What’s your favourite takeaway; Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Malaysian, Nonya, Japanese? Hard to choose, isn’t it? Each is fantastic, yet very different from all the others.
Holidays in Asia are like that too.
With as much variety as a Chinese banquet, Asia serves up a holiday experience for all tastes, and every course is a delight. From vast and ancient China to tiny, brand-new East Timor, the range and types of holiday in this magical, mystical part of the globe are endless. And because we’re near neighbours we can get up there for a full-blown holiday or just a short break for a spot of retail therapy or a stretch on a tropical beach to recharge the batteries.
With such diversity in culture, cuisine and history there are countless choices to be made; even deciding which country to visit can be a struggle. The adventurer might consider a trekking holiday in Nepal; perhaps crossing the Gobi desert by 4WD, or tackling the Kokoda track in true ANZAC style. For an experience holiday how about a Vietnamese cooking school in ancient Hoi An, a decadent spa package at a luxury resort in Thailand’s achingly beautiful Hua Hin, or a narrow gauge rail expedition to the cool mountain station towns of northern India.
Family friendly is an often overworked phrase in our business, but nothing better describes the scene on Bali’s sublime beaches or the atmosphere in Hong Kong’s Disneyland, while nothing says “romance” like Banyan Tree or Aman, check them out for the ultimate in luxe. Hot new destinations appear daily and the early adopter might consider Bhutan and South Korea as viable options if the beaten track has become a little too predictable.
Absolutely chockers with unique attractions the big cities of Asia have called us for decades with their chaotic siren songs and timeless traditions. Think Bangkok for its riverfront temples, Shanghai for breakneck speed development, Osaka for cultural treasures, Saigon for street food, Singapore for a relaxing cool vibe, Delhi for a frenetic spice hit, KL for shopping and Seoul as the “new black” in exotic destinations.
What we love about Asia
No matter where we go, the people of Asia are universally cheerful and welcoming.
The streets are a key part of the Asian way of life and we love wandering down back streets, alleys and hutongs watching life being lived.
What’s not to love about the fabulous cuisines of our northern neighbours?
India Initial Insights
Sunday 15th December 2002
Travel Counsellor: Kerrie Croft
What a diverse country and one that is best explored either longer term or over several visits to different regions. I have spent around five months travelling north to south, east to west, so have a good idea of what it has to offer.
It has something for all tastes from the hippy shores of Goa, to the spiritual ghats of Varanasi on the holy Ganges River; from the poverty sprawl of Albanian born Mother Theresa’s hometown of Calcutta to the majestic architecture of the Taj Mahal in Agra; from the camel treks in the expansive deserts of Rajasthan to the old colonial style luxury houseboats in Srinagar, Kashmir; from the protected sacred cows freely wandering the streets to the tigers, Indian elephants and plenty more wildlife in virtually unknown National Parks; from the street barbers and dentists to the crowded public trains, there is such a range of sensations that I have described India as my number one favourite country as a whole.
This will be just the first of several journals... view full story
click a circle on the map to view a Travel Counsellor's Diary