As Vietnam grows in popularity as a holiday destination, it is gaining a well-deserved reputation for being a haven for foodies. And that’s not just for Vietnamese food, but for many other cuisines as well. We take a look at five places to eat in Vietnam that provide a perfect introduction for the first-time visitor.
Indonesia’s second largest city, Surabaya, is home to one of Asia’s most elegant colonial hotels — the Hotel Majapahit. It’s East Java’s version of Singapore’s Raffles Hotel. With room rates on offer at about a quarter of the price of the Raffles Hotel, it provide travellers with the opportunity to enjoy the stylish elegance of this meticulously maintained historic Southeast Asian hotel at a more affordable price.
Tokyo is surely one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities. The constant buzz of energy is one of its great attractions for visitors. Older travellers who want to set aside time to relax will be pleased to know that that the city also has many fine parks. They offer a chance to slow down and discover a different side to the Japanese capital. We take a look at three of the best parks in central Tokyo.
The so-called mystical island of Siquijor in the Philippines is popular with divers and backpackers from around the world. It’s the location of some of the best dive spots in the Philippines, and provides backpackers with opportunities for cheap food and lodgings and long nights partying on the beach. But what does Siquijor have for older travellers who may not be into diving and partying? We take a look at what else there is to see and do on this tropical island.
The Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand offers some unique opportunities for older travellers to experience authentic nature adventures without a lot of arduous trekking. Easy hikes, long-tail boat tours and bamboo river rafting are comfortable ways to experience this region which contains ancient rainforests, picturesque waterfalls and mountain streams, majestic limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and the spectacular Cheow Lan Lake.
The South Korean city of Busan is home to the world’s largest department store, Shinsegae, which also houses one of Korea’s largest spas, Spa Land, catering for up to 1,500 people at a time. This is not a spa for those with inhibitions because many of the areas within the spa require patrons to be naked. But for those willing to embrace Korean culture and go naked with the locals, a visit to Shinsegae Spa Land might well be one of the most memorable experiences of a trip to South Korea.
The stunning Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon inspires awe in almost anyone who visits it. It lies at the heart of the city, both geographically and spiritually, and its striking presence on the city skyline helps define Yangon in a way that few monuments in other cities can. The city’s rich history and vibrant present provide plenty of interest, not least for older travellers keen to learn more about the country’s distinctive culture and traditions.
Yabbiekayu is a small eco-resort near Yogyakarta, Indonesia, that offers older travellers the chance to relax and de-stress in a rural environment of sustainable living. It provides the opportunity too to learn a little about Javanese culture and visit some of the nearby UNESCO World Heritage listed places such as the Buddhist temple of Borobudur and the Hindu temple of Prambanan.
Volunteering is a rewarding way for older travellers for whom traditional sightseeing no longer appeals, but who want to experience new places and new cultures — and especially for those interested in biodiversity, environmental and wildlife conservation issues. It’s an ideal way to meet people of different nationalities who share the same interests, and to see parts of Asia that are well away from the usual tourist haunts.
South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, has a lot to offer the older traveller with many historic places and cultural events to see, unusual foods to try, beautiful parks and urban walkways for leisurely strolls and fascinating markets in which to browse or buy. This guide to one of the most the vibrant cities in East Asia will ensure you don’t miss out on the best places to visit or experiences to enjoy.
A circumnavigation of the northern island of Luzon is considered by many to be the grandest of road trips that can be undertaken in the Philippines. It takes about a month to do properly and is generally done in two circuits – one to the north of Manila and one to the south. This comprehensive guide to the northern circuit will help those wanting to do the trip to plan their itinerary and not miss any of the most interesting sights along the way.
South Korea is not often thought of as a wine-producing country. But it does have one large winery producing some surprisingly good wines. And then there’s soju — the world’s top selling spirit — which comes in a range of fruit flavours and can be drunk like wine. This comprehensive guide to Korea’s wines and spirits will help those visiting the country to choose a drink that will most suit their palate.
Older travellers may not rush around as much as they did in their younger days, but they still seek adventure – and Asia has excitement a plenty to offer. Here’s a look at how travel can help people stay young at heart even in their golden years.
Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. There are times that the presence of tourists may feel overwhelming, and you may want to escape for a day or two and enjoy the feel of ‘small town’ Thailand. The riverside town of Mae Khlong is one such place, and it’s only 80 km from Bangkok, so is ideal for either a day trip or an overnight stay.
For visitors to Tokyo with an interest in the city’s past, the Edo-Tokyo Museum has much to offer. It charts Tokyo’s history, culture and growth since its founding in 1603 under the name Edo through to the modern era. Considered one of Japan’s best museums, its spacious atmosphere and its range of exhibits and amenities is likely to appeal to many older travellers.
Many older travellers to the tropical countries of Asia like to keep fit whilst they are on holiday. One way to do this is through running or jogging. However, if you normally run only in temperate climates, there are some precautions that you need to take in the tropics. This guide contains some practical advice from a Thailand-based ultra runner on how to maintain your fitness regime in a tropical climate, and also some important tips on personal safety.
