Step into the past and uncover Asia’s cultural soul through mesmerizing historical excursions. Embark on a Top Historical Journey Across Asia, from the ancient ruins of Angkor to the imperial splendor of Hue—each destination offers a unique glimpse into the civilizations that shaped the region. Whether it’s temple-hopping in Chiang Mai or wandering through Vietnam’s storied coastlines, these curated experiences offer unforgettable insight into Asia’s legendary history.
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.
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 13th centuries 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 8th century; 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.