Browse tours by
Holiday type
Browse tours by
Travel theme
CAMBODIA
Essential Information
Capital: Phnom Penh
Area: 181,040 sq km
Population: 13.8 million
Religion: Mainly Buddhist (around 95%)
Languages: Khmer, English gaining popularity among the younger generation with French spoken mostly by the elderly in the main cities
Time difference: + 7 hours (GMT)
When to go
Cambodia follows a tropical three-season cycle. April to May is the hot season with high temperatures and humidity. The rainy season lasts from June to October with the major rains falling in the afternoons-not a bad time to visit as the Angkor Temples are much quieter and the countryside is a lush green. November to March is the cool season with scant rain and the best time to visit the country.
Getting there
The most convenient air connections from the UK are via Bangkok and Singapore. Cambodia is also well connected with Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Overland and river crossings are possible from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, although these are for the more adventurous.
Internal Travel
Air Travel
The two main cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are well connected by air. Flights are also available to a few other towns.
Rail Travel
The rail network is limited and not recommended for comfortable travel.
Boat Travel
A memorable journey can be taken on board the Pandaw cruise that plies the Mekong from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam. A shorter cruise to Ho Chi Minh City can be taken from Phnom Penh.
Road Travel
Road travel in Cambodia is a good way to see the countryside but the road conditions outside the main tourist areas remain poor.
Private transfers and sightseeing
All our private and tailor-made travel is based on private cars or vans with an experienced driver. The car used is generally a spacious Toyota Camry or Honda, seating three plus the driver comfortably. It is a sturdy vehicle, ideal for local roads. For parties of 3 or 4 a bigger vehicle is used, usually the Hi Ace Van, which can seat five plus the driver.
LAOS
Essential Information
Capital: Vientiane
Area: 236,800 sq km
Population: 6.67 million
Religion: Buddhist (65%), animist and others (40%)
Languages: Lao (official) and some English and French in the tourist areas
Time difference: + 7 hours (GMT)
When to go
The best time to visit is from November to March as the rainfall is minimal and the temperature is cool. Areas in the north and the Bolovens Plateau can get very cold in winter. In the mountainous areas May and July can also be pleasant. The rainy season generally begins in June and lasts until September.
Getting there
The most convenient air connection from the UK is via Bangkok. Laos is also well connected with Vietnam and Cambodia. Overland and river crossings are possible from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, although these are for the more adventurous.
Air Travel
The main cities in Laos are well connected by air. Changes in domestic flight schedules are frequent.
Boat Travel
Delightful journeys are possible on the Luangsay Cruise, which runs on the Mekong, between the ‘golden triangle’ in Thailand and Luang Prabang. There is also the lovely Vat Phou cruise, operating between Pakse and the ‘4000 islands’ in southern Laos.
Rail Travel
Laos does not have a rail network. But it is now possible to take on overnight train journey from Bangkok to Vientiane aboard the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express.
Road Travel
Road travel in Laos is a good way to see the countryside but the road conditions outside the main tourist areas are poor. Private road travel is by car or minivan. The car used is generally a spacious Toyota or Honda, seating three plus the driver comfortably. It is a sturdy vehicle, ideal for local roads. For parties of 3 or 4 a bigger vehicle is used, usually the Hi Ace Van, which can seat five plus the driver.
TransIndus, as always, has been so helpful. Thank you. Big thanks for arranging my visit to Kim Lien High School, you are certainly more than holiday provider! 
VIETNAM
Essential Information
Capital: Hanoi
Area: 329560 sq km
Population: 86 million (around 25 million people more than the UK)
Religion: Mainly Buddhist (around 80%)
Languages: Vietnamese. English is fast gaining popularity among the younger generation with French spoken by some of the elderly in the main cities
Time: +7 hours (GMT)
When to go
In general, October to March are the best months to travel to the country as a whole but there are distinct regional variations in the climate. Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, the Mekong Delta has heavy rains in September and October, as does central Vietnam. The days are generally warm with temperatures around 30°C. Mid-winter is slightly cooler, as are the hill stations which can also become a little foggy.
Getting there
Vietnam Airlines now fly direct from London Gatwick to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatives are
with Thai Airways via Bangkok, Singapore Airlines via Singapore, Malaysian Airlines via Kuala
Lumpur and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. Flight time is approximately 14 hours.
Internal Travel
Air Travel
A highly developed air network links most tourist cities in Vietnam.
Rail Travel
Rail travel is possible on the Reunification Express, connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City although not of the standard seen in more developed nations. The Livitrans train also connects cities along the coast and is of tourist standard. The Victoria Express offer a luxury overnight train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai, for the hill station of Sapa.
Boat Travel
A memorable journey can be taken on board the Pandaw cruise that plies the Mekong from Saigon to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Overnight cruises on traditional junks in Halong Bay are also a popular option.
Road Travel
Most of the country now has good roads and travel is comfortable although the Vietnamese have their own version of road etiquette! We recommend travelling by road for shorter distances. You see the countryside, pass through villages, towns and local markets and can stop if you find something interesting. Some roads are not in good condition but the drive is always worthwhile. Our drivers are familiar with local conditions and are trained to drive safely. Private road travel is by car or minivan. The car used is generally a spacious Toyota Corona, Altis or Camry seating three plus the driver comfortably. It is a sturdy vehicle, ideal for local roads. For parties of 3 or 4 a bigger vehicle is used, usually the Hi Ace Van, which can seat five plus the driver
© 2011 TransIndus Ltd Home . Agents . Press . Links . Site Map . Careers
Terms & Cond . Booking Terms & Cond . Privacy Policy .
