Abercrombie and Kent Australasia and The Far East

MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA AND ETHIOPIA

INDIA, HIMALAYA AND SRI LANKA

AUSTRALASIA AND THE FAR EAST

LATIN AMERICA

CITYSCAPE

ESCAPE

ANTARCTICA

VOYAGE

AUSTRALASIA AND THE FAR EAST 2011/12

SAFARI

Abercrombie & Kent Ltd, St George’s House, Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3LG, UK Tel: 0845 0700 600 • Fax: +44(0)1242 547 707 • abercrombiekent.co.uk You are welcome to visit us in our Cheltenham offices or alternatively visit: Abercrombie & Kent Private Travel, At Harrods, 87 – 135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7173 6440 • Fax: +44(0)20 7173 6441

AUSTRALASIA AND THE FAR EAST

A&K PHILANTHROPY P67

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CHILDREN DOING EYE EXERCISES, NINE POND VILLAGE SCHOOL, OUTSIDE WANZHOU

We believe that travel should not only inspire but also respect the natural environment and benefit the indigenous peoples whose lands we visit. Through our charitable division, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP), we have been supporting conservation projects around the world for over three decades.

With a ‘high yield, low impact’ policy, we seek to address pressing environmental, educational and public health needs and give more back to the communities in the regions where we operate. This makes a difference to the lives of thousands of people around the world – for example, following the devastating destruction to Myanmar by Cyclone Nargis in 2008, leaving thousands in the Irrawaddy Delta suffering from disease and starvation, A&K rallied to collect over US$340,000 for essential supplies while our teams on the ground ensured that these went directly to those in need.

We currently support 30 different projects across the world, from large-scale relief efforts following natural disasters, such as Un Techo Para Chile (A Roof for Chile) following the terrible 2010 earthquake, to initiating local community programmes such as beekeeping in Tanzania or Sam’s Brothers Clean Water project in Cambodia.

For every booking we take, a donation is made to A&K Philanthropy and you are welcome to visit our projects when travelling with us. A full list of our projects can be seen on www.akphilanthropy.com

Dear Traveller I founded Abercrombie & Kent in East Africa nearly 50 years ago with little more than a Land Rover, a couple of tents and the all-important icemaker. Little did I know at the time I was creating a blueprint for a travel company that now takes people to every corner of the world in comfort, style and absolute safety.

The key to our success? We believe in leaving nothing to chance. We believe in service. We believe in getting to know our clients so we can anticipate their individual needs. We believe that focusing on the little details can elevate a journey from being a great holiday into the experience of a lifetime.

We believe that by religiously following these principles, clients will keep coming back to us for their holidays. They do.

Now it’s your turn‌

Geoffrey Kent Founder, Chairman and CEO

CHELTENHAM

LONDON

PARIS CHICAGO

MOSCOW

PROVENCE DUBROVNIK

FLORENCE

BEIJING MARRAKECH

AMMAN SHARM EL-SHEIKH

ALEXANDRIA CAIRO

SHANGHAI DELHI

LUXOR ASWAN ABU SIMBEL

JAIPUR

yangon KOCHI

HONG KONG

AGRA

BANGKOK

SIEM REAP PHNOM PENH

GALAPAGOS KAMPALA NAIROBI

QUITO

LIMA

NGORONGORO ARUSHA

MOMBASA ZANZIBAR

CUSCO LUSAKA MAUN

SANTIAGO

JOHANNESBURG BUENOS AIRES

CAPE TOWN MELBOURNE

Our network of offices around the world means that wherever you are, a member of the A&K team is never far away. Whatever their role, A&K staff set the standards of service and excellence.

They are chosen for their absolute dedication to understanding the personalised touches that make your holiday both distinctive and individual.

The best way to find out more about a place is to talk to someone who’s been there. Our travel consultants have been to every country featured in this brochure. With in-depth, first-hand experience of the countries they specialise in, you can be sure they will take time to find out exactly what you want from your journey and create an itinerary that gives you exactly what you want.

We specialise in tailor-made travel. We go to great lengths to understand exactly what you want from your holiday. We discuss the destination, style of accommodation, mode of travel and experiences you will have to ensure the combination is just right. For you.

Landmark birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or just a big family event provide the perfect excuse to celebrate in a memorable destination.

We do these too.

Whether finding the perfect retreat for a large family party, arranging for hundreds of guests to attend a wedding overseas or the most romantic place on the planet to celebrate an anniversary, our consultants know exactly which hotels offer the extra touches that will ensure your celebration goes with a bang. Likewise we know which strings to pull to ensure our travel partners push out all the stops for honeymoons.

For those with families, we know how difficult it can be choosing the right place to take children. Trying to find somewhere that will occupy and engage a variety of ages, personalities and interests can be a Herculean challenge. Because we have experience in so many countries and have sampled the accommodation first hand, we are able to suggest destinations that will offer everything you need in terms of entertainment, and also which places are the most familyfriendly and flexible.

Contents China

Borneo

Country introduction............................................... 10 – 11

Country introduction............................................ 44 – 45

Silk Road and Ancient China.................................. 12 – 13

Sabah and Sarawak............................................... 46 – 47

Yunnan

Japan

Introduction and journeys....................................... 14 –15

Country introduction............................................ 48 – 49

Tibet

Ryokans and Geisha............................................... 50 – 51

Introduction and journeys....................................... 16 –17

Australia

Thailand

Country introduction............................................. 52 –53

Country introduction.............................................. 18 – 19

New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Ayutthaya............... 20 – 21

and Tasmania........................................................ 54 – 55

Myanmar

Northern Territory, Western Australia

Country introduction............................................ 22 – 23

and Queensland.....................................................56 – 57

Hill Tribes, Ayerwady and Inle Lake..................... 24 – 25

New Zealand

Vietnam

Country introduction............................................ 58 – 59

Country introduction............................................. 26 – 27

Rotorua, Hawkes Bay and Bay of Islands...............60 – 61

Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa............................... 28 – 29

Wilderness and Nature, Mountains

Hoi An, Dalat and The Mekong Delta................... 30 – 31

and Lakes...............................................................62 – 63

Laos

Further Information

Country introduction............................................. 32 –33

Airline partners.............................................................. 64

Luang Prabang and Southern Laos........................ 34 –35

A&K online.................................................................... 65

Cambodia

Further information....................................................... 66

Country introduction............................................ 36 – 37

A&K Philanthropy.......................................................... 67

Siem Reap and Phnom Penh................................. 38 – 39

Malaysia and Singapore Country introduction............................................. 40 – 41 Taman Negara and Cameron Highlands.............. 42 – 43

CHINA For centuries the most advanced civilisation – bequeathing to the world gunpowder, printing and the compass – China is captivating and engrossing.

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MONGOLIA

BEIJING

BEST TIME TO BE HERE

SHANGHAI

XIAN

YICHANG

CHINA YANGZI RIVER CHONGGQING

TIBET LHASA

GUILIN

KUNMING

M YA N M A R

G L G TS

Beijing Experience both old and new from the Great Wall and the historic Imperial

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district that is the heart of a growing art and

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Palaces of the Forbidden City, to the chic 798

advanced civilisation – bequeathing to the world the dictionary, printing and gunpowder

culture community.

– China is on the march again and determined

Xian Serving as the ruling seat for 11

to see herself restored as the middle Kingdom.

different dynastic periods in Chinese history

Y

and home to the famed tomb complex of

GZ R VER An exhilarating cruise

highlights the beauty of the world’s third

Emperor Qing with its army of terracotta

longest river and its dramatic gorges, flowing

soldiers.

I

eastwards nearly 4,000 miles from the ‘roof of

Yangzi The symbolic lifeline of China winds

the world’, dividing north and south.

through the beautiful Three Gorges. On

TERR

construction of the Three Gorges Dam many

OTT W RR ORS Theories abound

meant to safeguard the Emperor’s passage to

you may like to visit a family to learn how

the afterlife and to protect his kingdom from

their lives have changed over the years.

attack. This site of the tomb of Emperor Qing

Shanghai This bustling metropolis captures

is considered the single greatest archaeological

the imagination with its mix of Victorian-

find of the 20th century.

style Bund and sophisticated skyscrapers

WE RE OMME D

across the Huangpu River. At night the

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families in the river towns were relocated –

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but it is thought the Terracotta Warriors were A

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EXTENSION SUGGESTION

STORY The history of China is engrossing,

For us the primary attractions are not N

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individual sights but rather its history, its peoples and its natural world. Talk to our Pavilion overlooking Tian Chi (Heaven Lake) Xinjiang Province

VIETNAM

even daunting. For centuries the most

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HI

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INDIA

HONG KONG

China is a vast country with wide-ranging climatic condition. Autumn and spring are the most comfortable seasons of the year with little rain and moderate temperatures.

Nevertheless China offers visitors something special all year round – winter can be incredibly cold but you will be rewarded with the unforgettable Harbin Winter Ice Lantern Festival.

city comes alive and Chinese prodigies will show off their acrobatic skills in a special performance in the Old Town.

experts about what you want to achieve in this

12 day journey from £3,895 per person.

intriguing country but here is a starting point.

Prices include international flights.

Try our suggestions overleaf highlighting the Silk Road, Yunnan and Tibet or try the following firm favourites: Hong Kong This exciting and glamorous metropolis is a shopper’s paradise and radiates energy with buzzing nightlife and colourful street markets. Take a tram and ascend to The Peak to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding city skyline. For those who prefer a more culture-rich experience visit the traditional Walled Villages in the New Territories.

Guilin The famed karst scenery has been the inspiration of both poets and painters over the centuries.

Chengdu At the unique Panda Breeding Centre you may be lucky enough to cuddle a baby panda.

call 0845 0700 615 to speak to an expert or visit www.abercrombiekent.co.uk CHINA P11

P12 CHINA

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A camel caravan on the Mingsha (Rustling Sand) Mountain

Silk Road The trade routes linking imperial Rome with remote China were once the greatest on earth. Many great men have undertaken travels along this intricate network and the Silk Roads have left an unparalleled imprint on the world’s civilisations. Today the romance of its cities is as strong as ever.

Dunhuang is a pearl on the Silk Road that became an important garrison on the caravan routes. Its reputation grew after faithful pilgrims began work on the Mogao Grottoes in 366 AD where, in the midst of forbidding desert, the greatest gallery of Buddhist manuscripts, sculpture and wall paintings was created.

The impressive series of wells and underground tunnels at Kerez used gravity to bring ground water to the surface and evoke the past glories of the Silk Road.

Kashgar remains the seat of Uighur culture, a people originally from the grasslands of Mongolia and Siberia. The atmospheric narrow maze of alleyways opens out to the market, where every day of the week you will see locals haggling over camels and brightly coloured fabrics and carpets. You will feel as though you have been transported back in time to the hey day of the Silk Road.

Oasis in the desert, Dunhuang, Gansu

P13

CHINA

CHINA

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Our team of experts will enable you to take the road less travelled along the highway of Chinese history and observe a China seldom seen behind its modern façade.

Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pingyao was once an important communication hub between Beijing and Xian and is one of the few cities in China that retains a visual and intangible link to the country’s remarkable past. Its history dates back 4,000 years though the city only got its name in 424 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty.

Datong lies to the west of Beijing and is best known for its 53 Buddhist caves. Many of the caves have been damaged over time by the climate but the site stretching for nearly a mile still holds some impressive archaeological treasures.

Head off the beaten track and enjoy a rare chance to experience rural life in China with a close and colourful look at the ethnically diverse villages of Guizhou Province.

