As Australians have headed back to work following the summer holidays, the team at Travel Indochina have nominated ten 'must see and do' experiences in Asia for 2014 to help people plan their next break. 

The experiences they have selected complement the traditional iconic attractions and destinations, and include little-known gems and novel ways for travellers to immerse themselves in local life across a range of countries.

According to Travel Indochina Managing Director, Paul Hole, the team is regularly being asked by family and friends for their advice on the newest and most interesting 'little gems' within Asia to recommend.

"There are so many wondrous things to see in Asia, it's always hard to pick the top ones," says Paul. "Not to detract from the iconic sights and destinations, these ten experiences are a real snapshot of some of the most unusual experiences to be had in Asia and really should be considered:

• Visit the remote Karen village of Mae Klang Luang, on Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, and gain insights into a community-based project where villagers maintain their traditions and practices that have been passed down through the generations;
• Take a walk on the Tianmen Mountain Skywalk in Hunan, China - Explore the mist-shrouded mountains of Zhangjiajie which inspired James Cameron's blockbuster 'Avatar' and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Tianmen Mountain and a walk on the spectacular (and hair-raising) glass-bottomed 'Skywalk';
• Stay in true luxury at the glistening white marble Taj Lake Palace set atop Lake Pichola, in Udaipur, against the backdrop of India's Aravalli Mountains;
• Hike through Kulen Archaelogical Park and kayak along the waterways of Prek Toal in southern Cambodia's National Parks and visit the nature conservation centre, both of which offer unparalleled bird watching and wildlife touring;
• Travel to Green Hill Valley - an elephant camp and re-forestation initiative near Kalaw in Burma - to have a hands-on elephant experience with these majestic creatures;
• Float through the remote and stunning 4,000 Islands region along the Mekong in Southern Laos - an area of untouched beauty and rare flora and fauna including being home to a rare breed of endangered freshwater dolphins - and then head to the Bolaven Plateau, Laos' premier coffee growing region;
• See a side of Hanoi few tourists see - take an early bird bike tour of Hanoi in the small hours of the morning, from the bustling old quarter to the colours and smells of the flower market before witnessing the flag raising at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum;
• Gain an insight into the lives of locals by exploring the mighty Mekong via speed boat in Vietnam. Watch life on the river and stop to visit factories and a home;
• Experience an exclusive Maiko dinner and performance in Kyoto, and learn about the lives of these
  apprentice Geishas;
• Share in the excitement of some of Asia's biggest and most colourful festivals - participate in the incredible Naadam Festival in a beautiful rural setting in Mongolia; marvel at the Jhambay Lakhang Festival in Bumthang, Bhutan, including the famous 'naked' dance or witness the memorable collage of Rajasthani colour and tradition Pushkar mela, India's famous annual camel and livestock fair.

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Editor's Note: A full selection of images are available upon request. Additional travel inspiration is available on the Travel Indochina blog http://www.travelindochina.com.au/blog.

17 February 2014

About Travel Indochina

Travel Indochina has been operating Small Group Journeys and tailor-made holidays to Asia since 1993. Offering journeys to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Burma, Mongolia and Bhutan,
Travel Indochina has seven offices across its Asia destinations, Western tour guides and English-speaking local guides.

Travel Indochina's idea is simple - to explore and share the essence of Asia's history, culture, natural beauty and, most importantly, people. The company has a commitment to responsible travel and a belief that travel is an exchange of
knowledge and perspectives, cultures and wealth.

For more information and bookings, Travel Indochina's Asia experts can be contacted on 1300 365 355 or online at www.travelindochina.com.au.

For great travel adventures and stories, follow the Travel Indochina team at www.travelindochina.com.au/blog, on Twitter @travelindochina or check out our photos on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelindochina/