Author Archive for Melissa Matthews
To the roof of the world
Luxury comes in many guises. Travel to Nepal expecting Jacuzzis, turn-down service and white gloves and you will surely be disappointed. But what Nepal holidays lacks in glitzyhotels, it makes up for tenfold with charm, natural beauty and good old fashioned adventure; after all, sometimes getting back to basics is just the ticket for a
Family adventures in Indonesia
By Melissa Matthews on Feb 10, 2015 in Adventure Travel, Asia, Family Travel, Indonesia, Regions, Speciality Travel
As a mother of three curious children myself, I know that keeping them happy and engaged is the best recipe for a successful holiday. If you are planning to escape en famille this year, a holiday to Indonesia provides the most wonderful experience for everyone; and with the best weather between April and October, it 
Cambodia - a journey by book
By Melissa Matthews on Jan 13, 2015 in Asia, Books, Cambodia, Regions, Travel Equipment, Travel Literature
Cambodia’s history spans from the magnificence of Angkor to the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge years. There are hundreds of books worth reading before or during your travels; some provide valuable insight into the history, while others paint a vivid and exotic picture of the country and its people. Here are just five recommended reads. 
Vietnam - a journey by book
Vietnam is at a truly fascinating stage of development, with one foot steeped in ancient traditions and the other vigorously embracing 21st century modernity. Diverse influences have shaped its character, manifested in the Confucian temples and French colonial architecture. The war of the late 20th century is also still in evidence in the cities and countryside.
A new generation of luxury river cruises in Asia
By Melissa Matthews on Nov 19, 2014 in Asia, Cambodia, China, Cruises & Boat Travel, India, Laos, Myanmar, Speciality Travel, Thailand, Vietnam
Much of southern Asia covers largely tranquil, jungle-clad regions brimming with ruined temples, exotic wildlife, peaceful village communities and winding waterways that have served traders and fishermen for centuries. Despite tourism being firmly established, large parts remain hidden and sheltered; and the life-giving waterways invariably provide the most enjoyable – and sometimes the only – 
Vietnam - 'the big three'
With a stunning coastline, wild mountains, fascinating history, ancient culture, and fragrant cuisine which fuses its French heritage with the best of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is widely tipped as one of the new hot-list destinations. 2015 sees the 40th anniversary of the end of the war which ravaged its population and, indeed, its neighbours for almost
7 reasons to visit Cambodia during the green season
Interest in Cambodia is on the increase and if you go in high season, you will certainly have lots of company, especially at the iconic Angkor Wat. But venture during the country’s low season (April – October) and you’ll enjoy a different perspective. The months of June-October fall during Cambodia’s ‘green’ season; a time when
Southern Laos: where the Mekong blossoms
While many travellers head straight for the sybaritic charms of feted Luang Prabang, fewer sample the emerald rice plains of the south, with its stunning jungle karst formations, remnant Ho Chi Minh trail and some of the prettiest riverine villages in the country, the pinnacle of which is a group of tropical islands known as
A postcard from Inle Lake, Burma
By Melissa Matthews on Jul 29, 2014 in Asia, Cruises & Boat Travel, Myanmar, Regions, Speciality Travel
It’s early morning and the sun is just starting to burn off the mist rising from the still, shallow waters of Inle Lake. Huge dragonflies dart about at head height, like toy helicopters, easily matching the boat for speed, and overhead a snow-white egret drifts by, searching for a new, more stable patch of water 
A gastro guide to Vietnam
By Melissa Matthews on Jun 19, 2014 in Asia, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Vietnam
The days of Vietnam’s war torn asceticism truly belong in the last millennium, for never has there been a better time to visit this vibrant country and indulge your taste buds in its staggering 500 traditional dishes. With the economy soaring, its crumbling old quarters are now crammed with fine restaurants and globally respected chefs. 
Cambodia for foodies
By Melissa Matthews on May 27, 2014 in Asia, Cambodia, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany
Putting the dark days of the Khmer Rouge firmly behind it, Cambodia’s seductive charm, colourful cuisine and ruinous temples are tempting travellers away from its neighbours. For the foodie, the two principal centres of gastro renaissance are Siem Reap, gateway to the 8th Wonder of the World, Angkor Wat, and the intoxicating city of Phnom 
