Inspire Me

A welcome addition to Asia’s growing inventory of tented resorts, the 4 Rivers Floating Eco-Lodge adds a watery dimension to the trend. Set on stilts above the Tatai River in southwestern Cambodia, the 12-villa ‘floating camp’ offers all the luxuries of a five-star hotel, from Wi-Fi Internet access to gourmet cuisine and plush beds. But you won’t want to stay cocooned under your canvas for long. Nestled in the foothills of the picturesque Cardamom Mountains, the lodge can arrange kayaking tours through mangroves and treks into remote forest inhabited by rare Indochinese tigers and pileated gibbons, not to mention more than half of the country’s bird species.

One of ‘the largest events in history’, the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai is expected to attract over 70 million visitors, while 190 countries and 50 international organisations are expected to participate. The event will cover a huge area on the banks of the Huangpu River. The blue mascot, called Haibao, represents ‘the treasures of the seas’, and a combination of tradition and modernity.

Guizhou translates as ‘the precious land’, a somewhat ironic name for a province that has ranked as one of the poorest in China for most of the 20th century. Brimming with dramatic landscapes and rich in minority culture, it’s definitely a province worth checking out. Orient-Go is running a seven day adventure in and around Guizhou. Along the way you’ll get your fill of fresh air, experience the Chinese countryside and enjoy the exhilaration of biking and hiking. 

Explore these amazing pieces of ‘tulou’ architecture of the Hakka people, which resemble fortresses rather than houses. You’ll even stay overnight in one. Hike the surrounding countryside and relax in peaceful villages. Then head into the delightful colonial architecture on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen.

Kyoto was the seat of the royal family for about 1000 years. And it is without doubt the most enchanting destination in Japan and easily warrants a week to truly experience its thousands of quiet temples and shrines, intimate gardens, narrow backstreets lined with rustic wooden homes and shops, the regional culinary specialties, and craft shops that have been in families for generations. This tour gives a thorough introduction to the ancient capital.

In the past three years Bhutan has gone from totalitarian seclusion to democratic standard-bearer for world happiness. And with three top-notch hotels opening in as many years, happiness here is not hard to find.

Recommended hotels: The Taj Tashi Hotel in the capital city Thimphu; Amankora which have a number of luxury properties in the kingdom and COMO Hotel’s Uma Paro.