Whether you’re looking for relaxing beach walks or the adventure of a lifetime trekking through the rainforest discovering the ancient history of the world’s newest nation, Timor-Leste will not disappoint.

Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste is a good place to begin a trip to this fascinating country. The seaside city lies on the northern coast and offers a wealth of activities to kick start your trip!

Head down to the Tais Market to find traditional handcrafted souvenirs and brightly coloured fabrics for sale. Tais is a traditional form of weaving and an essential part of the nation’s heritage. But Tais fabric is not all that is on offer here, beautifully crafted wood carvings, handmade jewellery and of course, coffee, the country’s biggest export can be found here.

As the sun gives way to the cooler evening climb the 300+ steps up the headland to visit the 27 metre tall statue of Jesus, from this vantage point watch the sunset against the spectacular landscape.

Located around 45 minutes from Dili is Atauro Island, which can be reached by ferry or the daily water taxi. Even the journey over to this island paradise is a delight, with regular dolphin sightings and the chance to look out over the stunning ocean and Dili beyond. While on the island there is plenty to explore, with walking tours and scenic vistas to appreciate. Make your way to one of the five villages on island and be greeted by the welcoming locals, who if you wish will treat you to lesson in their traditional handicraft of yarn weaving and basket making.

A few hours drive from Dili stands Mount Ramelau, the highest mountain in Timor-Leste and once the highest point of the Portuguese empire, with its peak being 2963m above sea level. From here the adventure really begins. The Base camp of Mount Ramelau lies a few thousand feet from the summit; a one hour trek will take you to the peak, where upon arrival you will be greeted by a statue of Our Lady. From this breath taking vantage point, which is best viewed at sunrise watch the mountain ranges below emerge from the clouds as a new day begins.

For those who want to try more challenging climbs Mount Matebian is for you. Although it stands shorter than Mount Ramelau, this 2315m mountain is one of Timor-Leste’s more challenging treks. Matebian which translates to the Mountain of the Dead Souls is a sacred site for the local population and has played an important role in Timor-Leste’s history, once acting as a refuge for the Timorese resistance during the Indonesian invasion.

However, you don’t need to be a seasoned trekker to appreciate the wonderful scenery of this captivating country. Timor-Leste is dotted with small villages, forests and rice fields, perfect for some light walking or as a warm up before taking on a full mountain assault!

Beach lovers will not be disappointed in Timor-Leste. Discover Com, a small fishing town which is home to an idyllic hidden beach. Here you can take walking trails along the warm sand, as the crystal clear sea laps the shore. A short distance away from Com is Jaco Island, part of the protected Nino Konis National Park. Feel the wind in your hair as you make the journey over the azure waters to the deserted island by boat. Here you can enjoy bush walking, fishing or simply take a relaxing stroll along the pristine beach, with its glorious white sands and clear waters.

But the delights of Timor-Leste are not limited to above ground; take a tropical rainforest trek through the district of Lospalos, an area of great importance and ancient heritage. After one and half hours light trekking you will be greeted by the Ile Kére Kére caves. These spectacular caverns were discovered in the 1960s and contain ancient faces carved in to the rock, which have been dated back to 10,000 years old. The caves also feature primitive wall paintings dating back over 2000 years.

The food in Timor-Leste is nothing less than mouth watering. Everything you find on your plate is organically grown and is likely to have been picked from the ground or swimming in the sea only a few hours before. Treat yourself to plate of Ikan Pepes, the country’s national dish. This fragrant delight consists of locally caught fish which has been marinated in a wide range of ingredients, from ginger, lemongrass and kemangi leaves, to name a few.

Leaving Timor-Leste you will take away not only great memories, but also a love for this beautiful country, its rich heritage and welcoming people.

Laos has remained as one of the best kept secret Asia has. Despite being over-shadowed by popular neighbouring counties – Burma, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, Laos has its own unique pull that constantly draws people to her. With an extensive and rich history that dates back to the 14^th century, Laos is one country that won’t disappoint you.

Vientiane

The capital city of Laos, Vientiane is a must-stop destination for people travelling to Laos. Fused with a combination of Laos, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French and American influences, let this city charmed her way into your hearts.

“When in Rome do as the Romans do”, so when in Laos do as the Laotians do. That is enjoying a bottle of cool Beer Laos by the bays of the river with the setting of your sun as your view.

