Within Indochina (Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) we feature eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites; places recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as being of such unique interest to the world that they have been afforded special preservation status.
Before embarking on my travels through Southeast Asia, I must confess that I did not know too much about the countries making up Indochina — namely Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos — apart from glowing recommendations from those who had been before me. However, as I researched my trip, my appetite was truly whetted for what I was about to see and experience.
I soon learned that among the plethora of interesting places to visit within the region are a total of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites; places recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as being of such unique interest to the world that they have been afforded special preservation status.
Below, I’ve picked out a route through Indochina that takes in seven of my favourite World Heritage Sites, all of which can be easily combined into a three week trip around the region.
UNESCO sites of Cambodia
UNESCO sites of Laos
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![Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang]()
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![Wat Phou]()
UNESCO site of Wat Phou
Dominated by the vast expanse of the Mekong River, this sleepy tropical region is home to the temple ruins of Wat Phou, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
UNESCO sites of Vietnam
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![Halong Bay, Vietnam]()
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![Japanese bridge, Hoi An]()
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![Ancient Citadel, Hue, Vietnam]()
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![My Son ruins, near Hoi An]()
My Son Ruins
My Son is Vietnam’s most important Cham site. The Cham civilisation dominated the area that is now south Vietnam for many centuries before being crushed by the Vietnamese.
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