Asia

Asian countries have made an appearance in many of our adventures, mainly due to it being in our back yard and our love of Asian culture, people and food. Asia weaves a special kind of magic, reminding westerners to immerse in the 'different' and keep an open mind to trying new things and truly enjoy each experience. So, eat the local food, stay in the jungle villa, ride the local train and sail on the junket, you won't regret it.

A few Bacon highlights...and a couple of lowlights.

Indonesia, in particular Bali, is a cultural experience you will either love or loathe. We love our visits due to the Balinese determination to hold onto their beautiful culture. The food, the kindness, the landscape and the tradition all create an experience far from our normal. The lowlights are how a minority of tourists treat the locals and feel it's their right to be disrespectful, rude and obnoxious. Sadly, it's often groups of young Australians and the ever-growing plethora of Russians. Tips: rent one of the amazing villas and do your research if you want to stay away from the party scene. Visit Komodo Island for all its splendour.

Cambodia is a land of contrasts—beauty and sorrow intertwined. Ankor Wat and the ancient temples emerging from dense jungles are stunning, but for the barely dressed orphans and beggars, the ambivalence and disregard by the monks is truly shocking. So many organisations work tirelessly to help, the disparity is hard to ignore as the monks travel around in flashy robes and ridiculous coaches with their hand out constantly. Tips: Choose accommodations that actively support local children to make a meaningful impact during your stay.

Thailand is a vibrant mix of food, fun, history, beauty, and contradictions. In Bangkok, you’ll find modernity, fascinating sights, and the iconic kathoey (ladyboys) flaunting fancy nails. Chiang Mai offers steamy bamboo jungles, while Kanchanaburi is steeped in the gritty war history of Hellfire Pass. Of course, the beaches and islands are perfect for unwinding with cheap cocktails. Did I mention the food?

We have considered moving to Vietnam for 6 months, and still may eventually, such is our love for this country. The North and Central Coast in particular. Highlights: the enchanting Hanoi and an overnight junket sail on the gorgeous Ha long Bay.

Singapore, just go. Everyone should experience Singapore for a week at least once. Clean, organised, beautiful and expensive! The airport alone is an experience. Best place to visit: Gardens by the Bay.

The Maldives are as pretty as they look in the brochure, however when we were there the water and unpopulated islands are full of rubbish. Tips: stay on a local's island.

UNESCO sites visited:
Komodo Island, Sangiran Early man site, Borobudur Temple, Prambanan, Yogyakarta, Bali- Indonesia
Angkor - Cambodia
Georgetown-Malaysia
Botanical Gardens- Singapore
Sigiriya (Lion Rock), Rangiri Dan Bulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa, Central Highlands, Kandy, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Galle-Sri Lanka
Ha Long Bay, Hanoi- Vietnam

Indonesia, Cambodia, Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
China has its own gallery page.