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Summer 2017
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Far East: An Overview
As with so many things - regions are subject to the whims of fashion. While Africa remains a perennial favourite, the likes of Latin America are now appearing far more on the travel radar, and competing with the Far East for travellers' affections.
Why we think you’ll love it
- Did we mention the food?
From the gallery
Our guide to holidays in Far East
Well, as far as we at Original Travel are concerned the Far East (comprising South East Asia, China and Japan) is somewhere particularly special. For the most part it represents extremely good value for money (OK, maybe not Japan), is filled to the brim with spectacular land- and city-scapes, and boasts heritage galore and food to die for. Finally, there's that great clincher - excellent service.
So, where to start? We're big on Borneo at present thanks to its combination of abundant wildlife, indigenous tribes, excellent hotels and great diving. It works perfectly for honeymooners and families alike, and certainly fits the 'original' bill. At the far end of the spectrum both mentally and stylistically, Japan is somewhere to wallow in a culture that feels completely 'other', and using a tour operator who knows the lie of the land (like us, for instance) is highly recommended.
Top picks for Far East
Thailand
Far East
Thailand is a vibrant blend of cultures and breathtaking natural scenery and, understandably, the most popular destination in South East Asia.
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Indonesia
Far East
The Indonesian archipelago consists of a sprawling chain of tropical volcanic islands comprising one of the most diverse and exotic nations on Earth.
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China
Far East
Modern China contains striking contemporary metropolises such as Shanghai and Hong Kong, and rural areas where life has changed little for centuries.
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Hue by Bicycle
Hoi An & Hue
Discover the hidden backroads of Hue by bicycle on a day trip spent meandering along country roads past craft villages, shrines, tombs and pagodas and taking a local ferryboat across the Perfume River with the locals. The route starts with a visit to Dong Ba food market, then along the northern bank of the Perfume River to the old town of Bao Vinh and to the famous Citadel and Imperial Museum to learn about the lifestyle of the royal family and aristocrats of the Nguyen Dynasty. Next up is one of the finest examples of garden houses of Hue, the An Hien garden and finally the Heavenly Lady Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam.
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Alexa
Indonesia
The fad for phinisi liveaboard boats in the waters off Indonesia’s islands shows no signs of running out of steam (or sail), and the arrival of the Alexa only ups the ante higher.
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Philippines
Far East
The Philippines consists of an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, with a combined shoreline longer than the US.
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MesaStila
Java
This chic and cheerful boutique retreat is by far one of the best out of a, let’s face it, pretty good bunch of places to stay in Indonesia. Encircled by volcanoes MesaStila sits in a coffee plantation in Losari, a place which is ripe in jungle and simply stunning scenery.
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Tamarind Village
Chiang Mai & The Golden Triangle
This serene boutique hotel in Chiang Mai's old town, accessed down a bamboo-lined entrance, is set up around a series of quiet courtyards, the main one of which is home to a 200-year old tamarind tree.
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SeaTrek Cruises
Flores & Komodo
Set sail around the Indonesian archipelago aboard either the Ombak Putih or the Katharina. The billowing sails of these traditional Phinisi boats powers an adventure to some of the more inaccessible - and beautiful - places in Indonesia.
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Mongolia
Far East
At 603,908 square miles, Mongolia is one big country, and one that's mostly empty. Even more startling than the country's size is the population - or lack of it. Mongolia is home to a mere three million people, making this the sovereign state with the lowest population density in the world. The stats keep coming - 30% of the population are nomadic and 8% of Mongolian men are direct descendants of Genghis Khan, now immortalised in a 120ft tall equine statue just outside of the capital Ulaanbaatar from where the great Mongol warrior glares down on his people.
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Japan
Far East
Quite possibly the most 'other' destination on Earth, and in our humble opinion a must for everyone's bucket list.
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Vietnam
Far East
The 20th century saw Vietnam successively fighting off the French, the Americans and the Chinese, and it is now one of the most appealing destinations in South-East Asia, welcoming a new invasion – tourists, this time – with open arms.
