Indochina intensiv II

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

Day 1 to 2
Bangkok

Bangkok is the gateway to South East Asia for most travellers. International backpackers come and go and the streets are always buzzing and full of life. No visit to Bangkok is complete without a visit to Khao San Road, the famous strip filled with markets, stalls and neon lights. From people watching to shopping, and nightlife to food and drink, this is the place to be on a night out in Bangkok. If you're feeling adventurous you might wish to try a fried insect or two!
As an alternative, the Patpong area is Bangkok's most notorious nightlife area. Exotic bars, clubs, neon lights, and night markets abound and you may be able to see some interesting stage shows if you so desire!
Bangkok also boasts hundreds of Wats (temples), with Wat Arun being the main one visited by most travellers. The Grand Palace is also a popular attraction, and for something different you can cruise along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals. Bangkok once had an elaborate network of canals and was given the nickname, ‘Venice of the East', and although some of them have been filled in and converted to streets, many still exist today. We will then board our overnight train to Vientiane.

Day 3 to 4
Vientiane

The capital of Laos is extremely quiet – so quiet that, before 1970, there was only one set of traffic lights in the entire city (a far cry from Bangkok!). We have time to admire this tranquil city with its many murals and markets. Many buildings you will see when you wander the streets are of religious significance. You may wish to hire a bicycle and explore the local streets and markets. The markets are excellent here.

Day 5 to 6
Vang Vieng

As we make our way north from Vientiane we travel through stunning scenery to Vang Vieng. This peaceful town is situated in a plateau with stunning surroundings of limestone caves and waterfalls, and the area is inhabited by the Hmong and Yao tribes. The limestone caves are renowned in ancient mythology and have featured in the prose of many artists throughout time.
Vang Vieng is an excellent place to try the local cuisine and there are markets to indulge in. After a big meal you might feel energised enough to hire a bike and cycle to see the limestone karst formations – one of Vang Vieng's most popular attractions.

Day 7 to 8
Luang Prabang

Many say this is the most memorable town in all of Laos. Renowned for a fascinating history and some of the friendliest people in South East Asia, Luang Prabang refers to the holy Pra Bang, Laos' most sacred image of the Buddha given to Fa Ngoum. We have two days to enjoy this sleepy town, which is located 300m above sea level on the upper Mekong. As you explore you will see that Luang Prabang is dominated by Phousi – the marvellous mountain that sits in the middle of the town. You'll notice a combination of Lao, French and Lao-French colonial influence as you admire the city's buildings and architectural highlights – all of which you can see discovering the town on foot.
There are many temples to visit in Luang Prabang – over 30 in fact, which is a large number for this small town! Along the way you may encounter some young monks eager to practice their English skills as well.

Day 9 to 12
Chiang Mai

Heading into the north of Thailand, we travel to Chiang Mai, which is located in the cool mountain climate. We have a couple of days here and there is no shortage of things to do and see. Known as 'The Rose of the North', Chiang Mai is renowned for its beautiful scenery and extremely friendly people. Mountains, forests, national parks and waterfalls are in abundance. There are stacks of options for you here – choose from visiting nearby national parks and riding domesticated elephants, to floating down Jungle Rivers on bamboo rafts. You can learn some authentic cooking tips and Thai recipes by taking a cooking class, or if its relaxation you're after then there's nothing better than a true Thai massage.

In the evening of Day 12 we travel by overnight train back to Bangkok.

Day 13 to 17
Bangkok - Siem Reap

Arriving back to Bangkok in the early morning, we spend another couple of free days in this busy city. It's a chance to indulge in even more shopping and nightlife, or perhaps take it easy and visit some of the popular Wats in the area.

On Day 15 we will travel to Siem Reap, which is our base for exploring the famous temples of the Angkor area. There are over one thousand temples here, ranging from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, said to be the world's largest single religious monument. Angkor Wat pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu and has a dazzling array of beautiful ornate carvings.
The Angkor area attracts over one million visitors annually. The many ceremonial structures and temples here were built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire that spanned a period of approximately 600 years. These temples are some of the most famous in the world and take up an area of approximately 160 sq km. You'll have the opportunity to tour the temples with a local guide or explore at your leisure. There are superb photographic opportunities here at most times of the day so make sure your camera batteries are fully charged and ready to go! Tuk-tuks provide a convenient form of transport around the area here, and you can hire a tuk-tuk and driver for the day if you wish. The Angkor area (in and around the Ta Prohm temple) was the site where the film Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie was filmed.

