This October, one of the world’s most celebrated voices is coming to Indonesia. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will bring his Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour to the country for two special performances: Borobudur, Central Java, on 31 October, followed by Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) on 3 November. Both concerts begin at 8pm. The tour celebrates…
Few landscapes capture Indonesia’s volcanic drama quite like East Java. Here, two of the country’s most extraordinary natural attractions – Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater – can be combined into one unforgettable overland journey of smoking volcanoes, sweeping calderas and otherworldly scenery. Part of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Mount Bromo rises to 2,392 metres…
There is something special about Hanoi in autumn. As summer gives way to cooler days, the Vietnamese capital takes on a different character – one celebrated throughout September by the Hanoi Autumn Festival 2026. Running from 1–30 September, this cultural-tourism event celebrates Hanoi’s distinctive autumn season through heritage spaces, artistic performances and traditional cuisine, bringing…
Away from Vietnam’s famous coastline and historic cities lies a very different landscape. The Central Highlands are a world of volcanic plateaus, pine forests, waterfalls, coffee plantations and communities whose cultures have developed over generations in the country’s mountainous interior. Still relatively overlooked by international visitors, the region rewards travellers willing to venture beyond the…
From 20–26 September 2026, the northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon will come alive for one of its most colourful traditional celebrations. The Bun Duean Sip, Traditional Long Boat Race, Lai Ruea Fai and Phra Kaeo Worship Festival brings seven days of racing, illuminated boats, religious traditions, food and entertainment to Akat Amnuai District. For international…
White sandy beaches, forest-covered mountains, waterfalls and tropical seas make Koh Chang one of eastern Thailand’s most rewarding island destinations. Located in Trat Province near the Cambodian border, it is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, yet much of its interior remains dominated by mountains and lush vegetation. Its name means ‘Elephant Island’, a reference to…
This month, the city of Sibu in Sarawak comes alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Borneo. The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) returns to Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, bringing together communities from across the region for one of Sarawak’s most vibrant celebrations of cultural heritage. Organised by Sibu Municipal Council, this year’s festival takes…
Leafy, historic and refreshingly laid-back, Taiping offers a very different side of Malaysia. Located in the northern state of Perak, this former tin-mining town combines colonial heritage, beautiful gardens and rainforest-covered hills with an easy-going atmosphere that rewards travellers who venture beyond the country’s more familiar destinations. Taiping played an important role in the development…
There’s plenty of good news coming out of Vietnam at the moment. Here are a few stories making the headlines: New Heritage Train Connects Hue with the Phong Nha Region Launched on 28 August 2026, with regular services from 29 August. The new HQ1/HQ2 tourist train offers another way to connect Hue’s imperial landmarks…
A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently: 30-day visa-free stays to take effect on 15 September The new 30-day limit for visa-free stays in Thailand has been formally announced and will take effect on 15 Sept for visitors from 60 countries. The Royal Gazette…