Things to do in South East Asia

On this exciting tour, you'll visit three of Bangkok's most famous temples. Start with the Grand Palace; one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese court and a spectacular landmark that used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. At this dazzling complex you’ll see magnificent buildings including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House and the stunning Emerald Buddha Temple. You'll then see the Chedi of the Kings and Wat Trimitr, which houses the iconic Golden Buddha.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the remarkable Temples of Angkor, which are steeped in history and mystery. Marvel at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Khmer empire's last capital city and home to the Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas, Royal Enclosure, Terrace of the Leper King and Elephant Terrace. End your day of temple exploration with the enchanting sight of the sun setting over iconic Angkor Wat.

Take a trip on board the exclusive Aristocat Catamaran and cruise from Benoa Harbour to Lembongan Island, with its private beach club and crystal clear waters. Optional activities at extra cost include glass bottom boat rides, snorkelling, banana boat rides, a visit to a pearl farm and a submarine ride.

Learn about Bali’s rich Pantheon of the Gods and deities and experience the skills of Balinese craftsmen on this cultural excursion. Stroll through Ubud's colourful handicraft market and galleries and see its dramatic rice terraces. Continue to Tampaksiring, where you'll find Tirta Empul, a temple complex used for cleansing and purification ceremonies. Soak up the awe-inspiring views over the mighty volcanoes of Batur and Lebuh before you see the famous elephant cave, Goa Gajah, then visit the artists of Mas, known for their intricate wood carving.

Experience many facets of Malay culture on this fascinating tour, visiting traditional houses, the Kampung Baru, or 'New Village', the oldest Malay residential area in Kuala Lumpur. It has managed to keep hold of its village-like feel, even as the modern city has grown up around it. Next is a trip to the famous Batu Caves, where a limestone hill is riddled with caves and cave temples. Climb 272 steps to the shrine of Hindu deity Lord Subramaniam within an outcrop of caves. You’ll also visit the Royal Selangor Pewter factory, a working foundary. Learn about this family-run company and see how pewter goods are made.

Escape to the quiet Bali Mountain region on this scenic bike ride. Follow the downhill trails along little-used roads and tracks and through sleepy villages to Pludu Village. Frequent stops will be made along the way, giving you the opportunity to see ancient temple compounds and shady plantations. Witness everyday life, with locals carrying festive offerings of fruit and flowers and sipping glasses of aromatic mountain ground coffee at the roadside, then enjoy a buffet lunch before returning to your hotel.

A fantastic introduction to the city, this half-day tour takes you through different parts of the city. Pass markets, explore the main streets and see the different residential areas of this ancient place. You'll also see some of Chiang Mai’s most interesting temples including Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image and Wat Suan Dok, which houses the remains of many generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family, as well as Wat Jet Yot.

Join a Balinese cooking school and discover the secrets of the Balinese kitchen. First you'll visit a local fish and vegetable market to purchase your ingredients for the day, then you'll enjoy breakfast before creating a selection of Balinese delights and sampling your creations for lunch.

Discover a fascinating and immense network of underground tunnels and passages on this half day tour from Ho Chi Minh City. These tunnels date back to the Vietnam War and were built to hide Viet Cong soldiers from US soldiers, with space for up to 10,000 people. They are an important reminder of the difficulty endured by the Vietnamese people and their resilience in the face of it.

Explore dynamic Singapore on this half-day tour and visit the historic Parliament House, the Supreme Court and City Hall before stopping off at Merlion Park and enjoying its impressive views over Marina Bay. Move on to one of Singapore’s oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples, drive through colourful Chinatown and proceed to the National Orchid Gardens before stopping off in Little India, where the heady scents of incense and spices fill the air.

This tour traces Raffles' vision of Singapore to become a vital international port and trading centre for the Far East. Your trip down memory lane begins with a visit to the Raffles Landing Site, where Sir Stamford Raffles is believed to have first set foot here in 1819, and then to an exhibition that traces the history of the Singapore River. Next is a stop at Raffles Hotel, a hive of activity for the high society in the 1800's. Here enjoy and afternoon tea buffet with English and local delicacies or light refreshments. The tour continues with a bumboat cruise. These hardy vessels were once used to shuttle cargo, but today , they steer you through a kaleidoscope of historic Singapore River and harbour images set against the towering skyline of the modern business district. Step off a Clarke Quay, a riverside restival village and visit a pewter gallery to discover the history of pewter and the role of tin in the development of Singapore as a trading port. A demonstration of pewter smithing is also included.

