Vietnam

Luscious beauty everywhere, from delicate design to technicolour sunsets.

Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats.

There are some divine beaches along the coast, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.

Cambodia

A vibrant culture, charming people, jaw-dropping sights...Cambodia is kicking!

You've trusted your eyes your whole life, but visit Cambodia and you just may start doubting them.

How else to explain the unthinkable splendour of the 9th- to 13th-century Khmer temples, the tropical islands with barely a beach hut in sight and the untold adventures lurking in northern forests?

Cambodia promises a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences to the intrepid traveller. Your heart will race at Angkor Wat, one of the world's greatest achievements, only to haltingly derail when faced with the impact of humankind's darkest moments. After two decades of war and isolation, only now is Cambodia truly starting to recover from the Khmer Rouge's genocidal 1975-79 rule.

Landmines are still a real danger in Cambodia, with up to six million live mines dotted around the countryside and near the border with Thailand. Stick to the beaten track - even at Angkor.

Laos

Snaking rivers, lush jungle, hectic markets and the Unesco-listed Plain of Jars.

Laos' isolation from foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of Southeast Asia.

Enigmatic and relatively undeveloped, Laos bears the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country in history. However, it is gradually emerging from its tumultuous recent history thanks to a combination of foreign aid, a growing ecotourism industry, and its charming, philosophical people.

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) and incidents of banditry in rural areas are issues travellers should be aware of in Laos.

For more information go to Safe Travel or check out the Thorn Tree travel forum for some good advice from travellers.

Check local information regarding the security of travel through the western portion of Rte 7 in Xieng Khuang Province between Muang Phu Khun and Phonsavan, and Rte 13 between Vang Vieng north to Muang Phu Khun through to south of Luang Prabang.

Though the Saisom Special Zone is slowly opening up, the 'secret city' of Long Cheng remains off limits.

Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. Few countries are so well endowed.

From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveller.

Most visits to Thailand are trouble-free but travellers should be aware that there are serious security concerns in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla due to ongoing violent insurgency. On 15 March, a car bomb exploded in the parking lot of a Pattani hotel, killing two people and injuring 13. The Thai-Myanmar border is also potentially volatile.

Following the general election in December, Thailand has returned to democratic rule under a coalition government, but travellers should still exercise caution, and avoid political rallies and demonstrations in the capital.

For more information go to Safe Travel or for the latest on what travellers are saying check out our Thorn Tree forum .

Myanmar

Travelling to Myanmar presents an ethical decision - Should you go?

With a bustling modern city, emerging beach destinations and more temples than tourists, Myanmar's rich and thrilling culture - of dozens of languages and peoples - is naturally a drawcard. But going to Myanmar is more complicated than just buying a ticket.

Large anti-government demonstrations taking place throughout the country during September drew a violent response from authorities, with fatalities reported. The security situation remains uncertain, with several bomb explosions reported during January 2008 - all occurring in places frequented by the public. Travellers are advised to exercise extreme caution.

See what other travellers are saying about what's happening in the Thorn Tree Myanmar branch .

The decision whether or not to travel to Myanmar is best made after an appraisal of pros and cons.

Reasons Not to Go:

Aung San Suu Kyi has asked tourists not to; the government used forced labour to ready tourist-related sights and services; international tourism can be seen as a stamp of approval to the Myanmar government; the government forbids travel to many areas, particularly in areas inhabited by minority groups; it's impossible to visit without some money going to the military junta (roughly US$20.00 per visa, US$10.00 per departure fee and seven to 10% tax on purchases); and activists claim that tourism dollars fuel government repression directly.

Reasons to Go:

Tourism remains one of the few industries to which ordinary locals have access - in terms of income and communication; authors of subsequent Burma guides say that the vast majority of locals they speak to tell them they want travellers there; human-rights abuses are less likely to occur in areas where the international community is present; the government stopped forcing foreigners to change US$200.00 into government notes upon arrival; the majority of a careful independent traveller's expenses can go into the private sector; and keeping the people isolated from international witnesses to internal oppression may only cement the government's ability to rule.

