Huaraz is known as the 'Adventure Capital of Peru'. It is a fantastic base for treks and expeditions into the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash. It might not be a very attractive town at first glance but it has a fantastic atmosphere and is far less touristy than other towns and as such feels authentic. There are some truly great restaurants, bars and hotels in town to suit all budgets and tastes.

Lake Churup is a beautiful turquoise/emerald green glacial lake situated very close to the town of Huaraz. A day hike there is ideal for acclimatisation and can be easily done by public transport from Huaraz and as such is very inexpensive. No guide is necessary as the trail is well marked. Set off at around 7am from Huaraz.

The Plaza de Armas of Caraz is one of the nicest in the Callejon de Huaylas Valley. It still has its original church (one of the few to have survived the earthquake of 1970). It has the typical fountain, flowers and palmtrees found in the main squares of the region. It affords fantastic views of Mount Huandoy and the Cordillera Negra. A great place to relax in the afternoon.

The Huascaran National Park is simply stunning! It is packed with spectacular glaciers, mountains, flora and lakes. The sheer beauty and variety of landscapes are incredible!

The Cordillera Negra is a great place to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Negra. There are also some great places for rock climbing, especially in the stunning stone forest of Hatun Machay.

This is undoubtedly the most stunning mountain range in Peru and also probably in the whole of South America! There are varied ways to enjoy the stunning scenery: trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, horse riding, sightseeing tours, etc. There are activities suited to all types of visitors, the possibilities are truly endless. The perennially snow-caped peaks and jewelled glacial lakes are truly spectacular, and the region is very accessible making it possible to see stunning scenery even on a simple sightseeing tour. For those seeking adventures, there is truly no better place to be.

This is a small but interesting museum. I particularly like the garden with the stone monoliths dating back to the Recuay and Wari cultures. 

A fantastic place that offers tents with matress and sleeping bag for rent, as well as dorms and private rooms. This is undoubtedly the cheapest place to stay on the island and it is I believe also one of the most pleasant as it is located right by the sea. The place is owned by a very helpful and friendly family, it is very clean and quiet and the new kitchen is huge. I spent an idyllic 11 nights there.

Hotel Santa Cruz offers some of the finest views of the Cordillera Blanca. Most of the rooms come with balconies with great views and huge beds. The dining room is extremely pleasant and there is a library with great books to borrow. There is also a pleasant garden. It is located in a lovely neighbourhood away from the centre, but a cheap taxi ride away. This hotel offers exceptional value for money.

Beautiful small hotel with very comfortable rooms and a fantastic terrace offering spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca. Excellent value for money, beautiful decor throughout.

Beautiful 3 star hotel with a pleasant garden, lovely rooms and numerous great lounging areas. Very good value for money.

Very nice hostel with great lounging areas and a fantastic breakfast room. Good value for money. Located far away from the centre to be quiet, but equally not too far.

Although quite modern this hotel has no character and is located away from the centre in an area that is really not appealing. It is not worth the money, there are many other hotels which offer better value for money (such as Hotel San Sebastian and Hotel Santa Cruz).

The best pizza in Huaraz cooked in a wood fire oven and it's also very cheap. They also serve good grilled meats and the decor is very pleasant. The service is always excellent!

Best restaurant in Huaraz. The fresh pastas and chocolate mousse are delicious! There is a nice chilling area where they show movies. The Belgian owner is very helpful and friendly. A bit more expensive than others, but well worth the extra money.

Good sweet and savoury crepes, friendly owner.

Good food, great setting with comfortable sofas and many books to read.

This is a fantastic restaurant that has several branches in town. The best one is located in Parque Periodista.

Best Chinese restaurant in Huaraz, a bit more expensive than others, but the food is also much better.

The pizzas here are good but way too expensive! Go to El Horno instead, the pizzas are better and much cheaper, and the setting much more spacious and pleasant.

Delicious roast chicken and anticuchos. Pleasant atmosphere and very reasonable prices.

The fascinating Chavin de Huantar pre-Inca temple complex was built between 1200 and 400 BC and is the most important site left behind by the Chavin culture, one of the oldest major cultures in Peru. The site – which is at an altitude of 3150m above sea level some 109km south east of Huaraz - was discovered by Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello in 1919 and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The heyday of the Chavin was between 1500 BC and 300 BC, although its influence continued to be felt long after the civilisation declined. The highly advanced culture peacefully united highland societies from Cajamarca to Ayacucho and coastal societies from Lambayeque to Ica through a powerful religious ideology known as the Chavin Cult , based on the worship of nature spirits and an all-powerful feline creator god. Although a landslide covered much of the site following an earthquake in 1945, enough remains to make it one of the most significant ancient temple sites in the Andes, of equal in importance, if not grandeur, to the sites around Cusco. The major ceremonial centre is a stupendous achievement of ancient construction, with large temple-like structures above ground (notable for their sophisticated masonry), and mysterious labyrinthine underground passageways (which are surprisingly well-ventilated given that there is only one doorway). The main structure of the site is the massive, pyramid-shaped Castillo , whose walls were once embellished with tenons (keystones of large projecting blocks carved to resemble human heads with feline and bird-like characteristics). Only one remains in its original place today, although others can be seen at the local museum. Underneath the Castillo are a series of tunnels creating a maze of alleys, ducts and chambers that constitute an exceptional feat of engineering. In the heart of the complex is an exquisitely carved, 4.5-metre prism known as the Lanzon . This enigmatic, white granite monolith is the highlight of the site.

Lake Paron is the largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca and arguably the most beautiful, its dazzling turquoise waters surrounded by imposing icy peaks. In recent years, the lake’s water level has dropped from 75m to a mere 15m, but Lake Paron is still a jewel, with the unrivalled picture perfect view of Mount Piramide de Garcilaso’s pyramid of ice (5885m) rising above crystalline waters bordered by powdered white sand . An easy path surrounds the lake revealing in turns the snow-covered summits of Mount Piramide, Huandoy East (6000m), Aguja (5888m) Caraz West (6025m), Chacraraju (6112m), Pisco (5752m) and finally the magnificent perfect pyramid of Artesonraju (6025m). The lake is located in the northern section of the Huascaran National Park, 32km east of Caraz, and reached after two hours on a dirt road that snakes its way up the Paron Valley. The sheer granite cliffs that tower high on either side of the valley are an impressive sight, and include the 5325m high monolith known as the Sphinx, which is a popular destination for rock climbers. A visit here is ideal for acclimatisation and is suitable for hikers and non-hikers alike.  

Towering at an impressive 6768m above sea level, Peru’s highest peak, Mount Huascaran, is the world’s highest tropical mountain. Located in the northern section of the Cordillera Blanca, above the Llanganuco Valley, this colossal mountain dominates the local landscape. Its two imposing summits – Huascaran North (6655m) and South (6768m) – are clearly visible from most parts of the range, and from as far south as Catac some 120km away! Huascaran North was first conquered in 1908, by an American climber called Annie Peck, an unusual occurrence since it is one of the few peaks in the world of such height to be first ascended by a woman. Twenty-four years later, in 1932, a joint German-Austrian expedition eventually reached the South summit. Huascaran is not a technically difficult climb, although it presents various challenges, such as the crossing of large crevasses and the risk from avalanches, and its tremendous height demands thorough acclimatisation. The ascent to both summits starts from the col of La Garganta – the huge saddles that separate the two peaks – and usually requires at least a week to tackle effectively. Standing on the ‘Roof of Peru’, the climber is rewarded with dramatic views of Huascaran’s equally impressive neighbours, including Mount Huandoy (6395m), Chopicalqui (6354m), Hualcan (6122m), Chacraraju (6112m), Yanapaccha (5460m), and Pisco (5752m).

Mount Alpamayo is undeniably the jewel of the Cordillera Blanca - renowned worldwide for the beauty of its near-perfect pyramid of ice. Since winning ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Mountain’ photography competition in Munich in 1966, Alpamayo has fascinated mountaineers, and climbers come from all corners of the globe in great numbers each year to attempt the serious and difficult route to its summit. Alpamayo was first climbed by a German expedition, which reached its summit via the north ridge in 1957. These days the summit is reached via the more accessible, but still extremely steep and fluted   ‘French Route’. The route is highly technically difficult, requiring good crampons and ice-climbing techniques, and should be attempted by well-acclimatised and highly experienced climbers only. Located right inside the Cordillera Blanca, Alpamayo’s breath-taking pyramid is only fully visible from the high camp, which is accessed via a 70m wall. This highly prized view is motivation enough to join the expedition and will leave you gasping in awe! And if that isn’t enough, Alpamayo also provides magnificent views from its summit, nestled among the most stunning 6000m+ glacier-clad peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, including Mount Quitaraju (6036m), Artesonraju (6025m), Pucajirca (6050m), Santa Cruz (6259m), Caraz (6025m), Chacraraju (6112m), Huandoy (6395m) and Huascaran (6768m).          

With its crystalline azure waters and unparalleled location at the foot of the impressive glacier of Mount Chacraraju (6112m), Lake 69 is one of the most stunning lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. The hike to this jewel of the Andes, which is located at 4550m above sea level, starts from Cebollapampa - situated in the beautiful and small Demada valley and surrounded by many of the White Range’s highest and most impressive summits - just beyond the Llanganuco Lakes. Hikers are rewarded with some of the best views of Mount Chacraraju, Huascaran North (6655m) and South (6768m), Chopicalqui (6354m), Huandoy (6395m), Yanapaccha (5460m) and Pisco (5752m). An extraordinary variety of exotic tropical plants are encountered along the way, and if you are lucky you might spot the rabbit-like viscacha. This is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the region and is ideal for acclimatisation.  

