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South-East Asia

Destination guide

Singapore

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The omicron variant has been found in Singapore, which has been opening its borders to select countries since October.
Datai Bay is celebrated as one of the world’s top 10 beaches by National Geographic.

Tourists have ruined many of Asia’s best islands, but not this one

It is not so easy to find an island where the culture hasn’t been compromised to chase the tourist dollar.

  • Lee Tulloch
Rung Rueang Pork Noodles.

Forget the hotel buffet, for breakfast you can’t go past this $3 dish

There’s normally no reason to be on Bangkok’s streets before 8am, but the best way to start your day in this city is a visit to this noodle shop.

  • Ben Groundwater
Chocolate and teal seats: 1980s vibe.

Alternative route to Japan offers great food and service – plus it’s cheaper

The economy seats might give off ’80s vibes, but the food, service and extraordinary baggage allowance make up for it.

  • Belinda Jackson
The Fullerton deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the iconic Raffles.

In a sea of enormous skyscrapers, this historic eight-storey hotel still stands out

This historic Singapore property deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as its world-famous rival – a gorgeous, grand and luxurious stay in a great location.

  • Craig Platt
If you’re going to travel on a scooter, make sure you wear a helmet.

I’ve been a backpacker for two decades. Here are 20 things I’ve learnt

Overnight buses are never worth it, hostels still suck, you always pack too much and the greatest luxury you’ll ever need is time.

  • Paul Marshall
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Empty hotel sun-loungers on a beach Vũng Tàu, Vietnam.

Looking for a cheaper holiday? Here’s where you can find it

Surging airfares and disruption to routes are leaving Asia’s beaches and hotels empty. One country in particular is offering exceptional bang for buck right now.

  • Jimmy Thomson
A different view … rice terraces in Tabanan.

I’ve always said ‘I hate Bali’. It’s time for a rethink

I’ve fallen into the trap of viewing the island negatively because my past couple of times there were less than wonderful. Perhaps I’m just not doing it right.

  • Lee Tulloch
The temptation of a Thai beach proved too much … and proved costly.

I went for one last holiday swim. When I got back, all my stuff was gone

I needed to get to Bangkok in order to obtain a new passport. The only problem? To get there, everyone wanted to see my ID.

  • Craig Tansley
Traversing a rice field in south Vietnam.

A ride through this stunning landscape is travel at its most rewarding

My odyssey through areas where tourists never venture might not be travel at its easiest, but if you’re willing to take it on you’ll find paradise, pure and simple.

  • Paul Marshall
Legacy Yen Tu MGallery Vietnam was designed by Bangkok-based Bill Bensley.

Asian mountain resort is the ultimate place to find tranquillity

Guests can slow down, engage with the surrounding landscape, and reflect (for just $200 a night).

  • Julie Miller