The word city generally conjures up thoughts and images of hustle and bustle, flowing traffic, bright lights and busy night life. However, they can also serve as a peaceful retreat and the perfect place to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones, with some of the calmest and most spellbinding cities to be found in Asia.

Renowned for its exceptional hospitality, fascinating culture, delicious food and the most exclusive hotels, Asia has so much to offer the discerning traveler. So, if you are searching for some of the most relaxing places in the world, we at Luxury Gold have uncovered some true gems of tranquility to be found in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Japan.

Each peaceful haven gives you the chance to step away from the hectic rhythm of modern life, enjoy beautiful surroundings and spend a little time with yourself. Explore serene destinations steeped in Buddhist history, discover temples and monasteries, and take a walk through the well-preserved past. Maybe take the extra time to realign your chakras, practice some yoga or try meditation – a chance to focus on your mental health while enjoying a fantastic cultural experience.

These fascinating destinations are also guaranteed to take you on a mouth-watering culinary adventure. Core to Asian culture, street food is freshly prepared and exceedingly tasty and there are infinite options to try in even the quietest city. For starters we suggest that you try Pad Thai in Thailand, Pho in Vietnam and Amok Trey (fish curry) in Cambodia.

Vietnam – Hoi An

Located on Vietnam’s central coast, Hội An translates as “peaceful meeting place” and offers beautiful beaches, a laid-back attitude and an exquisitely preserved Old Town. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An was an important trading port from the 15th to the 19th Century and offers a step back in time for travelers, the perfect escape from the realities of modern life. The beautiful old town, closed to traffic and composed of small colonial style houses, is a bountiful canvas of color with architectural nods to its Japanese, Chinese, French and Vietnamese heritage. Though quiet and calm, Hoi An is a very tourist friendly city, and there is plenty to do. Admire the blanket of lanterns at the night markets and enjoy the local restaurants where you can soak up the unique ambiance of this charming city and savor tasty local cuisine.

Experience the very best of Hoi An on our Spirit of Vietnam luxury guided tour. With the help of a Local Expert, explore the former merchants’ homes, colorful communal halls, narrow lanes and traditional houses, as well as a top highlight, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. We’ll take you deep into the heart of this beautiful and tranquil city, and even introduce you to a special martial arts Master, to discover the art of healing through martial art, and to learn some steps.

Cambodia – Angkor Thom

Stepping into the captivating ancient city and temple complex of Angkor Thom is like stepping into a magical, mythical faraway land. Lose yourself among the endlessly fascinating myriad of temples, each one different from the next, and completely forget about the modern world.  Built around 1200 by King Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, a fortified city enclosing residences for the priest, officials of the palace and military, and the administrative buildings of the kingdom. The 360-acre site is built as a square, each side 3km long and surrounded by a 100m wide moat. Discover Angkor Thom, along with its famous neighbor Angkor Wat and other highlights of Cambodia on our Cambodia & Vietnam in Style and Inspiring Indochina luxury guided tours. You can’t fail to feel uplifted and peaceful when surrounded by such spellbinding architecture and natural beauty so, with its spiritual influence and so many perfect spots, why not take some time to practice a little meditation?

Laos – Luang Prabang

A traditional morning start in the charming city of Luang Prabang involves rising early and offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks, a living Buddhist tradition going back generations. Known for its Buddhist temples and monasteries, this charming, serene city in northern Laos is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A particular highlight is Xiengthong, known as the Temple of the Golden City, and a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art for the locals. The city is partly located on a peninsula between the rivers Mekong and Nam Khan with mountains surrounding it as far as you can see, and a short walk to the top of Mount Phousi offers spectacular views.

Experience the best of Laos and Luang Prabang on our Sensational Vietnam & Laos 14-Day luxury guided tour. Stay at an exclusive hotel, The Luang Say Residence, a 5-Star boutique paradise. Stroll in its tropical gardens and enjoy stunning views and enjoy a private sunset cruise along the beautiful Mekong River.

Kyoto. Japan-ease

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a freshening oasis of calm and peace in an often crowded and busy country. Famed for its geisha’s and well-preserved architectural delights, the city is home to numerous Buddhist temples, shrines, gardens and palaces. Travelers can soak up the calm and meander through the city enjoying the local teahouses, lantern-lit restaurants and bars, and absorb the zen energy and atmosphere.

Explore Kyoto on our 11-Day Majestic Japan luxury guided tour with the help of the boundless knowledge of your Travelling Concierge. One of the city’s most iconic sights is the tiered golden temple of Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Pavilion (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Surrounded by a large pond and beautifully sculptured garden, the temple pavilion is coated in mesmerizing gold leaf that glistens in the sun. We’ll invite you to a special performance by a Maiko, an apprentice geisha. Central to Kyoto culture, geishas are highly skilled entertainers, specializing in classical music, dance, conversation and games, a fine art that has evolved over many centuries.