The two stunning Llanganuco Lakes, also known as Lake Chinancocha and Lake Orconcocha, lie at 3860m above sea level in a narrow glacial valley at the northern end of the Huascaran National Park, 28km east of Yungay. These pristine lagoons are a mesmerising sight with their brilliant turquoise colour and splendid location at the foot of Peru’s highest peak, the mighty Mount Huascaran (6768m), and with fantastic views over the neighbouring perennially ice-capped peaks of Yanapaccha (5460m), Chopicalqui (6354m) and Chacraraju (6112m). It is possible to follow a short trail that skirts around the shores of Lake Chinancocha through forests of quenual (polylepis) trees. Boat hire is also available at the lake. The Llanganuco Lakes are one of the jewels of the Cordillera Blanca and should not be missed. A visit here is ideal for acclimatisation purpose before setting off further into the mountains, and does not require any special level of fitness.

There are many agencies to choose from in Huaraz to organise trips in the mountains, but I found that Quechuandes (www.quechuandes.com) is the best one. It is run by the very friendly, efficient and professional Walter and David. They can organise all kinds of trips (trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, horse riding etc.) which offer great guides and equipment, and will give you totally professional advice, which is very important in the high altitude mountains. My trips with them were utterly brilliant, I really have nothing bad to say about them.

The Cordillera Huayhuash is only 30km long but is packed with stunning turquoise lakes, glaciers and snow-capped mountains. There are 7 peaks over 6000m including Yerupaja (6634m) Peru's second highest mountain, and Siula Grande (6356m) made famous by Joe Simpson in 'Touching the void'.
Located further away from Huaraz it is consequently much less crowded than its more famous neighbour the Cordillera Blanca, but it is none less impressive. As a matter of fact the 12-day trek around this range is considered as the second most beautiful trek in the world, and Joe Simpson admitted that after 20 years of climbing mountains all over the world, the Cordillera Huayhuash remains the most stunning mountain range he has ever laid his eyes upon.
So it is indeed impressive, and its remotness only adds to its appeal. The trek will take you through spectacular scenery climbing over many high passes, the highest one being Punta Cuyoq at 5000m high. Countless beautiful lakes in shades of azure, emerald and turquoise dot the landscape, as well as fabulous snow-capped mountains and glaciers. The trek is not that easy, but if you are properly acclimatized it won't be too hard. I simply adored it and would recommend it to anyone.

Lake Karakul located on the Karakoram Highway 200km outside Kashgar is a magnificent sight! The waters of this pristine lake are a brilliant turquoise colour in the sunshine and the lake is surrounded by splendid snow-capped mountains, the highest of them being the impressive Muztag Ata towering at 7546m above sea level. It is undoubtedly one of China's most impressive sights and certainly one of my favourite places in the world!
It's well worth spending a while at the lake since the ever changing light showcases the lake in a fantastic array of colours. The sunset and sunrise are also incredible. Numerous hikes are possible around the lake, and local Kyrgyz offer camel and horse rides.
It is easily accessible being by the roadside, and buses pass a few times a day heading towards Tashkurgan and further on to Pakistan. The road is smooth practically all the way to the lake and affords breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and ever-changing mountains, some red, some beige, some brown, some grey. The variety is astonishing! To get the best of this spectacular journey through the Pamir Mountains, I highly recommend getting a taxi to the lake, as it will then be possible for you to stop and take photos or simply admire the views. It has to be one of the most spectacular road journeys in the world!
Once at the lake, you can avoid the ridiculous entrance fee by getting off before the official entrance gate. That way you will also avoid the only ugly part of the lake where concrete yurts have been built for tourists. A much better option is to stay with local Kyrgyz people in their yurt. They are extremely friendly and the yurts although basic are guaranteed to keep you warm and cosy for the night. Locals are most likely to approach you as you arrive.
Make sure you bring warm clothes as the lake is at an altitude of 3800m and the weather is highly unpredictable.

The ice cream at this place is utterly delicious and a complete bargain at €2 for 2 scoops! The quality and price are definitely hard to beat!

The castle of Jehay is a fine example of Meuse Renaissance architecture and features a wonderful chequered facade, a striking mixture of white and grey stones, unique in Europe. It was built in the 16th century and is surrounded by a picturesque moat. The castle is linked to the very pleasant gardens by a pretty bridge. There is also a lovely church and many beautiful towers. Set in a very quiet spot surrounded by woodlands, it is a real pleasure to visit.

Fairy Spring is a truly beautiful spot and a great place to cool down, while making you way up the stream through the cooling water under the blazing sun. It was fantastic, especially after visiting the scorching hot sand dunes!
It is quite a surreal place with bright orange and sometimes white rock formations on the edge of the stream on one side and lovely green palms on the other.
You can visit this place as part of a tour from Mui Ne which includes the fish market, red canyon, red and white sand dunes. A brilliant half day trip!

The white sand dunes are utterly spectacular! Located on the edge of a blue lake filled with reeds and water lilies, the sight is extraordinary! The white dunes have the most wonderful and stunning shape which contrast beautifully against the deep blue of the lake, it is just so picturesque!
You can go for a walk among the dunes or for a more exhilarating experience try sand-sledding. The dunes don't stretch very far, but the scenery is breathtaking.
The white sand dunes are further away from Mui Ne than the red sand dunes, which for that reason see a lot more tourists despite being clearly less magnificent.
We did a half day trip from Mui Ne which took us to the fish market on the beach in the early morning, then to the red canyon, white sand dunes, red sand dunes and fairy spring. It was a brilliant trip!

This Cham tower is small but located in a superb location on top of a small hill amidst a cactus-strewn landscape. The views from the top are spectacular, there is nothing but beautiful fields and mountains and an amazing collection of cacti! It is all very atmospheric and surreal, particularly as bright green ricefields, which are such a contrast to the dry cacti landscape, are only a few hundred meters away. It is a really idyllic place and the tower although small is well preserved and retains some fine details. You won't see a soul here, except for the man with the key, who somehow appeared from nowhere to open the temple for us! Totally off the beaten track and totally worth it, a rare moment of serene solitude in Vietnam.
You can easily combine a trip here with a visit to the magnificent Po Klong Garai Cham Towers in half a day from Phan Rang with your own transport.

The Cham towers of Po Klong Garai are the best to be found in Vietnam. They are really beautiful, located on top of a hill, their red brick gleaming in the sunlight. They are very well-preserved and each tower looks unique with interesting roof shapes and details. Cham architecture is not as refined and detailed as Khmer architecture, yet Cham towers are an impressive sight and deserve to be seen. There are many found around the coast of southern Vietnam, but many of them are in a poor state. Despite this it's still worthwhile getting off the beaten track to see them, as they are often located in beautiful spots and enough remains to keep it interesting.
If you are only going to see one Cham tower site make it this one, it is truly wonderful and Phan Rang is a very pleasant city, where few tourists go. Quite a few tourists end up visiting Po Klong Garai as it is on the road from Nha Trang to Danang, yet you are unlikely to see many people here.
 If you decide to stay in Phan Rang, you can also visit the other impressive and charming Cham tower of Po Ro Me. With your own transport, it's an easy half day trip from Phan Rang to visit both sites.

This old wooden temple is utterly stunning! It is thought to be the oldest in Vientiane. This wat has several unique features, although it is in the early Bangkok style. These include the cloister walls which are riddled with small niches containing over 2000 silver and ceramic Buddha images and the 300 or so big elegant Lao style Buddha statues made out of different materials and absolutely stunning. There are also some beautiful, although crumbling, murals and the grounds planted with coconut, banana and mango trees are extremely pleasant and peaceful. This truly is a beautiful place and one of my favourite wats in Laos.

This Khmer temple is built on the lower slopes of Phu Pasak. Although it is quite small compared to other Khmer sites in Cambodia and Thailand, the location is brilliant and the fact that it is built on a slope means you get awesome views of the countryside all round as you make you way up to the top. This place is filled with atmosphere and the vegetation all around, with frangipani trees, is gorgeous.
Much of it still has to be restored, but there is enough here to look at. There is also a museum containing many artefacts found on the site.
It's a perfect place to unwind and take it easy. It's a good idea to walk all around the top part of the site as many interesting rocks are found, one representing an elephant, another a crocodile.
You can get here from Pakse which is located 46km away or from Champasak only 8km away.
We did a tour with Sabaaidi 2 Guesthouse in Pakse, which took us elephant riding in the morning and to Wat Phu in the afternoon.

This stunning deep blue crater-lake is fantastic! You can walk around it following an easy trail that goes through  jungle with beautiful trees and bamboo. You can also swim in the clear waters of the lake which is believed to have been formed 700000 years ago by a meteor strike and where the locals believe a mysterious creature is lurking. Luckily we didn't encounter any scary monster, but instead had a very pleasant and refreshing dip in one of Cambodia's most stunning and peaceful locations.
You can get here by moto from Ban Lung. It's worth asking your driver to wait for you as it is a long walk back to town and you are unlikely to find a moto otherwise.

