The Southeast Asian country of Laos is home to the serene 4000 islands, locally known as ‘Si Phan Don’. This dreamy destination is complete with spectacular waterfalls, rare wildlife, rich history and an abundance of palm trees. Here’s everything you need to know about the 4000 islands of Laos.
Author
James Wilmshurst
James Wilmshurst
James is an India and Southeast Asia travel specialist. He first left Europe aged 19, travelling first to California and South America. But his eight-month journey through India was the travel experience that truly changed his life. During this epic voyage, he worked in the Holy City of Varanasi, volunteered in rural Kerala and learned the local lingo in Arunachal Pradesh. Since then he has returned to India at least once a year, while still managing to fit in trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and more. At ETG, James is an India and Southeast Asian travel consultant and the head of India product. When he's not talking travel, you'll find him cheering on his beloved Bradford City FC and trying to play football.
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Now that India’s borders have reopened and interest in the country is firmly on the up, many of our guests are enquiring about up-to-date travel conditions and requirements. ETG – and our team of India experts – are here to help!
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New to India? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our ETG experts have the ultimate guide on where to go in India, no matter your interests. Read now.
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Our Covid-19 testing for travel guide provides all the information about UK testing requirements for inbound and outbound travel
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Covid 19’s impact on Travel has been well documented. James details the story of one particular individual from his recent Sri Lanka trip.
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Even if just for a day, bird sanctuaries in India are a great way to experience beautiful, tranquil landscapes, and of course great birdlife.
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Spotting the elusive tiger in India has to be an activity on many travellers’ bucket list. We’d like to help you get the best chance of seeing a tiger in India – we hope this article can help.
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It is customary to tip in India. Staff will happily to accept and appreciate it. Small tips (anything between 20 and 100 rupees) for small services, such as looking after shoes, carrying bags etc… are appreciated and bar staff also expect small tips. However, please do not feel obliged to tip every time, or to give more than a small note.
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Got your dream Borneo trip booked? Thinking how much you’ll spend? Here are our Tipping guidelines for Borneo to help you have clarity.
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Tipping in Vietnam is very much a western import. In certain places however, it’s becoming an important supplementary form of income. You might find a difference between the North and South of the country: Saigon’s exposure to US culture has made tipping more of a thing although, to be honest, exposure to the tourist industry has meant the practice is now countrywide. Although tips are not expected, they are very much appreciated but it can sometimes be challenging working out how much to tip and when it’s appropriate to do so. Here we provide an insider’s guide:
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One of the main attractions of Borneo is its ancient rainforest. But where will give you the wildlife sightings and overall experience you desire?
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There are a range of beaches with a mixture of accommodation options in Malaysian Borneo. In certain regions to the far east of the island we must also consider FCO advice when looking for a brilliant beach stay. This guide will provide you with a brief overview of what the beaches in this area have to offer so you can start planning your perfect Borneo beach holiday.
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On a trip to Borneo, many clients are drawn to Danum Valley and Mount Kinabalu. These fantastic sites are immensely popular, which means often availability is scarce. The key is to…
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Our India specialists share the best train journeys in India for soaking up the country’s scenery and spirit. Come home with your own train adventure to tell.
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Did you know there are two areas of Kerala classes as ‘backwaters’? Here we detail the differences and the best way to experience them.
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With a huge coastline, India must have some incredible beaches, right? As South Asia experts we at ETG actually think that there are more tropical beaches in nearby Sri Lanka and of course the Maldives. But India does have a few gems. Read on for a rundown of the best beaches in India according to ETG.
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Concerned about ‘Delhi belly’ on a trip to India? India specialist James shares his top tips to staying safe and healthy while travelling.
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Delve into the fascinating history behind the Maidan in Mumbai, one of the most iconic cricketing venues in India.
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Curious about the England cricket tour to India in 2021? Find out which of India’s international cricket stadiums might host the tests.
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Can you believe our luck?! Next year England fans will have another opportunity to watch the team play in India.
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Discover our top ten favourite hotels in rural India that allow you to reveal the fabric of this magical country.
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After years of exploring India, James finally experienced the beauty of the Taj Mahal for the first time. Is it worth the visit or can it be skipped?
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Family TravelYour Travel Story
Have kids, will travel: a parent’s perspective on family travel in Asia
Even for the very well-travelled, going long-haul with kids for the first time can seem a daunting process. Here, former independent traveller, Anneke, shares her experience of the first time booking with ETG.
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Discover the similarities and differences between Kerala and Sri Lanka. Which one would better suit your holiday?
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When most people think of Borneo, one creature springs with mind. Of course, orangutans are incredible, and trying to spot one in the wild is a must for any wildlife-lover in Borneo. But I find that the orangutans often obscure all the other incredible things about the island…
James got back from Sri Lanka at the end of October. Here he details why he thinks Sri Lanka is the ideal holiday choice right now.
Read about our chat with Amit Sankhala on protecting India’s tigers. Amit is a fountain of knowledge and passion on wildlife conservation.
Borneo is a cultural melting pot and its food is a reflection of this. With Chinese, Malay and indigenous Bornean influences, there’s a variety of things to try. Here, country expert Lauren shares the favourite dishes she recommends sampling when visiting the island.
Wondering what kind of accommodation is available in India for the England cricket tour? Our experts give you the rundown.
Watching cricket in Kolkata is an unmissable experience for any cricket-lover. One of India’s most incredible cricket locations.
The Flame Tree Estate & Hotel sits amongst the jungle in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Read about David Swarbick’s experience acquiring & renovating the property.