Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat is only one of many ancient temples scattered around this captivating country. The best possible way to explore them, and the rural countryside, villages, rice fields and forests is to ride a mountain bike, following back roads, tracks and trails where few tourists venture.

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.

Mai Chau is located 135 km south-west of Hanoi in the Northern province of Hoa Binh which is bordered by Son La in the West, Phu Tho and Ha Tay in the North, Ha Nam and Ninh Binh in the East, and Thanh Hoa in the South.

Held in September every year, the Goroka Show is famous for its dazzling array of singing groups, showcasing some of the many cultures of Papua New Guinea