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VIETNAM

Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi

CAMBODIA MYANMAR
Yangon Mandalay

Siem Reap Phnom Penh

LAOS

Vientiane

OVERVIEW
Decades after independence from French colonial rule, Indochina is as vibrant as ever. The mere mention of the region evokes images of straw hats, jungle temples, ancient kingdoms, and a mix of cuisines at the crossroads of the Asian heartland. Today, backpackers and luxury travellers alike flock to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and to neighbouring Myanmar to be awed by inspiring natural beauty, charmed by well-preserved historic towns, and dwarfed by towering symbols of faith.

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CONTENTS
VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh City 04 Hanoi 06 CAMBODIA Siem Reap Phnom Penh 08 10

MYANMAR Yangon 12 Mandalay 14 LAOS Vientiane 16

*Information in this guide is correct at the time of printing. 03

VIETNAM

Set on the eastern end of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam has mountainous terrain and cities filled with motorbikes and colonial facades a fascinating country that enchants travellers with its fresh food and friendly people.

MONEY MATTERS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE WEATHER

Vietnamese Dong/US Dollars Vietnamese Temperatures from 21 C to 31 C. Cooler weather in the north. Rainy season from May to September. Taxis and motorcycles, with trains and buses for inter-city travel.

GETTING AROUND

Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and home to over 50 ethnic Still affectionately called its groups old name Saigon by the locals, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling You should ask for metropolis. Timeless traditions permission before taking and the ingenuity of the photographs of people, particularly in the countryside The Vietnamese national costume for women called o di was once condemned but regained popularity in the late 1980s Around 5% of Vietnamese speak French but English is now studied more widely by young people

HO CHI MINH CITY

Vietnamese come to the fore in the countrys largest city, where the motorcycle is the king of the road and everyone enjoys coffee on low stools by the roadside.

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MUST-VISIT PLACES
Cu Chi Tunnels Believe it or not, this labyrinthine tunnel network was used as a shelter, hospital, weapons cache and supply route during the Vietnam War. Not for claustrophobics! Ben Thanh Market No one leaves this shopping mecca empty-handed. Frequented by tourists for its exciting range of souvenirs and mementos, this bargain spot is a landmark by itself. War Remnants Museum The wounds of division may have healed, but the Vietnam Wars lasting effects are palpable through the museums collection of artefacts, exhibits and photographs.

HOW TO GET TO HO CHI MINH CITY From Kuala Lumpur Bangkok

Reunification Palace Little has changed since the Fall of Saigon took place here in 1975, when North Vietnamese forces broke through the gates of South Vietnams presidential palace, ending the Vietnam War.

Frequency 4x Daily 18x Weekly

Saigon Square Haggle for clothes, bags and accessories where the locals shop. See if you can distinguish between export overruns, factory rejects and complete knock-offs.

MUST-EAT SPECIALTIES
Pho - Vietnams famed beef noodle soup with rice noodles and herbs Goi Cuon and Cha Gio - fresh and fried spring rolls Bnh M - Vietnamese baguette with meat and vegetable fillings

WHAT TO BUY
Traditional o di dress and nn l (leaf hat) Vietnamese coffee Rosewood, embroidery and ceramic items

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HANOI
Few capital cities embody the old world romance of Hanoi. Located in the north of the country, it is renowned for its breathtaking natural attractions and cultural heritage.

MUST-VISIT PLACES
Ha Long Bay Venture 3 hours away from the city to this UNESCO World Heritage Site of 2,000 islets where junk ships sail around surreal limestone peaks. The picturesque Bay of Descending Dragons is a popular tourist destination with rich biological and geological diversity. Ho Chi Minh Museum Larger than life, the revered leader is remembered through his letters and personal effects in this museum adjacent to his mausoleum and house on stilts. Make sure to check for opening times and hire a local guide. Temple of Literature Nearly 1,000 years old, this sprawling temple of Confucius was once the site of the Imperial Academy, Vietnams first university. Before Vietnamese New Year, calligraphers can write your wishes in Chinese characters for you to keep throughout the year.
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Bat Trang Village This remarkable community produces high-quality pottery in all sizes, shapes and glazes imaginable. Watch ceramic artists as they continue the craft and trade of their forefathers using only their skilful hands, some clay and a fiery kiln.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Water puppetry is an age-old art of North Vietnam in which puppets are manipulated over waist-deep water. Traditional but unconventional, a water puppet performance is a memorable experience!

