Before embarking on my travels through Southeast Asia, I must confess that I did not know too much about the countries making up Indochina - namely Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos – apart from glowing recommendations from those who had been before me. However, as I researched my trip, my appetite was truly whetted for what I was about to see and experience. I soon learned that amongst the plethora of interesting places to visit within the region are a total of nine 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.
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Articles in the 'Southeast Asia' Category
After time spent immersing yourself in the temples, cities and nature of the country, many people opt to spend some time relaxing on or near a beach. Here, our specialists pick out some less-known beaches from around the world, places that remain unspoilt and away from the tourists crowds.
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Look deep within the ancient rainforests of Borneo and you will discover a land that time forgot; sheer valleys sheltering tribal peoples living off the land in a way that has altered little in thousands of years. However, the lure of this mighty island is in the sheer diversity and abundance of wildlife it offers; a visitor to Borneo can swim with turtles one day, watch orang-utan swing through the trees the next and follow a herd of elephants tramping through the river the day after.
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Terry Sullivan has been leading Audley group tours for over 16 years. An inveterate traveller, his work and personal travels have taken him to a whole host of countries but when ever asked as to which is his favourite, the answer requires no deliberation, it is always Burma. After returning from his final tour for Audley, he explains why by sharing a few passages from his tour diary.
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If you’ve explored a destination on land, why not spend a few days exploring the underwater part of it. It’s a whole new world. If you’re not already qualified, you can choose to do an introductory course, a full PADI training course or, for the more qualified, a day or more diving and discovering some of the underwater world’s most spectacular species. A number of our destination specialists are keen divers, some are qualified instructors, and here they pick out their own favourite dives sites.
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Madagascar is probably best known for its unique wildlife. Cut off from the mainland Africa for millions of years, the island’s flora and fauna has evolved into unique species including 150,000 forms of life which are found nowhere else in the world, including all the numerous species of lemur. Here two of our specialists describe some of the highlights of their recent travels in Madagascar.
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Critically endangered, with a population thought to have dropped from 30,000 in 2000 to as low as 15,000 today, Orang-utans are now found on only two islands in the world: Borneo and Sumatra. With the equator running almost right through the middle of these islands, the 4th and 6th largest in the world respectively, this is the heart of the tropics and contains some of the most important wildlife habitats on the planet.
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The Mekong covers over 4,300 kilometres as it navigates its passage from the Tibetan plateau to the South China Sea. The latter part of this journey is spent meandering through Indochina, forming the lifeblood of this diverse region. Here our Indochina specialists explore some of their favourite highlights along the way.
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We asked our specialists which destinations offer particularly good value for the coming year. We see plenty of offers in the newspapers and on the web for low-priced tours, but these invariably cut a lot of corners, so we also stressed that the trips needed to be the ‘complete experience’ and not less than two weeks. Here are some of their suggestions.
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The beauty of Indonesia is to be found in its sheer diversity. The country is the world’s largest archipelago, consisting of 17,000 islands with a population of over 245 million. The people practise a vast array of religions and, although
officially a Muslim country, any tour of Indonesia will lead to encounters with Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Confucians and even Animists.
The sheer breadth of religions reflects the various waves of immigration to the country from many parts of Asia and beyond. This melting pot of cultures, beliefs and traditions makes the country a fascinating place to visit. To compliment this, the country is blessed with the verdant volcanic landscapes of Java; abundant wildlife including the endangered orang-utans of Sumatra and Kalimantan; and the white sand beaches of Bali and Lombok, to name just a few.
Diversity does bring one drawback and that is how to decide on what to see in a country with seemingly limitless options. Here we simplify the process, outlining the main highlights on the larger islands, explaining how these can be combined and highlight some outstanding offers.
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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 specialists to choose some of their favourite culinary experiences from around the world.
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When telling people I was about to embark ona self-drive trip around the north of Thailand, I was met with a mixture of interest and concern: “Have you seen how they drive in Bangkok?” But driving in Thailand outside the frenetic capital is a very relaxing experience with quiet, spacious roads and fabulous scenery. Having the independence to stop wherever you like is a great way to interact with the locals and adapt your pace of travel.
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Audley’s specialists pick out some of their favourite music, dance and drama performances from around the world.
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On 7th January 1979 the Vietnamese Army rolled into Phnom Penh, freeing the country from the barbaric rule of the Khmer Rouge. They found a country that had been dragged back to the Stone Age. The subsequent road to recovery has been long and hard but Cambodia is finally emerging into a fascinating tourist destination. As the country marks this sombre anniversary we look at the major role tourism has played in its rehabilitation.
