Asia
★★★★½
Laos
A charming and luxe stay in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage town
Empathetically blending modern design touches into its colonial surrounds, Avani+ Luang Prabang is the ideal base from which to explore one of South-East Asia’s most charming cities.
- by Mark Daffy
This insanely tasty noodle dish is a monk’s ‘last meal’ for a reason
How do you practise spirituality? Perhaps you go to church. Or do yoga. Or walk on a beach. In Japan, you can just eat soba noodles.
- by Ben Groundwater
★★★★★
Train journeys
Do I like this train station? I could happily live in it
Most of Japan’s train stations are great, but if this was like that movie The Terminal, and I was stuck living my entire life here – honestly, I’d be pretty happy.
- by Ben Groundwater
What sets this rock star’s reimagined Bali retreat apart from the others
An addition of 17 contemporary suites add a playful post lockdown dimension that speaks equally to the need for guests to relax and reset, as have a good time.
- by Penny Watson
Best travel experiences of 2023: Asia
Leopard-spotting in India, riding horses on the beach in Indonesia, doing very little in Bali, these are the moments of Asia.
You can’t book for Japan’s best restaurants, but this Aussie can get you in
You can’t make a booking at Sushi Saito, Japan’s best sushi restaurant. You won’t get a seat at Sushi Amamoto either. It just won’t happen. Not without Melburnian Rachel Lang.
- by Ben Groundwater
Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, tourists still flock to ‘Cowboy Hat Lady’
The market stall immortalised by Anthony Bourdain is still worth a visit – but it only scratches the surface of Thailand’s incredibly tasty Lanna cuisine.
- by Ben Groundwater
Transports of delight: 10 unusual ways to see Asia
From China by bullet train to hiking in Hong Kong – go the unexpected route and you’ll find new ways to enjoy these destinations.
- by Brian Johnston
Russians are changing the face of travel destinations in Asia
In the first two months of 2023, more than 370,000 Russian visitors arrived in Thailand. In Phuket, upscale real estate sales have gone ballistic.
- by Michael Gebicki
Hidden gems of South-East Asia: Nine resorts that visitors overlook
Some of us enjoy a sense of discovery. If that sounds like you, try one of these resorts on for size.
- by Ute Junker