Explore the colonial streets of Penang’s UNESCO-listed capital, Georgetown. Highlights of the tour include a visit to Khoo Kongsi where you can admire the intricate carving, woodwork and porcelain décor; Pinang Peranakan Mansion which houses over 1000 pieces of antiques and collectibles; and the 18th Century Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion) with an interior which features beautiful bedrooms, libraries and ceremonial halls.

Take a half-day tour of Luang Prabang, a charming UNESCO World Heritage listed city and former royal capital. Visit the Royal Palace Museum, which houses important treasures, have your camera ready for Vat Mai’s five-tiered roof and ornately carved veranda, explore Vat Xieng Thong – the town’s oldest and most beautiful temple and climb up to Phousi Hill for a view over the city and the Mekong River.

Halong Bay off Vietnam’s north coast is a World Heritage Area of Natural Beauty, locally known as ‘Dragon Descending to the Sea’. Make your way over from Hanoi by boat, and set off on a breathtaking four-hour cruise of the bay. You’ll see fantastic limestone islets dotting the emerald waters, many containing superb natural grottos such as Dau Go and Thien Cung. An overnight cruise option is also available, and if you’re ready to splash out, book a two-night cruise on board the luxury Au Co ship to travel in style. Call or visit us in store for more information.

Spend an hour being guided through the streets of Old Hanoi on a cyclo once the sun has gone down before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at the Thang Long Theatre. This fascinating art form dates back to rural festivals in North Vietnam during the 11th Century, and is performed in a pool of water by a group of puppeteers. Enjoy a post-show dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant.

Enjoy a tour of Vietnam's buzzing capital and you'll see the huge granite mausoleum of former leader Ho Chi Minh, whose body remains embalmed on display and receives thousands of visitors every day. The beautiful One Pillar Pagoda is nearby; it’s one of Vietnam’s most important temples, built in the 11th Century and rising up out of the water like a lotus on just a single pillar. The tour ends with a visit to the Temple of Literature, built in 1076 as the original university in Vietnam.

You’ll never forget this unique tour of Hanoi on a cyclo – a cross between a bicycle and a hand cart. Your half-day tour begins with visits to Hoan Kiem Lake, the iconic Ngoc Son Temple and the landmark Hanoi Opera House. From here it’s a short ride to the Old Quarter; this was once a thriving centre for craftsmen and is now a picturesque area with shops, restaurants and a wonderful sense of history.

A tour of the country’s largest city (formerly Saigon) is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of Vietnam’s rich history and energetic everyday life. Visit Cho Lon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City’s and one of the oldest parts of the city; haggle with locals at the famous Cho Lon Market. The beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda is worth a visit, and take a look in the Museum of Vietnamese History to see numerous artefacts which provide an insight into Vietnam’s past, including bronze and stone sculptures.

A good way to see both these neighbouring cities is this full-day tour. You’ll start by visiting Hoi An in the morning before going for lunch at a local restaurant in Danang. From there, enjoy the Museum of Cham Sculpture near the Han River before relaxing on golden Non Nuoc Beach. The Marble Mountains are a stone’s throw away, and you'll go inside them to discover fascinating temples, altars and sacred sites before heading back to Hoi An.

Discover the secrets of mouthwatering Vietnamese cuisine on this half-day cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School. Your first stop will be Hoi An's buzzing market – meet the market traders and pick up some of the ingredients that will be used later in the class. Board the Red Bridge boat for a sedate river cruise to the cookery school. On arrival explore the herb and vegetable garden before beginning your two-hour lesson. You'll be able to sit down at the end and eat what you've created.

A leisurely walking tour is the perfect way to explore this historic and enchanting riverside city. Hoi An was a successful port with its peak during the 18th Century, considered by merchants at the time as the best trading spot in South-East Asia. It has been superbly preserved, with Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese-style architecture and a beautiful network of canals. Head to the vibrant market and see the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge that historically linked the Chinese and Japanese communities.

Depart from Hoi An for this full-day tour of Hué, Vietnam’s historic former imperial capital. After arriving you’ll board a traditional dragon boat and cruise down the romantic Perfume River to visit one of Hué's most celebrated religious buildings – Thien Mu Pagoda. Head for lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, plus the spectacular Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.

