Get Active in Asia
An increasing number of us enjoy an active excursion or two on our holidays, and there is a wide choice of outdoor
pursuits on offer in Asia which complement the region’s great cultural wonders. These often take place in areas of
spectacular natural beauty, in places where few tourists get to visit, and give you that glowing feeling after a day
spent in the fresh air. This month we have picked out some ideas of how to get active whilst exploring a variety of
the destinations we specialize in.
Pu Luong Valley, North Vietnam
The wild northern provinces of Vietnam are the least populated in the country, and arguably the most scenic regions
with jagged peaks, lush hillside and emerald rice terraces. The towns of Sapa and Mai Chau are well established for
adventure-seeking Western visitors, but the recent incarnation of the Pu Luong Retreat has now opened an area of
northern Vietnam to those seeking an alternative to the usual tourist trail. The Pu Luong Valley is located just a 4-5
hour drive from Hanoi, allowing relatively easy access to some of Vietnam’s most beautiful scenery left undisturbed by
mainstream tourism. A number of activities can be arranged from the lodge, from short walks to longer treks, as well
as rafting and cycling trips. Or you can simply kick back at the lodge and enjoy the unparalleled scenery. We have
included Pu Luong on our "Adventures in Vietnam" tour that combines northern Vietnam with a stay at a local
guesthouse in Central Vietnam’s Phong Nha National Park, a perfect base for further adventures such as cycling, hiking
and caving in the national park.
Activities in East Asia
Korea and Taiwan are two of our most overlooked destinations. True both are well known for their modern mega cities,
but it doesn’t take long to get away from the concrete jungle, and out into a beautiful, adventure-rich great outdoors.
Korea is dominated by mountains, with some 21 national parks dotted across the peninsula. Seoraksan, in the far east,
is rightly renowned for its trekking, cycling and kayaking; central Songnisan and Gyeongju offer both staggering scenery
and a taste of Buddhist retreat (overnight temple stays much recommended!); while volcanic Jeju island bubbles away
with terrific hiking and fine beaches. Much more on this can be found on our 14-day "Adventure Korea" tour.
Taiwan is equally action-packed. All kinds of outdoor pursuits are on offer including world class cycling at Sun Moon Lake,
trekking in Taroko, wildlife trails in Maolin and even surfing down in Kenting. Our "Treasures of Taiwan" touches on many
of these highlights, but independently-minded travellers might also consider a self-drive trip – a different kind of adventure,
but definitely one of the best ways to get around the island!
Adventures in Laos
Laos is blessed with some of the region’s finest countryside, and there is no better way to appreciate this than venturing
on foot, kayak or bike. Our latest tour “Adventures in Laos” is aimed at those wanting to explore off the beaten track
areas and partake in some fairly gentle activities. Highlights of this trip include kayaking a remote section of the Nam
Ou River in northern Laos, and a homestay in the Lawae minority village of Ban Nong Luang with trekking in the Nua
Sao National Protected Area. This seldom-visited area of the Bolaven Plateau is home to some of the country’s most
alluring scenery, with magnificent limestone cliffs and rare 1000 year-old rosewood trees.
Marathon running in Asia
Marathon (and half marathon) running has been growing in popularity in recent years. We appreciate it’s not a pursuit in
which everyone will want to partake, but, for the keen runners among you, here are a few interesting races that we can
include as part of your tailor-made holiday.
• There is still time to sign up to the 30th annual Angkor Wat International Half Marathon. A half marathon around one of
the world’s most incredible archaeological sites which raises money for victims of land mines in Cambodia.
• Why not plan your trip to China to coincide with May’s Great Wall Marathon. Running along one of mankind’s most iconic
monuments, this marathon involves challenging climbs and 5164 steps. If the full marathon sounds a bit mad (it does to
most of us!) then there is also a Half Marathon or an 8.5km fun run also on the wall.
• Usually in the 3rd week of November every year, the Bangkok Marathon has aid stations manned by enthusiastic
volunteers handing out slices of watermelon and spicy Thai snacks to runners. The race starts at 2am to avoid the heat.
• With over 300,000 runners, the long standing Tokyo Marathon is considered one of the 6 world marathon ‘majors’ and
takes place on 26th February 2017. A fine time of year to plan a wider tour of Japan.
• If you are a competent runner at the very peak of your powers, the Mt Kinabalu Climbathon might be the challenge
you’ve been waiting for – only the super fit need apply!
