Southeast Asia is home to many minority groups and tribes, but visiting them can make westerners feel uncomfortable. The difference between the material wealth of the traveller and the poverty of the villagers is on stark display, and it can be difficult to come to terms with the disparity of living standards. The last thing you want is to feel like a voyeur, so we have found some ways for you to get involved with the local people, allowing you to feel more like a guest. Here some of our Southeast Asia specialists talk about their own experiences and how you can ensure that your visit gives something back to the areas that you spend time in.
Less
More
Articles in the 'History & Culture' Category
Several recent harsh winters have threatened Mongolia’s nomadic way of life. Jo Hoban explains that the first step to preserving the culture is to spend some time in a family ger.
Download this article as a pdf (436 kilobytes)
Buying ready-made souvenirs is very “last year”. In New Zealand an initiative gives travellers the chance to learn regional craft skills. Helen Richards reports on a project that lets visitors make their own memories.
Download this article as a pdf (565 kilobytes)
Sometimes the Land of the Rising Sun seems to focus too hard on the future. Claire Barnes finds a dedicated American trying to seed life back into a remote corner of rural Japan and save a taste of the past for future generations.
Download this article as a pdf (413 kilobytes)
You may have only considered Mozambique for its beaches, but Ibo Island is a little secret that deserves discovery. Cate Mackenzie explains.
Download this article as a pdf (363 kilobytes)
Stephen Fisher finds a part of India far removed from usual expectations of the country.
Download this article as a pdf (278 kilobytes)
Malachy O’Neill gets off the beaten track in the heart of Latin America.
Download this article as a pdf (393 kilobytes)
Huw Owen takes a journey into the past in Guizhou, a rural and ethnically diverse region of southern China far removed from the country’s frenetic modern cities.
Download this article as a pdf (355 kilobytes)
Mark Patterson takes to the streets of Jordan to discover sights and sounds that escape most visitors.
Download this article as a pdf (565 kilobytes)
Jo Hoban has always been fascinated by the Romanovs, Russia’s imperial family. Here, she shares her memories of a journey through the land they once ruled.
Download this article as a pdf (1.0 megabytes)
Mention Indonesia and people instantly think of Bali, but this vast archipelago has far more to offer than just the beautiful beaches and cultural heart of this tiny island. Here, our Indonesia specialists discuss some of the other, lesser known islands and why they are special to them.
Download this article as a pdf (911 kilobytes)
Marc Dolman reveals how an adventure in the Outback can be both relaxing and exhilarating.
Download this article as a pdf (834 kilobytes)
Joanne Soddy explores Belize, the diminutive Central American country with a huge capacity for surprise.
Download this article as a pdf (500 kilobytes)
Ben Colbridge, North and Central Asia Specialist describes his years in the Far East.
Download this article as a pdf (164 kilobytes)
Our second fundraising trip in support of the Audley Charity Portfolio is a five-day trek through Jordan’s wilderness to Petra.
Download this article as a pdf (144 kilobytes)
Catherine Garrett explores how it is possible to experience Cambodia’s wonderful temples and escape the crowds.
Download this article as a pdf (689 kilobytes)
Chris Moore chooses his top ten experiences in China
Download this article as a pdf (475 kilobytes)
After a lucky find Andrew Hunt examines how visitors to Egypt would have been guided around the country 100 years ago.
Download this article as a pdf (518 kilobytes)
In 1968, attracted by the teachings of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, The Beatles left England behind and retreated to the solitude of an ashram at Rishikesh.
Download this article as a pdf (259 kilobytes)
Simon Fransham shares his passion for Thailand, and recounts some of his experiences while living and working in this beautiful country.
Download this article as a pdf (105 kilobytes)
The restoration of old Havana reveals some fascinating sights to Pat Chase.
Download this article as a pdf (247 kilobytes)
Enticed by the anniversary, our specialists uncover their connections to a bygone era.
