The Big Deep : Scuba Diving in Vietnam

Once the preserve of playboy adventurers, scuba diving is now one of the planet's fastest-growing and most accessible adventure sports activities. With its beautiful coral reef, spectacular marine life, calm, warm waters and mild conditions, the tropical seas of Southeast Asia attract thousands of divers each year. The waters of Vietnam boast some of the best dive sites in the region and sites in Con Dao and Nha Trang are now emerging as leading diving destinations.

Used as a penal colony by the French up until 1975 and one of only two Marine National Parks in the country, Con Dao is a 16 island archipelago situated 180 kilometers off the Southeast coast of Vietnam. Con Dao has largely escaped the exploitation and destructive fishing that have been the fate of other reefs in Vietnam and is now considered to be one of the best examples of marine conservation in the country.

With over 1,000 hectares of stunning coral reefs teeming with a colorful array of marine life, Con Dao supports a high level of biodiversity and over 1,300 marine species have been identified so far. Con Dao's sea grass meadows support a small population of globally endangered dugong, there are also resident hawksbill turtles that nest on the islands and even playful dolphins.

Nha Trang is another scuba centre in Vietnam, and although big animals are hard to find there (apart from the local morays), the abundance of other marine life makes for fascinating diving. Indeed, Nha Trang is renowned for its vibrant nudibranchs and extensive coral biodiversity, and over 350 species of coral can be found at dive sites there.

For advanced divers and beginners alike, Vietnam offers a stunning opportunity to experience the serenity and beauty of the sub-aqua world.

Thailand has the Art of Golf down to a tee

Every year more and more savvy golfers are swinging by the balmy shores of Thailand for memorable games on some of the world’s finest fairways. Currently boasting over 200 courses, Thailand’s tropical climate, low green fees and highly-trained, service-oriented caddies attract the lion’s share of the region’s golf tourists and was recently voted “Best Golf Destination in Asia” by the respected golfing bible Asia Golf Monthly.

Many of the Kingdom’s inbound golf tour operators are seeing business double year-on-year and the market is rapidly expanding with a new course opening almost every month. Many of these excellent championship courses have been designed by golfing legends including Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Robert Trent Jones Jr. and boast wonderfully varied terrains.

Indeed, one of the most fascinating aspects of golfing in Thailand is the broad diversity of locations and environments in which the courses are situated. From the urban excitement of Bangkok and the seaside charms of the eastern seaboard, from the pristine paradise of Phuket in the south, to the verdant hills of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers a veritable tapestry of golfing delights.

One such outstanding facility with an exceptional location is the Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa, is set on 250 acres right on the edge of Khao Yai National Park, a lush tropical forest two hours outside Bangkok that is home to elephants, tigers, and more than 300 species of birds.

This exclusive 18-hole championship golf course – designed by Jack Nicklaus – is beautifully set within natural surroundings and features panoramic views of Khao Yai's lush greenery and mountains. The course features ranges from 4,875 yards to an incredible 7,115 yards and has an innovative single-track layout.

In addition to tee times, Kirimaya's concierge can organize rafting, mountain biking, bird-watching, animal safaris and tours of the Angkor Wat–like ruins at Phi Mai, two hours north. So for both golfers and lovers of the great outdoors, a trip to a Thai golf resort is more than par for the course. Check a golf package at Kirimaya Khao Yai.