Far East

Vietnam

We can offer you an unequalled travel experience should you choose to visit Vietnam. The tranquil river life of the Mekong or the buzzing metropolis of Ho-Chi-Minh City, or Saigon as it was formerly known in the south, through the hill resorts and golden beaches of the midlands to the historic capital city, Hanoi and the stunning beauty of Ha Long Bay in the north, let us organise the trip of a lifetime.

In Ho Chi Minh City you must visit the War Remnants Museum with its larger than life photos depicting the war, with exhibits such as the Tiger Cage where war prisoners were held. Then crawl through The Cuchi tunnels and have a sip of snake wine that will cure anything!

Hanoi still has genteel traces of its days as a French colony, most evident in the Old Quarter. Rice is the mainstay of Vietnamese meals, but there are many other dishes to choose from, with seafood and spicy beef being very popular.

Best time to visit:

A long thin country so you can experience different weather – Northern Vietnam wettest months are November – March. Central Vietnam September – December are the wettest months. Best months to visit Vietnam (with the chance still of experiencing some showers in the north and south, are June-August where the central areas around Hoi Ann and Nha Trang are at their driest.

Cambodia

Cambodia is home to ancient temples, dense forests, glorious beaches and a fascinating history, rich in art, dance and music. The magnificent temples of the 'Lost City' of Angkor are an irresistible attraction that, despite the dangers of unexploded landmines and the threat of rural banditry, is a must-see for any determined traveller. Phnom, the capital brims with charmingly dilapidated colonial heritage, as well as a vibrant riverside promenade with many cafés and restaurants. Further afield are the beautiful beaches in Sihanoukville. And golfers - take a swing on the golf course designed by famous golfer Nick Faldo.

Best time to visit:

November – April are the best months. Monsoon months are April to October with some heavy rains.

Thailand

Chill on a picture-postcard beach after you’ve shopped till you dropped! A visit to one of the many spiritual Buddhist monasteries and elaborate temples will provide tranquil relief after the hectic bustle of Bangkok, home to the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and floating markets.

Best time to visit:

November – March for Phuket, Krabi etc. May – September for the island of Koh Samui

China

A country of contrasts, the world's most ancient traditions combined with the world's brightest economic future, a land of a thousand million souls, where peaceful rice fields and monastery villages exist alongside bustling ultramodern cities. Visit The Great Wall of China, an undoubted wonder of the world, snaking its way thousands of miles from the mountains of Korea to the sands of the Gobi. Let us organise your trip to to Beijing where you can explore the Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square. Shanghai beckons with its colonial charm, superb shopping and distinctive regional cuisine.

Best time to visit:

March to November are the peak months and within that period April/May and September October are the best months to visit.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong - where the exotic East fuses with the contemporary. Also an excellent destination for shopping. Vibrant and exciting, Hong Kong offers fantastic nightlife and world class cuisine. Kowloon is south of the mainland, forming a peninsula that juts down toward Hong Kong Island, and is the most densely populated part of Hong Kong, teeming with restaurants and shops and the flow of people is nonstop.

Laos

Laos is the 'untouched gem' of South East Asia. We can organise a hike to mountain hill tribes and through rainforest to the waterfalls of the Boloven Plateau. For the more leisurely, visit the mystical Plain of Jars and observe the morning procession of monks in the beautiful temple town of Luang Prabang. Look after elephants for a couple of days or discover life along the river Mekong.

Best time to visit:

November – April the days are warm and dry. Rainy months are May/June. September is the wettest month becoming showery during October.

Myanmar

Formerly known at Burma, Myanmar is located between India and China to the north and Thailand and Laos to the east and Yangon its capital. With the Himalayas in the north where the land is heavily forested with teak and hardwood trees and the flatter central plains and upper areas are rich fertile areas. The country offers lots to see and do. Myanmar has a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The Hlawga Wildlife Park is where you will find a wide range of species of birds and herbivores. Tigers, elephants, bears and leopards, buffaloes and wild cats, together with more the more elusive rare animals such as the red panda and rhinoceros can be seen. Visit Inle Lake where you will find floating villages which are mostly inhabited by the Intha people. See the unique leg rowing fishermen, houses and monasteries on stilts and pagodas, traditional silk weaving and lime stone caves.

Malaysia

Malaysia comprises of two regions – Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah & Sarawak in North Borneo. There are over two hundred islands offering many idyllic beaches, and all water sports including sailing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving. Kuala Lumpur, the modern bustling capital of Malaysia, offers luxurious shopping malls, fine-dining restaurants and historic buildings. For adventure, head for the interior with its’ lush tropical jungles teeming with wildlife.

Best time to visit:

West coast best months are December – March. The East coast March – October are the best months. It can rain at anytime during the year in all parts of Malaysia – usually in short sharp showers, which is a welcome relief from the humidity.

Borneo

Wildlife watching is the highlight of a trip to Borneo, home to South East Asia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu. The best viewing is in the excellent system of reserves and national parks, can be seen Orang Utan, gibbon, leopard, bear, elephant, rhino and turtles. Get back to nature on Turtle Island and relax on one of its beautiful beaches. Take a walk high in the rain forest canopy or travel up one of the jungle rivers to where the Iban live and experience their unique way of communal living.

Best time to visit:

The peak months are between March and October. The wet season is November – February. Climate is hot and humid throughout the year and you can expect a rain shower at any time during the year.

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