Experiencing Indochina

Last October I was lucky enough to spend two weeks in Cambodia and Laos. After travelling through the Mekong Delta into Cambodia, I was greeted by a by a lush green landscape of endless rice paddies and mountains in the distance. After a few days rest in the peaceful seaside town of Kep, we drove a couple of hours inland to the Capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh.

Here I was able to better understand the history of Pol Pot's regime in Cambodia. After visiting the Tuol Sleng Museum, a former high school turned prison where many classrooms were turned into torture chambers, I travelled just outside of Phnom Penh to the Killing Fields, where most of the 17,000 prisoners were executed. This was perhaps one of the most heart wrenching experiences I have had, but I think it is very important to understand Cambodia's so recent history.

My next stop was the Angkor complex, an awesome sight for anyone. We cycled through the depths of the jungle visiting the temples, many of which have been engulfed by nature, gigantic tree roots growing over the stone. After a long day, I returned to my suite at the Amansara to find my guide had called ahead and there was a hot bath filled with blossom and floating candles waiting for me.

A short flight took me to the UNESCO Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang in Laos, perhaps one of the most picturesque and romantic places in South-East Asia. On my first morning, I rose early to see the hundreds of saffron robed monks who walk barefoot through the streets collecting alms, another fond memory. That evening, after climbing the 300 steps of Mt Phousi which has fantastic panoramic views over Luang Prabang, I wandered through the bustling night market and then ate dinner at one of the many candle lit restaurants lining the main street.

I found this part of Asia astonishingly beautiful, and steeped in history and culture.

Email or call our Asia Team on 020 7386 4646 for more information.

Costs for our 16-day 'Ultimate Indo-China' tour start at £2,660 per person inclusive of flights from London.

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