Adventure Coordinators: south east asia

Some more feedback from South East Asia, Hong Kong and New Zealand - all these are from tailor-made trips and each client e-mailed me while they were on the trip.

From Phnom Penh:
The guy who picked us up from the airport and who will guide us tomorrow (...) told us lots of personal stories, provided first class service re restaurants (making and changing reservations), prepared us for tomorrow and is just a decent man who wants to do a good job. Refreshing. We are looking forward to tomorrow.
Mel - Toronto

From Hong Kong:
In the category of praiseworthy, the Hotel Icon in HK is terrific. Lends a smartphone with free long distance (yes, free calls to Canada) and local and free internet and free cell service and free minibar and shuttle to downtown. And great meals and very modern place. Highly recommend.
Mel - Toronto

From New Zealand:
We wanted to thank you for all the work you did in getting us sorted out for this trip. We had a wonderful time and everything went according to plan. (...) Attaching a picture of us at Fox Glacier. That had to be the highlight of our trip!
Melanie & Rob - Toronto

Related posts:
Feedback from South Africa
Feedback from Galapagos

Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Customer Feedback winter 2014

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Active sightseeing trips

New this year is a series of trips which let you try your hand at different activities, while exploring a country or region in depth.

Thailand - Hike, bike & kayak
Fancy some outdoor activity in a tropical paradise? Now's your chance as we launch into the remote highlands of Northern Thailand from Bangkok, one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities. Travel into steamy rainforests on foot to visit colourful hilltribes, cruise down the River Kwai on kayaks and explore the lesser-known side of Chiang Mai from a bicycle. The diversity of exciting outdoor options makes Thailand a haven for adventurers.

Cambodia - Hike, bike & kayak
Cambodia’s incredible beauty, fantastic food and unique culture are even better when combined with some serious outdoor adventure. Explore Phnom Penh and visit haunting monuments to Cambodia’s tragic past, take to the Mekong for an island homestay, get up close with Irrawaddy dolphins and kayak through spectacular flooded forests, then discover the ancient temple ruins of the incredible Angkor complex by foot and mountain bike before winding up in Siem Reap.

Turkey - Hike, Bike & Kayak
Experience Turkey from a different perspective. Abandon well-worn routes to forge a path through unexplored terrain, deep into the historical heart of Turkey. Travel from the minarets of Istanbul city, visiting Turkey’s holiest sites, cycling breathtaking Mediterranean coastlines, hiking the Lycian Way and kayaking over sunken cities. Take up the challenge and be amazed by all that this active travel adventure has to offer.

Arctic Watch Lodge: Adventure and Wildlife at 74°N
Head to the Canadian Arctic for a unique view of the wildlife and scenery of this spellbinding region. Based in the Arctic Watch Lodge on Somerset Island, witness beluga whales playing in the waters outside the lodge; hike to waterfalls and across colourful tundra; take to the water in kayaks to get up close to icebergs, seals and whales; and witness an epic history in towering canyons, prehistoric fossils and Thule ruins. This up close and personal trip to the Arctic is a truly unforgettable adventure.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Highlights of Myanmar (Burma)

Long shunned by travellers from the west, Myanmar is now open again to exploration. The best time to visit Myanmar is between November and February. Here are the highlights and some of the lesser known spots to discover in Burma.

The main attraction in Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) is the Shwedagon Pagoda. It and its surrounding temples and shrines attract an interesting mix of monks, pilgrims and travellers from around the world. Being covered in gold leaf, the main pagoda is the perfect place to visit at sunset. During the day, markets, colonial architecture, a massive reclining Buddha and temples are sure to keep you busy in this bustling city.

The world's largest book is found at Mandalay, once the capital of Burma. Another great place to watch the sunset awaits you here at Mandalay Hill, where you get beautiful views across the river and over the city. An alternate spot for this is the two kilometre long 200 year old wooden bridge at U-Bein

Nearby is Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly known as Maymyo), an old colonial hill station where officers would escape the heat of the plains. A clock tower, a church, country mansions and the botanical gardens all are remeniscent of days gone by. These days it is a crossroads for traders from China, which is reflected in the colourful local market.

From Mandalay, cruise the Irrawaddy River to Mingun, where the world's largest (uncracked) bell, the world's largest (albeit unfinished) pagoda and ancient temples await exploration. Enroute along the river, witness how this is one of the major trading and communication routes in Myanmar.

