s natural landscape has something for anyone seeking a revitalizing escape. In the ancient streets of Hanoi and the bustling alleyways of Ho Chi Minh City – or Saigon as it used to be called – restaurants, art galleries, museums, and elegant boutiques sit alongside stylish street-side cafes and contemporary bars. Vietnam’s heritage and vibrant culture are finding new life as the country once again enjoys peace and emerging prosperity.

LAOS

Landlocked and, to some extent, 'culture-locked,' Laos provides visitors with a sense of returning to a more relaxed time, where the urgency of modern life is wonderfully absent. Even in the capital, Vientiane, life ambles along only a little faster than the languid Mekong River that flows past the city. In the historic royal city of Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage site – hundreds of monks in saffron robes glide between centuries-old temples. In this historic city, you will also find luxurious boutique hotels and an incredible food scene drawing on French and local traditions. Outside of the cities, visitors can discover the haunting Plain of Jars and the majestic Four Thousand Islands (Si Phan Don), where the Mekong River expands, and its waters gather pace.

CAMBODIA

The magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex never disappoints. The ancient architecture, adorned with remarkable statues and depictions on temple friezes of life during the Khmer Empire, is truly one of the highlights of any trip to Indochina. Cambodia is also home to the largest lake in all of Southeast Asia – Tonle Sap – dotted with little villages on stilts and beautiful mangrove forests. At Kratie on the banks of the Mekong River, with a bit of luck, you can spot the rare Mekong River Dolphins. Phnom Penh is known for its many museums testifying to the horrors of the Khmer Rouge but is also rapidly transforming into a fashionable modern metropolis. Along the south coast, the quiet beach towns of Kep and Kampot contrast with the larger city-by-the-beach buzz of Sihanoukville. Near the Cardamom Mountains to the west lies Koh Kong, boasting luxurious floating eco-resorts, small uninhabited islands, and some of the best beaches in the region.

MYANMAR

It was only relatively recently that Myanmar emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most enticing destinations to visit. From the islands of the Andaman Sea in the south, right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range, Myanmar covers a mesmerizing spectrum of geographic and cultural settings. No wonder Rudyard Kipling once described it as 'quite unlike any land you will ever know.' Rich in archaeological sites, glittering pagodas, colorful festivals, and breathtaking artwork, Myanmar is also blessed with an awe-inspiring range of lush fertile plains, vast virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains, and pristine beaches.