Xieng Khouang

Located at the northeast of Laos, lying across a flat highland is the province Xieng Khouang. Best known for their Plain of Jars – thousands of stone jars clustered together, many have travelled far to witness the beautiful scenery – with an archaeological landscape that combines ancient and contemporary history. The Plain of Jars have been a battleground for the Second World War, thus visitors are tasked to stick to the guided trails as there might be unexploded artilleries lying around.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is the combination of both the Laos wooden houses and European architecture. Be amazed and wowed by the picturesque backdrop of the vast greenery and edgy mountains.

Head in to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves – two caves filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes done by the wayfarers.

Fancy a bit of unique souvenir? Make a detour to Ban Phanom – a village known for their hand weaving. Grab some silk and paper souvenirs done by the locals too.

Sounds enticing and cant wait to immerse in the heritage Laos has for you? Click here to find out more: 6D5N Northern Heritage, Vientiane, Xieng Khuang & Luang Prabang, Kingdom of Laos

The departure dates are fixed, however we are able to provide you with a private tour with a minimum of four pax.

Image from flickr.com, flickrhivemind.net

With little tots in tow, what use to be free and easy travel can become a complete nightmare. However, we share with you a few tips to keep travel woes out of the way and make family travelling fun and drama-free.

Take it easy
Kids have a short attention span. Sometimes, this is an understatement. On long journeys, schedule some rest time so young children and run around and play while the adults relax and recharge. Long, uninterrupted monotony makes small children fussy. Also be prepared to travel at half the speed you would normally take if it were just you on the trip. Children slow processes down and need extra care along the way. The less you plan to squeeze into the itinerary, the easier it will be on yourself and your family.

Extra everything
Bring an extra set of everything for the kids; underpants, cover ups, socks, shirts, pants, dresses, bibs, towels – you name it, they’ll soil it, lose it or somehow destroy it. Also bring emergency items like sick bags or small toys, games or books for long journeys. You may also want to make sure all tickets are kept by adults. Don’t allow your children to keep any important documents, even if you think they can be trusted with these items. You don’t want to take any chances and be stuck at a port or terminal with tired children to pacify.

Many hands make light work
You may love your little ones to pieces, but travelling with children can make you want to break them into pieces. When they kids get whiny and fussy, patience runs thin. You’ll want to split the responsibilities with your partner so you lighten each other’s loads and make the trip enjoyable for everyone. Plan kiddy duties before the trip – milk feeds, diaper changes, who takes the kids to the loo during pit stops, who’s in charge of travel documents, who’s in charge of discipline, the list goes on.

Preview
Give your kids a briefing before the trip to let them know what they’re in for, be it a long journey, rough terrain, bad weather, or any situation that might alarm them or long spells of travelling that may cause restlessness. Let them know the run-down of the program so that if any distractions come up during the trip, there won’t be any power struggles or abrupt changes in plans that may disrupt the itinerary.

Tech support
By this we mean bring some technology to keep your kids entertained with if all else fails. A laptop or an iPad provides multiple entertainment for your tots and shortens distances. Also, while they amuse themselves with movies or games, you can get some shut-eye  It also comes in handy if you need to check up on travel itineraries, travel or accommodation bookings or need to get information with which to facilitate your trip. Nobody likes noisy children on public transport, and you won’t either when everyone else is glaring angrily at you.

Images from nymetroparents.com, timeshare-info.org, telegraph.co.uk, idiva.com, articles.nydailynews.com

If you’re looking to escape this winter there are a whole host of things to do in Yunnan province, Southwest China. Here we detail a few of the most interesting activities. The best place to start your visit to Yunnan is Kunming City.

Here you can venture out to try one of the many dishes that call the city home. We can recommend a special dish from this region; guò qiáo mĭxiàn, a boiling chicken soup with rice noodles under a very thin layer of oil. Raw meat and vegetables are added by the consumer and the ingredients will be cooked in the hot soup since the cut of the raw meat and vegetables are extremely thin.

But if big city life isn’t for you and you’re looking for a more rural escape why not make a trip to Hongtudi which is 200km from Kunming. Hongtudi, which literally translates as “Red earth” is named after its soil which is a rich red/orange colour.

If you choose to travel by car or coach you will be delighted by the scenery of the journey, with traditional houses made from mud bricks, totally surrounded by paddy fields, carefully designed by man’s hand and the hooves of water buffalo.  This area is noted as especially beautiful during wintertime.

Hongtudi is one of the most spectacular natural scenes in the world, with the rippling earth a mixture of vibrant green terraces set against the natural red of the earth below.

Nearby is Luoping, which is yet another beautiful example of natural countryside. The area is particularly beautiful when the Canola flower is in bloom, surrounding the mountains in a sea of golden flowers.

