DESTINATIONS ALTERNATIVE ASIA | WINTER SUN
LIKE THIS? JAPAN
Whether it’s the culture, the landscapes or the cities, Japan is firm wish-list territory – and there’s more to see than just main island Honshu, with over 14,000 isles across the archipelago. Visit Shikoku for authentic adventures or try Okinawa (pictured) for tropical beaches, snorkelling, quirky attractions such as American Village and a chance to try Okinawa soba noodles.
TAIWAN
Taiwan offers a similarly rewarding mix of rich culture, cuisine and epic scenery, but without as many other tourists to spoil the view. Formerly under Japanese colonial rule, here you’ll find several parallels between the two archipelagos – from hot springs, where you can bathe in steaming waters, to Taiwan’s striking cherry blossom season, which runs from January to April. Dramatic landscapes aren’t hard to find, with snow-capped mountains rising against blue skies. Culture-seekers will find plenty to do in capital Taipei (pictured), where highlights include Ximending – the city’s answer to Tokyo’s Harajuku fashion district – and Shilin Night Market, where you can try local delicacies such as xiaolongbao (bao buns filled with soup) and bubble tea. Elsewhere, highlights include the temples of historic city
Tainan, the magical, lantern-lit mountain town of Jiufen and the country’s slew of tea houses, where visitors can take part in a
Taiwanese tea ceremony for a taste of local culture. Book it: Intrepid Travel offers an 11-day Explore Taiwan tour from £2,242, including B&B accommodation, transport, guide and activities. International flights not included.
intrepidtravel.com
TRY THIS INDONESIA
Interest in Indonesia has skyrocketed – and from the white-sand beaches of Bali (pictured) to the boho chic of Lombok, the wildlife of Komodo Island to the vibrant nightlife of the Gilis, it’s not hard to see why. For a slice of culture, head to Java, home of Unesco-listed Borobudur Temple. For diving, try the Raja Ampat Islands, known for their striking biodiversity.
VIETNAM
Vietnam might not be the first country clients think of for a beach escape, but that’s exactly its appeal. Among the highlights is Phu Quoc (pictured), a small archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, whose main island offers soft sand, soaring mountains and lush rainforests – more than half of which comes under Unesco Biosphere Reserve protection. You’ll find a few big-name luxury resorts, but it’s still something of a secret compared to its better-known neighbours. Phu Quoc isn’t the only island worth a visit, though. Binh Ba, just off the coast of Nha Trang, is famous for its seafood and offers pristine beaches sloping into colourful coral reefs. Con Dao also offers an exclusive escape, with an elegant wellness-oriented Six Senses resort alongside a small handful
of boutique hotels. Book it: InsideAsia Tours offers an 18-day Vietnam Rejuvenation trip combining three nights on Phu Quoc with cultural exploration across the country. From £3,640 per person, including some meals, accommodation, private guiding and transport, but excluding international flights.
insideasiatours.com
TRY THIS
LIKE THIS?
travelweekly.co.uk
30 JANUARY 2025
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PICTURES: Shutterstock/Simon Dannhauer, Juan Hung-Yen, Guitar photographer, Huy Thoai; Markus Gortz; Intrepid Travel/Yong-Cyuan Chen
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