The Indochina Chronicles: Travels in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam

by Phil Karber

In this insightful travelogue, American war veteran Phil Karber takes you on a journey down the roads, rivers and rails of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. He writes insightfully about the political effect of the Vietnam War on the people and places, adding a whole new perspective on the region's history and culture. Accompanied by a friend, London artist Simon Redington, they follow the Mekong River from China to Saigon, to the infamous Tiger Cages on Con Son Island, and to the city sidewalks of Hanoi, where the author lived for five years. Along the way, the stories will capture your imagination and transport you to a beautiful region, undaunted by war and poverty. Indeed, this book brings to life the harsh realities of the region's history, culture, politics and people. Together with its unforgettable images of locals, veterans and expatriates, this transcends normal expectations of travel literature.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Asia

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2007

Reviews

[Jason Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. I read alot of travel books, and often one must overlook sophmoric writng and just enjoy the interesting places traveled. Not so with this book, at all. It is a near perfect combination; the author's history as a traveler, the cultural, natural, and political histories of the countries, and wonderful descriptions of the current places and situations. This is a great read for anyone, but any interested in such places or planning a trip there would be especially pleased by this book. Was incrediblely moved by the large numbers of vets doing amazing humanitarian works in these regions, and not surprised at all at the lack of valid work being done by government agencies. Great pic of some really amazing people.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was part adventure and a history lesson about the Indochina region: Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. It wasn't always easy reading, but I endured and was able to get through. I enjoyed the author's writing about the people, their culture and the history of their land. It seems a multitude of nations (France, China, Japan, USA) have attempted to force their will in the region. The author does a great job explaining that history as well as his journey through Laos (along the Mekong), Cambodia and Vietnam, ending in Hanoi.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading this book, I enjoyed reminiscing about my own adventures through Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, having visited many of the same places. I especially liked his depiction of "Pancakers," those semi-hippy travelers who all frequent the same places, where they always have banana pancakes on the menu. This book also brought home, yet again, the terrible and still-ongoing impact of America's involvement in SE Asia (both for SE Asians and for American war vets). Not sure why it took me so long to get through this book though...so 3 stars it is.

[Rema · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give up. Can't finish it. To someone who has few points of reference for Indochina, this book was a rambling and hard-to-follow tangle of unfamiliar names and activities. It reminded me of a personal diary, and though I tried to hang on, I finally succumbed to being completely and helplessly adrift. When I finally put it down for good, I had no idea what was going on, unfortunately, and no interest in trying to figure it out.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting travelogue / memoir / history as we revisit Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia with the author, and Vietnam Veteran, Phil Karber. Karber does not shy away from the troubling legacy left by the war in these countries but somehow manages to evoke a sense of hope for the local people who have suffered so much and for the veterans. Not a page turner but a thoughtful book filled with insight and food for thought.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read about the region I work in, but I really didn't warm up to the author and definitely not to his traveling companion. It is an extremely macho world they traveled in. The best is the final section on Vietnam.

[Mark Zvonkovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone going to Indochina. The prose is engaging. Phil has a good eye, which he couples with wit and empathy.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

we're considering spending part or all of our honeymoon in vietnam or cambodia.