The wonderfully ridiculous Big Pineapple in Woombye is a 16-metre fibreglass pineapple and a heritage-listed attraction. Enjoy the quirky souvenir store, a popular zoo, and the TreeTop Challenge high ropes course. Entry is free; the cute choo-choo train rides are $10.

Chiang Mai is famous for its cooking classes, so seize the opportunity to learn how to cook real Thai food while you are here. Visit an organic farm, where you will delve into the art of Thai cuisine from field to plate. Engage in hands-on learning as you cultivate herbs and vegetables, gaining invaluable insights into sustainable farming practices. Then, under the guidance of expert chefs, immerse yourself in a cooking class where you will master the intricacies of crafting traditional dishes like curry paste, stir-fry, soup, and spring rolls.

Home to over 10,000 aquatic creatures, Xiamen Undersea World offers a range of exciting experiences, including the chance to visit the feeding tank, where visitors can hand-feed turtles and baby sharks. The aquarium features a variety of marine life, from colourful fish to larger creatures, and the underwater tunnel gives you a close-up view of sea life from a unique perspective.

Gulangyu Island, just a quick five-minute ferry ride from Xiamen, is a living museum of 19th-century trade and culture. Once a hub for merchants and diplomats, it became home to grand mansions built by Chinese and foreign traders taking advantage of Xiamen’s open port status. The island’s car-free streets are a joy to wander, weaving through colonial-style villas, leafy gardens, and striking architecture that blends European and Chinese influences. Ferries can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so booking your ticket two to three days in advance is a smart move. Once you’re there, take your time exploring the quieter corners, enjoying the local seafood, or visiting attractions like the Piano Museum or Sunlight Rock for panoramic views.