Day 18 to 19
Phnom Penh

We travel by bus to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This bustling city has a turbulent past which you can learn about if you choose to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (a former torture centre) and the Choueng Ek Memorial at the site of the Killing Fields.
Phnom Penh has many other attractions, and there is some free time to explore the Russian Market and National Museum. You could also take a stroll along the river's famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the bustling river traffic. You may wish to take a tuk-tuk ride around Phnom Penh (a tuk-tuk is a motorbike-taxi with an enclosed passenger cabin that can fit around 4 people).

Day 20 to 21
Ho Chi Minh City

We travel by bus from Phnom Penh and cross into Vietnam as we make our way to Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City was known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975). Originally a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country. Traffic in the city is fairly hectic at the best of times. Getting around is relatively easy by taxi or motorbike taxi, although drivers may not always speak English. Bus is the only form of public transport and motorbikes rule the road; there are around 3 million motorbikes cruising around the streets of Ho Chi Minh City!
If you're interested in the history of the Vietnam War make sure you visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Hall. We include an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. A network of tunnels which was home to around 10,000 people who lived underground for several years during the war. It took about 25 years to build this underground city. It has living rooms, kitchens, hospitals, weapon factories, storage facilities and command centres. In its hey day the tunnel system stretched over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American war must have been like. Or if you're in the mood to haggle for a bargain, don't miss Ho Chi Minh's largest market, the Ben Thanh Market. You can buy everything from cosmetics to live ducks here! There are also numerous food stalls at this market, and at the popular Night Market nearby. The food in Ho Chi Minh is some of the best and most diverse in all of Vietnam so make sure you eat well during your stay! There are also many bars and clubs to spend your evening in.

Day 22 to 23
Mekong Delta

This morning we travel to the heart of the Mekong Delta, visiting Cao Dai temple along the way. We will take a boat trip around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which provides an insight into a real perspective of Delta life. We will also visit a local handicraft village and you will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs to support the local community. We will stay with a local family overnight.
The next morning we take an early cruise on a traditional sampan to visit the famous floating markets. We will return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon and spend another two nights here.

Day 23 to 26
Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang

We have two free days to explore Ho Chi Minh City further.
On the evening of Day 24 we will travel by overnight train to Nha Trang. This beachside city is a popular destination for many travellers and is brimming with restaurants, bars and nightlife. You can choose to relax and swim in the surrounding crystal clear waters, or maybe take a cruise around the islands with a seafood lunch.

Day 27 to 30
Hoi An Hue

We arrive in the railway town of Danang and then take a short drive to Hoi An. We have free time in Hoi An to explore the handicrafts, ceramics and fabrics that are sold at an abundance of markets. Hoi An is renowned for tailoring; pack your favourite item of clothing and get it copied here! If you're all shopped-out, you might enjoy relaxing on the serene coastal beaches with some local cuisine.

On Day 29 we depart Hoi An and drive north to Hue via Danang. The drive takes us across the Marble Mountains and via the scenic Hai van Pass. There are stunning views to take in of the surrounding coastline and rice paddies.
Once the capital of Vietnam (during the Nguen Dynasty in 1802-1945), Hue is situated on the banks of the Huong Giang or Perfume River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bustling, lively place with many things to see and do. Hue is renowned for its monuments temples, pagodas and architecture.
The Imperial City, often likened to the Forbidden City in Beijing (and sometimes referred to as the Forbidden City as well), is well worth a visit. Hue also offers many Buddhist pagodas and markets to explore if you just feel like soaking up the lively atmosphere. We will board our overnight train trip to Hanoi.

Day 31 to 32
Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic and is dominated by colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards. The city boasts a convoluted yet elegant history which is characterised by its ‘chameleon of names' – the city has changed names many times throughout history. In terms of recent history, the French withdrew their forces in 1954 and ever since foreign investment and property has developed substantially.
In Hanoi, exploring on your own is relatively easy on foot or by bike. Many travellers believe the true appeal and essence of Hanoi is discovered wandering the streets, tasting local market food, observing the local way of life, and taking in the architecture and surrounds. Our tour concludes on Day 32.