A day among the warrior monks in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, illuminates historic sites, archaeological finds, and fascinating cultures, culminating in an exciting performance of Shaolin Kungfu.

China, Shanxi, Pingyao

YUNNAN This land ‘South of the Clouds’ is China’s most physically and culturally diverse region – dense forests, snow-crowned mountains and a rich floral splendour that blooms throughout the year.

YOUNG WOMAN AND BABY, Yuanyang

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SHANGHAI Dali Spring Festival parade dragon dancers

BEST TIME TO BE HERE

YANGZI RIVER

Despite the three lateralspatial climatic zones in Yunnan – temperate, sub-tropical and tropical – the region can be visited year-round although the ideal time to visit is between April and June when spring unfolds, flowers bloom, and the colour and vibrancy of the region come to life.

ZHONGDIAN LIJIANG

DALI

TIBET

CHUXIONG

QUJING KUNMING

YUNNAN LINCANG

INDIA M YA N M A R

HONGHE

XISHUANGBANNA

VIETNAM

EXTENSION SUGGESTION

Neighbouring Countries

INDIA HIGHLIGHTS

for its library where many ancient texts and

LIJIANG OLD TOWN Against the backdrop

rare publications are stored. There are said

of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the cobbled

to be more than one thousand small houses

streets of the charming Old Town retain the

concentrated within the Heshun city wall.

captivating architecture and symbolic designs

Shaxi A caravan stop on the ancient Tea

of some 800 years of Han and Naxi traditions

Horse trade route, Shaxi is charmingly

– a gateway to another China.

untouched with well preserved Ming and Qing

TIGER LEAPING GORGE Legend has it that

dynasty houses.

a tiger used this first segment as a stepping

Azalea Forest at Baima Mountain

stone to leap across one of the deepest gorges

At 180,000 hectares Azalea Forest is the largest

on the planet. We recommend spending a few

and highest nature reserve in Yunnan, offering

days here hiking or enjoying the hospitality of

unique views of snowy peaks, green canyons,

the Naxi.

primeval forest and icy glaciers. Of the rare

ZHONGDIAN On the edge of the Tibetan

highland flora growing on Baima the azalea is

plateau, Zhongdian and its surrounds are

not only the most beautiful but also the most

very different in look and feel from the rest

prevalent, covering entire mountainsides in

of Yunnan. The openness is uplifting and the

early summer.

change in culture, architecture and farming

Cangshan Mountains Yunnan is famed

is remarkable.

for its plantlife and the Cangshan Mountains

WE RECOMMEND

overlooking the pretty town of Dali have

In Yunnan you really are spoilt for choice and hence our expert knowledge is invaluable.

Along with the highlights above we recommend the following off-the-beaten-path gems.

Heshun The picturesque Heshun village

more than 3,000 species of plants, mainly consisting of evergreen coniferous trees, shrubs and grasses. In spring and summer, azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons bloom in profusion.

with its lovely Qing-Style houses is well worth

13 day journey from £4,755 per person.

exploring. Heshun is particularly famous

Prices include international flights.

Border crossings are possible from Yunnan province to Tibet, Vietnam, Myanmar or Laos – you can and should (in our view) spend a few days exploring these neighbouring countries. Vietnam is the most convenient with a new express highway from Kunming to Lao Cai and the beautiful mountain region of Sapa. A journey that once took twelve hours can now be done in just half the time, exploring the town of Jianshui en route with its wonderful architecture from the Ming period including city gates, Confucian temple and the Zhang family clan village.

Vietnam’s northern mountain ranges are breathtakingly beautiful. Sapa is the focal point for mountain travel in Vietnam and is a riot of colour and atmosphere as people from the myriad ethnic minorities gather in the markets.

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TIBET For centuries unassailable, Tibet remains one of the most beguiling places on earth.

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BEST TIME TO BE HERE

With May, June and October offering clear blue skies, mid-spring, summer and early autumn are warm and a good time to travel. Early spring, late autumn and the winter months can be cold especially in the mornings and at night.

RUTOG GARYARSA

PA K I S TA N

TIBET

GANGDISÊ SHAN SHIGATSE

SOG XIAN LHASA GYANGZE

N E P AL

MT. EVEREST

EXTENSION SUGGESTION

Everest Base Camp As you INDIA M YA N M A R

Monks In Shigatse

HIGHLIGHTS

you will see the monumental Potala Palace and

POTALA PALACE Former winter residence of

join pilgrims at the Jokhang Temple.

the Dalai Lama, Potala still plays a central role

Gyantse Driving past turquoise lakes and

in the administration of Tibet and is a symbol

over stunning mountain passes with prayer

of Tibetan Buddhism. The towering palace

flags (literally “wind horse”) carrying their

complex contains burial stupas, residential

blessing across the countryside, you arrive

quarters, defensive fortifications and gardens.

in Gyantse. One of the most appealing and

JOKHANG TEMPLE Tibet’s most sacred

traditional of Tibetan towns, Gyantse remains

temple and first significant religious institution

a centre of trade and pilgrimage due to its

– the focus of devotion day and night.

location on the strategically important trade

DREPUNG MONASTERY Part of Tibet’s

route to Bhutan and India. The walls of

Great Six monasteries, Drepung is renowned

magnificent Pelkhor Monastery ride the crest

as a great centre of learning and is the site of

of ridges between the hills

the burial stupas of some of the Dalai Lamas.

Shigatse Shigatse is the second ‘city’ of

WE RECOMMEND

Tibet and seat of the Panchen Lamas. The

Heinrich Harrer spent seven years in Tibet as recounted so beautifully in his eponymous book, but today it is possible to visit some of Tibet’s many highlights in a mere ten days.

Here is a suggestion:

Lhasa Lhasa means the Holy Land in the Tibetan language and is the centre of Tibet’s politics, economy, and culture. Its impressive heritage of more than a thousand years of

The Potala Palace, Lhasa

Tashilhunpo monastery used to house nearly 5,000 monks and still has several hundred.

It contains the world’s largest gilded copper image – an 80ft monument to the concept of loving kindness that is encrusted with the native turquoise and other semi-precious stones. Sakaya Monastery is dubbed the ‘Second Dunhuang’ as it stores numerous valuable art pieces.

cultural and spiritual history has helped create

11 day journey from £4,595 per person.

the mysterious Tibetan religion and it is here

Prices include international flights.

might imagine the scenery on the ‘The Roof of the World’ is striking. One of the best ways to experience the full beauty of the plateau and encounter Tibetan nomads unused to the faces of westerners is to drive into Nepal via Rombok Monastery, an access point for Everest base camp.

The people here are warm, caring and full of hospitality.

Just smile and you will get an even bigger smile or peels of carefree laughter in return.

Panda Research & Conservation Drive

across the Chinese border to the Panda Research and Breeding Centre at Chengdu, home to around 50 giant and red pandas. Learn about the conservation efforts to save this endangered animal, see new cubs appear in the autumn, and if you arrive early you may have the chance to see the pandas feeding.

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THAILAND Serenity and hospitality are inextricably interwoven with Thai Buddhist heritage.

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WE RECOMMEND

B ST TIM T

Vast natural and cultural attractions, lively

The ideal time to visit most of Thailand is between November and March when there is little rain and it is not too hot. Temperatures are less dramatic in the south making this part of Thailand a good refuge between April and June when the rest of the country is extremely hot.

VIETNAM

smiles’ is no cliché; it is the perfect description for the home of the hospitable Thais. Thailand

M YA N M A R

captures the essence of the exuberant Orient

LAOS

CHIANG RAI

– its beauty, its traditions, its paradoxes – and

CHIANG MAI

travellers here find something new despite

SUKHOTHAI

returning again and again.

THAILAND AYUTTHAYA BANGKOK

Bangkok The vibrant capital city offers CAMBODIA

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cities and gracious people. The epithet ‘land of

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CHINA

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Loy Kratong festival, Sukhothai

endless opportunities to balance a day of cultural visits with its lively collection of

KRABI

PHUKET

Emerald Buddha is one of the most sacred sites in all Thailand. As your long-tailed boat travels along the hidden klongs of the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings) discover the unspoiled way of life of the people who live along her banks.

Chiang Rai A visit to the Golden Triangle brings you close to the border, an area of mountain and dense jungle where a riverboat

kok Known to the Thais as Krung

Thep (‘The City of Angels’) Bangkok is a and cultural traditions are set against the pulsating buzz of an ever-evolving Asian city.

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As you journey

see that life has changed little here over the centuries. Nearby is the equally beguiling Chiang Rai in the border area known as the Golden Triangle with its temples, markets and handicraft traditions.

T

Be

e The delights of both the east

and west coasts beckon with some of South

city is home to orchid gardens, the Wat Doi Suthep shrine sitting high above the city and handicraft villages famous for their woodcarvings, jewellery and painted umbrellas.

Take the opportunity to paint with the majestic elephants at the forest training camp.

Phuket Fly south to the the tropical island of Phuket set among shimmering turquoise seas and shear limestone outcrops. Leave the stress of the world behind with an iridescent sunset and beachside barbecue feast.

Prices include international flights.

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14 day journey from £4,565 per person.

resort hotels.

s

East Asia’s most sophisticated and secluded ach

hai

that leave the first time visitor in awe.

Chiang Mai This culturally rich northern

ai

hiang

to the former capital Chiang Mai you will ai

hiang

northwards through the mountainous uplands

images of mist covered mountains and valleys

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ang

modern metropolis where ancient architecture

The area surrounding Chiang Rai evokes

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takes you to the remote Lahu hilltribe village.

HIGHLIGHTS

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nightlife. The spectacular Grand Palace and

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Thailand is the perfect stepping stone to neighbouring countries Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam where you can deepen your experience the cultures of Southeast Asia.

Just some of the possibilities to complement your journey are exploring the treasures of the hmer mpire, following in the footsteps of Vietnam’s ancient Nguyen Dynasty, giving morning alms to the monks in Laos, and watching a perfect sunrise from the top of a thousand year old temple in Bagan. Board the charming cruising boutique hotel RV Paukan that plies the waters from Bagan to Mandalay and gain a wonderful insight into river-life on the Ayerwady whilst cruising in the style of a bygone era. The rich cultural heritage of Malaysia can be experienced en route from Bangkok to Singapore on the luxury astern & riental xpress.

shopping malls and a famously energetic

KOH SAMUI KHAO LAK

XT NSI N SUGG STI N

noodle stalls, bustling flea markets, designer

O

GULF OF THAILAND

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P12 CHINA P20 THAILAND

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Akha Hilltribe Girls Wearing Traditional, Silver Headpiece, Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai The area surrounding this ‘rose of the north’ is blessed with a pleasant year round climate, charming people and exciting shopping. It is the gateway to the ancient Lanna kingdom and perfect for exploring the mountainous north of the country and the ethnic minorities that still inhabit the area. A visit to the elephant camp is a must; here you will be taken through a private mahout training course to learn the basic commands required to guide an elephant through its daily tasks. The real fun comes when you discover the artistic side of these gentle giants with the opportunity to paint together and take home the painting that you created.

Chiang Rai The area where Myanmar and Laos meet the northernmost province of Thailand is known as the Golden Triangle, notorious for its opium trade in the past. Chiang Rai is well known for its stunning mountain scenery and is home to several different ethnic minorities that began to arrive in Thailand at the end of the 19th century (some much earlier) when forced out of their native Myanmar, China and Tibet by civil war and political pressures. The main hill tribe groups in this region are the Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Akha and Mien, each still retaining its own fascinating customs, religion, clothing and language.

