It’s a tough job…

Over the summer your dedicated team of Indochina experts have been out in Asia, tracking down exciting new experiences, revisiting old favourites, snacking on exotic delicacies and exploring all corners of the region. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. Here are the highlights from the InsideVietnam team…

Enfys – I travelled to northern Laos, kayaked down the glorious Nam Ou River (a highlight on our Indochina Encompassed group tour), and trekked through the jungle to meet the lovely locals. I also enjoyed a spot of relaxation in lovely Luang Prabang before heading south to Cambodia, riding the bamboo train at Battambang and exploring the hidden bays and beaches of the Cambodian coastline. My trip concluded with a cruise on the Pandaw along the Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam.

Ruth – I had an amazing overland adventure which kicked off in Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos and one Asia’s most delightful destinations. After getting my elephant driving licence at the excellent Sayaboury Elephant Conservation, I visited scenic Vang Vieng enroute to the Laotian capital, Vientiane. Crossing the border from the stunning 4,000 Islands region, I followed the Mekong River south into Cambodia, tracking the elusive Irrawaddy River dolphin close to the small town of Kratie. I finished my trip exploring the remote jungle temples of Beng Mealea and Koh Ker, some of Angkor’s  most spectacular and least-visited temples.

Tom – My highlight wasn’t exactly Indochina, but a little more left-field, following the Mekong further upstream to beautiful Burma (or marvellous Myanmar if you prefer) –  the region’s up-and-coming star. The debate continues as to which title is most appropriate, but to paraphrase, whatever the name, the attractions of the country are just as fascinating. The former colonial capital Yangon, home of the glittering Shwedagon, got my journey off to a spectacular start, followed by time cycling through the pagoda-dotted fields of Bagan and boating on beautiful Inle Lake. A side-trip to admire the teetering Golden Rock and the golden pagodas of Mawlamyine (Kipling’s Moulmein) finished the trip with a flourish. Watch this space for more developments on the Burma/Myanmar front

It’s been a tough summer, but we need to know our stuff and there’s nothing we won’t do to make sure you have a brilliant and inspiring holiday….