Hoan Kiem Lake This legendary lake is famous for the scenic views of Tortoise Tower (Thap Ra), Jade Islet and the red lacquered The Huc Bridge.

HOW TO GET TO HANOI From Kuala Lumpur Bangkok Frequency 1x Daily 1x Daily

MUST-EAT SPECIALTIES
Bun Cha - rice noodle soup with grilled pork and fresh herbs Cha Ca La Vong - a dish named after the restaurant that serves only fish grilled at your table, along with rice noodles Banh Te - savoury steamed glutinous rice cake sticks wrapped in leaves

WHAT TO BUY
Artworks and prints Dried fruit Handmade rice paper products

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CAMBODIA
No tour of Southeast Asia is complete without a visit to Cambodias spectacular temples. Brave the muddy monsoons and dusty dry season for a good look at some of the most amazing monuments on this side of the globe.
MONEY MATTERS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE WEATHER Cambodian Riel/US Dollars Khmer Warm to hot, with temperatures averaging 21C to 35C. Rainy from May to October, with cooler weather from November to February. Taxis, tuk tuks and motorcycles are available within towns and cities. Take buses and taxis for inter-city travel. GETTING AROUND

Named after the defeat of Siam (now Thailand) by the Khmer, Siem Reap is booming into an international city with a quaint small-town atmosphere. The temples of Angkor are the main draw but going There are no trains from Siem beyond Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom is worth the effort. Reap and Phnom Penh, but buses and taxis ply the route. MUST-VISIT PLACES During the rainy season, adventurers with time to spare Angkor Archaeological Park can opt for a boat trip. The splendid complex of Angkor Wat is a The official religion of Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by 95% of the population. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bayon amazes with its 54 towers, while fans of Tomb Raider can channel their inner Lara Croft at Ta Prohm. Some sites are still ruins, but restoration efforts are ongoing at major sites. Cambodia Landmine Museum This unique museum was founded by an ex-child soldier turned deminer. Many Cambodians still live with the effects of the landmines and the sight of unexploded ordinance remains a chilling reminder of the horrors of war.

Have your destination written down in Khmer for your driver.

SIEM REAP

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HOW TO GET TO SIEM REAP From Kuala Lumpur

Angkor National Museum Best for escaping the midday heat, this state-ofthe-art museum is an ideal primer to the history and worldview of the Angkorians during the Khmer Golden Era. Angkor Night Market When darkness falls and the temples close, head to the town centre for souvenirs, shawls, shirts and the ubiquitous elephant pants before you go for Apsara Dance dinners and drinks on Pub Street.

Frequency 1x Daily

MUST-EAT SPECIALTIES
Fish Amok - coconut milk-based curry Lok Lak - stir-fried beef with fresh vegetable sides, served with fried egg and pepper-lime dipping sauce

WHAT TO BUY
Wood carvings Krama (Cambodian scarf) Crocodile leather goods

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PHNOM PENH
Cambodias capital city by the river is abuzz with nightlife. Sans the mad dash of many Asian cities, PP holds the countryside close while enjoying its growing modern comforts. The city hasnt forgotten its grim past, but has turned these memories into gold, as tourists find PPs part in Pol Pots regime equally as interesting as the citys colonial heritage.

MUST-VISIT PLACES
Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Pong) Once frequented by Russian expats, the market is now popular with both locals and tourists. A huge selection of inexpensive apparel, handicrafts, silverware and food can be found here. When youre done, look around for the best iced coffee in town.

Central Market (Phsar Thom Thmei) Completed in 1937, the domed Art Deco building is an icon of the city. Inside its four wings, there are antique and second-hand goods, jewellery, electronics, souvenirs and clothing. Tonle Sap During rainy season, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia grows to over five times its regular size. All year round, fishermen and floating villages share the lake with wooden boats for leisurely cruises. Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda The structures in the two complexes, which sit next to each other, were built between the 1860s and the 1960s. The majestic architecture of the silver-tiled Silver Pagoda and its surrounding buildings make this working royal residence an essential part of your tour.