At 4,095 metres, Mount Kinabalu's jagged granite peaks tower above one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Nominated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park is a natural wonder and day visitors can glimpse its fascinating and often unique plant and animal life as montane oak and chestnut forest gives way to lowland dipterocarp forest. Enjoy a short trek through the rainforest and witness life in the treetops as you walk along the 100ft high Canopy Walkway (if closed, you’ll visit the Tropical Garden instead). After lunch trek along a mountain trail and visit the mountain garden.

Visit Kuala Lumpur's distinguished National Mosque and war memorial Tugu Negara, where Malay people honour those who perished in the war. Chinatown in Petaling Street is a vibrant cultural hub where you can hunt for bargains and try local food. You’ll pass the Moorish-style Fedeal Court, the old railway station with its striking Mohammedan architecture, the Tudor-style cricket club and the King's Palace. Continue to Thena Hou Temple in Robson Heights, home to patron Goddess Thena Hou of the Hainananese community. This striking six-tiered structure is one of south-east Asia’s biggest Chinese temples.

Visit the Bon Ton Kampung Houses and illusive Mahsuri’s Tomb – this vengeful woman cursed Langkawi for seven generations after she was wrongfully convicted of adultery and sentenced to death. At Black Sand Beach discover whether the remains from the great battle between Garuda and Jentayu still exist, as some believe. This peaceful beach is stained with black sand that’s thought to be caused by iron oxide, although legend suggests it’s due to the soil of rice fields burnt in the Siamese war. Just down the road, see the intricate Malaysian batik on display at a craft centre. Lastly, marvel at the towering statue of a reddish brown eagle, its wings outstretched in flight, at Eagle Square in the centre of town.

Enjoy a delicious dinner while you enjoy the beautiful riverside setting of the Chao Phraya River. Savouring the local cuisine, you'll enjoy the relaxed candle-lit ambience of your this beautifully-converted antique rice barge as you glide past ancient temples, towering skyscrapers and the bustle of Bangkok's nightlife.

Take a journey from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, a prosperous town nestled in the Mekong Delta and famed for its lush orchards and panoramas of never-ending rice fields. Board a cruiser for a ride on the Mekong River, stopping en route to visit an orchard on an island. Visit the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda, which is set in tranquil gardens, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Depart from Hoi An and journey southwest to My Son Sanctuary, the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site has dozens of red brick towers and temples, dating from between the 7th and 13th Centuries and dotted in a lush green valley. You'll then return to Hoi An.

On this full day tour you will witness the endearing inhabitants of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. You'll begin the day with a short flight northwards to Sandakan and arrive at the centre in time for the 10am morning feeding and watch as they make their way through the trees. The animals you may see are all at various stages of their rehabilitation into the wild and they can come and go as they please. Following your visit to the centre join a walk beneath the thick canopy of a tropical lowland dipterocarp forest before visiting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After lunch, head to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey sanctuary to learn a little more about another of Borneo's iconic wildlife species.

Siem Reap is gateway to the magnificent UNESECO-listed Temples of Angkor. During this incredible two-day experience you'll experience the majesty and spectacular scale of these icinonic archaeological treasures.

Begin your temple exploration at the South Gate of Angkor Thom where you'll see the famous Bayon temple with its enormous stone faces, Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. One of the highlights of today is exploration of Angkor Wat, a stunning temple complex surrounded by a moat which provides a spectacular setting for photographs, especially at sunset.                  

On the second day you'll visit the ruined temple-monastery of Ta Phrom which is overgrown with trees and is a spellbinding sight to behold - branches and roots have wrapped themselves around the temple which looks as though it has been swallowed by the jungle. You'll also visit the sandstone temple of Takeo, Thommanon, Chausay Tevoda temple, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som and the imposing ruins of Eastern Mebon – a 10th-Century temple crowned by five towers.

Cambodia’s youthful energy and modern dynamism conceals scars of a recent past troubled by events of unimaginable suffering. On this moving journey, travel to some of the most notorious landmarks associated with the Khmer Rouge and the brutal civil war that ravaged the nation. From the ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek to the infamous prison of Tuol Sleng, learn of a harrowing past and come to appreciate the remarkable transformation Cambodia has since undertaken.