So, are all these good vibes inspiring you to take a journey to Asia? We certainly hope so. Or maybe we have awakened past dreams of visiting this vast and beautiful continent. Whatever your motivation, we at Luxury Gold guarantee you an unforgettable experience on our luxury guided tours, with magnificent hotels, VIP Experiences and truly exclusive travel with your every need taken care of throughout. Why not take a look through our new brochure for 2022 & 2023 for travel inspiration?

For more information on the stunning tours mentioned in the blog please follow the links:

• Sensational Vietnam & Laos
• Spirit of Vietnam
• Cambodia & Vietnam in Style
• Inspiring Indochina
• Majestic Japan

If you’re a traveler who wants to appreciate more about the history and culture of a destination, then visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site should be part of your itinerary. These extraordinary places can be a natural phenomenon or a historic monument and some even combine both, but all are striking in their representation of humanity.

Currently, there are more than 1,100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted around the globe, although Italy and India have a wealth of them for locals and tourists to admire. If you need inspiration for your next luxury travel adventure, then look no further. The good news is that many Luxury Gold tours feature several UNESCO World Heritage Sites on their itinerary, so you can relax in the space and style you need while immersing yourself in the wonders of the world. We’ve gathered the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites to add to your luxury travel wish list.

Iguassu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Available on Classic South America Tour

Iguassu Falls

Chosen as one of the new seven natural Wonders of the World, Iguassu Falls comprises 257 waterfalls across an area of 2.7 kilometers. Iguassu Falls sits along the borders between Argentina and Brazil and is accessible from either country. The Falls are a truly jaw-dropping sight – they are taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, and the area is home to an incredible ecosystem with butterflies, monkeys and even jaguars.

The Devil’s Throat is the most well-known waterfall in the immense system of cascading falls. Venture along many yards of footbridges to catch sight of it thundering over 260 feet and creating a plume of misty spray. If you join the Classic South America tour, you can stay in Belmond Das Cataratas, the only luxury resort located inside the Brazil Iguassu National Park, just moments from the falls.

On the Brazilian side of the Falls, you can visit the Bird Park, which shelters more than 1,000 birds, as well as butterflies and many different reptiles native to South America.

Memphis and its Necropolis, Egypt with the Great Pyramids of Giza

Available on Elegance of Egypt tour

Pyramids of Giza

For any inquisitive traveler seeking to learn more about ancient civilization, Egypt offers a vast number of historical sites and artifacts to discover. Chief among these is the sprawling Memphis and its Necropolis, once the capital of Ancient Egypt, established around 3,000 B.C. and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join a knowledgeable Egyptologist on the Elegance of Egypt tour to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, the enormous tombs whose construction still interests scientists today. Venture into the center to see the chambers where great pharaohs were buried, while hearing more about some of the most important surviving monuments of humankind.

Visitors can marvel at the enigmatic Sphinx, the oldest known monumental structure in Egypt and explore further to learn about the many great dynasties that inhabited this land.

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, Egypt

Available on Elegance of the Pharaohs tour

Statue in the temple of Karnak

Staying in Egypt, Thebes was classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Once home to the wealthiest people in the country, the majestic remains of the city stand as a testament to the Middle and New Kingdom’s of Egypt.

Delve deep into the grand history at Karnak, the largest temple complex ever built, and stand in awe of Rameses II, as his shadow is cast beneath the hot sun. Luxury Gold offers VIP tours so guests can stroll around the Temple of Luxor after hours, away from the crowds. It is a chance to scan the hieroglyphics carved thousands of years ago and hear more from your Egyptologist on the lives of those who lived during these impressive civilizations. Every step brings a new discovery, as the area is truly an open-air museum.

Agra Fort, India 

Available on Spirit of North and South India tour

Agra Fort

Comprising a number of fairy tale palaces, Agra Fort is a 16th century Mughal monument that is recognizable by its looming red sandstone walls. It was home to Mughal emperors until 1638, when the capital moved to Delhi.

The fort is, in fact, a walled city and Luxury Gold guests can stay inside the walls in the grandeur of Mughal Agra, an opulent resort perfectly placed for exploring the marble towers and courtyard gardens of the fort. There’s also the opportunity for VIP tours to meet local people, enjoy tea and pakoras on a rooftop and hear more about the heritage of this historic municipality.

Taj Mahal, India 

Available on Imperial Rajasthan tour

Taj Mahal

Just minutes away is the most iconic symbol of love in the world: the Taj Mahal. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, it has long been admired for its beauty, architecture and intricate design. It was built between 1632 and 1653 by the fifth Mughal emperor Shahjahan as a shrine to his wife, Mumtaz, who died in childbirth.

The best time to visit this stunning monument is at dawn, when the morning rays of sunshine seem to turn the white marble to shades of pink and orange. With Luxury Gold, this is all arranged in advance, so you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic icon as the sun rises.

Jaipur, India

Available on Essence of India with Ranthambore tour

The pride of Rajasthan, Jaipur, was only classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. This glorious walled city was founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II and is a remarkable example of urban planning that also happens to be incredibly aesthetically pleasing.

Within the city walls are many places of interest, including the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a staggering building that rises five stories in a configuration of honeycombed hives. Take in the City Palace Museum and enjoy a VIP experience of tea in the Royal Families living room.