Koh Ker, the rival capital to Angkor, was carved out of the jungle in the 10th century. It was left almost abandoned for a long time due to its remoteness and inaccessibility. This has now completely changed due to recent de-mining and the opening of a new toll road, which makes it easily accessible in a day trip from Siem Reap.
With your own transport it's easy to get around the site, but you won't be able to see all of it as a large portion of it is still inaccessible. Still there is plenty here to make it a thoroughly worthwhile trip, although don't expect to see as much detail left as in Angkor. Most of the big impressive statues are now in the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
This place has a really different feel to it and as a matter of fact the main temple of Prasat Thom looks more like a Mayan pyramid than an Angkorian temple. Unfortunately it is no longer possible to climb up to the top of it.
I found it a fascinating place to visit especially if you have seen all of the main Angkorian temples and are keen to see something slightly different.

Wuyi Shan is a very beautiful protected area in the north-west corner of Fujian province where you will see picturesque scenery with rivers, crags and forests. Although it is very popular with Chinese tourists, it is easy to leave them behind as the park is large and Chinese tourists never venture too far in.
The park is divided in 2 major scenic areas where you can walk for hours in solitude following some of the many paths. It is very easy to find your way around and it will take you about 2 or 3 days to see most of the park.
You can float down the river on bamboo rafts which is extremely pleasant despite the hordes of tourists. It is also well worth getting up early to climb up Tianyou Feng, even though it will again be full of Chinese tourists. You can bear them for an hour or so then spend the rest of the day in peace and quiet.
It gets incredibly hot and humid during the summer months.
You can travel between the different scenic areas by bus or taxi.

Foguang Temple is an impressive Buddhist temple dating from the Tang dynasty. There are some very unusual and beautiful statues inside the great wooden hall, which are very elegant but also comical with a spotty lion and beautiful Bodhisatvas. There is also a small pagoda and some beautiful murals.
This temple is hard to reach without your own transport as it is quite a distance from the main road. It is tucked away in a peaceful and pretty location. Hardly anyone comes here, so you will have to find the man with the key to open the halls, but he is never far away and will be delighted to help you.
This temple is a real gem that not many people know about. It is so rare to find such an old temple with extraordinary statues in such good condition.
Well worth the effort and easily combined with a visit to the nearby (20km away) Nanchan Temple, which has equally impressive statues and has the oldest wooden hall in China.

This Buddhist temple complex resembles a fortress from the outside with its high walls and gate. The temple is attractive enough from the outside but the real reason to come here is to see the incredible terracotta and wooden sculptures that are found inside the 5 separate halls. They are colourful and totally stunning especially since they have a background of swirling water or clouds which turn the halls into some kind of heavenly grottoes. There are more than 1600 in all and most of them are in good condition.
The halls are usually kept locked so you will need to find the man with the key, but it's easy enough.
The temple is found 7km south-west of Pingyao and is easily reached by motorcycle taxi.
It's well worth the effort to come here as temples such as this are few and far between in China.
It takes half a day to visit from Pingyao.

Vongburi House is a thoroughly charming private museum housed in a beautiful 2-storey teak house that belonged to the last prince of Phrae. It is evident once you step inside that it is the princess who spent a lot of time here, since the rooms are decorated in a most feminine fashion with pink walls and delicate teak furniture.
The building is as beautiful inside as out with elaborate carvings on the gables, eaves and balconies and also above the doors and windows.
It gives you a rare glimpse into the bygone teak-dynasty era.

This temple is a real jewel of Lanna architecture and without a doubt the most beautiful temple I have seen in Thailand!
It is a series of wooden buildings which are thought to be the oldest existing in Thailand. Highlights include the beautifully carved wooden halls, the huge 45m-high golden stupa, 19th century jataka murals and the lintel over the entrance featuring an impressive dragon relief.
It is truly unique as nowhere else in Thailand you will see such a splendid wooden temple!
To get here we caught a sawngthaew from Lampang.

This museum houses a fantastic collection of art from South East Asia. It is housed in a lovely traditional building which was once the palace of Rama I's viceroy. It is pleasant to walk around, and although the facilities are not modern it retains a definite charm.
I particularly liked the room which houses an impressive collection of Buddhas from all over South East Asia, because it highlighted the numerous different styles found around this region and made them easy to compare and identify.

The Five Rathas are a fine example of Pallava architecture and here, unlike at the Shore Temple, much detail remains. These rock-cut temples resemble chariots and there are some huge sculptures of a lion, elephant and Nandi. The elephant is particularly impressive and considered to be one of the most perfectly sculpted elephant in India.
I really love the rounded and smooth arcitectural style of the Pallavas, it is unlike any other style in India.

This small temple facing the Bay of Bengal has been badly eroded by the sea and as a result very little detail remains. Despite this it is a really beautiful sight and a delightful quiet spot by the sea, even though many tourists come to visit. We enjoyed a quiet time here after a long day visiting the many attractions in Mamallapuram, a perfect way to end the day. It is a great example of Pallava architecture.

Thiksey Gompa is without a doubt one of Ladakh's most impressive monastery. The location is superb, perched on a hill it is practically a town with many whitewashed huts where the monks live covering the hillside. The sight is simply superb and will no doubt make an impression on you!
Inside it is equally magnificent with beautiful colourful murals and statues, amongst which the 14m-high statue of the future Buddha is the most spectacular, with a striking golden face, turquoise robes and red headdress.
The views from the rooftops are absolutely magnificent with Stok Kangri looming high above the fertile plains of the Indus River on one side and completely barren desert on the other. This is what makes Ladakh such a unique and special place!
You can visit in the early morning to witness the puja (prayers), but it is impressive at any time of day, although to get the best shot, come in the morning when the sun will shine brightly on the hill. I came back many times and every time discovered new things as the gompa is quite large and full of different halls.

Erdene Zuu Khiid is a really magical place! It is one of the few Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia to have survived the Stalinist purges of the 1930's, which saw the destruction of 90% of Mongolia's monasteries.
Located near the town of Kharkhorin, it is a truly splendid set of temples enclosed by a huge rectangular wall with 108 stupas. Only 3 temples remain today, 2 of them are in the Chinese-style similar to Amarbayasgalant Khiid, and the third one is in the Tibetan-style. There are some really impressive and beautiful statues, murals, thangkas and tsam masks inside the temples.
It is a fabulous place infused with atmosphere.
I strongly recommend spending a long time here as it is a real joy to wander around the complex. Most tourists come in the morning and only spend an hour or two at the monastery. Once they have gone you will have the whole place practically to yourself!

Ban Gioc Waterfall is totally stunning! Half of it lies in China (Guizhou Province) and it's quite likely that you will be one of the few visitors on the Vietnamese side. A permit is required to visit it, but you can get it there for $5.
It is a very quiet and relaxing place and can be easily reached from Cao Bang as a day trip. The scenery along the way is quite simply spectacular and chances are you will come across a market in the morning where you can meet the local friendly hill tribes. It is a very rewarding trip.

Ha Giang Province is a surreal place blessed with incredible scenery that feels out of this world. There is truly nowhere else like it, but despite this very few tourists come here.
This is probably due to the fact that a permit is required to visit the far north of the province around Dong Van and Meo Vac, which offers the best the province has to offer. This is because it is a sensitive border area, but a permit is easily arranged in Ha Giang for around $20 (it was done in 30 minutes at a travel agency).
I can honnestly say that I was totaly blown away by the beauty of this region, from splendid turquoise rivers to eerie limestone pinnacles, to fascinating hilltribes to magical deep gorge.
The best way to come here is by bike or car, as the point of visiting is to stop and enjoy the views, which a bus won't allow.
The section of road between Dong Van and Meo Vac that snakes along a cliff face high above a seriously deep gorge was absolutely SPECTACULAR, even though the visilibility was very poor when we were there. It must be absolute heaven in clear weather!
Another great thing is the hilltribes. We saw some of the most amazing people in this province, especially the Dao with their exhuberant head dress! The market we visited was brilliant with many fascinating and friendly people all around.
We also saw an old beautiful home that was built by the French for the local Hmong King.
Ha Giang was definitely one of the highlights of our trip in Vietnam.

This house is a real gem of Art Nouveau architecture. There are some wonderful mosaics, leaded windows, furniture and murals which form a harmonious ensemble, finished in the minutest detail.
It is a real joy to visit.

The Royal Academy is a great place that puts on fabulous exhibitions. The exhibitions are first class and always quite varied.
Past exhibitions include: Byzantium (beautiful icons and various objects from the Byzantine Empire), Turks (unique items from the Turkic tribes and Ottoman Empire), Three Emperors (scrolls, gowns and various objects from the Chinese Qing Emperors), Chola bronzes (unique pieces from Southern India), Return of the Buddha ( Buddhas from the recent Qinzhou excavations), Hiroshige (wood block prints from the Japanese master), From Russia (many paintings, Russian as well as Western, from The Hermitage Museum's collection).
I have honestly never seen better exhibitions. I find them always fascinating and incredibly well displayed and put together. Also they seem to cover not always overly famous subjects and as such are a great way to find out more about little known art from all over the world.
There is currently an exhibition about the great Japanese artist Kuniyoshi. Although less famous than Hokusai and Hiroshige his wood block prints are equally magnificent and surprisingly original. A real joy!

This simple hotel would be nothing special if it wasn't for its fantastic, friendly and helpful owner. The rooms are basic, but clean. The owner is a real gem, happy to help with anything and always up for a chat.
Staying in Mananthavadi is a good option if you intend on visiting the nearby Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

This small but modern restaurant serves delicious Indian vegetarian food. The mushroom masala is so yummy and the service is great! The food is authentic and far superior to that served at Leopold Cafe, which is just round the corner. Surprisingly few tourists make it here, the customers were mostly Indian, clearly showing that the food served here is top quality!

