It wasn’t just a holiday but a wonderful adventure
01-Jun-2025
Category: News Stories
That is a typical comment from clients returning from a SE Asia holiday especially when they have combined several contrasting places , either within one country or frequently travelling to 2 or 3 neighbouring countries .
Adventure, just like luxury, can mean different things to different people . Look it up in the dictionary – sorry google it – and it says unusual and exciting , occasionally hazardous, new experience or activity . To me adventure can be for the mind and taste buds just as much as for the body . But bring this into SE Asia travel and you have so many options .
For the conventional idea of adventure you might have hillside trekking , particularly good in Northern Thailand or in the Sapa region of Vietnam . Or jungle exploration be in on foot and by paddle boat . Elephant Hills in Southern Thailand or Sabah & Sarawak in Borneo , or the Datai Langkawi , Malaysia . Mountain climbing at a relaxed pace, maybe Mount Kinabalu in Sabah or Mount Bromo in Java, Indonesia .
River Cruises , with the Mekong especially offering so much cultural variety and real excitement at every twist and turn . Sea adventures below or on the waves, with again the southern Thai islands, particularly Koh Chang & Koh Tao coming to mind, as well as Nusa Lembongan and the Gili islands off of Bali . Cave exploration by canoe – just get out before the tide rises .
Up close with animals . Elephant Hills in Thailand yet again – it is very popular b,ut walking with elephants at the Anantara Golden Triangle Chiang Rai . Or trekking through a Sarawak jungle and coming face to face with an Orang Utan and much more .
Explore places by bike . The rice fields of Bali or central Vietnam . Actually my son Dom has just done a 7 day motorbike tour , as pillion rider, around Northern Vietnam and rates it as one of his best ever adventures .
In the same vein whenever I visit Saigon I take a vespa tour . Best way to get to know the city even if my eyes are closed for part of the journey . Going down small pathways with just about room to squeeze through . Done morning , afternoon and several night tours and just incredible . And on this , visiting the temples of Angkor in Cambodia by vespa , totally unique experience .
But what about food adventures , Exotic strange looking fruits and spicy dishes . So many options and frequently in the same country . As you travel around both Thailand and Malaysia especially it seems each area has its own very original cuisine . And of course Singapore – to me a rival for the food capital of the world , so many options , and even the street food vendors are prize winning .
Or spiritual adventures . Discovering more about yourself by living side by side with monks for several weeks or longer in Thailand or Laos .Discovering what is really important to you .
The options really are endless , and all will be wonderful new adventures . It is a prime reason why so many travellers return year after year but always find something new to excite .
David Kevan – Partner at Chic Locations and PATA UK board member.
Adventure, just like luxury, can mean different things to different people . Look it up in the dictionary – sorry google it – and it says unusual and exciting , occasionally hazardous, new experience or activity . To me adventure can be for the mind and taste buds just as much as for the body . But bring this into SE Asia travel and you have so many options .
For the conventional idea of adventure you might have hillside trekking , particularly good in Northern Thailand or in the Sapa region of Vietnam . Or jungle exploration be in on foot and by paddle boat . Elephant Hills in Southern Thailand or Sabah & Sarawak in Borneo , or the Datai Langkawi , Malaysia . Mountain climbing at a relaxed pace, maybe Mount Kinabalu in Sabah or Mount Bromo in Java, Indonesia .
River Cruises , with the Mekong especially offering so much cultural variety and real excitement at every twist and turn . Sea adventures below or on the waves, with again the southern Thai islands, particularly Koh Chang & Koh Tao coming to mind, as well as Nusa Lembongan and the Gili islands off of Bali . Cave exploration by canoe – just get out before the tide rises .
Up close with animals . Elephant Hills in Thailand yet again – it is very popular b,ut walking with elephants at the Anantara Golden Triangle Chiang Rai . Or trekking through a Sarawak jungle and coming face to face with an Orang Utan and much more .
Explore places by bike . The rice fields of Bali or central Vietnam . Actually my son Dom has just done a 7 day motorbike tour , as pillion rider, around Northern Vietnam and rates it as one of his best ever adventures .
In the same vein whenever I visit Saigon I take a vespa tour . Best way to get to know the city even if my eyes are closed for part of the journey . Going down small pathways with just about room to squeeze through . Done morning , afternoon and several night tours and just incredible . And on this , visiting the temples of Angkor in Cambodia by vespa , totally unique experience .
But what about food adventures , Exotic strange looking fruits and spicy dishes . So many options and frequently in the same country . As you travel around both Thailand and Malaysia especially it seems each area has its own very original cuisine . And of course Singapore – to me a rival for the food capital of the world , so many options , and even the street food vendors are prize winning .
Or spiritual adventures . Discovering more about yourself by living side by side with monks for several weeks or longer in Thailand or Laos .Discovering what is really important to you .
The options really are endless , and all will be wonderful new adventures . It is a prime reason why so many travellers return year after year but always find something new to excite .
David Kevan – Partner at Chic Locations and PATA UK board member.
