In the Asia Inspirations/Wendy Wu Tours office, we keep the January blues at bay (or make them worse, depending on day/time/weather) by talking about future holidays, bucket list countries, favourite destinations and memorable trips. So this dull January, we collated some of the places the team think are fantastic destinations and why, to share it with the world!
So here it is, drum roll please, the Asia Inspirations hotlist for 2017…
Udaipur, India
Our Graphic Designer Fran says “Udaipur has such a magical feel – the beauty of the palaces, peaceful Lake Pichola and the buzzing atmosphere of the streets and bazaars.” She also remembers enjoying a rather delicious champagne cocktail whilst relaxing on one of Lake Pichola’s islands. Good tip! Often called India’s most romantic city, Udaipur is located in the magnificent state of Rajasthan. Set on the banks of Lake Pichola, the waterfront is lined with huge, opulent palaces, best admired from the lake itself. While away an afternoon messing about on the water visiting its islands and admiring the spectacular Lake Palace, now a hotel, that seemingly floats on the lake’s surface. (Main image: City Palace, Udaipur)
World’s End, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Product & Commercial Executive Chloe has just come back from Sri Lanka and cannot stop raving about it…particularly the huge, delicious prawns! Her highlight was World’s End, part of the Horton Plains National Park – “A 4am start to World’s End was well worth it – the sunrise, the views, the peacefulness!” Just off the tip of India, surrounded by the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a destination that can safely boast that it has it all. You’ve got beautiful beaches, a hugely rich and rewarding heritage, ancient sites, abundant nature, delicious food, tea… we could carry on. Whatever type of holiday you’re after, be it adventurous or totally relaxed, Sri Lanka offers close to perfection.
Boudhnath Stupa, Kathmandu
Nepal
Ben, our Head of Marketing, fancies Nepal because “it holds real intrigue and mystery for me and the scenery is incredible”. Not going to disagree with you there, Ben. With the towering Himalayas passing along its northern border, Nepal is breathtaking in more ways than one – in fact, eight of the world’s over-8,000 metre mountains are located in the country. But Nepal isn’t all sky-scrapping peaks. Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan are cities rich in history and glorious relics, whilst in the warm lowlands of the Terai, you can spot threatened Indian rhinos and Bengal tigers. It is also becoming the place to go for outdoor sports – trekking and white water rafting to name just a few.
Leh Palace, Ladakh
Ladakh, India
Another Himalayan destination that’s on the list, contributed by Product Executive Tim, is Ladakh. Part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the region is enveloped by mountains, which is what appeals to Tim, along with the fact that it is the origin of cashmere, that luxurious clothing material. Thanks for the fact Tim! Nestled amongst the spectacular peaks is a former Buddhist kingdom, so the landscape is scattered with monasteries festooned in colourful prayer flags, lines of creaking prayer wheels and white stupas. Interestingly, on the other side of the state, skiing is becoming big business – Kashmir is becoming a destination of choice.
Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang
Laos
This year, Senior Marketing Executive Emily would like to visit Laos. Her reason? “It seems far more undiscovered than the rest of Southeast Asia. The scenery there also looks to die for, especially Kuangsi Waterfalls!” After years of isolation, Laos has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting countries. Emily is right, it is the most undiscovered country of the Southeast Asia circuit and we’re not really sure why – it exudes a rare tranquillity, golden temples and wonderfully friendly locals.
Mulu National Park, Sarawak
Sarawak, Borneo
Gary, one of our Asia Inspirations Tailormade Consultants, was full of fantastic ideas including Pushkar in India and Battambang in Cambodia, but Sarawak was the one that really stuck out. Gary’s highlight is Mulu National Park for one simple reason, “spectacular landscapes!”. Mulu is home to the world’s largest limestone cave system and a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Sarawak is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo (the other is Sabah), and it is home to some of the world’s richest ecosystems, so if you love nature this place is a must. Oh and orangutans!
Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima
Miyajima, Japan
Sales & Business Development Manager, Karen, became obsessed with Miyajima Island on a visit to Japan. Whether it was the map eating sika deer that won her over, or the beauty of the iconic Miyajima o-torii gate we’re not sure. Miyajima is a holy island in the Inland Sea just off of the city of Hiroshima. Here you can explore the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine, to which the waterbound torii gate belongs, climb (or cable car) up Mt Misen for spectacular views, or browse the range of interesting outlets on the island’s vibrant shopping street.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay, Vietnam
“Halong Bay is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been, and the scenery was spectacular” said Creative Manager Julia, adding “It was beautiful watching the sun rise whilst floating in the middle of nowhere and I found the karst limestone formations really striking.” Darn right Julia, Halong Bay has some of the world’s most beautiful karst landscapes made all the more magical by legends that it was created by dragons. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and understandably one of Southeast Asia’s most popular sights, a visit is easily incorporated into any Vietnam itinerary. The Bay is best explored on a boat so you can drift amongst the peaks and soak up the beauty.
To book a tailormade holiday including, or to find out more information about, any of the above destinations and many, many more across Asia give our tailormade team a call and start building your perfect Asia adventure!