This small shop is great if you love paper. It sells amazing cards, writing sets, notebooks, etc. printed with various traditional Indian designs which are utterly beautiful! The quality of the paper is fantastic and the range of colours is also astonishing, with the emphasis on bright colours, which are so typical of India.
Perfect to bring home as a gift or souvenirs.

This patisserie located in the heart of Colaba is named after the botanical name for the cocoa plant: Theobroma food for the gods. This place is truly heavenly, the brownies, croissants, pains au chocolat, chocolate mousse and chocolate cakes are indeed divine! As you can guess the emphasis here is on chocolate.
We were just gutted we only found this place on our last day in India, although in retrospect that must have been a godsent seeing the amount of chocolate we managed to scoff in one day!
A perfect place for breakfast or afternoon tea, this is the place to indulge in chocolate heaven!
A must for any chocolate lovers out there.

The Kiwi Cafe is a lovely place by the sea serving good Western food. The banana milkshake with cashew nuts is really heavenly!
It is run by the very friendly and helpful Barbara. She is happy to help you with anything, such as booking train or bus tickets or arrange a driver for the day.  She has a plethora of knowledge about the region which she is more than happy to share.
She used to run the Barbara's Backpackers next door, but it is now run by Vietnamese people, but she can still help you get a room.

This restaurant owned by Mr Cu is great. It serves very good food and the tours offered are of very good quality. We hired motorbikes with drivers who were great and drove carefully. The photo gallery displays the lovely photographs of owner Mr Cu. You can buy some prints if you like, they are very cheap and beautiful.
Mr Cu is a charming and helpful man.

This lovely hostel is charming and spotlessly clean. The rooms are very comfy and bright. The staff is very helpful and friendly and speaks good English. The location is great in a quiet small alley and only 5 minutes walk from the beach. It is also very reasonably priced. Great value for money.

This lovely shop sells beautiful tribal handicrafts and weavings, that have been bought at fair trade prices from many of Vietnam's hilltribes. They make perfect gifts or souvenirs and are reasonably priced. Also the money will help funding community initiatives for the artisans. There is no better way to spend your money and the items are of great quality and craftmanship.

This is a fantastic art gallery which beautifully displays the extraordinary photographs by John Mc Dermott . His style is unique as he uses infra red film, which gives the photos an almost surreal and magical glow. Every single one of his photographs is utterly stunning. No one has quite captured the temples of Angkor as he has! Great prints, cards, books and calendars are on sale, which are an excellent way to remember the magic and beauty of Angkor once you return home.

This restaurant serves really yummy Cambodian food and also you can watch an Apsara Dancing show for free if you order dinner. The show, although not of the highest quality, was very enjoyable. We had a great evening with excellent food and brilliant entertainment. A great choice since other places charge a fortune for a similar show.

This lovely shop sells high quality silk goods at very cheap prices. I simply love the scarfs which come in many colours and different kinds of silk. The quality is far superior to that of many other shops, and unbelievably the prices are also much lower!
So for great silk souvenirs or gifts, this is the place to go!

This art gallery sells high quality beautiful and original paintings, drawings, cards, t-shirts and lacquer boxes. They make wonderful gifts or souvenirs and are simply of the best quality. The works are truly outstanding!
They are inspired by Vietnam and Cambodia, so amongst other things you can find hilltribe portraits as well as the Angkor temples.
No other art gallery we saw had such wonderful works of art!

This restaurant is a true gem! Not only does it serve amazing Vietnamese food in a beautiful decor with friendly staff, but it is surprisingly very affordable. Everything about it is first class, but it won't empty your wallet. You can have a meal from 100000 Dong (roughly US$7). So treat yourself and have a taste of the high life for a bargain!
Make sure you make a reservation in advance as the restaurant fills up fast.
After dinner, why not enjoy a delicious ice-cream at Fanny's downstairs.
This will be a meal to remember, I certainly won't forget it!

This museum has an incredible and unusual collection of tribal artifacts from Oceania, Asia, Africa and the Americas, which is beautifully displayed in a fantastic modern building.
The collection includes many impressive masks, statues, textiles, paintings, jewelery and many other unusual objects.
I was truly amazed at the exhibits, as they were beautifully displayed and lit, creating a soothing atmosphere, which made the visit very enjoyable and relaxing. I was mesmerized by some of the artifacts, as I had never seen anything like it before, these included masks from various Pacific islands and from Greenland. I was also amazed at the beautiful Aboriginal paintings and Vietnamese hilltribes textiles.
A very unusual and extremely rewarding visit, which will take you to a totally different world. I highly recommend this museum, and the other good thing is that it sees far fewer visitors than the Louvre or Musee d'Orsay, despite being as good as both of them.

Don't eat at this Vietnamese restaurant!!! The food is utterly ghastly and isn't real Vietnamese. The pork caramel and fish caramel were disgusting!!! Even the rice wasn't fresh! Enough said, you've been warned, go there at your peril!

This museum has an impressive collection of Asian art, including sculptures, paintings and art objects from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, India, Indonesia, China, Japan, Korea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal and Tibet. This extensive, fascinating and varied collection contains the best these countries have to offer, and it is beautifully displayed in a very pleasant building. The highlight is the Khmer sculptures from the many Angkor era temples. but the other items are equally beautiful and interesting.
I was just astonished by the sheer quality and variety of the items and the way they were lit and displayed truly showed them at their best. It was a real joy to explore this museum, I found many items I had never seen before, such as the Buddhas from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the items I was more familiar with were simply of the best quality.
To sum it up, it is a truly sublime collection and a must for anyone interested in Asiatic art. Also it is far less busy than most museums in Paris.

This ice cream shop sells authentic Italian ice cream which is just as good as anywhere in Italy. It is simply delicious! A rare treat outside Italy.
For 3 euros you get a small cone with 2 and half scoops and they will make the scoops beautifully into a rose shape!

This pizzeria serves absolutely delicious authentic Napoli pizzas cooked in wood-fired ovens. All the ingredients are clearly fresh and bursting with flavour. I can still taste the fresh basil, tomatoes and buffalo mozarella.  The pizzas are huge and very cheap. After this mouth-watering experience, pizzas back home just don't do the trick anymore...
There is a great ice-cream shop right opposite, and the other famous Neapolitan pizzeria Da Michele is just around the corner.

This beautiful old-fashioned shop sells exquisite stationary, which includes beautiful cards and photo albums. Many are decorated with paper printed with some of Italy's beautiful sights. The quality is simply outstanding, therefore it is not cheap, but you don't come across such high quality goods very often. For a truly special gift or souvenir, this place is perfect.

This ice cream shop serves the best ice cream we tasted in Italy, and trust me we tried loads! The flavours are original and completely divine! A real must!

This lovely restaurant offers fantastic 7-course set menus of Hue Imperial Cuisine. Every single dish is exquisite and beautifully presented with peacocks carved out of vegetables and green bean cakes moulded to look like fruit and served on a branch. It is simply delightful and delicious and at US$10 a treat not to be missed.

The cakes and pastries in this comfy restaurant/cafe are to die for. We simply had to come here twice a day to make sure we tried as many of them as possible! I highly recommend the triple chocolate cake, creme brulee and pain au chocolat. Everything we tried send us straight to heaven. It's definitely the best in Vietnam and probably in the world!!!

The food at KOTO is utterly delicious! The decor is modern and the menu offers local specialities, western food, cakes, real coffees and fruit shakes.
The chicken and mushrooms cooked in claypot was utterly divine.
Another place to indulge in heavenly food and all for a good cause! Don't miss it, especially since it's located opposite the Temple of Literature.

The food at this beautiful restaurant is absolutely exquisite and very reasonably priced. The Vietnamese set menu is a complete bargain at 68000 Dong and every dish was utterly divine. This is Vietnamese cuisine at its very best and it's all for a good cause.
I can still taste the pork in caramel sauce, yum!
It's totally worth coming here even though it's a bit of a way from the Old Quarter. Trust me you won't leave disappointed!

Baguette & Chocolat offers excellent Vietnamese and Western food as well as heavenly cakes and pastries.
The hot chocolate is the best I've ever had and a must considering Sapa's more often than not chilly temperatures. The chocolate tartes as well as croissants and pain au chocolat are all wonderful. Everything we tried was simply delicious.
They also offer takeaway picnics which are great when you go trekking for the day. And there is also a small hotel.

There is also an other branch in Hanoi ( at the Museum of Ethnology) and various other outlets which are part of the Hoa Sua School: Croissant (boulangerie/cafe) at 21 Ha Hoi St in Hanoi; Cafe Smile (restaurant/cafe/boulangerie) at 5 Van Mieu St in Hanoi; Hoa Sua restaurant  at 28A Ha Hoi St in Hanoi.

Each purchase you make will directly contribute to fund the training of disadvantaged kids. So indulge in some great food and help others too!

