Customer Reviews

The Indochina Chronicles: Travels in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam

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The IndoChina Chronicles, a travelogue good enough to be a historical novel, captures the sights, sounds and the people of the area more richly than most travel books. Phil Karber, a dedicated world traveler, returns to where he started his travels as a soldier during the Vietnam conflict. Phil takes you beyond the big cities and tourist spots to the villages and byways of the region. Experience life (and death)along the Mekong with Phil and his trip companion, Simon, as they travel with the locals. Witness emotional encounters between American veterans and their former foes as they all seek to put the war behind them and build better lives. And life is improving in Indochina. The scars of war are gradually healing over. But Phil won't let you forget the horrors that the war brought. His extensive research provides an historical perspective for almost every town he visits. The intensity of the battle of the Tet Offensive in 1968 as told by a participant is especially compelling. In all, the reader will experience a vibrant culture brought to life by a traveler who can't seem to experience enough of it, a traveler deeply sympathetic to the land and its people. Savor it as you would a fine wine, sip by sip, or as Phil and Simon often do, with a nice spliff.

Indochina Chronicles is simply a wonderful travel book--you can practically taste the food Phil Karber eats and smell the smells. Everything is vividly described, so that you feel as if you're making the trip yourself. The book is really three books in one--part travelogue, part voyage of self-discovery, and also a series of fascinating anecdotes and stories explaining the people and the history of Indochina in an unforgettable way. It was a real pleasure to read.

A journey of redemption for all of us who fought in or against the war in Indo China. Phil Karber does not hide his own personal sadness and outrage as he shows how that war physically and emotionally traumatized an entire region of the world ( as well as an entire generation of young Americans back in the 60's and 70's) And he does this by telling a tale of a journey filled with humor, poignancy, drama, vivid descriptions of places and people and a glimpse of his own comming to terms. His writing, both inspiring and entertaining allows the reader to visit these countries as if he's sitting with you over a beer and sharing it personally with you. This is must reading for all of those who came to terms with "Vietnam" as well as for those who see Iraq as this generation's Vietnam. Phil is an eloquent spokesman for those many quiet, sweet and peace loving citizens of Vietnam Cambodia and Laoas as he relates their stories. And in so doing he presents these countries as intriguing and inviting places to visit.

Karber is the real deal, visiting the Indochina penninsula with an open and curious mind, eager to meet people, hear their stories, eat the food, and follow his own well educated instincts. As a Vietnam Vet, he shows great courage in facing the legacy of Vietnam's "American" war, especially during his visit to the infamous Plain of Jars. As for 'pattilou's comment about this book being a typical 'boys on a road trip' story, it seems to me that Karber's overt and unapologetic loyalty--despite many opportunities--to his wife rules out such a sterotypical response. Rather, Karber embodies the kind of traveller who approaches new cultures with respect, knowledge and humility. He skillfullly weaves together his personal history, the history of Indochina, and the daily experiences of his trip.

The Indochina Chronicles: Travels In Laos, Cambodia And Vietnam is the intimate and intriguing memoir to the Cambodian, Laos, and Vietnam travels of esteemed travel author and globe trotting adventure Phil Karber. Exploring the pieces and intricacies of the country's histories which may only be observed by a native, student, or true professional traveler, The Indochina Chronicles delves deeply into the exotic worlds of three interesting far eastern countries. Perfect reading for the armchair traveler, The Indochina Chronicles is very strongly recommended to as an informative and intriguing collection of stories, histories, happenings, and travelogue explorations of generally unknown countries, all tactfully and engagingly written from beginning to end.

As my wife and I are planning for a vacation in Thailand we found this book more than helpful. Mr. Karber has that rare ability to transport you, with his words, to a beautiful country with beautiful people. Not that they haven't suffered from the Viet-Nam war. His travels and the juxtaposition of various experiences make this an entertaining as well as informative book. A must read for anyone traveling to Asia.

greatly enjoyed mr karber's book, THE INDOCHINA CHRONICLES: TRAVELS IN LOAS, CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM. seldom have i read a travel book that grabbed my attention as this did. the chapter entitled may 5, 1968 was especially compelling. i hope mr karber has more in the works.

i bought this book prior to my own visit to vietnam,cambodia, and laos. i wanted a travel book to give me a first hand look at modern day indochina and i felt rewarded for my efforts. He does a good job of portraying contemporary indochina as well as providing little historical antidotes that help illuminate the narrative. I recommend this book.

A hodgpodge of travelogue, history, "boys on their own", and memoire, this didn't compel me to read it. I finished it, but barely. Not a great read.