Hotels in Thailand

The spiritual heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is full of mystery and adventure. This breathtaking country has an alluring charm that seduces everyone who visits. From its incredible temple complexes to its vibrant cities, Cambodia’s culture, landscapes and flavours will invigorate your senses. The captivating natural beauty of areas like Luang Prabang and Tonle contrast with the well-preserved ancient monuments.

But it’s not just for backpackers and gap year travellers. Cambodia is also a luxury travel destination, with all the deluxe features in its hotels that you’d find in any Caribbean or Mediterranean resort.  

Things to do

A landscape filled with temples, shrines and historic buildings, Cambodia is full of fascinating cultural and religious sites. The Khmer belief led to structures like the iconic Angkor Wat. Dating back thousands of years, you’ll find this ancient masterpiece hidden in the jungle surrounded by a 190-metre wide moat. Famed for its spectacular sunrises, set your alarm early and get ready for a truly unforgettable experience.

And then, at the splendid Royal Palace, you’ll find the ancient Khmer style of building blended with modern influences.

Its natural wonders are just as beautiful, whether you’re admiring its jungles, mountains, forests, lowlands, rivers or beaches. The dominant feature of the landscape is the huge Tonle Sap or Great Lake in the centre of the country. It’s part of the mighty Mekong River which crosses Cambodia. 

The lakes and rivers flood during the monsoon season and transform the landscape into a world of water. While touring is possible year-round, water levels can affect which parts of the country you can visit. The best time to go is between July and December, when the waters are at a good level. While the stunning temples of Angkor are the obvious draw for most, Cambodia has much more worth exploring. The Battambang Bat Caves and Bamboo Train are a great choice if you’re looking for something different. There are also tropical beaches edged with curved palms that are perfect for sunbathing.

Whatever you hope to find on your holiday to Cambodia, you won’t be disappointed.

Sri Lanka is located close to the equator, so temperatures are pretty consistent all year round. It’s easy to spend all day on its palm-fringed beaches. But if you want to experience what else this island country has to offer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with World Heritage Sites, tea trails, safaris and temples, all at your fingertips.

Things to do

Asia holidays are a bucket-list destination for many, and Sri Lanka should be on that list. Whether you head here to see its jaw-dropping landscapes or immerse yourself in its diverse culture. Its virgin beaches stretch for miles and are perfect for anyone seeking seclusion. But don’t forget to look out for its stilt fishermen - a real highlight on any Sri Lanka holiday.

If you’ve come here to see the wildlife, you’ll be happy to learn that five of the world’s turtle species can be spotted in the surrounding waters. Over in Yala National Park, you’ll come across Asian leopards and elephants. Head here from March to October for the best chance of seeing them. 

After a day of animal-spotting, it’s worth delving into the country’s cultural heritage. Home to eight UNESCO-listed sites, dedicate some time to visiting its must-see landmarks including Ancient City of Sigiriya, whose giant megalithic rock will instantly demand your attention. Dambulla Cave Temple should also top your list of things to do with carvings dating back to the 1st century B.C.E.  

You’ll discover Malaysia holidays have many different sides to explore, from the most modern of cities to wildlife-packed rainforests and idyllic islands. The first thing you need to know is that Malaysia is separated into two halves, divided by the South China Sea. Peninsula Malaysia extends out from the mainland of Southeast Asia, between Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. You can discover dozens of unspoiled Malaysian islands dotted between the two halves of this beautiful country.

Asia holidays have it all, from cityscapes to wild jungles. In Malaysia, head to the west of the peninsula for the buzzing capital Kuala Lumpur, with its impressive skyscrapers including the world’s tallest twin towers. If it’s nature you’re after, head into the rainforest for sightings of orangutans, tigers and elephants. 

Things to do

While you’re visiting Malaysia, it would be a shame not to explore some of its 4,675km of coastline and endless tropical beaches. You’ll discover some of the best on the islands of Redang, Perhentian and Tioman off the east coast and Langkawi and Pangkor off the west coast of the peninsula. 

On Borneo, head for Turtle Beach, Golden Beach and Sipadan. Famous for their white sands and crystal clear waters, Malaysian beaches are perfect for diving and snorkelling around the coral reefs within easy reach of the shore. You’re likely to see colourful fish, turtles, barracuda, manta rays, dolphins and sharks.

You’ll also find Malaysia to be culturally diverse, and nowhere is this more evident than in George Town, a World Heritage site and one of Malaysia’s most fascinating cities. As the colourful capital of the island of Penang, you’ll find British colonial buildings, Indian shrines, mosques and Chinese shophouses. Make sure you visit the Blue Mansion. Built in the 1880s and rescued from ruin in the 1990s, its mixed design is what makes it unique from its Chinese tiles to its British stained glass. 

With its rich marine life and its wildlife-filled rainforest, Malaysia isn’t short of adventures. Jungle trekking is a popular activity here, giving visitors the chance to feel like David Attenborough while trekking through the jungle in search of tigers, elephants, flying lemurs, proboscis monkeys, the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros and the curious pangolin.The undisputed king of the Jungle is the Bornean orangutan. Its name in Sabah and Sarawak translates as 'people of the jungle' and many visitors come to Malaysia just to meet these 

Head to the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Sabah, where you’ll catch glimpses of these unique creatures from boat tours along the river, Danum Valley or the Tabin Wildlife Reserve as well as the the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can watch orphaned babies being fed.