Escape Edition 83

Discover Asia

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Discover Asia

Asia holidays can be anything you want them to be. As the world’s largest – and most beguiling – continent, the options here are almost endless. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions, try lots of new and incredible flavours, search for orangutans, or relax on a gorgeous beach, a holiday in Asia is sure to deliver. In this week’s Escape Edition, we give you our top tips for where to go for all of the above and more.

BEACH BREAK? DIVE IN.

ALL CULTURE NO SHOCK

SAVOUR ASIA

GO WILD IN ASIA

BEACH BREAK? DIVE IN.

Many of Thailand’s best beaches can be found in the south of the country, and it’s here that you’ll also discover Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui. Warm, gentle waves lap its sun-soaked beaches while the island’s interior is cloaked in verdant jungle. Rent a jet ski at Bophut, go surfing at Chaweng Beach, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Ang Thong National Park, or relax on a sun lounger with a good book.

Top tip: Koh Samui is unaffected by the wet weather between May and September, unlike the rest of Thailand. So, if you’re thinking of going on a Thailand holiday in the summer, Koh Samui is one of your best bets.

Take me there

Show Less

Just off the west coast of mainland Malaysia is the archipelago of Langkawi. With sleepy white sand beaches soaked in tropical sunshine, Langkawi’s sugary shores are peppered with picturesque beaches and luxury resorts. Snorkel among rainbow-coloured corals in preserved marine zones and walk through the tropical rainforest searching for butterflies, birds, and monkeys. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.

Take me there

Show Less

It’s easy to see why Bali has become Indonesia’s most-loved island. This petite isle has a rich interior of volcanic peaks and steamy jungles encircled by sweeping beaches and bath-warm waters. Combine this with Bali’s laidback charm, and you have a recipe for success. The calm, tropical seas are filled with vibrant corals and exotic marine life, while the powdery sands are lined with palm trees and chilled-out bars. Trendy Seminyak is Bali’s most fashionable beach and is great for surfing, while tranquil Sanur and Nusa Dua are perfect for some downtime, and lively Kuta is all about pulsing bars and gorgeous sunsets.

Take me there

Show Less

ALL CULTURE NO SHOCK

‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ - Japan boasts stunning natural beauty, fantastic cuisine, and one of the world’s oldest cultures. Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is the best place to enjoy an array of experiences with deep cultural significance. With a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thousands of temples, it’s earned its reputation as the spiritual heart of Japan. Take a trip to the historic Gion district, and you might spot geishas and maikos (trainee geishas) wandering around with their painted faces and colourful parasols. Kyoto is also a great place to enjoy an authentic tea ceremony, during which you’ll have the chance to sip carefully prepared cups of matcha.

Take me there

Show Less

Next stop Cambodia, no longer a hidden gem, it’s become a popular choice for culture-seekers and history lovers. You’ll likely start in the capital, Phnom Penh, which is a great introduction to the country’s culture. In the late seventies, the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia and oversaw the annihilation of a fifth of the population. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which serves as a monument of those who died, and take a trip to the nearby Killing Fields, which are a moving must-see on a visit to Cambodia. Angkor Wat is the country’s biggest attraction; this UNESCO World Heritage Site features a series of striking temples over 900 years old!

Take me there

Show Less

Halfway down Vietnam’s lengthy coastline, you’ll find Hue, one of the country’s most historic cities. History buffs and culture seekers will love Hue’s remarkable architecture. The ornate Thien Mu Pagoda is a wonder to behold, and the grand interior of the Tomb of Khai Dinh is a must-see. But the UNESCO-stamped Imperial City is sure to be a highlight of your Hue holiday. Walk through its intricate gates and discover a medley of temples and palaces encircled by age-old walls.

Take me there

Show Less

SAVOUR ASIA

There is such a variety of cuisines on offer throughout Asia that you will be spoilt for choice. Here are just a few highlights to whet your appetite.

Singapore is renowned for its street food, so visiting a hawker centre is a must-do. In Singapore, you’ll enjoy all kinds of flavours influenced by Chinese, Indian and Malaysian cuisines. Feast on Hainanese chicken rice, creamy laksa and delicious chilli crab. At the other end of the spectrum, Singapore boasts over 50 Michelin-starred restaurants. Hawker Chan, in the city’s Chinatown Complex Food Centre, holds one Michelin star and is well worth a visit for their Cantonese soya sauce chicken rice, a bargain at just $2! Remember to also enjoy a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel Long Bar, where this famous cocktail was born.

Take me there

Show Less

Dim sum is a huge part of Hong Kong's heritage, and this local cuisine comes in various flavours and textures, both savoury and sweet. Enjoyed by locals for breakfast, you can find dim sum throughout the city. The most popular choices are the char siu bao (barbequed pork buns) and siu mai (steamed shrimp dumplings). You can enjoy dim sum in luxury hotel restaurants and hidden gems just off the beaten track.