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Vietnam has witnessed a huge transition over the last 20 years, once a destination for the more intrepid traveller, it’s now becoming one of the most popular destinations in the region. Craig Burkinshaw, Managing Director, shares some of his early travelling experiences and demonstrates how these changes have benefited the visiting traveller.
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Threatened on every side by palm oil plantations and logging camps, Borneo’sMaliau Basin is a vital rainforest refuge for 1,800 species of flora and a vast array of wildlife. Nick Ghosh treks into its heart.
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Hidden in a remote corner of Laos, one of the least developed countries in Asia, lies a memorial to one of the twentieth century’s forgotten wars. Set in a stunning location far from the tourist coaches and group tours, the caves at Vieng Xai are only now coming to the attention of the outside world. Mark Hotham explains.
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Parts of Thailand may have succumbed to mass tourism but, as James Pook discovered, there are still plenty of paths to take that are less trodden.
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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.
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Responsible travel is not only about minimising the environmental impact of travel, but also about improving the social and economic infrastructures of host destinations. Ultimately, we strive to ensure that a visit from Audley clients leaves a destination better rather than worse off. The nature of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of responsible travel – we use, wherever possible, locally owned accommodation options, locally managed grounds agents and local guides and drivers. One of the vital parts of our country specialists’ research trips is to unearth new initiatives. Here are a few of our favourites.
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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.
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Catherine Garrett explores how it is possible to experience Cambodia’s wonderful temples and escape the crowds.
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Nick Ghosh and Sid Davis find plenty to recommend a self-drive road trip from Singapore to Penang in Malaysia.
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Simon Fransham shares his passion for Thailand, and recounts some of his experiences while living and working in this beautiful country.
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Unrivalled comfort in your own private villa in Southeast Asia.
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Mark Hotham discovers a road truly less travelled in northern Vietnam.
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Kate Dicks discovers a birdwatcher’s paradise in Thailand’s national parks.
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Malaysia and the less developed islands of Indonesia are home to some of the most elusive and threatened primates in the world. Joanne Poole discusses the various species and where to find them.
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Natalie Lewis discusses the plight of the Asian Elephant.
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Natalie Lewis explains where to stay, what to eat and what to do in Bangkok.
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The best island escapes are considered by our Southeast Asia.
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From the deck of a boat view Southeast Asia’s traditional waterborne ways of life, which have remained unchanged for centuries.
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Natalie Lewis recommends some of the destinations featured in our Southeast Asia brochure.
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Charlie Read from our Southeast Asia team recounts his travel experiences in the region.
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The luxuries of train travel, from South Africa to Southeast Asia.
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Jo Poole remembers how she fell for Southeast Asia.
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A wealth of underwater experiences for the snorkeller and scuba diver.
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Despite common links, the countries of Southeast Asia have developed distinct national dishes.
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Our specialist highlight two regions that were hit by the Tsunami and how their economies rely of tourism.
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Vicky Nagle recounts her travels in Latin America.
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Audley’s Southeast Asia specialists profile the magnificent religious sites of the region.
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The best of Southeast Asia’s small hotels.
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Some of the highlights of Southeast Asia.
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Natalie Lewis recently travelled to the Philippines to research this often overlooked destination.
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The most spectacular river journeys Southeast Asia has to offer.
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Sustainable tourism is thriving in the rainforests of Borneo.
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How to experience the best this fascinating country has to offer.
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The peaceful charms of the Land of a Million Elephants.
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An introduction to Thailand’s less well-known attractions.
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Cambodia’s best and least-known sights.
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Audley’s Indochina specialists explains why one particular hotel group has become a firm favourite with our clients.
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How Audley, and you, can help a very special school in Saigon.
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Audley’s Mekong river journey follows the river from the fertile delta region in Vietnam, via Cambodia to the mountains of northern Laos.
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The changing face of Burma.
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Our specialist visits Tanjong Jara, a luxury hideaway on the east coast of Malaysia.
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Perfect resort hotels on the paradise island of Bali.
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A two week trip to the glorious highlands and beautiful beaches of Malaysia.
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Chris Orme reflects on the spectacular wildlife of Borneo.
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Our Southeast Asia specialists run-down the region’s top tourist attractions.
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We highlight four of our favourite resorts in China and Southeast Asia, offering an idyllic end to your journey…
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Asia’s mighty rivers offer a handful of classic river cruises, here we focus on two of the most famous: the Yangtse in China and Burma’s great Irrawaddy.
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Travelling to Asia in Autumn and Winter gives you a chance to experience the colours of autumnal Japan, the clear skies of Laos and Southern India’s delightful backwaters.
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Rail travel is a memorable way to discover Asia. Our specialists compare two contrasting styles: the fun nostalgia of India’s toy trains, and the absolute luxury of the Eastern and Oriental Express train from Singapore to Bangkok
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