If You Decide to Go:

In order to maximise the positive effects of a visit among the general populace, while minimising support of the government, follow these simple tactics: stay at private, locally owned hotels and guesthouses; avoid package tours connected with Myanmar Travel and Tours; avoid MTT-sponsored modes of transport, such as most Yangon-Mandalay Express trains, the MTT ferry between Mandalay and Bagan, and Myanmar Airways International (MAI) flights; buy handicrafts directly from the artisans, rather than from government shops; avoid patronising companies involved with the military-owned Myanmar Economic Holdings (companies with solid links to the Tatmadaw or armed forces are often called Myawadi or Myawaddy); write to the Myanmar government and to the Myanmar embassy in your country expressing your views about the human-rights situation there.

For more information on responsible travel to Myanmar, see our FAQs here .

Indonesia

Balmy breezes, silky sand and the occasional Komodo Dragon.

Adventure looms large in this vast and steamy archipelago, where the best of southeast Asia's spicy melange simmers tantalisingly. Heady scents, vivid colours, dramatic vistas and diverse cultures spin and multiply, their potent brew leaving your senses reeling.

Indonesia's cities are in a constant state of urban evolution, where dense populations, technology and construction live in hectic symbiosis. But most of the archipelago's territory remains unexplored, concealing a wealth of cultures and a myriad of landscapes.

On 25 November, an earthquake measuring 6.7 in magnitude struck the island of Sumbawa. Three people were killed and at least 45 injured, and hundreds of buildings were destroyed or damaged. Travellers to the area should expect disruptions and monitor local news for updates.

High level terrorism-related warnings have been issued by Western governments concerning travel in Indonesia. Travellers are advised to check their local consular information and monitor the situation in Indonesia closely before making travel plans.

Indonesia has suffered several natural disasters in recent years. Areas of Aceh and Northern Sumatra continue to recover from the Dec 2004 tsunami. An earthquake of around magnitude 8.0 struck 130km (80mi) off the west coast of Sumatra on 12 September. Deaths and extensive damage were reported in the Mentawai Islands, Bengkulu and Padang areas. Recovery and rebuilding efforts are ongoing. The area around Yogjakarta in Central Java was struck by a major earthquake in May 2006, while Pangaradan in southern Java was devastated by an tsunami in July 2006. Travellers visiting these areas should be aware that they are still rebuilding and transport and infrastructure may be affected.

Mt Merapi in Central Java, Mt Kelud in East Java and Mt Karangetang on Siau Island, north of Sulawesi, are highly active volcanoes. Mt Kelud is currently on an eruption warning and nearby villages have been evacuated. Travellers should check news sources for any heightened activity before visiting these areas.

Areas of Central Sulawesi, Aceh, Papua and Maluku are experiencing unrest; however, safe travel to some parts of these areas is still possible. There are also heightened security risks in parts of Kalimantan and West Timor. Monitor news if travelling extensively in Indonesia, especially relating to the volatile situation in Aceh.

Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings or the Thorn Tree travel forum for some good advice from travellers.

Tibet

Shangri La, 'the Rooftop of the World' - locked away in its Himalayan fortress, Tibet has long exercised a siren's hold on the imagination of the West. Tibetans are used to hardship and, despite the disastrous Chinese occupation, they have managed to keep their culture and humour alive.

Although the Tibetan climate is not as harsh as many people imagine, be prepared for sudden drops in temperature at night, particularly in western Tibet. The most pleasant time of year is between May and early November, after which temperatures start to plummet. However, in May and June there is a wind factor to consider and dust storms are not unusual. During July and August you may find roads temporarily washed out along the Friendship Highway to Nepal. These two months usually see around half of Tibet's annual rainfall.

October is the best time to make a trip out to the east. Lhasa and its environs don't get really cold until the end of November. Although winter is very cold, many restaurants are shut and snowfalls can sometimes make travel difficult, some travellers swear by these months. There are few travellers about and Lhasa, for example, is crowded with nomads and at its most colourful.

