Far East holidays
With a kaleidoscope of different cultures, religion, cuisine and scenery a holiday to the Far East is a magical experience. There are few parts of the world that conjure up such colourful images as the Orient – Buddhist monks at dawn in their saffron robes, breathtakingly beautiful beaches, glittering temples, smiling faces, some of the worlds most unique and diverse cultures and the warmest welcome you could possibly imagine.
The region offers something for every taste and the warmest welcome imaginable.
Select a country
* Brunei
* Cambodia
* China
* Hong Kong
* Indonesia
* Japan
* Laos
* Malaysia
* Mongolia
* Singapore
* Taiwan
* Thailand
* Tibet
* Vietnam
Brunei holidays
Located on the Northern shore of the Island of Borneo, bordered by the South China Sea and the Malaysian state of Sarawak, this the smallest of South East Asian nations is a culturally rich and environmentally diverse. Its capital Bandar Seri Begawan, is the centre of Brunei's commerce, finance and government, and in many ways its cultural centre. Housing some of the nations most revered national landmarks the city` lavish adornments, gold towers, sparkling fountains, colourful mosaic tiles and its quaint asian water village makes this an ideal city to explore.
Outside of the capital the remote rainforests and the countries unique flora and fauna provides untouched frontiers in South East Asia as this lesser visited destination begins to grasp international tourism. Handed back from Britain in 1984 this oil rich country famous for its Sultan remains one of Asia's safest destinations to visit, its people remain peaceful and friendly to the outside world, eager to show off their proud heritage. The coastline offers idyllic untouched beaches and warm water shores making this destination ideal to explore or relax. No distinct rainy season due to its tropical climate and proximity to the equator, generally however November to March brings heavier rains.
Cambodia holidays
For many years the country was off limits to all but the most intrepid travellers, today Cambodia is welcoming visitors with open arms. This magical land boasts ancient temples, dense forests, glorious beaches and a captivating culture and history. Who could not fail to be amazed at the imposing beauty of Angkor, rising phoenix like from its jungle setting. The blend of delightful people, delicious cuisine and historical treasures make Cambodia quite remarkable and truly unforgettable.
Cambodia holiday highlights
* Hidden deep in the jungle for many years the awe inspiring ancient temple complex of Angkor is quite rightly touted as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of theWorld’.
* The laid-back colonial-style charm of Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor.
* By travelling further afield you can enjoy lazy sunkissed beaches in Sihanoukville, sleepy towns and spectacular national parks.
* The evocatively named capital Phnom Penh is a beautiful city full to the brim with charmingly dilapidated colonial heritage, as well as a vibrant riverside promenade and a whole selection of cafés and restaurants.
Cambodia resorts
In Cambodia there are hotels in the resorts of Kep, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
China holidays
A vast, spectacular, beautiful country of contrasts in landscape, climate and culture, the world's most ancient traditions wedded to the world's brightest economic future, a land of a thousand million souls, where peaceful rice fields and monastery villages exist alongside buzzing ultramodern mega-cities. In short, a magical destination of memorable images and amazing experiences!
China holiday highlights
* Bustling Beijing, venue for the 2008 Olympics, where the Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square await exploration.
* Other thrilling cities: Shanghai and Hong Kong, offering colonial charm, superb shopping, distinctive regional cuisine and a full calendar of colourful and fascinating festivals.
* The Great Wall of China - one of the greatest building construction projects ever completed, a testament to human engineering, ingenuity and endurance, and an undoubted wonder of the world. Snaking its way thousands of miles from the mountains of Korea to the sands of the Gobi, the wall has captivated and astonished visitors throughout its remarkable history.
* The imperial glory of Xi'an, particularly the 8,000-strong army of life-size Terracotta Warriors assembled to protect the tomb of the first Qin emperor.
Hong Kong holidays
The harmony between old and new, East and West, in Hong Kong is endlessly fascinating. With 5,000 years of Chinese traditions, 150 years of British colonial influence and boundless energy to embrace and shape the future, this is a truly unique city and a delight to explore. And Hong Kong is constantly changing so, even if you have been before, you are sure to find something new and exciting on your next visit.
Hong Kong highlights
* The food - with an incredible 9,000 restaurants to choose from, this is a dining mecca and the capital of Cantonese cooking, considered the finest of all Chinese regional cuisines.
* The events - Hong Kong hosts a full calendar of spectacular events, including Winterfest, Chinese New Year and the Hungry Ghosts Festival. Plan your visit around one.
* The fresh air! Areas of extraordinary beauty, home to exotic and rare flora and fauna, lie just beyond the skyscrapers.
* The shopping - Hong Kong offers the most incredible contrast of shopping experiences, from bustling oriental markets to ultra-modern malls, selling everything from ancient Chinese medicine to video iPods.
Indonesia holidays
Bali offers a wonderful blend of culture and scenery, appealing to sunseekers and the bargain hunter alike. This tropical island conjures up images of the mystical east, with the wealth of history and tradition providing plenty of sightseeing opportunities - the island boasts 20,000 temples!
