Vietnam

An irrepressible sense of freedom, a winding, open road, lush green jungles, and you. Sound incredible? Oh, we’ve ignored the most important element in this scenario – a thumping, pulse-pounding engine, cradled between your legs, rocketing you to destinations, unknown, and adventures aplenty. Strap on your helmet, don your leather boots and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

Sandy beaches, grand Buddhist temples, spicy cuisine, world-class spas, and a rich language--Thailand is unique among Southeast Asian nations and a not-to-be-missed destination. Thais have a deep cultural history and contrasts abound in the country, both geographically and socially.

On December 25, 1978, the armed forces of Vietnam launched a full-scale invasion of Cambodia. That event marked a turning point in the first and only extended war fought between two communist regimes. The Vietnamese forced out Pol Pot’s Khmers Rouge regime from its seat of power in Phnom Penh, but the ensuing war was a major source of international tension throughout the last decade of the Cold War.

Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Tempt your tastebuds with pho noodle soup in Vietnam, sail past the limestone peaks of Halong Bay, or experience the transcendent tranquility of temples like Angkor Wat; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand and begin your journey now!

Imagine that on the eve of your upcoming trip to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, you are invited to a party. At this party are fifty guests, all of whom live in or have traveled extensively through these countries. Among this eclectic and well-versed group of connoisseurs are authors of acclaimed guidebooks, popular newspaper columnists and pioneering adventurers. As the evening passes, they tell you tales from their lives in these exotic places.

With stunning scenery, colonial remnants, fascinating ruins and exotic food, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos offer unrivalled attractions. Footprint’s 5th edition Handbook will guide you from the vivid rice paddies of Vietnam to the glittering palaces of Cambodia via picturesque, laid-back Laos.

The Ho Chi Minh Trail is one of the greatest feats of military engineering in history. But since the end of the Vietnam War much of this vast transport network has been reclaimed by jungle, while remaining sections are littered with a deadly legacy of unexploded bombs.

Discover the deliciously fragrant cuisines of Indo-China, with over 150 step-by-step authentic recipes.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Vietnam & Angkor Wat will lead you straight to the best attractions this beautiful part of the world has to offer.

Explore the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, the hill towns in the north, and all the best beaches to be found in between; zip around old Hanoi in a pedal-powered cyclo; and be sure to indulge in the exquisite local cuisine.

Tips for visiting Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam

Can you feel it? Your emotions are running away with your heart, which beats wildly at the center of a tug-of-war, balancing fear and joy. The sheer exhilaration of a backpacking adventure is intoxicating, however, fear of the unexpected can derail plans, postpone dreams, or even worse, cancel them.