Asia Travel Guide

Traveling in Asia is an experience for all the senses.

Firstly there are the truly unique sights of Asia. No matter how many travel documentaries you've watched, nothing compares to actually gazing upon the serpentine magnitude of China's Great Wall. Or, Tibetan prayer flags fluttering like torn up rainbows against the Himalayan sky. There are the Golden Buddha's of Bangkok to blind you, the limestone peaks of Guilin to leave you misty-eyed, and the undersea Eden of Sipadan to startle you into unblinking wonder!

Then there are the sounds of Asia, like the sweet cacophony of Indonesian gamelan, and the early morning call to prayer from Malay minarets. Nothing compares to the roar of motor scooters as a Taipei traffic light turns green, or the fierce bartering in a Hong Kong market. But there are softer sounds here too. Like the gentle tok-tok of a bamboo wind chime dancing in a Bali breeze, the chirping song of Hong Kong's bird market, and the swish-swish of rattan brooms at dusk.

If you're a foodie, your taste buds will be happy Asia-travel buddies too! There are more varieties of curries, noodles, sushi, and rice dishes here than there are stars over the South China Sea. Dive headfirst into a Singapore Laksa, or moan involuntary as a Thai mango pudding slides across your tongue - Asia is a gastronomic wonderland!

There are special smells in Asia that will stay with forever. The curling scent of joss sticks and clove cigarettes. The heady aroma of spice shops and wet markets. The sweet smell of the approaching monsoon, and the heavy fragrance of tropical blooms.

But it is the touch of Asia which will truly transform you. It may be through the healing hands in some of the world's most affordable health spas, or through the smiles of the people and their genuine gestures of kindness. Once you have been touched by Asia you'll know it, because you'll soon be dreaming about your return.