Amazing Asia

Start your Asia holiday in Cambodia. Siem Reap is a magnet for its temples, most notably the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat, a incredible complex which is the largest religious monument in the world. Stay at the sleek and stylish Shinta Mani, a mere 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from Angkor Wat (perfect for sunrise and sunset viewing), which offers chic accommodation, local touches, traditional Khmer cuisine and an elegant bar to retire to after a day’s exploring.

Your next stop is Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. Here, as well as imbibing the historic Raffles colonial style at Le Royal, you can visit the majestic Royal Palace and the colourful central market, and see some impressive Khmer art and historic artefacts at the national museum. Afterwards, relax in the hotel’s tranquil gardens, take a dip in one of the two pools or enjoy a cruise down the Mekong River on Le Royal’s own private boat.

Thailand awaits. With temples and palaces jostling with skyscrapers, and traditional markets trading their wares alongside giant shopping malls, and the Chao Phraya River winding its way through it all, Bangkok is an assault on the senses. After taking in its buzzing vibe, retreat to the opulent Oriental Residence, a quintessential urban oasis in the heart of the city, with stunning views, an inviting pool and delicious cuisine.

Explore the delights of Chiang Mai’s historic Old Town on the next leg of your Asia trip. We love Tamarind Village – it’s a stone’s throw away from some of Chiang Mai’s hundreds of ornate temples and its bustling markets, but inside, you’ll find a tranquil oasis in the heart of this beautiful city, with luxurious accommodation set around a tranquil courtyard. If you can drag yourself away, venture out to the night bazaar and the tempting riverside restaurants, and return to a blissful Thai spa treatment.

Chiang Rai offers more opportunities to see incredible temples and palaces, as well as local villages and wildlife from elephants to rare birds. The luxurious Legend hotel sits on the banks of the Mae Kok River, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and in between sightseeing, take a dip in your private pool and enjoy a boat trip along the river before tucking into a barbecue dinner, accompanied by an exotic cocktail or two and some live music.

The third and final country on your Asia tour is beautiful Burma, which largely remains an untouched paradise, where you can get off the beaten track in style. Your first taste of Burma is Mandalay, the country’s second largest city and a former capital, which is home to the majestic Royal Palace as well as monasteries and pagodas. The Hotel by the Red Canal is a perfect retreat: it's near many of the city’s attractions, and its traditional interiors include a restaurant serving gourmet local dishes.

Your next stop is the serene and stunning Inle Lake, where you can watch the fishermen displaying age-old rituals and visit local villages to see artisans at work. There are villages both by the lake and on it, where people live in houses on stilts and tend to crops on floating gardens. Get a taste of local life at Inle Princess Resort, whose stilted wooden chalets are right on the banks of the lake. Relax on the veranda and take in the panoramic lakeside views with a glass of wine – the hotel’s wine cellar has over 2,500 wines to choose from.

Your final stop is Bagan, which sits on the Irrawaddy River and proudly displays thousands of historic temples. Don’t miss the chance to watch the sunset from the top of one of them, and we also recommend a sunrise balloon trip over Bagan – we guarantee it will be unforgettable. The exquisite Bagan Lodge fuses Burmese and contemporary styles, alongside a lovely spa and a pretty pool complete with sun loungers, making it an idyllic end to your Asia holiday.