Going south along the Irrawaddy you will pass idyllic fishing villages, before you reach ancient Bagan, a breathtaking plain studded with over 3000 temples. Shwezigon Pagoda, the 13th century frescoes and cave temple of Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi and the Ananda Pagoda, one of the best preserved monuments in the entire city. Explore the city by horsedrawn cart of by bicycle and enjoy another magical sunset from the lower terraces of one of the temples.

Atop nearby Mount Popa sits a shrine which can be climbed via the 777 steps for some wonderful views. For the less energetic, Bagan offers many options to purchase laquerware and sand paintings.

Flying to Heho, a drive through picturesque hills brings you to Inle Lake. Here you can take a canoe to Lin Kin village, famous for its floating garden in the lake. People around the lake live in simple stilted houses and live of the fish from the lake, or grow food in floating gardens. With luck you may visit one of the rotating markets but you will no doubt see the local fishermen employing their famous leg-rowing technique. The lake is home to abundant bird life as well as to many places of worship and it makes for a great base to visit some of the tribal villages in the hills surrounding Inle.

If trekking is your thing, consider visiting the northwest of the country where you will meet hill tribes lost in time and stay in monasteries and schools.

South of Yangon lies the famous Golden Rock, a beautiful place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Legend has it that the boulder is held in position by a strand of Buddha's hair. Spending a night here is one of Burma's most spiritual experiences. Enroute from Yangon you can visit Bago (Pegu), home to a massive pagoda and one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world.

For the less active, the coast of Myanmar has some of the most pristine beaches in Asia - white sand beaches lined by tall swaying palms invite you to relax, explore the hinterland by bicycle, or go out on a boat trip.

Speaking of boat trips, if discovering remote places is your thing, a sailing trip through the islands off the Burmese coast does just that. This is a trip back to days gone past in an archipelago virtually left untouched by modern life.

Wherever you decide to go in Myanmar, you will discover tranquility, hospitality and ethnic diversity. Come and find out why this country is often called "The Golden Land".

Related posts:
Burma photo board on Pinterest
Why we do not ride elephants
Best time to visit SE Asia
Best cycling trips in Asia

Ballooning over the temples in Bagan - Myanmar, the Golden Land

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Why we do not ride elephants

We are happy to share with you we will no longer offer elephant rides to travellers.

Seeing wild animals on holiday should be a once in a lifetime experience. But the demand for elephant rides, lion and tiger selfies and more is forcing iconic wild animals into a lifetime of misery. Sadly it is these iconic animals that often suffer the most at the hands of a cruel and relentless industry.

More than 2,000 elephants are trapped at cruel tourist attractions where they are undergoing great physical and mental trauma to be forced into interacting with people. Watch this animation and learn about their lives as entertainers.

Our decision is based on an extensive research project by experts from Canadian animal charity WSPA to assess the welfare of captive elephants (and other wildlife) at entertainment venues in Asia and Africa.

Asian elephants are highly endangered and tourism demand has led to the establishment of venues where elephants are forced to do unnatural performances. The demand from travellers is adding to the number of endangered elephants being poached from the wild.

In both Asia and Africa animals are taken from their mothers, their spirit is broken, and they endure cruel and stressful ‘training’ to make them tolerate being ridden.

Clearly this is not something anyone will want to be involved in.

With your help we can stop these cruel practices.

Elephants are best seen in the wild, like here in Periyar, India

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Best time to visit South East Asia

This article has been moved to our new blog

Friday, December 13, 2013

Best cycling trips in Asia

Cycling is one of the best ways to see a country. You are outside all day and can stop at will to explore a market or village, eat a local meal, visit a museum, castle or temple or admire a view. In many places in Asia the bicycle is the preferred mode of transport of many local people. So let's join them and explore Asia on two wheels!

The trips listed below are for people who enjoy a weekend riding on either trails or roads at home will enjoy these trips. You need to be in good health and reasonably fit. Ideal for occasional cyclists, or as a more relaxed trip for fitter riders. Distances on road trips rarely exceed 70 kms (43 miles) per day.

If you are looking for cycling trips which require a higher level of fitness, go to the blog post Challenging Bicycle Trips in Asia.

Cycle Indochina & Angkor: this journey takes us across three countries with contrasting recent histories and subtly different cultures. From the busy streets of Bangkok we make straight for the rolling limestone hills of Thailand's largest national park, Khao Yai.
Moving into Cambodia we head through shimmering paddy fields to Angkor, the magnificent temple and city complex at the centre of the former Khmer Empire and one of the world's great historic sites. We reach Phnom Penh, where we encounter stark reminders of Cambodia's more recent past.
Arriving in Vietnam, we enter the Mekong Delta, a criss-crossed patchwork of rice paddies and waterways, the so-called 'rice bowl of Vietnam'.
We complete our journey in the vibrant city of Saigon where the frenetic pace contrasts with some of the rural areas we have cycled through.

