Thailand

Thailand’s north is rich in both nature and history. Chiang Rai, where the border meets with that of both Myanmar and Laos to complete the Golden Triangle, is known for its hilltribes and elephant rich lands. Chiang Mai on the other hand surprises with its sporting pursuits almost outnumbering its temples.

Bangkok is all about embracing the distraction and letting it be your guide. Vibrantly bubbling with histories, religions, and incredible cuisines telling stories as old as the rivers themselves, explorers have grand temples, shrines, and the tastiest street-vendor morsels on their doorstep; only crossing city limits to explore the surrounding areas of Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi.

The image conjured by the words ‘coastal Thailand’ is likely that of Phuket, but while most are drawn by the beaches, it’s worth digging deeper to find the unique culture of the old town. Over in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui adds a bit more glitz to sleepy island life with sparkling bars and even sparklier waters.

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.  

Bringing everything from timeless temples and caramel-scented tea fields to its very own Big 5 favourite, this admirably humble teardrop country is making much more of a splash in the ocean.

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.