Hong Kong
Exotic, colourful and buzzing with people, Hong Kong is an unforgettable city that will stimulate the senses like no other. From its towering modern skyscrapers and sophisticated restaurants to its street-style markets and roadside food stalls, it’s a fascinating place full of wonderful things to see and do. The spectacular harbour vistas, lofty mountain peaks and famous neon-lit alleys will wow you. The extravagant designer shopping malls and the bustling night markets will satisfy any shopping enthusiast. For another feast of the senses, take the hour-long ferry trip to Macau to experience its unique mix of Portuguese and Chinese cultures and of course, its famous Las Vegas-style casinos.

Hong Kong is a story in three parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. Together, they’re a combination of modern skyscrapers and ancient temples, vibrant markets, beaches, mountains and deserted islands.

Kowloon
Kowloon is a bustling mixture of shops, fantastic bars, pubs, restaurants, gardens and markets. It is connected to Hong Kong Island by three tunnels and the MTR, but a trip across Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry is the ideal way to commute. Be tempted by the Temple Street Night Markets and wander along Nathan Road for its vast range of shopping.

Lantau Island
Hong Kong’s largest island, Lantau Island, is well known for its unspoilt countryside, lush green valleys, and the Giant Buddha. Take a tour of the famous Po Lin Monastery before climbing the 268 steps to view the seated outdoor bronze Buddha.

Hong Kong Island
Home to the original settlement of the Hong Kong territory, Hong Kong Island is the city’s financial and business hub, full of charming colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. The island has a plethora of restaurants, bars and shops. Visit the SoHo district for upscale boutiques, bars and a wide variety of restaurants. Travel on the tram car to Victoria Peak, pick up some souvenirs, artworks and fashion at Stanley Market or dine at one of the famous floating restaurants on Aberdeen Harbour. Every night the skyline dazzles with the ‘A Symphony of Lights’ neon light show synchronised to music.

Best time to travel
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. It can be visited year-round. The warmest months are from late May to September. The cooler, dryer winter months are from December to February. Some shops close for the Chinese New Year that runs from mid-January to February. For a less expensive holiday, avoid travelling around Chinese national holidays. Macau has a tropical climate and the weather is generally hot and humid. China has variable weather conditions due to its size. Spring and autumn offer a pleasant climate with beautiful blooming flowers and autumn hues, while May to August in the centre and north can be hot. This summer period can be busy because it is a peak travel time for Chinese families and students on holidays. Snowfall can occur in the north from December to March, but this time can be better value with stunning scenery.

China
China is rapidly modernising while holding on to its heritage. Become part of a hidden world built on ancient relics, breathtaking natural surrounds, and a culture steeped in time-honoured tradition.

Highlights:

Beijing’s Timeless Treasures
The capital of China is developing into one of the world’s most modern cities. But beneath all the skyscrapers and honking traffic, a world of history and wonder still resides. Wander the Forbidden City, where Chinese emperors ruled for over 500 years, and visit the Great Wall of China, one of the best examples of man’s power.

Cruising the Three Gorges Region
The most visually stunning part of any Yangtze River cruise, the Three Gorges Region is outlined by dramatic cliffs, with rows of terraced paddy fields looming overhead.

Xi’an – Home of the Terracotta Warriors
Ancient guards for over 2,000 years, the life-sized men, horses and chariots were built to honour and protect China’s First Emperor, Qin Sin Huang.

Shanghai
Wandering down ancient Jinli Street in Chengdu, you’d be forgiven for feeling as though you’ve stepped back to ancient China. Among glowing red lanterns and wooden buildings, admire the intricacies of tradition. Meanwhile, get a glimpse of China’s exciting future in the futuristic cityscape and fast-paced lifestyle of Shanghai.

Tibet
As the highest inhabited region in the world, prepare to be astounded by Tibet’s breathtaking beauty. Between the towering peaks of the Himalayas, you’ll be bewitched by magnificent monasteries, sparkling turquoise lakes and temples topped with glittering golden domes.

