Our favourite places in Malaysia

Young, global, edgy — whether you’re after live music, craft coffee, or avant-garde theatre, Bangalore is one of India’s most exciting & progressive cities.

Ko Lipe is a favourite among backpackers and Thai locals, with many repeat visitors, and it’s clear to see why. As part of the Mu Ko Tarutao National Marine Park, its land is fiercely protected, and naturally beautiful.

If you’re looking to get more for your money, Ko Mak is somewhere you can afford to treat yourself – the hotels are generally pleasant three-star quality, but, for the price of a budget room in a chain hotel on Phuket.

It’s one of the bigger islands, but it is also one of the quietest – that little bit further from the mainland meaning fewer make the journey. But, for that extra slice of serene life, it’s well worth taking the speedboat from mainland port Laem Sok.

It’s the third largest island in Thailand, which means there’s plenty of beach to go around, but also miles of jungle to explore – perfect for half a day’s hike, with a waterfall (or eight) to cool off in.

It may no longer be Vietnam’s best-kept secret, but we love this desert-island gem in the sparkling turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Home to sun bears, elephants, Malayan tigers and clouded leopards, Taman Negara is amongst the oldest primary rainforest in the world. Explore its tangled depths on a treetop-skimming canopy walk, whitewater raft, or challenging mountain hike.

Head to Suwon to take in the delights of a splendid, World Heritage-listed old fortress, and to delve into Korea’s rich folk traditions – and, for carnivorous sorts, there’s the chance to savour Korea’s best barbecued meat on the way around.

Phnom Penh may no longer be the “Pearl of the Orient”, but don’t judge a book by its cover: beneath this chaotic exterior is a city alive with energy, art, and youthful verve.

The laid-back, low-rise town of Siem Reap is the gateway to one of the most spectacular man-made sights on the planet: the sprawling, root-strangled ruins of Angkor.

An ancient East Asian capital, seat of power for a thousand years, and still home to a staggering host of treasures from that period – it’s hard for Gyeongju to avoid comparisons with Kyoto, though we’d argue this little city is actually even better than its far more famous Japanese counterpart.

Vang Vieng has shaken off its old party vibes and reinvented itself as Laos’s premier destination for outdoor adventuring – perfect for those who want to cave, climb and kayak in some of the world's most spectacular karst scenery.