Highlights from Vietnam’s Former Imperial Capital
Azerai La Residence, Hue, a historic luxury hotel overlooking the fabled Perfume River in central Vietnam, offers several ways to explore the area’s rich history, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. The hotel’s most popular “Full Day in Hue” tour begins with a leisurely boat ride on the river to Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story tower built in 1601 that stands today as an unofficial symbol of Hue. The excursion continues by private car to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. In the afternoon, guests visit the tomb of Emperor Gia Long, the resting place of the first Nguyen Emperor, and Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which features traditional Vietnamese in design with European flourishes, making it unique from other tombs in Hue. Some guests opt to end the day with a royal dinner inside the Imperial City at the Royal Theater of Vietnam.
Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Angkor
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the iconic 92-year-old luxury hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia, has unveiled a series of “Curated Journeys” offering guests distinctive ways to experience the rich culture and history of the ancient archeological sites of Angkor. Guests can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site on the back of a Vespa, exploring areas not easily reached by foot or too narrow or overgrown with forest to access by car. And for a truly once-in-a-lifetime way to see Angkor, Raffles offers a Bespoke Temple Dinner uniquely set within the ancient temple complex, set with blazing torches that cast flickering shadows around the remains of the Khmer Empire.
A War-Era Bomb Shelter in Vietnam’s Capital
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi offers a daily “Path of History” tour that’s become a must-do for visitors who want to learn more about the iconic luxury hotel’s storied past. It includes a look at photographs of the hotel’s many famous guests over the years, along with vintage artifacts like century-old room keys. But for many, the highlight of the tour is a trip down into the 123-year-old luxury hotel’s bomb shelter, which shielded visitors like Joan Baez and Jane Fonda, among others, from air raids during the U.S.-Vietnam War. The bunker was closed and sealed after the war before being rediscovered during the renovation of the Bamboo Bar in 2011. Hotel guests on the tour can explore and take photographs of the subterranean chambers.
A Marble Mountain Hike and Tai Chi Amid the Caves
Da Nang’s Marble Mountains, five karsts named for the five elements, are best enjoyed before the crowds set in for the day. The sacred spot, peppered with pagodas and shrines, ancient statues and deep, lofty caves, is accessed by a time-worn 200-step stone staircase winding up the mountainside. TIA Wellness Resort offers its guests a glimpse of the mountainside as it may have been experienced in the past with an early morning Tai Chi session held at the top. The two-hour excursion, designed with movement in mind, is one of the property’s TIA tours. A session must be booked in advance and takes place from 6:30am – 8:30am.
An Historical and Cultural Take on Beach City Nha Trang
Alma Resort Cam Ranh has joined forces with boutique travel agency Zazen Travel to offer a six-hour “Cultural and Heritage Tour” of bustling nearby beach city Nha Trang with highlights ranging from its ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers to Nha Trang Cathedral. Departing Alma at 8am, the experience starts out at Truong Son Craft Village, home to a host of skilled artisans crafting the likes of traditional pottery, lacquerware, silk weaving and sand painting before visitors’ eyes. After a stop at the Nha Trang Cathedral with its imposing Gothic design, the tour takes in the majestic Po Nagar Cham Towers dating from the 7th to 13thcenturies when the vanquished Champa Kingdom reigned. The tour is rounded out with a visit to Nha Trang’s biggest market Dam that first opened in 1908.
Rummaging Through Mui Ne’s Rich History on a Private Tour
The Anam Mui Ne offers a private excursion that delves into beach town Mui Ne’s past, entailing stops at the bustling Mui Ne Fishing Village, the ancient Po Shanu Towers, and the Fish Sauce Museum. With its centuries-old local way of life on display, the Mui Ne Fishing Village is a riot of colour with hundreds of bright fishing boats and locals haggling over the fresh catch of the day. Perched on Ba Nai Hill, Po Shanu Towers were built in the late 8thcentury; very few of these architectural marvels from the Champa Kingdom’s reign remain today. Mui Ne’s Fish Sauce Museum is home to 14 interactive exhibits that provide insights into the 300-year-old fishing industry of the town, which stakes a claim as the birthplace of Vietnam’s fish sauce.
Majestic Temples Reign Supreme in the Former Capital of the Lanna Kingdom
There are temples and then there are Chiang Mai’s temples. In fact, more than 300 “wats” dot the city and surrounding countryside. Meliá Chiang Mai, situated in the heart of the city near historic landmark Tha Phae Gate, offers private sightseeing and excursions to a host of impressive wats including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Umong, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Ched Yod. Atop Doi Suthep mountain and affording stunning views of Chiang Mai, famed Doi Suthep Temple is the most popular and for good reason. Filled with Buddhist shrines and auspicious relics, the temple is crowned by a gold-plated 24m tall stupa that, on a clear day, catches the sun’s rays and blazes like a beacon over Chiang Mai.
Wandering Through One of Hong Kong’s Oldest Districts, Wan Chai
Originally a small fishing village, Wan Chai transformed into a bustling urban area following British colonisation in 1841. Now a hub of commercial and cultural activity, Wan Chai is renowned for its historical landmarks, street markets and blend of Eastern and Western influences. The Hari Hong Kong encourages guests to check out its vibrant neighbourhood with the self-guided ‘Best of Wan Chai: Iconic Landmarks’ tour. The Old Wan Chai Post Office, four-story tenement block Blue House Cluster, Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple, the Old Wan Chai Market Building with its Streamline Moderne style serving as a reminder of Hong Kong’s pre-war era and ‘Villain Hitting’ are among the recommendations. A traditional folk ritual practiced under the Canal Road Flyover, Villain Hitting involves ‘beating’ a paper effigy of a villain as a curse.
Check out Bangkok’s Storied Attractions Via the BTS Skytrain
INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s design draws inspiration from some of Bangkok’s most famous historic attractions such as Chao Phraya River, temples Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew, Brahman structure The Giant Swing, state park Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The hotel’s ‘INNSiDERS’ advise guests on how to take the BTS Skytrain – the On Nut Station is 160m away – to get up, close and personal with the landmarks that have played a pivotal role in the not only the hotel’s design but the evolution of Bangkok, which became the capital of Siam in 1782. After a day of sightseeing on the metro system, guests return to the hotel to take in contemporary interpretations of the attractions, such as the lobby’s nods to Wat Phra Kaew, with, for example, a golden counter inspired by Wat Phra Kaew’s traditional Thai decorations gilded in gold leaf, and The Giant Swing Pool Bar’s towering swing.
Experience the Final Resting Places of Vietnamese Emperors
Visiting the Royal Tombs of Hue in Vietnam is a profound journey into the grandeur and mystery of the Nguyen Dynasty. These majestic tombs, the final resting place for various emperors, are set amid lush landscapes, and showcase intricate architecture, serene lakes, and exquisite stone carvings that reflect the artistry and reverence for Vietnam’s royal heritage. Guests of Laguna Lang Co, a top-tier integrated resort on Vietnam’s central coast, can easily embark on an exclusive tour to Hue, with seamless arrangements provided by the resort’s concierge. The trip offers guests a thoughtfully curated itinerary, ensuring a comfortable journey and an in-depth exploration of the tombs’ historical significance. Laguna Lang Co’s guided experience combines cultural enrichment with luxury travel, allowing guests to witness the past in an immersive and respectful way.