Best time to travel
Beijing’s climate, like the city itself, is ever changing. Winter is cold, but with crisp blue skies and fewer visitors. Spring and autumn are the most popular times to visit as the weather is warmer but with cloudier skies.

Shanghai’s weather can be split into four distinct seasons: a warm spring, a hot and rainy summer, cooler weather in autumn and a cold winter. Being next to the sea, Shanghai experiences more rain than the rest of China.

Xian experiences a hot and rainy summer, a cold, clear and dry winter, and short rain showers in spring and autumn. Xian’s weather is generally pleasant year round.

Chengdu’s weather is characteristically foggy and humid, with a long and warm spring; a short and hot summer, a cool autumn and a cold winter. July and August are the rainiest months.

Visas & Passports
A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay is required in Hong Kong, Macau and China. Australian passport holders do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days in Hong Kong and 30 days in Macau. All visitors require a visa when travelling in China and this must be obtained before departing Australia. Travellers spending time in China as a stopover can apply for a 24, 72, or 144 hour Transit Visa.

Japan is an archipelago packed with futuristic cities, imperial heritage and unique culture. Add in epic natural beauty and phenomenal cuisine, and you have a dream destination just begging to be explored.

It is a country that can be enjoyed year round. Our partners Wendy Wu Tours have put together a guide to what is happening when, to help you decide what time of year you’d like to experience it.

Cherry Blossom Season
When you gaze on the sea of soft pink flowers it’s easy to see why locals and many international visitors are so enamoured. Starting in late January in the sub-tropical south, the blossoms sweep up the country, reaching Tokyo and Kyoto in the first two weeks of April, though this can vary due to the weather. In the two weeks after they first bloom, locals and visitors alike stroll, sit and picnic beneath the laden boughs, but we particularly like to enjoy them lit up by lanterns at twilight. Cherry blossom season is extremely popular and tours often sell out a long way in advance. If you want to travel during this period, make sure you book early!

Autumn Leaves
Japan’s deep and rich autumn colours travel the opposite way to the cherry blossom, starting in the very north in September and moving southwards, reaching their peak in Tokyo, Kyoto and the surrounding areas from mid-October. In the parks and temple gardens of the cities, the leaves of the multitude of maple and gingko trees turn vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange; if you are travelling into the Japanese Alps, you’re in for an even more spectacular sight.

Sun and Snow
Japan’s summer, June to August, may be hot and humid but it is the season for festivals and fireworks. Enjoy impromptu celebrations or escape to the mountains to find the cooler
climes and maybe do some hiking – this is also the only time of year that you are able to climb Mount Fuji. In the winter, outside the cities, the country becomes a snow-covered wonderland. Vibrant ski resorts spring into action, ice festivals take place (Sapporo’s is the world’s
biggest) and the Japanese macaques earn their snow monkey moniker. Oh, and there is nothing better than the glorious warm waters of an onsen on a cold winter’s day!

Visa required: No

With swaying palm trees and glittering turquoise waters, the Maldives are the definition of an island paradise. These tiny coral islands with their shimmering beaches and fragrant gardens, make the perfect family holiday for adventurous families or a picturesque tropical retreat for couples looking for a romantic hideaway. 

No matter if you’re going on a romantic getaway with your partner or looking for some fun in the sun with family, our partners Club Med have the perfect place for you to stay!

Best time to travel
The best time to visit Malaysia is from April to October for the East Coast and from December to March for the West Coast. Malaysia is a country that sits close to the equator, making it hot, humid and pretty wet most of the year.

Visa required: No

There are a lot of things to do in the Philippines as it is composed of over 7,107 islands. Every island destination has diverse activities to offer such as sightseeing, island hopping, scuba diving, boating, snorkeling, trekking, fishing, surfing, and more.

Best time to travel
Philippines is a tropical country which usually hot in weather all year round. The best time to go to the Philippines is from December to February, when temperatures are at their coolest and the rain generally stays away. Mostly hot and humid from March to May which attracts tourists to go to the beach. June to October is the rainy season in the Philippines and most likely to have cyclones. The eastern islands are the most exposed to these, but you will always get plenty of warning. Palawan and the southern Visayas are less likely to experience typhoons.