The area is also home to the canola honey factories for which the region is famous for. This delicious light golden honey is sure to be the best you have ever tasted!

A two hour drive away is Niujie, where the spectacular Jiulong waterfalls can be found. Jiulong translating to ‘Nine dragons’ are counted as some of the most beautiful in China.

Nearby Puzhehei is another example of beautiful Chinese countryside. Take a traditional bike and explore the beautiful scenery in the morning and marvel at the ‘sugar loaves’ (the poetic name given to a specific type of karst formation).

Take some time to visit a peach farm in this area. Peaches originate in China and those that come from here are particularly succulent.

From Puzhehei travelling the short distance to Shilin is a rewarding experience as this region is home to the Black Stone forest. According to legend, the immortals (divine beings worshipped by Taoists) created the Black Stone Forest by cutting up mountains into a maze of rocks so that they could offer them as gifts to loved ones. This maze of “stone trees” is therefore fascinating, but it’s also easy to get lost, so it’s very important that you follow your guide!

Images from allpointseast.com, pratyeka.org, 4travel.jp, spadsky.blogspot.com, roughandreadytours.com, amusingplanet.com and cloudusa.wordpress.com

The Shyok river basin and breathtaking scenery are the big attractions of this area. When travelling to the Nubra valley you will set off from the city of Leh, a small settlement which can be covered by foot. The old town is a compact area of mud brick houses and delightful narrow lanes. Leh offers a host of sights to see, from Buddhist temples and monuments to a charming Bazaar in the centre of town.

Thrillseekers needn’t worry though, as there is also a wide array of exhilarating sports to take part in. So why not take a day out and go white water rafting on the Indus River or pick a trek from one of the many available routes around the area.

Once on your way from Leh toward Nubra you will travel over the Khardung La which is often stated, although incorrectly to be the world’s highest drivable pass. But at 18,380 ft it is sure to make you feel as if you are driving over the top of the world!

Once in the valley, take time to drink in the exquisite scenery of the surrounding mountains and listen out for the joyful honking of the Bar-headed geese. There are also a wide array of flora and fauna to see here.

Another rare feature of this region is the Bactrian camel. This camel which has two humps can be seen living wild in the Nubra, but it is also domesticated, being used to carry the heavy loads of local tradesmen and farmers. You may be lucky enough to see one of these gentle giants living wild if you take wander around the river basin early in the morning.

If you have the time taking an organised trek around the area is a must, this way with a local guide you are sure to see the best parts of the valley and have the best chance of seeing the local wildlife.

Images from deepakg.com, flickriver.com, kiranc.com and hoglezoo.org

Sitting 11,000 ft high above the hills, The 600 year old Thiksey Monastery is the ultimate place to visit for some much needed escapism and soul searching.

Unlike many other monasteries of its kind Thiksey welcomes visitors to sit in on its prayer ceremonies. A gathering of over 100 monks chant Buddhist sutras in perfect unison as the sun rises over India’s northernmost region, Ladakh.

After the ceremony junior monks hand cups of spiced holy water to the congregation, sipping this delightful drink and admiring the beautiful surroundings is a humbling experience indeed. Thiksey Monastery is home to some of the finest examples of Ladakhi art, in the prayer room one can see the famous Bhavacakra painting or the wheel of life as it is more commonly known, symbolises the cyclic nature of samsara – the continuous cycle of life and death.

Probably one of the most famous features of the monastery is the 49 ft Maitreya Buddha statue. This beautiful symbol which took 4 years to build features an intricately decorated headdress and gold face which radiates peace and warmth, it is sure to make even the most worldly traveller stand in awe. The statue contains volumes of Buddhist canonical texts encased in clay, it was built to commemorate the visit of the Dalai Lama in 1970.

Interestingly taking pictures of the statue by itself is allowed, however posing with it is forbidden. This is because the statue represents the future, so therefore by taking a photograph of it alone is like taking a photograph of our future selves, or so the Buddhists believe.

Once you have sat in on a prayer and wandered around the monastery make your way to the roof where you will be treated to breathtaking 360 degree views of the Indus valley from this 11,000 ft vantage point.

Another delightful aspect of this monastery is the school which is run by the monks for the local children of poor families. The children are educated in a variety of subjects, including Buddhism and computer studies.

When deciding to visit though one must make a difficult choice – which season to make your trip? Srinagar has four distinct seasons, each changing the picturesque landscape dramatically. In the spring which extends from March to May expect to find a pleasantly warm climate, with the ground carpeted in colourful flowers, in Summer the temperature drops slightly and more layered clothing may be needed.

