North Asia Travel Articles

Read about Paul and Dawn Noke's experiences when they travelled to Japan with Audley.

Whether you're on honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or just want an extra special moment, our specialists pick 10 unique experiences that can make your trip unforgettable.

Ride the rails across Russia, China and Mongolia: the longest - and most epic - train journey in the world.

From enjoying a gourmet dinner as you look out over stunning Uluru/Ayers Rock, to simple but tasty Guatemalan cantinas – the following suggestions from our specialists are sure to whet your appetite...

The 'forgotten kingdom' of Yunnan gives Audley China specialist, Graham Usher a taste of authentic, traditional South China.

Read about award-winning travel writer, Neil Matthews experiences when he travelled to Japan with Audley.

Moscow's main plaza is both fairytale-like and formidable, says Russia specialist Katie.

Japan specialist, Katherine, gets under the skin of the country’s cultural heartland.

If you're looking for an exceptional dining experience with an unusual twist, maybe the restaurants below will appeal. Curry served in a toilet anyone?!

North and Central Asia specialist Alex Shaw shares three of his favourite shots from a recent visit to China.

Shake off those winter blues with a look at destinations from around the world famous for their spring blooms.

The allure of train journeys is undeniable. There is something intoxicating about speeding through landscapes as life unfolds outside the window. Whether notable for their dramatic views, luxurious surroundings or sheer speed, we’ve highlighted what we consider to be seven of the most exciting train journeys in the world.

Roger Stubbings and Robert Moore travelled on the Trans-Siberian Railway with Audley in September and October 2011. Read about their epic 7,000 mile journey.

Delve deeper into the next country you visit with our country specialists’ selection of city tours with a difference.

Regional cuisine makes up a large part of the identity of Japan's cities and prefectures. Here, Japan specialist, Katherine Welland has put together some of her favourite dishes and places to eat.

China is a vast and incredibly diverse country. From the towering peaks and sapphire blue lakes of Xinjiang in the northwest to the fluttering prayer flags and grazing yaks of Tibet and Yunnan, the idyllic fields and rice paddies of the south and the soaring buildings of China’s swiftly developing cities, it is hard to know where to begin, let alone how to get around, in this enormous country.

Choosing to travel in the low season has a number of great benefits. In addition to lower prices, you’ll find the space and time to wander the most popular sights without the crowds, as well as spot wildlife at its most prolific.

Neil and Helen Matthews travelled to Japan with Audley in April 2011. Here, they talk about their experience of visiting the country shortly after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck in March.

With the festive season only a few weeks away, our thoughts have turned to which Audley destinations would offer a unique and unforgettable holiday over Christmas and New Year 2011. If you want to avoid the usual turkey dinner and Queen's speech, why not consider one of these captivating options?

As part of a tailor-made trip with Audley you can choose from a whole host of accommodation options. Amongst the beautiful boutique hotels and friendly, family-run B&Bs are a number of historically significant properties, each offering the charm of a bygone era and an exciting look into the past.

Getting under the skin of a culture and really getting to know the people is challenging anywhere in a two to three week trip. This is especially the case in Japan, with traditional reserve sometimes holding people back. Here Lyn Hughes, Editor-in-Chief of Wanderlust magazine, experiences a great way to get to know the locals a little better – all whilst learning a new style of cooking!

From endless sunlight to lightning shows, the world is full of spectacular natural phenomena. Here are just a few of the more unusual examples, and some of our favourites, from around the world.

Gardens and gardening seem part of the DNA of the British so it's not surprising that when we are abroad we are often drawn to them. With this in mind we have scoured the world to find our top ten horticultural oases.

We asked our country specialists to create a special collection of unique honeymoon ideas.

As China has developed it has embraced modernity in a big way. Some of the world's most cutting edge art, architecture, design and engineering can be found in the Middle Kingdom.

David Peckett, John Driskell and Les Sims travelled with Audley on their return visit to Nepal.

In an age when most are now acutely aware of the impact we're having on the planet and its resources, Responsible Travel is coming to the fore as a major consideration when choosing accommodation.

