Sports Calendar

This small town is located in South China in Guilin, Guangxi Province. The town has the Li river on one side, and is on a small plain between a number of karst peaks.

The active traveller can never be bored here due to the huge range outdoor activities. First and foremost it is the major rocking climbing area in China with over 300 bolted sites. But, it is also possible to go kayaking or bamboo rafting on the surrounding rivers, mountain biking up ‘Moon hill’ as well as exploring the cave systems nearby. The sleepy town is fast becoming an adventure sports capital.

4. Laos: Apsara restaurant in Luang Prabang

Increasingly popular, particularly now it has an airport; Luang Prabang still maintains the small town feel and is surrounded by some incredible architecture and Buddhist temples. The town which overlooks the Mekong River retains its French colonial influence and the people are absolutely delightful.

Overlooking the Nam Khan river, the Apsara is arguably the best restaurant in Laos. Not only does it have a great variety of local dishes it is immaculate in both cleanliness and service. It only costs around £6 for three sublime courses and the water buffalo steak, rainbow fish and ice cream with Laos Poppadom are highly recommended.

5. Cambodia: Temple time in Angkhor Wat

You cannot go to Cambodia without visiting these 12th century Khmer temples. Bayon and Ta Prohm are the most popular in an area that was thought to be the size of New York in its pomp. You can get anything from a one to five day pass but with a savvy guide you can cover the major temples in a couple of days.

It is also worth visiting the Killing fields in Phnom Penh, an area dedicated to the millions who died in Pol Pot’s genocide.

For a slightly different experience head 50 miles north of Siem Riep to Beng Melea, a 12th-century temple built to the same design as Angkor Wat. Be prepared to lose all sensation in your bum after galloping over numerous pot holes on your moped.

6. India: Tea time in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a region cut off from the rest of India by the foothills of the Himalayas. It is located in North Bengal and surrounded by incredible scenery, including one a view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.

Many of the local population travel here for their summer holidays when it gets too hot in Calcutta. A unique way to get there is via the Darjeeling toy train, a small gauge train, introduced by the British, which heads up a mountain face from 100m to 2,200m.

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