Painting with Elephants, Chiang Mai

THAILAND CHINA P13 P21

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Long Tail Boat, ayutthaya

Ayutthaya The surviving ruins of Ayutthaya are testament to the former glory of what was once the most magnificent city in the Orient. Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand from the 14th century until 1767 when the city was sacked and looted by Burmese invaders. During its 417 year history, it was the capital for 33 kings of five dynasties and today the ancient monuments of these kingdoms are still scattered around a busy provincial city.

A cruise on the lavishly restored and converted rice barge Manohra Song takes you from Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River to Ayutthaya. The Temple of Dawn, the 14th century Wat Pananchoeng monastery housing Thailand’s largest ancient Buddha image and the Bang Pa In Summer Palace, originally built by King Thong and used as a country residence for the later kings of the Ayutthaya period are just some of the treasures along the way. In Bang Sai village you can see a variety of Thai houses in regional styles and see how the rural villagers make handicrafts such as fern basketry, dyed silk, miniature dolls and furniture.

Buddha Statues, ayutthaya

MYANMAR Myanmar, or Burma as it was known, overflows with old-world charm and a way of life rapidly disappearing in the world today.

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Buddhist Ritual Gondola

CHINA

PUTAO

The cobbled streets, sleepy tree-lined avenues

BEST TIME TO BE HERE

and crumbling, moss covered buildings hark

Undoubtably the best time to be in Myanmar is late November and early December. The weather is perfectly warm during the day and cool at night, the landscape green and tropical from the monsoon rains and there are few tourists.

back to a bygone era of Kipling and crumpets.

Yet today, visitors can immerse themselves in

INDIA

the chaotic street-life, thriving markets and AYERWADY

MANDALAY

BAGAN

INLE LAKE

M YA N M A R

charming tea shops.

Inle Lake If Bagan is the historical heart of Myanmar, Inle Lake is its spiritual heart.

Everything seems to dissolve into a timeless haze and the feeling of peace is overwhelming

MRAUKU

– not even the slap and splash of the fishermen BAY OF BENGAL

THAILAND NGPALI BEACH

YANGON

frightening fish into their nets can detract from

EXTENSION SUGGESTION

such calm and tranquillity. Take a cruise to the

Ngapali If you are after azure seas, white sand and coconut trees along a pristine stretch of coastline, why not add a few days in Ngapali to your journey. You will not find jet skis, speed boats or noisy beach bars here; only small family run restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood under the swaying of palm trees and lazy bullock carts ambling along the beach.

Chiang Mai For the more adventurous looking to step off the tourist trail, crossing from Chiang Mai into Keng Tung reveals one of Southeast Asia’s most undiscovered areas. In Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle you experience the colourful hill tribes, limestone caves and rich history. Crossing into Myanmar the scenery remains the same but differences between the people and their lifestyles is immediately apparent. Here, the modern world has yet to touch these people.

lakeside village of Indein. Walk up a beautiful stairway, lined with wooden columns, to old Shwe Inn Dein, an impressive collection of ancient Shan-style stupas, with stunning views of the lake.

Mandalay Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Road to Mandalay’ has forever immortalised Mandalay as a place of mystical dreams. Founded in 1857

HIGHLIGHTS

by King Mindon, this former royal capital is

SHWEDAGON PAGODA An awe-inspiring

surrounded by archaeological treasures where

temple that lights up as the sun sets over it, the

you will find golden Buddhas and ancient

Shwedagon encapsulates the devout Buddhist

pagodas alongside tapestry-weaving factories

nature of Myanmar

and age-old puppet makers.

BALLOON OVER BAGAN The rising sun

Ayerwady The RV Paukan and Road to

emitting an orange hue over the thousands

Mandalay vessels ply the waters between

of scattered temples along a bend in the

Mandalay and Bagan so you can admire the

Ayerwady River is a sight not to be missed.

natural beauty of the river and bustling life on

INLE LAKE Switch your motor off in the

its banks from the sundeck.

middle of this serene lake and listen to the

Bagan Known as the city of four million

silence. Not only is the fishing style unique

Pagodas, Bagan (once called Pagan) is the cradle

but also the technique of leg rowing where the

of Myanmar civilization and the first capital

fisherman balances one-legged on the prow of

of the once mighty Bamar Kingdom. Enjoy

his boat and curls the other leg around his oar.

a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the ancient

WE RECOMMEND

capital and surrounding areas from a hot air

Yangon This capital city is the gateway to Myanmar and unlike any other Asian city today. Seemingly forgotten by the outside world for the last half century, it has seen very

balloon. At Mount Popa, climb the covered stairway up ‘Taungkalat’, a steep-sided rocky volcanic plug to witness the panoramic views of Bagan Plain, dotted with stupas and temples.

little foreign investment which has allowed the

11 day journey from £3,295 per person.

city to retain the charm of its colonial past.

Prices include international flights.

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P12 CHINA P24 MYANMAR

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Akha Tribe, Girl Wearing Ornate, Headdress, Chiang Mai

AYERWADY River banks near Bagan

Hill tribes In the Golden Triangle region of Myanmar, Keng Tung has a hugely diverse ethnicity that has changed very little from when it was first settled hundreds of years ago. Visiting the hill tribes is one of the most interesting and authentic experiences offering a glimpse of an area forgotten by the rest of the world. The tribes, distinguishable by their costumes and language, are extremely friendly and utterly charming. Walking up to the remote Ang villages past the town of Loimwe, chatting with the former head hunting Wa or drinking tea in an Akha villagers house are just a few of the ways to immerse yourself in this fascinating countryside.

Ayerwady The mighty Ayerwady River (formerly the Irrawaddy) is the life blood of Myanmar and cuts through the heart of the country like a gentle, meandering snake. A vast amount of trade still takes place along this majestic river that connects the Himalayan north with the plains of central Myanmar before eventually irrigating the vast delta region, once the rice bowl of Asia. There are several luxurious ways to explore this river and its tributaries including the world renowned Road To Mandalay operated by Orient Express and the smaller RV Paukan. Both boats cruise the famed route between the ancient Buddhist sites Bagan and Mandalay. Watching the sleepy river life slip by at a gentle pace from the boat deck and exploring the villages, markets and temples is a wonderful way to experience this part of Myanmar.

MYANMAR CHINA P25 P13

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FISHERMEN, INLE LAKE

INLE LAKE Inle Lake is one of those places you will want to keep hidden in order to maintain its charm and character, but you won’t be able to help telling everyone you know. It is a magical, enchanting place in the hills of the southern Shan state near the border with China, Laos and Thailand.

High hills flank the serene lake under cloudless skies, more than one hundred monasteries and a thousand pagodas are scattered along the shoreline, and the islands are littered with villages on stilts, inhabited mostly by the jovial and industrious Intha. The gentle and melodic way of life on the lake cannot but relax you, whether you are bobbing along in a dugout canoe, observing the unique techniques of the fisherman or enjoying a timeless scene illuminated by the sunset on the verandah of your hotel. It promises to be an unforgettably peaceful retreat from the hectic pace of modern day life.

Wooden stilt houses at Inle lake

VIETNAM Whether the majestic limestone pinnacles of Halong Bay or the grace and elegance of the traditional dress, Vietnam is haunting.

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CHINA

Hoi An, Vietnam

and in that time it has done a remarkable job

BEST TIME TO BE HERE

of healing its wounds. Today Hanoi and Ho

Regional climate differences are present across Vietnam.

Travel between September and December to avoid the humidity in the north and between December and April to miss the rains in the south. December to March is perfect for trips to the Central Highlands and to experience the Trung Thu Moon festival go in September or early October.

Chin Minh City bear the hallmarks of French SAPA

HALONG BAY

colonial splendour blended seamlessly with

HANOI

the relics of an ancient imperial dynasty, a dynamic fusion of commercial bustle and

LAOS

timeless rural tranquility.

Hanoi Many ancient architectural features

HUE DANANG

VIETNAM

THAILAND

in 1010, particularly in the fascinating warren of streets know as the Old Quarter. Structures

CAMBODIA DALAT

GULF OF THAILAND

are preserved from the founding of the city

CAN THO

NHA TRANG

HO CHI MINH CITY

such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the OnePillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple and the Temple of Literature grace the avenues. Hanoi is the starting point for trips to Halong Bay.

Hue The original imperial citadel city of

EXTENSION SUGGESTION

Phu Xuan was built as a royal city in 1687

Travel into neighbouring Laos to unwind at a tranquil and unhurried pace. Nestling between the Mekong and the Khan rivers, time stands still in Luang Prabang where the past seems more alive than the present. The country’s varied topography is home to the flat plains of the remote Bolovens Plateau, the Khong Pha Pheng Falls, the mysterious Plain of Jars and hill tribes in the forests of the north. Trips to Laos, for many, will include a stop in the second main city, Vientiane, characterized by glittering golden spires and temples.

The relaxing atmosphere offers a rejuvenating tonic and, after some lowkey sightseeing, the best way to finish your afternoon is to head to the riverside for a cool Beerlao (the national beer) as the sun sets over the Mekong.

on the site of present day Hue. This gateway

HIGHLIGHTS

to the treasures of Vietnam’s royal past has

Halong Bay Mystical Halong Bay

been labelled by UNESCO as ‘a beautiful

scattered with thousands of evocatively craggy

architectural poem’.

limestone outcrops is a must on any journey

Danang & Hoi An A fascinating collection

through Vietnam. Cruise on the emerald green

of Khmer temples, beautifully preserved old

waters, explore hidden grottoes and dine on

Chinese towns and wonderful beaches. The

fresh seafood.

coast along Danang Bay is accessed via the Hai

Hoi An This charming old town was once

Van Pass, one of the most scenic hillside roads

a flourishing seaport and meeting place for

in Vietnam.

eastern and western cultures. Today it stands

The Mekong Delta This area inspires

as a well preserved example of a South East

the iconic images of lush vegetation and

Asian trading port in use from the 15th to

traditional Vietnamese floating markets. At

19th centuries with buildings that display a

the heart of the region are the towns of Can

unique blend of local and foreign influences.

Tho and Chau Doc where you can visit the

Sapa The serene highlands of Sapa and

bustling floating market at Cai Rang and enjoy

traditional hilltribe culture of the area is

a leisurely cruise along the Mekong.

fascinating. Visit the local villages of the

Ho Chi Minh City Formerly Saigon, today

Blue H’mong, Red Dao and Black H’mong

Ho Chi Minh is the bustling economic centre

minorities.

of the south and the commercial centre of

WE RECOMMEND

the whole country. Further afield are the Cu

The beauty of Vietnam is unavoidable whether it is the majestic limestone pinnacles of Halong Bay or the grace and elegance of the

Chi tunnels, a network of over 100 miles of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war.

traditional silk aodai. More than two decades

13 day journey from £2,995 per person.

have passed since Vietnam was officially united

Prices include international flights.

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P12 CHINA P28 VIETNAM

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Junks on Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province

Hanoi Lying in the heart of the Red River Delta, the Vietnamese capital city of Hanoi blends an old world charm with the dynamism of a rising Asian city. Its legacy as a former colonial city is still evident in the French-inspired features of lakes and parks, colonial architecture and broad tree-lined boulevards that dot the cityscape. The city has undergone dramatic transformation over the last thirty years and is now seeing a burgeoning population paralleled by a rapidly expanding retail sector, rising motorbike ownership and a flourishing art scene.

The imposing mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh shows the country’s respect for one of it’s most important political figures and the Temple of Literature is a tranquil haven in the centre of the city. Yet Hanoi is home to not only these well known sites but many hidden gems. The sights and sounds of Hanoi’s Old Quarter will hit you as you ride in a local cyclo, spend an afternoon browsing art galleries and silk shops, enjoy lakeside drinks and sample market delicacies with culinary specialists.

