Bassas da India
This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968.

Clipperton Island
This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awar...

Juan de Nova Island
Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military gar...

Tromelin Island
First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station.

Mengla
If you're travelling into China from Laos, or into Laos from China, you'll likely end up passing through this city, and possibly staying overnight. You can cross from Laos to China by taking a Son...

Yunnan - Satellite Map

Yunnan
From year-round snow-capped Kagebo peak in the Meili Xue mountain range, which nobody has ever yet climbed and survived, to the muggy rainforests of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province is China's most div...

China

Kunming
Kunming, though it is a city of 1.8 million people, has managed to keep some of its charm through the myriad changes it has seen in recent years. It's called the "Spring City" due to its year-round ...

Yunnan - Satellite Map