Cycling Vietnam: this superb trip combines some of the best cycling routes in Vietnam with time for rest and exploration. Travelling on two wheels gets us closer to life in Vietnam and to the outgoing and welcoming Vietnamese who share our love affair with the bicycle. Over-laden bicycles and motorbikes typify Vietnamese life and passing encounters with local cyclists may leave us with some of our strongest memories.
Vietnam is a beautiful country, with a long coastline of broad, sandy beaches, shimmering paddy fields and mountains cloaked in forests. Our route takes us from the vibrant streets of Saigon northwards to the more conservative capital Hanoi.
Out of the saddle we have time to relax in the lively beachside town of Nha Trang, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and great shopping of Hoi An with its wooden merchant houses, pagodas, bustling market crowded with conical hats and women in the bright colours of their national dress, and also cruise around the incredible seascape of limestone towers in Halong Bay with its peaks rising directly from the sea.

Burma By Bike: in the words of Kipling: 'this is Burma and it is unlike any land you know about'.
This may be even truer today when we will arrive on two wheels in Bagan, one of Asia's holiest cities, giving you the chance to explore this cultural nerve centre of a country only now emerging from international isolation. Our route takes us through the Shan Highlands, crossing the central plains around Mandalay, and down a fabulous descent from Mt Popa. After all this riding we get a welcome respite, floating down the Irrwaddy River and exploring Inle Lake with its famous floating markets.

Cycling Through Rajasthan: Rajasthan has landscapes varying from green rolling hills to barren deserts. The whole state is dotted with dramatic fortresses, reminders of the Rajputs and their warrior past, while away from the desert the countryside is a patchwork of villages and small towns where we can see the timelessness of rural India.
Cycling is the perfect way to explore, offering a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life here. From Jodhpur our journey takes us first to the beautiful lakeside city of Udaipur, and on to the holy town of Pushkar.
Leaving the desert scenery behind we ride to Jaipur, a town overlooked by the splendid hilltop Amber Palace. We also visit Sariska National Park, beautifully located and home to an abundance of wildlife.
A fitting way to finish the trip is at the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Cycling The Empire Of Genghis Khan: Mongolia remains a mysterious presence in the heart of Central Asia, a traditional country where visitors are still an unusual sight. Nomads wander the grasslands, setting up their white gers (tents) where the pasture is lush for their horses.
The local people are warm and welcoming and we share their experience of life under a felt or canvas roof.
We follow good trails across wide, open steppe, into expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pine forests. Camping wild under the wide skies adds an adventurous edge to what is certainly one of our most intrepid cycle tours.
We end our riding at Mongolia's ancient capital Karakorum, once the centre of a vast empire. Its ruins and monasteries tell us about the fascinating history of this country and its glorious past.

Somewhat more involved are the following bicycle trips. For rides at this level, fitness is important. You must have confidence in your own ability and physical condition. They are equivalent to an extended period of cycling at home.

Cycling In Laos & Northern Vietnam: Laos, the land of a million elephants, is now the land of a million smiles, with stunning mountainous landscape and a laid back atmosphere, the result of a long isolation from its neighbours.
Our route takes us through some spectacular scenery, from narrow roads shaded by jungle vines to shimmering rice paddies and mountains which are home to a mix of ethnic groups.
Out of the saddle, we walk through villages and bamboo forest and visit Luang Prabang, one of Asia's most attractive towns, with colonial buildings, tree-lined avenues and colourful temples.
The Plain of Jars is one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological sites, but one with more questions than answers. Located in one the most heavily bombed places on earth it is steeped in wartime history. We also visit the Vietnamese capital Hanoi and finish our trip in bustling Bangkok.
The cycling is demanding at times, but our reward is to have roads almost to ourselves in South East Asia's friendliest and least known country.

Cycle Southern India - Coast To Coast: The two southernmost states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala perfectly depict the contrasting nature of India. Seeing them on two wheels gives us an excellent opportunity to soak up the rich culture and appreciate the different landscapes as we cycle by.
Tamil Nadu sees far fewer visitors than other Indian states, but this is part of the attraction as we follow quiet backroads from the fertile coastal plains in the east to the remarkable hills of the Western Ghats which form the border with Kerala.
Our ride takes us past some of the most impressive sites of southern India, including the former French colony of Pondicherry and the magnificent Meenakshi Temple at Madurai.
After cycling through the cooler highlands and tea estates of the Western Ghats we reach the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, where a relaxing houseboat cruise offers the chance to unwind and reflect on a memorable journey.

