Diverse and rich in culture, Indochina – what is now Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos – has long stood as a crossroads of trade, empire and revolution. Even today, the name evokes the complex legacy of French colonialism, echoes of which linger throughout the region. Dip a perfectly flaky croissant into your coffee on the quiet streets of Luang Prabang, or wander through the labyrinthine old quarters of Hanoi, where French legacy thrives amid fast-paced development.

Historically, travel through Indochina was characterised by its slow pace – whether navigating the languid currents of the Mekong River or crossing dense jungle – movement itself was an intrepid adventure. In southern Laos, an unfinished stretch of railway – now hidden under layers of vegetation – reveals the bold yet unrealised ambitions to expedite travel and trade.

Today, despite the high-speed trains available to crisscross the region, travel remains slow and deliberate by choice – a chance to truly immerse in the destination. Whether it’s getting to know locals on Vietnam’s backroads, a multi-day river cruise through the waterways of Laos, or exploring Cambodia’s temples from the sky, slow travel fosters a profound connection to the culture and the environment. It’s about embracing the journey itself, not just the destination.

 

Soaring over Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The ultimate in slow travel, hot-air balloons with their oversized wicker gondolas glide silently, carried by the winds. As the early morning sun casts shadows across dewy fields, the sacred mountain of Phnom Bok provides a dramatic backdrop. Float over Angkorian ruins such as Banteay Samré. Rising above the foliage, you are rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the timeless Cambodian landscape – lush crops being tended, birds in flight, and water buffalo scattered between towering toddy palms.

Anantara Angkor Resort offers this aerial adventure either on its own or as part of their exclusive luxury package. This includes scenic countryside exploration by bicycle, quad, Vespa or vintage Jeep; trekking up Kulen Mountain, the birthplace of the Khmer Empire; kayaking through the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake; horseback riding in the wilderness for all levels; golfing at one of three world-class nearby courses; cooking classes featuring Anantara’s signature Spice Spoons experience; and rejuvenating Khmer massage therapies.

Old-World Splendour, Vietnam

The coracle originated as a single-person, keel-less, flat-bottomed vessel in Wales – where it’s called “cwrwgl” – and in parts of Scotland and Ireland, where it’s known as a “currach”. As popular as they are lightweight (easy to carry on the back) and barely disturbing the water under a skilled hand, coracles are often used for fishing. Traditionally waterproofed with tar, variations of the coracle can be found in India, Tibet, Iran and Vietnam, where they’ve evolved to suit each river’s particular conditions.

The humble coracle, Vietnam’s iconic round boat that glides silently over the water, embodies a slower way of travel – an unhurried journey where the world unfolds at a natural pace.

On the Thu Bồn which meanders through Hoi An, enjoy a leisurely trip in your own coracle past ancient mangroves and a beguiling architectural mix of brightly painted French colonial, Chinese and Japanese-style buildings topped with aged roof tiles and timber balustrades. Retire afterwards to watch the sunset over the river at Anantara Hoi An Resort’s riverside restaurant, which serves modern dishes infused with Vietnamese flair in Viennese-inspired interiors.

Moving from water to land, rail remains one of the most iconic methods of slow travel, much like it was a century ago. In Vietnam, it was introduced in the 1880s, but it wasn’t until the late 1930s that the ambitious North-South Railway was completed. Back then, a journey from end-to-end took approximately two days and three nights.

Today, train travel remains a popular mode of transport, with The Vietage by Anantara offering luxurious journeys along the coast of central Vietnam, starting from Danang all the way south to Nha Trang. Its heritage-inspired interiors hark back to a golden age, with cuisine and drinks thoughtfully curated to match the region’s flavours. The Vietage offers journeys of all lengths, even connecting Anantara Hoi An Resort to Anantara Quy Nhon Villas in remote Quy Nhon Bay. Let an impeccably dressed porter handle your bags as you embark on a timeless rail journey, drifting past the changing landscapes of Vietnam.

Mellow Mekong, Laos

From its origins as frigid water dripping off Tibetan glaciers to its final leg in the steamy delta of southern Vietnam, the 4,350 km Mekong River has served as the lifeline of ancient civilisations all along its path through Southwest China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

In the early mornings, when the sun has barely peeked over the palm-bristled horizon, a boat trip along Laos’ stretch of the Mekong feels like gliding through a sepia-toned motion picture. Board the sleek, teakwood-trimmed Bohème, a new 50-metre luxury cruise from Mekong Kingdoms, with 13 cabins, including a royal suite offering 180° views of the Mekong. The countryside of northern Laos slides past in a succession of scenes seemingly unchanged through time, as you travel upstream or downstream between the capital, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang.

Drifting along the river, life unfolds as it has for centuries: buffalos bathe in the shallows; golden Buddhas peer down from their hillside perch; fishermen still cast their nets in the morning’s orange glow, just as their ancestors have done for generations.

Whether you embark on an epic multi-night cruise or a day trip to the natural wonders of the Pak Ou Cave and Kuang Si Waterfall that dot Luang Prabang’s jungled perimeter, the meandering Mekong forces you to slow down. Vignettes of humble village life and neon-green rice fields work like a rural tonic on hurried souls.

Back on land, Luang Prabang moves at a similarly honeyed pace. Here, days begin with saffron-robed monks collecting alms at dawn, then flow from bicycle rides around the surrounding countryside to long, lazy lunches at one of the French bistros perched along the riverbank. When the sun begins to dip behind the mountains, board the daybed-dotted Monsoon for sundowners and canapés on the river. Then explore the night market downtown before enjoying a dinner of spicy laab salads and curries.