March is a politically sensitive month (the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising and flight of the Dalai Lama) and there is occasional tightening of restrictions on travellers heading into Tibet at this time. It's worth trying to make your trip coincide with one of Tibet's main festivals. Losar (New Year) is an excellent (although cold) time to be in Lhasa. Saga Dawa (April or May) is also a good time to be in Lhasa or Mt Kailash.

Nepal

Draped along the spine of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best hiking trails on earth. It's a poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination. It's the kind of country that lingers in your dreams long after you leave it. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for sculpted calf muscles.

Always consider the climate when you plan a trip to Nepal. Judge it wrong and you may never see the mountains. The best time to visit is probably the start of the dry season in October-November: the weather is balmy, the air is clean, visibility is perfect and the countryside is lush and green following the monsoon. However, roads and trails damaged during the monsoon may not be repaired until later in the year. There are some important and colourful festivals to enjoy too, though the Dasain festival in October can be disruptive if you are on a tight schedule. February-April, the tail end of the dry season, is the second-best period: the weather is warm and many of Nepal's wonderful wild flowers are in bloom, but dust can reduce visibility (and the pleasure of travelling by road).

In December and January the skies are as clear as Swarovski crystal but it can be chilly: trekkers need to be well prepared for snow, and a warm sleeping bag is an asset in cheaper hotels, even in Kathmandu. On the other hand, sitting around an open fire wrapped in a yak wool blanket can be a very cosy experience. The rest of the year is fairly unpleasant for travelling: May and early June are generally too hot and dusty for comfort, and the monsoon from mid-June to September obscures the mountains in cloud and turns trails and roads to mud. Flying is often the only way to reach outlying areas at this time of year, and the western border crossings to India are often impassable.

Although the Maoist insurgency has ended, travellers should monitor the situation and keep abreast of warnings. Fatal bomb blasts in Kathmandu on 2 September may be a sign of rising political tension heading into a national vote in November. Heavy monsoon rainfall has caused floods and landslides across the country. Travel in districts of Banke, Bardiya, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Jhapa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Saptari and in the region known as the Tarai may be difficult and travellers should seek local advice regarding their travel plans.

China

China isn't a country - it's a different world. Unless you have a couple of years and unlimited patience, it's best to follow a loose itinerary here, such as following the Silk Road, sailing down the Yangzi River, or exploring the Dr Seuss landscape of Guangxi Province. From shop-till-you-drop metropolises to the desert landscapes of Xinjiang, China is a land of cultural and geographic schisms. It's not that it has completely done away with its Maoist past - it's more that the yin of revolutionary zeal is being balanced by the yang of economic pragmatism.

Spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit China, though the higher altitude areas of Tibet, Qinghai and Western Sichuan are best visited in high summer (June-September). Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F-86°F) in these seasons - but bear in mind that nights can still be bitterly cold and it can sometimes be wet and miserable. Major public holidays, in particular Chinese New Year, are best avoided as it's difficult to get around and/or find accommodation.

India

India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - but if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload, then it is one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas unfolding on earth, and you'll quickly develop an abiding passion for it. Nothing in this country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected, which comes in many forms and will always want to sit next to you. India is a litmus test for many travellers - some are only too happy to leave, while others stay for a lifetime.

Climate plays a key factor in deciding when to visit India. Keep in mind that climatic conditions in the far north are distinctly different to those of the extreme south. Generally, India's climate is defined by three seasons - the hot, the wet (monsoon) and the cool, each of which can vary in duration from north to south. The most pleasant time to visit most places is during the cooler period: November to around mid-February. The heat starts to build up on India's northern plains from around February, and by April or May it really hots up, peaking in June. In central India temperatures of 45°C and above are commonplace. South India also becomes uncomfortably hot during this time. Late in May the first signs of the monsoon are visible in some areas - high humidity, electrical storms, short rainstorms and dust storms that turn day into night. The hot season is the time to abandon the plains and head for the cooler hills, and this is when hill stations are at their best (and busiest).

