The Far East

Far East tours let you experience strikingly different cultures one after another, linked by short regional flights. In Vietnam, the scooter traffic of Hanoi's Old Quarter, the more than a thousand limestone islands rising from Ha Long Bay and the lantern-lit historic centre of Hoi An reveal how the country changes from north to south.

In Cambodia, the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap, with stone towers wrapped in tree roots, are the route's great historic stop. In Hong Kong you cross Victoria Harbour by ferry; in Seoul you explore palaces of the Joseon dynasty alongside modern design districts; and in Singapore you enjoy orderly streets, skyscrapers woven with greenery and a wonderfully multicultural food scene.

On multi-country routes, visa and entry rules vary from one country to the next, so it pays to plan passport validity and electronic travel permits early. Pack light clothing for the tropical climate, a layer that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits and a folding umbrella for sudden showers.