Download this article as a pdf (508 kilobytes)
The most inspiring markets from across the world, as chosen by our specialists.
Download this article as a pdf (229 kilobytes)
Our Australia specialists reveal their favourite parts of the “real Australia”.
Download this article as a pdf (618 kilobytes)
Huw Owen previews the British Museum’s First Emperor exhibition.
Download this article as a pdf (185 kilobytes)
Mark Hotham discovers a road truly less travelled in northern Vietnam.
Download this article as a pdf (510 kilobytes)
Pietman Refief, local winelands expert in South Africa, reflects upon the traditions of the region and how best to experience them.
Download this article as a pdf (159 kilobytes)
We discuss life in Kyoto with two of our resident guides.
Download this article as a pdf (149 kilobytes)
Natalie Lewis explains where to stay, what to eat and what to do in Bangkok.
Download this article as a pdf (159 kilobytes)
Some fascinating museums covering a plethora of subjects from the harrowing to the amusing.
Download this article as a pdf (151 kilobytes)
Our specialists look back at the figures who have helped shape some of our favourite countries.
Download this article as a pdf (150 kilobytes)
One of our finest guides, Rob Gerrard, discusses the Battlefields of South Africa.
Download this article as a pdf (263 kilobytes)
Rogier Westerhuis discusses his aerial impression of the damage caused by the Boxing Day tsunami to the beaches of tropical Sri Lanka, and how the country is recovering.
Download this article as a pdf (117 kilobytes)
Beatrice Bowen visits Nepal for a sophisticated stay in the Himalayan Kingdom.
Download this article as a pdf (117 kilobytes)
Sarah Wells explains her special connection with India.
Download this article as a pdf (85 kilobytes)
Our Central Asia and Russia speacialists reveal the many cultures and landscapes waiting to be discovered in the former USSR.
Download this article as a pdf (139 kilobytes)
From the deck of a boat view Southeast Asia’s traditional waterborne ways of life, which have remained unchanged for centuries.
Download this article as a pdf (141 kilobytes)
Traditional dances from around the world.
Download this article as a pdf (584 kilobytes)
Chris Wilson immerses himself in the spiritual culture of New Zealand.
Download this article as a pdf (712 kilobytes)
Our Japan specialists consider the many different festivals you can incorporate into a visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Download this article as a pdf (441 kilobytes)
Ten places to visit in these two ancient lands.
Download this article as a pdf (170 kilobytes)
Including a homestay in your trip lets you experience life with the locals. Our specialists talk about their favourites.
Download this article as a pdf (212 kilobytes)
The gold mining history of the state of Victoria in Australia.
Download this article as a pdf (235 kilobytes)
Keira Dodd reflects on the colonial influences evident in Indochina.
Download this article as a pdf (250 kilobytes)
Discover famous film locations around the world.
Download this article as a pdf (221 kilobytes)
Ruth Milligan on spending time with the locals while travelling in Africa.
Download this article as a pdf (205 kilobytes)
A guide to some of the quality items you can buy in India and Sri Lanka.
Download this article as a pdf (182 kilobytes)
Our North and Central Asia specialists’ guide to exploring cities on foot.
Download this article as a pdf (254 kilobytes)
China’s immense population contains pockets of minority groups with very distinct cultures.
Download this article as a pdf (466 kilobytes)
Audley’s specialists choose some of their favourite towns and cities.
Download this article as a pdf (167 kilobytes)
Our specialist highlight two regions that were hit by the Tsunami and how their economies rely of tourism.
Download this article as a pdf (94 kilobytes)
Audley’s Southeast Asia specialists profile the magnificent religious sites of the region.
Download this article as a pdf (168 kilobytes)
An introduction to the fascinating destination of Jordan.
Download this article as a pdf (470 kilobytes)
Our specialists have chosen ten destinations that we think deserve attention.
Download this article as a pdf (561 kilobytes)
Our specialist pick their favourite hotels with a stoy to tell.
Download this article as a pdf (447 kilobytes)