Take me there

Show Less

For a quintessential Thai experience, be sure to sample the wonders of Thai street food. And best of all, you don't have to spend much money to enjoy a tasty lunch or a satisfying dinner. Eating at a simple Thai hawker stall isn't just about the food - it's marvelling at the organised chaos, the heat, the smells and the noise. There is nothing like it. So, on your next trip to Thailand, pull up a tiny plastic chair and delve into the delights of Thai street food.

Take me there

Show Less

GO WILD IN ASIA

Anchored between mainland Malaysia and Indonesia, Borneo is packed with incredible wildlife. Walk along the jungle-clad peaks of Crocker Range National Park, where you can spot gibbons, macaques, civet cats, and a variety of birdlife. But it is the orangutan that is the real star of the show here. No holiday to Borneo would be complete without a sighting of this orange-haired primate. Head to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where baby and adult orangutans swing through the large forest reserve and fill up on bananas at feeding time.

Take me there

Show Less

In China, the wildlife verges from the strange to the cuddly – and you don’t have to go far off the beaten track to see it all. Much of the country’s most diverse wildlife can be found in the Sichuan province – and its modern capital, Chengdu, is famous for its pandas. Visit Chengdu Panda Reserve to see these gentle giants for yourself.

Take me there

Show Less

Last on our list has to be the magnificent Bengal Tiger. No visit to India would be complete without a sighting. India is home to 70% of the world’s remaining tiger population, and whilst the species remains endangered, the country has made considerable strides in their conservation over recent years. There is more wildlife in India to discover, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, Indian bison, and the one-horned rhino. There are even lions! And with almost 2,000 bird species, the country is a bird watchers paradise.

Take me there

Show Less

BEACH BREAK? DIVE IN.

Many of Thailand’s best beaches can be found in the south of the country, and it’s here that you’ll also discover Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui. Warm, gentle waves lap its sun-soaked beaches while the island’s interior is cloaked in verdant jungle. Rent a jet ski at Bophut, go surfing at Chaweng Beach, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Ang Thong National Park, or relax on a sun lounger with a good book.

Top tip: Koh Samui is unaffected by the wet weather between May and September, unlike the rest of Thailand. So, if you’re thinking of going on a Thailand holiday in the summer, Koh Samui is one of your best bets.

Take me there

Show Less

Just off the west coast of mainland Malaysia is the archipelago of Langkawi. With sleepy white sand beaches soaked in tropical sunshine, Langkawi’s sugary shores are peppered with picturesque beaches and luxury resorts. Snorkel among rainbow-coloured corals in preserved marine zones and walk through the tropical rainforest searching for butterflies, birds, and monkeys. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.

Take me there

Show Less

It’s easy to see why Bali has become Indonesia’s most-loved island. This petite isle has a rich interior of volcanic peaks and steamy jungles encircled by sweeping beaches and bath-warm waters. Combine this with Bali’s laidback charm, and you have a recipe for success. The calm, tropical seas are filled with vibrant corals and exotic marine life, while the powdery sands are lined with palm trees and chilled-out bars. Trendy Seminyak is Bali’s most fashionable beach and is great for surfing, while tranquil Sanur and Nusa Dua are perfect for some downtime, and lively Kuta is all about pulsing bars and gorgeous sunsets.

Take me there

Show Less

ALL CULTURE NO SHOCK

‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ - Japan boasts stunning natural beauty, fantastic cuisine, and one of the world’s oldest cultures. Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is the best place to enjoy an array of experiences with deep cultural significance. With a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thousands of temples, it’s earned its reputation as the spiritual heart of Japan. Take a trip to the historic Gion district, and you might spot geishas and maikos (trainee geishas) wandering around with their painted faces and colourful parasols. Kyoto is also a great place to enjoy an authentic tea ceremony, during which you’ll have the chance to sip carefully prepared cups of matcha.

Take me there

Show Less

Next stop Cambodia, no longer a hidden gem, it’s become a popular choice for culture-seekers and history lovers. You’ll likely start in the capital, Phnom Penh, which is a great introduction to the country’s culture. In the late seventies, the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia and oversaw the annihilation of a fifth of the population. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which serves as a monument of those who died, and take a trip to the nearby Killing Fields, which are a moving must-see on a visit to Cambodia. Angkor Wat is the country’s biggest attraction; this UNESCO World Heritage Site features a series of striking temples over 900 years old!

Take me there

Show Less

Halfway down Vietnam’s lengthy coastline, you’ll find Hue, one of the country’s most historic cities. History buffs and culture seekers will love Hue’s remarkable architecture. The ornate Thien Mu Pagoda is a wonder to behold, and the grand interior of the Tomb of Khai Dinh is a must-see. But the UNESCO-stamped Imperial City is sure to be a highlight of your Hue holiday. Walk through its intricate gates and discover a medley of temples and palaces encircled by age-old walls.

Take me there

Show Less

SAVOUR ASIA

There is such a variety of cuisines on offer throughout Asia that you will be spoilt for choice. Here are just a few highlights to whet your appetite.