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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek One is a former high school-turned-prison then made into a museum, and the other, the most well-known of the killing fieldsboth grisly remnants of the Khmer Rouges short but terrible reign.

Independence Monument Located on a roundabout in the heart of Phnom Penh, the lotus-shaped tower designed by celebrated architect Vann Molyvann is dedicated to Cambodias independence from France.

HOW TO GET TO PHNOM PENH From Kuala Lumpur Bangkok Frequency 2x Daily 2x Daily

MUST-EAT SPECIALTIES
Nom Banh Chok - rice noodles Lap Khmer - Khmer beef salad in a soup of green fish gravy, seared or marinated with lime freshwater fish and traditional herbs

WHAT TO BUY
Silver jewellery Basket weaving items Cambodian silk

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MYANMAR
Better known by its British colonial name Burma, the country has welcomed curious wanderers since it opened up after its military rule. Shimmering temples and pagodas will astonish you as much as the locals in longyi (sarong) and women wearing thanaka (tree bark paste) on their faces.
MONEY MATTERS
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Myanmar Kyat/US Dollars Burmese Temperatures between 18C and 37C. Rainy from May to October, cool from November to February. Buses and trains are available between towns, taxis and car hires for long and short distances. Locals also have pedal or horse power options,.

WEATHER

GETTING AROUND

Bring enough US Dollars for your expenses, as only local accounts can use ATMs and credit cards. Few foreign providers have roaming contracts, rendering most foreign SIMs useless. Temporary SIMs are available. Many establishments offer Wi-Fi access.

YANGON
Formerly Rangoon, the Burmese capital is dominated by Shwedagon Pagoda, which can be seen for miles around. The city still has more colonial buildings than high-rises, but before this changes, make Yangon your base for exploring this country of wonder.

MUST VISIT PLACES

Shwedagon Pagoda The splendour of this golden holy site is hard to put into words or even on film. Sacred as it is beautiful, the pagoda housing four relics of Buddha is believed to be 2,600 years old. Bogyoke Aung San Market Previously called Scott Market, this covered shopping area has over 2,000 shops. Burmese souvenirs, garments and gems are the main buys at this 70-year old establishment. Taukkyan War Cemetery Stop by the final resting place of Allied soldiers to honour those who fell in World War II. The memorial park has over 6,000 graves and the names of 27,000 soldiers from the Commonwealth countries, including recipients of the Victoria Cross.

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Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Only a few hours away from Yangon, the Golden Rock is a popular pilgrimage site and the pride of Mon State. Buddhists believe that a strand of Buddhas hair keeps the gilded rock and the pagoda atop it from rolling off the cliff. Bagan Nothing compares to the plains of Bagan, a vast archaeological area with thousands of temples and stupas, some up to a thousand years old! Ride a hot air balloon at sunrise or wait for sunset from the top of Shwesandaw Pagoda for the full effect. Inle Lake Houses on stilts and floating gardens can be found on this idyllic freshwater lake famous for the Intha people who use their unique leg-rowing technique to navigate the waters.

MUST-EAT SPECIALTIES
Mohinga - rice noodle in fish broth, Myanmars national dish Laphet thote - salad of fermented tea leaves mixed with beans, peanuts and seeds Htaman - a snack made of sticky rice, topped with peanuts, sesame seeds, ginger and coconut shavings

WHAT TO BUY
Precious stones Lacquerware Tapestry

HOW TO GET TO YANGON From Kuala Lumpur Bangkok Frequency 2x Daily 3x Daily

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MANDALAY
Embark on a journey fit for a king. The last royal capital and the second largest city in Myanmar, Mandalay is surrounded by older kingdoms that tell the stories of the ancient.

MUST-VISIT PLACES
Mandalay Hill Climb up the 240-metre hill for a panoramic view of Mandalay plain, including the 729 stupas of Kuthodaw Pagoda. Along the way, there are two giant lion statues guarding the southern gate, and numerous pagodas and statues of Buddha. Mahamuni Buddha Pagoda Buddha was said to have breathed upon the bronze Great Image, which is covered in gold leaf. The temple also shelters Khmer images originally from Angkor. Mandalay Palace Reconstructed following its destruction in World War II, the last royal palace stands as a witness to the glory of the Mandalay kingdom.