Expect to see the landscape coloured in a vivid mosaic of greens as September comes and autumn sees in the green scenery give way to a beautiful mixture of gold and red. This is the perfect time for taking walks through the forests or a gentle cruise along the lake.

Finally winter brings with it the coldest temperatures, however don’t discount a winter visit, because yet again the landscape does not fail to delight, transforming into a winter wonderland. Winter in Srinagar will not leave you stuck inside either, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, from snowman building to snow rugby!

What to see

Nishat Gardens

The glorious Nishat Gardens which sits overlooking the Dal Lake is a must see for any traveller to Srinagar. The garden is separated into twelve terraces, each with its own delightful features. Visit in spring to see the garden in full bloom, the sweet scent of the many flowers and cooling breeze will make your visit a memorable one.

But the garden is known for more than just its botanical features, with a wide array of stunning fountains and carvings, as well as breathtaking views of the Dal Lake, the Nishat Gardens are well worth a visit at any time of the year.

Jamia Masjid

One of the most sacred mosques in India, Jamia Masjid is a wonder of architecture. Consisting of 370 wooden pillars it is one of the only mosques of its kind to survive the ravages of time. Dating back to 1400 AD the mosque which at its maximum capacity can hold 100,000 people can be found in the old part of Srinagar.

Shop

Srinagar has an abundance of hand-crafted items, none more so than the beautifully embroidered scarves and shawls, which are available throughout the city. However if you want to see part of Srinagar that most tourist do not, walk in to one of the factories where these are articles are made.

You will find a warm welcome and the workers will gladly explain to you how the items are made. Whether it’s the Pashmina, Durrakha or Kani they will show you all the products with amazing enthusiasm and excellent salesmanship. You can pick up a single piece for only several lakhs, but remember to haggle! Most of these units are located in the old city part of Srinagar.

For a more modern shopping experience, make a trip to the Polo view market and Lal Chowk area.

Eat

The food of Srinagar and Kashmir as a whole varies a lot in its complexity, from simple one dish meals through to 36 course banquets! Here are some of the must try dishes during your trip!

Rista

These delicious meatballs are made from finely pounded mutton and slow cooked in gravy. Rich in flavour they contain, turmeric, cardamom, shallots, saffron and chillies, which is cooled by the addition of ghee butter.

Yakhni

A creamy curd based dish which has a gentle flavour, this dish contains onions, cardamom and cream, usually served with mutton.

Dum Aloo

A traditional dish with a strong and fragrant flavour, Dum Aloo is a must try. The dish is made with garlic, bay leaves, turmeric and chilli powder to name a few. It is served with potatoes and is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out!

The people

You will find the people of Srinagar warm and engaging, with welcoming smiles for visitors. They will be happy to help you with directions, pose for photographs (always ask first) or welcome you to their shop or bazaar stand.

Images from blogs.wsj.com (Dar Yasin/Associated Press), ecurry.com, placeforholidays.com, chiangmainews.com, onionlive.com, and pbs.org

Nong Khiaw is a sleepy market village with Luang Prabang as its backdrop. Arriving at the town’s dry and dusty bus stop may not seem to be the best introduction and many tourists often breeze through Nong Khiaw in favour of the city area. But once you decided to stick around for a couple of days, you will be amazed by how much this sleepy town has to offer.

What is really interesting about Nong Khiaw is that electricity is only available from 6pm to 10pm!

100 Waterfalls Jungle Hike

Individually, the falls are not that impressive, but rather it’s the sheer number of them cascading down the hillside that leaves visitors in awe. Is there 100 of them? Nobody knows!

Upon approaching the falls, you will hear the sound of rushing water crashing against the rocks. This is a fairly easy hike with is sheltered by the leaves of the jungle. Be amazed by the ever changing scenery with each step and enjoy the fresh water from the falls to counter the scorching hot sun.

Do note that visitors are not allowed to go on this hike on their own as the paths are slippery. Guides are required if you wish to take on this challenge. Let your guides lead you through the cascades and perhaps they would prepare a local styled lunch near the falls in the midst of Mother Nature.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing will never be the same for you again! In Nong Khiaw, climbing is done on a bolted limestone with different levels of difficulties. With a solid reliable rock, this rock climbing experience is set admidst stunning scenery that will leave you clamouring for more.

Get to experience mountain climbing through the deep jungle up the mountain wall with a fantastic view of the Nam Ou Valley and Nong Kiau Town.