Topas Travel is a wonderful ecotourist operator offering fantastic trekking, biking and village encounters. The great thing is that their trips can take you far from the villages where the majority of other operators take tourists. Therefore you will be able to have a real glimpse into the hilltribes' life and get a more accurate picture of their customs and habits. We stayed in a Red Dao village called Sin Chai, which was truly idyllic. The location, people and trek to get there were simply fantastic. We stayed in bamboo huts next to our hosts' home. These huts are owned by Topas Travel, no other company brings tourists here, which keeps the impact of tourism minimal. Here you will see the people stitching, doing various tasks or simply hanging around, instead of being mobbed by women wanting to sell you stuff, like it is the case in villages such as Ta Phin and Ta Van.
Topas Travel employs many of its guides from the minority groups in the region. It also operates the Topas Eco Lodge.
We found the staff at the office most helpful and informative and our guide was also great. Our trip was slightly more expensive than those offered by hotels in Sapa, but to be honest there wasn't much difference and we felt absolutely 100% satisfied with what we got.
For a real hilltribe experience Topas Travel is the way to go.

I think it is essential to visit Tuol Sleng to understand the extent of the Khmer Rouge madness. Without a doubt it is a truly disturbing place to visit, but at the same time it is important to be aware of the shocking horrors that happened here. I think it is particularly important to realize that such crimes have been comitted many times in the past and are still happening today. As such, what is of utmost importance is not to paint the Khmer Rouge as some inhuman devils, as if there weren't part of the human race, but rather to come to understand that people anywhere in the world are essentially the same, although obviously some may have more negative tendencies,  and that we are all capable of committing atrocities when put in certain circumstances. If we accept this we might have a chance to prevent such horrific things from happening again. After all many of the guards at Tuol Sleng were young people who somehow felt obliged to carry out these dreadful orders, sometimes as a mean to guarantee their own survival, sometimes because they were convinced that this was the right thing to do. Likewise young people committed terrible crimes during the cultural revolution in China, many thought they were doing the right thing. And again the same thing happened under Nazi Germany. What is most shocking in Tuol Sleng is how normal people were transformed into monsters.
The real positive thing about Tuol Sleng is that it shows that the Cambodiam people rightly understand the atrocities of the past, and horrific history has not been forgotten. What disturbs me about a country like China, is that Mao is still seen as a semi-god, despite the atrocities that he committed during his rule. When that is the case, I cannot see how future horrors can be prevented. Tibet is another sad example. Only when the Chinese governement will come clean about past and present atrocities will I feel more positive about the future of this mighty nation.
To sum it up here is a phrase by photojournalist Nic Dunlopp:
'The realisation that we all have this ability to do great good and also great evil is a sobering one. If we start from that point, then we might stand a chance of preventing these things from occuring again.'

Handspan Travel is an amazing company offering a very professional, high quality and friendly service.
Yes their tours are more expensive than other companies, but I sincerely doubt you will find the same high standards elsewhere.
We hired a 4x4 through them for 2 weeks going around Northern Vietnam. Admittedly it was very expensive, but it also was the highlight of our trip. Our driver was totally friendly, patient, efficient, punctual and helpful, even though he didn't speak much English. He was happy to do whatever we asked for and always did it with a smile. Our vehicle, a Ford Everest, was first class and brand new. We honestly couldn't have asked for anything better.
We also did a 2 day cruise in Bay Tu Long Bay (Halong Bay's equally amazing but non-touristy neighbour), and again everything about it was outstanding: our Lagoon Explorer Chinese sailing junk was totally luxurious, the 7 fresh seafood courses were heavenly, the guide was friendly and spoke good English, and the staff on board were great.

Sravanabelagola is a pilgrimage town in Karnataka where you can see the world's tallest monolithic statue, the 17.5m-high statue of the Jain deity Gomathesvara. Also known as Bahubali, he is the son of the great emperor Vrishabhadeva who became the first of the 24 Jain teachers.
The colossal naked statue is found at the top of Vindhyagiri Hill and reached via 614 steps finely chiseled into the granite of the mountain.
It was built in AD 981 during the reign of the Gangas, who ruled Karnataka between the 4th and 10th centuries, the zenith of Jainism's influence.
The statue stands in majestic splendour and has starkly simple features which give it a serene expression and it can be seen from miles around.
There are a couple of interesting Jain temples in the town and on the opposite Chandragiri Hill.
I really loved this place, the statue is simple but majestic and the place feels very spiritual. There are also countless beautiful views to have from the top of both hills.

The beautiful Keshava Temple is located in the small village of Somnathpur, 33km east of Mysore in Karnataka.
This small star-shaped temple is perfectly proportioned and a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture.
It was built in 1268 during the Golden Age of the Hoysala dynasty by the king's army commander named Somnath in order to glorify Hoysala craftsmanship.
The craftsmanship here is indeed impressive, the design is truly unique, perfect in symmetry and the stone carvings covering the entire temple are simply marvelous! There are also some amazingly beautiful statues inside the temple.
Although this temple is much smaller and less famous than the large Hoysala temples at Halebid and Belur, it is a true wonder and unlike them it is also remarkably complete and much closer to Mysore.
A true gem!

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northern Kerala on the border with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, cocooned in the hills of the Western Ghats. It is divided in 2 sections known as Tholpetty and Muthanga.
Despite being an obvious transit point between Kerala and Karnataka, few visitors visit this magnificent forest reserve where you are almost guaranteed to spot wild elephants.
We visited the Tholpetty section and were lucky to spot numerous wild elephants, sambar deers, spotted deers, Indian bisons, langur monkeys and fresh tiger pawprints.
We saw all this during our early morning 1h30' jeep tour, which was organised by the DTPC office and cost 500 rupees and included a helpful guide.
After visiting Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Kerala where we hardly spotted any animals, we were delighted to spot so many and so easily. I guess the fact that there are far fewer visitors here than in Periyar means you are much more likely to spot wildlife. Much of our encounters were pretty close up and the animals seemed at ease. Someone saw a tiger that morning, we only saw pawprints, but that was good enough for us!
The Tholpetty section is easily accessible from the nearby town of Mananthavadi, or you can stay at the Pachyderm Palace near the DTPC office. We stayed in Mananthavadi and took a taxi in the early morning, since there were no buses at that time. We took the bus back though, it stops right in front of the DTPC office.
If you are going to Mysore afterwards, it's a good idea to take a direct bus from Mananthavadi, eventhough the road is very bad and bumpy, but as you will drive through the sanctuaries, you might spot some wildlife on the way. We spotted a huge elephant bull in the middle of the road! We really couldn't believe our luck!

The Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur is one of the most splendid example of Chola architecture. It was built in 1010 by the Chola emperor Raja Raja.
It is one of the few monuments in South India with World Heritage listing ( it is part of 'The Great Living Chola Temples' UNESCO site, which also includes the temples of Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram, both of the latter are much less famous and seldom visited by tourists) and is therefore well-known and well-kept, unlike some of the other less famous monuments in South India.
Locally known as the 'Great Temple', it is a masterpiece of the Dravidian style of architecture and displays some truly exquisite carvings and frescoes. The temple is best seen in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun bathes the sandstone walls in a glowing orange colour.
The temple stands within a fort and is surrounded by pleasant well-tended grounds where it is easy to spend a while just gazing at the hundreds of magnificent stucco figures that adorn the walls. Some of these figures have some coulour left and are truly exquisite.

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple near Trichy is India's largest temple complex, enclosed by 7 concentric walls with 21 gopurams (gateway towers). The sheer size of it is impressive and it has a sort of village feel to it, with many shops and even a railway ticket office found inside the walls!
Located on the island of Srirangam on the banks of the Cauvery River about 7km from Trichy, this 13th century temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the most revered of all the Vishnu pilgrimage sites.
The gopurams are decorated with brightly coloured carvings. The gopuram found at the main entrance measures 73m and is the largest in India, it is an awesome sight! Many dynasties took part in the construction of this temple, including the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagars and Nayaks. As such it is a very interesting place to see all the different artistic styles belonging to each dynasty.
It is highly recommended to hire a guide here, as he will be able to tell you all about the fascinating history and show you what was built when. The 1000 pillar hall is particularly impressive. Make sure to hire an official guide from the kiosk inside the 4th wall. Our guide was great and also took us to the banks of the Cauvery River where we saw many Brahmins performing rituals and people bathing in the holy waters of the river. Be prepared to haggle hard for the guide fee, as they tend to ask too much (this is the case in many Hindu temples), 100-150 rupees for an hour is reasonable.
With a special ticket you will be able to climb up the wall for a fantastic panoramic view of the entire complex. This is the only way you will catch a glimpse of the marvellous gold-topped inner sanctum, as non-Hindus are not allowed in.
I found this temple utterly fascinating and totally beautiful, a truly unique experience.

The Dongyue Temple is one of the few Taoist temples in Beijing.
For once it has been beautifully restored, and a visit here will really be a different experience.
Indeed you will find a huge number of extraordinary, and sometimes even scary, life-sized colourfuly painted clay figures, which will most definitely make an impression on you. Many of them are half animal, half man, and have at times peaceful or menacing expressions, depending on what department they belong to.
These statues are truly unique and look strangely real.
A truly fun and fascinating place to visit.

The Eastern Qing Tombs are located 125km east of Beijing, at the foot of the Changrui Mountain.
It is among the finest, largest and best-preserved tomb complexes in China.
Five emperors, 14 empresses and 136 imperial consorts are buried here, including the famous emperor Qianlong and empress Dowager Cixi.
The tombs are beautiful and a spirit way with statues of animals and guardians leads to them. They offer a lot more to see than the Ming Tombs near Beijing, but yet see far fewer visitors, which is part of the appeal. Also, they haven't been badly restored and retain a true historical feel. Some of them are simply exquisite and the location is fantastic.
It's a bit tricky to get here by public transport, but every Saturday a bus departs at 7am from Xuanwumen in Beijing. Once you get to the tombs, you will be allowed to explore freely for a few hours. It is best to hire a vehicle to take you around as the area is rather large.