Visa required: Yes

South Korea is a charming nation situated on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It is a peaceful country covered in green, hilly countryside, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tea plantations, centuries-old Buddhist temples and coastal fishing villages. It has an eclectic mix of ancient culture and modern technology and can trace its history back half a million years.

South Korea also bursts with magical pink blooms in March for Cherry Blossom season and is often less crowded than the Japanese season.

See the very best of South Korea on a guided tour with our partners Wendy Wu Tours. Choose from escorted group tours, private tours or short breaks, and everything from classic introductory South Korea tours to luxury adventures guided by their experts.

Best time to travel
The best time of year to visit South Korea is generally considered to be the spring months of April, May & June, and the autumn months of September, October & November. During these two seasons days are typically sunny and dry with comfortable average temperatures.

Visa required: Yes

Unearth enchanting destinations and embrace local life. From sleepy towns to bustling cities, Vietnam & Cambodia offers a wealth of memorable experiences.

The Mighty Mekong River
The Mekong River is a place where market merchants sell fresh produce from their longboats. Where stilt houses hug the riverbank. Where locals wearing round conical hats paddle expertly along the water, this method of travel second nature to them.

Vietnam
Whether it’s a steaming bowl of pho or a freshly made banh mi, Vietnam’s cuisine is unquestionably mouthwatering. Between meal breaks, enjoy Vietnam’s legendary attractions and meet the welcoming locals.

Most people need a visa to enter Vietnam. There are two ways you can get one.
1. Order via us.
2. Apply for an E-visa online. Only applicable for single entry visas.

Vietnam Dong (VND) is the local currency and is used everywhere.
• USD is accepted only in some places.
• Bring a debit card to access an ATM, they all dispense VND. And bring a credit card. It is always a good idea to have multiple choices to access your money.
• Exchanging money to VND is best done at a gold shop rather than a bank.

Best time to travel
The best time to visit Vietnam is between November and April. The weather in Vietnam can be split by region. In Hanoi & the north, May to October is hot and humid with high rainfall; November to April is cooler and dry. In the far north, December & January can be particularly cold. 

Cambodia
Cambodia is home to the friendliest people on earth. It’s warm to hot year round with a rainy season between June and November. Don’t be too put off by the term ‘rainy’ though. It’s actually a great time of the year to visit. The temperature is a little cooler and the land a lush green. Most of the downpours are in the afternoon or at night and they only last around 2-3 hours making them easy to plan around. The hottest months are March to June.

Highlights:

Siem Riep
– Trendy bars, restaurants & cafes
– Bustling night markets
– Pub Street
– Phare Circus
– 20 minutes away from Angkor Wat
– Floating Villages
– Village Volunteer Projects

Battambang
– Lush greenery
– Wat Samrong Knong Khmer Rouge Memorial
– Phnom Sampeau Hill & Cave
– Phare Circus Workshop
– Location of ‘First They Killed my Father’
filming

Koh Rong
– Sandy coves & coral reef
– Coconut palm trees
– Waterfalls
– Water Sports & Activities
– Glowing plankton at night
– Beach bars
– Sunset boats

Kampot
– Riverside town
– Bokor National Park
– Rennovated French colonial buildings at Bokor Hill Station
– Pepper Plantations
– Salt Plantations

Kep
– Beach Town
– Rabbit Island

Mondulkiri
– Elephant Sanctuaries
– Waterfalls
– Forest Hiking
– Flight of the Gibbon
– Vietnamese Border

Kratie
– Irrawaddy Dolphins
– Mekong Delta
– Turtle Conservation
– Koh Trong
– Chhlong & Roka Kandal Pagoda

Sihanoukville
– Beaches
– Boat trips & speedboats to islands
– Wat Leu Temple
– Ream National Park

Phnom Penh
– The capital city of Cambodia
– Killing Fields
– S21 Museum
– Royal Palace
– Central & Russian Markets
– Mekong Delta

Visa required: Yes