Our day-trip dollars become micro-loans to empower rural women, writes Naomi Estall.

Sophie Barclay visits a tourist-free part of Hong Kong.

Three days in Shanghai's metropolis is one way to touch the sky, discovers Katie Wright.

A night at the sumo stadium is strangely reminiscent of a job at the freezing works, writes Dean Parker.

Regan Schoultz finds travelling with her partner's family offers a rare insight into life in an exciting, exhausting country.

The most authentic Southeast Asian foods are to be found in the small alleys and laneways reached aboard a tuk-tuk or decrepit taxi, finds Brett Atkinson.

In a China seldom explored, Graham Reid finds geological marvels that draw giggles from locals as well as tourists.

Halong Bay's famed islands are well explored from a kayak, writes Neda Vanovac.

At Pulau Ubin, away from Singapore's glossy towers, Jim Eagles comes face to face with some local wildlife.

Kristi Eaton finds the language barrier to be no hurdle during a solo trek through Burma.

Gabrielle Dunlevy cleanses her body, soul and mind in an Indonesian healing resort.

Golden beaches, unique animals... Janet Wilson finds competition for God's Own.

Why are toilet paper sales soaring in Japan despite a falling population?

Next time you're on a stopover in Singapore, why not spend more than a few hours there?

Plans to ban disabled climbers from attempting to scale Mount Everest have been rubbished.

Novice climbers could be banned from attempting to climb Mount Everest, under Nepalese plans to confront safety and overcrowding concerns.

A luxury river trip from Mandalay, writes Nigel Tisdall, is the stress-free way to see remote parts of Burma.

Prioritise and focus on quality rather than quantity in this city where there is so much to see and do, writes Donna McIntyre.

Donna McIntyre is by turns saddened, unnerved, educated and fascinated on a visit to South Korea's side of the demilitarised zone.

China's move doesn't have to spark rivalry, Japanese visitor tells Herald political editor Audrey Young.

Asian policy-makers need to understand that currency devaluations aren't a cure-all, writes Bloomberg columnist William Pesek.

In Bali's hills, far from the madding crowds, Shandelle Battersby finds a perfectly positioned eco-resort.

Far beyond the big cities, growth in China's west is creating business opportunities for New Zealand companies.

Two Auckland students have designed a bottle specifically for New Zealand craft brewers hoping to crack the Asian market.

Finding something for everyone is the key to a happy holiday.

Thailand's Songkran water festival will leave you wet-through but grinning from ear to ear, writes Brett Atkinson.

Dreamed of going to India but worried about surviving? Bruce Morris gets a taste of this exciting land, the safe and comfortable way.

This city's horror was 70 years ago, but the memories will never leave, says Kevin Pilley.

Paul Rush succumbs to tactile sensations and rose-scented dreams in a Thai spa.

On a billion-dollar ship, Toby Manhire dodges the conga line and opts instead for several fine ales and a ride on the North Star.