Experience the sights, the sounds and, not least, the enticing smells of Asia. Here are a few Asia travel stories for you to enjoy.
Brunei
Cambodia
China
DPRK (North Korea)
India
Indonesia
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Malaysia
Nepal
Singapore
Tajikistan
Thailand
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Latest Asia travel stories
Sophie tries new things: Thai massage in Bangkok
My first taste of Thai massage is equal parts pain and pleasure. My masseuse squeezes, kneads, pokes, punches, rubs. I’m bent and twisted and stretched in every conceivable direction - and some which were until now quite inconceivable.
Day Out Bangkok: Royal Ayutthaya
I’m off to Thailand on Saturday, folks - and was reminded that I still haven't told you about a terrific Bangkok daytrip I took last time. The old Siamese capital Ayutthaya is only about 70 km north of the Thai capital, and easily reached by bus, train or boat.
Silent Retro Sunday: Woman weaving in Lombok, Indonesia
Woman weaving on the island of Lombok in Indonesia
12 Instagrams of Pyongyang
You know I like to visit the world's curious places. Here on Sophie's World we've presented a few cities and regions by Instagram - many of them a wee bit off the beaten track, such as Sofia, San Remo, Dar es Salaam, Tbilisi or Arctic Sweden. Well, things are about to get curiouser and curiouser around here. In fact, I [...]
A glimpse of Brunei
Welcome to a very curious place and a lesser-known national capital: Bandar Seri Begawan. We're in the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, the Abode of Peace. I live in a relatively small oil rich country, so it's always interesting to see how other oil-nations are similar – or different – from my own. Specifically bearing in mind that oil is a resource [...]
One day in Saigon – a snapshot
My first day in deliciously chaotic Saigon features an evocative visit to the War Remnants Museum, a look at Independence Hall, the colonial architecture, and dodging the mad scooter traffic. Here's a little Saigon photo gallery.
The Peranakan of Singapore
I'm writing this in the lobby of the wonderfully quirky Kam Leng hotel in Singapore, a country where I've been many times. It has always been a favourite stopover of ours, on the way to Australia or New Zealand or Bali. But for the very first time, I'm here without the girls, and I must say it feels a bit [...]
Colours of Rajasthan, Diwali and hill forts
Wandering around Jaipur during Diwali, my friend and I came across a colony where the celebrations were in full swing. We, though complete strangers, were invited in to join.
World at a Glance: Humayun’s Tomb
Like the Taj Mahal, Humayun's tomb is a property worthy of special protection. And like the Taj Mahal, it's a grave. And just as Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his late, much-loved wife, this tomb was built by Humayun's widow, Biga Begum, in memory of her late (and equally-loved, one must assume) husband. Taj Mahal may be [...]
A day at the lake in Beijing (Day out)
In 2002, Alex and I went to China to bring home our new daughter/sister. While waiting for all the paperwork to be finalised, we passed the time, about a week all in all, having a closer look at Beijing and surrounds. Luckily Cat was – and still is – an easy-going child. On the other hand, she was - and [...]
World at a Glance: Fare adjustment
Haven't paid sufficient fare for your transport? In Tokyo, you won't get a fine. Instead there's fare adjustment machines, or norikoshi seisan-ki. Usually, when you haven't paid sufficient fare (or any fare) - whether by mistake or on purpose - chances are, if you do get caught, you'll have to pay a fine; one which hurts your pocketbook [...]
Qutub Minar: the leaning tower of Delhi
The 72.5-metre-tall red sandstone and marble Qutub Minar is the tallest structure in Delhi, and the tallest brick minaret in the world. It's also an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture and one of the major sights in the Indian capital. When we visited, it seemed to be equally popular with foreign and local visitors. Construction of the Qutub Minar began [...]
