Latest from Asia

High-strung host: Airbnb guest reveals crazy list of rules
Clear communicator or control freak? Viral Tiktok divides viewers.

Space trip too short says Japanese space tourist
Yusaku Maezawa said 12 days was 'not enough' and 20 would be better.

Luxury on a shoestring: The five-star resorts that cost less than $60 per night
Live big on a small budget when you stay at these hotels.

Hong Kong votes - but with only China loyalists approved
Only those truly loyal to Beijing are allowed to run for office due to a new law.

Omicron on collision course with summer: The holiday pandemic risks
Pacific, Asian travel bubbles were considered in winter - but staffing was stretched.

Shocking reality of living in North Korea
A journalist has revealed the hardest part about staying under the radar.

World's longest train ride takes you from Portugal to Singapore
Train enthusiasts suggest it is the world's longest continuous rail journey.

'No laughing': North Korea bans shows happiness for 11 days
The country is observing the 10-year anniversary of the death of Kim Jong-il.

Twin baby pandas' first steps caught on video in French zoo
This video of baby panda twins learning to walk will be the cutest thing you see all day.

Luxury Wellness: World's best retreats to visit in 2022
Try one of these incredible spots guaranteed to transform mind, body and spirit.

Taiwan loses ally - now only 14 countries recognise it
China has been poaching Taiwan's diplomatic allies over the past few years.

Contiki reveals places Covid-19 has made more expensive
Get ready to fork out a little more than usual when you visit these destinations.

Cheers! How to toast in 20 different languages
From France to Fiji, here's what to say when you raise a glass this weekend.

Omicron kicks hurting tourism industry while it's still down
From Japan to Israel, Germany to France, Omicron gives tourism a devastating déjà vu.

Calling all crypto-millionaires; Thailand wants you
Thailand Tourism is willing to make big money moves to lure crypto-rich tourists.

Live: New variant in UK and likely Germany, Italy; NZ deems nine countries 'very high-risk'
South African scientists first raised alarm about the new variant this week.

Explainer: New 'Omicron' Covid variant, 'most concerning so far'
The new variant has a large number of mutations, which could help it spread faster.

Geography 101: The story of the seven 'stan' countries
From Afghanistan to Kyrgyzstan, here's why seven countries share the same suffix.

Beach made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio reopens after 3 years
After three years, this iconic beach is back, but there's a catch.

Pastel paradise: North Korea's Kim tours 'trophy' city after month-long break
The Samjiyon city development includes thousands of new homes, roads and a power grid.

Happy returns: relive your favourite flavours from far-flung destinations
Auckland's takeaway options will transport you to foodie destinations around the world.

As distrust of China grows, Europe inches closer to Taiwan
New York Times: China's aggressive posture is prompting a geopolitical shift.

TikTok Travel: 10 most popular cities revealed
How many of these iconic destinations have you visited?

(Un)Happiest Place on Earth: 34,000 tourists locked down in Shanghai Disney
'Locked in Disneyland' sounds like a dream but was more like a nightmare for visitors.

Get on board the world's most luxurious train journeys
Relive the golden age of travel aboard one of the world's most luxurious train journeys.

Small Business: Indian classical dance business contributes to Diwali festival
Future of Indian classical dance in Aotearoa and in keeping the culture alive.

Heart-wrenching scene: Thousands of birds die as Turkish lake dries up
Climate experts warn the entire Mediterranean Sea basin is at risk of severe drought.

Attempted murder charge after woman cuts apartment painters' rope
Woman was apparently angry she hadn't been told the painters would be doing work.

Country most likely to write fake Tripadvisor reviews revealed
Tripadvisor reveals the 10 countries where most fake paid reviews originate.