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Vietnam’s capital offers hotels with pockets of peace—lakeside tai chi sessions and ancient pagodas—amid the city’s motorbikes and hawker stalls. For a classic stay, book a room at the Sofitel Legend Metropole, a landmark in Hanoi’s French Quarter. Culture junkies should base themselves at the Hotel de L’ Opera Hanoi or the Hilton Hanoi Opera. InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is just north of the bustling Old Quarter, but offers a serene waterfront setting.

A refugee-turned-doctor takes the trip of a lifetime, tracking gorillas through the wilds of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Many of French Polynesia’s 100 islands are actually coral atolls that lack beaches entirely, meaning that if you want a classic beach holiday you will have to know where to look. Luckily, there are pristine stretches of white-sand beach in French Polynesia, both on the main islands and on the surrounding motus, where you can fulfill your visions of paradise. This guide gives the lowdown on the best islands to find these classic beaches.

When the Terra Cotta Army was uncovered in Xi’an in 1974, the world took notice of the Shaanxi city. The army—filled with 8000 life-size soldiers, as well as weapons, horses, chariots, and other characters—was buried in the tomb of China’s first emperor. Visitors can discover more treasures than frozen troops in Xi’an, though: Along with its famous cuisine, the city is rich with peaceful temples and and holy mosques, hutongs that rival those in Beijing, historic palaces from the Tang Dynasty, and intact walls and fortifications that date back to the seventh century.

From food markets selling street food to Michelin-starred restaurants serving innovative Nordic-inspired cuisine, Copenhagen has secured its spot as a global culinary capital.

How do you make sense of diverse, dizzying São Paolo? Talk to the people who make the sushi, spray the graffiti, and build the giant watermelons.

Aspen, Colorado is one of the world’s most glamorous winter sport destinations. If you’re planning a trip here, then the first step is figuring out where to stay. Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Aspen: peaceful retreats, luxurious historical landmarks, and hip, happening hotspots.

With 350 miles of coastline and sunny skies all year round, Qatar is a fantastic destination for sun-worshipers. Visitors will find inlets, islands, mangroves, and powdery desert sand that rolls right into the sea. This country abounds with peaceful, easy-to-access beaches. Be aware, however, that Qatar is not a place for scanty bikinis. Modesty is appreciated, and you will be expected to respect the local traditions.

AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent comedian Jorma Taccone on a spontaneous journey to Nairobi, Kenya.

A writer seeks out the disappearing workshops that have been the source of elegance in Naples for generations.

A journey into the ethnic neighborhoods redefining the City of Light

Where to eat the best tapas in Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona, and San Sebastián—plus how to order them like the locals do.

Athens is infused with counterculture, ranging from the anarchic and graffitied to global-nomad hipster. Bohemia tends to concentrate in a few neighborhoods, notably Exarchia, Kerameikos, Metaxourgeio and the road leading toward Pireaus, but street art and edgy eateries can dot even posher neighborhoods. Of note are Athens’ many wonderful collective DIY art venues combining nightlife, music, art, performance and sometimes even daytime work.

Osaka is known for its modern architecture and insanely good street food. Both can be found at the city’s top hotels. Starchitect Tadao Ando masterminded the Harmonie Embrassee hotel. ANA Crown Plaza boasts the first branch of the Kyoto’s beloved kaiseki restaurant, Tankuma Kitamise. Music lovers will want to book a stay at the Rock Star Hotel—each room is themed after an iconic global rock artist or group.

Founder’s Note: Learning AFAR