Beat’s guide to Indochina

Beginning in Melbourne, it made geographic and financial sense for us to fly to Malaysia (admittedly not part of Indochina per se, but certainly a worthwhile destination on the peninsula).

From there we head to Cambodia, make our way across to southern Thailand, before migrating up through Bangkok to Laos. Then, from Laos we venture further north to Hanoi, before descending through Vietnam down to Ho Chi Minh, where we can easily secure return flights to Melbourne.

Malaysia

Straddling peninsular Asia’s southern tip, Malaysia expertly juggles tradition and progress, particularly in its capital Kuala Lumpur. Here, the limestone Batu Caves – a Hindu spiritual site accessed by 272 rainbow-painted steps – shares the skyline with the iconic Petronas Towers. The country’s three main ethnic groups – Malay, Chinese and Indian – have created one of Asia’s most dynamic food cultures, evident in spots like the bustling Jalan Alor Food Street where hawker stalls serve everything from satay to durian. While most visitors use KL as a stopover hub, the city rewards even brief visits with its mix of colonial architecture, gleaming shopping malls, and vibrant street life, all connected by one of Southeast Asia’s most efficient public transport systems.

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s capital exemplifies the nation’s blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, where traditional markets operate in the shadows of some of the world’s tallest buildings. The city balances its colonial history with ambitious modernization, creating a metropolis where street food hawkers and Michelin-starred restaurants coexist.

Stopover

• Batu Caves Hindu temple
• Jalan Alor Food Street exploration
• Petronas Towers photo stop
• KLCC Park wandering

Cambodia

Once the seat of the mighty Khmer Empire, which ruled much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to 15th centuries, Cambodia’s landscape is dotted with ancient temples that rival any archaeological wonder in the world. Yet its recent history is equally powerful – the Khmer Rouge regime of 1975-1979 devastated the country, with effects still felt today. Modern Cambodia balances this complex past with warm hospitality and a rapidly developing future.

Key activities

• Tuol Sleng Museum: Open daily 8am-5pm
• Royal Palace: Open daily (except Sundays) from 7-10am, 2:30-4:30pm
• Angkor Archaeological Park: Open daily 7:30am-5pm
• Cambodia Landmine Museum: Open daily 7:30am-5pm

From the haunting remnants of the Khmer Rouge regime to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, Cambodia offers a journey through some of humanity’s darkest moments and greatest achievements.

Here’s our guide to spending a week in Cambodia’s two major cities, taking in essential historical sites while experiencing the warmth of Khmer hospitality.

Phnom Penh

The capital rose from a collection of wooden houses along the Mekong to become the “Pearl of Asia” during the French colonial period. While the Khmer Rouge emptied the city in 1975, it has since rebuilt into a vibrant metropolis where gilded temples sit alongside bustling markets and elegant boulevards. The city serves as an essential introduction to understanding both Cambodia’s glorious ancient civilization and its more recent struggles.

The Royal Palace complex, still home to Cambodia’s king, showcases classical Khmer architecture with its soaring spires and intricate decorations. Nearby, the Silver Pagoda houses national treasures including a solid gold Buddha studded with thousands of diamonds. But it’s the more difficult sites of Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek that provide crucial context to modern Cambodia.

Cambodia’s capital demands a sobering start at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a former high school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. Follow this with a visit to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields), where audio tours provide crucial context to Cambodia’s recent history. Balance the emotional weight with afternoon visits to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, showcasing Cambodia’s cultural heritage through stunning architecture and religious artifacts.

Day One & Two:

• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (8am-5pm)
• Killing Fields
• Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (7:30am-5pm)
• Royal Palace (7-10am, 2:30-4:30pm)
• Silver Pagoda
• Explore local markets
• Riverside dining

Siem Reap

From a sleepy provincial town, Siem Reap has transformed into Cambodia’s cultural tourism hub. The city balances its role as gateway to Angkor with a personality all its own – think artisan workshops, innovative restaurants celebrating Khmer cuisine, and a nightlife scene centered around the famous Pub Street.

The temples of Angkor represent the pinnacle of ancient Khmer architecture. Built between the 9th and 15th centuries when the Khmer Empire was at its height, they combine Hindu and Buddhist imagery in ever more ambitious structures. Angkor Wat itself is the world’s largest religious monument, oriented to the rising sun and decorated with nearly 2000 apsara dancers carved into its walls.

Beyond Angkor Wat, the walled city of Angkor Thom contains the enigmatic faces of the Bayon, while Ta Prohm has been left largely as it was found, with massive tree roots embracing centuries-old stones. Further afield, the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei showcases the most intricate carvings of all.

