Michael Portillo begins his journey in Hong Kong. Michael’s railway highlights include the cable funicular to the top of Hong Kong’s highest mountain and the enviably efficient mass transit system. Show more

Michael Portillo embarks on a two-part adventure through Thailand. Michael helps out at an elephant hospital, tries his hand at the art of umbrella-making and learns about northern Thai cuisine. Show more

Michael Portillo steps into the ring under the guidance of champion trainer Master Toddy to learn muay Thai boxing. Can he perfect the cobra-inspired right hook? Show more

Michael Portillo boards Vietnam’s spectacular Reunification Railway to make a 1,000-mile journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. He visits the container port of Haiphong and finishes in Halong Bay. Show more

Michael Portillo travels through the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Near the formidable imperial city of Hue, Michael meets milliner Mrs Ngo, who teaches him how to make the iconic conical hat. Show more

In the heaving megacity of Jakarta, Michael Portillo uncovers Indonesia’s colonial past as part of a Dutch empire and its rich history as a port. Show more

Beginning in Java’s royal city, Yogyakarta, Michael Portillo visits the Sultan’s Palace and witnesses the ancient art of shadow puppetry, known as wayang. Show more

Michael rides one of the steepest and fastest funicular railways in the world and steps into a tropical paradise as he releases exotic specimens at Malaysia’s first butterfly sanctuary. Show more

In Kuala Lumpur, Michael tries the ancient art of pewter smithing and learns how the discovery of tin transformed a muddy estuary into Malaysia’s thriving capital. Show more

Michael Portillo’s railway tour reaches its final stop - Singapore. Michael walks the streets of Chinatown with a local artist and uncovers the history of the Chinese community there. Show more