AsiaLIFE

With hot season beckoning, a break from the blistering Cambodian summer could be on the cards. If you're itching to leave Phnom Penh, here’s our guide to destinations you can reach on a direct flight from the capital.

Nanning

Big, bustling, shiny and new, China’s “green city” of Nanning exudes confidence. Try shopping at the department stores and malls on Chao Yang Road or explore the great food and atmosphere of the night market.

AsiaLIFE tip: Visitors can explore spectacular parts of Guangxi province including the Qingxiu Scenic Area, which lies around 10km from the city, and the Yong River. For something
different, go to Guangxi Medicinal Plants Botanical Garden which contains more than 4,000 varieties of medicinal herbs.

Travel time: 2hr 35mins on China Eastern

Vientiane

Surely the sleepiest capital city in the world, Vientiane is perfect for travellers who love to walk around. As the sun sets the town trickles into life with many riverside food stalls serving fish baked in salt, washed down with the omnipresent Beer Laos.

AsiaLIFE tip: A short drive from the city, Xieng Khuan is a park devoted to Buddha. Created in 1958 by mystic Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, some of the sculptures are reminiscent of Gaudi’s Park Guell. If the park is a bit too gaudy for your taste you can always join the cows in enjoying the river view.

Travel time: 1hr 20mins on Vietnam Airlines

Yangon

Myanmar’s capital comes as a contrast to those used to the mystery of Indochine. Downtown Yangon has a distinctly English colonial air, especially around the port area, and with motorbikes banned you can actually walk the pavements without having to swerve around parked Honda Dreams.

AsiaLIFE tip: Shwedagon Pagoda is without comparison. The 99 metre high golden stupa dominates the town. Arrive mid-afternoon and stay until sunset soaking up the atmosphere of this 2,500-year-old temple.

Travel time: 1hr 55mins on Myanmar

Guangzhou

Historically known as Canton, Guangzhou is the ancient starting point of a maritime silk road that linked China with India. In keeping with its reputation for business, the city now has grown to become a bustling metropolis and is home to the impressive 600-metre-high Canton Tower, the seventh tallest structure in the world.

AsiaLIFE tip: Chang Long International Circus puts on a spectacular show including horseback riding, stunning acrobatics and even a death-defying human cannonball.

Travel time: 2hr 25mins on China Southern Airways International

Bangkok

For those starved of luxury shopping and a good green curry, the buzzing atmosphere of Bangkok is a sure-fire draw. From the dizzy heights of the Sky Bar on the 63rd floor of the State Tower to the heaving backpacker oasis of Khao San Road, all budgets are catered for in Thailand’s bustling capital.

AsiaLIFE tip: Jim Thompson’s House is an oasis of calm compared to the hectic malls of Siam Square. The wooden home of the American silk dealer, who mysteriously disappeared in the Malaysian jungle in 1967, is packed with beautiful artefacts and surrounded by lush garden.

Travel time: 1hr 10mins on AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Thai, Air France

Kuala Lumpur

Upon each visit to Kuala Lumpur the shopping malls grow, the discounts get higher, and the feet become more tired. KL is a shopping paradise. But the city has more to offer and at night its glistening lights make it a wonderland, dominated by the massive Petronas Towers.

AsiaLife tip: Jalan Alor, or hawkers’ street, is a great area to try with fresh food, cheap prices, ice cold beers or fresh juices in street-side seating. The hop-on, hop-off tourist bus takes a very long time between stops, a better option is to take direct buses to interesting sites.

Travel time: 2hrs Jetstar, Silkair

Seoul

With K-Pop, kimchi and Korean barbeque to offer, Seoul is rapidly becoming Asia’s coolest city and provides a perfect location for people watching. Sip on soju or venture to Namdaemun market to stock up some Korean-style clothes of your own.

AsiaLIFE tip: A 20th century replica of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was destroyed in the 16th century, stands in the city. Arrive at 10am to see the changing of the guard.

Travel Time: 5hr 50mins Asiana, Korean Air.

Shanghai

From tucked-away temples in Shanghai’s old town to mega shopping malls and amusement parks, the thriving metropolis of ever-changing China is a place of contrasts. The People’s Republic’s largest city has a reputation for fast-paced living. For visitors, that means a plethora of things to do in a city where the modern world meets old world charm.

AsiaLIFE tip: Aside from Shanghai’s fantastic museums and diverse nightlife, a train ride through the Bund sightseeing tunnel could provide something distinctly different for would-be tourists. The journey could be something out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and comes complete with psychedelic lights and noises.

Travel time: 4hr 15mins on Shanghai airlines

Singapore

Clean, modern and often chewing gum free, Singapore is more than just a lay-over destination. Swanky Orchard Road is the city state’s premier shopping street, but for nature lovers the botanic gardens and Sentosa Island are a short trip away.

AsiaLIFE tip: Party animals can go crazy in Singapore with top name DJs regularly in town. Try the line-up at Zouk club, which is celebrating its 21st birthday this year.

Travel time: 2 hrs on Silkair or Jetstar

Taipei

With a reputation as one of Asia’s most liveable cities, Taipei has a unique atmosphere all of its own. Hop on the Maokong Gondola for high-altitude views, or travel to the hillside town of Pingxi to see thousands of lanterns being sent into the sky this month.

AsiaLIFE tip: Alley Cats has a reputation for best pizza in town while the Tonghua night market is a winner for teppanyaki.

Travel Time: 3hr 32mins Eva Air, China Air.

Hong Kong

Buzzing Hong Kong may be compact, but with stunning sights such as the light show at Victoria Harbour its packs serious tourism clout. With both designer names and tranquil walking trails, it’s a city that mixes modernity with tradition.

What to do: For non-animal rights activists, the bird market is a mix of competitive warbling and prize pets. Or climb 200 plus steps to reach the Giant Buddha that sits atop of Ngong Ping plateau, amid the mountainous scenery of Lantau Island.

Travel time: 2hr 30mins on Dragonair

Ho Chi Minh City

Brave its terror-inducing traffic to discover that Vietnam’s capital is a gigantic gem worth exploring. Inside the sprawling metropolis lie a bevy of cosmopolitan bars along with incense-filled Chinese temples and soaring colonial architecture. With some of the best street food on offer in Asia, a steaming bowl of pho or some delicious bánh xèo pancakes can be picked up by weary travellers at almost every corner.

AsiaLIFE tip: The food stalls that line district one’s Ban Thanh market at night are worth a try. The huge Dai Nam Theme Park - a massive complex with rides, a water park, a snow centre and a zoo - complete with a viewing platform to see giraffes face to face – is an hour drive away.

Travel time: 45mins on Vietnam Air, Cambodia Angkor Air