South East Asia

This small city state is a bustling, cosmopolitan and very trendy, multicultural gem. East meets West. High rise meets colonial splendour. Malay, Chinese and western cultures melt together to provide an intriguing blend of modern and traditional. The arts flourish here and there’s a full calendar of events both cultural and colourful throughout the year. The wonderful Arts Festival, Dragon Boat Regatta and Grand Prix are three on our very long list of great recommendations.

The Botanic Garden is one of the most famous of its kind throughout the world. Open since 1859, this is home to the beautiful National Orchid Garden and not to be missed. To escape the city, locals and tourists head to Sentosa Island, Asia’s own Universal Studios. The family attractions in this park are great, but there are also charming coastal and forest nature walks to enjoy.

The climate remains tropical throughout most of the year, so expect a quick refreshing daily shower to offset the humidity. 

Vietnam, the 3,000km long and thin gem of Indochina stretches from the Northern mountains to the Mekong Delta. Designated a world heritage site, Ha Long Bay’s majestic 2000 pinnacles of limestone in the Gulf of Tonkin are awesome. Legend has it a dragon crash landed in the gulf and caused the islets to form – we think that might just be true!  The cities and towns offer a wealth of contrasting delights from French-colonial houses to Chinese temples; chaotic markets to designer boutiques; colourful and interesting street food to high-end restaurants. 

Cycles contend with mopeds and scooters for space on the roads whilst centuries-old architecture emerges from the shadows of skyscrapers. The attractive coastal cities of Hué and Hoi An boast tranquil rivers and striking architecture whilst bustling, eclectic and thoroughly modern Ho Chi Minh City provides a great mix of the old and new sitting side by side.

The capital Hanoi is one of the oldest and most attractive cities in the region and bears testament to its colonial past, exuding a gracious charm. The 600-year-old ancient quarter lies at its heart whilst a cool vibrancy is also evident throughout the city. Hanoi particularly, with its preserved French colonial heart is a joy to explore with stalls and street diners spilling onto the pavement and into the busy roads themselves.

Museums abound and those with an eye on recent history can even visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh himself.

Vietnam’s beaches lie inthe southern half of the country, from Danang southwards through Hoi An and Nha Trang to the idyllic island of Con Dao in the South China Sea. 

We are delighted to be able to share Vietnam with you. A rich bounty of sightseeing gems and experiences that should part of your South East Asia wish list.

The beautiful island of Borneo is split between Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo and the tiny state of Brunei. Malaysian Borneo truly offers something for everyone. Teaming with natural wonders, beautiful beaches, amazing exotic wildlife and the friendliest of people we love to recommend a visit to Borneo, especially if combining with a trip to Malaysia or Singapore.

The world-famous orangutan orphanage at Sepilok is a must. Feeding time brings these exquisite creatures roaming free in the wild straight to your viewing point and you can also enjoy designated walking trails through the 17 square miles of protected habitat. A real favourite of ours is a trip from Sandakan to Turtle Island. Our first-hand experience vouches for the great privilege it is to see the green and hawksbill turtles laying their eggs and the hatchlings being released.

Adrenaline junkies won’t be disappointed either. Natures rich abundance in Borneo has provided for some of the best dive sites in the world at Sipadan and Lankayan, amazing hiking and mountain climbing in the World Heritage protected Kinabalu National Park, white water rafting on the Padas River and wildlife trekking through pristine forests and friendly indigenous villages such as Kota Belud, Gombizau and Bavanggazo. 

Its tropical climate means that you can visit all year round, with sunny days and warm temperatures. The climate can be different between the east and the west and you should expect higher rainfall between November and January.

Nestled between Vietnam, Laos and Thailand with mountains on two sides, Cambodia, along with it’s neighbor Laos, boasts some of the best-preserved rain forest in Asia. With 277 miles of exquisite un-spoilt coastline to the West and the mighty Mekong river and central Tonle Sap lake, this wildlife rich country is green and fertile.

The capital Phnom Penh was once hailed as the Pearl of the Orient. Its shuttered houses, bustling street markets and gallic food still exude French colonial charm. Siem Reap is a short plane hop from the Capital or Ho Chi Minh City in neighbouring Vietnam. This charming and vibrant riverside town is the best location from which to visit the splendor of the Angkor Wat temple complex, enjoy some great trekking or travel to the nearby Tonle Sap lake. 

