Hoi An

Hoi An may be small but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular to visit. It’s Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage site and displays a variety of influences corresponding from the beautiful Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Temples to the Museum of Folk Culture. The Old Town may be filled with plenty of shops catering to the western budget, but the atmosphere alone is well worth the time spent walking around the streets. Visit the Phung Hung House, a traditional two-story wooden house that has been inhabited for over 100 years by 8 different generations, stop …

Singapore

This former British trading colony has become one of the most prosperous countries in the world and also has one of the world’s busiest ports. High-rising modern skyscrapers meet 24-hour coffee shops in a blend of traditional and new, Chinese, Malay and Indian influences in this metropolis in the heart of Southeast Asia.

For many, Singapore’s Chinatown is the place to head with it’s restored shophouses popular with both locals and expats. Those looking to take advantage of the shopping paradise that is Singapore should definitely head to Orchard Road for miles of malls. For a …

Avignon

One of Provence’s most important cities, Avignon’s old world charm is infectious on many levels. One of the city’s most majestic landmarks, Le Palais des Papes, is also the largest Gothic building in the world. It was built as a direct result of the corruption of Rome when the Popes fled to Avignon in the 14th century. Even older is the famous bridge Le Pont d'Avignon or Le Pont Saint-Bénezet, believed to have been built when a local shepherd, inspired by angels, quickly built the bridge as a result of divine will.

A quintessential part …

Malacca

Once the capital of the ancient Malay kingdom and now a joint UNESCO Heritage Site along with George Town, Malacca has been influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and even British, making it a vibrant and culturally diverse place to visit. From its old colonial charm to Chinese temples, museums that vary from an actual Peranakan heritage town house to maritime artifacts, there’s no shortage of activities in Malacca. Head to the Portuguese settlement and get a peek inside the wooden houses that look more like their Portuguese counterparts than Malaysian residences. Visit the Padang Kemunting Sea-Turtle Sanctuary to …

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital might still be a bit rough around the edges but this former ‘Paris of the East’ has plenty worth exploring. There are a number of French colonial buildings around the city and while many are in various states of decay, the Grand Post Office Building, Central Market and Raffles Le Royal still retain their splendor. For a taste of Asian architecture, visit the Royal Palace or the beautiful Wats in town. Rent a bike and explore the waterside or even take a cruise along the Mekong. Whether you’re en route to Angkor Wat, Bangkok …

Porto

Portugal’s second-largest city is one that is not to be overlooked! Porto was built overlooking the Douro River estuary and it’s historical city center has been continuously occupied since the 4th century. Now a UNESCO Heritage Site, it’s filled with gorgeous churches, picturesque squares and meandering alleys to explore.

Visit the traditional Town Hall or the modern Casa a Música, take a cruise along the river or even catch a FC Porto football game. Enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate in the summer and sit outside sipping cocktails watching the world go by or visit the wine …

Bagan

Home to the largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world, there’s no questioning why one would want to head to Bagan. Described by Marco Polo as "gilded city alive with tinkling bells and the swishing sounds of monks' robes", approximately 2,200 remnants of the once 13,000 temples and stupas remain from the city’s golden period which lasted from the mid 9th-century to the mid-13th century. Wandering around the temples, many of which from the 11th and 12th centuries, you’ll be amazed at the colors, the architecture and even the …

Luang Prabang

With its combination of Lao wooden houses and European architecture, golden-roofed temples and magical mosaics, Luang Prabang, Laos’ former capital, is not a destination to skip in Southeast Asia. A designated UNESCO sight, the center of Luang Prabang is clean and tourist friendly but that doesn’t make it any less marvelous.

Visit the Haw Kham or former royal palace which has been turned into a museum, take in an Alms ceremony and climb up Phou Si - a hill that provides a view of the entire city.

If you’re looking for some excitement, visit the Kuang Si …