Sri Lanka

A cultural triangle that we can only imagine being cushioned in the softest velvet tenderly holding the ancient histories of Kings and contested lands. All three ancient capitals roll out UNESCO-heritage sites, from a sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree to a rich collection of monkey-loved Buddhist palaces and temples. While the modern-day magnetism of Colombo’s bustling coastline metropolis delves deeper into old stories and new cultures abound.    

A spellbinding introduction captured by the train journey from Kandy to Hatton alone; this Hill Country brings a horizon full of outdoor activities, from tea plantations established in the 1800s to emerald peaks and rushing waterfalls. Hatton is a haven for wildlife, trekking, walking, and a little bit of R&R, and Kandy also brings a cultural side, from its colourful architecture to its Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Make fresh footprints in the sand along Sri Lanka’s best-kept secret coastline, that has all the beauty of the Indian Ocean lapping along its sides. Playing host to the traditional coastal harbour at Trincomalee (one of the best spots in the world for blue whale watching), the horseshoe-shaped bay of Passikudah Beach also invites a whole host of water activities. 

In equal amounts zealous, zesty and oh-so-zen. These powdery sands flanked by palm and bamboo groves are sure to lure sunseekers in. But with the wrongfully overlooked Yala National Park waiting just nearby, even the cool days can turn into the challenge of spotting a cunning leopard step out of its disguise from in between the grasses. 

Cambodia exudes a mysticism that’s hard to emulate, the not-so-secret ingredients of which come in the form of its extraordinary jungle ruins, Khmer villages, buttery beaches and cities of old-meets-new.

Going way beyond its famed cuisine, Hong Kong serves up a feast for the senses; from the fascinating skyline and lively street markets to a surprising amount of green spaces.

If there’s a satiating ingredient to inspire a zest for life, India’s got the whole recipe. But let the chaos quickly subside and even one of the oldest cities of all time might reveal its vivacious energy starts with a little something called community.

Where rice paddies trip down hills and a gateway to wellness is opened to all; the secrets of sacred peace are whispered throughout the land in Indonesia.

Step back to a time of oxen-pulled ploughs and sleepy market towns within the pretty panoramas of Asia’s best kept secret.

With a fusion of Asian cultures, rainforests that mingle with beaches and two skyscrapers standing watch over the capital city, the answer to where to find it all is surely Malaysia.

In the time that it takes to utter its name, Singapore’s probably transcended your idea of the future; but what makes it all so special is its consistent attention to tending the roots that it came from.  

Its popularity has risen like the tallest temple tower and images of its Buddha-flanked streets, corrugated rice paddies and otherworldly beaches are bountiful. So it could be argued that, nowadays, Thailand is in no need of an introduction… perhaps.

Historically, travellers may have unwittingly overlooked Vietnam for its neighbour across the Gulf of Thailand, but with its mesh of bustling cities, hill tribe communities and beautiful coastlines, this resilient country is turning the tables.