ESCAPE THE CROWDS AND GET QUIRKY ACROSS ASIA THIS YEAR WITH AMPERSAND TRAVEL

With demand for epic adventure travel still very much on the rise, Ampersand Travel is offering intrepid travellers the opportunity to venture away from the crowds and discover some of the world’s ‘must do’ destinations in a unique way. Whether the bucket list for 2014 consists of visiting the Great Wall of China, to fly above the Himalayas at sunrise or to sail Vietnam’s Halong Bay, Ampersand Travel reveals the ultimate way to explore Asia's delights…

CHINA: Toboggan down the iconic Mutianyu section of Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is undoubtedly a must see for any visitor to China, but for a fast, fun and daring route to the base of Mutianyu, Ampersand can arrange a fantastically unique toboggan ride. Two hours outside of Beijing proper, the hike along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall affords splendid views of the stone structure snaking over precipitous mountain ridges on the horizon.

Experience this on: ‘An Educational Adventure: The Perfect Family Holiday to China’
15 days from £6275 per person
Beijing – Luoyang – Xi'an – Lijiang – Dali – Shanghai

VIETNAM: Street food safari through Hanoi with gastronomic expert, Mr Vu Long

For the ultimate foodie, a special street food tour with Mr Vu, Vietnam food expert, and Head of the Hanoi Gastronomy Club, is not to be missed. Foodies can experience the sites and sounds of the bustling market and see many food stuffs that are integral to Vietnamese cooking before heading for the Old Quarter streets with its local street food stalls. Guests will stop at Ly Quoc Su Street to taste pan fried Banh Goi (made of rice, mashed pork and vermicelli) served with vegetables and bean sprouts before continuing to Hang Manh Street to taste Bun Cha, served with fried Nem filled with pork or sea crab, and Hang Da market to try assorted sweet fried fruits, O Mai.

Experience this on: ‘Bonjour Vietnam… A Fabulous Food-lovers Tour’
12 days from £3485 per person
Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An –  Dalat – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

INDIA: Have a sunrise yoga session in the deserted city of Bhangarh…if you dare!

Only fifteen minutes by jeep from the ultra luxurious Amanbagh, the intriguing ruined city of Bhangarh is a medieval site of great archaeological importance, built in the late 1500s by Diwan Madho Singh of the Jaipur Royal Family. Legend has it that this now uninhabited city of once magnificent bazaars, palace, gardens, temples and bathing pools was deserted overnight, having been cursed by an evil Court Magician, Selu Sewra, who had unsuccessfully attempted to seduce Bhangarh’s virtuous and beautiful Queen. Ampersand can organise a pre-dawn journey to Bhangarh where you can perform yoga on one of the abandoned temple plinths as the sun rises. A memorable, yet completely surreal experience!

Experience this on: ‘Rajasthan with Aman; A Luxury Tour of North India
11 days from £5279 per person
London – Alwar – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi – London

INDONESIA: Meet with Papuan Tribes aboard luxury phinsi sailboat, Silolona

Unlike other boat trips, a voyage on luxury phinsi vessel, Silolona, is truly unique. Allowing access to meet the Stone Age Asmat tribes of Irian Jaya (Papua), guests can attend the Asmat Auction for their art, visit rural and rich Spice Islands and explore the trade post and beautiful islands visited during the height of the Spice Trade. Silolona includes five spacious cabin suites, a teak lounge and dining area surrounding by large windows, on-deck dining and well-equipped dive facilities, filling your days with snorkeling, swimming, fishing, and scuba diving. Silolona also has a dedicated crew of 16, including a 5 star chef and dive master.

Experience this on: ‘Indonesian Sojourn on board Silolona’
11 days from £9365 per person
Ubud, Bali – Labuan Bajo – The Komodo Islands – Pemuteran, Bali

BURMA: Unique ‘Beach Safari’ experience on St Andrew’s Bay or horseback riding through the temple-strewn Bagan plains

Unknown to many and just one hour south of Ngapali, lies a traditional Rakhine fishing village and a pristine, undeveloped beach which gently arches around the bay. It is home to villages who have lived in the same way for hundreds of years, according to rhythms of nature. This breathtaking beach safari is a discovery into the traditional lives of the Burmese, exploring as a day experience or an overnight stay at the beach, near to the rural and welcoming village life in Myanmar. For the sporty, venture off to the temple studded Bagan plains for a private discovery on horseback  to enjoy a unforgettable two hour experience, riding past historic temples, at the leisure and privacy of your own.

Experience both the ‘Beach Safari’ and Bagan horse riding on: ‘The Golden Land of Burma… A Luxury Tour’
14 days from £3,495 per person
Yangon (Rangoon) – Inle Lake – Mandalay – Bagan – Maung Shwe Lay – Ngapali Beach

BALI: Experience a Balinese Purification Ceremony at Tirta Empul temple in Ubud

A must for Bali is to experience a traditional Balinese purification ceremony, which leads to the Tirta Empul Temple in North East Ubud. Built historically in 926AD, in an area where spring water naturally flows, local Hindus come here to practice a monthly cleansing ceremony in the holy waters. Authentic temple attire will be provided to wear, to accustom yourself with the special offering to place at the temple, guiding you through the customs associated with this admired ceremony.

Experience this on: ‘Cultural Gems of Indonesia… Lombok, Bali & Java’
16 days from £3220 per person
Lombok – Ubud, Bali – Pemuteran, Bali – Borobudur, Java

JODHPUR: Zip line over Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

Zip lining over the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is arguably one of the highlights of visiting Rajasthan. This fort was built in the 17th century, and is over 400 feet high; whizzing across each of the six zipline wire routes ensures spectacular views of the fort’s ruins and majestic green moats beneath you, in the distance you will see the stunning ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur. This experience is perfect for the ultimate adventurers and explorers.

Experience this on: ‘Rajasthani Nights – Dreamy Desert Luxury Tour of North India’
13 days from £3515 per person
Jodhpur – Rohet – Jaisalmer – Osian