Base yourself at Bokre Angkor Hostel, offering free pickup from the bus station, to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park. Start with sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by the faces of Bayon Temple and the jungle-consumed Ta Prohm.

Beyond the main circuit, venture to the intricately carved Banteay Srei temple and the remote Beng Mealea. The Cambodia Landmine Museum provides important insight into the country’s ongoing recovery efforts.

Take evenings to explore the buzzing Pub Street, where local and international cuisines meet at spots like the Crocodile restaurant. For a glimpse of local life, book a boat tour through Kompong Phluk, a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake.

Day Three & Four:

• Angkor Wat sunrise (7:30am-5pm)
• Angkor Thom city complex
• Bayon Temple
• Ta Prohm
• Preah Khan

Day Five:

• Banteay Srei temple
• Beng Mealea
• Kompong Phluk floating village
• Pub Street evening entertainment
• Cambodia Landmine Museum

Thailand

From the limestone cliffs of the Andaman Sea to the glittering temples of Bangkok, Thailand’s southern reaches demonstrate why this kingdom has captured travellers’ imaginations for centuries. The nation skillfully balances its ancient heritage – visible in thousands of temples and cultural sites – with an ever-modernising facade of skyscrapers and beach clubs.

While the country has transformed into one of Asia’s most visited destinations, these southern regions maintain distinct personalities. Phuket, once a vital trading port between India and China, now draws millions to its pristine beaches and crystal waters. Meanwhile, Bangkok pulses as Thailand’s beating heart – a city where street food vendors serve Michelin-starred meals, centuries-old temples share streets with mega-malls, and traditional long-tail boats cruise past luxury hotels.

Phuket

Thailand’s largest island emerged from humble beginnings as a way station between China and India to become one of Asia’s premier beach destinations. The Portuguese, Dutch and British all established trading posts here, drawn by the island’s tin mining wealth, before Chinese immigrants arrived in the 19th century to work the mines. This heritage is visible today in Old Phuket Town’s Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Modern Phuket offers a study in contrasts. The west coast beaches draw millions of visitors yearly, with Patong’s legendary nightlife a major draw. Yet the island’s interior remains relatively untouched, with rubber plantations, small villages and the Big Buddha watching over it all. The surrounding Andaman Sea holds some of Thailand’s most spectacular scenery, from the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay to the paradise islands of Phi Phi.

Days Six to 10:

• Patong Beach base
• Big Buddha viewpoint
• Phang Nga Bay tour
• Phi Phi Islands day trip
• Optional Krabi excursion
• Muay Thai at Patong Boxing Stadium

Nightlife circuit:

• Cafe Del Mar
• Red Hot
• The Library
• Shelter
• New York Live Music Bar
• Yona Beach Club

Bangkok

Thailand’s capital has evolved from a small trading post to one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. The Chao Phraya River remains Bangkok’s lifeblood, with ancient temples and communities clustered along its banks. The city’s rapid expansion from the 1960s onwards created a sprawling metropolis where tradition and modernity collide – evident in the contrast between the glittering Grand Palace complex and the towering skyscrapers of Sukhumvit.

Modern Bangkok is a city of distinct neighbourhoods. Rattanakosin holds the historic heart, including Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. Thonglor and Ekkamai showcase the city’s cosmopolitan side with boutique bars and avant-garde galleries. Chinatown’s narrow lanes burst with street food and traditional shophouses, while Chatuchak hosts one of Asia’s largest weekend markets.

The city’s cultural scene ranges from traditional masked khon performances to boundary-pushing contemporary art. Its culinary landscape spans humble street carts like Jay Fai’s legendary crab omelettes to sophisticated fine dining. After dark, Bangkok transforms again – from the backpacker haunts of Khaosan Road to the sophisticated cocktail bars of Silom and the pulsing clubs of Sukhumvit.

Day 11 – 15:

Temples & Culture:

• Wat Phra Chetuphon (closes 7:30pm)
• Royal Grand Palace (closes 3:30pm)
• Temple of Dawn
• Khon Thai masked dance
• Sanctuary of Truth
• Ayutthaya ruins
• Wat Pho massage temple

Markets & Shopping:

• Chatuchak Weekend Market (closed Mon-Tue)
• Talad Rom Hub floating market (Fri-Sun)
• Amphawa floating market (weekends)
• Patpong night market
• Train Night Market

Food Journey:

• Jay Fai Michelin-starred street food
• Two Michelin dining experience
• Chinatown street food crawl
• Talat Noi local eats

Essential Nightlife:

• Sing Sing Theater – theatrical clubbing
• Violett – underground house
• Beam – techno haven
• Studio Lam – live music
• Tropic City – craft cocktails
• De Commune – local DJs
• Avve – electronic music
• Golem – alternative scene
• The Warehouse Talad Noi – industrial vibes

Laos

Often overlooked by travellers racing between Thailand and Vietnam, Laos offers a glimpse into a Southeast Asia of decades past. The former royal kingdom moves at its own pace, where ancient Buddhist traditions remain strong and natural wonders stay relatively untouched.

