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Four days on foot walking the Trans Bhutan Trail, which runs east to west across the Himalayan nation.

A 15-minute walk from Langkawi’s beaches, the Temple Tree resort redefines “home-stay.” Guests sleep in authentic Malaysian heritage houses—including a century-old Chinese farmhouse, a colonial-style bungalow, and a 1940s-era Malay home—that were disassembled at their original sites and rebuilt on the hotel grounds. Now updated with modern amenities, the structures are appointed with local antiques such as money boxes and birdcages. Don’t miss the resort’s lagoon or its eponymous Chinese temple, built around a tree tied with colored ribbons. As a feel-good bonus, some profits from the hotel benefit owner Narelle McMurtrie’s animal rescue organization.

This appeared in the March/April 2010 issue.

I hope that every traveler has the opportunity to experience sunrise from a temple in Bagan - one of the most astonishing places on earth. In general, the history of Burma is amazing. Specifically, the history of Bagan is unlike any other on earth. It’s a little dizzying, in fact - tens of thousands of temples built on a dusty plain by kings, emperors, war lords, and chieftains that stretch on and on until the buck up against the horizon. The best way to explore Bagan is to get out on foot and wander - preferably in the presence of a knowledgeable local guide.

This complex of Taoist religious buildings was constructed in the early 15th century under the Yongle Emperor, who also commissioned the Forbidden City, just to the north. The temple’s central building is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a 38-meter-high (125-foot), three-tiered structure atop a three-tiered marble base. The wooden hall was built entirely without nails. Inside, the beautifully painted walls and ceiling make it a riot of color. On spring and summer mornings and on sunny winter afternoons, locals gather here to sing, dance, play games such as mah-jongg, and sip tea while catching up on neighborhood gossip.

Ditch the air-conditioning and bask in canyon country’s idyllic weather.

With the opening of Soori Penang, architect-hotelier Soo K. Chan revisits the city that shaped him, sharing how memory, design, and daily life inform his most personal hotel project.

An island resident shares insider tips for avoiding Bali’s busiest spots, with recommendations for quieter villages, lesser-known temples, and local night markets.

Often bypassed in favor of shinier Seoul, the South Korean city of Busan—known for its beaches, bathhouses, and rich history—is a destination all its own.

This legendary landmark is worth the rain.

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts recently announced that later this year it will launch two high-end vessels featuring vintage design and luxury amenities on one of the world’s most storied rivers.

These UNESCO World Heritage sites in Lebanon, Scotland, and Ethiopia are all worth the trip.

Thailand’s new Blue Jasmine rail journey is more than a train trip. This nine-day experience features daily excursions, UNESCO sites, luxury hotel stays, and fine dining onboard, offering a glamorous way to slow down and see more of the country.

New river cruises in India along the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Hooghly rivers focus on wildlife encounters, centuries-old history, and life along the banks.

Skip Phuket’s crowds for tranquil Koh Yao Noi, get intentionally lost in Bangkok’s alleyways, and savor northern curries at night markets in Nan province.

Southeastern Italy may be better known for its beaches and burrata, but it’s also layered with ancient Greek and Roman ruins—and extraordinary hotels that alone are worth the trip.