South East Asia: beyond the beach

Everything you’ve read is true: the beaches of South East Asia are spectacular. You'll find yourself snorkelling among rainbow-coloured fish, sipping dragon-fruit smoothies on repeat and swaying in a hammock strung between palms – living out your very own tropical daydream.

But there’s far more to a holiday here than lazy beach days. Our experts can help you build a richer adventure, with side quests from temple-hopping through storied cities to tracking wildlife on rainforest trails. Ready to roam? Here are some of our favourite itineraries to spark ideas for your next escape.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam: lanterns, flavours and beachside calm

From high-energy cities to wave-lapped beaches, Vietnam serves up a heady dose of culture, flavour and all-out adventure. Begin in Hanoi, where you’ll wander the lively Old Quarter, taste sizzling street food and catch an iconic water puppet show. Early mornings around Hoan Kiem Lake are calm and quiet, with locals practising Tai Chi gracefully by the water, while temples like the Temple of Literature reveal the country’s scholarly past.

After Hanoi, slow things down at a boutique resort on An Bang Beach near Hoi An, with lazy pool days, sunset strolls among lantern-lit streets and a chance to try a local cooking class. From there, head south to Ho Chi Minh City. Take in powerful reminders of history like the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, then cruise along the Mekong Delta for a window into daily river life. Wrap things up with a few chilled days in Mui Ne, where rolling dunes meet the sea.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Cambodia: past to paradise

Cambodia is a country that carries its history proudly, with modern life humming alongside incredible ancient sites. In Phnom Penh, the gold spires of the Royal Palace shine over the river while market stalls overflow with silk and spices. The exhibits at the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum hit hard but shine a light on the past, and a visit to Smiling Gecko Farmhouse shows how local communities are building a brighter future.

Then there’s Siem Reap, gateway to the Khmer Empire’s extraordinary legacy. Come face-to-face with the stone guardians of Bayon Temple, explore Ta Prohm’s jungle-wrapped ruins and watch saffron-robed monks wander through Angkor Wat’s atmospheric courtyard.

After soaking up Cambodia’s cultural treasures, wind down on Koh Rong’s golden shores. At The Royal Sands Koh Rong, rustic-chic villas, flour-soft beaches and snorkel-ready waters set the scene for laid-back days.

Indonesia: rice paddies to reef

An Indonesia multi-centre is the perfect way to tap into Bali’s magic and the islands beyond. Start in artsy Ubud, browsing handmade crafts and colourful batiks at local markets, catching a traditional dance show, or stretching out in a jungle-view yoga class to reset your mind.

Next, trade green for blue with a short hop to the tiny, car-free Gili Islands, checking in at Mahamaya on Gili Meno. Here, life moves to a slower beat, with colourful coral gardens to explore offshore and vintage bikes on hand to pedal around.

Snorkelling at Gili Meno

Round off your journey on Bali’s vibrant west coast. Seminyak serves up glam beach clubs, top-rated restaurants and creative cafés, all with a see-and-be-seen vibe. Check into a sleek pool villa made for the ’gram or grab a board and join the wave chasers.

Thailand: Siam temples & 'Elephant Island'

Your first impression of Bangkok is usually one of wide-eyed awe, weaving through a tangle of traffic-clogged streets. Within the first hour, that daze turns to wonder as bright pagodas peek out from behind timeworn buildings, aromatic spices swirl from street stalls and locals greet you with a warm Sawadee Kha – Thailand isn't called the Land of Smiles for nothing. For a stylish city base, check into Sindhorn Midtown Bangkok, a modern hideaway with a rooftop infinity pool and skyline views.

Koh Chang, Thailand

After the capital’s full-on energy, Koh Chang, nicknamed ‘Elephant Island’ for its shape, brings a much calmer tempo. At Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort, you can paddle-board, snorkel and unwind with a massage in the ocean-view pavilion. 

Beyond the white sands, venture to Bao Bang Floating Village to try crab and prawns straight off the fishing boats, spiked with local chilli, then hike through the jungle to the top of Khao Laem for sweeping views across the island.

Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia: Twin towers, tropical shores and tea plantations

Malaysia layers cultures in the most fascinating ways. Chinese and Indian influences have shaped the street food and colour-popped neighbourhoods, while the British left behind colonial architecture, cricket greens and a love of afternoon tea.

Kick off in lively Kuala Lumpur, where you can gaze up at the Petronas Towers from the Skybridge and browse the mega malls of Bukit Bintang. Opposite the old railway station, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a 1930s gem with timeless style – don’t miss afternoon tea in its orchid-filled conservatory.

Tea picking in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Next, escape to the cool Cameron Highlands. Stay at Cameron Highlands Resort, where rose gardens and tea plantations wrap around forest trails and working tea factories. Hop over to Penang to explore UNESCO-listed Georgetown’s street art before finishing on Langkawi’s silver-white sands. At The Danna Langkawi, a colonial-meets-Mediterranean resort, wake up to bubbly breakfasts, laze by the infinity pool and toast the sunset at a beachside bar.

Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu

Borneo: wild stays and barefoot days

Over in Eastern Malaysia, the states of Sarawak and Sabah make up Borneo, a place of untamed rainforest, pristine beaches and some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife.

Shake off the jetlag at Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, a Bornean icon set within a spectacular nature reserve. Go for an Ocean Wing Suite for exclusive perks and a whirlpool tub right on your balcony.

Next, head deep into the jungle on our three-day Borneo Rainforest Experience. At Borneo Rainforest Lodge, trek canopy walkways, float down the Danum River and look out for silver leaf monkeys, pygmy elephants and more than 300 bird species. The Danum Valley is also prime swinging ground for endangered orangutans.

Finally, recharge on a sun-soaked island at Gaya Island Resort. Only a short hop from the city, you can dive deep into the waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, kayak through firefly-lit mangroves or simply soak up the tropical views with a cocktail by the pool.

Gaya Island Resort, Borneo