The mighty temples of Angkor Wat offer a glimpse of the majesty of Cambodia’s greatest period. Without doubt this is one of the most magnificent wonders of the world. The awe inspiring main temple is the world’s largest religious complex and is best viewed at both sunrise and sunset. Grab a tuk tuk driver or air-conditioned car and give yourself at least a full day to visit the main sites. Ta Prohm is perhaps the most atmospheric of the ruins, engulfed as it is with the encroaching jungle, whilst we also recommend not missing the beautiful Angkor Thom which we think is simply stunning with its 216 smiling faces of Buddha – it’s both enigmatic and other worldly. Tonle Sap lake feeds and nourishes the region but is also a great visit for those wanting to see authentic fishing village life at Kompong Khleang and the famous Prek Toal bird sanctuary. 

After all that temple visiting and jungle adventure, the turquoise bays of Southern Cambodia are the perfect way to unwind on pristine beaches flanked by coastal forest. Well worth a few days of luxury at the end of your Cambodia trip.

The best time of year to visit is during the cool season from October to February after the monsoon when it is less humid but still warm with a welcome breeze or two.

As the famous Star Ferry transports you across Victoria Harbour you’ll pass traditional Chinese junks going about their daily business. Take advantage of your first clear day by taking the Peak Tram to the top to enjoy the best view of Hong Kong laid out before you – even better, go again at dusk to see the city scape come to life.

Kowloon provides a traditional experience and the markets are a microcosm of Chinese life. Mong Kok is a sprawling eclectic, chaotic and wonderful mix of everything genuine, fake, useful and useless. Get lost in the stalls and the sprawl, the sights and the smells. The flower market is also not to be missed.

As darkness falls, the Temple Street Night Market comes to life. Hundreds of stalls open for business and the vendors are ready to barter with you. It’s not luxurious but it IS fun.

Little known is that 70% of Hong Kong is officially countryside. A short bus trip can find you on the southern side of the island and a world away from the skyscrapers. Aberdeen offers famous floating seafood restaurants whilst the nearby Happy Valley racetrack provides your Wednesday evening flutter. 

Stanley, located on a peninsular is an altogether more relaxed location whilst Repulse Bay is home to Hong Kong’s most famous if slightly crowded beach. People watching a must here.

A day hiking the Dragon’s Back with sumptuous views of the rugged southern coast, a swim and lunch at Big Wave Bay and a walk around Shek ‘O is the perfect antidote to the city.

Tian Tan Buddha, over 500m up on the western slopes of Lantau is the largest outdoor seated Buddha in the world. It sits upon the Ngong Ping Plateau in a serene posture and the cable car trip down at sunset is worth the wait.

On Lantau, the village of Tai O provides a glimpse of traditional stilted fishing village life. A sampan boat is always on hand to show you around the canals and can even divert you to viewing the pink dolphins at play on the Pearl River.

Whatever your motivation for visiting Hong Kong, we think it has so much to offer and more than a few hidden gems.

Malaysia occupies part of the Malay Peninsular and includes the island of Borneo. Marvel at the twin Petronas Towers in the capital Kuala Lumpur best seen not only from the ground at any time of the day but in the evening from the top of the KL Tower. Enjoy a mix of cultural influences from Malay, Chinese and Indian but just don’t miss a chance to spend a couple of days in this great city. Malaysia’s famous West Coast is full of colonial ports and the centre for Chinese culture. For great beach resorts head to Langkawi Island whilst the Penang Island charm lies in its temples and wonderful, exotic and rightly famous street food nestled amid the capital Georgetown’s UNESCO World Heritage splendour.

The East Coast has some of the best dive sites in the area at Tioman, Redang and Perhentian Islands. The larger Penhentian Besar island is more luxurious, less crowded and certainly worth spending a little extra. Whilst Malaysia’s Peranakan city Malacca has an equally relaxed vibe not to be missed.

A few other gems would include the Taman Negara National park for some of the finest rainforest and tropical gardens, firefly watching on the river in Kuala Selangor and the world famous Hindu Batu caves.

Discover the land of the rising sun. Japan is an exotic and intoxicating land of contrasts where modern cities sit alongside stunning landscapes and rub shoulders with age-old traditions and a fascinatingly rich culture Japan is a unique and captivating holiday destination where ancient temples and tranquil shrines mingle with the high-rise, neon-lit and ultra - modern cityscapes of Tokyo and Osaka Tokyo is home to anime, 24-hour karaoke bars and more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world but it’s also a Wacky and wonderful city in equal measure.

