Explore Asia & the Indian Subcontinent

Ruined temples, rainbow-hued festivals and the madness of mega-cities – this is the perfect region for super sensory overload. Wander along the Great Wall, through Rajasthan’s incredible cities and around Cambodia’s crumbling ancient sites. Step this way…

Cambodia

Relaxed, charming Cambodia entices with the wild countryside of the Mekong Delta lowlands and the Cardamom and Elephant Mountains. You can’t visit without seeing Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that was key to the historical spread of Hinduism and later Buddhism throughout the region. Once called the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh mixes golden-capped Khmer palaces with French colonial boulevards and villas. Enjoy delicious Cambodian cuisine, packed with fragrant lemongrass, lime leaves, coconut and turmeric, and make sure to taste Amok, a sweet fish curry and the most popular dish in Cambodia. A visit to Cambodia is an experience of a lifetime.

China 

China evokes images of remote mountainous landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The variety of scenery here is truly astounding as China is the third most biodiverse country in the world. Tick off your bucket list by walking the Great Wall of China, which boasts impressively restored sections and unrestored swathes with crumbling charm. The Chinese capital, Beijing, offers distinct contrasts: discover elegant old China in the Forbidden City’s large palatial complex; look upwards in a modern skyscraper metropolis; or wander a maze of alleys where the locals spill out from steaming street food stalls. If you don’t fancy fried scorpion, be sure to sample the baozi and jianbing: a meat-filled crepe with egg and spring onions, eaten for an on-the-go breakfast. China is not to be missed.

India

Prepare yourself for sensory overload. From its culinary delights, natural beauty, and striking landscapes, to its ancient traditions, historic monuments and celebrated festivals, India is rich in colour, life and diversity. Marvel at the exquisite Taj Mahal among other iconic and momentous sites. Get colourful at Holi or celebrate the lights of Diwali. Feast on mouth-watering Indian cuisine bursting with spices and flavours. Adventure through the foothills of the Himalayas for sacred sites and snow-capped mountain vistas. Embrace peace and tranquillity at the country’s most spiritual and relaxing spots, from Varanasi and the River Ganges to Goa and Kerala. Search India’s vast wilderness, teeming with wildlife, for tigers.

Laos

Laos is a land of untamed natural beauty, known for its mountainous terrain, hillside tribes and buddhist monasteries. Traversed by the Mekong River which enters from China and flows all the way through Vietnam and Cambodia to the South China Sea, this beautiful country has an abundance of waterfalls and fishing villages to explore. Si Phan Don the famous 4,000 Islands archipelago is a sparsely populated collection of islands set amid tumbling waterfalls and winding waterways. Laos’ serene, lush green landscapes are contrasted with french colonial architecture and impressive temple complexes, where you can take in the spiritual aura of this country and its people.

Mongolia

Situated in North East Asia, Mongolia is landlocked between Russia and China. Mongolia is largely a plateau although its scenery varies dramatically from the upland steppes and deserts to mountain ranges and forests. Its history dates back to the 3rd Century BCE with the Huns, the most famous in its history it Genghis Khan. The dramatic change in history and landscape makes for great adventures and culture.

Myanmar

Once a cut-off and secluded country, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has reopened its doors and is quickly turning into one of Southeast Asia’s most popular and sought-after destinations. Currently untouched by mass tourism, now is the time to visit this captivating country. Dive into Yangon’s bustling city life. Explore magnificent gilded temples. Float on serene Inle Lake. Be blown away by one of the country’s main attractions: Bagan - labelled the Angkor Wat of Myanmar and home to over 2200 temples. The spectacular sight of hot air balloons rising at dawn is not to be missed. Offering the warmest of welcomes, a trip to Myanmar will leave you with truly authentic experiences and treasured memories.

Nepal

Landlocked Nepal is an adventure-lover’s dream. The Himalayas soar above ancient cities and hill villages, inviting trekkers, hikers and intrepid explorers from all over the globe. But Nepal isn’t all about climbing, and as the birthplace of Buddha, friendly Nepal maintains strong spiritual connections. Meet Hindu holy Sadhus in saffron robes and Buddhist monks, or discover Nepalese folklore through musical and dancing displays. Enjoy Nepalese cuisine, which consists of delicious cumin, coriander and fenugreek infused curries and momo (dumplings). Visiting Nepal is a must to learn more about this distinctive country through its food, mountains and people.

Vietnam

Escape reality in the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, where 2000 limestone islands scatter the Gulf of Tonkin. Cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City is a manmade wonder that demands exploration – savour a coffee overlooking Notre Dame Cathedral as bikes whizz past or view the city sprawl from atop skyscrapers: this is modern Vietnam. Further into the city, discover faded colonial buildings and bustling street vendors serving local fare. Hanoi is immersive and exciting, particularly the Old Quarter’s densely-packed streets at the heart of the city. Break from this bustle in the leafy French Quarter, or explore new and up-and-coming neighbourhoods. Wherever you go, you will find the Vietnamese spirit to be friendly and hospitable, making your trip truly awesome.