South East Asia

South East Asia is a small area of land with a wide variety of landscapes, peoples and cultures. Brunei is a perfect example of a progressive, forward looking Islamic state, where the law is linked to Sharia, alcohol cannot be bought, and the majority follow the faith, but freedom of religion is present, women can drive and work, and Islamic law is adapted to modern life. Singapore is a place where cultures collide, but everyone seems to live in harmony, making the tiny city a vibrant melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and European cultures, where Hindu temples and Mosques sit alongside Chinese food stalls. Oil-rich Malaysia is half traditional Islamic state, half modern economy, with Kuala Lumpur's skyline dominated by the Petronas Towers, built for a large petroleum company, and one of the largest mosques in the country.

Indonesia's hindu enclave of Bali is as exotic as you'll find anywhere, with monkeys jumping in the trees, spicy food and great dive sites. Ubud is the cultural capital, where it's possibly to see traditional dance performances. The real Thailand lies in the areas outside Bangkok, and the area near Kanchanaburi, home to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, is well worth a visit.

Of course there are experiences that are far from idyllic, but which are so much a part of this region that they can't be ignored. Vietnam is a relatively modern country, but the limbless children begging on the streets are a constant reminder of the war which raged there not so long ago, and the lasting effects of the chemicals dropped all over this beautiful country. Cambodia has to be one of the saddest places I've ever visited. Make no mistake - this was once one of the richest countries in Asia, and a glance at any of the old temples will give an indication of the country's former wealth. But the destruction to the country's economy, infrastructure, and people done by the Khmer Rouge regime is obvious everywhere you go, from the bullet holes in the walls of Angkor Wat to the harrowing museums at Tuol Sleng Prison and the Chung Ek Killing fields. But don't be put off - Cambodia is still a wonderful place, and the people here are some of the most resilient I've ever met. If your tourist money is going to make a difference anywhere, it's here.

This is a region of beautiful architecture, exotic landscapes, tasty dishes and some of the most varied cultures on Earth. It is becoming more tourism-oriented by the day, but if you want to see a very different world where travel is relatively easy but still a bit of an adventure, South East Asia is the place to go.

sarah@arcticdownunder.co.uk