xyzAsia

Accommodation

Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, is one of Asia’s most off-the-beaten-track tourist destinations. For years it’s been considered primarily a backpacker destination, mainly for those island hopping their way between Bali and Australia, but for those seeking a more upmarket hotel experience, Dili now offers some surprisingly good accommodation options.

Dec 17

Dec 17 Is the My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam Worth Visiting?

Travel, Travel Tips

Visitors to Danang and Hoi An on the Central Coast of Vietnam are often bombarded with offers from taxi drivers to take them to the My Son Sanctuary, about an hour ‘s drive inland. It’s one of the oldest archeological sites in Southeast Asia, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed, but it’s not large. So is it worth the half day that it takes to visit?

Dec 13

Dec 13 Timor-Leste: A Hidden Gem Awaiting its Time

Timor-Leste is an Asian destination that many have not heard of – let alone visited. However, for those who enjoy getting off the beaten track, this island nation offers unspoiled tropical beaches, pristine waters full of sea life and colourful corals, bucolic towns, a friendly population and some surprisingly upmarket accommodation options in its capital Dili.

Oct 2

Oct 2 Discovering the Grand Dame of Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation, Travel

The iconic Tudor-style Grand Hotel at Nuwara Eliya in the central highlands of Sri Lanka is nearly 200 years old. It looks like it has been plucked directly from the English countryside and oozes old-world charm and sophistication. With luxury accommodation, elegant lounges. and world-class food and beverage outlets, it's the ultimate place to stay when visiting Nuwara Eliya.

Sep 28

Sep 28 Which of the Gili Islands is Best for Older Travellers?

Travel, Travel Tips

Older travellers heading to Lombok, Indonesia, for the first time often ask which is the best of the Gili Islands to stay on. Many travel blogs recommend Gili Air because it’s a compromise between the livelier Gili Trawangan and much quieter Gili Meno. But there are reasons why that may not be the best advice.

Sep 19

Sep 19 The Truth About Travelling on the New E&O Express

Travel, Experiences, Food & Drink

The Eastern & Oriental Express is known as one of the world's most renowned luxury trains, and probably the best known in Asia. It's 5-star dining all the way with exotic cocktails and unlimited French champagne, but at over US$3,400 per person for four days and three nights, is it really worth the financial outlay? Here's what to know about what you will get for your money.

Sep 12

Sep 12 The Hidden Gems of Thailand’s Phang Nga Province

Thailand's Phang Nga province is not as well known to overseas visitors as Phuket to its immediate south, but for older travellers to the region it offers a quieter alternative and an opportunity to get away from Phuket's traffic and tourist crowds. For nature lovers, there are some real gems to be discovered in Phang Nga in the form of deserted beaches, nature trails, and picturesque waterfalls.

Aug 8

Aug 8 My Surprising Sri Lankan Sojourn

Sri Lanka is warm and welcoming country that is well known as an affordable backpacker destination but it is also home to some ultra-luxurious resorts that cater to those who wish to enjoy its rich food and diverse cultural experiences in style. Not only is it a destination that caters for travellers on all budgets, it offers an eclectic mix of old and new, with a distinctive character that is unlike any other Asian country.

Jun 19

Jun 19 Devouring Sri Lanka’s World-Renowned Crab

Food & Drink

If you are visiting Sri Lanka and enjoy eating crab, don’t miss the opportunity to sample the award-winning seafood menu at the Ministry of Crab in downtown Colombo. It’s housed in the heritage-listed Dutch Hospital building in the historic Fort precinct and is the only Sri Lankan restaurant to make the Asia’s Top 50 restaurants list.

Jun 8

Jun 8 The Bikan Historical Quarter: A Relaxing Destination for Art Lovers

The picturesque Bikan Historical Quarter in the Japanese city of Kurashiki has many art museums, historically significant shrines, interesting boutiques and craft shops, as well as some excellent restaurants and coffee shops, making it a relaxing day-trip destination for travellers interested in Japanese art, history and culture.

May 3

May 3 Silk, Sites, School, and Sunset Cruising around Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, has a plethora of things to see and do within proximity of its city centre. The Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Killing Fields Museum are most often visited, but there are other attractions outside of the city that are worth a visit too. The Golden Temple on the Mekong, and nearby Silk Island, are two such places, to which a visit can be topped off with a relaxing sunset cruise on the river.

Apr 23

Apr 23 I Travelled on Vietnam’s Reunification Sleeper Train and Survived

Travel, Experiences

Travelling on Vietnam’s so-called Reunification Express from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (or vice-versa) is not a luxury experience, but it’s a way to see some stunning scenery and perhaps interact with some locals along the way. It’s a 36 hours’ journey so it’s best to do the trip with stopovers and visit some of Vietnam’s interesting coastal cities along the way.

Mar 30

Mar 30 Scooting Around Saigon at Night on a Vespa

Experiences, Travel

A guided foodie tour on a Vespa motor scooter is an exhilarating way to explore Saigon at night. It’s a way to enjoy some of the best Vietnamese street foods available in the chaotic old southern capital as well as experiencing the authentic side of Vietnamese life.

Mar 10

Mar 10 Hanging Out at Ha Long Bay in Royal Style