Lingyan Temple is located 30km from Tai'an in Shandong Province, at the northern foot of Tai Shan.
It has a lot to offer, including 40 fine clay statues of arhats, all with distinct features and incredibly well preserved; a beautiful nine storey octagonal pagoda; a peaceful and pleasant forest of 200 stupas ; and finally great hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Yes indeed this temple has it all, magnificent location and an old original feel to it, which is so rare these days in China, as most temples have been poorly restored.
Hardly any tourists make it here, you are more likely to see locals coming to worship.
It is easy to spend a whole day here, just soaking in the atmosphere and following some of the many paths in the mountains.
Otherwise, it's an easy stop on the way to Jinan or Tai'an, and the temple is easily reached from both cities.
The bus will drop you off along the main road, from where you can catch a taxi for another 15 minutes up to the temple.

This is a great reserve which encompasses a 50km stretch of coastline, weathered limestone cliffs and spectacular sand dunes.
A wealth of birdlife can be seen  in a 14km wetland.
You can also see whales, Cape mountain zebras, bonteboks, elands, grey rheboks, ostriches, baboons and Cape vultures. Comfortable campsites are available.
There are various hikes, a mountain-bike trail and good snorkelling along the coast.
A great place where it is easy to spot wildlife, but watch out for the baboons, they stole our breakfast!

Carnarvon National Park is a ruggedly beautiful park which is divided in several sections.
The most accessible one is the stunning Carnarvon Gorge, a 32km canyon carved by the waters of Carnarvon Creek.
It consists of towering white cliffs, moss gardens, caves full of Aboriginal art, deep pools, lush eucalyptus forests...
The vegetation and wildlife is simply unique and astonishing, and the Aboriginal art sites feature stencils and hand paintings sheltered inside huge caves.
The main walking track is very easy to follow and takes you through the gorge, with detours to various points of interests, including Moss Garden, a lovely cool and shaded area perfect for getting away from the hot sun; Ward's Canyon, full of magical giant ferns; Art Gallery and Cathedral Cave, both decorated with Aboriginal art. Start walking early, as it does get incredibly hot and make sure you carry enough food and water.
You can walk the 20km to the end of the track and back in a day.
The next day, you can watch the spectacular sunrise from Boolimba Bluff, and then wander through the lovely Mickey Creek in the afternoon.
Comfortable cabin accomodation is available at the Takarakka Bush Resort, or you can also camp provided you have a permit and booked in advance.
This national park is not very busy, being a fair distance off the coast, but it is one of my favourite places in Australia.
You might be lucky to spot a platypus in the creek, and you will definitely meet many friendly kangaroos!

This restaurant in Wardour Street serves amazing Japanese food at affordable prices.
The chicken katsu curry is to die for and the bento boxes outstanding.
The restaurant has a lively modern decor, with canteen style tables and benches.

Masala Zone is a brilliant restaurant serving authentic Indian food at affordable prices.
It is not anything like your dodgy local curry house, as it serves genuine delicious Indian food.
The butter chicken is awesome, but even small things like rice and nan bread stand out.
There are a few restaurants in central London: Covent Garden, Soho, Islington, Earl's Court and Camden Town. My favourite one is in Soho, Marshall street. The decor is very pleasant and service friendly and efficient.

This small and friendly restaurant serves amazing Western and Chinese food.
Every dish I tried was delicious, and I did try quite a few during my stay in Jinghong. I also strongly recommend the fresh coffee, and I'm not even a coffee person.
Mei Mei, the owner, is always happy to help and give out information on the region. She can find a guide for you and you can hire a bicycle for 20 yuan a day.

Hongcun is a wonderful village, not far from Yixian in Anhui Province.
Here you will find many merchant homes with open courtyards and exquisite wood carvings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
It is delightful to wander through the charming narrow lanes and the exterior view of the buildings rising up beside a large pond is stunning.
You need a permit to get here, which you can easily arrange in Tunxi at most hotels.
It's a brilliant day trip from Tunxi, which is best done as part of a tour visiting both Hongcun and Xidi villages.

The Norbulingka Institute is a wonderful place which was established in 1988 in order to teach and preserve traditional Tibetan art forms, including woodcarving, statue-making, thangka painting and embroidery.
There is a brilliant shop where you can buy expensive but exquisite souvenirs, and all sales benefit refugee artists. This is truly the best place to spend your money, and you won't find such good quality souvenirs elsewhere.
There is also a Buddhist temple, Japanese Garden, delightful Doll Museum and a comfy Guest House.
 It is really worth making the 6km journey to get here from Dharamsala.
You can watch people painting thangkas and making appliques, the workmanship is simply astonishing.

This small and simple restaurant serves good vegetarian pizzas and pastas, but the best thing is the heavenly chocolate brownies. They are honestly the best I've ever had and totally warrant a visit here.
Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

This Brihadishwara Temple is found 35km north of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.
It was built by the Chola emperor Rajendra I (son of Raja Raja) in the 11th century and is in the style of the temple at Thanjavur, although it sees far fewer visitors, being somewhat out of the way.
It is best reached from Kumbakonam and well worth the effort as some of the statues are truly exquisite and it is surrounded by a pretty landscaped garden.

Khogno Khan Uul is a 1967m peak found in Khogno Khan Natural Reserve, in Bulgan Province, Central Mongolia. Ruins of monasteries are found around the mountain, as well as a new monastery which opened in 1992.
The area is perfect for camping and hiking. The 45 minute hike to the ruins of the old monastery is well worth the effort.
You can also climb up some of the many bright green lichen covered mountains which look like plasticine, to admire the magnificent scenery from above in total serenity.
A visit to the nearby sand dunes known as Mongol Els is also rewarding.

Tovkhon Khiid is a recently rebuilt monastery located in Ovorkhangai Province in Central Mongolia.
It is rarely visited by foreigners, but locals come here as several pilgrimage sites are found around the temple.
The temple is nice, even if it's new, but the main reason to come here are the magnificent views you get, as the temple is perched high at the top of a mountain. You can see mountains and huge forests stretching for miles which are part of the Khangain Nuruu National Park, simply magical. It's quite hard to get to as the road up to the monastery is extremely steep in part. You need a 4WD and might have to walk some of the way.

The food at this restaurant is superb.
It serves a European-style menu with delicious chicken kebabs, steaks and lamb, and a good selection of soups and salads.
I strongly recommend the lamb with mash potato, simply divine, and the vanilla milkshake.
We went there many times during our stay in UB, and each time everyone was delighted with their meal.
The decor is pleasant and there are some really comfy sofas, but best of all are the views of the Choijin Lama right opposite.
The service is also friendly and efficient.

Beijing Opera is an experience that should not be missed. The costumes, acrobatics and singing are amazing and a joy to watch.
Even if you are not keen on the singing and music, I'm sure the acrobatics, splendid costumes and humour will keep you entertained.
The best place to see this traditional art form is at the Zhengyici Theatre, near Hepingmen Metro station, or at the Huguang Guild Hall nearby. Both these venues are old ornately decorated wooden buildings with magnificent interiors.
Another good place to see the opera is at the splendid Prince Gong's Residence, but performances are not as regular, so check before going.
Book ahead if you can, as the best seats go quickly.

This is THE place to experience the best Beijing duck.
The duck is simply delicious and cut in front of you.
I also recommend the jasmine tea.
A whole duck should be enough to feed 2 people.
You might have to wait a bit, as this place is extremely popular, so it might be a good idea to book in advance if you are in a rush.
You cannot come to Beijing and not visit this place, a real must!

Tu Ka Su offers cosy cottages set in a beautiful exotic garden. The cottages are clean, spacious and very comfortable. There is also a pleasant lawn for camping. They also run excellent local trekking and rafting trips, which have the best equipment and trip designs and are run very professionally. I recommend the great English-speaking guide called Tom. Our 4-day trip with him was wonderful!

Um Phang is a Karen village set in a fantastic region of extraordinary natural beauty, found in Thailand's North West near the Burmese border. 
The village is a great base for trekking and rafting trips in the surrounding area.
I recommend doing a trip with Tu Ka Su Cottage, as they have the best equipment and trip designs.
Our 4-day trip included rafting on the beautiful river, hiking to the amazing waterfalls (including Thailand's largest), trekking to a traditional Karen village and elephant-riding.
Our guide Tom was brilliant, helpful and happy to take us to less visited places (although there are really not that many tourists in Um Phang), the food was delicious and the camping equipment was good and clean.
It really was a fantastic varied experience!

This guest house is a real gem! Beautiful rooms are found in a superb traditional teak building near the river.
The rooms are tastefully furnished, with wooden floors and lovely attached bathrooms. There is a pleasant outdoors area and the guest house offers breakfast, motorcycle rental, laundry service and sightseeing tours.
It's a real pleasure to stay here and the Belgian owner is very friendly and helpful.
Book ahead as it fills up really quick!

This Shiva Temple is located in the small village of Todikulam, approximately 40km from Kannur in northern Kerala.
The temple's outside walls are completely covered with extraordinary colourful murals, which are incredibly well preserved.
This temple is not mentioned in any guidebook, we found it after seeing photos of it in a book.
It is a must-see, the murals are truly spectacular, and very few such temples remain in Kerala due to the humidity which wreaks havoc on the murals.
You will have to get your own transport to get here.