Kerala & Tropical India: Southern India is a magical place: beautiful landscapes, fascinating towns and villages, long white beaches and superb food, an excellent place to explore by bike.
In the cool heights of the Western Ghats the sanctuaries at Bandipur and Mudumalai hide wild elephants, tigers and leopards in jungle and bamboo forests. We cycle round old forts and up to religious rock shrines as well as through colourful villages where rural life has remained little-changed for centuries.
Further south, in Kerala, Hinduism has produced some of India's most elaborately decorated temples. A relaxing boat trip on the quiet backwaters here offers a change of pace from the bicycles, before the final coastal ride to Varkala and a chance to laze on the beach and reflect on an unforgettable experience of rural India.

Cycle The Backroads Of Sri Lanka: Although a compact island, Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse. Exploring on two wheels is the best way to see this rural country and to experience the way of life of its friendly people.
Beginning our journey in its region of ancient cities, we travel along the old King's Route, created more than 1000 years ago. Here we stop to climb the impressive 'Lion's Rock' fortress at Sigiriya and explore the cave temples at Dambulla.
We visit Kandy before riding through the tea estates of Nuwara Eliya in the Central Highlands where the cooler temperatures and lush scenery make for a relaxing ride. In the south we visit Yala National Park where there are leopards, elephants and an abundance of colourful birdlife, before ending the trip on the beaches of Sri Lanka's beautiful south coast.
This trip covers a substantial part of the island, taking in as much as possible of the scenic and cultural variety that Sri Lanka has to offer. Most of the route is a continuous ride, and transfers are kept to a minimum.

Cycling in Mongolia - photo Exodus

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

New Asia trips for 2014

In Asia we have the following new trips lined up for 2014.

In earlier blog posts I wrote about new walking and hiking trips and new cycling trips for 2014. For less active cultural trips, we offer some great small-group tours. Below is our lineup of new tours in Europe for 2014. For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Americas, Europe, Off-the-beaten-track.

Discover Bangladesh: this intoxicating new trip offers genuine experiences in a destination largely untouched and unexplored by foreign tourists. Outside the chaotic cities we discover the country's true beauty, including the lush tea plantations and rainforest around Srimongal, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Paharpur and Bagerhat, as well as two days spent exploring the wilderness of Sundarbans National Park, the largest mangrove forest on earth. Bangladesh may not offer the grand sites of its neighbours but adventure is guaranteed and the open hearted people of this country are the true highlight.

Cambodia AOA: Cambodia, a diverse country with a captivating history, is unveiled during this trip. After arrival in bustling Phnom Penh we head to picturesque Kampot, a land of paddy fields and pepper plantations. We pause for lunch at Kep Bay to enjoy views across the Gulf of Thailand before transferring to Koh Kong, at the foot of the Cardamom Mountains. Returning to Phnom Penh we visit the Royal Palace and the sobering 'Killing Fields' before departing for Battambang, a well-preserved colonial town. Finally, we discover the temple complex of Angkor with a sunset visit and a bike ride to the less-visited temples.

Volcanoes and Temples of Indonesia: few countries can boast as much natural and cultural diversity as Indonesia. The largest archipelago in the world, it is made of over 17,500 beach-fringed tropical islands where terraced rice paddies give way to luxuriant jungles and are often dominated by towering volcanoes. Ancient cultures have left their mark with spectacular temples and their rich traditions are still practiced today in the country's towns and villages.

Classic Uzbekistan: strategically positioned along the Silk Route, the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva were famed trading centres for the caravans that passed this way in ancient times. On this trip we follow in their footsteps, discovering magnificent architecture and bustling bazaars that have changed little since the rule of Tamerlane. This is a spectacular journey to the heart of Central Asia.

Friday, November 1, 2013

New hiking and walking trips for 2014

With walking and hiking trips all over the world, we still manage to find some great new trips each year. Here is our line-up of new walking and hiking trips for 2014. For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Cycling, Americas, Europe, Asia, Off-the-beaten-track.