Singapore is renowned for its street food, so visiting a hawker centre is a must-do. In Singapore, you’ll enjoy all kinds of flavours influenced by Chinese, Indian and Malaysian cuisines. Feast on Hainanese chicken rice, creamy laksa and delicious chilli crab. At the other end of the spectrum, Singapore boasts over 50 Michelin-starred restaurants. Hawker Chan, in the city’s Chinatown Complex Food Centre, holds one Michelin star and is well worth a visit for their Cantonese soya sauce chicken rice, a bargain at just $2! Remember to also enjoy a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel Long Bar, where this famous cocktail was born.

Take me there

Show Less

Dim sum is a huge part of Hong Kong's heritage, and this local cuisine comes in various flavours and textures, both savoury and sweet. Enjoyed by locals for breakfast, you can find dim sum throughout the city. The most popular choices are the char siu bao (barbequed pork buns) and siu mai (steamed shrimp dumplings). You can enjoy dim sum in luxury hotel restaurants and hidden gems just off the beaten track.

Take me there

Show Less

For a quintessential Thai experience, be sure to sample the wonders of Thai street food. And best of all, you don't have to spend much money to enjoy a tasty lunch or a satisfying dinner. Eating at a simple Thai hawker stall isn't just about the food - it's marvelling at the organised chaos, the heat, the smells and the noise. There is nothing like it. So, on your next trip to Thailand, pull up a tiny plastic chair and delve into the delights of Thai street food.

Take me there

Show Less

GO WILD IN ASIA

Anchored between mainland Malaysia and Indonesia, Borneo is packed with incredible wildlife. Walk along the jungle-clad peaks of Crocker Range National Park, where you can spot gibbons, macaques, civet cats, and a variety of birdlife. But it is the orangutan that is the real star of the show here. No holiday to Borneo would be complete without a sighting of this orange-haired primate. Head to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where baby and adult orangutans swing through the large forest reserve and fill up on bananas at feeding time.

Take me there

Show Less

In China, the wildlife verges from the strange to the cuddly – and you don’t have to go far off the beaten track to see it all. Much of the country’s most diverse wildlife can be found in the Sichuan province – and its modern capital, Chengdu, is famous for its pandas. Visit Chengdu Panda Reserve to see these gentle giants for yourself.

Take me there

Show Less

Last on our list has to be the magnificent Bengal Tiger. No visit to India would be complete without a sighting. India is home to 70% of the world’s remaining tiger population, and whilst the species remains endangered, the country has made considerable strides in their conservation over recent years. There is more wildlife in India to discover, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, Indian bison, and the one-horned rhino. There are even lions! And with almost 2,000 bird species, the country is a bird watchers paradise.

Take me there

Show Less

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Rooftop Bars

Sipping a cocktail at a rooftop bar and watching the sunset and city come alive under the night sky is the perfect way to end a day exploring a new place. Sixty-one floors up in the Banyan Tree in Bangkok, you’ll find Moon Bar, where the cocktails are as good as the views. At Mr. Stork in the Andaz Hotel in Singapore, enjoy an alfresco drink in a teepee with 360-degree views of the city below. In Bali, head to the Double-Six Rooftop - Sunset Bar and watch the sunset over the ocean with a delicious cocktail.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Thai Islands

Thailand holidays have become synonymous with island-hopping. Thailand’s tropical isles are famous for lush greenery, powdery sands, and turquoise seas. If you’re looking for excellent snorkelling and diving, you’ve got plenty of choice. Koh Chang, Koh Lanta, Koh Samui and Koh Tao tick all the boxes. Phuket is great for families, with endless activities, bustling towns and over 30 beaches. Couples, meanwhile, can find rest and relaxation on the sleepy beaches of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Lanta.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Elevate Bali in Munduk

The brand-new hotel Elevate Bali from Hanging Gardens is a unique and luxurious all-villa resort in the undiscovered corner of Bali, Mundak. Sitting in enchanting highlands, overlooking misty mountains and with stunning jungle views, the resort’s 26 private villas are the new place to stay. Elevate Bali is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, volcanic mountains, and an ancient Hindu floating temple.

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Escape Edition 83

Discover Asia

BEACH BREAK? DIVE IN.

ALL CULTURE NO SHOCK

SAVOUR ASIA

GO WILD IN ASIA

BEACH BREAK? DIVE IN.

ALL CULTURE NO SHOCK

SAVOUR ASIA

GO WILD IN ASIA

BEACH BREAK? DIVE IN.

BEACH BREAK? DIVE IN.

ALL CULTURE NO SHOCK

ALL CULTURE NO SHOCK

SAVOUR ASIA

SAVOUR ASIA

GO WILD IN ASIA

GO WILD IN ASIA

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Rooftop Bars

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Thai Islands

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

Elevate Bali in Munduk

FIND THESE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON OUR TRIPS

Eastern & Oriental Penang

Raya Heritage

Hanoi & Hoi An

Alila Seminyak

Hong Kong and Australia

Singapore and Borneo

LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION?

SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST

Out There Made Easy

Knowledge

Ease

Value

Trust

Knowledge

Ease

Value

Trust

Part of the Dnata family

Good Housekeeping

ATOL Protected

Rated Excellent