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A Splendid choice of destination for those looking for a cultural experience rather than a fancy stay in five-star resorts, Yogyakarta is considered the most important reference sites of java's culture and art. This region has the highest cencentration of historical and natural site anywhere in Indonesia. It Has become a destination of insightful holidays. Entitled ‘Daerah Istimewa’ (DI), Yogyakarta is a centre of Javanese culture and heritage with more than a few days of ancient sites and natural landscape to visit. I dedicated my recent trip to Jogjakarta to explore some of the understated places that live just a bit below the radar of international and national tourism. The first stop of my trip was at Gumuk Pasir Parangkumo, a vast area of soft sand formed by the natural phenomen...

Memories of my trip through the heart of Indochina have become indelible reminders of just how fascinating this area of South East Asia really is. Each of the countries visited here presented their own unique set of characteristics to me. The di erent people, the changing food and contrasting social structures all worked to make my targeted destinations throughout the area more interesting and enjoyable. I travelled to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Siem Reap in Cambodia and Luang Prabang in Lao, Laos’s capitol Vientiane to Vietnam’s Halong Bay. All fascinating in their own right and more so because of the cultural makeup within which I found them.  

This capital city of Laos has a somewhat different feel to it than my last two destinations. Vientiane has the buzz and vibes of a real city. However a charming laid-back ambience can be found in places here where French colonial charms mitigate the crowd effects. One of the most distinctive landmarks in Vientiane is the Patuxai arch that resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It is an impressive monument and has been covered in relief work depicting Hindu Gods. At the top are five towers of traditional Laotian style to where visitors can climb to for good views of the city. Pha That Luang or Great Sacred Stupa is a much-photographed site visited by all tourists. Located on a hill, this large golden stupa is covered with gold and the most important monument in Laos. The French bu...

My next destination was Luang Prabang in Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Situated in north central region of the country and now the capital city of Luang Prabang Province, this was the former capitol of Laos. With population about 50.000 people the city sits at confluence of two rivers, the Mekong and the Khan, that almost surround the city that lies beneath a temple-topped hill. The town is small yet very charming with a serene atmosphere and palm-lined streets filled with young Buddhist monks from the many surrounding temples. Numerous shops and restaurants occupy French colonial era buildings and there is a great night market selling local crafts. Fortunately my hotel, Amantaka is situated within walking distance of the main streets where all the major attractions are situated....