indochina 27
Originals THREE VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS
The countries of Indochina – Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos – are still exotic destinations that have not yet been overtaken by tourism, but their popularity is growing so book your clients now before everything changes, says Ben Lerwill
C
omprising three neighbouring but very different Southeast Asian countries, the Indochina region has a variety of strong selling points, from ancient ruins and a thought-provoking history to uncrowded beaches and upmarket river cruising. Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos have collectively risen in public consciousness over recent years – with their tourism and transport infrastructures improving in kind – and they remain fascinating places to travel. “Indochina is made up of three developing countries, so with each year they become different destinations to visit,” says Lesley Wright of Travel Indochina, with increasing access and accommodation options. “There are more domestic fl ights and hotel openings
each year, as well as direct fl ights between Gatwick and Vietnam, so getting to the region has never been easier.” James Mundy at InsideAsia Tours agrees, and
reiterates that all three countries are viable choices for a holiday. “Vietnam has invested a lot and is
really opening up to foreign tourism, and the fact that it’s easier to travel around is sparking interest among travellers. And while Cambodia and Laos have traditionally been add-ons to Vietnam, they’re now becoming destinations in their own right.” It’s certainly true that the three destinations each have their own exotic assets. Vietnam is a land of helter-skelter cities, world-class food, great beaches and an absorbing history, with highlights as diverse as the UNESCO-listed beauty of Halong Bay, the scooter-thronged streets of Hanoi and the Vietnam War heritage of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Charismatic and colourful Cambodia is chiefl y
known as home to the momentous Temples of Angkor (featured in a new two-part BBC2 series, Angkor Wat’s Hidden Megacity) but offers much more besides, including Mekong voyages, coastal retreats and a sobering past of its own. Laid-back, landlocked Laos is the most relaxed
sellingtravel.co.uk
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