In the footsteps of Inca civilization or to Angkor Wat, Cambodia

March is here and the spring is around the corner. As the days get progressively longer and weather nicer we start thinking about our summer vacation. Whatever the top travel destinations of the world, budget more than ever is the ultimate influencer of our decision where to go, our travel style and interest is first we tailor into our decision making process.

Many people select their overseas destination based on culture that fascinates them. In last many decades Inca civilization and monuments of the Inca Empire lured many of us to Peru, to the former seats of Inca power, to Cuzco and Machu Picchu high in the Andes mountains.

Chances are that if you have become captivated by the stunning monuments of the Incas you also have likely visited the sites of the Maya and Aztecs throughout Latin America. If you ever pondered venturing to Asia, you have been astonished by the sheer variety of Asian cultures and their remarkable monuments.

China and India are in the forefront of destinations in Asia but to visit them on a limited time means you can only sample a small part of these vast countries. If temples and ancient cities are what stirs your mind, consider a journey to the legendary Angkor Wat Cambodia.

To visit the UNESCO ancient city of Angkor, the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire, you have to travel to Siem Reap, a town in Western part of Cambodia north of the Tonle Sap Lake. You can access Siem Reap easily from either Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, or from Bangkok, Thailand.

Start you tour of the Angkor ruins with Angkor Wat, the grandest of the temples. Next enter the temple complex of Angkor Thom, famous for the colossal stone human face of the Bayon Temple. Admire the enormous fig trees and lush creepers which lodge themselves into the stone walls and foundation of the temple of Ta Prohm.

You can breeze through the temples of Angkor city in a day but that would be a shame as they are far too many stunning temples to savor and you will easily need a full day just to view up close the many temples that are part of the main circuit, with numerous temples spread out over a vast area.

If you have come all this way you’ll need to venture out of town to see the intricately carved temple of Banteay Srei north of Siem Reap. Not to miss are also the temples of the Rolous group, the earliest Khmer civilization in the Siem Reap area, located east of the city.

Siem Reap is a fascinating city in its own right and you best allocate a day to sample its markets and enjoy its daily life. One way or another Cambodia and this part of Southeast Asia will grow on you and tempt you to return.

Phuket in Thailand

Thailand’s largest and arguably most popular island, Phuket, lies in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of southern Thailand, and is a province in its own right. In December 2004 the island was devastated by the tsunami that hit so much of Asia, and many coastal resorts and villages suffered terribly.

Fortunately, Phuket is a wealthy province, and today, thanks to a major re-building programme, the island is back in business, and visitors are unlikely to see any noticeable damage.

Phuket is largely mountainous, its highest point being Mai Thao Sip Song at 529 m (1,745 ft), and much of it is forested. From the 16th century until relatively recently, tin mining was important to the economy, and the culture of the Chinese workers has informed that of Phuket.

Other influences include Portuguese and Islam. Some 35 per cent of the population are Muslims. Phuket has been known as a holiday island since the 1980s, and its beaches sprout new resorts, restaurants and dive operations with every passing year.

Most of the best beaches, huge swathes of white sand, or little sheltered coves, are on the west coast, but those towards the northern tip are much less visited. Patong, the most popular, is very highly developed, and Phuket City is awash with tourists shopping and partying the night away.

The island’s interior is worth exploring, with rubber plantations, rice fields and fruit groves providing employment for islanders who live traditionally, a world away from the international tourism scene.

Khan Phra Thaeo National Park, just 20 kin (12.5 mi) from Phuket City, is a must. Its hills and valleys are covered with tropical rainforest, and it contains a Lar gibbon rehabilitation centre. These charming creatures are endangered, and this project is important to their survival.

For family holidays or short breaks, visit Flight Centre. Flight Centre has a wide range of holiday packages including great value Tasmania holidays.