Vientiane

Despite being one of Southeast Asia’s most laid-back capitals, Vientiane balances French colonial architecture with gilded temples and modern development. Sitting languidly on the Mekong River, the city serves as both Laos’ administrative centre and its gateway to Thai influences across the water.

The COPE Visitor Centre provides crucial insight into Laos’ status as the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, while the golden spires of Pha That Luang stand as the nation’s most important religious monument. Outside town, Buddha Park’s collection of surreal religious statues offers a unique take on Buddhist and Hindu imagery.

Days 15 – 17

• COPE Visitor Centre (until 4pm)
• Buddha Park (until 5pm)
• Patuxay Monument (until 5pm)
• Pha That Luang (until 5pm, closed Mondays)

Vang Vieng

Once notorious for its hedonistic backpacker scene, Vang Vieng has reinvented itself (or at least it says it has) as an eco-tourism hub. Limestone karsts tower over rice paddies and the Nam Song River, while blue lagoons and caves dot the surrounding countryside. The town itself has evolved into a laid-back base for outdoor adventures or simple relaxation.

Days 18 – 20 

• River tubing
• Cave exploration
• Karst viewpoints
• Hot air ballooning
• Blue Lagoon swimming

Luang Prabang

This UNESCO World Heritage town captures the essence of ancient Laos. Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang’s peninsula is packed with gilded temples, colonial mansions, and traditional wooden houses. Each morning, hundreds of monks walk the streets in a time-honoured alms-giving ceremony.

Days 21 – 23

• Wat Xieng Thong (until 6pm)
• Old Quarter wandering
• Kuang Si Falls day trip
• Morning alms ceremony
• Night market browsing

Vietnam

Few countries pack as much diversity into their borders as Vietnam. A 1,650km journey from north to south travels through limestone karsts, ancient imperial cities, pristine beaches, and fertile river deltas. The nation’s complex history – from Chinese influence to French colonialism and the American War – has created a rich cultural tapestry that varies distinctly between regions.

Hanoi

Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital preserves its soul in the maze-like Old Quarter, where each street historically specialized in a specific trade. French colonial architecture dots tree-lined boulevards, while locals start their days with steaming bowls of pho at sidewalk stalls. The city expertly balances its ancient heart with modern energy, from traditional water puppetry to cutting-edge nightlife.

Days 24-25

• Hanoi Hilton Prison (from 8am)
• Train Street viewing (9:25am train)
• Trang An day trip
• Old Quarter exploration
• Temple of Literature
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
• Halong Bay day tour
• Night train to Sapa (10pm)

Nightlife:

• Binh Minh Jazz Club
• Hanoi Rock City (5pm-11pm)
• Unmute Rooftop (5pm-1am, Fri/Sat until 5am)
• Savage Club (Thu-Sat, until 5am)
• Mirage Club (Thu-Sun, varies)

Sapa

Misty mountains and cascading rice terraces define this former French hill station. Home to several ethnic minority groups including the H’mong and Dao peoples, Sapa offers unparalleled insight into highland life and culture. The cool climate and dramatic landscapes make it perfect for trekking through villages and valleys.

Days 26-28

• Best to book a guided hike
• Day walks to H’mong villages
• Dao community visits
• Mountain trekking
• Local market exploration

Hue & Da Nang

Central Vietnam’s imperial heartland pairs ancient capitals with modern coastal energy. Hue’s massive Citadel complex and scattered royal tombs speak to its regal past, while Da Nang’s Golden Bridge and pristine beaches showcase contemporary Vietnam.

Days 29-30

• Golden Bridge visit
• Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
• Perfume River mausoleums
• Thien Mu pagoda
• Traditional am thuc cung dinh at Madam Thu
• Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (11:35am)

Ho Chi Minh City

The former Saigon pulses with unstoppable energy, where history and modernity collide on every corner. Street food vendors serve up steaming pho beneath gleaming skyscrapers, while colonial architecture recalls the city’s complex past.

Days 30-34

• Ben Tre Mekong tour
• Central Post Office
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• People’s Committee Building
• War Remnants Museum (7:30am-5:30pm)
• Cu Chi Tunnels (7am-5pm)
• Can Tho rowboat trip
• Cai Rang Floating Market
• Flower Market exploration

Nightlife:

• The Observatory
• Broma Not A Bar
• The Lighthouse
• Sax N Jazz Club
• TNR Saigon

For more information about the history of Indochina, head here.