TRAVEL PIECES COMMISSIONED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS

Tokyo

Perhaps more than any other city in the world, Tokyo, the seat of Japanese power with its Imperial Palace and parliament in Nagatacho, is a living embodiment of the old world melding with the new. While its obsession with electronic wizardry and technology could not be more ostentatiously on display amid its bustling and frenetic shopping districts of steel and glass, you can quite literally stroll across town and enter one of countless shinto shrines where since time immemorial the Japanese have tied paper prayer ribbons to stringed frames. Similarly, enter any of its public baths (sento) where for centuries the inhabitants of Tokyo have sought refuge from the stresses of everyday life and you'll get a real sense that this city has a tangible and ever-present link with its past.

Bali

Bali, ‘Island of the Gods’, is one of 1,700 islands comprising the Indonesian archipelago. But unlike its satellites which are Muslim, Bali is Hindu, hence the moniker. Indeed, every aspect of Balinese life is suffused with evidence of its religion. Simply walk down any of its streets and you'll find it hard to avoid treading on little leaf trays containing offerings to the gods set out three times a day with burning incense and sprinkled with holy water. Little wonder then that Bali boasts 20,000 temples. This sumptuous island with its traditional fishing villages, black sand beaches and verdant uplands is often described by guide books as 'paradise'. And for once, the term is justified.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia is regarded by many as a convenient stopover destination while en-route to the Far East and Australasia. But for discerning shoppers and gastronomes who aren’t averse to a spot of serious retail therapy and dining out, this modern and vibrant city is a veritable nirvana and oasis of culinary delights where some of South East Asia’s finest chefs practise their art. It is also the retail and fashion hub for the whole of Malaysia with no fewer than 66 shopping malls, most of which are concentrated in the city’s Golden Triangle. Here you’ll find Suria KLC, a highly sophisticated shopping district positioned beneath the majestically towering Petronas Twin Towers – the tallest twin structures on Earth.

Phuket

Thailand’s largest island draws honeymooners and surfers in much the same way as a magnet draws iron filings. And you can see why. Inland, hilly fertile hills are home to mangrove forests, rubber and pineapple plantations, and the exquisite Phra Taew National Park. But it’s on the western shores where the tropical landscape gives way to endless miles of white sand, the ubiquitous palm tree and stunning, turquoise waters that Phuket does what it does best. To say that this island is popular is an understatement. But to avoid the throng of package operators, head for the upper resort and enjoy the quieter sands of Nai Han or the night markets of old Phuket Town.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as it was formerly known, is Vietnam’s largest city and it moves at a frenetic pace. With its mix of French and Vietnamese cultures, this city has it all from ancient pagodas, teeming markets and ramshackle shops selling silk and spices, to the chic and elegant designer malls, gourmet restaurants and bars. The pervasive and intoxicating smells of Vietnamese cooking are as noticeable here as the motorbikes and scooters with their horns blaring constantly at rush hour. Accept a ride from one of the many cycle riders who will wheel you around town while providing a colourful commentary - all for the princely sum of a dollar an hour.

Brisbane

Australia’s third largest city in the south-east corner of Queensland is sited on the River Brisbane and is now finding favour with Australians as a highly desirable place to live. It’s not particularly difficult to see why. Brisbane has become a sophisticated cosmopolitan city that now boasts world-class art galleries, a thriving music scene and the tallest buildings in the country. Yet despite this cultural profile, it’s a city that has managed to retain the laid-back and relaxed feel of a small community. If it’s the great outdoors you’re after, you’ll find 27km of cycle paths and rather more challenging rock climbing at Kangaroo Point. And as for wildlife, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary won’t fail to provide the ‘Ahh’ factor.

Cairns

Situated in Far North Queensland, Cairns occupies a lush, tropical setting and is the gateway to one of the most dramatic natural environments on the planet: the Great Barrier Reef. With its fascinating coloured coral, this is the world’s largest structure made by living organisms and is so extensive that it can be viewed from outer space. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world the reef is also a World Heritage Site and supports an incredible eco system including vulnerable and endangered species.  And above sea level, not to be outdone, the Daintree National Park and  Atherton Tablelands form part of the World Heritage Rainforest and provide a haven for wildlife and fauna.

Gold Coast

Nestling in the southwest corner of Queensland, the Gold Coast is a modern, high rise city with its fair share of apartment blocks, vast shopping complexes and million dollar theme parks. Its 35 miles of coastline represents some of the most popular surf breaks on the globe. And its countless beaches including Stradbroke Island, The Spit and Broadbeach, to name but a few, go some way to explain why this city receives a staggering 2 million visitors every year. But beyond the beaches and tourist attractions is the gold Coast Hinterland, the densely forested home to two of Queensland’s most impressive national parks – Lamington and Springbrook. 

Queensland

Queensland occupies Australia’s northeastern corner. This vast state enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. And among it numerous natural features are fabulous beaches, vast swathes of rainforest and, of course, the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Here nature lovers can explore the coral and sealife of the reef, go humpback whale watching, experience a four-wheel-drive safari on Fraser Island, or explore the Atherton Tablelands rainforest with its crater lakes and extraordinary flora and fauna. To discover more about the indigenous people, take a trip to Carnarvon Gorge . Better still, head off for the electrifying annual Aboriginal Dance Festival at Laura. You won’t be disappointed.