Southeast Asia Travel Articles

Older than Angkor Wat - and bigger too, Indonesia specialist Jacqui Brooks introduces Borobudur

For the ultimate in luxury, there are a number of places around the world where you can enjoy seclusion and peace with a whole island to yourself.

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.

There are many weird and wonderful festivals that happen throughout the year around the world, whether for religious purposes or purely for celebration. Here we highlight just a few...

Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang, Halong Bay – all names that spring to mind at the mention of Indochina, and rightly so. But Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam have so much more to offer the visitor, as four of our Southeast Asia specialists were lucky enough to discover on their recent research trips to these countries.

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...

From treetop dining to occupying an entire island, some Southeast Asian resorts are extra special, perfect for relaxing or luxuriating – our specialists pick their favourites.

Times are changing in Burma, and for the better. Jack Tydeman and Jake Green are seduced by its unspoilt landscape and the remarkably welcoming locals.

We speak to some of the winners of our Southeast Asia Guide Awards which took place earlier this year and find out how they ended up working as tour guides.

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?!

Jean and David Corbett Travelled to Burma with Audley.

This exotic region offers the perfect mix of wildlife, temples, cuisine and sunshine. But which country should you head for? Use our handy guide to help you choose the one that suits you

It can be hard taking time out of our busy lives to wind down and relax. Quality time spent enjoying the simple pleasures in life can rejuvenate us and help us get back in touch with who we are.

Often one of the best ways to explore a destination on an Audley tailor-made holiday is by bicycle. We highlight our top five places to take a bike ride.

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.

Our specialists pack their bags and head out on the road to explore new regions and re-visit some of their old favourites on a regular basis. Once in a while they stumble upon a real hidden gem. Here are a few such places they've discovered on their travels.

There is so much to see in this beautiful country, from glittering temples and colonial buildings to colourful tribal people and lush mountain scenery; anyone who travels here will be sure to want to return.

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

What could be more relaxing than staying in a water villa perched over turquoise waters full of tropical fish, listening to the waves lap as you fall asleep? Here we highlight some of the best overwater accommodation you can stay in around the world.

All our specialists regularly revisit their chosen regions, meticulously inspect hotels and keep up-to-date with all travel-related issues. Here, Angela, one of our Southeast Asia specialists, kept a diary while on a recent trip.

There are some truly incredible hotel suites around the world. We take a look at just a selection, from suites that come with your very own grand piano or bar, to personal butlers and chefs ready to cook whatever you desire.

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.

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?

Audley Burma country specialist, Mark Hotham, explores the ancient and fascinating temples in Pagan, Burma.

From Indonesia to Vietnam, we examine our top five off the beaten track destinations you can visit on an Audley trip to Southeast Asia.

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.

Southeast Asia has long been renowned as a great value for money destination. We highlight our top five hotels in this remarkably diverse region.

There is nothing better than getting on the open road and exploring a country from the comfort of your own, air conditioned car, whether on a self-drive or with your own driver. Combine this with beautiful coastal scenery and you have the makings of a spectacular holiday.

Nothing draws people together like food, whether it’s the preparation or sitting down to taste local delicacies, barriers are broken down and conversation flows. We asked our Southeast Asia specialists to choose some of their favourite culinary experiences from this part of the world.

Audley client, Kate Jones travelled to Borneo in July 2011.

Southeast Asia is inhabited by many different peoples and unique wildlife, and offers the traveller a wide range of experiences. We list out top five reasons why you should visit.

Audley client, Nigel Wright, travelled to Malaysia with Audley in February 2011.

Planning a wedding can be pretty stressful but your honeymoon however, should be an opportunity to relax, celebrate and explore. At Audley we aim to take the stress out of the planning and can arrange a unique combination of destinations, activities and romantic hideaways.

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.

Audley clients, Valerie and Raymond Gatward, travelled to Hong Kong and Cambodia with Audley in November 2010.

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

Audley client, Nick Steidl, travelled to Cambodia with Audley in November 2010.

Audley clients, Amanda and Steve Rencontre, spent three days at the beautiful Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Read their diary account of those few unforgettable days.

From the glorious jungle-tangled temples at Angkor to the lush mountain-fringed white sand beaches of the south and the little-visited villages of the north, Cambodia has our Southeast Asia team hooked.

Author and journalist John Gimlette heads for Java, to discover an island of awesome beauty

Audley client, Kay Rawlins travelled to Borneo with Audley in September 2010.

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.

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.

Christine Reddall travelled to Borneo with Audley.

Waterfalls always hold a special fascination as you watch millions of gallons of water crash over some rocky precipice. We've scoured the globe to find 10 of the most spectacular and which you could see as part of an individual tailor-made itinerary.

Sally Bevington travelled to Laos with Audley.

A melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European culture, Malaysia is a fascinating place to explore with a rich tapestry of colonial architecture, a vibrant, multi-cultural society and some of the best food on the planet. Patrick Chase gives his insider tips on what to see and where to go for that perfect trip.

Some of the most memorable museums you can visit are often those which produce the most poignant of emotions. We have sought out several of the best and which are also in places Audley go to.

This iconic landmark serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities suffered here during World War II. The nearby museum highlights the plight of the POWs and Asian labourers tortured by the Japanese, whilst the beautifully maintained WWII cemetary provides a quiet sanctuary for reflection.

Lonely Planet author and sometime Audley Tour Leader Nick Ray looks back on 15 years of travelling in the kingdom of Cambodia.

Volcanoes can be surprisingly accessible, some even offering the possibility of reaching the crater rim and looking inside to the tumult below. Others are less so, but all are in locations which normally offer sublime views. We showcase 10 of the best and which you could see as part of an individual tailor-made itinerary.

Taking time away from the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist spots to spend time with a local community in their own surroundings can be both unique and humbling experience but also utterly fascinating. We highlight some indigenous cultures from around the globe you can visit on an Audley trip.

From rooftop hot tubs overlooking bustling cityscapes to a sparkling infinity pool pouring into an emerald lagoon, some of the best hotel pools are made so by the breathtaking views that they command.

If you've explored a destination on land, why not spend a few days exploring the underwater part of it? A whole new world is waiting to be discovered just beneath the waves.

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!

Around the world, many countries are doing their bit to support the beautiful and endangered turtle. The following nations offer the visitor a rare glimpse at conservation efforts first-hand, where the protection of these wonderful creatures is of the utmost importance.

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.

Within Indochina (Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) we feature eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites; places recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as being of such unique interest to the world that they have been afforded special preservation status.

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.

Just because in some cases they have been around for millions of years doesn't mean you'll have seen them. In fact, our list of the world's more unusual animals includes some which are definitely not easy to see, such as the virtually motionless sloth. See which animals made our list.

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.

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.

Terry Sullivan has been leading Audley group tours for over 16 years. After returning from his final tour for Audley, he shares with us a few passages from his tour diary.

Audley client, Clive Harber, describes his trip to Papua New Guinea.

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