Asia Tours in December 2027

This was my first trip to Asia and I wanted to get an overview, so the highlights of Sri Lanka really achieved that. The trip was well planned with varied activities, to appeal to most travellers. We did have to put up with Cyclone Ditwah, which made some activities more like an endurance, but nobody could plan for that or do anything to change it. Our Sri Lanka tour guide and his team went way beyond my expectations in order to keep up safe and as comfortable as possible, under difficult circumstances. They deserve their Christmas Bonus! Personally, I would have enjoyed more time at the spice garden and I wonder what the value was of the canoe trip to the curry cooking demonstration. Perhaps it would have been fun in sunshine? The Temple of the Tooth would have been interesting when there was no ceremony going on, to better appreciate the details of the buildings etc. I felt we were intruding on a religious occasion that was of huge importance to local people. Would it be better to spend longer at sites in a smaller geographical area and reduce the travelling between sites. Moving on to the Maldives, this week was great and really hit the spot. We needed sunshine and relaxation and the pace of the week was perfect. Again, the tour guide did an excellent job and supplied us with lovely videos and photos from snorkelling trips. The food on the Dhoni Cruise was excellent, considering the kitchen space and although a bit repetitive, there was a good range to suit all palates. The crew did a great job.

This was a wonderful tour covering key highlights in the Golden Triangle. There were so many highlights but seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise was very special. Mr Singh was a fabulous tour leader and our group were great company. As first time travellers to India it was an amazing introduction.

Ranthambore Park was lovely and very peaceful. We were fortunate to see a tiger on our first safari, but also really enjoyed seeing the other animals and birds in the park. The train rides where a great experience. The Explore staff did a great job of getting us to/from the train & ensuring we were ready for our safaris. The safaris were in a 6 person jeep plus a driver and naturalist. A value for money extension. Depending on what tour you were on and the timing of the extension it would be great if this extension was also offered from Jaipur.

Most favorable is our tour director, Huy. He made this trip. I would highly recommend this tour and I would also say anyone who gets Huy as the tour manager is promised a GREAT trip. He is the BEST Tour manager I have ever experienced. I learned so much from him about Vietnam...he was extremely organized, knowledgeable and funny. He cared about each and every one of us on the tour and added such a personal touch to our experience. We were all very sad when he left us in Bangkok to return to his home and family. Because of Huy, I will travel with Collette again soon. Thank you for hiring the BEST. As far as hotels, all were nice. I do think The Muse (Bangkok) was too dark. I need a brighter more contemporary environment. It was difficult to see in the lobby and rooms. The amount of cash required for tipping was way too much. It would be more pleasant if it was all included with an option of giving more if we felt the service was exceptional. (i.e. Huy was exceptional, Chan in Cambodia was also exceptional) The Vespa tour was great fun and a highlight of this trip. I always thought Vietnam was a one and done destination but because of Huy, I hope to travel there again and with Collette someday! I took 1000 photos and met the most wonderful people in our tour. Thank you...

The greatest concern the tour itinerary was going to way too many Hindu temples. It would be greater value to add in different activities or free time in hotels. Highlights for us included the spice planation tour, the national park game drive, and eating in the different restaurants our guide arranged. The Kerala backwaters houseboat was very relaxing.

This was a lovely and varied trip through very beautiful and rural Laos to the amazing temples of the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia. It was a mix of beautiful hilly countryside and jungle, amazing waterfalls, cultural sights, incredible temples, and monasteries and cruises on the Mekong. We visited small remote villages, and cycled around sleepy and picturesque island of Don Khon in the 4000 islands area. Our guide was excellent and accomodation was good and often very well or beautifully located (but not always quite up to Western standards as Laos and Cambodia are developing countries.) It is a full on trip with some very early starts and long bumpy driving days. Also if you have dodgy knees, please be aware that many of the temples and waterfalls require climbing up and down sometimes a couple of hundred and more rough and uneven steps. But the guides do help you and you can take your time, and you can always opt out but still be in beautiful countryside and view from the bottom. Also take roll- on deodorant and insect repellant as you will not be allowed aerosol sprays on the train journey to Vientaine. I would thoroughly recommend this trip.