Miiya
Back In Time: The Best Historical Excursions Across Asia
Exploring the Former Imperial Capital of Vietnam
Azerai La Residence, Hue, a historic luxury hotel with stunning views of central Vietnam’s Perfume River, provides various opportunities to delve into the region’s rich past, including its UNESCO World Heritage landmarks. The hotel’s highly sought-after “Full Day in Hue” tour begins with a scenic boat cruise along the river to Thien Mu Pagoda, a striking seven-story tower dating back to 1601, often regarded as Hue’s unofficial emblem. Guests then continue by private car to the Imperial Citadel, the seat of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. In the afternoon, the tour includes a visit to Emperor Gia Long’s tomb, the final resting place of the dynasty’s first ruler, followed by Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which stands out for its blend of traditional Vietnamese elements with European influences. To conclude the experience, some guests choose to enjoy an authentic royal dinner within the Imperial City at the Royal Theater of Vietnam.
Discovering the Ancient Wonders of Angkor
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, a legendary 92-year-old luxury hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia, has introduced a collection of “Curated Journeys” designed to offer guests unique ways to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Angkor archaeological complex. Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site on a Vespa, gaining access to hidden corners that are difficult to reach on foot or too overgrown for cars. For an unforgettable experience, Raffles also arranges a Bespoke Temple Dinner set within the ancient ruins, where flickering torchlight casts dramatic shadows over the remnants of the once-mighty Khmer Empire.
A Hidden War-Era Bomb Shelter in Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hosts a daily “Path of History” tour, a must-see experience for those eager to uncover the rich past of this iconic luxury hotel. The tour showcases photographs of notable guests who have stayed over the years, as well as vintage artifacts like century-old room keys. However, the highlight for many visitors is the descent into the hotel’s wartime bomb shelter, a secret refuge that once protected figures like Joan Baez and Jane Fonda during air raids in the U.S.-Vietnam War. Sealed and forgotten after the war, the bunker remained hidden until its accidental rediscovery during renovations of the Bamboo Bar in 2011. Guests on the tour can now step inside, explore, and capture photographs of this remarkable piece of history.
A Hidden War-Era Bomb Shelter in Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hosts a daily “Path of History” tour, a must-see experience for those eager to uncover the rich past of this iconic luxury hotel. The tour showcases photographs of notable guests who have stayed over the years, as well as vintage artifacts like century-old room keys. However, the highlight for many visitors is the descent into the hotel’s wartime bomb shelter, a secret refuge that once protected figures like Joan Baez and Jane Fonda during air raids in the U.S.-Vietnam War. Sealed and forgotten after the war, the bunker remained hidden until its accidental rediscovery during renovations of the Bamboo Bar in 2011. Guests on the tour can now step inside, explore, and capture photographs of this remarkable piece of history.
Sunrise Tai Chi and Hiking at Marble Mountains
Da Nang’s Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone karsts named after the five elements, are best explored in the quiet of early morning before the crowds arrive. This sacred site, dotted with pagodas, shrines, ancient statues, and towering caves, is reached via a weathered 200-step stone staircase winding up the mountainside. TIA Wellness Resort offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the mountains as they might have been centuries ago—with a serene Tai Chi session at the summit. Part of the resort’s curated TIA tours, this two-hour experience is designed to promote mindful movement and must be reserved in advance. The session takes place from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, offering a peaceful start to the day in a truly breathtaking setting.
Exploring the History and Culture of Nha Trang
Alma Resort Cam Ranh has partnered with boutique travel agency Zazen Travel to offer a six-hour “Cultural and Heritage Tour” of the vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang. Departing at 8 AM, the journey begins at Truong Son Craft Village, where skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as pottery, lacquerware, silk weaving, and sand painting. The tour then moves to Nha Trang Cathedral, an architectural gem with striking Gothic design, before visiting the Po Nagar Cham Towers, an ancient temple complex dating back to the 7th-13th centuries, built during the reign of the Champa Kingdom. To conclude the experience, guests explore Dam Market, the city’s largest and most historic marketplace, which has been a bustling hub since 1908.
