Category: Destinations

A view over Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi showing lush vegetation against a mountain backdrop with a golden stupa in the foreground

Destinations

Luang Prabang at a Crossroads: Why Heritage Preservation Matters Now More Than Ever

UNESCO World Heritage status alone cannot protect Luang Prabang from overtourism and Chinese tourism expansion. What the city actually needs—and what Laos is beginning to build—is strategic tourism management that prioritises local benefit and cultural preservation. Luang Prabang sits on the Mekong River surrounded by lush vegetation encased by a picturesque mountainous landscape which is

January 6, 2026

Image shows the Chao Anouvong Statue, located in Chao Anouvong Park on the riverfront road in Vientiane

Destinations

Vientiane: Southeast Asia’s Most Contemplative Capital Invites Slow Travellers

Where French colonial charm meets Buddhist spirituality in Laos’ overlooked gem When I first stepped foot in Vientiane, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d reached the right city. Wide, tree-lined boulevards stretched beneath a hazy sky. Crumbling French villas sat quietly behind weathered walls. The traffic moved at a pace that felt almost meditative by Southeast

December 18, 2025

Aerial view of Phu Quoc's pristine coastline with traditional fishing boats, forested green hills, and crystalline waters, representing Vietnam's commitment to preserving natural beauty whilst developing conscious tourism

Destinations

Vietnam’s Conscious Luxury Tourism: Genuine Achievement or Fragile Moment?

Phu Quoc ranks third globally. Five villages earn UNESCO recognition. Ten eco-hotels set new standards. But can Vietnam sustain this—or will success become its undoing? Phu Quoc ranked third globally in 2025 for service quality, scenery, beach beauty, and local hospitality—but rapid tourism growth creates both opportunity and risk Vietnam is doing something genuinely different

October 30, 2025

image of a hiking trail through a dense Malaysian jungle setting with sunlight catching the fauna through the forest canopy

Destinations

How Southeast Asia’s Safest Country Is Leading the Sustainable Adventure Tourism Movement

Malaysia claims nine of Southeast Asia’s top ten hiking trails whilst pioneering eco-friendly adventure tourism that benefits local communities Malaysia has emerged as Southeast Asia’s unexpected champion of sustainable hiking tourism, claiming nine of the ten best hiking trails in the region and recently being named the safest country in Asia for travellers seeking peace

September 6, 2025

Image of Bali's Yeh Leh beach at low tide during sunset with hundreds of rocks in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Destinations

West Bali: Discovering Paradise Beyond the Crowds

The road less travelled leads to Bali’s most extraordinary secret I’ll confess something that might surprise you: after years of exploring Southeast Asia, I’d almost written off Bali entirely. The Instagram hordes descending on Tegallalang Rice Terraces, the traffic chaos choking Canggu’s once-pristine beach roads, the yoga retreats charging £200 ($250) a night for what

July 6, 2025

Image shows Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Twin Tower dominating the skyline at dusk

Destinations

Is Malaysia Southeast Asia’s Best-Kept Secret?

Discover Malaysia’s perfect blend of cultural heritage and sustainable luxury. From Kuala Lumpur’s iconic skyline to Penang’s UNESCO streets – the ultimate guide to responsible luxury travel. After exploring Southeast Asia’s capitals for almost three decades, I’ve rarely encountered a destination that balances cultural authenticity with genuine luxury as masterfully as Malaysia. From the colonial

June 28, 2025

Image shows a view of the ocean from the Ocean Front Deluxe Pool Villa at Six Senses Con Dao, with a bed in the foreground, a veranda with sun loungers in the mid ground and the sea and horizon in the far ground

Destinations

Vietnam’s Hidden Luxury Islands: Where Quiet Elegance Meets Untouched Paradise

Vietnam’s luxury islands represent the pinnacle of sophisticated Southeast Asian travel—destinations where pristine national park waters meet world-class hospitality, where thousand-year-old fishing traditions coexist with cutting-edge sustainability, and where true exclusivity emerges from respect rather than restriction. From Con Dao’s remarkable transformation from historical footnote to luxury sanctuary, to Phu Quy’s virtually undiscovered beaches where

June 16, 2025

image shows a young Asian boy sheltering under an umbrella during a monsoon

Destinations

Koh Chang in Green Season: When Thailand’s Elephant Island Reveals Its Wildest Beauty

Regular readers will know Koh Chang is one of my favourite Thai islands, as it remains a destination that is as enjoyable during the dry season as it is during its rains. One benefit of travelling here during low season, is the crowds have disappeared and this National Park island takes on a completely new

June 10, 2025

a Thai longboat on the shoreline under the shade of a limestone cliff

Destinations

Thailand’s Retirement Revolution: Where Your Money Goes Further and Life Gets Better

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand has quietly become the world’s most accessible retirement paradise. After years of exploring expat communities across “The Land of Smiles,” I’ve witnessed firsthand how retirees from around the globe are stretching their pensions, accessing world-class healthcare, and discovering a quality of

May 23, 2025

a golden Buddha figure sits atop a rock in temple grounds

Destinations

Chiang Mai: Where Ancient Temples Meet Modern Zen in Thailand’s Cultural Heart

Nestled in Northern Thailand’s misty mountains, Chiang Mai balances ancient spirituality with creative energy in a way few destinations can match. As someone who’s spent countless mornings watching saffron-robed monks collect alms and evenings sipping locally roasted coffee in artist-run spaces, I’ve found this city offers a deeper, more soulful alternative to Thailand’s beach-heavy tourism.

May 21, 2025