South East Asia

South-east Asia is increasingly becoming one of the travelling hotspots of the world and it is easy to see why. With its beautiful islands and beaches, dense jungles, delicious cuisine, fascinating culture and welcoming people, the continent has something to offer for everyone. There is a huge wealth of once-in-a-lifetime activities for visitors to enjoy, from a sunrise climb up Mount Bromo, travelling along the Mekong River and diving in the Philippines.

For those keen to visit South-east Asian cities, there is no better place to start that Bangkok, Thailand's capital. The ancient soul of Thailand with its fascinating history merges effortlessly with the busy, modern metropolis of tall buildings and frenzied pace. Highlights of the city include sunset at Wat Arun on the river, the hugely impressive Grand Palace and the famous bustling markets.

Without a doubt, one of the highlights of a visit to South-east Asia is a trip to Angkor Wat, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and possibly the most enthralling historical site on the planet. Surrounded by peaceful tropical jungle, it is believed that one million people once lived in the huge complex, and the immense scale makes it an impossible place to visit for just one day. Get up early and watch the sunrise for a great start to the day!

A slightly more relaxed option for city lovers is Hanoi, with its French architecture, beautiful lakes and slower pace. Hanoi offers a variety of galleries, museums and theatres, while a trip to see the famous water puppet show is a must!

To avoid the masses of tourists who now head to destinations such as Angkor Wat and Bangkok, Myanmar offers a glimpse of Old Asia. Dilapidated colonial buildings, horse carts and golden pagodas provide a sense of the past in this beautiful country. However, visitors are warned that the desire of the generals who rule the country to keep it closed and tightly under control while also trying to attract tourists to the region can make for an unnerving atmosphere. Adventurous and open-minded travellers are bound to find much to love about Myanmar (formally Burma), yet it is advised that those interested do their research before booking a trip.

The Philippines offers outstanding natural beauty with impressive waterfalls, white, sandy beaches, rice terraces and hilly terrain. However some of the most exquisite sights of South-east Asia are found underwater, with reefs swarming with aquatic life. Relatively low-priced scuba diving can also be found around the islands of Thailand, which offer tired travellers the perfect spot for relaxing and topping up a holiday tan.

One of the major advantages of travelling throughout South-east Asia is the low cost of living. Food, travel and accommodation is relatively very cheap compared to most other tourist destinations, allowing visitors to sample the many delicious delicacies of the region and travel long distances without burning a hole in their pocket.

Visitors to the region will in addition immediately notice the friendly reception from local people, eager to offer a helping hand and insight into their country. With all of this to offer and much, much more, visitors to South-east Asia are bound to be thrilled by the sights, sounds and smells of the different cultures and areas of the region.

Top 5

Scuba-diving in the Palawan Islands, Philippines
Experience the magical Angkor temples in Siem Reap
Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Visit and experience the Orangutan Research base in Borneo
Travel in style on the scenic Eastern Orient Express from Bangkok to Singapore

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