Covering an area of over 43,000 hectares, Halong Bay in northeast Vietnam is known for its impressive seascape formed by thousands of limestone islands and islets. These towering pillars rise from the seabed like a defensive wall and locals believe that they are the vestige of a legendary battle.
Continue reading Halong: Bay of the Descending DragonSet within the 700-year-old walls, Six Senses Fort Barwara is a resort of extraordinary. It is not only a place to spend the night but a meticulous conversion project that took nearly 11 years to complete.
Continue reading Six Senses Fort Barwara: Night in a Rajput PalaceStanding majestically on the Aravalli ranges, the forts of Jaipur have attracted admiration from far and wide. They are best known for their remarkable architecture which combines Rajput and Mughal elements. The fortresses reflect the glory of Rajput rulers and the expertise of Indian craftsmen.
Continue reading Jaipur Forts: Glory of the Rajput RulersJaipur is by no means India’s largest, grandest, or even oldest. Yet behind its earthy pink gates is an energetic city where markets, shops, and splendid architecture jostle against each other.
Continue reading Jaipur: Behind the Pink GatesThough located just 120 km from Agra, Gwalior only sees a minuscule share of tourists. The city rarely turns up in the itinerary of first-time visitors; many have never even heard of its name. However, those who travel to Gwalior will be astonished by the grandeur of its fort and palace.
Continue reading Gwalior: An Untapped TreasureThe Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the reason that draws millions of visitors to Agra. Yet it’s not the only monument built in the former imperial capital of the Mughal empire. Early rulers, from Akbar, Jahangir to Shah Jahan, preferred the city over Delhi. They furnished it with an imposing fort and a sprinkle of magnificent tombs and mausoleums.
Continue reading Agra: Beyond the Taj MahalFor many, the Taj Mahal is the most impressive monument built for love, an eternal testament to a husband’s devotion to his wife. For others, it represents the perfection of architectural planning and excellent craftsmanship. Regardless, the marble mausoleum is considered to be the icon of India and the greatest architectural achievement of the Mughal dynasty.
Continue reading Taj Mahal: An Architectural PerfectionEmbraced by vividly green forests, Hoshinoya Bali is a sanctuary of serenity. It’s designed after a traditional Balinese village, featuring villas with thatched roofs and canal-like swimming pools that mimic the subak system. Yet the modern ryokan also reflects the Japanese aesthetic via the use of space and extraordinary hospitality.
Continue reading Hoshinoya Bali: A Forest SanctuaryDelhi is a city like no other. The capital of India had seen more warlords, conquerors, and emperors than most cities in the world. Each ruler constructed a new capital on, or near, the ruins of his predecessor, leaving today Delhi a mega city that is dotted with ancient monuments, gardens, and forts.
Continue reading The Mark of Empires in DelhiMost travelers to Hanoi know about its chaotic streets, its vibrant food scene, and perhaps the 20th-century wars that shape today’s Vietnam. But not many realize that this city has a rich history, dating back as far as the 11th century. It weaves through the historic core like a thread and is waiting to be discovered by those with keen eyes.
Continue reading The Soul of Old HanoiSettled on the verdant hillside of the Hoang Lien mountain range and far from the well-worn tourist path, Topas Ecolodge is literally a retreat. Here, guests can disconnect from the modern hectic world and immerse in the idyllic mountain lifestyle like it has been for centuries.
Continue reading Topas Ecolodge: An Ideal Mountain RetreatFor the Balinese, irrigation is not simply providing water for the plants. Instead, there is a sophisticated system known as subak that incorporates many water-related components. Through this path of water, a deep connection between the spiritual, the natural and the human world is created.
Continue reading Subak: The Path of Water in BaliThough less traveled than the southern beaches and the spiritual heart of Ubud, East Bali possesses numerous cultural and natural attractions. From majestic volcanoes, and pristine beaches to richly ornate temples, exploring this region is a true pleasure.
Continue reading East Bali: The Part Less TraveledThough rice is the main staple food of Vietnamese people, noodles are often their favorite choice of food. From breakfast, lunch, and dinner to late-night snacks, you can easily spot locals slurping noodles at any time of the day. They are simply the thread of daily life.
Continue reading Vietnamese Cuisine: Noodle Dishes