Indonesia resorts
In Indonesia there are hotels in the resorts of Bali, Bintan and Lombok.
Japan holidays
The unique culture of this country makes it a fascinating holiday destination. From the modern, high tech capital of Tokyo to the beautiful ancient imperial city of Kyoto, Japan has something for everyone. The magnificent Mount Fuji is an impressive sight, along with the historic Buddha statues and temples in the region.
You can choose to stay in Tokyo or visit the former capital Kyoto where you will find traditional Japanese crafts and plenty of sightseeing. An amazing country - extras can be expensive but Japan has such a unique culture that you cannot fail to be fascinated by all you see.
Japanese holiday highlights
* Enjoy the dazzling attractions of Tokyo. From the hundreds of electrical shops in Akihabara to the famous Ysukiji fish market and the Imperial Palace, Tokyo offers a wealth of holiday highlights.
* Visit Kyoto, the former capital of Japan until 1867 an a cultural gem boasting numerous temples, castles and museums including Nijo Castle, dating from 1603, a designated National Treasure for its splendid architecture and interior decoration.
* Set on the slopes of an extinct volcano, Niseko is the biggest and best ski resort in Western Hokkaido receiving an average of over 30 metres of snow each winter.
Japan resorts
In Japan we offer hotels in the resorts of Kyoto, Niseko and Tokyo.
Laos holidays
Poetically known as the land of a million elephants and probably one of the most enchanting countries in South East Asia. Laos is eye wateringly beautiful and offers visitors a rich embroidery of traditional culture and wondrous scenery. If your desire is to tread a path that is less travelled then this charming country is the holiday destination for you. You will find genuinely warm and friendly people, fabulous sightseeing, and outstanding local cuisine. This is one of the few places on earth that does not disappoint, Laos is a sleepy laid back country easy to explore yet difficult to leave.
Laos is one of the least populated countries in South East Asia and for many years was hardly visited by travellers. The country today offers a genuinely rewarding holiay experience with its rich mix of traditions and awesome landscape. One of the safest countries in the area, Laos holds many treasures and is closely connected to Thailand in its religion, cuisine and language.
Laos holiday highlights
* Luang Prabang is a small and friendly town that sits in a picturesque setting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Delightful to explore, you will find a wide variety of architectural styles from historic temples and wonderful old French mansions.
* Vientiane, the sleepy capital city, holds a host of delightful temples and combines gracefully with the colonially influenced architecture.
* The Plain of Jars is a fascinating area of rolling fields where hundreds of huge stone jars lay scattered across the landscape.
* The limestone Pak ou Caves many of which are encased with images of Buddha.
* The remote northern provinces of Laos lie close to the boarders of China, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar and are home to many minority groups who still live their traditional ways of life from centuries past until present day.
Laos resorts
In Laos there are hotels in the resorts of Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
Malaysia holidays
Malaysia has a holiday for everyone. Relax at one of the stunning resorts along the peninsular coast or on the charming islands, savouring a traditional spa treatment or playing a world-class golf course. Explore cultural and natural wonders, including the jungles, tribes and wildlife of Borneo. Or enjoy a thrilling city break to Kuala Lumpur, with its world-class hotels, restaurants and shopping.
Malaysia holiday highlights
* Kuala Lumpur - an exciting, cosmopolitan city with superb shopping malls, exquisite restaurants and plenty to see and do, not least a visit to the iconic Petronas Towers, until recently the world's tallest building.
* Penang - a compact holiday island and Malaysia's culture in microcosm, with thriving traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai communities.
* Langkawi - largest island in a beautiful archipelago, Langkawi captivates visitors with its pristine beaches, lush jungle interior and activities galore.
* The East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, home to natural wonders from mountains to primates, and a fascinating cultural history.
* Taman Negara, Malaysia's national park, with 1677 square miles of pure virgin rainforest, home to some of the oldest flora and fauna in the world.
Mongolia holidays
The name 'Mongolia' has always stirred up visions of the untamed - Genghis Khan, camels wandering the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the steppes. Even today, outside of Ulaanbaatar you may get the feeling you've stepped into another century rather than another country.
In the westernmost corner of Mongolia lies the rugged land of Kazakh people. Living in harsh, barren valleys surrounded by Altai mountains, Kazakhs preserved their centuries old traditions and culture almost intact. Among them is the ancient tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles.
Mongolia is a geographically diverse country, landlocked between China and Russian Siberia. Snow capped mountains dominate in the west giving way to grasslands in the centre and north. To the east lies the Asian steppe, to the south the vast emptiness of the Gobi desert. Its main population is centred around the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, gateway to a vast, scarcely populated wilderness. Often referred to as the ‘Land of the Blue Sky’, Mongolian winters can be quite harsh, the best time to visit being from May through to August. Solid walking shoes are required, as is a sense of adventure and a willingness to be at one with nature.
Singapore holidays
A bewitching blend of East and West, and a melting pot of Malay, European and Chinese cultures, Singapore is a popular holiday destination and an endless delight to discover. Renowned for it's shopping malls and street markets, Singapore also has exquisite restaurants serving up a world of culinary adventures, charming colonial attractions, outstanding natural beauty and full calendar of exhilarating and colourful events to enthral and enchant.