As the approaching winter begins to make its mark on the British landscape, we've taken a look at some other destinations around the globe that boast spectacular autumn scenery.

A late Easter weekend in 2011, followed by the May Bank Holiday means that you can take just four days out of the office to enjoy an 11-day-long break. Take a look at our Easter trip ideas for a little inspiration.

The verdant slopes of China’s mountainous southwest have for centuries boasted some of the country’s most productive tea growing areas. We explore some of the main trading routes of this region.

With Halloween just around the corner our thoughts have turned to some of the more unusual experiences available on a tailor-made trip with Audley. Wander around a cemetery at dusk, listen to the eerie tales of malevolent spirits on a tour of a disused penitentiary, or follow in the footsteps of soldiers past at some of the world's most important battlefields.

While hotel bathrooms may not top the list of priorities for most people when planning a trip, there are some that offer much more than a place to freshen up before dinner. The following bathrooms combine style with unsurpassed views, so much so that you may never want to get out of the tub!

Some of the world’s most beautiful, ancient and iconic destinations are well known for good reason, but this popularity usually means that crowds of tourists and sightseers vying for space are a common sight.

From deep-fried spiders to roasted guinea pig, there are certainly some interesting dishes on offer for travellers with a sense of adventure and a strong stomach. Here is our list of extreme cuisine from around the world.

A night spent under canvas or open to the night sky with the stars for company is the stuff of dreams. Here we choose our top 10 experiences from across the Audley programmes.

Harbours, a place of haven for boats in stormy weather, can also provide some wonderful vistas. Here are our top ten Harbour views.

One of the greatest building feats of all time and quite rightly a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we take a closer look at the Great Wall of China.

A hot air balloon ride can be the highlight of any trip as you drift silently over stunning landscapes and scenery. Here is a list of our favourite hot air balloon journeys that can be experienced on a trip with Audley.

Sometimes, trips are remembered for experiencing something a little out of the ordinary. Urban landscapes and buzzing metropolises offer an interesting insight into a country's way of life, but delve a little deeper and you may just discover a side of the country seen by very few.

The small, leaf shaped island of Taiwan is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a largely undiscovered destination packed with culture and sensational scenery. Chris Moore, one of Audley's Taiwan Specialists explains why Taiwan is Asia's best-kept secret.

With many clients choosing to travel for two weeks, due to work constraints or other reasons, we have created a breakdown of the perfect 14 days to spend in some of our favourite destinations. Marc Dolman discusses his perfect 14 days in Japan.

Often borne out of local traditions and customs or just plain weird. Here we present 10 of the world's more bizarre sporting events which, with good timing, it's just possible to see on an Audley trip.

Discover eight ways in which you can give back to the local communities on a tailor-made holiday with Audley.

Scoured out by water erosion, gorges come in all ages, shapes and sizes but they all have one thing in common - they never fail to impress. We showcase 10 of the world's lesser known gorges.

Combine gastronomic delights and awe-inspiring scenery with our top 10 list of restaurants with a view.

With what is universally considered one of the most romantic days of the year fast approaching, we have put together a list of our top ten places to propose.

Historic battlefield sites are a draw for many people, especially those who enjoy their history. We list five famous battlefield sites from around the world.

Audley client, Eleanor Coker, describes her trip to Tokyo.

By far the best way to spot the now elusive Geisha is to take an evening walk around the Gion district in Kyoto. Meet our guides, Duncan and Izumi, and find out about the guided walks that they offer.

In July 2009, a total solar eclipse will occur across parts of China. Book now to combine your trip with one of nature's most awe-inspiring sights.

Highly ritualised, sumo wrestling is Japan’s most popular traditional sport, and with six tournaments a year there is ample opportunity to enjoy this exciting pastime first-hand.

Jo Hoban, Mongolia Specialist discovers that by spending time in a family ger and visiting projects you can help to preserve the nomadic culture of Mongolia.

This six-part series from the makers of 'Planet Earth' documents China and Tibet's wealth of natural scenery and wildlife on BBC 2.

The most memorable travel experiences often come from being able to give something back. The following seven stories reveal how you too can contribute.