Top 10 Holiday Destinations in Asia
Ready, Jet Set, Go!
Tuesday, 21 Aug 2012
Special occasions call for special itineraries – honeymoons, pre-baby holidays, anniversary trips, even the big 3-0.
But even if you don’t have a reason to go on vacay, who’s to say you can’t hit up the best spots around the region?
Our great friends at Lightfoot Travel have heard our pleas for uh-may-zing travel holidays and have put together 10 spectacular travel itineraries just for us!
Click through and prepare to amp up that wanderlust!
This slideshow was 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.
Vietnam
With the number of highlights Vietnam has to offer, expect to move frequently over a span of 2 weeks. But don’t worry, your downtime won’t be in vain – from bustling morning markets to river cruises and ethnic minority villages, this is one culture trip travel fanatics shouldn’t miss.
What we love: Not only can you catch a night train on the Victoria Express where you can stay overnight in a private cabin, you can also visit Sapa where you can stay near 30 local hill tribes, and our fave – spend a night or two on the Jasmine Junk Ship while you cruise Halong Bay.
Burma
A ten day trip around Burma is a perfect escape for those looking to avoid the crowds and learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the country. This one’s definitely for those who want to choose the tourist road less travelled.
What we love: For an easy (and spectacular) way of seeing all 3000 temples around Burma, take a hot air balloon ride over Bagan. Make a pit stop at the vast Inle Lake, which spans over 35km, and visit cottage industries that still reside on the lake.
Cambodia
Leave the backpack at home; luxe Cambodia is worth a second look. Take a week to explore secluded resorts and new vantage points of the Angkor Wat, and don’t forget to snorkel and dive in some spectacular waters.
What we love: Not only will you enjoy 5-star amenities at the Amansara (including your own private villa and butler service), they also have a comprehensive range of tours covering both city classics to lesser-known areas. If you make a trip out to the private island of Song Saa, you also get to enjoy complimentary activities like embarking on a marine safari, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Laos and Thailand
One week, two countries, and a holiday you’ll be talking about for a long while. Start your journey in Laos before taking a slow river cruise down the Mekong River to Thailand, where you can spend three nights just lounging around amid exotic bamboo jungles.
What we love: How many people can say that they’ve spent a night on the Mekong River, dined in the middle of the northern Laotian mountains and gotten from Laos to Thailand by boat? Total bragging rights. And we’re not talking any ordinary Thai experience either – you get to spend three nights with elephants onsite in a luxe, tented camp complete with hand-hammered copper bathtubs.
Malaysia- Sipadan and Kinabalu
For those with game. Start off by answering the call of the azure waters with a three-day dive experience, then spot elusive animals in a safari-esque trek through the lush rainforest, and finally, close your two-week adventure with an exhilarating scale up Mount Kinabalu for that perfect photo finish.
What we love: Diving with barracudas and turtles (possibly even harmless Whitetip reef sharks), rainforest canopy walks, safari night drives, dawn river cruises, and the charming resorts in-between. And of course, the panorama at Mount Kinabalu’s peak.
Bhutan
Bhutan is an adventurer’s paradise, a history buff’s dream, and a photographer’s ideal destination. From snow-capped peaks and deeply forested slopes to raging rivers, skilful weavers and lectures on the country’s history – there’s something here for everyone.
What we love: the views of Bhutan from the valley of Paro when you first arrive, trekking and climbing 3000m tall mountain passes, and meeting the charming villagers of the isolated mountain town of Gogona.
Sri Lanka
The pace of your itinerary may vary, but a 10 day trip will include everything from safari drives and tea trails to exploring culturally vibrant towns… sans tour guide.
What we love: Glamping (glamorous camping) may not be for everyone, but sleeping in 1 of 5 tents amongst wildlife and waking to breakfast in the river? Definitely once in a lifetime. Over in Hill Country, you can also request a tour with the resident tea planter, who will walk you through the process of Ceylon tea farming.
Maldives
For a shorter getaway, R&R is of uptmost importance. Go from Olhuveli Island to the privately-owned Cocoa Island to get the best of the waters. This trip is also very kid-friendly.
What we love: Snorkelling and diving in pristine waters, the Shambhala Retreat Spa on Cocoa Island that offers expert yoga tuition, and spending a night on an ultra-luxe, high-speed yacht on the unspoiled waters near Male.
India
Majestic forts, jungle safaris, and living with tigers? Give yourself about 2 weeks to cover the stunning must-sees of India – and be prepared to return shortly after.
What we love: If you’re staying at the Amarvillas, you get a private view of the sun setting over the Taj Mahal. Like your baubles? Visit a jewellery craftsman in Jaipur (famous for their jewellery); shop the Raas spice markets, and go glamping in National Parks where you can spot tigers, ride elephants, and even enjoy pampering spa treatments.
Indonesia – Bali and Nihiwatu
This is no typical beach holiday. Lounge around in Canggu, Bali, for a couple of days before taking a chartered flight out to the relatively unexplored and uncommercialized Nihiwatu.
What we love: private pools, black sand beaches, rice terraces in Canggu, Bali. Over at Nihiwatu, culture vultures can explore traditional Stone Age sites and experience ancient animal rituals while activity junkies get to scuba dive in pristine waters.