Halong Bay Halong Bay is an archipelago of hundreds of islets that is one of the unofficial wonders of the world. Most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by man because of their precipitous nature. Many tales have been woven about the creation of Halong Bay – folk law describes that the islands and islets were created when dragons sent by gods spat jewels and jade into the area to protect the people of Vietnam from invaders. Hence it is known as Bay of Descending Dragon.

A day or overnight trip on a custom built deluxe junk is a superb way to cruise the Bay; relaxing on the deck, enjoying excursions to grottoes with their amazing and unexpected shapes and climbing the steps to the top of Titop islet for endless memorable snapshots. No visit to Vietnam would be complete without a visit to this exquisite natural wonder.

Temple Of Literature, Hanoi

VIETNAM CHINA P29 P13

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Sapa A former French hill-resort in a beautiful valley near the Chinese border, Sapa is the homeland of many of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. It is one of the most colorful destinations in Vietnam and the perfect base for exploring the region’s lively and colourful hilltribe way of life.

The Flower Hmong wear rainbow-coloured smocks while the Red Dao’s traditional costume is a more muted indigo topped off with a bright red headdress.

When all of the mountain people congregate, the result is a feast for the eyes. The variety of ethnic hilltribes converging in the marketplace to sell their embroidery, silverware and handicrafts with the scenic mountain backdrop is a sight to behold. A light trek takes you to the quaint hilltribe villages themselves.

Dzou woman in traditional dress, Sapa

Rice terraces, Lao Chai village, Sapa

P14 CHINA P30 VIETNAM

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women crossing a tributary of the Thu Bon river, Hoi An

Hoi An On the south central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is an outstanding example of a well-preserved ancient town that has been designated a World Heritage Site. Known as Faifo in the past, it was a major port town between the 16th and 18th centuries, and is today a quaint and picturesque town whose multi-cultural influences can be easily explored on foot.

Hoi An is as rich in cuisine as it is in culture – you are invited to join a mornings cooking with a local family who have been growing the region’s best vegetables for generations. Hoi An’s tailors are renowned for their high workmanship so be sure to shop for tailor-made clothes, as well as interesting souvenirs such as silk lanterns and custom made jewellery. The small villages where artisans craft pottery in the narrow streets surrounding Hoi An are best explored by bicycle. Head to the Old Town where historical sights await and from here you can cross the Japanese covered bridge to stroll through the cultural halls, enjoy a traditional music performance and explore the layout of an ancient house.

Dalat Dalat is one of Vietnam’s quaintest colonial towns where a truly continental atmosphere mixes with traditional Southeast Asian customs. A tour in a classic Citröen is a different and elegant way to see Dalat, driving past flower gardens and perhaps the most colourful market in Vietnam on your way to the 1930s Railway Station and the palace of the last Emperor of Vietnam.

Golfing has been a tradition in Dalat since 1922 when the first course in Indochina was built at the Dalat Palace Golf Club. Gently crafted into the hills and overlooking the majestic Xuan Huong Lake, the course weaves its way through stately pine trees to oversized and delicately manicured bent grass greens.

Temples, Dalat

VIETNAM CHINA P31 P15

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Mekong Delta The Mekong Delta is formed where the mighty Mekong River approaches and fans out into the sea. Deemed the rice bowl of Vietnam, it is home to a complex system of distributaries and is dotted with countless rice fields, fruit orchards, handicraft villages and floating markets.

An overnight cruise on the Mekong Delta is ideal for travellers seeking an insightful overview of this colourful and vibrant area, allowing you to explore the famous floating markets and small canals. Meet the residents for glimpses into the local way of life and the livelihoods unique to the Delta. The small Song Xanh Sampans and Cai Be Princess vessels are perfect for relaxing in the comfort of a floating hotel and the larger RV Pandaw and Bassac are restored colonial boats that will take you between Saigon and Phnom Penh.

Mekong Delta, Can Tho area

LAOS One of Asia’s most beautiful secrets is the gentle and enigmatic Laos. A land of wats and orange robed monks, Laos is tranquil and unhurried.

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Girl from Asian hill tribe (Yao), Luang Namtha

CHINA

Visit Wat Sisaket and the Haw Pha Kaew

BEST TIME TO BE HERE

museum of arts and antiquities. A visit to

Laos is at its best between November and February when the weather is warm and dry with cool nights and mornings. The country experiences tropical downpours in the summer months and sweltering heat in April and May.

That Louang – the country’s most important religious building. is a fascinating experience.

VIETNAM

Stay at The Settha Palace hotel, right in the heart of Vientiane and meticulously restored

LUANG PRABANG PLAIN OF JARS VANG VIENG

to reflect the charm of the area’s French colonial history.

Luang Prabang This former capital is the

LAOS

most perfectly preserved historic town in

VIENTIANE SOUTHERN LAOS

THAILAND

Southeast Asia, where the day begins with food offerings made to the local monks on

EXTENSION SUGGESTION

their morning alms rounds. Drive to a local

A destination unlike any other, this small, landlocked nation combines perfectly as part of a larger itinerary.

Explore northern Thailand, visiting the colourful hilltribes and mountainous scenery before crossing the Laotian border at Pak Beng. Board the Luang Say cruise down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, enjoying the sunrise and sunset alongside the dramatic river scenery. Thailand can also be combined with Laos after exploring the Southern region from Pakse cross the border into eastern Thailand to Ubonratchathani.

hand-weaving village and see a former royal CAMBODIA

silversmith’s house in Ban Xiengmoune.

Enjoy views of the city from sacred Phousi Hill and end the day at the evening market.

The vibrant colours of Luang Prabang’s night market are matched by the local fire water you

HIGHLIGHTS

can sample at the famous rice whiskey village

Luang Prabang Laos is tranquil and

on returning from the caves at Pak Ou. Don’t

unhurried and nowhere more so than the

forget to try an ice-cold Beer Lao, the best

ancient capital Luang Prabang between the

beer in Southeast Asia, on a meandering river

Mekong and Khan rivers. Here time stands

trip. Drive south to the Kouang Si waterfall,

still and the past seems more alive than

tumbling 60 metres into crystal-clear pools.

the present.

Southern Laos The Mekong River is

The Plain of Jars The Plain of Jars

the artery of life in Laos. The quiet and

is one of the world’s great archaeological

unassuming town of Pakse is the south’s

conundrums where hundreds of ancient

biggest city and is the main hub for exploring

giant stone urns lie scattered across the Xiang

the southern region. From Pakse take a long-

Khouang Plateau.

tail boat to Champasak to see the majestic 10th

Vientiane The country’s capital Vientiane

century Vat Phou temple complex ruins. Also

is a relaxed mixture of Lao, Thai, Vietnamese,

along the river lies the mysterious hidden forest

French and Soviet influences. Brightly adorned

temple Oum Muong and the wild paradise

temples sit next to French colonial houses on

of the 4,000 Islands region with its myriad of

tranquil treelined avenues that lend an ageless

waterways. On the Laos-Cambodia border, the

allure to a city described as the largest village

Pha Pheng waterfall (known as ‘The Niagra of

in Asia.

the East’) breaks the upper and lower Mekong,

WE RECOMMEND

completely separating off the two sections for

Vientiane The Buddhist monasteries and the Pha That Luang monument that is the

navigation and the transport of goods and creating a separate history for each.

national symbol of Laos are a must-see for

A 9 day journey from £2,865 per person.

anyone who visits this sleepy capital city.

Prices include international flights.

For those with less time, fly to Cambodia to experience the citadels of the early Khmer kingdoms. The Angkor temple complex surrounding Siem Reap is one of the most amazing archaeological sites in the world, and the capital Phnom Penh still retains its small-town character with its atmospheric riverfront, busy markets and narrow streets.

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P12 CHINA P34 LAOS

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Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang This former royal capital is dotted with golden temple spires, colourful markets and colonial era buildings.

From its narrow peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers you can travel upriver to explore the sacred Pak Ou Buddha caves or the local weaving and whiskey villages that line the river banks. The National Museum was the former Royal Palace during the Lan Xang kingdom and today houses the royal throne of King Sisavangvong in its original splendour. The Khoung Si Waterfall is nestled amidst primitive hilltribe villages in the mountainous jungles on the outskirts of Luang Prabang. The highest point at Mount Phousi has 360 degree views of the old town and is home to a thriving Buddhist monastery.

Join the locals in their traditional Baci ceremony, a ritual for celebrating marriages, homecomings or welcoming visiting guests that is heightened by the accompaniment of music and traditional dance. The ceremony involves the elderly of the village tying strings around your wrist that are believed to protect the wearer. Legend has long held that these strings must not be removed for at least three days.

Southern Laos A journey further south past the two main towns of Vientiane and Luang Prabang will reward you with rugged natural landscapes and one of the most unspoilt areas to be found in modern Asia. The quiet and unassuming town of Pakse is the main hub for exploring the southern region, from which you can travel north to visit the flat plains, waterfalls and coffee plantations of the remote Bolovens Plateau. Deep in the heart of southern Laos the Mekong flows past misty green mountains, past the riverside town of Champasak and past Vat Phou, one of the most evocative Khmer ruins outside of Cambodia. The beautiful 4,000 Islands region has grown up where the Mekong River has formed several small islets and islands full of picturesque waterfalls, crumbling colonial structures and the rare Irrawaddy river dolphins.

CHINA LAOS P35 P13

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Ornate religious pavilion, the Haw Pha Bang, Royal Palace Museum, Luang Prabang

CAMBODIA A beguiling country, Cambodia rarely fails to enthrall.

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Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

LAOS

a fascinating introduction to this intriguing

BEST TIME TO BE HERE

land of ancient cultures and 20th century

The best time to travel to Cambodia is during the dry season of October to March.

Temperatures remain fairly constant year round but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season between June and September.

atrocities.

Siem Reap Witness a beautiful sunrise over the temples of Angkor Wat, a quintessential Angkor experience. This ruined capital is an THAILAND

awe-inspiring site and testament to man’s creativity. En route to Banteay Srei, the 10th century ‘pink temple’ dedicated to the Hindu

SIEM REAP

CAMBODIA

GULF OF THAILAND

KOH KONG

PHNOM PENH

VIETNAM SIHANOUKVILLE

god Shiva, the road takes you past one of 30 local villages benefiting from the series of fresh

EXTENSION SUGGESTION

water wells A&K has helped to provide. Visit

Battambang Whilst it is easy to get caught up in awe-inspiring Angkor temples or the colonial architecture of Phnom Penh, to explore the road less travelled in Cambodia is most rewarding. Three and a half hours from Siem Reap is Cambodia’s second-largest city, Battambang. Until the war years, in which almost the entire infrastructure was destroyed, it was the leading rice producing province. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views of traditional Cambodia with rice paddies, stilted wooden houses, fruit farms and temples.

Ecotourism We recommend a trip to Koh Kong up the magnificent river to visit the Chi Phat Community Based Ecotourism Project aimed at building capacity and creating alternative livelihoods to protect the surrounding environment.

This beautiful area is an ideal base for exploring the Cardamom Mountains.

Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Standing tall within Angkor Thom is the Bayon temple which was the last state temple to be built at

HIGHLIGHTS

Angkor. Visit shady twelfth century Preah

Angkor Wat The obvious draw is the

Khan and magical Ta Prohm. Built as a

extraordinary temple complexes of Angkor,

Buddhist monastery, Ta Prohm has been left to

the impressive legacy of the Khmer Empire

the ravages of the jungle. Tree roots interweave

and one of the most astounding sites in the

between the stonework as the jungle creeps

world. This largest and finest of the Khmer

ever closer. Darryl Collins, a leading expert in

monuments was built around the first half

Khmer history, will give you an introduction

of the 12th century as the state temple of

to the ancient Khmer Kingdoms and post-

King Suryavarman II. A great source of pride

independence Cambodia.

to Cambodians, it has been depicted in the

Phnom Penh The National Museum of

national flag since 1863.

Khmer Art and Archaeology (known as the

Ta Prohm Jayavarman VII built this temple

Musée des Beaux-Arts) is considered one of

as a shrine to his mother after ascending the

the finest museums of classical Cambodian

throne in the late 12th century. A distinctive

art. Now a memorial site marked by a

feature is the massive trees that have grown

Buddhist stupa, the infamous Choeung Ek

through the remains.

killing fields tell the harrowing tale of the

BantEAy ChHmar A helicopter flight to

horrors the Cambodians faced in the 1970s.

the remote Banteay Chhmar takes you away

Sihanoukville The possibilities along this

from the crowds to explore these dramatic

deserted stretch of coast include a visit to

ruins with few other tourists in sight.

the bird sanctuary or a Cambodian picnic

WE RECOMMEND

lunch on the island of Koh Sampouch.

A destination like no other, from unspoilt beaches and strings of pristine islands to colourful pagodas, forgotten temples, remote hilltribes and a vibrant capital, Cambodia is a

Drive to Ream National Park to spend the day exploring the natural environment of mangroves, sandy beaches, coral reefs and a wide diversity of flora and fauna.

wonderful place to relax while absorbing local

9 day journey from £2,745 per person.

culture, sights and sounds. This journey gives

Prices include international flights.

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P12 CHINA P38 CAMBODIA

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Stone heads Bayon

The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

Siem Reap This sleepy riverside village is the gateway to the magnificent Angkor complex that was the seat of power for the once vast and glorious Khmer Empire. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1992, the area is dotted with over a thousand temples and pagodas from unadorned ruins scattered through rice fields to the imposing Angkor Wat, said to be the world’s largest single religious monument. Aside from Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (meaning ‘Great City’) is the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Within its temple complex you will find the towers of the Bayon Temple standing tall and the jungle covered Ta Prohm that is perhaps the most captivating of all the temples found within the Angkor complex.

The outer lying temples of the Rolous Group and the beautiful pink sandstone Banteay Srei are well worth exploring. A helicopter flight over Banteay Chhmar (the Citadel of Cats) is another architectural masterpiece, where work is underway to restore its proud towers. Though in critical need of conservation, it is one of the few temples to feature the enigmatic Bayon-style giant faces with their mysterious smiles.

Phnom Penh Phnom Penh was once considered the most beautiful of the French-built cities of Indochina. Its enduring colonial charm has managed to survive the city’s tumultuous past and you can still today enjoy the beautiful wide boulevards, colonial architecture and bustling riverfront that made it the Paris of the East before 1970. On the other hand a harrowing visit to the infamous S21 and Choeung Ek killing fields is likely to jolt your soul and enlighten your mind.

On the site of the Banteay Kev citadel that was originally built in 1813, the existing early 20th scentury structure of the Royal Palace takes a strong influence from the Royal Palace and Royal Temple in Bangkok. Visitors have access to the surrounding compound of Wat Preah Keo known as the Silver Pagoda thanks to the five thousand silver tiles weighing a kilogram each that cover the floor. The Russian Market in southern Phnom Penh, so called because of its popularity among Russian expatriates during the 1980s, is still a popular shopping destination today.

CAMBODIA CHINA P39 P13

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Buddhist Monks Phnom Penh Cambodia

MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE Malaysia lays claim to an exotic fusion of Chinese, Indian and British influences. A dazzling mix of ancient and ultramodern.

Cameron Highlands, Tea plantations

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BEST TIME TO BE HERE KOTA KINABALU SOUTH CHINA SEA

T H AILAND

LANGKAWI

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

MALA Y SIA TAMAN NEGARA

PENANG

KUALA LUMPUR

INDONESIA ( K ALIMAN T AN )

MELAKA SINGAPORE

INDONESIA ( S U MA T RA )

Singapore is one degree north of the Equator so the climate is humid, particularly in the mornings. The two rainy seasons are from December to early March and June to September.

Malaysia has a similar climate with warm, humid days and balmy evenings, and the rainy season falls between November and February.

EXTENSION SUGGESTION

HIGHLIGHTS

Kuala Lumpur The many exciting

Kuala Lumpur The vibrant capital offers

landmarks of the city include the splendour

an insight into the Malay culture that is

of the King’s Palace and Parliament House,

traditional yet cosmopolitan. Take time to

fascinating Chinatown and the National

venture outside the city to see the famous Batu

Monument at Lake Garden.

Caves that have sheltered Hindu shrines since

Taman Negara An evening jungle walk or a

1891. Set in vast limestone hills, it is one of the

trek to the Canopy Walkway allows you to spot

most popular Hindu shrines outside India.

monkeys and squirrels, and a boat trip to Lata

MELAKA A few hours drive from Kuala

Berkoh is excellent for catching a glimpse of

Lumpur, Melaka is famed as the place where

kingfishers, fish eagles and monitor lizards.

the history of Malaysia began. Relive the past

Cameron Highlands The cooler Cameron

among the ruins of A’Famosa, a Portuguese

Highlands are Malaysia’s most extensive hill

Fortress or climb St Paul’s Hill to reach St Paul’s

station with morning markets, vegetable

Church, where St Francis Xavier was interned.

farms, rose gardens and tea plantations in the

Visit the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum –

series of villages strung along the main road.

home to a fine collection of antiques that

Penang The royal town of Kuala Kangsar

portrays a unique cultural heritage. The local

near Penang is home to the magnificent

Nonya cuisine is not to be missed.

Palace of the Sultan of Perak and the golden

RELAXATION The Peninsula offers some

dome of the famous Ubudiah Mosque. In

spectacular beaches and luxury resorts.

Georgetown you can walk along the old

WE RECOMMEND

Chinese waterfront settlement at Chew jetty,

Singapore Visit Merlion Park, the enormous Thian Hock Keng Temple and the beautiful National Orchid Garden, part of the Singapore Singapore

visit the ornate Khoo Clan Ancestral House and end the day in the tranquil surroundings of the Botanic Gardens.

Botanic Gardens and containing around

13 day journey from £3,595 per person.

60,000 plants.

Prices include international flights.

For total relaxation enjoy the tropical perfection of Langkawi Island and Pangkor Laut Island, part of an archipelago of 99 islands off the coast of northwestern Malaysia in the Andaman Sea that stretches eastwards into Indonesia. Or visit Kuala Terengganu on the east coast, which unlike Langkawi or Pangkor, is best visited during March to October The opportunities for further travel from Malaysia and Singapore are endless. The Eastern & Oriental Express provides an unforgettable journey north from Singapore to Thailand and Laos, transporting you in the height of luxury. Kuala Lumpur can be used as a base from which to explore the surrounding countries of Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia.

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P12 CHINA P42 MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE

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Rainforest, Dschungle, Taman Negara

Taman Negara National Park Peninsula Malaysia’s largest national park has been developed into a famous ecotourism destination, with the tropical rainforest dating back over 130 million years. The Canopy Walkway is the longest hanging bridge in the world with panoramic views of Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in Malaysia at over 2,000 metres. Discover the side of the jungle that comes alive at night on an evening jungle walk. Familiarise yourself with nocturnal plants and insects and savour a chance to spot animals up close at the Observation Hide. If you are lucky you may catch sight of sambar deer, mouse deer and porcupine. A cruise along Sungai Tahan takes you to the refreshing cascades at Lata Berkoh to dip into the waters that form a natural Jacuzzi. At the nearby Fish Sanctuary take the opportunity to snorkel amongst fresh water fish.

Cameron Highlands The perfect complement to the steamy jungles of Taman Negara is the cool climate of the Cameron Higlands. It is the highest area on the mainland sitting 1,500 metres above sea level.

The Highlands were named after the British colonial government surveyor William Cameron who discovered the plateau during a mapping expedition in 1885. The British realised the potential of its fertile mountain slopes for growing tea, a prized commodity that brought fame to the Highlands during the colonial era. The Highlands are still home to many tea plantations and is in fact Malaysia’s largest tea-producing region. Much of the character of the highlands remains unchanged since colonial times and it is endearingly referred to as the ‘little corner of England in Asia’. The cool climate, picturesque plateau and surrounding hills and forest make this a popular area for golfing, jungle trekking and exploration of the many plantations and gardens.

tea plantation, Cameron Highlands

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Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

BORNEO Home to some of Asia’s last great rainforests, tribal longhouse communities and a land of huge biodiversity. The possibilities are endless in this jungle paradise.

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Punan man using a blow-pipe, Lasam

BEST TIME TO BE HERE

SANDAKAN KOTA KINABALU

SOUTH CHINA SEA

Borneo’s climate is tropical and humid – a typical day is warm with high humidity in the mornings and balmy evenings. The main rainy season falls between November and February so the best time to visit is from March to October.

MT. KINABALU SABAH

MIRI BINTULU

M A L AY S I A

SIBU

SARAWAK

KUCHING

BORNEO

EXTENSION SUGGESTION

S U M AT R A

INDONESIA

JAVA SEA

HIGHLIGHTS

were once Dayak headhunters and, for three

Orang-utans At the Sepilok Orang-utan

generations, a white Rajah. This curious

Rehabilitiation Centre, one of only three

riverside city retains much of its colonial

orangu-tan sanctuaries in the world, you can

character and the fascinating mix of ethnic

come face to face with the famed ‘Wildman of

groups adds contrast to the local scene.

Borneo’, meeting these remarkable creatures

Batang Ai A journey through pepper,

in their natural habitat as they learn to survive

rubber and cocoa plantations takes you to the

once more in the teeming jungles of Borneo.

Batang Ai National Park, the main habitat of

Tribal Longhouse Community

the Sarawak Orang-utan. Here you can trek

Indigenous tribes invite you into their

through rainforest and explore the plantations.

homes for an appreciation of their daily life

Niah Caves In the north east of Sarawak and

and fascinating cultural performances of

shrouded by lowland rainforest are the world-

traditional dances of Sarawak.

famous Niah Caves, an awesome cave complex

Flora and fauna The many rainforest

holding relics of some of Southeast Asia’s

species at the Danum Valley Conservation

earliest inhabitants. Still only partly explored,

Area are incredibly complex and diverse.

the caves have the longest cave passage and the

Rhododendrons, orchids and the carnivorous

largest cave chamber on earth.

Nepenthes plant, unique to Borneo, thrive

Kota Kinabalu A world away from the

in the cooler air of the foothills of Kinabalu

vast jungle, enjoy a serene retreat of inviting

National Park.

beaches at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru on the

WE RECOMMEND

northern tip of Sabah overlooking the South

This comprehensive tour takes you to Sabah and Sarawak, whose vast virgin rainforests, unspoilt coastline and rare flora and fauna will appeal enormously to the imaginative traveller.

China Sea. You can be as active or relaxed as you wish, taking advantage of the abundance of things to see and do – or simply spend your time at Chi, the resort’s signature spa that typifies its namesake.

Kuching The capital of Sarawak is the land

14 day journey from £2,595 per person.

of the legendary longhouses where there

Prices include international flights.

The mix of ancient and the ultramodern make Malaysia a fascinating place to visit after your Borneo adventure. It lays claim to an exotic fusion of Chinese, Indian and British influences. It also boasts superb golden beaches, lush vegetation, mountains and fabulous shopping.

