Places to go in 2012

Travel inspiration

Having trouble deciding about where to go in 2012?

Are you hankering after something different, thrilling and utterly mind-blowing?

Well we asked the travel gurus at Lightfoot Travel on their top three destinations for the best of Asia.

Tibet is an intrepid destination which we guarantee will get your head spinning - and not just from the altitude. This deeply spiritual kingdom, enclosed by the highest mountains in the world, offers an intoxicating insight into Buddhism. Discover more about this fascinating way of life in Lhasa - the sacred birthplace of the Dalai Lama. Colourful prayer flags, fluttering in the wind, will become an indelible memory from your trip, as will the World Heritage Site of Potala Palace, a magnificent architectural wonder where pilgrims and orange-robed monks make their offerings. Hike in the breathtaking valleys of Gyantse and meet the gorgeous chubby-cheeked children who will invite you to try traditional Nepalese fare such as yak butter tea - a unique taste you won't forget in a hurry!

Burma is now opening its doors to tourism, with Aung San Suu Kyi's permission. Inquisitive and adventurous visitors will have their senses blown away by an old-style Asia: vast gold-clad Buddhas, steamy historic cities and lush tribal countryside backed by the mighty Mekong. Hire an ancient bicycle and be mesmerised by Bagan's 4000 stupas and shrines overlooking the Irrawaddy River, or watch fishermen haul in their catch at stunning Lake Inle, its dazzling water surrounded by verdant hills dotted with stilted villages. Be sure to support Burma's welcoming people as you banter over silks or cigars at the floating markets, and be rewarded with genuine smiles, often stained deep red with the distinctive betel nut. Pop over the border into the Golden Triangle to the luxurious Four Seasons Tented Camp in Changi Rai, Thailand to complete your trip.

Cambodia is a country that keeps calling us back - from the lure of majestic Angkor Wat, where sunrise brings the faces of Bayon to life and tree roots entwine with the crumbling temples of Ta Phrom, to its chilled-out antidote: the seaside pleasures and palm-fringed beaches of laid-back Sihanoukville and the faded character of coastal Kep. Feast on fresh seafood, camp on the beach and soak it up... but for something brand new and utterly spoiling let us introduce you to Cambodia's first luxury island resort: Song Saa. Scattered over two jungle-clad islands, and encircled by the clear, azure waters of the Koh Rong archipelago, this uber-exclusive hotel is the first of its kind for Cambodia. Whether you choose a spacious villa in the rainforest, on the beach or over water, each reflect the natural environment furnished by bleached driftwood, cerulean private pools and wraparound views; we can highly recommend the bath tubs with jaw-dropping ocean vistas.

These escapes were brought to you by Lightfoot Travel p. 6438 4091, e. info@lightfoottravel.com, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.

Places to go in 2012   |   16 Jan 2012 at 07:45 PM

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