Author Archive for Sam Clark
Asian travel trends for 2018
2018 is set to be an exciting year for travel in Asia. Look out for unique boutique properties with an eco-friendly edge, improved access to lesser-explored, but incredible destinations and a different perspective on old favourites. Check out our insider insights on the best places to go, things to do and sights to see in
Top 5 unforgettable experiences in Cambodia
By Sam Clark on Mar 16, 2018 in Asia, Attractions, Cambodia, Cruises & Boat Travel, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Speciality Travel
A captivating blend of lost cities, stunning coastal towns and dark recent history, a trip to Cambodia enables you to broaden your horizons as well as indulge in some rest and relaxation. Beyond the temples, it can be difficult to choose the best experiences to enrich your visit. Here are our top 5 unforgettable experiences 
Untold stories from Asia: have you heard of a Toddy Tapper?
Like most of us, Sri Lankans love a tipple. Two of their distinctive national drinks, Toddy and Arrack, are born of the same flower and are immensely popular throughout the country. Problem is, this delicious nectar can only be found high in the palm trees – which can range from 60-100m high. Enter Indika. Indika
5 ways to eat like a local in Hanoi
Want to eat like a local in Hanoi? As a city, Hanoi is changing rapidly from the old to the new, and its rapid transformation is reflected clearly in the food scene: while fancy restaurants continue to pop up everywhere, the old street food culture still continues to flourish. The markets of Hanoi’s old quarter,
Asia's 10 most beautiful train journeys
By Sam Clark on Oct 28, 2017 in Asia, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Leisure Travel, Malaysia, Myanmar, Rail Travel, Regions, Singapore, Speciality Travel, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
An atmospheric train ride is second to none. The perfect way to get to know a country’s landscapes and customs, train trips transform perfunctory journey time into an experience in itself. There are myriad fantastic routes across Asia to choose from, ranging from the more upscale first-class carriages to those which are more basic, but 
Gan Island: a different side to the Maldives
One of the potential frustrations of visiting the Maldives is the necessity of choosing between staying in a luxurious resort or getting off the beaten track and seeing something of the local culture. Resorts tend either to be located on private islands or on parts of islands that have been entirely cut off from areas
Southeast Asia's top 5 remote beaches
By Sam Clark on Sep 30, 2017 in Asia, Attractions, Cambodia, Going Out, Indonesia, Leisure Travel, Myanmar, Regions, Speciality Travel, Thailand
Any sun-loving traveller’s dream is to stumble across a secret beach. Ideally, we’re thinking somewhere you can get a sense of escapism, but can still access your creature comforts. Here’s a run-down of the top five beaches of Southeast Asia that offer that feeling of blissful remoteness, with a few luxury perks thrown in as well. 1.Koh 
Top beach alternatives in Laos
By Sam Clark on Sep 30, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Hotels, Laos, Leisure Travel, Regions, Resorts, Speciality Travel
Laos is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Southeast Asia, a seductively laid-back atmosphere and incredibly friendly people. It is also landlocked and, for many beach bunnies, this is a deal-breaker when choosing a holiday destination. But it would be a mistake to disregard Laos on this basis. There are huge number 
How to fly business class for the price of economy
In an ideal world, wed all love to travel in business class. Business offers leg space, delicious food, the ability to sleep in an appropriate horizontal position and, most importantly, Champagne on tap – which all culminate in a very civilised flight experience. Sadly, money doesn’t grow on trees. But fear not: it is possible
5 luxury hotel group personalities
Whilst luxury hotels are all of an exceptionally high quality, each brand has their own twist on the concept. It’s this twist that can really enhance your travel experience, setting it apart from others. To help you choose your luxury brand, I’ve provided a quick summary of five of the most well-known hotel groups. 1.
Top 5 new hotels in Vietnam
By Sam Clark on May 17, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Cruises & Boat Travel, Hotels, Regions, Speciality Travel, Vietnam
Vietnam is moving from strength to strength as a travel destination. Its fast-growing economy, large youth population and foreign business investment have all provided fantastic opportunities for the hotel industry. Traditionally, Vietnam has never offered the same amount of super high-end luxury that nearby Southeast Asian countries could. There was a limited choice of ‘crème 
Top 8 things to do in Jaipur, India
Few people are aware of a city which is quintessentially Indian, Jaipur. The capital and the largest city of the state of Rajasthan, it’s also known as the Pink City of India, and it offers visitors a wealth of architectural, cultural and foodie delights. Jaipur earned its moniker the “Pink City” because it was built,
5 great reasons to visit Malaysia
By Sam Clark on Mar 31, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Attractions, Food and Drink, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Malaysia, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany
An inspiring mix of wild nature and dynamic cities, Malaysia is a country of inspiring contrasts. It’s strategic trading position has provided a fertile ground for enterprise and exchange, creating stunning architecture, a good modern infrastructure and a welcoming diverse culture. With so many experiences on offer, here we’re sharing our top 5 reasons to 
5 incredible ways to experience S.E. Asia's most iconic sites
By Sam Clark on Feb 02, 2017 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Asia, Attractions, Cambodia, Going Out, Hotels, Indonesia, Laos, Leisure Travel, Malaysia, Regions, Road Travel, Speciality Travel, Vietnam
Remarkably, Southeast Asia has 37 incredible UNESCO heritage sites. These sites are ‘must see’ for good reason but the downside is that many other tourists will be there at the same time. The magic of Angkor can be lost if you’re swamped by bus loads of tourists each trying to snap that iconic shot, before 
5 South India experiences, away from the crowds
By Sam Clark on Jan 12, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Asia, Attractions, Cruises & Boat Travel, Going Out, India, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel
With a diverse array of natural riches; golden sand beaches, colourful temples, colonial heritage and diverse wildlife, South India has many fantastic experiences on offer. Its popularity as a destination is a blessing and a curse. Whilst visitors have contributed to the prosperity of local communities, the sights have become more congested and iconic places 