Mountain Biking

Rent a mountain bike to travel around Nong Khiaw. Take in the picturesque scenery at from every bend in the road at your own pace. For the brave ones, you can look forward to some tough uphill challenges as well. Along the way, look out for locals working hard in the fields to earn their keep.

Sounds enticing and and can’t wait to experience the immense beauty and culture of Laos? Click here to find out more: Tours to Laos

Check out our other articles on Laos:

Not your typical Asian country: HIDDEN LAOS

Take a holiday from your holiday: LUANG PRABANG

Capital of Laos: VIENTIANE

Image from travel-learn-live.blogspot.sg, tripwow.tripadvisor.com, indochinaexplorertour.com, veloasia.com

Cradled in the arms of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a place where monks in orange robes outnumber the tourists, and where crumbling French mansions and gilded temples form the skyline.

This low-rise capital of Laos is a quaint and easygoing place, looking more like random collections of villages than a capital. Full of attractions to take in, from temples to the sunset and an exquisite selection of cuisines, you’ll find yourself slowly won over by the charms of this evolving city.

Vientiane may reveal its beauty less readily than Luang Prabang – but give it awhile. Spend a few days soaking in the sunrays, sampling its unique cuisine and enjoying a Beer Laos while enjoying the gorgeous sunsets by the river, and you just may want to stay here for good.

Religion

As the number of robed monks testifies to the religious nature of Vientiane, visitors to temples are required to abide to a certain dress code: Women should wear modest clothes (arms covered and knee-length shorts/skirt) and Men in shirt and shorts. Shoes are to be removed before entering any temple.

Rules aside, be wowed by the intricate designs on the temples – expect Buddha images carved out of wood, stone, silver and bronze. Tourists are also allowed to join in the monk chat – local monks gather (on a monthly basis) at the Sangha College for a chat.

Delicacies

Vientiane offers a wide selection of cuisines, ranging from Chinese to French. Most of the restaurants are open all the time to cater to the tourists. However, if you’re more adventurous and want to try something different, head down to the west area of the morning food market, where you can find exotic treats such as fried crickets and other bug-related fritters.

Nature

They say that if you haven’t seen the sunset along the riverside in Vientiane, you wouldn’t have visited Vientiane at all.

Indeed, catching the sunset at least once during your trip is a must-do! It is one of the most highly recommended things on every visitor’s to-do list. Grab a Beer Laos and soak in the atmosphere, as you watch the sun slowly dip its way back into the earth and disappear over the horizon. Local cafes are known to ride on the sunset’s popularity, where they spring up along the riverfront at dusk, only to pack up again at the end of the day.

Sounds enticing and and can’t wait to experience the immense beauty and culture of Laos? Click here to find out more: Tours to Vientiane/Laos

Check out our other articles on Laos:

Not your typical Asian country: HIDDEN LAOS

Take a holiday from your holiday: LUANG PRABANG

Image from enjoytravelvietnam.com, panoramio.com

Is your holiday not going as planned? Has your break proven to be more of ‘work’ than ‘rest’? Need a holiday from your holiday? Well, you’re in luck! Tucked away in Laos, Luang Prabang is one hidden gem.  

Luang Prabang is the magical combination of traditional Lao wooden houses and European architecture – reminders of when Laos was part of the French colony. Expect golden-roofed temples, decorated with mosaics and murals of the life of Buddha. All of these are set against a picturesque backdrop of verdant greenery and rugged mountains. You can’t help but to slow down your footsteps to take in all of Luang Prabang’s goodness.

Early risers will get a treat – they will be able to participate in the Alms Ceremony – monks will be up at dawn to collect alms of rice from kneeling villagers. Tourists are advised to seek help from the locals to assist them in preparing for the alms ceremony and understand what sort of food to give to the monks.

One of the must-see places in Luang Prabang is the Haw Kham (The Royal Palace). Built in 1904 for the King and his family to reside in, it was later when the monarchy was overthrown by communists that the palace was converted into a National Museum. Haw Kham is a building that consists of both traditional Laos and subtle French styles. Once you step inside, you will be magically transported back to the days of the monarchy where you can envision how the royalty lived their lives.

Cruise along the rivers, Mekong and Nam Khan to visit the Wat Xieng Toung (Temple of The Golden City) – a Buddhist temple. Wat Xieng Toung is one of the most important Lao monasteries around and is a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. There are over twenty structures on the grounds including shrines, pavilions and residences, including gardens of various flowers, ornamental shrubs and trees.

Sounds enticing and and can’t wait to experience the immense beauty and culture of Laos? Click here to find out more: Tours to Luang Prabang/Vientiane/Laos

Image from chinapictures.org