The re-election of Donald Trump to the US Presidency has caused rumblings over the future of Taiwan. Will China move in soon to take over? This writer was spurred to visit the island in case it does. And while there he spoke to locals on the issue.
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A Short Break in Multi-ethnic Penang
Penang Island in Malaysia has a lot to offer the older traveller interested in history, culture and nature. From the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city of George Town to the many festivals and events of the multi-ethnic population, and the nature retreats of Penang Hill and the island’s National Park, it’s a destination that will appeal to those who want a more laidback alternative to the nation’s busy capital of Kuala Lumpur.
Life in Eden with the Muslim Weed Seller of Lanta
Koh Lanta has become one of Thailand’s most popular islands for those wishing to avoid the high prices on Koh Samui or the traffic congestion on Phuket. Its western beaches offer a full range of accommodation options from five-star down to one-star, but for budget travellers looking for a quieter, back-to-nature experience, there are some excellent options on the east coast around Lanta Old Town including this hippy-like establishment in a tropical garden where you can rent a tent for 300 baht per night.
Is the My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam Worth Visiting?
Visitors to Danang and Hoi An on the Central Coast of Vietnam are often bombarded with offers from taxi drivers to take them to the My Son Sanctuary, about an hour ‘s drive inland. It’s one of the oldest archeological sites in Southeast Asia, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed, but it’s not large. So is it worth the half day that it takes to visit?
Timor-Leste: A Hidden Gem Awaiting its Time
Timor-Leste is an Asian destination that many have not heard of – let alone visited. However, for those who enjoy getting off the beaten track, this island nation offers unspoiled tropical beaches, pristine waters full of sea life and colourful corals, bucolic towns, a friendly population and some surprisingly upmarket accommodation options in its capital Dili.
Discovering the Grand Dame of Nuwara Eliya
The iconic Tudor-style Grand Hotel at Nuwara Eliya in the central highlands of Sri Lanka is nearly 200 years old. It looks like it has been plucked directly from the English countryside and oozes old-world charm and sophistication. With luxury accommodation, elegant lounges. and world-class food and beverage outlets, it's the ultimate place to stay when visiting Nuwara Eliya.
Which of the Gili Islands is Best for Older Travellers?
Older travellers heading to Lombok, Indonesia, for the first time often ask which is the best of the Gili Islands to stay on. Many travel blogs recommend Gili Air because it’s a compromise between the livelier Gili Trawangan and much quieter Gili Meno. But there are reasons why that may not be the best advice.
The Truth About Travelling on the New E&O Express
The Eastern & Oriental Express is known as one of the world's most renowned luxury trains, and probably the best known in Asia. It's 5-star dining all the way with exotic cocktails and unlimited French champagne, but at over US$3,400 per person for four days and three nights, is it really worth the financial outlay? Here's what to know about what you will get for your money.
The Hidden Gems of Thailand’s Phang Nga Province
Thailand's Phang Nga province is not as well known to overseas visitors as Phuket to its immediate south, but for older travellers to the region it offers a quieter alternative and an opportunity to get away from Phuket's traffic and tourist crowds. For nature lovers, there are some real gems to be discovered in Phang Nga in the form of deserted beaches, nature trails, and picturesque waterfalls.
My Surprising Sri Lankan Sojourn
Sri Lanka is warm and welcoming country that is well known as an affordable backpacker destination but it is also home to some ultra-luxurious resorts that cater to those who wish to enjoy its rich food and diverse cultural experiences in style. Not only is it a destination that caters for travellers on all budgets, it offers an eclectic mix of old and new, with a distinctive character that is unlike any other Asian country.
The Bikan Historical Quarter: A Relaxing Destination for Art Lovers
The picturesque Bikan Historical Quarter in the Japanese city of Kurashiki has many art museums, historically significant shrines, interesting boutiques and craft shops, as well as some excellent restaurants and coffee shops, making it a relaxing day-trip destination for travellers interested in Japanese art, history and culture.
Silk, Sites, School, and Sunset Cruising around Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, has a plethora of things to see and do within proximity of its city centre. The Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Killing Fields Museum are most often visited, but there are other attractions outside of the city that are worth a visit too. The Golden Temple on the Mekong, and nearby Silk Island, are two such places, to which a visit can be topped off with a relaxing sunset cruise on the river.
I Travelled on Vietnam’s Reunification Sleeper Train and Survived
Travelling on Vietnam’s so-called Reunification Express from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (or vice-versa) is not a luxury experience, but it’s a way to see some stunning scenery and perhaps interact with some locals along the way. It’s a 36 hours’ journey so it’s best to do the trip with stopovers and visit some of Vietnam’s interesting coastal cities along the way.
Scooting Around Saigon at Night on a Vespa
A guided foodie tour on a Vespa motor scooter is an exhilarating way to explore Saigon at night. It’s a way to enjoy some of the best Vietnamese street foods available in the chaotic old southern capital as well as experiencing the authentic side of Vietnamese life.
Hanging Out at Ha Long Bay in Royal Style
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations. It’s a dreamy landscape of breathtaking grandeur, a maze of jewel-like towering emerald islands, with grottos, caves and champagne-sandy coves engulfed by aquamarine waters. It’s a popular day trip from Hanoi but an overnight stay on a cruise boat is the best way to fully appreciate it.
Krabi, Thailand: A Relaxing Destination for Older Travellers
The scenic Thai province of Krabi on the eastern side of picturesque Phang Nga Bay has a lot to offer older travellers. It’s quieter and more laidback than its western neigbour, Phuket, and focuses more on nature experiences. Whilst some of its attractions are suitable only for those who are reasonably fit, there are alternatives available for those with health or mobility issues. In this article, we identify where those are.