Also known as the Lesser Sunda Islands — literally the “Southeast Islands” — they are divided into East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara and contain scores of ethnic groups, languages and religions, as well as Komodo lizards and more spectacular diving. West NT contains Lombok and Sumbawa and many small islands. Lombok is the less-visited but equally interesting sister … Read More
Derived from the Malay word bukit, or hill, Phuket was long known to European traders as Junk Ceylon, and a rich source of valuable tin. After an attack by the rival Burmese navy in 1785, which was repulsed by forces commanded by a local widow and her sister, Phuket rose to prominence as a regional administrative center, charged with running … Read More
Most Asian countries with coastline experience at least part of their wet season from June to August, but The Central Gulf of Thailand is one of the few places we recommend visiting at this time of year because it is typically hot and relatively dry. Beautiful, fine sand beaches on the calm, warm Gulf of Siam and a wide array … Read More
Northern Thailand and region Northern Thailand shares borders with Myanmar and Laos, as well as with the Central Plains and Isaan. This section is to include Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Sukhothai. The Golden Triangle (สามเหลี่ยมทองคำ Saam Liam Thong Kham) is in Chiang Rai Province, in the far north of Thailand. The name was coined in the 1960s to refer … Read More
Year round destination Niseko and the Annupuri Range are one of Japan’s most popular holiday destinations, famed for powder snow, mountainous terrain and winter woods. Always prized for its ski resorts, the area has more recently become known as a family-friendly, year-round destination. Summer activities include golf, cycling, mountain biking and fly fishing. Hokkaido, Japan’s second largest island, is surrounded … Read More
Sacred Buddhism – An Important Journey But Often with Strife For most of its independent existence, Myanmar (sometimes called Burma) has seen a good deal of ethnic violence and civil wars. As such, it can be a challenge to travel there — but if you do so, working with a connected Virtuoso advisor, it’s among the most remarkable places on … Read More
Nature Haven a spot for your inner explorer to shine Bio-diverse, bright, sunny and tropical can all aptly describe the Philippine islands. Just shy of 2,000 kilometers long from the top of Luzon to the foot of Mindanao, this 7,107-island nation accommodates various demographics, with broad mountain ranges to hike, caves to explore, flat plains to rummage through, underwater landscapes … Read More
I had good luck for my stay in Beijing… the weather was lovely and the air was rather clean and clear. It made for a lovely time and a bit of sightseeing. The Forbidden City Beijing is a wonderful mix of old and new. You can visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and … Read More
There is more to Siem Reap than Angkor Wat There is a bit more charm to this little city than I anticipated, and yes, it has a bit of that party atmosphere and fun nightlife. A pleasant little town to sit back and enjoy the culture and a few good dining venues and great hotels. As with most of Cambodia, … Read More
After finishing my first journey through Cambodia, I admit I am excited to return. It is one of the more charming countries in Asia. Tourism has undoubtedly taken off in Cambodia but it still remains relatively off the beaten track, compared to Vietnam. This makes steering clear of crowds – unless you’re at Angkor – much simpler, with many remote … Read More
Once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh has worked hard to rise from the ashes of its troubled past, reinventing itself as a bustling cultural capital. As with most of Cambodia, the best season to visit is their dry season, October to the end of February. Most transactions are in the US Dollar. Raffles Hotel Le Royal Wat … Read More
Sunny Side Up Tropical Paradise And A Diver’s Heaven All resorts in the Maldives are their own island — so choose wisely in terms of amenities within the resort. The waters are warm, the visibility on dives is incredible, and it’s considered one of the globe’s top honeymoon destinations for its beauty and serenity. The sea planes from Male to … Read More