Wildflowers & Waterfalls of the Swiss Alps: the Bernese Oberland is the ideal picturesque setting for scenic walks: glaciers, numerous stunning waterfalls and lush green valleys provide a spectacular backdrop for a relaxing week. All walks are set at a gentle pace leaving plenty of time to admire the 'chocolate box' villages we pass through, or to stop and enjoy a refreshing drink in the warm spring sunshine. Striking wild flowers flourish and carpet the meadows in colourful blankets. Our base for the week is a cosy, traditional Swiss hotel found in the charming village of Wilderswil and we use a mixture of local trains and buses to explore the natural beauty that this stunning region has to offer.

Provence: a stunning part of Provence and relatively untouched by tourism, Greoux les Bains offers the perfect base for a week of gentle daywalks. From our comfortable converted chateau, we explore the region with a mixture of walks from the door or following a short private bus transfer. With the bustling market town of Forcalquier, the dramatic Verdon Gorge and depending on the season, fields of lavender or poppies just a short drive away, there is much to be explored.

Lake Garda, Italy: the contrasting landscape of dramatic mountains, clear water and sandy coves make Lake Garda a wonderful place to visit. Close to the lake, the atmosphere is Mediterranean, with a mild climate supporting palms and lemon groves alongside the olives and vines. Away from the shore craggy mountains rise rapidly and the citrus groves give way to forest and alpine meadows. The multitude of lakeside villages have historically been linked by boat, which we use to explore the area along with a combination of buses and cable car.

Walking Dubrovnik and Montenegro: this walking trip is packed with highlights, combining gentle walks with the very best cultural attractions. We have plenty of time to explore the UNESCO cities of Dubrovnik and Kotor; interspersed with walks in the rolling hills and mountains that surround these cities. Enjoying the azure coastline will also be a priority and we will have the opportunity to appreciate the tranquility of the quiet bays on the idylic island of Lopud. Dubrovnik is a must see for any visitor to this area and with four nights here you will have plenty of time to explore. With gentle walks, fascinating culture and coastal serenity, this trip is the perfect amble towards relaxation.

Walking Malta and Gozo: in the heart of the Mediterranean, lie the beautiful and always sun-kissed Maltese Islands. The bustling island of Malta is home to the oldest megalithic temples on Earth, the UNESCO Old City of Valletta and bucolic inland paths. Leaving Malta behind, the tranquil, verdant island of Gozo, dotted with delightful honey-coloured villages and dramatic coastline, is a paradise for walkers. The hotels used on this holiday have been carefully handpicked for their charming character and unique location, perfect for relaxing after a day of walking.

Namibia, Trekking & Tribes: caught between the Kalahari and the Atlantic Ocean is a country of extreme natural beauty where wildlife roam and some of the continent's most charismatic tribes still live a traditional lifestyle. As well as exploring some of Namibia's highlights such as Etosha N.P. and the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, we learn about the San Bushmen's hunter/gatherer traditions, visit a Himba village and go on game walks in some of the country's smaller parks.

Trails of Ladakh, India: sandwiched between the western Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Tibetan Plateau, lies the high altitude desert of Ladakh, or 'Little Tibet'. Time in the capital Leh gives us the perfect opportunity to acclimatise as well as exploring the town, Leh Palace and some of the most important monasteries in the area. This fairly gentle trek gives us the chance to enjoy the views and experience village life, in this most remote area of India with its rich culture, where the way of life hasn't changed for centuries.

Trekking in Burma: we visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the cultural heart of the nation, and Bagan with its plain of 4000 temples. For our trekking we head to the Chin Hills of north west Burma. This area is home to the ethnic Chin people whose culture and traditions have changed little over the centuries. Women are adorned with tattooed faces and we will stay in monasteries and school houses, immersing ourselves amongst this welcoming culture. Passing forested hills, tea plantations and lush valleys we end the trek with an ascent of Mt Victoria (3063m) for magnificent views of the surrounding area.

Costa Rica - Volcano & Tropical Paradise Walk: follow handpicked walking trails in search of wildlife, waterfalls and outstanding views. From emerald rainforests, smouldering volcanoes and tropical savannah, to steam-fed springs and bubbling mud pools, vibrant Costa Rica is a destination that always delivers. Country tracks or forest trails lead us to a number of waterfalls, where mineral rich water provides the perfect refresher after a day's walking! A visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs near Arenal Volcano is also included to soothe any aching muscles.

