Every year we discover amazing Asian experiences that we want to share with the world. With thanks to our tour guide throughout Aais, always on the look out for exciting way to uncover the real Asia, We bring you a list of some of our favorites for the coming year.
See the temples of Angkor from the Air
The temples at Angkor, and particularly the world-renowned Angkor Wat are a bucket-list experience everyone should see once in their life. Seeing the temples at sunrise is an amazing experience as is travelling by tuk-tuk around the complex for some great photo opportunities, but nothing beats seeing them from a hot air balloon. Board a tethered balloon and head straight up for a bird’s-eye view of the ancient temples and a story you’ll be retelling for years to come.
Discover the food of Laos
While not famous for its cuisine like neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, the food of Laos is both delicious and unique. Get a taste of authentic cuisine by joining the locals for dining experiences you’ll never forget. Try a cooking class surrounded by tropical greenery at one of Luang Prabang’s best restaurants, or join a local family in their home to try some of the traditional jaew dips. Surrounded by lush rice fields, learn to cook bamboo sticky rice in a bamboo hut, before a picnic at the refreshing Kuang Si Falls.
Cruise the Mekong
River cruising in Asia isn’t only about the convenience of unpacking just once as your boutique “floating hotel” takes you to a new destination each day, it is also about accessing parts of the country that you just couldn’t see otherwise. By choosing a small ship, you’ll get to explore local villages and meet local people. For the best of both worlds combine your River Cruise with a small group tour on our Mekong & Beyond small group tour, which includes eight nights aboard the Toum Tiou II in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Elephant Hills in Thailand
This luxury tented camp just a couple of hours away from Phuket by road, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle. Check in to your luxurious permanent tent surrounded by lush jungle and experience jungle treks, traditional dance performances, river rafting and meet the elephants cared for at the Elephant Hills sanctuary. Travel to the tranquil lake for a day spent swimming in the refreshing waters or paddling your canoe amongst the soaring jungle-clad hills, or stay overnight in one of the plush floating tents.
Visit a nunnery in Burma
Buddhism is an intrinsic part of the culture in Burma where it is practised by nearly 90% of the population. Visiting a monastery is a common activity for tourists to Burma, however for those looking to get off the beaten path, a visit to a local nunnery is a unique experience and meeting the nuns and sharing lunch is so heartwarming you’ll be talking about it for years to come.
Spend a night cruising on the Mekong Delta in Vietnam
Known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, the lush fields of the delta are crisscrossed with tributaries of the Mekong River. Traveling by boat here is the norm, with houses and markets floating alongside. Cruising the languid waters is a peaceful pastime, but spending the night afloat gives travelers the chance to experience the peace of this region in new ways.
