The great Asian cultural expedition: Siem Reap, Hoi An, Chaing Mai & Kuching
Jane Salter suggests forgoing a typical beach break for a relaxing, cultural escape all the family will enjoy.
For many, Singapore's ultimate appeal lies in its proximity to the rest of Asia and the host of fabulous sites, scenes and cultures on our doorstep, waiting to be explored at reasonably affordable prices. Beach versus culture - it's a hard one. While the traditional resort vacation may sound idyllic, if you've lived in Asia for more than a few years, it's likely you're well and truly beached out. And if you have kids, you're probably fed up with your "holiday" consisting of building sandcastles and endless pool games - only to hear, "Mum, I'm bored!".
Finding a destination which entrances both kids and adults by combining relics and history with a healthy dose of relaxation, could be just the break you've been searching for...
Totally spellbinding - the sheer history of this ancient town will leave you breathless. With more than 600 temples dating from the 12th century, it makes sense to organise a tour guide before you go. Qualified to provide endless fascinating insights to this historic city, a guide can also advise you on the best places to see and eat and usually costs around US$50 per day - including a car and driver - making it well worth your while.
Be mesmerised by Angkor Wat, take an elephant ride to Bayon Temple or consider the vastness of Angkor Thom - the old capital city - from above in a hot air-balloon. Split your day between temple time in the mornings when energy levels are high and temperatures are cool, followed by lunch in the city and a tuk-tuk ride back to the hotel for a dip in the pool. Head back, refreshed to the town centre for a spot of early dinner, a visit to the old markets or just soak up the relaxing ambience - the food's great and kids will love the local cuisine.
STAY Le Meridien Angkor (www.starwoodhotels.com) and Sofitel Angkor (www.sofitel.com) are both child friendly, while the historic Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor (www.raffles.com) is colonial luxury at its finest.
CONTACT
- Buffalo Trails Agency (www.buffalotrails-cambodia.com) specialises in day and home stay tours of Siem Reap, immerse yourself in an authentic Cambodian journey! Go horse or buffalo cart trekking and on countryside walks and forest hikes. Tours are conducted in English and French.
- www.tourismcambodia.com
WHEN TO GO November to February is cool and dry, March to May is hot and dry, June to August is hot and wet, while September and October are cool and wet. During the wet season, mornings are usually clear with rain falling in the mid-afternoon only.
GETTING THERE Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com), SilkAir (www.silkair.com) and JetStar (www.jetstar.com.sg) fly direct.
With all the pleasures modern living affords many kids simply don't relate to simple living. The ancient, heritage town of Hoi An, one of the oldest trading ports in South East Asia, remains relatively untouched - thus, culture and charm abound. Wander through the cobbled streets and stop for a refreshing lime juice at a roadside café. You'll see anything from bicycles so laden they'd qualify for a Guinness World Record, to kids as young as four or five years carving impressive wooden sculptures. As Hoi An is coastal you'll get plenty of beach time, which can be broken up with cultural tours. Kids will love hauling up the nets in a traditional fishing boat, meandering through mangrove swamps - where the Viet Cong are said to have hidden so effectively during the war - in a bamboo coracle and shopping for beautiful lanterns to bring home. Hoi An is renowned for its tailors, so update your wardrobe while you're here.
On the fourteenth day of each lunar month, all fluorescent lights and televisions in Hoi Ann are switched off and motorcycles banned. Taking the "night off" from modern-day living, Hoi Ann is lit by lanterns and candles and glows with history. Enjoy a light dinner at River Lounge (Tel: 0510 911 700), which has great food at reasonable prices and views of the old town from across the river.
STAY Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort (www.victoriahotels-asia.com) and Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort & Spa (www.swiss-belhotel.com) are both child-friendly. The Nam Hai (www.thenamhai.com) - a stunning, contemporary-style villa resort - welcomes children and has a dedicated kid's club offering a wide range of activities, but is also ideal for older children, as well as couples seeking a romantic break.
CONTACT www.vietnamtourism.com
WHEN TO GO Monsoon season runs from September until January, rains are strong and flooding is common. The dry season is from February to May but the best time to visit is in May or June.