Just 45 minutes by ferry from sparkling Singapore, Bintan provides peaceful beaches and immense beauty with a cultural side in the south, where kelongs (fishing houses built on stilts) are scattered along the coastline.
Singapore holiday highlights
* Shopping, the closest thing to a national sport, with around two hundred shopping malls and countless characterful independent shops.
* The food - befitting its position as the 'crossroads of Asia' the city'' cosmopolitan blend of cultural influences is reflected in its cuisine, prepared with sublime skill and an unmistakeable passion. Try the sensational chilli crab!
* A Singapore Sling in the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel (naturally!).
* The colonial treasures and fascinating ethnic quarters, each with its own distinctive atmosphere and architecture.
* The Botanic Gardens with its magnificent orchids, and Sentosa Island, two miles of white sand beaches and lush rainforest where the flora and fauna are wonderfully accessible.
Taiwan holidays
East meets West on this leaf shaped island of contradiction, where centuries old temples nestle midst vibrant progressive cities and ancient traditions thrive among modern ideals. Head away from the hectic cities and discover remote breathtaking scenery, dramatic snow-capped mountains, tranquil lakes and rugged coastlines.
Once described by the Portuguese as ‘Ilha Formosa’, the ‘beautiful island’, Taiwan is fast emerging from its recent industrial past to share its captivating city life and natural beauty with the wider world. Taipei is a fascinating city, modern yet littered with historic sights that beguile and amaze. To fully appreciate Taiwan you must also explore its hinterland. Begin with the remarkable Taroko Gorge, a canyon of immense magnitude. On the west coast, Kaohsiung and Taichung offer unforgettable glimpses of traditional Taiwanese culture and natural beauty. At the heart of the island lies Sun Moon Lake, replete with dramatic mountain peaks and intricate, stunning temples.
Thailand holidays
Thailand holidays are a perennial favourite, and it's easy to see why. Golden temples, bustling markets, historic palaces, delicious food, wonderful beaches and the world's friendliest welcome, inspire travellers to return year after year. And each time you visit, there is something new to experience - ever more luxurious resorts, a vibrant capital, magical mountain scenery, local crafts and hill tribes. A holiday in Thailand - once experienced, never forgotten.
Thailand holiday highlights
* Lively, exotic Bangkok, a true city of contrasts, from the serenity and beauty of the glittering temples to the extravagance of the nightlife.
* Excursions from Bangkok to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, the lively Damnoen Saduak floating market and the famous railway, cemetery and museum at the River Kwai.
* Chiang Rai, the southernmost point of South East Asia's Golden Triangle, gateway to the hill tribe villages and the serene temples of Chiang Saen.
* Chiang Mai, tranquil 'Rose of the North' and Thailand's second city, home to some of the country's finest religious buildings, a thriving local handicrafts industry and an extensive, bustling night bazaar.
* The classic elegance and style of the Eastern & Oriental Express.
Tibet holidays
A land of dramatic mountains, deep valleys, cascading rivers, ancient monuments, stunning palaces and incredibly warm hospitality. This is what makes Tibet and its capital Lhasa the thought provoking, unique travel experience it is today.
Five thousand feet above sea level, nestled between the shoulders of the Himalayan and Kunlunshan ranges lies the incredible autonomous region of Tibet. Located in the mountain fringed valley of the Kyichu River, the capital Lhasa, meaning ‘Holy Land’, is home to more than 30 ethnic groups, providing it with a colourfully rich cultural and spiritual heritage cultivated over 1000 years. Both ancient and modern in parts, its heart remains the spiritual Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine. Enjoy also an afternoon exploring the vibrant stalls, shops and tea houses of the Barkhor market.
Vietnam holidays
Vietnam is a stunning, exciting country relatively untouched by tourism but a delight to explore. Vietnam holidays offer the opportunity to relax on a pristine white sand beach or travel the country to discover a unique culture and some extraordinary sights. Between the bustling centres of Hanoi in the north and Saigon in the south, Vietnam is a slender country of jungles, rice fields, beaches and bays, mesmerisingly beautiful and never less than enthralling.
Vietnam holiday highlights
* Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) - a young, fun city, with boulevards, churches and villas from its French colonial days, superb nightlife, restaurants and shopping.
* The fascinating, albeit sobering, reminders of the 'American War', such as the War Remnants Museum in Saigon and the remarkable Cu Chi tunnels.
* Hanoi - the ancient, conservative and traditional capital, where the Chinese influence is tangible in the old artisan quarters, temples, puppet theatres and lakeside pagodas. Hanoi also has a distinctive French influence, ie The Colonial Offices and shutters windows of its French quarter, to the south of Hoan Kiem Lake.
* The legendary imperial capital of Hue, a once awe-inspiring complex of gilded pavilions, lily ponds and terraced gardens, partly destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive.
* The idyllic beaches of Phan Thiet and Nha Trang.
* The natural beauty of Halong Bay.