14214_10152623575027617_4481321525533640505_nEvery traveler is different – some are happier laying on a beach and relaxing through their summer holidays and others just aren’t happy unless they’ve got adrenaline coursing through their veins. I like to think I’m a healthy mix of both, I love lazy days with a book by the pool but I also cannot resist the urge to get out there and explore the world in exciting new ways. I’ve taken full advantage of the amazing opportunities to take part in everything from white water rafting and snorkelling, to hiking and abseiling since I’ve been travelling and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You see, no matter now hard I try to be a beach bum all my days, I just get bored and have to get moving. I love activities that get me outside and get me excited about the landscape – you’re more likely to find me camping in the outback under the stars than living it up at a five star hotel. Perhaps that’s why I always have a story to tell, because I get bored with playing it safe and the one thing that really gets my endorphins flowing is adventure. So I thought it was about time to share with you my absolute favourite adventure experiences from my travels in South East Asia:

Kayaking through the jungle in Khao Sok, Thailand

This was without a doubt one of my favourite experiences from Thailand, and worth every penny. Khao Sok is an incredible rainforest in the centre of the country that so many travelers miss because it is slap-bang in the middle between Suratani and Phuket. Trust me, if you like hiking to waterfalls and clambering through the jungle it is perfect for you, with a huge array of trips and experiences on offer. Some of the trips overlap a lot and some are a little pricey, but the one that is 100% worth it is the overnight trip to the lake. This trip takes you out for two days filled with safaris at sunrise and sunset, jungle hikes and a caving trip (see below) plus a night spent in a bungalow floating on a raft that has been built on the reservoir in the centre of the National Park. It’s an amazing trip to one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places I have been and one of the nights I will never forget. It’s not part of the trip but my friends and I couldn’t resist borrowing a couple of kayaks scattered around the raft so we could row out on the lake to watch the sunrise and hear the jungle waking up. It was absolutely incredible – one of the most peaceful moments of my entire life – at least until we heard wild elephants crashing around in the undergrowth! Not to be missed.11250993_10152789719267617_287437721692320808_n

Hill Tribe Trekking in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Up in the North of Thailand I had an amazing opportunity to really understand the hill tribe culture when I took part in a three day trekking trip through the Chiang Mai countryside, led by our amazing tour guide. He took us on a hike across the fields, villages and jungle of his homeland, proudly talking about the history and ways of his family, who we later met, along the way. It was a really valuable experience to see firsthand how they live and support themselves while getting a chance to really explore a landscape that couldn’t be more different to the beaches and rainforests of the south. We walked through forest fires, past rice fields and met friendly village children along the way. At each stop, our amazing guide cooked up a fantastic feast of local dishes all made with ingredients sourced within the village or from others nearby. It was amazing to watch as the meals were prepared, before we bedded down for the night in little huts with roofs made of dried leaves. The trekking was medium difficulty – a bit steep in places but suitable for all levels of fitness – and well worth it for the chance to spend a night camping by a waterfall. I was less impressed with the elephant ride that was on offer at the end of the trip, but I chose not to take part in this, instead feeding the elephants with sugar cane I bought elsewhere. I also took the opportunity to educate the other travelers on why I was choosing not to ride – and they in turn decided not to.

Caving in Khao Sok, Thailand

Part of the trip to the lake I mentioned above, this was an amazing experience all by itself and one I’m so glad I had the opportunity to try. When I hear caving, I think claustrophobic spaces and feeling my way in the dark. Don’t get me wrong, that’s exactly what it is but it’s not something I would have ever chosen to do so it was great to have it as part of a larger trip so I could try it out. We hiked through the jungle to these huge caves and following our tour guide, Mr A, into the darkness with nothing but a tiny flashlight in my hand, we started to make our way through this incredible cave system. Full of huge spiders, bats, and giant frogs that had never seen the outside world, the caves weren’t immediately appealing but once you looked beyond the creatures lurking within, you started to see the majesty of the structures. As we moved further through the caves, it started to get wetter until we actually had to step into a mini river that was flowing through the caves – in pure darkness other than the tiny light from the torches we wandered through the watery trail stepping further and further until we were wading through and the water reached as high as my chin. It was slippery and dangerous – good old Thailand health and safety – it was exciting and fun to be shrieking through the darkness with the A-Team. We knew we were in good hands with our tour guide and we were right – it was an awesome experience and I would really recommend it.1533715_10152703029457617_5153880471880315554_n

Canyoning in Da Lat, Vietnam

Canyoning was the one trip that everyone across Asia talks about. Long before you even set foot on Vietnamese soil, you’re hearing about Da Lat and the amazing trip that has you abseiling down waterfalls, rock climbing, sliding through rapids and free jumping from up to 18m. Pretty awesome right? I knew a long time before I went to Vietnam that I would be going to Da Lat and I would be doing this amazing day-trip. High up in the mountains, you get to see a completely different side to the country and this epic day of adventures is a fantastic way to see the stunning countryside. At just $20 and with lunch included, it’s easily the biggest bargain adventure trip I went on in South East Asia and one that will really give you that adrenaline rush. Just be sure to book through one of the two main companies that offer the trip – ask at Da Lat Central Hotel – because there have been serious injuries/deaths of people who booked with less experienced companies. This trip is not for the faint hearted.

Mountain biking in Dalat, Vietnam

I’m not much of a biker chick, before I went to Thailand I hadn’t actually been on a bicycle for ten years but they are right when they say you never forget. One of my favourite ways to get around in Thailand was by bike, especially when exploring the temples. Da Lat is the perfect place to explore by bicycle, with beautiful rides around the huge lake, places like the Crazy House to explore and lots of waterfalls and beautiful places just a short ride away. The mountainous area means the rides aren’t as easy as you might hope, the hilly landscape is hard going on your legs for the novice cycler, but that didn’t put us off. We braved crazy storms for a bike ride along some ridiculously hilly roads to check out some nearby waterfalls. With four of us it turned into a bit of an adventure as the heavens opened and lightning crashed across the sky. I would really recommend exploring this cute little town by bike, it’s the best way to really experience the landscape and a perfect way to work up an appetite before heading to the markets for dinner.

What are your favourite adventure activities from Asia? What trips would you recommend abroad or in the UK?

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