Wat Nong Bua, situated in the Thai Lu village of Nong Bua, 30km north of Nan, is a seldom visited striking temple with exquisite murals.
The murals here are as impressive as the ones found in Nan's Wat Phumin, although in a slightly different style and not as well-known.
Behind the temple is a traditional Thai Lu wooden house, which the locals will be happy to show you and tell you about their way of life.
You can also purchase some beautiful fabrics woven by the local women.
The drive from Nan goes through a beautiful area of mountains and ricefields.

Phetchaburi is dotted with an unusually large number of old temples, and Wat Ko Kaew Sutharam is the most impressive.
The 18th century murals found here are among the best conceived in Thailand. They are incredibly well preserved and full of great details and colours, a truly fantastic sight. There is also an lovely Buddha statue.
Not many people come to Phetchaburi, despite the amazing temples, caves, and the royal palace located on top of a hill which affords splendid views of the coast.
For a taste of traditional Thailand, this is the place to go, and it's only a 2 and half hour journey from Bangkok!

Little visited Thekchhok Gompa dominates the small village of Chemrey, found in Ladakh.
It was built in the 17th century and contains beautiful murals and statues. It belongs to the Drugpa order (Red Hat) and is perched on top of a conical hill, somewhat ressembling a medieval fortress.
Because of its remote location, tucked up in a side valley that runs from Karu to Pangong Lake, it sees very few visitors.
It has to be one of my favorite gompas (Tibetan monastery) in Ladakh, the location is striking and the views from the gompa's roofs are equally magnificent.
Definitely worth the small detour and easily visited from Leh, situated about 40km away, with your own transport.

The Confucian Forest is found in the suburbs of Qufu, 3km north of the town centre.
It is the burial ground of the Kongs, Confucius' family,  and many tombs are scattered around this beautiful atmospheric forest, sometimes half concealed in the thick undergrowth. It is great fun walking around this pine and cypress forest in search of tombs and statues of men and animals, and you are unlikely to see anyone else, as most tourists only visit the tomb of Confucius and do not venture deeper into the forest.
It's therefore a fantastic place to spend a quiet afternoon, away from the hordes of tourists found elsewhere in Qufu.

The dramatic Xumi Shan Bhuddist Grottoes are found about 50km northwest of Guyuan in Ningxia Province, in a magnificent and secluded landscape of rusty red sandstone cliffs and tree-covered slopes.
Many caves have been carved out from the cliff faces and there are some truly impressive statues remaining, including the beautiful 20m-high statue of Maitreya Buddha.
It is simply a joy to wander around this awesome landscape in search of caves.
You are not likely to see many people as the caves are set in one of the most remote corner of rural China.

These Buddhist caves, located 17km from Luomen in Eastern Gansu, are one of China's many hidden gems.
The main sight is the extraordinary Lashao Si, an overhanging cliff sheltering a 31m-high figure of Sakyamuni seated cross-legged upon a throne of lotus petals, lions, deer and elephants, and with a Boddhisattva on each side. Red, green and white colours can still be seen, and the Buddha and 2 Boddhisattvas have unique features. It is truly a remarkable sight, the sheer size of it, colours and grace are simply mesmerising!
There are also some faded murals and some temples lying hidden in the cliffs, but best of all is the extraordinary and magical scenery all around, with sandstone domes rising high above lush canyon walls.
A visit here is easily combined with a visit to nearby Gangu, where you can see a magnificent huge Buddha with bright blue hair and moustache, and both sights make for an ideal day trip from Tianshui.

Yihun Lhatso is a stunning holy alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks, situated 13 km southwest of Maningango, in Western Sichuan.
The pale turquoise coloured lake with huge stones carved with Tibetan mantras emerging from its beautiful waters, is a peaceful and idyllic place to spend an afternoon.
Hiking opportunities around the lake are numerous. For great views of the lake and glaciers, climb up the left side of the lakeshore for an hour or so. Sit and admire the wonderful views in complete silence. Yes peace can be found in China!
This area, like most of Western Sichuan, is a Tibetan region that used to belong to Tibet.

Kanas Lake, located in the far north of Xinjiang Province in a region known as the Altai, is a magnificent turquoise lake surrounded by pristine alpine wilderness.
I went there on a 4-day tour from Urumqi. The trip to the lake was long and on a very bumpy road, but the vistas, ranging from desert to grasslands to alpine, were totally breathtaking. We overnighted in Buerjin before reaching the lake the next morning.
The Altai Region is wild and pristine, reminiscent of nearby Western Mongolia. Nomadic Kazakhs live in this part of China. There are many splendid viewpoints before you reach the lake proper.
Acomodation is in basic and crammed log cabins.
I recommend doing the longer boat trip on the lake, the scenery is simply magical. You can also climb up, or take the bus to the lookout point at Guanyu Pavillion. The views of the sea of clouds in the early morning are mesmerising and the lake will be revealed in all its glory once the clouds have disappeared.
The tour was very good value, but obviously didn't allow much freedom. If you prefer you can hire a vehicle from Buerjin, which will give you more flexibility.

The Casual Cassowary Tea House is a tea house serving magnificent Devonshire teas.
There are 32 fine quality teas to choose from, which include black, green, herbal and fruit infusions, decaffeinated and special blends.
The views of Hinchinbrook Island from the cosy verandah are simply stunning.
You can drop in for a cuppa or stay over in one of the self-contained, air-conditioned cottages.
There is truly no better place to break up a long journey, the tea and scones were so delicious and the staff extremely friendly. A real treat!

Backpackers by the Bay is riddled with bedbugs be warned!
I stayed there for a night a couple of years ago and was totally covered in bites the next morning. I went to the doctor and he said that I had a bad allergic reaction to bedbugs, which most people do not get, that's why they are not aware of the bedbugs presence.
Wooden furniture is where the bugs actually live and should be avoided at all cost!
The staff at Backpackers by the Bay were not helpful when I told them about it and just ignored the problem.
It's because of places like that that the bugs spread all over!

Dzomsa is an environmental organisation that provides refills of purified, pressure-boiled water for just 7 rupees per litre, and an environmentally friendly laundry service for only 60 rupees per kg.
You can also buy some delicious fresh seabuck thorn juice, dried organic apricots and cereal bars ideal for trekking. There are currently 3 shops in Leh: one in Fort Road, one in the Main Bazar and one in Changspa.
Refill your water bottle instead of buying a new plastic one each time and help protect Ladakh's rapidly declining environment.
So make a difference, it's so easy to do and you will save money and feel good about yourself!
What more could you want?!

The World Heritage listed Monastery of Osios Loukas was built in 1011 by the Emperor Romanos and is dedicated to Holy Luke, a local hermit.
The main church contains some of Greece's finest Byzantine frescoes as well as glorious mosaics and fine icons.
The monastery is located 8km of the village of Distomo in Central Greece, and approximately 40 km from Delphi.
The setting on the slopes of Mount Elikonas is idyllic.
 If you're only going to see one Byzantine church, make it this one!

Changbai Shan, China's largest nature reserve, is an area of outstanding natural beauty located in Jilin Province on the North Korean border.
The highlight is Heaven Lake, a spectacular volcanic crater lake which lies at 2194m above sea level and is surrounded by high mountains.
There is also a 68m high beautiful waterfall, a small picturesque lake and many acres of unspoilt forests where Manchurian tigers roam ( although you are very unlikely to see one).
Hiking opportunities abound.
Be aware that one third of the crater lake lies in North Korea, so be vigilant while trekking, don't go too far!

The Great Lakes Depression is an area of outstanding beauty in Western Mongolia.
This huge wetland area is a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve and many migratory birds can be seen in the many lakes found here.
Uuvs Nuur, Mongolia's largest lake, offers great bird-watching opportunities in summer. Uureg Nuur, is simply stunning, surrounded by 3000m + peaks and luckily it is one of the few bug-free lakes in the region. Achit Nuur is also great, despite the numerous mozzies, especially in summer, when it makes camping unbearable.
Birdlife is prolific around all the lakes during the summer months.
There are some great camping spots and driving around is magical, as the scenery is ever-changing, green steppe one minute, snowy peaks, barren deserts and reddish mountains the next, and always many eagles flying overhead.

The Shiva Temple in Ettumanur is noted for its exceptional murals and woodcarvings.
The murals date from the 16th century and are similar to those at the Mattancherry Palace in Kochi.
The inner sanctum is an unusually circular building  covered with a conical copper plated roof and decorated with splendid woodcarvings portraying legends from the Ramayana.
The murals here are the most impressive I have seen in India, the details and colours are just outstanding!
It is not possible for non-Hindus to enter the inner sanctum. Photography is allowed with a special ticket only.
An annual festival is held here in February/March.

The White desert is a surreal area 45 km north of Farafra in the Western Desert.
The area is full of bizarre white formations shaped by wind erosion, which reminded me of the Arctic as the sand looked like snow!
These wonderful sculptures sometimes look like giant mushrooms, ostriches, camels, hawks and other weird shapes.
Camping here is a wonderful experience, as you will be able to witness the spectacular sunset and sunrise which turn the white shapes into pink, orange and red, a most incredible sight!
Tents are unnecessary, as you will most likely enjoy staring at the amazing starry sky, but make sure you bring a warm sleeping bag if you come in the winter, as the nights get incredibly chilly.

