Mountain bikes are the perfect way to discover the wild spirit of untamed North Thailand, a region of jungle filled valleys, mountain-top temples, meandering rivers, and cultural encounters.

The mountainous provinces of the Cordillera, Northern Philippines, are perfect for trekking. This is the territory of former headhunting tribes who were also the master hydro engineers who constructed the world's first and most impressive rice terraces over 2000 years ago - considered by some to be the eighth Wonder of the World.

Trek on foot and by elephant through the mountains and forests to meet some of Thailand's fascinating and colorful ethnic minority hilltribe people. Stay at unique homestay guesthouses, built in traditional styles, and help to preserve a valuable but threatened way of life.

Staying as a guest of a community can be a highly rewarding experience, adding real meaning to a holiday and creating opportunities for a genuine cultural exchange leaving all parties wiser and more enlightened to cultural differences. Koh Yao Yai...