Spend a few nights among the bustling streets and shining office towers of Kuala Lumpur – one of the Orient’s most dynamic cities that symbolises Malaysia’s spirit of progress and unhesitating leap into the future. The city brings together Malaysia’s past and present, its many constituent cultures and even its remarkable natural treasures. Or, visit Singapore, which retains the allure of the Orient and the tastes of the East in a glittering setting of skyscrapers and polished pavements. Brimming with unbridled energy this little dynamo in Southeast Asia embodies the finest of east and west.

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Hawksbill Turtle, Layang Layang, Sabah

Sabah Sabah is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in conservation; there are numerous possibilities to see the many endangered species on the island. 17 square miles of the Danum Valley are protected – guided walks on the canopy walkway offer an elevated view from which to look out for the area’s rare and critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros. Tropical Selingan Island off the northeastern coast is a sanctuary for endangered turtle, and in the area of primary forest at Sepilok, the Orang-utan Sanctuary has been vital in bringing the Orang-utan back from virtual extinction. The proboscis monkey, with its distinctive long nose, is endemic to Borneo and best observed when cruising on the Managol River. The caves at Suan Lumba hide an intricate cave system inside Gomantong Hill, the largest limestone outcrop in the area.

Sarawak Nearly half of Sarawak’s population is made up of various indigenous Dyak and Orang Ulu groups such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit and Penan tribes. The Iban live along the Rajang River in the Batang Ai where you can embark on a longboat for a day of exploring the Ulu Ai River and its longhouse communities. Their welcoming ceremony of music, gongs and warrior dancing is not to be missed, nor is a taste of the locally brewed rice wine or an attempt to ‘fire’ a blow-pipe, an early tribal hunting weapon which is rarely used nowadays.

The RV Pandaw cruises along the Rajang, the longest river in Malaysia where rainforest tumbles into the fast flowing waters and traditional and more modern longhouses sit side by side on the riverbanks. Wildlife is in abundance – crocodiles, monitor lizards and the national bird of Sarawak, the hornbill.

Ban women, Sarawak

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Sumatran two-horned Rhinoceros

JAPAN There can be few countries so familiar yet intrinsically alien, where our experience, local knowledge and insider access are invaluable.

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International teams compete to create the

BEST TIME TO BE HERE

gigantic and elaborate sculptures, whose

Late March to April is a great time to visit Japan with warm sunshine and the cherry blossoms. October to November guarantees you sun and all the colours of the numerous festivals.

themes range from famous landmarks to mythical creatures. Seasonal changes permeate SAPPORO

all facets of Japanese culture and are marked by the many traditional celebrations that

AOMORI

punctuate the year.

WE RECOMMEND YAMAGATA

SEA OF JAPAN

Tokyo A breakfast of the freshest sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market is the perfect start to a

JAPAN TOKYO MT. FUJI

JAPAN ALPS TAKAYAMA KYOTO OSAKA HIROSHIMA

day soaking up the atmosphere of the capital city. The Imperial Palace Plaza is the home of the Imperial family and the heart and soul of Tokyo over which neon lights illuminate the vibrant city sky in the evening.

Hiroshima On Miyajima Island you will see the architectural beauty of the Itsukushimajinja Shrine emerging from the water and the

NAGASAKI

famous floating torii gate which is one of the most photographed spots in Japan. The Atom Bomb Dome provides a vivid reminder of the horrific events of 1945.

Kyoto To truly understand Japan, one must

HIGHLIGHTS Bullet Train In 1964 the Shinkansen made

history as the world’s first high-speed train, but more than just a form of transport it is a uniquely Japanese experience. Immaculately clean and remarkably fast – the epitome of the ever efficient Japanese.

Food With more Michelin starred

restaurants in Tokyo than in Paris or London, Japan has become a world-leader in fine dining. Going far beyond the traditional favourites of sushi and tempura, Japanese food focuses intently on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the emphasis on presentation makes it a pleasure for both the eyes and the palate.

Festivals Most famous of Japan’s winter

festivals is the Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan, Honshu, Kyoto, Geisha in traditional dress

spend time in the backstreets and environs of its old imperial capital, Kyoto, where scores of the country’s famous monuments are preserved within a lively modern city. Kyoto is home to the historic Geisha district in Gion, the spectacular golden temple Kinkaku-ji and the silver pavilion Ginkaku-ji.

Takayama This old town is well known for its woodcarving, lacquerware and pottery. In April and October, Takayama descends into jubilant celebrations when tens of thousands of visitors flock from all over Japan for its legendary festivals.

Hakone A ropeway leads to the top of Mount Komagatake for spectacular views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi and the mountains of the distant Izu Peninsula.

which transforms Hokkaido’s capital into

14 day journey from £5,755 per person.

a wonderland of ice and snow sculpture.

Prices include international flights.

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

Spring is Japan’s best known festival season, with the cherry blossom moving up through the country like a pink tide. The blossoms generally reach their peak in Kyoto and Tokyo in the last week of March. A quiet mountain town much of the year, Takayama’s Spring and Autumn festivals are two of Japan’s best, centering around a parade of elaborately decorated floats, which are brought through the old town’s narrow streets between the specially decorated houses.

The highlight of the Kyoto festival year is the Gion Matsuri in July. It has its roots in a purification ritual intended to clear plague.

Festivities reach their peak with the Yamahoko-Junko Parade when Kyoto’s streets are filled with traditional gionbayashi music and decorated floats, which are lit up in the evening, turning the city into a magical scene. Kyotoites wander the streets in festive summer kimono, and the air is scented with festival foods.

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Mount Fuji and Shinkansen Bullet train

A traditional Ryokan, in Matsuyama, Shikoku Island

maiko apprentice geisha, Gion, Kyoto

O

R

Y KAN The traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, ranges from simple and modest wooden lodgings reminiscent of times past to sleek modern resorts designed to provide every indulgence. Yet at any level, ryokan offer an exceptional dining experience of kaiseki dinners and traditional breakfasts served at a low table in your room. Rooms are in the traditional Japanese style, emphasising clean lines and a sense of space and there tend to be few furnishings.

Soft Japanese futon mattresses are spread out on the tatami floor in place of beds and most ryokan offer communal onsen baths that are often in outdoor settings. Instead of ubiquitous hotel mini bars and swimming pools, ryokan offer traditional Japanese service where the focus is on the food, the baths and the atmosphere. We have selected some of Japan’s finest ryokan to allow you to experience this magical atmosphere and to ensure your visit to Japan is authentic and memorable.

E

G ISHA Japan’s white-faced, kimono-clad, enigmatic geisha have long held the imagination of both east and west and remain one of the most striking symbols of the country. Geisha are disciplined artists under an elaborately-coiffed exterior and Kyoto’s famously rigorous apprenticeship as maiko ensures that the women who choose this lifestyle are talented, dedicated musicians and dancers.

The flower and willow world of the geisha (the hanamachi) is notoriously difficult to access and although geiko and maiko can be glimpsed in the narrow alleys and cobbled streets of Kyoto’s Gion and Pontocho districts where geisha traditionally entertain, they operate strictly by invitation and it is impossible to enter without an introduction. However A&K is able to introduce you to Kyoto’s hanamachi through our specialist local guide, to observe geisha and maiko entertainment and gain an insider’s perspective of Kyoto’s geisha districts.

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ThE Naginata-boko Float During The Parade In The Gion Matsuri, Kyoto

AUSTRALIA Australia is like nowhere else on earth. A place where superlatives and expectations collide, where an ancient past is entwined with hyper-modern, sophisticated cities.

St Helen’s, Tasmania

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DARWIN

INDIAN OCEAN

BEST TIME TO BE HERE

CAIRNS

NORTHERN TERRITORY

BROOME

A U S T R ALIA

ALICE SPRINGS

AYERS ROCK WESTERN AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE

NEW SOUTH WALES

PERTH

SYDNEY

CANBERRA

ADELAIDE VICTORIA

MELBOURNE

TASMAN SEA

The best months to visit Australia are September and October when it is still warm enough for the southern beaches yet cool enough to tour Uluru. The wild spring flowers of Western Australia will be in full bloom and the humidity and rains will not yet have reached Cairns or the Top End.

SOUTHERN OCEAN HOBART

TASMANIA

HIGHLIGHTS

Ayers Rock Uninterrupted views towards

Natural wonders Australia has a

Ayers Rock on the edge of Uluru Kata Tjuta

spectacular array of quite unique natural

National Park allows you to watch the sun

formations both above and below the surface –

rise over the towering monolith while your

from the majestic and mysterious Uluru in the

guide explains the myths and legends of the

arid heart of the country, the Bungle Bungles

indigenous people. Local Aboriginal artists

in the north west, the Twelve Apostles in the

explain how their culture is expressed in their

south, the wonders of Kakadu in the north

art work in a Dot Painting Workshop, and the

and The Great Barrier Reef running down the

night sky is lit with a glittering canopy of stars

Queensland coast in the east.

as you dine al fresco in this desert setting.

Vibrant cities Situated on the coast,

Daintree The World Heritage listed Daintree

Australia’s key cities are cosmopolitan and

Rainforest is over 135 million years old, the

sophisticated yet friendly, offering superb

oldest in the world. Endless possibilities await:

gastronomy, lively nightlife, architechture and

hot air balloon or helicopter flights, fishing

a surprising depth of culture that our expert

in the estuary, glorious sandy beaches or

guides will uncover for you.

rainforest safaris through the Mossman Gorge

WILDLIFE Kookaburra, kangaroos, cockatoos

National Park with an Aboriginal guide.

and koala. Not to mention wombats, platypus,

Lizard Island In the heart of the Great

emu and dingo, Australia’s status as the world’s

Barrier Reef, dive at the famous Cod Hole and

largest island makes it home to a wealth of

you may come face to face with the curious

quite unique flora and fauna.

potato cod. A private visit with the directors

WE RECOMMEND

of the island’s Research Station, exclusive to

Sydney Australia’s famous harbour city is home to the iconic Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Botanical Gardens, designer

A&K, allows you watch marine scientists at work in their quest to conserve the world’s delicate coral reef systems.

boutiques, trendy restaurants, hip bars and you

12 day journey from £5,595 per person.

are never far from a gorgeous golden beach.

Prices include international flights.

EXTENSION SUGGESTION On Lord Howe Island at any given time, you will be one of only 400 visitors on this unspoilt island a little over 350 miles from the coast of New South Wales. With an unhurried pace of life and no mobile phone reception, there is plenty of time to relax, revitalise and attune yourself to the idyllic surroundings or explore the island’s hiking and cycling trails.

Widely regarded as the most beautiful island in the Pacific, it is less than a two hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane and its ultra safe environment and myriad of activities make it a great place for children.

World Heritage listed for its remarkable geology and rare collection of birds, plants and marine life, Lord Howe is surrounded by the world’s southernmost coral reef offering superb snorkelling and diving in crystal clear waters extending miles out to sea.

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Harbour Bridge, SYDNEY

New South Wales New South Wales should be at the top of everyone’s holiday wish list – you will be amazed at what you can find. Just 90 minutes from the big city buzz of Sydney is the Blue Mountains National Park whose mountain atmosphere is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Further north are the scenic vineyards of Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine growing region. Throughout the state are large and smaller boutique wineries, numerous fine restaurants, galleries and antique markets, lively festivals, amazing beaches, rainforests and astonishing natural wonders.

