Indochina Travel – Tours & Adventure Holidays for Travel Indo China
PureTravel Says
“Indochina refers to a region in Southeast Asia. Indo-china (or the Indochinese peninsula) is east of India to the southwest of China. The term Indochina comes from a combination of India and China and was first used by the French when they colonized Vietnam and expanded their reach beyond that country's border.”
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Indo China Holiday Highlights
The parts of Indochina, which is also known as Indochine and also spelt as Indo China and Indo-China, offer some contrasts from each other.
-Mainland Southeast Asia is characterized by land-based lifestyles
-Maritime Southeast Asia is characterized by sea-based lifestyles (Malay, Philippine archipelagos)
-Austroasiatic and Sino-Tibetan languages are spoken in Mainland Southeast Asia
-Austronesian languages are spoken in Maritime Southeast Asia
Countries in mainland Southeast Asia generally are culturally influenced by India and China to different degrees, while the Southeast Asians cultures of countries such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar, are generally influenced mostly by India with some Chinese influences. Vietnam, by contrast, is influenced heavily by the Chinese culture, with some Indian influences.
Traditionally Indochina was considered to be Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, but today includes Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and sometimes Peninsular Malaysia. Travel in the area offers many diverse options, including a number of culturally and historically significant destinations set against the backdrop of a number of picturesque locations.
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Cambodia
Siem Reap - Many hotels and restaurants are found here, including local markets with fresh food and shopping choices and the floating and stilted villages of the Tonle Sap lake. Popular restaurants in the old French Indo China quarter serve dishes of chicken, massaman curry and of course more traditional French Indochina food.
Angkor Wat - This area is known for its temples. Guiding walking tours take visitors to many of these ancient temples. Popular sites in the area include the Preah Khan Temple, the photogenic tree at Ta Som, the picturesque village of Kompong Khleang and the tranquil reservoir of Srah Srang.
Phnom Penh City - Aside from a wide selection of dining and shopping options, Cambodia's capital city also has a thriving art scene. Other attractions include the Tuol Sleng prison, the killing fields at Choeung Ek (offering a stark reminder of the area's history), the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the National Museum.
Sihanoukville - Located in the south east, this area is best known for its popular beaches.
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Laos
Vientiane - The capital city of Laos has many historic homes and a bustling market, along with several Buddhist monasteries. Popular restaurants serve authentic meals specific to the culture, including Indochina French dishes that travelers should seek out on their travel Indo China.
Luang Prabang - This ancient city is a major tourist destination with serene surroundings and uniquely designed buildings.
Plain of Jars - This is an archaeological site that is over 2,000 years old. Historic artifacts and remains of the area’s history can be found here for the curious traveler who wants to know about the culture and heritage of Laos.
Khone Phapheng - Visitors will find the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia here, along with rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Lush jungles, indigenous villages and winding rivers can also be found in the area for the adventurous traveler on their travel Indochina.
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Vietnam
Hanoi - The capital city of Hanoi appears chaotic at first, but offers a wide selection of shopping, dining and site-seeing, including the Old District, Sapa and Ha Long Bay. There are also a number of lakes and visitors on Indo China travel adventures can take a bus tour of the city and see attractions such as the Perfume Pagoda, Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda.
Northeast Vietnam - This area is known for its breath-taking landscapes. Ha Giang and Cao Bang offer unspoiled views and pristine lakes.
Ninh Binh - Just south of Hanoi, is known for its national parks and lakes known for camping and fishing and is ideal for those seeking eco and back to nature Indochina travel.
De Nang - This third largest city in Vietnam is known for its unique blend of traditional and modern designs, along with popular dining choices serving up dishes from around the world including American cuisine, international cuisine and traditional Indian food.
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Myanmar (formerly Burma)
Shwedagon Pagoda - This is the best known tourist destination in Myanmar in Indochina. It is considered to be the oldest pagoda in the world and is not to be missed on your travel to Indochina. It features a number of rare jewels and 30 tons of gold. Arts and crafts are also on display in the area, along with shrines with rare sculptures and wood carvings.
Bagan - This is the most visited city in Myanmar with over 2,000 pagodas. The city dates to the 9th century AD and offers a wide selection of historic art and buildings.
Mandalay - This is considered the cultural capital of Myanmar and a hotspot for Indo China tours. Hundreds of traditional Myanmar artists, liquor ware artists, sculptors, bronzesmiths and tapestry artists who work and live in the area and often sale their goods to tourists. A number of local restaurants are also popular with tourists, many offering local cuisine.
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Singapore
Singapore - The capital city of Singapore in Indo China is the most common destination for tourists, including Chinatown, Thian Hock Keng Temple and National Orchid Garden. Other popular tourist destinations in the city include the Civic District, historic Parliament House, Padang, the Cricket Club, Supreme Court and City Hall. Bus and walking tours are available. Singapore has many popular restaurants serving up both traditional cuisines and dishes from around the world.
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Thailand
Ayutthaya - The ruins of Wat Chaiwatthanaram is the most popular destination in this city, uncovered in 1767. Don’t miss this important historical site on your Indochina tours.
Bangkok and the Surrounding Areas - Tourist attractions in the area of the capital city of Bangkok in Indochine include Phra Thinang Aisawan Tippaya Pavilion (located in the middle of a lake), Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman (featuring a mix of Italian Renaissance and Victorian styles), Royal Observatory and a number of restaurants offering traditional and international cuisine.
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Indochina Travel Resources
Vietnam holidays adventure travel guide
Cambodia holidays adventure travel guide