Uncovering Mui Ne’s Rich History on a Private Tour
The Anam Mui Ne offers an exclusive private tour that takes guests on a journey through the coastal town’s fascinating past, with visits to the Mui Ne Fishing Village, Po Shanu Towers, and the Fish Sauce Museum. The vibrant fishing village offers a glimpse into a centuries-old way of life, where hundreds of colorful boats dot the shoreline and locals bargain over the freshest catch. Perched atop Ba Nai Hill, the Po Shanu Towers, built in the late 8th century, stand as rare remnants of the once-mighty Champa Kingdom. The experience concludes at the Fish Sauce Museum, which features 14 interactive exhibits detailing Mui Ne’s 300-year-old fishing industry and its legacy as the birthplace of Vietnam’s famous fish sauce.
Exploring the Majestic Temples of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is home to over 300 breathtaking wats (temples), each steeped in history and spiritual significance. Nestled in the heart of the city near the iconic Tha Phae Gate, Meliá Chiang Mai offers private excursions to some of the region’s most revered temples, 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.
Among them, Doi Suthep Temple, perched atop Doi Suthep Mountain, stands as the most iconic. Offering panoramic views of Chiang Mai, this sacred site is adorned with Buddhist shrines, revered relics, and a striking 24-meter-tall gold-plated stupa that glows brilliantly under the sun, making it a true beacon of the city’s spiritual and architectural grandeur.
Exploring the Historic Streets of Wan Chai
Once a humble fishing village, Wan Chai has evolved into one of Hong Kong’s most dynamic districts, blending history, commerce, and culture. Following British colonization in 1841, the area grew into a bustling urban hub, now known for its historic landmarks, lively street markets, and fusion of Eastern and Western influences.
To help guests discover the neighborhood’s rich heritage, The Hari Hong Kong offers a self-guided “Best of Wan Chai: Iconic Landmarks” tour. Highlights include the Old Wan Chai Post Office, the Blue House Cluster—a well-preserved four-story tenement block—the Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple, and the Old Wan Chai Market Building, an architectural gem reflecting Hong Kong’s pre-war Streamline Moderne style. Guests can also witness Villain Hitting, a unique folk ritual performed under the Canal Road Flyover, where practitioners symbolically curse enemies by striking paper effigies—a fascinating glimpse into the city’s enduring traditions.
Discover Bangkok’s Iconic Landmarks via the BTS Skytrain
At INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the city’s rich history is woven into the very fabric of its design, drawing inspiration from landmarks like the Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, The Giant Swing, Sanam Luang, and Ratchadamnoen Avenue. To help guests explore these storied attractions with ease, the hotel’s ‘INNSiDERS’ recommend hopping on the BTS Skytrain, conveniently located just 160 meters from On Nut Station.
From the bustling riverbanks to centuries-old temples, travelers can immerse themselves in Bangkok’s cultural evolution, dating back to its designation as the capital of Siam in 1782. After a day of sightseeing, guests return to the hotel to find modern interpretations of these landmarks—such as a golden counter in the lobby inspired by Wat Phra Kaew’s gilded décor and the Giant Swing Pool Bar’s striking replica of the famous red swing, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary design.
Back in Time: The Best Historical Excursions across Asia
Discover the Majestic Royal Tombs of Hue
A visit to the Royal Tombs of Hue offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur and legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty. Nestled within lush landscapes, these ornate mausoleums serve as the final resting places of Vietnam’s emperors, featuring intricate architecture, tranquil lakes, and masterful stone carvings that reflect the country’s rich royal heritage.
Guests staying at Laguna Lang Co, a premier integrated resort on Vietnam’s central coast, can embark on an exclusive tour to Hue, with seamless arrangements handled by the resort’s concierge. This thoughtfully curated experience ensures a comfortable journey while providing deep historical insights into the tombs. Combining cultural exploration with luxury travel, Laguna Lang Co’s guided tour allows guests to step back in time and appreciate these imperial landmarks in an immersive and meaningful way.
Love,
Miiya