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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations. It’s a dreamy landscape of breathtaking grandeur, a maze of jewel-like towering emerald islands, with grottos, caves and champagne-sandy coves engulfed by aquamarine waters. It’s a popular day trip from Hanoi but an overnight stay on a cruise boat is the best way to fully appreciate it.
The scenic Thai province of Krabi on the eastern side of picturesque Phang Nga Bay has a lot to offer older travellers. It’s quieter and more laidback than its western neigbour, Phuket, and focuses more on nature experiences. Whilst some of its attractions are suitable only for those who are reasonably fit, there are alternatives available for those with health or mobility issues. In this article, we identify where those are.
A relaxing river cruise along some of Cambodia’s and Vietnam’s most iconic waterways provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy interesting scenery, sample local cuisines, and participate in a range of on-land excursions that provide unique insights into the culture and lifestyles of the people living along these rivers.
Thailand’s Koh Lanta has a reputation for being a tranquil alternative to more popular islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. But depending on where you stay, that’s not always the case. However, Koh Lanta is a great destination for foodies travelling on a budget as it has many excellent eating places at much lower prices than other tourist spots.
A road trip along the Thai side of the Mekong River from Khong Chiam in Ubon Ratchathani province to Chiang Khan in Loei province takes you through parts of Thailand’s Isan region that are not often visited by travellers from overseas. There are many scenic national parks to visit along the way, and a memorable but somewhat dangerous mountain climb in Bueng Kan province that can be tackled by older travellers who are reasonably fit.