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Irrawaddy & Chindwin River Cruises
Myanmar (Burma)
Cruising the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers is a sublime way to see the sights and sounds of Burma.
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Myanmar (Burma)
Far East
Myanmar (Burma) is a country of history, culture, and incredibly beautiful landscapes, and we are delighted to be offering holidays there
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Sail the Mergui Archipelago
Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago
With only a handful of the 800 islands being (sparsely) populated, Mergui is a region where you can sail for days and not meet another soul, except perhaps a passing fisherman in his dugout canoe. And sailing is exactly how you should explore one of the planet’s most unspoilt destinations.
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Tiger Blue
Indonesia
Tiger Blue liveaboard is an immaculate and newly built 100ft traditional phinisi sailing boat, and as a new build, she is one of the faster boats under power, an important consideration when you visit destinations like Raja Ampat where the distances from north to south are not inconsiderable. As well as Raja Ampat,Tiger Blue operates in the Banda Islands and Komodo/Flores and is available for both private charter and set-date departures throughout the year.
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Tonle Sap Lake Trip
Siem Reap & Angkor Wat
As a day trip from Siem Reap a visit to Tonle Sap Lake is highly recommended.
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Adopt an Elephant
Thailand
Children can become a zookeeper for the day and adopt their very own elephant.
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Silolona
Indonesia
If you want the ultimate in luxury yachts then look no further than Silolona. Sailing the seven seas (or any sea, for that matter) really doesn’t get much better.
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Cambodia
Far East
Cambodia is sandwiched between Thailand, Laos and Vietnam in the very heart of South-East Asia, and ideally explored in combination with some of its neighbours.
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Soneva Kiri
East Coast Thai Beaches
The beautiful Soneva Kiri is set amidst lush tropical rainforest on Koh Kood island, just a short and scenic seaplane flight from Bangkok, but feeling a world away from the bustle.
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Boat Trip on the Perfume River (Hue)
Hoi An & Hue
Original Travel can organise a private guided boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel.
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The Surin, Phuket
West Coast Thai Beaches
Slip off the sandals and put your feet in the sand - The Surin Phuket brings a new level of luxury to Pansea Beach. This elegant resort is set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, with Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay just around the corner.
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Laos
Far East
Laos is the oft-ignored backwater of what was once French Indochina, and as a fortuitous result retains much of the traditional charm and feel of a bygone era.
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Explore Indonesia by Luxury Yacht
Indonesia
Indonesia is an increasingly popular destination, with attention turning beyond Bali to the fascinating islands of Java and Lombok and further afield still to Sumba and Komodo. But there’s more - much much more - to see in this beguiling destination, including Raja Ampat in the very bullseye of the Coral Triangle, the so-called 'epicentre of marine biodiversity'.
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City Tour of Hanoi
Hanoi & Halong Bay
Take a private guided tour of the city’s main sights, including temples, museums of the country’s recent and ancient history, traditional old quarters and more recent tree-lined boulevards with their French colonial architecture.
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Si Datu Bua
Indonesia
Silolona's little sister boat is every bit as impressive and luxurious as our favourite yacht, and the perfect vessel from which to experience some of the most unspoilt islands on earth and best diving spots.
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Tugu Lombok
Lombok
With postcard-perfect white sandy beach, gorgeous blue waters and tropical foliage – Tugu Lombok ticks all the boxes for a luxury Indonesian getaway.
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Skiing in Japan
Japan
Japan is just starting to appear on European skiers’ radars, and with very good reason. The powder is reliable, the resorts run like clockwork, there are hot springs to dip in to and volcanoes to ski on and what’s not to like about après-ski sushi? Even better, there are a mere 600 resorts to choose from on the main island of Honshu and the northerly Hokkaido island, so there’s likely to be somewhere to suit every type of skier. This being Japan there are no particularly budget options, granted, but if you want super original, and Original, skiing, Japan is the place to head.
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