Expert guide to experiencing authentic South East Asia

Spice and adventure hang in the air around South East Asia. The fascinating culture, character and cuisine mean that no two experiences are the same… It’s also why crafting a bespoke trip with Audley’s specialists is essential. Here are Audley’s top tips for seeing this incredible region on a luxurious, tailor-made holiday…

Perhaps some of the best experiences for culture seekers in South East Asia include places of worship – particularly in Cambodia. Audley’s specialists recommend a Temple Safari, where travellers get the chance to glamp in the compounds of a remote, Angkor-era temple. Phnom Kulen, a vast mountain and park, is known as a place of pilgrimage, ensconced in jungle. On this exclusive excursion, you’ll explore the temple after dark, illuminated by flaming torchlight, before retiring to your safari tent amid the wilderness.

Or how about exploring the region’s abundant waterways? From the Mekong to the Irrawaddy, rivers, canals and lakes are a crucial part of life and livelihood here. On the Thonburi Klongs Eco-Uncovered  tour, Bangkok’s freneticism fades when heading west of the river and boarding a longtail boat, floating atop the ‘klongs’. This labyrinthine canal network earned its nickname as the ‘Venice of the East’ thanks to the trade that used to take place here, back when the city was a significantly smaller outpost. Today, fresh produce is still ferried along the water, making waves around landmarks such as Wat Arun.

For a more mystical encounter, Bali is the place to be. Indeed, there’s a reason it’s known as the Island of the Gods. Departing Ubud, the specialists at Audley recommend the private Insight into Bali’s Spiritual Healing tour, which delves into the history, origins and practises of holistic therapies. You’ll visit Hindu water temples, world-class wellness hub Pyramids of Chi, and learn how to play traditional instruments, to help foster a sense of calm.

Lace up your walking boots – some of the region’s best adventures involve getting out on foot. In Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the two-day, 15km trek to Hang En Cave – one of the largest cave networks in South East Asia – promises a mix of jungle, valleys and peaks. En route, you’ll meet the long-forgotten Bru Van Kieu mountain tribe, gorge on tasty Vietnamese barbecue and – most importantly – spend a night in the cave itself. This is typically a shared tour, but for an ultra-luxurious experience, Audley can also arrange a private excursion.  

If you fancy a walk on the wild side, Shinta Mani Wild has an adventure for you. Fusing rugged, back-to-nature vibes with luxury, the resort and its 15 safari-style tents are flanked by three of Cambodia’s parks, with sustainability at its heart. Spend your time ziplining into camp, embarking on a boat tour to the nearby estuary, foraging in the jungle, helping lay camera traps or joining anti-poaching patrols. And, after a few busy days, reward yourself with a visit to the on-site Khmer spa.

Does your idea of adventure begin with decadence? Look no further than the FloatHouse hotel in Kanchanaburi. This boutique Thai accommodation drifts atop a calm river, each villa equipped with its own open-air wooden deck, the epitome of sundown tranquillity. Though the days are anything but laid-back; opt to check out local caves, go kayaking, bamboo rafting, canoeing, or visit the compelling Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum, part of WWII’s Death Railway.

Nature and South East Asia go hand in hand. And, due to the sheer scale of the region, there’s plenty of hidden gems to be uncovered. Take Vietnam’s Son Tra Nature Reserve for example. This 6,400-acre paradise is home to several critically endangered species, including the red-shanked douc langur – the reason behind the reserve’s nickname ‘Monkey Mountain’. It’s the perfect spot for one of Audley’s many private tours, led by a specialist wildlife guide.

More monkey majesty awaits in Thailand. On the Exploring Khao Yai tour, drive through the eponymous national park – established as Thailand’s first in 1962 – in search of photo-worthy landscapes and wildlife. And, if Audley’s specialists have anything to say about it, you won’t be searching for long. Gibbons, deers, elephants, bears, and of course, monkeys, are in abundance across its 2,172 square km. And that’s not even touching on the forests, mountains and grasslands, all of which are ripe for hiking.

Arguably, the best wildlife experiences combine adventures on and offshore. Bali is one of the prime places for this, and on the Bali Barat Nature – Above and Below the Sea tour, you’ll combine a trek in Bali Barat National Park with snorkelling around Menjangan Island. Keep your eyes peeled for black monkeys, leaf monkeys, mouse deer and macaques, not to mention more than 200 plant species. Then, beneath the waves, over 17,000 acres of reef and coastal waters await, as well as hawksbill turtles, manta rays, whales and abundant fish species.