Southeast Asia
New bucket list: The 20 experiences in Asia you must do
A world of adventure, luxury, fascinating cultures, natural beauty and incredible cuisines is on Australia’s doorstep.
- by Ute Junker
★★★★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
★★★★½
Hotel reviews
This hotel exists in an alternative universe – it’s a hoot
This hotel is something unexpected in a country with a history sadly mostly identified by war.
- by Anthony Dennis
This giant Asian resort has everything – except Aussies
The enormous Alma Resort in Vietnam has 12 swimming pools. I made it my vow to swim in them all.
- by Julietta Jameson
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.
Nine must-do highlights of Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand has regal roots, an almost endless beach and the best night market in the country.
- by John Borthwick
An expert expat’s tips for Luang Prabang, Laos
Heading to a party in Laos? There is one dish that will definitely be on the table.
- by Belinda Jackson
These ‘floating hotels’ have the largest pools of any river-cruise ship
If you ever wished your river-cruise ship had a pool, or even just a bigger pool, then your wish has been granted.
- by Julietta Jameson
This women-only resort lets guests break free from domestic drudgery
Part of the philosophy of this resort’s women-only wellness retreats is for guests to give themselves permission to be completely nurtured and cared for.
- by Penny Watson
‘Do you know how many followers I have?’ Dodging influencers in Bali
At a beach club after a friend’s wedding, the bride’s family were asked by an influencer if they would move so he could get his shot. I had to escape this.
- by Kurt Johnson