Vietnam

Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia. A mountainous and landlocked country, Laos shares borders with Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar and China to the north. 

All set amongst a rich tapestry of tropical river islands, ethnic minority villages, cascading waterfalls and vivid, green rice paddies, and bound together by the mighty Mekong River, the country’s lifeline.

Often overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours as Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos remains one of Southeast Asia’s most beguiling destinations. Caught in the middle of the two Indochina wars and long isolated from the rest of the world, the country retains a slow, rather old-fashioned charm, and its people – incredibly laidback and friendly, even by Asian standards – are undoubtedly one of the highlights of any visit.

Vietnam is a beautiful country which is well known for natural beauty, long history and multiple cultures.

Hanoi

Though it's the Vietnam War that lingers with those who know Vietnam through film and television, it's the elegant French presence that strikes those who actually visit, especially in the capital city, Hanoi. Here are stately French-built mansions and tree-shaded boulevards, as well as art galleries in the Old Quarter selling works heavily influenced by French styles, cafés that dot the lake area serving French bread and drip-filter coffee, and Grand French villas of the...

Halong Bay

To glimpse how utterly magnificent Halong Bay is, watch the French film Indochine. Now imagine gliding across those same placid, emerald waters past hundreds of majestic karst islets, through caves into hidden lakes, and white-sand beach coves, your luxury charter ship or kayak passing beneath towering limestone peaks... There is no other place like this in the world, a cruising experience on par with the Blue Voyage along Turkey's coast. Indeed, the romantic setting of rugged island...

Sapa

Sapa has changed dramatically since we lead the very first trips there in the early 90s. The small town has been transformed by tourism and the weekend market is teeming with tourists. Still, the high-mountain setting is picturesque and offers extensive trekking for both light and extended trips when the weather permits. Unfortunately, the weather in Sapa is most adverse during the December through February high season when temperatures can dip to the 30s with heavy fog and drizzle. Mai Chau...

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh town, known as Halong bay on land with mountain ranges interleaving in rivers and rice fields. This is the first capital of feudal Vietnam in 1000 year AD, the land of long history, cultural characteristics of Vietnam, along with the friendly local people. Ninh binh has become an attractive new destination for tourists. This land will become a new "must-visit" site after Halong bay when visitors come to Hanoi, and Genesis will prove it by our tour. Let's go to explore the...

Mai Chau

The small town of Mai Chau lies in a picturesque valley of the same name, featuring a bucolic setting of a towering limestone walls, patchwork quilts of rice paddies, and traditional long house villages. Not far from Hanoi (about a two and half hour's drive), Mai Chau offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Vietnam with a myriad of traditional hilltribes, mostly Tai and H'mong, scattered around the area. Much has change in many places in Vietnam, but not much is very different...

Hue

Hue has largely been bypassed by the wave of development that has washed over Saigon and nearby Danang, remaining a pleasant outpost on the central coast. Located roughly halfway between Hanoi and Saigon, Hue is arguably Vietnam's most picturesque and pleasant city where many travelers miss its true charms. The landscapes here of endless emerald-green rice paddies, misty Perfume River, and colorful pagodas and tombs, are timeless inspiration for poets and painters.

Hoian

A small jewel on the central coast, Hoi An is an ancient port town situated on the Thu Bon River, just three miles inland from white sand beaches fronting the South China Sea. In the past, it was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia before its port silted and influence ebbed. Although it is no longer bustling with international trade nor hosting sailors and merchants from China, Vietnam, and Portugal, it is certainly getting a new lease on life by attracting tourists in...

Da Lat

Dalat was an entirely French creation, a small colonial-era town complete with its own railway station, cathedral, lycée, shops, cafes, and villas—all plunked down in a remote valley in the Vietnamese highlands. With its pine forests, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes, the area could have passed for anyplace in France and provided a pleasant escape for homesick French administrators from the high summer heat of Saigon. Unfortunately, Dalat is now a resort town, a favorite with...

Nha Trang

A small jewel on the central coast, Hoi An is an ancient port town situated on the Thu Bon River, just three miles inland from white sand beaches fronting the South China Sea. In the past, it was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia before its port silted and influence ebbed. Although it is no longer bustling with international trade nor hosting sailors and merchants from China, Vietnam, and Portugal, it is certainly getting a new lease on life by attracting tourists in...

Ho Chi Minh City

A visitor arriving from the north of Vietnam could mistake Saigon for another country. Whether it’s the sea of thousands of scooters, modern gleaming towers, and simply the sheer scale of the city, Saigon provides little continuity from the relative calmer and rustic north. Although no longer on out short list of must-see places in Indochina (for several years). However, we can ensure sprawling Saigon will be thrilling for a half-day or longer stopover en route to Angkor or other...

Cu Chi Tunnels

The tunnel network of Cu Chi became legendary during the 1960s for facilitating VC control of a large rural area only 30km to 40km from HCMC. At its peak, the tunnel system stretched from the South Vietnamese capital to the Cambodian border; in the district of Cu Chi alone more than 250km of tunnels honeycomb the ground. The network, parts of which were several storeys deep, included countless trapdoors, constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command...

Mekong Delta

In the Mekong Delta the mighty Mekong River ends its run from the Himalayas, splitting into multiple branches before emptying sights and experiences for those who care to explore. If you make the effort you'll be amply rewarded. The delta is a region of extraordinary energy and market commerce, with burgeoning markets, the last floating markets in Asia, exotic fruit orchards, and more coconuts than you'd want to contemplate. The delta is a relaxing place, with good food (seafood!),...