When the monsoon finally arrives the rain comes in steadily, generally starting around 1 June in the extreme south and sweeping north to cover the whole country by early July. The main monsoon comes from the southwest, but the southeast coast (and southern Kerala) is largely affected by the short and surprisingly wet northeast monsoon, which brings rain from around October to early December. Things don't really cool down: at first hot, dry and dusty weather is simply replaced by hot, humid and muddy conditions. It doesn't rain all day, but it generally rains every day. Followed by the sun this creates a fatiguing steam bath environment. Around October the monsoon ends for most of the country. This is when India sees most tourists - however, it's too late to visit Ladakh (May to October is the optimum period). During October and November it's generally not too hot and not too cool (although October can still be hot and/or humid in some regions). In the thick of winter (around mid-December to mid-January), Delhi and other northern cities can become astonishingly cold, especially at night - and it's bone-chilling in the far north. In the far south the temperatures become comfortably warm during this period. It's worth checking the dates of particular festivals - you may be attracted or repelled by the chaos (and jacked-up prices) that attend them. There are virtually no festivals in May/June. The wedding season falls between November and March, when you're likely to see at least one lively procession through the streets.

Asia

Asia is home to both the largest and deepest lakes on Earth, the Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal. Out of the twelve longest rivers on Earth, seven wind through Asia. All the world's major religions originated in Asia, and two out of every three people on Earth live there. The countries of Asia are so diverse that on the surface they have little in common. If anything, their commonality lies in diversity itself. Many of the societies in Asia are composed of a multiplicity of ethnic groups and religions, tribes and languages. Interknowledge invites our readers to sample this incredible abundance of landscapes and peoples. Those contemplating an adventure in Asia can take heart in the fact that the continent's overwhelming immensity is also the source of what is perhaps its greatest natural resource--choices.

Japan

Hyperbolic, kitty-cute, switched-on, serene.

Whether you end up taking photos of a reproduction Eiffel Tower, surfing an indoor wave, musing in a Zen temple, shacking up in a love hotel or kipping down in a capsule, you'll do best to come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised.

Somewhere between the elegant formality of Japanese manners and the candid, sometimes boisterous exchanges that take place over a few drinks, between the sanitised shopping malls and the unexpected rural festivals, everyone finds their own vision of Japan.

Japan has recently implemented a new immigration control system, requiring all foreigners entering the country to be fingerprinted and photographed. These measures are part of an anti-terrorist policy, from which only diplomats, children and some permanent residents are exempt. For more information, check out the Japan National Tourist Organization website.

Pakistan

Awe-inspiring mountains, time-honoured traditions and a warm people.

Few Westerners know much about Pakistan beyond media impressions of Islamic fundamentalism, communal violence and martial law, but it contains some of Asia's most mind-blowing landscapes, extraordinary trekking, a multitude of cultures and a long tradition of hospitality.

Pakistan is the site of some of the earliest human settlements, home to an ancient civilisation rivalling those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, and the crucible of two of the world's major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, both of which have their roots in the subcontinent. It's far more than the last hurdle before reaching India.

In light of the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and recent parliamentary elections, travellers to Pakistan should continue to monitor the security situation and exercise extreme caution. The country's north-west is particularly dangerous at present, with suicide bombings a regular occurrence. Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings or the Thorn Tree travel forum for insights from travellers.

Due to ongoing sectarian and political violence in Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Lahore, travellers are advised to pay attention to any consular warnings before visiting and to take great care when in these cities and nearby regional centres. More than 500 people have been killed since the beginning of the year in a wave of bomb attacks across the country. Travellers should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

Avoid travel to Waziristan, to northern and western Balochistan, western North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies (FATA), and border areas other than official crossings. Visitors to upper Sindh are encouraged to notify authorities beforehand.

The Swat region in Punjab Province should be considered out of bounds as fighting between the army and militants is intensifying. Though tensions along the Kashmiri Line of Control have eased, travellers should keep abreast of the latest developments.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan's beauties have been swamped by tyranny and war.

Friendly, beautiful Afghanistan was once well known on the backpacking circuit as the place to stop for unparalleled hospitality, fantastic food, great hiking and...um...OK, we'll say it, that legendary hashish. Things, sadly, have changed a lot.

More than 25 years of war and Taliban rule left the dramatic countryside peppered with landmines and reduced many of the finest monuments and minarets to rubble. The poverty left in war's wake has taken an impossible human toll and encouraged the theft and sale of priceless national treasures.

Large areas of Afghanistan remain highly insecure. NATO-led military operations are ongoing against the remnants of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Acts of violence, often targeting foreigners, continue to occur in Kabul and elsewhere. In one of the country's deadliest attacks since 2001, a suicide bombing killed more than 100 people watching a dog fight just outside Kandahar on 17 February; the following day, another bomb blast in the same province killed a further 35 civilians and injured dozens more.

Visitors should maintain a very high level of security awareness, avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, avoid travelling alone or at night, and contact their consular representative for the latest information.

Afghanistan is highly contaminated with land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO); it's one of the worst affected countries in the world. Extreme caution should be taken when venturing into areas that may be contaminated.

Sri Lanka

Leopards, Long Island Iced Tea and a whole lot of lounging around.

For a small island, Sri Lanka has many nicknames: Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient. This colourful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of the affection it evokes in its visitors.

The beach thing may be a cliche, but don't miss them. Then head to the hills to cool off amidst tea plantations and ancient cities. The island teems with bird life, and even the occasional elephant or leopard. To top it all off, the people are friendly, the food is delicious and costs are low.

Fighting between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE (Tamil Tiger) faction, and the recent breakdown of their ceasefire agreement, means that the north and east of the country are particularly dangerous. On 16 January a bomb attack on a crowded civilian bus in Buttala killed at least 26 people and injured many more - it is believed this was a direct consequence of the ceasefire's official termination. On 4 February, another bus was targeted near the town of Anuradhapura, resulting in at least 13 deaths; and on 2 February a bus in Dambulla was bombed, causing 18 fatalities.

Areas north of a line following the highway from Puttalam through Anuradhapura to Trincomalee, and east down to Batticaloa are unsafe for travellers as are the eastern areas around Ampara and Arugam Bay. Any travel to these areas should be reconsidered. The security situation in the Jaffna Peninsula remains very uncertain. Parts of these northern and eastern areas are heavily mined.

For further updates check this Safe Travel site.

The rest of the country is also at risk of attack. The capital, Colombo , has experienced a number of bombings over the last few months. On 3 February, a suicide bomber killed at least 11 people and injured nearly 100 at Colombo's main train station, while an explosion killed at least 16 civilians in a busy shopping district on 28 November. Travellers should exercise a high level of caution, monitor local news sources and heed any local warnings regarding safety.

Mongolia

The Humvees plying Peace Ave would have Genghis Khan turning green with envy.

For good reason, the name 'Mongolia' has always evoked visions of the untamed - Genghis Khan, camels wandering the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the steppes. But for a more rounded picture, don't forget cyber-cafes, herders chatting on mobile phones, chic cocktail bars and eco-yurts.

North Korea

A flipside Disneyland of state-sanctioned sights.

A communist land where time stands still, North Korea is one of the world's most bizarre countries. The architecture of Pyongyang, the DMZ at Panmunjeom and a slew of other quirky Kim-centric sights are the reasons to visit. However, there's absolutely no independent tourism - come by group tour or don't come at all!

Singapore

From the opium dens of the past to the hi-tech wizardry of today.

Singapore has traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for cool efficiency and spotless streets, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a Singapore Sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel.

At first glance, Singapore appears shockingly modern and anonymous, but this is an undeniably Asian city where Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions from feng shui to ancestor worship create part of the everyday landscape - colourful contrasts that bring the city to life.