PHOTO CREDIT
TRAVEL + L E I S U R E / M AY 2 0 1 7 89
SEE THE TEMPLES OF
Angkor from the Air
The temples at Angkor, and particularly the
world-renowned Angkor Wat, are a common
bucket list feature. Seeing the temples at sunrise
is an amazing experience as is travelling by
tuk-tuk around the complex for some great photo
opportunities, but nothing beats seeing them
from a hot air balloon. Board a tethered balloon
and head straight up for a bird’s-eye view of the
ancient temples and a story you’ll be retelling
for years to come.DISCOVER THE FOOD OF
Laos
While not famous for its cuisine like
neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, the food
in Laos is both delicious and unique. Get a taste
of authentic Laotian food by joining the locals
for dining experiences you’ll never forget.
Try a cooking class surrounded by tropical
greenery at one of Luang Prabang’s best
restaurants, or join a local family in their
home to try some of the traditional jaew dips.
Surrounded by lush rice fi elds, learn to cook
bamboo sticky rice in a bamboo hut, before
a picnic at the refreshing Kuang Si Falls.VISIT A NUNNERY IN
Myanmar
Buddhism is an intrinsic part of the culture in
Myanmar where it is practiced by nearly 90 per
cent of the population. Visiting a monastery
is a common activity for tourists to Myanmar,
however for those looking to get off the beaten
path, a visit to a local nunnery is a unique
experience—meeting the nuns and sharing
lunch is so heartwarming you’ll fi nd yourself
refl ecting on it in future.MEET THE PEOPLE OF
Yunnan province in China
This is a side to China you would be surprised
by. Ethnic minorities make up about a third
of the population in Yunnan, with 26 diff erent
groups giving the region exceptional diversity.
Near the village of Xizhou, you can visit a local
market, where you’ll fi nd a Bai ethnic minority
community going about their daily lives. The
small town of Shigu is on the ‘tea and horse’
road, an ancient road traversed by caravans
through dangerous hills and rivers across the
roof of the world, where few tourists venture.
Meet the Naxi people and listen to traditional
music in Lijiang. Further on in Zhongdian,
Tibetan families welcome you into their home
for a cup of yak butter tea, giving you a chance to
CHRIS WILLSON/ALAMY learn more about their life and culture.
Matsuyama Castle during
the Cherry Blossom
season, Shikoku, Japan.TRAVEL + LEISURE / MAY 2017 91