Walking Trails of Brazil: giant flattop mountains rise above the grasslands whilst crystal-clear waterfalls, streams, underground rivers, unusual rock formations and caves are scattered between limestone escarpments. This scenery, risen from the ocean and carved by wind, water and time, greets visitors to Brazil's 'Diamond Plateau'. Chapada Diamantina, in the northeast of the country, inland from the colonial capital of Salvador, may be little known but is Brazil's premier trekking destination and its own Lost World.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Adventure Trips of a Lifetime

Having been blessed to have traveled through nearly 100 countries, you often ask me what the best adventure trip is I have ever done. So here is a top-ten of trips, in no particular order, I think everyone interested in adventure travel should do in their life:

1. National Parks ofthe West –the mountains of Yosemite, stunning Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley and the awesome Grand Canyon – this USA South-West trip is a gem. We have a walkingtrip too.

2. Essential Peru - the mysterious Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu in its incredible setting, spend the night in an island homestay, and the stunning Colca Canyon. Want to hike the Inca Trail and upgrade your hotels? Check out this adventure in comfort: Classic Peru.

3. Falklands, SouthGeorgia & Antarctica – the best trip, the best ship, the best guides, the best time for the ultimate expedition cruise. Looking for a shorter trip? - maximize yourtime in Antarctica.

4. Botswana Explorer – the best safari with the best guides and done in the most intimate way – best of all, no single supplements. E-mail me for dates and rates.

5. Kiboko Safari – showcasing all the best parks in East Africa – ask me how you can get a great deal and still see the famous wildebeest migration.

6. Egyptology – as of writing this (SEP2013) not a safe destination, but what would a top-ten list be without it? On this trip you will be guided by real Egyptologists and stay in 5-star hotels for a great price. See the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings in style!

7. Best of Italy – the classic highlights of Italy in a 2-week trip. If you want to experience more variety like stunning coastlines and small villages, ItalyUncovered is my best bet. Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Umbria, Venice, the Amalfi Coast - they are all waiting for you!

8. Ganges, Taj andRaj visits two of my favorite Indian sites – the Taj Mahal and Varanasi - India in a nutshell. If you want to do all of India in one trip, including Kerala, check out our IndiaExperience.

9. Best of Cambodiaand Vietnam - Angkor Wat is a must-see and can do easily be combined with Vietnam. This trip runs in the opposite direction as well.

10.Imperial Chinaand Yangtze River Cruise is arguably our best China trip as it covers Beijing, Shanghai, the Terracotta Warriors and so much more. If you have only two weeks, pick this adventure trip, or this trip with upgraded hotels.

Adventure Travel of course goes beyond these destinations too. The world is your oyster - email me to arrange your own perfect holiday!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Adventure Travel in Laos

Some of the best travel memories are created spontaneously - like the time I shared an impromptu meal with villagers near Luang Prabang and the school teacher got drunk.

I had been to Kuang Si Falls - a beautiful 3-tier waterfall set in a tropical forest. Here, water tumbles in narrow streams down limestone cliffs, clad in thick jungle. You can swim in the turquoise pools, admiring the views from the edge.

On the way back, a small road-side hamlet caught my eye. I walked over and gestured I was hungry. In no time I was served a plate of steaming rice and vegetables. Some of the people sat down with me to a great meal but any communication was limited to hand-signals and smiles.

Then the schoolmaster arrived and sat down to interpret between the villagers and myself. It was great as I learned a lot about village life. Soon, however, the teacher produced a bottle of laolao, a Laotian rice whiskey. He offered me some but had the bulk of the bottle to himself. He was soon having a great time all by himself.

I tried to keep the conversation going but the teacher stopped translating as he got busy singing songs and dancing a Laotian twerk, all the while brandishing his bottle of laolao.

Laos is one of those countries that seem to generate lots of adventurous moments, especially in the south. Often forgotten by travelers, it is an area of ancient Khmer ruins, beautiful waterfalls and tranquil villages. I did not have other encounters with headmasters, but I distinctly remember a chicken crapping all over my backpack and seeing a dog getting run over by a bus.

All par for the course of adventure travel in Laos. And I loved the place.

The highlights of my adventure travels in Laos were:

Luang Prabang's temples and markets
Pak Ou Caves
Kuang Si Falls
Exploring the countryside around Vang Vieng
Taking a boat trip on the Mekong near the Cambodian border, checking out villages and dolphins

Adventure Coordinators

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Singapore and Brunei articles

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Papua New Guinea and the Philippines articles

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Myanmar (Burma) articles

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Vietnam articles

Monday, April 6, 2015

Malaysia & Borneo articles

Monday, November 17, 2014

Feedback from SE Asia, Hong Kong and New Zealand