| Mekong Express Home | - Laos Home - | Editor for Mekong Express |
 |
 |
 |
Crown Jewels of the Greater Mekong region
All six countries of the so-called Mekong Region are members, or about to become members, of ASEAN. What does 1997 have in store for this unusual political grouping? Read on!
World travel activity in Asia up by 10 per cent
International travel activity in Asia grew by 10 per cent in the first three quarters of 1996 compared to the same period last year. This figure surpasses growth rates predicted by institutional bodies outside the region such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO). There has also been a 10 per cent increase in airline traffic, seven per cent in hotels, nine per cent in inbound travel and 17 per cent in outbound travel.
ASTA backs growth in Southeast Asia
Asia remains a popular destination for US travellers, and the future bodes well for emerging destinations in the region, said Jeanne Epping, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
Indochina and China are likely to emerge as favorites among US travellers who are now searching for new destinations and adventures."The strongest growth in traffic between now and 2010 is predicted to be achieved by Vietnam and China. China's international traffic is expected to increase by 600 per cent over the next 10 years, according to the 1995 Asian Pacific Air Traffic Growth Report," Epping said.
With the improvement of infrastructure in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, more American tourists will visit the region, many of whom will be first-timers and Vietnam war veterans.
Overland across Indochina
Overland tours linking Bangkok, Hanoi and Hong Kong are being launched.The Bangkok-Hanoi trip is a 15-day tour priced at US$1,520 and includes travel by rail between the Thai capital and Chiang Mai, then by road from Chiang Mai to the border with Laos.
Travellers will then go by boat along the Mekong River to Luang Prabang and board a plane for the Laotian capital, Vientiane. The final leg will be by road to Hanoi via the new border crossing t Lak Xou and through the Vietnamese city of Vinh.
The Hanoi - Hong Kong tour takes 16 days. It takes in Chinese destinations such as Dali, Kunming, Gyiyang, Longshen, Guilin and Nanning. Travel is mostly by rail, except for longer distances which are covered by air. On arrival in Hong Kong, rail connections are available for Beijing.
Country by Country Highlights
Cambodia
The Angkor Temples complex near Siem Reap
The capital of Phnom Penh and vicinity
The beach resort and nature reserves of Sihanoukville
Tonle Sap Lake near Siem Reap
The richly forested Rattanakiri Province
Yunnan
The provincial capital of Kunming, - 'City of Eternal
Spring'
The Stone Forests of Yunnan near Kunming
Xishuangbanna, Tropical Home of the Dai Minority
The scenic medieval city of Daii Lijiang, home to China's oldest town and the Jade Dragon
Snow Mountains
Laos
Luang Prabang, ancient town on the Mekong River
Champasak Province's Wat Phou and the Khone Prapheng Waterfall
The capital of Vientiane
Xieng Khouang Province's Plain of Jars
The natural attractions of Lak Xao in Bolikhamxay Province
Myanmar
Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda
Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock) Pagoda
The Mingun Bell Pagoda near Mandalay
Inle Lake near Taunggyi, capital of Shan State Bagan's Ananda Temple
Thailand
The old Royal city (Rattanakosin Island), Bangkok
Historic Ban Chiang
Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buriram
The Temples of Ubon Ratchatani Province
The Hilltribe populated Chiang Rai Province
Vietnam
The 3,000 Islands of Ha Long Bay
The capital of Hanoi
Ninh Binh Province
The Citadel and Tombs of Thua Thien-Hue Province
The ancient town of Hoi An and the My Son Ruins of Quang Nam-Danang Province