Where else could you combine the Tokyo Skytree – the world’s tallest tower with the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden or the eclectic and boutique Asakusa district with Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple. Timeless traditions are everywhere but no more so than in the ancient imperial UNESCO World Heritage city of Kyoto. Here shrines like the Golden Pavilion, traditional wooden Ryokans, and tea houses line Gion’s evocative backstreets and geisha’s bustle along amongst the rickshaws and Shinto monks. Take the famous Shinkansen bullet train out of the metropolis and you will soon find a spectacular, naturally beautiful, and varied landscape, famous for such sights as the iconic Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, the Japanese Alps, hot springs, Spring cherry blossoms and Autumnal maple trees. Every season it seems, plays its part in blessing Japan with such a rich, varied, and stunning countryside. Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima has emerged as a vibrant city that boasts boulevards, museums, monuments, enchanting gardens, and excellent cuisine. The Peace Memorial Park and museum is the perfect location for reflection. Nara adopted influences from many different cultures, and it is therefore an historic treasure trove of delights, not least, some of the country’s oldest temples. This is an amazing location for which we are delighted to offer some truly outstanding and uniquely different experiences.

Nestling within the Indonesian archipelago are the neighbouring islands of Bali and Lombok. Both idyllic holiday destinations where ancient volcanoes stand over thick and luscious tropical jungles. Dramatic rivers cut through steep gorges and the seemingly endless coastlines boast impressive beaches, coves and bays.

Bali is colourful, vibrant and glamorous, Lombok is laid back, stunningly beautiful and uncommercialised. Rich in natural splendors, the islands also have a rich heritage, defined by ancient palaces and splendid temples. The people are so friendly and welcoming and love to put on show their cultural events, arts, music and dance.

In southern Bali the sweeping white sandy beaches offer exemplary water sports with some of the best surfing in the world and of course not to mention the nightlife. It’s a great haven for thrill seeking and staying out late!

Not too far away, Seminyak steps up in fine dining and boasts chic cocktail bars, restaurants, elegant shops and luxury spas. In central Bali, the tempo is much more laid back. The pace slows down and the villages are quaint and unspoiled. Ubud is remarkable, and very much the home of the islands art and cultural scene. We recommend several of the finest boutique hotels that sit above the Ayung River Gorge. This puts you in close touch to the white-water rafting where thrills are guaranteed. Whilst in central Bali the Taro Elephant Safari park is also not to be missed and a great day out.

Many of the islands best preserved ancient temples lie on the east of the island in the shadows of the Gunung Agung- Bali’s tallest and holiest volcano. A stay in Candi Dasa puts you in easy reach of the cultural sites, indigenous villages and some of the best trekking on the island. Whilst not feeling overrun, there is also a wealth of great boutique and luxury hotels to choose from and delicious wellness spas where relaxation and pampering is the order of the day.

Neighbouring Lombok is unpretentious. Mountains dominate, waterfalls cascade and coral reefs dazzle. Outdoor activities dominate and some very fine trekking guides you to some of the finest vistas imaginable. Don’t miss this island if you’re going to Bali- its charming. High season for Bali and Lombok is December to February but the weather is arguably most pleasant between May and September.

The Southern Asian state of Thailand is known for its superb tropical beaches, ornate temples, rain forest ruins and resplendent royal palace, not to mention its warmth and friendliness.

The iconic temples of Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew are but a few of the historical and cultural sites to visit in Thailand though it’s the Grand Palace in Bangkok that most remember from a visit to the capital. It is a truly astonishing wonder of cultural importance and craftsmanship and will take at least half a day to begin to do it justice.

Thailand boasts some of the best beaches in the world. You’ll find just a few mentioned here but there’s plenty more we are only too pleased to recommend. Some of the most amazing palm fringed beaches are to be found at Patong on Phuket, whilst Railay beach on Krabi, only accessed by boat, has great rock climbing and bouldering but is also considered one of the country’s best beaches.

The long beach at Koh Lanta is also a top venue where the restaurants are right on the beach and the swimming is glorious in warm waters and soft sand sea beds.

As famous as the Ha Long Bay area of Vietnam, the waters of Phang Nga Bay feature amazing limestone karsts which rise majestically out of the bay including the famous James Bond Island of Koh Ta Pu. Charter a private junk boat to really make a memorable day out.

The Koh Phi Phi islands can be crowded and its advisable to watch out for the monkeys that will happily steal your food in front of you, but they are certainly lively and fun.

For those seeking the great outdoors away from the beaches, the National Parks of Ayutthaya and Khao Yai offer great wildlife trails and trekking and are home to elephants in their natural habitat. A two - day trek through the jungle, bathing and feeding the elephants is a not to be missed opportunity to have a truly memorable trip. The ancient capital of Sukhothai is a favourite with those seeking the historical heart of Thailand and a great chance to take some truly memorable holiday photos. The ruins of the old city are a national treasure and you will be able to see why as the absorbing and idyllic setting of ancient temples comes into view.