Want to experience the unique colours, aromas and sounds of India without succumbing to the chaos on the roads? Then consider two very different but equally memorable Indian rail journeys – the luxury Deccan Odyssey and the high-speed Gatimaan Express. On any given road in India you will be confronted by a disconcerting array of users. Apart from t...

Petra is an ancient city in Jordan celebrated as both a UNESCO site and as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, owing to its stunning rock-cut architecture and rich history. Sometimes known as the Rose City for its pink sandstone cliffs, Petra was established by the Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab people, in the fourth century BC, although the sur...

Uzbekistan is the heart of the Silk Road, culturally and geographically. A country the size of Spain, with a diverse population of 37 million people, it is experiencing a tourism boom, with international arrivals are expected to increase from 11 million in 2024 to 15 million in 2025. UNESCO sites Uzbekistan is known for the dramatic architectural m...

The Saigon Opera House, officially known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, stands as one of the most prominent and iconic examples of French colonial architecture in Vietnam. Located on the bustling Le Loi Boulevard in District 1, the Opera House is not only a striking symbol of the city's colonial past but also a vibrant cultural venue...

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is one of Seoul's most iconic urban landmarks today, but its history is a fascinating journey of neglect, development and ambitious restoration. The closest part of the stream to the Lotte City Hotel where I stayed was just a five-minute walk. Stretching approximately 11 kilometres through the heart of downtown Seoul, the ...

Stretching across Japan's tranquil inland sea, the Setouchi region is a tapestry of islands and coastal retreats where history, nature, art and living traditions intertwine. From ancient archaeological sites to world-class contemporary design, Setouchi offers travellers a wealth of experiences beyond the country's better-known cities. Setouchi is c...