Borneo is probably one of the least visited countries in Asia. Western tourists have not yet caught up with the excitement that this unusual country has to offer. The best advice is to make sure you have a good travel insurance package together and then start planning the trip of a lifetime.

From jungle adventures you can progress to overland trekking, swimming and diving, all with an exotic touch that you will only get in Borneo. Many Westerners are uncertain about the safety issues that come into play when visiting such a remote location. But rest assured that your travel insurance will cover any contingency and you can plan your holiday without having to worry unduly.

Naturally, you cannot expect all the usual trappings of Western tourism, and some facilities might be a little less luxurious than you are used to. The best part about visiting Borneo however is the unspoiled natural beauty and the unmistakable friend of this of the locals. In a manner of speaking it is like stepping back in time.

One of the features that most tourists come to love about Borneo is visiting some of the great national parks. In this article we will take a look at three that should be on your list when planning your itinerary.

• Bako National Park. Located close to the capital of Sarawak, you will get to experience the result of millions of years of erosion along this spectacular, steep, cliff lined National Park. The most memorable feature is the collection of unusually shaped stacks and arches that have been formed over many thousands of years. The patterns formed by iron deposits are truly spectacular with displays of bright oranges and reds that make the whole vista quite surreal. The sandstone cliffs are home to unique vegetation coupled with unusual mangrove forests set against the backdrop of an azure blue sea.
• Gunung Mulu National Park. There is no doubt about it, when it comes to spectacular limestone caves, this National Park is second to none in the world. After having been publicly opened in 1985, the park has steadily grown in popularity, especially the famous Sarawak Chamber which is the largest natural chamber in the world. There are two impressive entrances at either end of the cave and if you are lucky enough to see the 600 foot waterfall which occurs after a storm as the torrents pour from the roof of the cavern, it is something to behold. One of the major daily attractions however, is that at the end of every day nearly 1,000,000 bats exit from the cave in what appears to be a never-ending stream.
• The Niah National Park. Covering a massive 3100 ha, the caves in this National Park dominate the landscape. Archaeologists have found evidence of human remains dating back as far as 40,000 years and you can view a skull of a young Homo Sapiens male in one of the displays.

The more you consider your travelling options, it makes sense to include at least one of these national parks on your next itinerary. Simply organise your holiday insurance, start planning and then start packing!

3 Great National Parks to Visit in Borneo is a post from: Travel Insurance Articles

Vietnam is a country with many faces and a history that reflects a long series of conflicts with its neighbours. After you have organised your travel insurance and sit down to plan your visit to Vietnam, there are plenty of things to consider and plenty of places to visit.

If you are of a historical persuasion, there will be plenty to occupy you as you travel from town to town building up a picture of a long history of conflict that has marked Vietnamese history over the past thousand years.

Alternatively, if you are an everyday tourist who is looking forward to enjoying the sights and sounds and food of an exotic country, then Vietnam will serve it up to you in platters.

Without wanting to crowd your itinerary, let’s look at a shortlist of three destinations that offer you a broad cross-section of Vietnam and which capture the essence of the country as a whole.

• Halong Bay. This stunningly beautiful bay has a collection of over 3000 islands which seemed to emerge from the water like a flotilla of green emeralds. Now a world Heritage site, Halong Bay is the place to take a boat cruise so you can get closer to the spectacularly beautiful beaches and grottoes that are dotted around in their hundreds. If you choose the right cruise, you will also have time to explore the magnificent caves which have been illuminated for the benefit of tourists. After that you can relax on one of the many sandy beaches and soak in the atmosphere.
• Nha Trang. There are some wonderful contrasts in this indisputably beautiful town. On the one hand you will witness a bustling, Metropolis driven by commerce, and on the other Western-style resort town with hotels and restaurants strung out along a beautiful beach. Nha Trang will keep you busy with boat trips and scuba diving both popular pastimes. Add to that the famous mud baths all surrounded by dozens of historic sites and you have the complete tourist package in one place.
• Phong Nha cave. Located in the Ke Bang National Park, these 400 million-year-old caves are the oldest in Asia. To get there in need to take a charter boat which departs early in the morning arriving back late in the afternoon. After travelling the 55 km you’ll be able to marvel at the limestone formations as you wind your way through the kilometres of underground passageways. The main underground cavern is nearly 8 km long and you will be able to choose from 14 other caves to explore in what must be one of the wonders of Vietnam. The caves are often closed during November and December during the rainy season, so make sure you schedule your visit outside of these months.

These three must see destinations are not generally on the itinerary of most tourists. Do yourself a favour and make sure you include at least one of these exciting destinations on your list of must see places. Most important of all, make sure your holiday insurance is arranged well in advance.

3 Must See Destinations in Vietnam is a post from: Travel Insurance Articles

Backpackers truly have the world at their feet. With a minimum amount of luggage, enough cash in the bank and a travel insurance policy to cover unforeseen emergencies, life could not be easier. Almost every country on earth is geared up to accept backpackers with open arms. In fact the whole backpacking industry has been growing steadily for the last 20 years and shows no sign of abating.

In fact, some countries are so geared up could be forgiven for thinking they are being excluded from the local community. Special backpacker accommodation, special backpacker buses, special back packer tours are just some of the elements of this growing industry designed to cater exclusively for predominantly young travellers with a pack on the back.

In Thailand, it is possible to go on a backpacking tour and never talk to a local! Whilst this may suit some people, including some locals, there are still plenty who are looking for an adventure and a taste of the local lifestyle. In this article we will look at the five top backpacker destinations in Thailand to help you plan your trip.

• Ko Pha Ngan. Although the beach here is legendary there’s much more to do than simply lie around on the sand. You can drift from beach to beach if you wish as there are over a dozen to choose from, but with a little more effort it’s worthwhile exploring the interior jungle where you will find waterfalls and miles of hiking tracks. You can stay for a few days in luxurious accommodation or go a bit downmarket and stay for a couple of weeks.
• Ko Tao. This is probably Thailand’s top destination for scuba divers. The crystal clear water and the stunning coral reef make this one of the world’s most popular places to obtain a scuba licence. It is also extremely cheap and you can have a really awesome holiday here whilst doing a little business on the side.
• Sangkhlaburi. This fascinating Bordertown is the only place in Thailand where you will see such a diverse ethnic spectrum. Each of the Burmese, Non, Karen, Thai and Lao inhabitants insist on speaking their own language but if English is your native tongue it won’t make much of a difference anyway. Although it is bereft of most of the tourist trappings you may become used to in other parts of Thailand, you can relax and watch the fishing boats on the lake and simply relax and immerse yourself into an unusual part of the country.
• Khao Sok National Park. This unusual National Park is a welcome contrast to the sand and jungle that shrouds most of Thailand. You can walk alone through the thick rainforests and stand in awe of the waterfalls splashing over limestone cliffs. It is simply breathtaking.
• Mae Hong Son Province. Located in the deep north west of Thailand, the province is mostly mountain and forest. It has been a hidden jewel until the last couple of years as more tourists, prominently backpackers, have become aware of this “off the beaten track” destination. Without saying any more, make yourself a promise and visit this remote part of Thailand.

Remember to organise your holiday insurance before arriving in Thailand and take the time out to visit at least one of these unusual destinations for the trip of a lifetime.

5 Top Backpacker Destinations in Thailand is a post from: Travel Insurance Articles