GETTING THERE Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) and SilkAir (www.silkair.com) fly via Siem Reap to Da Nang. Hoi An is a 40-minute drive from there.
This vibrant city is the gateway to Thailand's far north and offers breathtaking scenery, delicious food and fascinating tribal people. If you're interested in combining history and culture with adventure, food and nature this is the place. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax. Spa therapies are cheap, or you can unwind in one of the many hot springs or private baths. Book a day tour to Doi Inthanon - Thailand's highest mountain - to witness the spectacular jungle waterfalls. Framed by gigantic trees, Mae Sa falls cascade on eight levels. Visit the ancient Meo hill tribe and see the elephants at work. Kids will also love a visit to the butterfly and snake farms.
Make an early morning trip to the impressive 14th century Phrat That temple. At 3,520 feet above sea level, it allows for a magnificent view across Chang Mai. Visit the Old City - still surrounded by a square moat, take a tuk-tuk ride to one of the many riverside restaurants to sample delicacies northern Thai delicacies. And if you fancy a spot of shopping, hire a songtaew (open pick-up truck) to browse the local handicrafts along the "Handicraft Highway" - a 12 kilometre stretch crammed with shops and factories selling silk, woodcarvings and more - where you can even see the craftsmen at work. And if you're still keen for more, join the hustle and bustle of the vibrant Night Bazaar. All in all, an incredible city not to be missed!
STAY Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai (www.shangri-la.com) and Le Meridien Chiang Mai (www.starwoodhotels.com) are both located within walking distance to city attractions. Design-conscious travellers will appreciate the aesthetic of Sofitel Riverside Resort (www.sofitel.com/asia) or The Chedi (www.ghmhotels.com). While boutique properties with an emphasis on relaxation, include RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort (www.rarinjinda.com) and Ban Sabai Village Resort & Spa (www.bansabaivillage.com).
To fully immerse yourself in the culture of northern Thailand culture, stay at the stunning Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi (www.mandarinoriental.com), where you can take part in beauty, wellness, culinary and wilderness programmes, plus a kid's club with a difference - rice planting is one activity. Spread throughout 60 acres of paddy fields and natural landscapes, the cultural museum and selection of suites, villas and residences all pay homage to Lanna heritage and architecture.
CONTACT www.tourismthailand.org
WHEN TO GO The air is much cooler in Chiang Mai than other parts of Thailand and from November to February temperatures can drop to 15ºC at night. The hot season is March to May, while rains last from June to October.
GETTING THERE Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) and SilkAir (www.silkair.com) fly direct.
A real historic treasure, Kuching - or "Cat City" - is the capital of Sarawak state and is rich in culture and awash with breathtaking scenery. Visit the Cultural Village, an award-winning working community, where many traditional crafts - such as beadwork, weaving, sago-making, sugar-cane crushing, wood and bamboo carving - are still practiced today. See peppercorns laid out to dry in the midday sun and learn how to throw a Malay spinning top or shoot a Penan blowpipe. Take a day trip to the glorious Semengok Forest Reserve and meander along one of the many short jungle trails and spot Orang-utans, rescued from captivity. For the more adventurous, kayak down the Sarawak Kiri River or wander through Old Kuching with its vibrant markets, spice dealers and textile shops. Visit Chinatown to see the huge cat statue. The variety and beauty of Kuching makes it a truly exciting and memorable destination. Try to time your visit with the Rainforest World Music Festival, held annually in Sarawak in July of each year.
STAY Riverside Majestic (www.riversidemajestic.com) is an ideal city stay, before transferring to Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort (www.hilton.com) where you can stay in a traditional-style Borneo longhouse - albeit filled with five-star comforts - surrounded by lush jungle.
CONTACT www.kuching.net.my
WHEN TO GO It's best to travel from March to October, as Sarawak's rainy season lasts from November to February - with rains heaviest in January and February. Mid-year, haze from Indonesia's forest fires can impede sightseeing.
GETTING THERE Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com), SilkAir (www.silkair.com), Malaysia Airlines (www.malaysiaairlines.com), Air Asia (www.airasia.com), JetStar (www.jetstar.com), Tiger Airways (www.tigerairways.com) all fly direct.
Posted on Jan 2010
