VietnamSurprise – From the Pacific Rim countries in South East Asia such as Vietnam and Thailand, to French Polynesian islands like Tahiti and Bora Bora, this part of the world has a diverse range of destinations that appeal to the intrepid explorer and casual tourist alike. If you are planning your next annual break and would like it to be a truly memorable one for all concerned, have a look at the small selection of destinations that I have outlined for your consideration below.
1. Vietnam – although the country has been open to visitors from overseas for many years, it still has its own unique culture and a way of life that often intrigues and delights those who fly in from the West. Sights such as the ubiquitous conical Asian hat, known in Vietnam as the “nón lá” (leaf hat) will be familiar from the numerous films that have been set in this part of the world but there are many other sights that will be completely new to visitors from overseas and it is worth hiring a local guide if you have a limited amount of time to spend in the country and would like to make the most of your holiday there.
Sun worshippers are spoilt for choice in Vietnam, with thousands of miles of beautiful beaches from which to choose. Nha Trang is probably the best known of these and although the town itself may be a little too full on for some people nowadays, the beach is as beautiful as it has always been. If you are looking for somewhere a little more laid back to do your sunbathing, The Con Dao islands are a great choice. May to September is usually when you can expect the monsoon season in Vietnam so avoid these months if the occasional torrential downpour is likely to bother you.
2. Tahiti – almost slap bang in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Tahiti is the archetypal tropical island paradise and has attracted visitors from all over the world for hundreds of years. Due to the volcanic origin of the islands in French Polynesia – they were created by underwater volcanic activity in the area – most of the beaches to be found there have black sand rather than white. However, if you simply must have white, coral sand beaches on your tropical holiday, you can head for La Plage de Maui, situated on the south coast about 30 minutes from the capital Papeete.
Holiday accommodation in Tahiti ranges from international hotel chains with every facility you could possibly want to beachfront bungalows made using traditional materials and methods of construction. If you would like to avoid the rainy season then May to October is the best time to visit.
3. Thailand – one of the few countries in South East Asia never to have been colonised, the Kingdom of Thailand has a rich cultural heritage that still has a major influence on daily life in the country. Some of the attractions that encourage over 20 million visitors annually include the delicious, spicy cuisine that is famous around the world, beautiful Buddhist temples, palm-fringed coral sand beaches and first-class hotels. Exclusive luxury holidays in Phuket, Bangkok or Hua Hin include everything that the discerning traveller could desire and are available throughout the year.
In common with the first two destinations, Thailand also has a rainy season. This is generally from around July to October, although the precise timing will depend on which part of the country you are visiting. As with monsoon climates elsewhere, if you visit during the rainy season you need not worry that it will be pouring with rain every minute of every day. For the majority of the time, the skies will be clear and the sun shining; it is usually in the late afternoon or early evening that you can expect heavy rain, lasting for an hour or more.
Making your mind up
Given the choice of destinations in the area and everything that they have to offer, it can be very difficult to pick one place to visit for a memorable holiday. The best advice that I can give is to follow your heart and start by visiting the country that just feels right to you.
Author Bio:
Georgia Warren is a writer that writes for Atlantis Travel Group, a travel company in the UK providing exclusive luxury holidays to the US, Canada, the Far East, and other amazing destinations.