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Shwenandaw Monastery The only palace structure saved from the Allied bombings in World War II, this 19th century teak monastery is admired for its intricate carvings. Although the glass mosaics and much of the gilding are gone, the building remains a fine example of Burmese woodwork. Sagaing The domed Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, niched Caves Pagoda, and fantastic hilltop vista stretching across temples and Inwa Bridge all make this ancient kingdom a favourite amongst day-trippers. Amarapura Set between the Irrawaddy River and Thaungthaman Lake, this former Burmese capital is best remembered for the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world.

MUST-EAT SPECIALTIES
Panthay Khauk Sw - Chinese-Muslim chicken curry noodles Thinbaw Thi Thoke - salad of shredded green papaya tossed with fried garlic, onions and dried shrimp Shan Khauk Sw - rice noodles with chicken or pork, served with pickled mustard greens

WHAT TO BUY
Marble carvings Marionettes Embroidered cotton bags

HOW TO GET TO MANDALAY From Bangkok Frequency 1x Daily

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LAOS
You know youre in Laos when women shuffle about in sinh (traditional skirt). Cosmopolitan aspirations appear pretentious here but youll find a baguette whenever you want one. Time stands still in this landlocked sticky rice-loving country.

MONEY MATTERS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE WEATHER

Lao Kip/US Dollars/Thai Baht Lao The rainy season runs from May to October, with dry weather for the rest of the year. November till February are the cooler months, whilst March and April tend to be on the hotter side. Tuk-tuks are the primary form of transport. Buses run between towns.

GETTING AROUND

Lao Kip is non-convertible outside of Laos, so make sure to change back or use up your Kip! Items with price tags have fixed prices. Imported alcohol is very expensive but the local liquor is among the cheapest in the world.

VIENTIANE
Sabaidee! It may be lacking in skyscrapers, but Vientiane, with its French streets signs and temples at every corner is perhaps the most relaxed capital city in Indochina. centuries. Such is its importance that locals say no building in Vientiane is allowed to be higher than it. Patuxai If the Arc de Triomphe had a Laotian cousin, Patuxai would be it. Built in remembrance of Lao soldiers who fought for the countrys independence, it features a musical fountain and some of the best views of the city from the observation deck.

MUST-VISIT PLACES
Pha That Luang The countrys gilded national symbol and most sacred Buddhist monument has been rebuilt several times over the
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COPE Visitor Centre (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) Learn more about landmines and bombs, and the rehabilitation and therapy works that COPE does to help victims move on with their lives. Ban Anou Night Market The perfect place to pick up a scrumptious takeaway dinner or evening snack is just a few minutes walk from the riverside. Stalls set up shop before sunset and stay open till evening. Luang Prabang A UNESCO World Heritage City and former royal capital, Luang Prabang has temples, colonial buildings, natural attractions. Its delightfully quaint ambiance makes for fascinating days on foot, riding on a bike or cruising on a boat.

MUST-EAT SPECIALTIES
Khai Phen - crispy Mekong riverweed, sprinkled with sesame seeds Laap - Lao minced meat salad Kaeng Nor Mai - bamboo shoot stew Ping Ped - grilled duck marinated in Lao spices

WHAT TO BUY
Silk and cotton textiles Lao-Lao (rice whisky) Silverware

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HOW TO GET TO VIENTIANE From Kuala Lumpur Frequency 3x Weekly

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Mandalay
Bangkok (1x Daily)

Vientiane
(3x Weekly)

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur (1x Daily) Bangkok (1x Daily)

Hanoi

MYANMAR

LAOS

Siem Reap

THAILAND CAMBODIA

Kuala Lumpur (1x Daily)

VIETNAM

Yangon

Kuala Lumpur (2x Daily) Bangkok (3x Daily)

Phnom Penh
Kuala Lumpur (2x Daily) Bangkok (2x Daily)

Ho Chi Minh City

Bangkok (18x Weekly)

Kuala Lumpur (4x Daily)

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