Drift along Vietnam’s Perfume River

INDOCHINA CONSISTS OF THE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES OF VIETNAM, CAMBODIA AND LAOS. IT COVERS OVER 740,000 SQUARE KILOMETRES STRETCHING SOUTH FROM THE CHINESE BORDER AND AS FAR WEST AS THE THAI AND BURMESE BORDERS.

Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos have incredibly varied and beautiful landscapes. Their climates vary from the relative cold of Hanoi in the north to the tropical climate of Saigon and Phnom Penh in the southern reaches of the peninsula.

Each country has its own highlights from the amazing temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia to the UNESCO heritage sites of Hoi An in Vietnam and Luang Prabang in Laos. The great link between them all is the huge snaking Mekong river which provides some awe inspiring river cruising options, particularly between My Tho in Vietnam and Tonle Sap lake, a few hours drive from Angkor Wat (Siem Reap).

Aside from the majestic river systems supporting all kinds of human and wildlife, there are mountains to the north (Laos and Vietnam) and a particularly interesting diversion to Sapa, north Vietnam.

The Perfume River crosses the capital city of Hue in the central Vietnamese province of Thua Thien Hue. Around 80 kilometres long, the river’s name originates from the aromatic plants of the forests it flows through, carrying a pure and fresh aroma on its journey to Hue. In the autumn, flowers from orchards upriver from Hue fall into the water, adding to the beautiful scent and poetic nature of the river.

Drift along the river’s waters onboard a traditional Vietnamese boat for one of the most beautiful experiences of your life. Choose to head out during the day or at night, when lights and lanterns line the river and add to the beauty. Watch as the moonlight bounces across the surface of the river, with only the songs of the boat rowers breaking the silence.

Along the river, there are numerous stops you can make: visit Da Vien, Phu Xuan, and Truong Tien Bridge, the Tomb of Minh Mang, Hon Chen Shrine and Thien Mu Pagoda.

The ancient cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos showcase some great colonial architecture (like Phnom Penh and Battambang in Cambodia), and temples to rival the best in Cambodia. Laos is very laid back and possibly the most authentic Asian experience around right now, along with Myanmar (Burma).

Once you have absorbed the culture and sights of each country, choose from a stunning selection of beach escapes. We love the amazing new Song Saa private island off the south coast of Cambodia, and in Vietnam, the rustically luxurious but altruistic paradise island of Six Senses Con Dao.