Victoria Recognised as one of the world’s most spectacular drives, Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road follows the south-west coastline for around 200 miles, passing natural wonders such as The Twelve Apostles, giant rock stacks that rise majestically from the ocean, lush rainforests and beautiful beaches where all sorts of watersports can be enjoyed in the raging surf and tranquil bays. The drive affords many opportunities for viewing wildlife – from southern right wales, dolphins, and seals, to koalas, kookaburras and kangaroos – even glow worms. The state capital, Melbourne, is considered Australia’s capital of culture, with a wealth of stage shows, sporting events such as the Melbourne Cup, exhibitions and museums including the National Gallery – which can be brought to life by our guides such as Kenneth Park, a museum and art curator by profession, who will reveal the history of Melbourne’s labyrinth of atmospheric arcades and alleyways.

South Australia From the rich wine valleys of the Barossa where you can learn to create your very own blend from Genache, Shiraz or Mourvedre, to the dramatic desert mountain gorges bounded by huge dry salt lakes in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia has much to offer. But no visit would be complete without a visit to Kangaroo Island renowned for its native wildlife experiences. Meet the locals – wallabies, goannas, koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, fur seals, eagles, whales and ospreys, among the microcosm of contrasting environments of desert dunes, beaches, forest and farmland.

Flinder Ranges

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Peaks of Cradle Mountain, St Clair National ParK

Tasmania Wild, mountainous landscapes and rich colonial history provide a diverse encounter with the once forgotten island of Tasmania. 40 per cent of the island is protected as national parks, offering excellent hiking trails, surfing opportunities, mountains to climb, and 12 miles of coastal wilderness along northeast Tasmania.

A self-drive tour of the west or east coast is the perfect way to discover Australia’s smallest state. Scenic roads from Launceston to the west coast cross the Cradle Mountain National Park and the beautiful Dove Lake with the backdrop of the aptly-named Cradle Mountain. Montezuma Falls, considered one of the highest in Tasmania, is perfect for a bush dinner and nocturnal quoll spotting while listening to the thunder of water from a height of over 100 metres. Strahan Village is the heart of the world of Piners and Miners through which the Hi-Rail Wilderness Railway runs and where you can visit the Agrarian Kitchen, a transformed 19th century schoolhouse that recreates the sustainable farming practices pre-dating the Industrial Revolution. From the town of Hobart, built on the foothills of Mount Wellington that is known simply as ‘The Mountain’ by the residents, travel up the east coast via the historic village of Richmond to Triabunna, known for its excellent fishing of scallops and abalone. The high point of stunning Freycinet National Park is walking out to the Wineglass Bay lookout to see the moon-shaped peninsula.

Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road

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KINGS CANYON, NORTHERN TERRITORY

NortheRn Territory Unlock the secrets of Australia’s ‘Red Heart’ with a visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park, considered the best wildlife reserve in the world by Sir David Attenborough. The magical sandstone formation of Kings Canyon is an enormous natural ampitheatre with rock formations in ever-changing colours. A cycle trail through the canyon takes you to Simpson Gap to spot elusive black-footed Rock Wallabies.

The spectacular Kakadu National Park is a 50,000 year old living canvas upon which the region’s rich history is painted in all the tones of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. This land, infused with spiritual richness and history, can only be fully appreciated by visiting it. It not only contains one of the greatest concentrations of rock-art sites in the world, but also more than 17,000 plant species making up a mosaic of vegetation. The proliferation of wildlife is incredible – 280 bird species, 60 types mammals and 117 reptiles including the notorious crocodiles and eleven types of tortoise – a diversity that is part of what makes the area so compelling.

Western Australia Western Australia’s capital Perth is a vibrant city on the banks of the Swan River and the central hub of this huge state. To the south lies the artistic town of Margaret River nestled in verdant hills with a view of the glorious Cape Leeuwin coastline, the famous Gloucester Tree in the Karri Forest, and Australia’s last operating whaling station in Albany. The ‘Staircase to the Moon’ in Broome is a spectacular natural phenomenon where the full moon reflects off mudflats to create the illusion of a stairway reaching to the moon. A scenic flight over the Kununurra showcases the Kimberley region’s waterways and expansive sheep and cattle stations, whereas an exhilarating helicopter flight brings you nail-bitingly close to the beehive-like formations of the Bungle Bungles.

Just off the shore of the towns of Coral Bay and Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef stretches for 150 miles yet in places is only 100 metres from the shore. With 250 types of coral, over 520 species of fish and the opportunity to swim with the largest member of the shark family, the whale shark, divers and snorkellers will be in their element.

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Great Barrier Reef

Queensland Queensland is most famous for the world’s most extensive coral reef system stretching for 1,600 miles over an area of 133,000 square miles. The reef is an underworld universe, with many different species of colourful coral, tropical fish, moluscs, eels, turtles and reef shark.

Underwater visibility is excellent, and on the surface, the deep blue waters are punctuated by islands with fine white beaches and turquoise shores.

Closer to Cairns are the wet tropics of the Daintree Rainforest – deep gorges, waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife flourishing in and around the Daintree River. More than 400 species of bird live among the trees including 13 that are found nowhere else on earth. There are hiking trails, scenic lookouts, picnic locations and swimming holes to be explored, local delicacies to be tried, and comfortable eco-lodges that exist in harmony with this magnificent rainforest.

Twin Falls in Kakadu National Park

NEW ZEALAND With its stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, world class cuisine, fine wines and pleasant climate, New Zealand has it all.

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BEST TIME TO BE HERE

New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderate rainfall and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the year. The warmest period is from September to April.

Summer on the North Island (December to February) is ideal for outdoor pursuits and winter (June to August) for venturing to the ski slopes.

AUCKLAND

TAURANGA NORTH ISLAND

TASMAN SEA

NEW ZEALAND

NELSON BLENHEIM

FRANZ JOSEF

WELLINGTON

ARTHUR’S PASS

LAKE MOERAKI QUEENSTOWN

ROTORUA

CHRISTCHURCH

EXTENSION SUGGESTION

SOUTH ISLAND

STEWART ISLAND

islands and the twin harbours, Waitemata, on the Pacific Ocean and Manukau, on the Tasman Sea. With more boats per capita than

AN INTRODUCTION

any other city in the world, its nickname ‘the

NORTH ISLAND Best known for the

City of Sails’ is apt.

geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the clear

Rotorua Te Puia and the sacred Mokoia

waters of the Bay of Islands, the North Island

Island is where you will learn legendary tales

also offers the rich and rewarding Maori

of the Maori people, and a behind-the-scenes

culture and the art deco town of Napier close

visit to Kiwi Encounter will show the efforts to

to the wine region of Hawkes Bay.

protect this native bird.

SOUTH ISLAND Nature rules in the many

Queenstown A flight over the expanse of the

farmlands, fjords and national parks of the

Fiordland National Park, the largest in New

South Island as glacial valleys glide gently and

Zealand, affords great views of Milford Sound,

quietly into the sea. Along the Avon River in

one of the Southern Hemisphere’s greatest

Christchurch you can punt in true English

highlights surrounded by towering peaks, lush

fashion, or for a more adrenaline-filled day try

vegetation and dramatic waterfalls. Stunning

bungy jumping, skydiving or canyon swinging

alpine scenery in Wanaka is one of the best

in Queenstown.

kept ‘secrets of the south’.

WE RECOMMEND

Christchurch This ‘Garden City’ by the

Colonial British and local Maori cultures live side by side and the proud history of each is showcased throughout this beautiful itinerary.

Auckland The most vibrant, bustling and Paddlers performing a series of haka on an uninhabited island near Waitangi

River Avon was the seasonal dwelling of Chief Tautahi where you can visit the famous Botanical Gardens, enjoy a punt on the river or watch whales off the coast of Kaikoura.

multicultural city in New Zealand, the city’s

12 day journey from £4,495 per person.

landscape is dominated by volcanic hills, bays,

Prices include international flights.

After exploring the former capital city of Auckland, you are within easy reach of the beautiful Bay of Islands, a picturesque and popular area that combines some great outdoor experiences as well as some significant historical sites, such as Waitangi where New Zealand’s founding document was signed in 1840.

An ideal way to get to the South Island is by ferry from Wellington to Picton.

Continuing from here, visit Nelson, famous for its talented and skilled artisans in pottery, glass blowing and jewellery. West of Nelson is the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park, which can be explored by guided walks, sea kayaks or cruise boats. Travelling west from Christchurch, visit the beautiful mountainous Arthur’s Pass National Park, or north of Christchurch, to the town of Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching.

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Maori Warrior, Whakarewarewa Rotorua

ROTORUA The power of inner earth comes to the surface in Rotorua whose geothermal areas include White Island, one of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes estimated to be around two hundred thousand years old. Thermal activity at the Whakarewarewa Reserve produces geysers, boiling mud and silica terraces. In the midst of this, Mokoia Island is one of the best places to observe the equally powerful Maori culture and even meet with tribal elders who will explain the ways of the Te Arawa people.

In very few places are you able to have an upclose experience of the iconic kiwi bird that is endemic to New Zealand – Kiwi Encounter is one of those places. Here you are able to see the incubation room, the kitchen where food for young kiwis is prepared, the nursery room filled with breeding units and enter the indoor nocturnal area with no partitions between the kiwi birds and you.

Hawkes Bay Hawkes Bay is a charismatic region where you can enjoy stylish historical architecture and wine in equal quantities. Ease into a pleasure-seeking style of life that will be hard to leave behind. The main city of the Hawkes Bay region, Napier, had to be completely rebuilt in 1931 after it was destroyed by a two and a half minute earthquake and subsequent fire. A marvellous collection of buildings in 1930s art deco style sprang up and this is celebrated with a special weekend every February.

This region is world-renowned for producing some of the finest New Zealand wines. Personalities who are passionate about crafting premium quality wines will take you around some of the region’s best vineyards to taste their award-winning wines.

When passing through on a Sunday, don’t forget a visit to the Farmer’s Market at the Hawkes Bay Showgrounds – listening to local music as you wander at leisure through the stalls filled with a diverse range of local products. You will most certainly be offered coffee prepared with freshly roasted beans and samples of delicious foods.

View from Mount Bledisloe Bay of Islands Paihia, North ISland

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Wine-growing near Havelock North, Hawkes Bay

Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands is studded with verdant emerald isles and hidden beaches in the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. The historic town of Russell was the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand and also briefly the country’s capital. At Kerikeri you can find the Kerikeri Mission Station that is home to the Stone Store and Mission House, New Zealand’s oldest standing European buildings built in the first half of the 1800s. Close to Russell lies Paihia, the ‘Jewel of the Bay of Islands’ whose waterfront is filled with restaurants and sailing boats. The Bay of Islands is also a short distance from the northern tip of New Zealand at Cape Reinga, an area considered to be the separation marker between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, and believed to be the point from which Maori spirits begin their long trip back to the afterlife.

P14 CHINA P62 NEW ZEALAND

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The Remarkables, South Island

Helicopter RIDE OVER Fiordland National Park, South Island

Wilderness and Nature Lovers New Zealand’s South Island is ideal for those seeking remote wilderness landscapes. Christchurch was established in 1850 by English settlers, a heritage that shows in the architecture of its older buildings, yet which is today a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with exciting festivals, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. Dunedin was first settled by the Scottish where the rarest penguins in the world live in the bays and inlets along with Hooker’s sealions, a fur seal breeding colony and the majestic albatross. Forested Stewart Island off the coast of Invercargill is nature at its best; close encounters with native birds are a certainty on a walk to the Ulva Island Nature Sanctuary.

