Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Asia

The Far East is all things to all people. The region is without doubt the most indulgent and the most exotic of any. No other area in the world conjures up such romantic and sensational images. Balmy evenings, spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, buzzing cities and exotic cuisine the Far East can offer something to all visitors. The combination of ancient traditions and temples with modern buildings and technology makes the Far East a fascinating region to explore.

 Cambodia - 'The Land of Water'
Contemporary Cambodia is the successor state to the mighty Khmer empire, which, during the Angkor period, ruled much of what is now Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The remains of this empire can be seen at the fabled temples of Angkor, monuments unrivalled in scale and grandeur in Southeast Asia. The south coast is fringed by tropical islands, with barely a beach hut in sight.

 China - 'An Ancient Civilization'
China is the most populous state in the world. The Chinese are the gardians of the world's oldest continuous civilisation, you will have you bumping into history at every turn. It's the people provide a ceaseless drama and entertainment while squeezing onto dangerous-looking buses, walking in pyjamas around Shànghãi or inviting each other to sit down to some of the most varied cuisine in the world.

 India - 'A Land for all Seasons'
From the eternal snows of the Himalayas to the cultivated peninsula of far South, from the deserts of the West to the humid deltas of the East, from the dry heat and cold of the Central Plateau to the cool forest foothills, Indian lifestyles clearly glorify the geography. The food, clothing and habits of an Indian differ in accordance to the place of origin.

 Japan - 'The Land of the Rising Sun'
Japan has more than enough natural wonders to compete with its cultural treasures. For many visitors, the real highlight of their visit to Japan is the gracious hospitality of the Japanese themselves.

 Malaysia - 'Truley Asian'
The peninsula is a multicultural buffet of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours while Borneo hosts a wild jungle smorgasbord of orang-utans, granite peaks and remote tribes.

 The Philippines - 'Forgotten Islands of Asia'
The second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 tropical islands, the Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia. Often overlooked by travellers because of its location in the South China Sea, the Philippines rewards those who go the extra distance to reach it.

 Thailand - 'The Land of Smiles'
Often referred to as a golden land, because the country gives off a certain lustre, be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains, white sandy beaches or the warm hospitality of its citizenry. While tourists toast themselves bronze on the sandy beaches, they soon find the daily rhythm of Thailand is a tranquillity that isn't confined to vacation time. Soon you willl discover that you have developed a tolerance for spicy food and a mastery of this strange tonal language.