Go on a luxurious and inspiring journey through Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Japan and South East Asia. You will experience the mystery and uniqueness of this vibrant region like never before.
Journey to India to explore the colour and spectacle of this unique region. Visit the iconic Taj Mahal, explore the spice markets and bazaars and taste the amazing regional cuisine.
Intoxicating, intriguing and unforgettable, the allure of Asia lies in its myriad of fascinating sights, traditions and peoples, from the elusive geishas of Kyoto to the rural Hmong tribes, and Vietnam’s peasant women, whose smiles are as large as their famous conical hats. Religion and spirituality is profound and vivid colours are at every turn, from neon lights and rainbows of silks to emerald green rice paddies.
Exotic, mystical and incredible, India is a sensory adventure with its kaleidoscope of colourful festivals, rich culinary traditions and world famous monuments. From bustling bazaars to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, from the rich and opulent palaces of Rajasthan and the abundant wildlife India will surprise you.
Cambodia
After 25 year of isolation, Cambodia opened its doors to tourists in the mid-1990s. From cruising on Tonlé Sap through floating villages, to discovering the charms of Siem Reap and the beaches of Sihanoukville, a Cambodian experience will also showcase the legacy of the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Perhaps the ultimate highlight is taking a tuk tuk to the magnificent 12th century World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat temple complex, the ancient capital of the great Khmer Empire, and one of the most incredible wonders of the world.
China is bursting with a mix of historical treasures, architectural wonders, stunning natural scenery and modern cities. The capital, Beijing boasts the magnificent Forbidden City and the ancient ramparts at the Great Wall. In Xi’an, witness the amazing life size warriors of the Terracotta Army, whilst the iconic Giant Pandas are best encountered in their natural habitat in Chengdu. Be enthralled by one of the world’s great cities, Shanghai, and discover the beauty of Hangzhou and its West Lake; whilst in neighbouring Tibet discover the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, and the capital, Lhasa, known as the ‘City of Gods’.
The fascination with India lies in its extraordinary combination and vibrant juxtaposition of colour, aromas, tastes, history and culture. Diverse and complex, India is an incredible reflection of the distinct traditions and values of a country with a recorded history dating back some 5,000 years and a profound sense of spirituality. From the sublime beauty of the Taj Mahal to the fairytale city of Udaipur you will witness incredible grandeur and colonial history; whilst its colourful kaleidoscope of festivals and fairs express the Indian spirit of celebration.
Japan is a country of contrasts and steeped in tradition. From the neon lights and towering skyscrapers of Tokyo, to carefully preserved old-world villages, enchanting temples, the elusive geishas of Kyoto, the explosion of pink from the famous cherry blossoms, and the sleek bullet trains gliding through the countryside, the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is an extraordinary touring experience. Spend time at the world’s biggest fish market before dining on one of the world’s great cuisines, discover the world of the sumo wrestler, learn the art of origami and pay homage to the legacy of Hiroshima at its famous Peace Park.
From riding an elephant to witnessing the rituals of Laotian monks to experiencing the tantalising flavours of Laotian coffee and watching the sun set on the Mekong, discovering Laos is an enriching experience. Visit the sleepy capital Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong River and the World Heritage-listed ancient capital, Luang Prabang, known for its numerous temples, colonial era architecture, and vibrant night market. The ‘four thousand islands’ of Si Phan Don are nestled within the Mekong; whilst the Plain of Jars, a megalithic archaeological landscape of thousands of stone jars, are scattered over the low foothills near Phonsavan.
The fascinating country of Myanmar, home to some of the early civilizations of South East Asia and more familiarly known as Burma, has opened its doors again to tourism since the 1990s. This amazing country invites you to join in for tea with the locals in Yangon, discover the Temples of Bagan and the country’s most revered Buddhist temple, the Shwedagon Pagoda. Wander past colonial buildings in Yangon, discover the natural beauty of Inle Lake, where fishermen stand to row their delicate craft, and explore the streets of the former capital, Mandalay.
From pulsating Bangkok to the Golden Triangle and the resorts of Phuket, the Kingdom of Thailand draws travellers from the world over thanks to its exotic combination of cuisine, climate and culture as well as its lush rainforest, spectacular islands, exotic wildlife and great beaches. The only South East Asian nation never to have been colonised by the Europeans, Thailand’s rich and friendly culture is a haven for travellers to ride elephants, discover hill tribe communities, visit tranquil Buddhist temples, explore the ruins of Ayutthaya, the former Siamese capital, encounter the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai and shop in the country’s famous floating markets.
From the towering limestone karsts of the World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, to the point where the Mekong meets the sea, and the sweeping beaches of the central coast, the spectacular scenery of Vietnam envelops you. The influence of the French is evident in both the city architecture to the baguettes sold on the street, but its unique endemic culture is proudly on display with its ancient pagodas, bustling markets and hill tribe communities. The history and beauty of this country awaits, from exploring the amazing Cu Chi tunnels with a Vietnam War Veteran to the charm of the people and its world-famous cuisine.