Kawah Ijen is an active volcano in East Java.
It boasts a magnificent turquoise acid lake which lies at 2148m above sea level and is surrounded by the volcano's sheer crater walls.
As the vent is a source of sulphur, miners make the trek up and down the crater every day to collect it.
The lake is the largest, deepest and most acid in the world. It is one of the most spectacular and surreal place I have ever visited.
It takes about 1 hour to reach the top of the crater from the PHPA post at Pos Paltuding. The path is 3 km long and fairly steep, you might be lucky to spot gibbons along the way. Then it takes about 20 minutes to reach the lake at the bottom of the crater. Be careful as the track is slippery in places.
Nature at its very best!

Around Yongding, in southwest Fujian, are found unusual earth buildings known as Tulou.
These early circular structures were built by the Hakka people of northwest China during the Jin dynasty (AD 265-314) to protect themselves from bandits and wild animals.
These fascinating structures indeed resemble fortresses and were large enough to house entire clans. Many of them are still in use today, and the communal buildings hold bedrooms, wells, cooking areas, storehouses, all circling a central courtyard in the middle of which is found a temple. These amazing buildings are found in a gorgeous area dominated by mountains and ricefields, far from the busy coast of southern Fujian Province.
Once you arrive in Yongding, you will most likely be approached by a driver who will be happy to take you around all the tulou for around 200 yuan per day.
You could easily spend a couple of days here, as the tulou are truly unique and fascinating, and not one looks alike.
You are not likely to see any other tourists as this place is seriously off the beaten track.

Tham Lot Kong Lo, in Khammuan Province,  is a 4 km long  cavernous tunnel of limestone through which flows the beautiful turquoise waters of the Nam Hin Bun. The tunnel is incredibly wide in places, up to 100m wide and almost as high. The scenery is as stunning inside the tunnel, where at times it feels like being inside a Gothic cathedral, as outside, where the river makes its way through spectacular karst scenery. It is possible to hire a motorised boat to take you through the tunnel and back, which takes about 2 hours. Make sure you bring a torch and rubber sandals as you may have to get off the boat where the water is too shallow and the gravel is sharp. The best way to get here is by hired vehicle from Tha Khaek. You will have to stay overnight near the cave, the best place to stay is at Sala Hin Boun, where beautiful and comfortable Lao-style wooden bungalows are available for around US$20. The scenery all around is stunning and the region sees very few visitors, making it a worthwhile off the beaten track destination.

Pirom and Aree's house is the best place to stay in Surin. Pleasant basic rooms are available in a traditional wooden villa run by Pirom who is a mine of information on the region and his wife Aree who cooks wonderful food.
A wide range of tours are available, led by the super friendly and knowledgeable Pirom.
The tour to the elephant village, silk village and Khmer temple Prasat Sikhoraphum is excellent and will teach you a lot about the traditions and people of Isan, who are the poorest but friendliest in Thailand.
Tours to the many Khmer temples of the region are also highly recommended. Pirom will take you to the Khmer temple Khao Phra Wihan, actually located in Cambodia. He can also take you to the Khmer ruins of Prasat Ta Meuan, wonderfully hidden in the jungle on the Cambodian border, Prasat Meuang Tam and Prasat Phanom Rung, all wonderful examples of Khmer architecture and off the beaten track.
The best thing is that you will not only learn a lot about Isan and its people, but also you will be able to sample all the local cuisine, beautifully cooked by Aree, which makes for a wonderful pic-nic every time in a superb location!

Prasat Meuang Tam is a beautifully restored Khmer Temple, located near Buriram in Northeast Thailand.
It dates back to the late 10th century and is extremely atmospheric. It is surrounded by walls, within which are four very beautiful lotus-filled ponds and has exquisitely carved gopuras.
It is a fairly small temple compared to others, but has to be the most picturesque of all the Khmer monuments in Thailand.
A visit here is easily combined with a visit to the impressive Khmer temple Phanom Rung.

Ibrahim Rouza is a mausoleum which was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II for his queen, Taj Sultana in 1626. As a matter of fact both of them are buried here as he died before her.
It has a mosque and four graceful 24m-high minarets within a rectangular enclosure.
This has to be one of India's most impressive Islamic monument, being finely proportioned, elegant and displaying amazing sculptural details.
It is also a haven of peace, and I highly recommend spending a few hours here in the late afternoon, after what I'm sure must have been a tiring day in hectic, dusty but incredibly fascinating Bijapur. The garden around the mausoleum is just delightful.

Ladakh, a rugged Buddhist region known as Little Tibet, is found in the far North of India squeezed between the Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges.
Isolated from the world by sheer force of geography, it has retained its medieval traditions and escaped outside influences, although modernity is recently creeping in, threatening this beautiful undisturbed land.
Ladakh literally means Land of High Passes, making perfect sense as it is here that you will find the world's highest mountain passes, as well as magnificent snowcapped peaks, glaciers, roaring rivers, charming traditional villages, happy and friendly locals, many beautifully kept and preserved monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in sublime locations, endless totally breathtaking views and if you are very lucky snow leopards!
Yes this sounds idyllic and it truly is, Ladakh is unique in every sense, the magical rugged beauty of the place will leave you totally content and at peace.

Yandang Shan is a group of mountains dotted with Buddhist temples , sheer cliffs, waterfalls and caves. It is located in Zhejiang Province in Eastern China, 80km North East of Wenzhou city.
The place is divided in 3 scenic areas which are easily accessible from the village where acomodation is easy to find.
The Big Dragon Pool area features an impressive waterfall.
The Divine Cliffs area features a suspension bridge and walkways clinging to the cliffs where Buddhist temples are found.
The Divine Peaks area features many magnificent Buddhist temples and bizarre peaks, it is best visited in the early morning, when the sun shines magnificently on the temple hugging the cliffside.
It is remarkably easy to wander around, you might need to get on a bus or hitch a ride to get to the Big Dragon Pool area which is the furthest away.
2 days is ideal to spend here. What I loved about this place, apart from the obvious magnificent natural beauty and gorgeous temples, is that it sees a lot less tourists than many mountain areas in China, simply because it is not very well known, although it easily accessible from Wenzhou, Shaoxing, Hangzhou or Ningbo.

Prasat Preah Vihear is a Khmer Temple located at the top of the Dangkrek Mountains on the border with Thailand in northen Cambodia.
It has recently been accepted as a World Heritage site. The sublime location which affords magnificent views over the Cambodian plains and the fact that it is a very well preserved Angkor-period monument make it a not to be missed destination.
However, the temple is quite hard to get to from Cambodia, which is actually part of the fun and adventure! You can hire a car from Siem Reap and drive there via Anlong Veng. If you leave Siem Reap early in the morning, you can reach the temple in the afternoon and be back in Anlong Veng to spend the night. You must hire a different vehicle to drive up to the temple itself as the 'road' is awful. Do not stray off the main paths and roads as the area is still full of landmines. Be aware that the roads are shocking practically all the way, which is why very few people make the trip from Cambodia, however it's a brilliant experience.
If you fancy something much easier though, you can also access the temple from Thailand. A beautiful paved road leads from Si Saket to the temple known as Prasat Khao Phra Wihan in Thai. You don't need a Cambodian visa, you just pay a small fee.
The advantage of going there from the Cambodian side is that all the Thai tourists will leave the temple around 4-5pm and you will then have the whole place to yourself. Some people have stayed the night up there with the locals.
Whichever way you choose to go, I can guarantee that it won't leave you disappointed.
There has been tension between the Thai and Cambodian governments as both claim the temple as their own. It has recently (oct 2008) been very bad, so make sure you check what the situation is before going.

The Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is located in the far West of Mongolia, Bayan -Olgii Province, on the border with China and Russia.
It is stunningly beautiful with breathtaking blue lakes, 4000m + snowcapped peaks, glacier and archaeological sites.
It is best reached from Olgii, where you need to arrange a permit before setting off. It takes a whole day of driving on a very rough track to reach it, which probably explains why so few people make it there, it is indeed totally off the beaten track.
Of particular interest are the 19 km long Potanii Glacier which can only be reached on foot or horseback; Khoton Nuur, Khurgan Nuur and Dayan Nuur, 3 magical lakes; balbals, Turkic stone statues; petroglyphs; Mongolia's highest peak Tavan Bogd Uul(4374m) which you can climb but only with an experienced group as it is fairly dangerous.
As the region is remote it is essential that you hire a knowledgeable local driver who speaks Kazakh, as this is the language spoken in the region. Camping is the best and only way to do it, although you might be able to stay in some locals' gers, but don't count on it. Horse-riding is highly recommended, as it will allow you to see the best the park has to offer, hiking is also great. It is possible for your jeep to come and meet you at each camp in the evening, so you don't have to carry all your gear.
June is a great time of year to visit, as there will still be plenty of ice on the glacier and the mountains will be covered in snow, although if you want to climb Tavan Bogd Uul, August might be better.
Be aware that it gets cold there even in summer, the wind is bitterly cold and the weather can very suddenly change, so always stick together when hiking.

This place has to serve the best dosas in India. The restaurant itself is very basic and not much to look at, but the food is superb! Waiters are very friendly and keen to refill our dishes for free, just glad to see we enjoy the food. Worth staying an extra few days in Munnar to enjoy the food here for a while. Don't be put off by the basic look of the place, give your tastebuds the chance to savour real South Indian food for less than £1!