I used to equate guides with lengthy recitations of historic information and a healthy dose of flag following. As a crowd averse person, quickly bored by facts and figures it never occurred to me that guided days could be fun and informal. In Southeast Asia, I soon learnt that a good guide answers incessant questions, translates jokes with locals and takes you to places you'd never find on TripAdvisor. (more…)

As a long thin country bordering China in the north, snaking the length of Laos and Cambodia and jutting into the Gulf of Thailand in the south, Vietnam’s diverse topography and culture is perfect photography fodder for pros bolstering their portfolio and snap happy travellers documenting their holiday. (more…)

Few popular places live up to their hype, but we've never met anyone disappointed by Bagan. David discovers the secrets of these ancient temples while meeting local people and learning about modern Myanmar. (more…)

Many flights to Asia have layovers. Far from being an inconvenience, we think it's the perfect excuse for a day (or two) in a new metropolitan city. Senior Travel Consultant Charlotte Bower shook off jet lag with a jam-packed 24 hours in Hong Kong. Morning - Hong Kong Island Start the morning off on Hong Kong Island and head up to the top of Victoria Peak – a great lookout to see just how large (and tall) the city really is. Next, head down the back of the peak to Repulse Bay for an ice cold juice. Walk along the sand to the colourful Tin Hau Temple (protector of fishermen) at the water's edge. Head to the other side of Hong Kong Island with a shortcut through the road tunnels under Victoria Peak to the Central Pier. Take the Star Ferry to Kowloon – the mainland side ...

After heading to some of Vietnam’s lesser visited beaches, Charlotte fell head over heels (or flip flops) for the Con Dao Islands. (more…)