For centuries European artists, especially painters, have been coming to Bali to soak in the heady air of complete artistic dedication that is the unique character of the Balinese people. Nowhere else will you find such a diversity of creative skills expressed by so few -- and the "Island of the Gods" could not be a more conducive location.

Known to the Vietnamese as Cuu Long, or "Nine Dragons", the Mekong Delta, covers 39,000 sq.km and is the rice basket of southern Vietnam. A watery world of rivers and canals, rice fields and fruit orchards, a visit to this fascinating and beautiful region of southern Vietnam is a must for any visitor to the country.

Few areas in Asia can match the cultural and natural diversity to be found following the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands east of Bali.

Northern Laos especially presents many great trekking opportunities. Not only is the terrain very mountainous and largely swathed in forest, it is also home to a dazzling array of highly colourful minority tribal people who still pursue the traditional slash and burn (swidden) farming methods, unchanged for a thousand years.