Archives: Places to go

Okinawa Murmur the name of Okinawa elsewhere in Japan and many will sigh wistfully in longing for this well-known paradise. These sub-tropical islands, reaching south towards Taiwan, are the perfect place to wind down. On top of the golden sands, blue seas, and dense jungle, they have a distinctive culture that pays strong homage to … Read more

Japan – Kyushu: Island Guide The southernmost island in Japan, Kyushu’s vibrant port cities have great access to Asia by boat and plane, and this seismically active island is temptingly full of steaming hot springs, verdant peaks, simmering volcanoes, waves crashing onto sandy beaches, with a rich cultural legacy developed from its proximity to mainland … Read more

Japan – Getting to know Hiroshima & Miyajima Unless you’ve had no exposure to 20th century world history, it’s hard to see the word ‘Hiroshima’ without a jolt of emotion, and the calamity of August 1945 continues to shape Hiroshiman culture – its people speak up loudly against nuclear proliferation, and strive to promote international … Read more

Japan – Getting to know Kyoto Kyoto plays a time-honoured counterpoint to Tokyo’s unrelenting megalopolis, having been capital of Japan from 794 to 1896, and the site of bitter samurai battles with rival clans during the 15th century. This is a city of ancient Shinto shrines and immaculate Zen temples, professional geisha and Noh theatre, … Read more

Japan – Getting to know Takayama ‘Takayama’ means ‘tall mountain’, and this charming old city is so named for its location high in the Japanese Alps – an area encompassing several mountain ranges in north-west Honshu. This puts Takayama firmly on the must-visit lists of hill-walkers, but it’s also a huge treat for those who … Read more

Japan – Hokkaido: Island Guide Once at the far eastern edge of Siberia, and drifting eastwards ever since, the island of Hokkaido is wildest and extreme region in Japan. It was connected to the Asian continent until 12,000 years ago, and thus has a unique flora and fauna, including brown bears, an extraordinary variety of … Read more

Thailand – Getting to know Koh Tao The lesser visited island of Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise. Just a few miles from its more famous neighbour, Koh Pha Ngan, the island is small in comparison to many other Thai islands, and whilst accommodation options are still relatively limited, a new breed of upmarket/boutique guesthouse … Read more

Explore our recommended travel plans in Chiang Mai, showcasing routes that have been carefully curated for your inspiration. Keep in mind that your unique journey will be crafted by one of our dedicated specialists.

The Golden Triangle, Thailand Overview The Golden Triangle, known locally as Sop Ruak, is a hilly and forested area in northern Thailand where it meets Laos and Myanmar (Burma). It has a peaceful landscape with coffee farms, traditional villages, slow rivers, and an elephant sanctuary. History This area has a turbulent past, with years of … Read more

Angkor Wat is a big temple in Cambodia near Siem Reap. It was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. This place has over a thousand buildings and is known for its beauty and history. Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure globally, covering a vast area of about 400 acres. Back in … Read more

Hoa Binh is a city in Vietnam. It is the capital of Hoa Binh Province, and located 76 kilometres from Hanoi, and 5 kilometres from the Da River. The Battle of Hoa Binh was fought around the city from 1951–52 during the First Indochina War.

Yala, lying in the Southern Thailand, is a landlocked province with appealing history, culture and impressive sceneries. The name of the province means ‘fish net’ because it was a low land and people earned their living by using fishing nets to catch fish. However, Yala is also the only one of the 14 southern provinces that is not near the sea.