South + South East Asia
The strangeness and shock of
Asia is, for the Westerner, part of its seductive magic; its wild and wonderful chaos has a way of getting right under your skin. More than most others, this region rewards those who persevere.
In this part of the world, the way we make a trip special is usually in the detail of how we select guides or plan different days.
Often it’s down to insisting on a certain room in a hotel – even changing an itinerary around to ensure that a particular room is available, without compromising the trip as a whole.
From the moment we start designing your trip, we are constantly working behind the scenes to improve it, usually without you even knowing it. It is the detail that makes the difference.
where to go with c+l in Asia
destination spotlight (four to consider)
bhutan
best visited: sept - dec
We have been wowing clients with innovative itineraries to this indescribably beautiful mountain kingdom for years. It never disappoints. Recently a new breed of luxury, small hotels has emerged. Our knowledge of the country and network of guides still deliver authentic Bhutan. Few visitors are privileged to experience this. So we offer the 'inside track' for which we are famous, however we can now mix eclectic owner-run lodges with real oases of luxury according to your individual inclination and budget. Now, as always, Bhutan is one of the most special countries on Earth.
cambodia
best visited: nov - april
We spent just over a year developing some really interesting guides and cultural experiences. Almost immediately, clients returned with rave reviews. Particular highlights have been the insight into modern history and not just the ancient culture of the main sights at Angkor. We have also found particular success taking clients to off the beaten track parts of the country- coastal hideaways of Southern Cambodia and hidden corners of Phnom Penh. As always with c+l it is hand-picked specialist guides who really make the difference.
central india
best visited: oct - mar
Most tourists visit Madhya Pradesh for its tiger reserves. There is indeed beautiful Kipling-like landscape and extraordinary wildlife. However for those who want to see spectacular architectural sights with no other tourists, the ruined temple complex at Mandu and the unique tiled fort at Gwalior are difficult to beat. And the sort of timeless village life which is fast disappearing in much of rural India is dotted throughout every day. And because we have seen all of the properties and driven the long distances ourselves, we can manage expectations in a part of India where it is important to know the logistical challenges.
laos
best visited: nov - april
Any visit to Laos is incomplete without Luang Prabang. And it now has some excellent places to stay. However c+l make the difference here with hand-crafted days (and nights) in and around an otherwise well-trodden path. In the city we can offer private access to museums, craftsmen and women, monasteries and homes. And further afield outside Luang Prabang we have created some unique ways to see the best of the Mekong River and its tribal peoples and culture as well as an unspoilt and timeless landscape. Most clients also combine a vist to Laos with Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand.
