South East Asia Travel: Destinations, Food & Adventures

East and South East Asia offer some of the most extraordinary travel experiences on the planet – a vast and endlessly varied region of ancient cultures, spectacular landscapes, vibrant cities and some of the finest food you are ever likely to encounter.

Over the years, my travels as a journalist and travel writer have taken me to China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the island of Borneo. The articles collected here are based on those journeys, combining personal experiences with the places, people and – inevitably – the food I encountered along the way.

From the great cities and landscapes of China to the street food and bustling markets of Vietnam and Thailand, and from multicultural Malaysia to the tropical rainforests and wildlife of Borneo, this is a part of the world that never fails to surprise.

Below you'll find my travel stories, destination features and food adventures from across East and South East Asia.

China

Few countries can match China for sheer scale, history and cultural diversity. My travels here offered glimpses of a country where thousands of years of history sit alongside extraordinary modern development.

Explore my articles from China, covering the places I visited, the people I met and my experiences of travelling through one of the world's most fascinating nations.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a wonderful meeting point of cultures, and that diversity is perhaps nowhere more apparent than in its food. Malay, Chinese and Indian influences combine in a country of colourful cities, tropical landscapes and memorable flavours.

My Malaysia travel stories explore some of the places and experiences that make this corner of South East Asia so rewarding to visit.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a country that stays with you. Its dramatic landscapes, extraordinary history and energetic cities make it a compelling destination, while its food is reason enough to visit in its own right.

From bustling streets and markets to quieter corners of the country, these articles tell the story of my own travels through Vietnam and the experiences I discovered along the way.

Thailand

Thailand has long been one of South East Asia's great travel destinations, combining beautiful landscapes, historic temples, lively cities and an internationally celebrated food culture.

Here you'll find my articles and personal travel experiences from Thailand, exploring the places, flavours and encounters that have made my journeys there so memorable.

Borneo

Borneo offers a very different kind of Asian adventure. This vast tropical island is home to some of the world's oldest rainforests and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, as well as fascinating indigenous cultures.

My travels in Borneo provided some unforgettable experiences and a chance to encounter a wilder side of South East Asia, far removed from the region's great cities and busy tourist centres.

Discover More of My Travels

These journeys through East and South East Asia form part of a much wider collection of travel stories gathered during my years as a journalist and travel writer.

Explore the articles above to discover more about each destination, or return to my Global Travel pages to continue the journey through destinations around the world.

China Adventure Tips for Every Traveller

Venturing into China offers an unforgettable mix of ancient wonders and hyper-futuristic cities, but it can also be a bewildering landscape to navigate. From unlocking the digital world behind the Great Firewall to mastering local transport and mobile apps, here are the essential adventure tips every traveler needs to know before they go.

Travelling up-river into the Borneo rainforest

Staying with the Iban in a Longhouse in Borneo

What is it really like staying in an Iban longhouse deep in the rainforests of Sarawak? Join me as I share an unforgettable journey into the heart of Borneo, where jungle adventures, tribal traditions and extraordinary hospitality combine to create one of the greatest travel experiences of my life.

Exploring the Historic Charm of Huangshan City, Anhui: A Cultural Gem in China 🇨🇳

While most visitors rush straight to the mist-shrouded peaks of Yellow Mountain, Huangshan City below holds a rich tapestry of history. From the red lanterns of Tunxi Ancient Street to the ancient water channels of Chengkan, discover Anhui’s historic heartland.

Panoramic view of white sand beach and turquoise water at Similan Islands Thailand

Similan Archipelago, Thailand

Floating in the turquoise depths of the Andaman Sea, Thailand’s Similan Archipelago is a pristine wilderness of giant granite boulders, lush jungle, and world-class diving. Here is what makes this protected national park one of South East Asia’s most captivating marine sanctuaries.

Eoom with a private pool at The Annam, Vietnam

The Anam Resort Review, Nha Trang: Luxury Coastal Haven in Vietnam

Set along a sweeping, palm-fringed stretch of white sand just south of Nha Trang, The Anam offers a rare blend of colonial Indochine elegance and serene coastal luxury. From world-class dining to quiet strolls past nearby fishing villages, discover why this seaside sanctuary is one of Vietnam’s most tranquil escapes.

Exploring the Wild Sarawak Coast: Bako, Irrawaddy Dolphins & Borneo Beaches

Most travellers head to Borneo thinking solely of inland jungle, but the wild coastline of Sarawak offers an extraordinary frontier of its own. Martin Hesp explores the mangrove estuaries, dramatic sandstone cliffs of Bako National Park, and pristine coastal waters near Kuching in search of rare Irrawaddy dolphins and ancient sea stacks.

Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival: Borneo’s Jungle Rock 'n' Roll

Deep within the primary rainforest of Sarawak, beneath the towering peak of Mount Santubong, happens one of the most remarkable musical gatherings on Earth. Martin Hesp journeys to Borneo to experience the Rainforest World Music Festival—a thunderous fusion of indigenous tribal rhythms, global world music, and pure jungle energy.

Longing for Langkawi

A sailing yacht arrival reveals the jaw-dropping beauty of Langkawi, Malaysia's "Jewel of Kedah." Travel writer Martin Hesp explores this ancient haven of pirates and seafarers, scaling towering peaks via a gravity-defying cable car and plunging into wild mangrove swamps to spot the island's legendary sea eagles.

Hoi An - One of Vietnam's Most Beautiful and Historic Cities

Step into the golden-hued magic of Hoi An, arguably Vietnam’s most beautiful and historic architectural jewel. Wander past preserved wooden merchant houses, discover the legendary silk-tailoring quarters, and watch the Thu Bon River light up with a thousand floating lanterns.