xyzAsia

Accommodation

Many boutique hotels in Asia start out offering great value for money when new, but after they’ve been in the market for a few years and become more popular leveraging their good reviews, prices rise and some slip in service standards. Here’s one hotel in Phnom Penh that’s done the opposite: it has expanded and is still as impressive as when we first reviewed it and room rates are still affordable.

Jun 16

Jun 16 A Relaxing Half-day Cycling Tour around Chiang Mai

Alexandra Te Riele

Travel, Experiences

The Lanna countryside around Chiang Mai in Thailand is mostly flat providing opportunities for easy cycling tours for older travellers looking for a relaxing ride without climbing hills. From funeral-house workshops and village markets to rice fields and woodcarvers, a half-day tour offers a glimpse into everyday life beyond the city.

Apr 20

Apr 20 A Return Visit to Penang After 15 Years

Travel, Food & Drink

The island of Penang has long been a favourite destination for older travellers in Southeast Asia. Its natural beauty, cultural heritage and food scene are some of the reasons that make it perfect for either a weekend getaway or a week of relaxation. After 15 years absence, we make a return visit to see if things have changed.

Mar 19

Mar 19 Playful Taichung: Your Guide to Taiwan’s Coolest City

Taichung, on the western central coast of Taiwan, is known as the birthplace of Taiwan’s famous bubble tea, but it’s rarely on the radar of international visitors. That’s a pity because Taichung is a relaxed city with a wide range of attractions that will appeal to art and culture lovers, nature seekers and hikers, as well as having the only Michelin-starred ice cream parlour in the world.

Mar 11

Mar 11 A Riot of Colour and Scent: Discovering Thuy Xuan Incense Village

The Thuy Xuan Incense Village on the outskirts of Hue, Vietnam, is a place where colours, scents, and the laughter of local artisans collide. It’s a dreamy place for photographers where you can observe a living tradition. And if you feel like rolling up your sleeves and trying your hand at making incense sticks, you can do just that and have some unique souvenirs to take home.

Feb 27

Feb 27 Kampot: A Riverside Town Where Travellers Linger

Kampot, a charming river town in southern Cambodia, is a destination which many older travellers find appealing because of its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. Restored French colonial façades line the riverside, while weathered shophouses have been lovingly transformed into upmarket restaurants, coffee shops, bars and welcoming guesthouses.

Feb 22

Feb 22 Chasing Calm: Cambodia’s Southern Gem

Travel, Accommodation

Kep West, an upmarket hospitality and wellness destination on Cambodia’s southern coast, is a perfect escape for those seeking both adventure and calm. Travel warnings relating to the border skirmishes between Thailand and Cambodia are keeping some people away, but those incidents have been confined to a region over 400km to the north and are not keeping experienced travellers away.

Feb 15

Feb 15 A Fragrant Start to Lunar New Year

Food & Drink, Festivals & Events

The lunar new year is a festive time in many Asian countries. In Vietnam it is known as Tet. One of the traditions of Tet is the giving of sticky rice cakes as gifts, many of which are made by families at home. Joining a family Tet celebration in Vietnam is a unique and memorable experience, but if you can’t do that, savouring Tet cakes - which can be savoury or sweet - is the next best thing.

Feb 12

Feb 12 The Great Asian Cherry Blossom Chase

Festivals & Events, Travel

Japan is synonymous with cherry blossom season but there are many other countries in Asia where cherry blossoms can be viewed, and many places where the usual sakura crowds can be avoided. Planning an Asian spring visit to see cherry blossoms can be rewarding experience for older travellers, but chasing cherry blossoms is never just about ticking off places – it’s an adventure in nature and culture.

Jan 15

Jan 15 Is Doha a Worthwhile Stopover Destination?

Many travellers transit through Doha on their way to or from Asia, but few break their journey there - perhaps unaware of what Doha has to offer. Qatar Airways offers attractive stopover packages to encourage travellers to spend a few days in their home base. We take a look at whether it’s worth breaking the journey to spend some time in Qatar’s capital.

Dec 15

Dec 15 Turkish Riviera Road Trip: Lessons Learned

Travel, Travel Tips, Experiences

Driving a rental car is an excellent way to see the Turkish Riviera. It provides the opportunity to visit many interesting and scenic areas that are away from the tourist crowds. However, in planning such a trip, there are some important issues that should be taken into account. Here is a detailed account of one Turkish Riviera road trip and the lessons learned.

Oct 21

Oct 21 Is Türkiye Still Affordable for Budget Travellers?

Travel, Travel Tips

Rampant inflation in Türkiye has pushed prices up so much in the past five years that it is no longer a cheap destination for budget travellers. We take a look at how much prices have risen between 2020 and 2025 to determine whether Türkiye is still an affordable destination for those travelling on a budget.

Sep 24

Sep 24 Three Areas of Bali Perfect for Older Travellers

Iria Salcedo

Bali is a large island and travelling from one side to the other can easily take 3-5 hours. Deciding where to base yourself can therefore be challenging if you are not familiar with the island. Here are three areas that are ideal for older travellers looking to either immerse themselves in real Balinese culture or seeking quieter refuges from the glitzy resorts and party beaches.

Sep 7

Sep 7 Travel Tips and Day Trips from Busan, Korea