The scenery becomes gradually more alpine as you get closer to Queenstown with the road hugging the incredibly picturesque Lake Wakatipu. A scenic helicopter flight over Milford Sound lets you soar amongst the mountains, remote alpine lakes, uninhabited beaches and prehistoric rainforests in a habitat seldom frequented by man.

Mountains and Lakes The Southern Alps of New Zealand form a backbone to the South Island, where the stunning scenery can be admired when driving from Christchurch on the east coast across to the west coast where beautiful lodges are tucked away in the snowcapped mountains. Alternatively, the TranzAlpine Express is one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the world, crossing the Canterbury Plains towards Cass and Greymouth. A spectacular day awaits if you take to the skies in a helicopter to fly over Franz Josef Glacier, a flowing ice river believed to be seven thousand years old. An array of walking tours and canoe routes are possible on Lake Moeraki.

Queenstown has become the ‘adventure capital’ of New Zealand – the Southern Hemisphere’s premier all-season alpine and lake resort that sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island overlooked by the Remarkables Mountain Range. In addition to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, bungy-jumping, caving, rafting, sledging, jetboating, skydiving and hang gliding are all on offer. During the autumn months of March, April and May when the avenues of trees turn golden, stop at historical Arrowtown along the route to Queenstown.

NEW ZEALAND CHINA P63 P15

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P64 airline information

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Upper Class guests are pampered before they have even left the UK, with a separate check-in area and a quick transfer through a dedicated security channel so that you can make full use of the Clubhouse lounge before your flight. Generous seat pitches are available in Economy (32”) and Premium Economy (38”). In all cabins you have personal television screens with hours of entertainment from the latest blockbuster movies to the hottest television shows as well as dedicated children’s channels. Virgin Atlantic flies daily from London Heathrow to Delhi.

Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and since its inception in 1985, has won more than 400 international awards for excellence. Emirates operates 14 daily flights from 6 UK airports to Dubai, connecting to over 100 destinations including the Far East and Australia. Once onboard, customers can enjoy ice* our state-of-the-art, award-winning inflight entertainment system, providing personal on-demand viewing - you can start, stop, rewind or fast-forward a choice of over 200 movies, 100 TV channels, 500 radio and CD channels and more than 100 games.

S

T

Qantas is the world’s most experienced airline, having flown continuously for 89 years. With experience comes excellence, a quality you will notice in everything they do. They operate 28 flights a week from London Heathrow via the Far East into seven gateway cities across Australia. Set apart from its competitors, the award winning Qantas A380 offers you a chance to experience one of four stylish cabins, International Economy, International Premium Economy, International Business and First, all superbly designed to enhance your in flight experience.

FIR

Departing from London Heathrow’s Terminal 5, British Airways fly to Thailand, Singapore, China, Australia and Japan. World Traveller has a 32” seat pitch, World Traveller Plus 38”, Club World a 6’ flat bed and in First you can relax in a 6’ 6” bed. Audio Video on Demand is available in all cabins with 200 channels of entertainment. Complimentary meals and drinks are served, or if you are travelling in Club World you can also help yourself to drinks and snacks from the Club Kitchen. In First you have a choice of formal or informal dining.

a&K online P65

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a&K maGaZine Our magazine, published three times a year, in January, May and September, lets you in on the travels and experiences of our consultants as they journey to exotic locations building their knowledge and insight, checking out new hotels, destinations and experiences. It highlights our favourite places and brings you closer to the world of A&K. If you would like to receive a copy, please let us know by calling us or registering on:

www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/ enquiry

WeBSite

e-neWSletterS

The A&K website opens up a world of ideas. It is brimming with information, news, special offers and examples of the kind of itineraries we create. It’s a great place to find out more about our team, browse for ideas or see more detail of a particular destination or hotel. We constantly update it with our latest products, events and blogs from our consultants as they travel the world experiencing new places.

If you would like to be kept up to date with the latest from A&K, new hotels and special offers, you can subscribe to receive our e-news.

Each month we send an email to our subscribers sharing our insights and thoughts on the ever-changing world of travel. We also send a monthly bulletin detailing savings to be made and the best offers from around the globe.

Here you can make an initial enquiry, chat online with one of our consultants in real time or look through our other brochures, which you can order via the post, download as a pdf or flip through as an electronic book.

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SoCial meDia We invite you to step into the world of A&K by joining us on Facebook or following us on Twitter, where you will be among the first to hear our latest news, share experiences with other A&K travellers and keep abreast of our travels.

P66 further information

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BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY

2829 or visit their website at www.fco.gov.uk/

travel. Names entered on your Booking Form

HOLIDAY INSURANCE

To discuss your holiday with our experienced

knowbeforeyougo

must agree with those on the passports you will

Abercrombie & Kent clients are required to

be using. This will enable us to ensure that your

have adequate insurance protection against

Sales Consultants please telephone us anytime Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 6.00pm.

YOUR SAFETY

air tickets carry your correct identity.

cancellation, medical and other expenses. You

To book your holiday. You should complete

At Abercrombie & Kent we pride ourselves

Honeymooners. Newly-weds should also

must ensure that you have taken out insurance

and sign a Booking Form (hard copy or online),

on selecting the highest quality hotels and

ensure that they carry a copy of their marriage

and confirm this to us, with details, in writing

and send it, together with a deposit as specified

services available to make your holiday the

certificate.

on your Booking Form. If undertaking activities

and the relevant details of your insurer. You may

best. However, because we travel to interesting

Visas. Visas are required for UK passport

considered by some insurers as ‘hazardous’, for

also book your holiday through an ABTA Travel

destinations, often off the beaten track, it is not

holders for Tibet, China, Vietnam, Australia and

example scuba-diving or other watersports,

Agent, who will then be responsible for all

always possible to find standards that match

Myanmar. On average, a minimum of one week

you should ensure that your insurers include

communication with us on your behalf. Please

those we take for granted in the UK. The safety

(per country) is necessary for obtaining a visa.

coverage. Please note that travel insurance

make sure you read our booking conditions

standards and regulations which apply overseas

Visa requirements can change at short notice.

offered by credit card companies rarely provides

before confirming.

are those of the country you visit. General

Vaccinations. You should familiarise yourself,

full and effective cover for cancellation/

Confirmation & Payment. After receipt of

standards of safety and hygiene, fire precautions

before departure, with the up-to-date health

curtailment risks.

your Booking Form a contract will come into

etc. can be a different standard to those which

precautions recommended for your holiday

existence on the date on which we accept your

we expect in the UK. Please be careful when you

destination. You should seek professional advice

A&K AND ONE NAME

booking in writing and issue a confirmation

are in unfamiliar buildings or surroundings.

from your medical practitioner or from the

Throughout this brochure, you will see reference

invoice. Any outstanding balance shown on this

Do not let non-swimmers or children jump

following:

to Abercrombie & Kent (or simply A&K). This

and any amended invoice issued will be due for

into swimming pools, or swimmers dive into

• ‘MASTA’ (Medical Advisory Service for

is our shorthand for the many independent

payment eight weeks (56 days) before departure.

swimming pools without first checking the

Travellers Abroad) offer a ‘Health Brief ’

If your booking is made within eight weeks of

depth and how to get out. Get to know the

specifically tailored to your journey Visit www.

Kent Ltd, to provide travellers with a consistent

departure, you should forward full payment for

escape route from your room in the case of fire.

masta-travel-health.com.

standard of expertise and excellence in travel.

your holiday with your Booking Form. Your

Any change to your diet may cause an upset

holiday tickets and travel documents will be

stomach and local water, ice and salads may not

Travellers’ publish information, visit www.doh.

AIRLINE PARTNERS

dispatched 10-14 days prior to your departure.

help. You can reduce the risk of insect bites by

gov.uk

Your holiday begins at 30,000 feet which is why

A&K companies that work with Abercrombie &

• Department of Health ‘Health Advice for

using repellents and dressing in clothing that

we use only scheduled flights and handpick our

covers the skin especially when insects are at

DRIVING WHEN ABROAD

airline partners with your contentment and

The information shown in this brochure has

there most active – at dawn and dusk. Crimes

If you plan to drive whilst abroad you must

comfort in mind.

been compiled as accurately as possible and

against people and property are a fact of life

ensure that you have a valid licence. For some

has been checked at the time of publication.

throughout the world and you have the same

countries you may require an international

To insulate our clients from the stresses of

We are not responsible for facilities outside the

responsibility for your own safety as at home. In

driving licence. You should also make sure you

travel, flight upgrades to premium cabins can

accommodation in which you are staying and

all countries it is important to take care of your

are aware of the local driving laws.

be arranged at competitive prices. Typically

cannot guarantee that these will be available

own safety and avoid attracting unwelcome

all year round. Maps shown are for general

attention by not wearing expensive jewellery

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

legroom and extras such as the use of airport

information only and may not accurately show

and accessories.

Passport, visa and health requirements can

lounges so that you arrive more refreshed and

change at any time. It is your own responsibility

relaxed. Many of these cabins are available at

HOLIDAY DOCUMENTATION

to ensure that you seek advice from a professional

special limited rates. Please check our dedicated

FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE

Passports. A full passport valid beyond the

source and comply with all requirements.

flight offers page www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/

The Foreign Office (FCO) provides information

duration of your holiday and for entry to all

Abercrombie & Kent will not be held responsible

flightoffers for up-to-date savings.

for British nationals. For the latest information,

countries included in your holiday is essential.

in any circumstances for the consequences –

before you book your holiday, you should

Most countries now insist upon at least six

whether financial or otherwise – of any failure on

telephone their Travel Advice Line on 0845 850

months’ validity beyond the date of your return

the part of the client in this respect.

BROCHURE DESCRIPTIONS

exact locations.

these cabins include larger seats with more

A&K PHILANTHROPY P67

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CHILDREN DOING EYE EXERCISES, NINE POND VILLAGE SCHOOL, OUTSIDE WANZHOU

We believe that travel should not only inspire but also respect the natural environment and benefit the indigenous peoples whose lands we visit. Through our charitable division, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP), we have been supporting conservation projects around the world for over three decades.

With a ‘high yield, low impact’ policy, we seek to address pressing environmental, educational and public health needs and give more back to the communities in the regions where we operate. This makes a difference to the lives of thousands of people around the world – for example, following the devastating destruction to Myanmar by Cyclone Nargis in 2008, leaving thousands in the Irrawaddy Delta suffering from disease and starvation, A&K rallied to collect over US$340,000 for essential supplies while our teams on the ground ensured that these went directly to those in need.

We currently support 30 different projects across the world, from large-scale relief efforts following natural disasters, such as Un Techo Para Chile (A Roof for Chile) following the terrible 2010 earthquake, to initiating local community programmes such as beekeeping in Tanzania or Sam’s Brothers Clean Water project in Cambodia.

For every booking we take, a donation is made to A&K Philanthropy and you are welcome to visit our projects when travelling with us. A full list of our projects can be seen on www.akphilanthropy.com

MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA AND ETHIOPIA

INDIA, HIMALAYA AND SRI LANKA

AUSTRALASIA AND THE FAR EAST

LATIN AMERICA

CITYSCAPE

ESCAPE

ANTARCTICA

VOYAGE

AUSTRALASIA AND THE FAR EAST 2011/12

SAFARI

Abercrombie & Kent Ltd, St George’s House, Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3LG, UK Tel: 0845 0700 600 • Fax: +44(0)1242 547 707 • abercrombiekent.co.uk You are welcome to visit us in our Cheltenham offices or alternatively visit: Abercrombie & Kent Private Travel, At Harrods, 87 – 135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL, UK Tel: +44(0)20 7173 6440 • Fax: +44(0)20 7173 6441

AUSTRALASIA AND THE FAR EAST