Tom O'Hara

The word 'adventure' means different things to different people, but for me it's all about getting away from the crowds and searching out those places that don't make it on to the front of many postcards.

My favourite adventure

Royal Palace museum, Luang Prabang, Laos

My first trip to the Far East, when I spent two and a half weeks travelling around Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, was an incredible holiday and a real adventure.

Arriving in Hanoi's hectic old quarter was a real culture shock, one of those travel experiences you never forget, and it didn't take me long to realise that South East Asia is a really special place.

Other highlights of my trip included the golden temples and laid back atmosphere of Luang Prabang, the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay and the sprawling temples of Angkor, which are every bit as impressive as they look in the photos.

Explore Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong

My top adventure tip

'Try anything once' is my motto when I travel, even if it does lead to a few decisions I later regret...

The local liqueur or regional delicacy might not look that appetising, but you never know until you try it, and you might never get another opportunity.

Okay, so it doesn't always work out - kurt springs to mind, a dried out ball of sour goat's milk that I tried in Uzbekistan, and which tasted just as bad as it sounds - but at the very least you'll end up with a good anecdote!

Adventure News