Gently cruise the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya, between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand's former capital, aboard a beautifully converted teakwood rice barge, and watch history unfold.

The peaceful and tolerant nature of the Thai people is legendary in South East Asia where they are regarded as humble, hospitable and easy going. Combined with 13th century history, fantastic scenery and great, but not too difficult cycling, in areas where few tourists go, you have all the ingredients of a truly great discovery bike ride.

For those who do not have time for an extended sailing cruise, or whose taste for being on a boat extends only to a few days, a short sailing cruise to the Komodo National Park is a must do component of any Indonesia visit.

Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) and Koh Yao Yai (Big Long Island) are two sleepy islands still enjoying a slow pace of life located in Phang Nga Bay, only 1 hour's boat ride away from the international resort island of Phuket.