Feeling a bit adventurous? Book your next holiday to Asia. Always a favourite among globetrotters, Thailand is a land of rice fields, bustling metropolitan cities, and paradise-like hideaways. Malaysia has some of the best shopping on the planet, while it also boasts coastal islands that have the best hotels and resorts. If you’re new to Asia, consider Hong Kong or Singapore where east meets west and there is a familiarity about the setting. If Asia can be compared to a meal, these would be your appetizers to be enjoyed before plunging into the cultures of surrounding countries.
The rest of your friends opted for a typical sun destination for their honeymoons. Do you want to follow the crowd? When you want to go somewhere different, new and exciting consider Asia. Honeymooners and travellers of all descriptions are discovering that countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and China offer great travel experiences and excellent value. Big budget or small, these destinations don’t scrimp on hospitality. Whether you stay at a hostel or a five-star hotel, gracious hospitality is a way of life and you will be welcomed warmly.
Think about taking an escorted tour of China. There has been plenty of media coverage about the eclectic offerings for tourists in China. Visitors can learn to make hand-made noodles, operate a rickshaw, or take lessons on how to perform a local dance. Of course, China also has iconic tourist attractions, from the Great Wall of China to the life-size terracotta warriors of Xi’an.
Still looking for something romantic for a honeymoon or couple getaway? India is a mystical and mythical country that is home to remarkable landscapes and stunning sights like the Taj Mahal.
<div class="subhead"><h2>Why you should go:</h2></div>
Singapore and Hong Kong host popular annual shopping festivals. Imagine a country-wide sale with plenty of bargains. Yes, do bring an extra suitcase.
Go just for the food. Asian cuisine is delicious, from savoury Thai curries to dim sum to luscious tropical fruits.
The high level of service, from spas to shops, is something you want to experience everywhere in the world.
TOURING VIETNAM
Friday 1st September 2006
Travel Counsellor: Nicola Doyle
We travelled by boat from Cambodia through the Mekong Delta to Chau Doc in Vietnam. On route we passed by the brilliant green rice fields and the amazing floating markets where the local boat people sell their wares daily. It was absolutely amazing to see how these delightful and friendly people live. We did a month trip of Vietnam, visiting Hoi Chi Minh city, or Saigon as most of the locals still call it, Hoi an, Da Nang, Na Thrang, Hue, Hanoi and Sapa.
Halong bay is definitely a must if you go to Vietnam. It is one of the five of UNESCO World Heritage sites with thousands of limestone islands emerging from the waters of Halong bay. We went kayaking, swimming and visited the hidden caves and grottos, and did an overnight on the boat and admired the stars of Halong bay by night.
The highlight of my trip was Sapa which lies in a valley close to the Chinese border and is home to a number of hill tribes. We did a trek from the main town and did a home-stay and experienced how the ethnic... view full story
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