Fishing Tour in Indochina

The countries of Indochina have fishing in their heart. Fish is the major food and fish sauce, made from a species of anchovy, is the essential flavour for dishes from Vietnam to Thailand. With hundreds of miles of sea coast, lakes and many rivers, including the mighty Mekong, one of the worlds greatest, and the famed River Kwai, you are never far away from prime fishing territory. The range of catches available is almost endless – although you are becoming more difficult to land a Mekong catfish, the world's largest freshwater fish. It is, sadly, under threat and few remain.

In Vietnam, the best fishing is sea fishing. The coral reefs of the beautiful Nha Trang Bay in south central Vietnam are famous. The local government are doing much to protect its fisheries and here can be found one of the four first marine protected areas in the world. Lobster farming is a specialty of the area.

In the north, at Halong bay and Lan Ha it is possible to fish amongst the thousands of islands which make up this scenic wonder. Long Chau Island is the most famous for its fishing and after a day's sport there is nothing greater than to sit back and enjoy the freshly cooked catch.

In neighbouring Cambodia, in the south lies Sihanoukville. This city has many offshore islands which make ideal bases for deep sea fishing. Koh Khteah, Koh Ta Kiev &  Koh Chraloh are the best choices. At the heart of Cambodia lies the largest freshwater lake in Indochina, the Tonlé Sap. This river and  lake complex supplies Cambodia with around half of its total requirement of fish and has literally kept the Cambodian people alive at times. Fishing tours are easily arranged.

Landlocked Laos is equally dependent on fish and it makes full use of the Mekong River, although there is also fishing in other areas. Fishermen on the have a simple but effective way of harvesting their catches using a hand cast net. This is something many visitors are keen to try, but it's not as simple as it appears. Nahm Ngum, a reservoir to the north of the Lao capital, Vientiane is quiet and secluded and there are many islands in the Mekong which are bases for fishing charters. The river opens out till it is over 14km wide forming the area known as 4000 Islands. Among these islands Don Det is a favourite fishing venue.

Thailand, with its long coastline, lakes and many rivers has the most accessible fishing in all of Indochina. Examples include Shadow Lake (Now Nam), a quiet fishing venue offering large carp and even Mekong catfish. Hua Hin offers fishing in this royal city. Hua Hin Fishing Lodge has two lakes stocked with over 25 different species. In the north, Chaing Mai's Bo-sang Lake is a popular choice. But the most special fishery is probably Bungsamran in Bangkok. This fishing destination holds four world records and is the ideal place for giant carp and other species.

Wherever you choose in Indochina, whether for a relaxed day messing about on the river or for a serious attempt at some of the larger predators, there are endless opportunities for finding exotic fishing in this exotic part of the world.