Tamarind Cooking Class in Luang Prabang, Laos

Food in Laos is more distinctive than you might expect. Freshness is very important with everything prepared from scratch. Dishes are based on balance between sweet, sour, cooked, fresh, mild, bitter, salty and spicy. Herbs including galangal (similar to ginger) and lemongrass are commonly used. DAY CLASS Start early with a tour or the market…

The Temples of Angkor, Cambodia 

MAIN TEMPLES Angkor WatBuilt in the 12th century in traditional Khmer style with thousands of stone carvings and beautiful lotus-like towers that stand 65 metres tall; Angkor Wat is the most recognised and well preserved of all the temples. It’s a symbol of national pride – so important to Cambodia it features on the flag…

Hoi An, Central Vietnam 

ANCIENT TOWN The UNESCO World Hertigate site of Hoi An’s Ancient Town sits on the Thu Bon River. It was a vibrant trading port between from the 15th to 19th century. During the day explore the labyrinth of canary yellow buildings and beautiful temples. When the sunsets, the town is lit up with hundreds of…

Hanoi, Northern Vietnam 

FINDING YOUR WAY The old Hanoi is contained within four districts: Hoàn Kiếm, Ba Đình, Hai Bà Trưng and Đống Đa. Hoàn Kiếm is the most explored as this includes The Old Quarter, whose 36 narrow streets are loosely categorised by what they sell – such as paper, shoes, clothes, tin goods. There is no…

Welcome to Thailand 

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THAILAND Thailand is famous for its food. Take a cooking class and recreate your favourite dishes at home. Visit beautiful Buddhist temples and learn about the country’s main religion Explore the busy city of Bangkok – visit the Grand Palace and Moon Bar. Laze on the beautiful beaches of Koh…

Bangkok, Central Thailand 

BANGKOK DISTRICTS BanglamphuArea made famous by the backpacking strip: Khao San Road. RatanakosinThe glittering temple district includes the spectacular Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The BTS doesn’t reach directly into this area so take a tuk tuk or ferry. Siam SquareBig, modern shopping district with the historical Jim Thompson house tucked down a quiet road….

Choosing between Thailand’s Islands and Beaches

GULF ISLANDS & EASTERN BEACHES Perfect weather in the summer months. The mainland town of Surat Thani has ferry services to all three islands. You can also fly into Samui and Phangan. Koh Tao A long-time favourite with backpackers for diving and snorkeling. Koh Phangan Every month thousands head for Haad Rin beach to dance…

Koh Lipe, Thai Islands 

FIND YOUR WAY Lipe is a tiny island in the far south of Thailand. So far south it’s almost Malaysia. The main accommodation options and restaurants are all based around Walking Street which leads of the main beach. ACTIVITIES This is an island people come to relax. If you’re looking for lots of water sports…

Exploring Lao Cuisine

KEY FEATURES Freshness is very important in Lao cooking with everything prepared from scratch. Dishes are based on balance between sweet, sour, cooked, fresh, mild, bitter, salty and spicy. Herbs including galangal (similar to ginger) and lemongrass are commonly used. A typical Lao table will include Khao Niaow (Sticky rice), a staple of any Lao…

Phi Phi Islands, Thai Islands 

FIND YOUR WAY Phi Phi is made up of two islands. Phi Phi Don is the inhabited island you’ll arrive at. Far from the rustic island hideway she used to be, the island has been hastily built up despite plans to protect it after the 2004 tsunami. Anyone who visited the island a few years…