Banff and Jasper National Parks, Canada 

Available on the Majesty of the Rockies tour

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are a stunning area of natural beauty with imposing snowy peaks, lush forests and serene lakes that reflect the surrounding landscapes. The seven national parks in the region have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. This is nature at its unaltered finest. On Luxury Gold’s Majesty of the Rockies tour there is the opportunity to take it all in without the need for tiring days of driving.

Catch a glimpse of Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies, before arriving at Jasper National Park. Here you can see giant hanging glaciers and stroll through cavernous canyons while keeping an eye out for the myriad animals that populate the park, including bears, bighorn sheep and deer, as well as many more species.

Take a cruise on the still waters of Maligne Lake, famous for its turquoise hue, before a stop on Spirit Island, to simply breathe in the magnificence of the surrounding nature. Traverse the Icefields Pathway on your way to Banff National Park, for more remarkable scenery.

In Banff, you can ride the Banff Gondola to the summit for endless views of this mountainous paradise, or even take to the skies in a helicopter ride for a real bird’s-eye view of the Rockies in all their splendor.

Pompeii, Italy

Available on Ultimate Italy tour 

Pompeii, Italy

Buried under a blanket of volcanic ash for 1,800 years, Pompeii was once a vibrant Roman city until 79 A.D. In one day, Mount Vesuvius erupted, and lava rained down on the town, causing residents to flee and engulfing the town whole. It wasn’t until 1748 that a group of explorers discovered the site, which had been extraordinarily preserved beneath the ash.

Visitors can spend days exploring the remains, as parts of ancient bath houses, bakeries and homes remain. Mosaics can still be witnessed on the floors of ancient villas. Let a Local Expert guide you amid the ruins to understand Roman life before the eruption.

City of Bath, UK

Available on British Royale tour

Great Bath, part of the Roman Baths in Bath, UK

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is built around the only geothermal springs in the United Kingdom. It is a beautiful Georgian city that dates back more than 3,000 years, and the site of the well-preserved Roman Baths that you can visit on your British Royale tour with Luxury Gold. Imagine how the Romans lived, get a feel for the healing waters and appreciate the magnificent architecture on show across the city.

Aside from visiting the historic baths, there is much to explore in the protected city. Stroll across Pulteney Bridge, designed by the designed architect, Robert Adams, or take a boat ride beneath it for an alternative view. The city was also the home of renowned author, Jane Austen, so visitors can take a tour around the scenes of her novels, “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey”.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Available on the Classic South America tour 

‘Christ The Redeemer’ statue with Sugarloaf Mountain

A recent addition to the UNESCO World Heritage listing, the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro was awarded a new status in July 2012. It was recognized for many aspects from the famous Copacabana Bay to the Tijuca National Park, a rainforest which covers the Corcovado mountain right down to the sea.

When visiting Rio, it would be wrong not to make the ascent to Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the most recognizable effigies in the world. This 30-meter statue is an art deco masterpiece that is prone to lightning strikes, because of its height and position. In fact, just before 2014 FIFA World Cup, a thumb of the statue broke off after a lightning strike.

The culture, artistic inspiration and natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro was commented on by the UNESCO committee when granting recognition to the city.

Pont du Gard, France

Available on French Vogue tour

Pont du Gard, France

The Pont du Gard is a remarkable feat of engineering that dates back to the 1st century A.D. 50 kilometers of tunnels and bridges were built to channel water to the surrounding areas of Nîmes. Precision was paramount for the success of the project and Roman engineers excelled in creating the aqueduct, which still stands today.

First, stroll around nearby Avignon, also a UNESCO site, before taking an afternoon visit to Pont du Gard, where you’ll see over 21,000 cubic meters of limestone that was mined nearby to create the aqueduct. There is also a fascinating museum that follows the journey of construction of the incredible Roman antiquity, still standing after two thousand years.

Kinkakuji Temple, Japan

Available on Majestic Japan tour 

Kinkakuji temple

Also known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji temple is an impressive structure that was originally constructed in A.D. 1397. Unfortunately, it has burned down several times since, but was restored to its former glory in 1955. Each floor was created in a different architectural style to reflect the many facets of society when Yoshimitsu was in power.

Apart from appreciating the architecture of the temple, visitors can enjoy the expansive gardens, which remain in the same layout as when they were first planted. Wander by the Anmintaku pond that never dries up and see various statues positioned throughout the green spaces.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Available on Treasures of the Incas tour

Machu Picchu, Peru

Once lost to acres of Andean forest, this mysterious Incan city was built 2,430 meters above sea level in the 15th century. Tour the mystical site with your Local Expert before the crowds arrive ensuring that you avoid the hundreds of travelers who make the ascent to the ruins daily. This is a bucket list item for anyone who has an interest in ancient civilizations, but it is also a journey of wonder that never fails to delight visitors due to the amazing natural setting and complex structures built by the Incas.

Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is the most important attraction in Peru, thus it is only accessible with a special permit. In 2007, it was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Fondue

Photo by angela pham on Unsplash

Fondue is Switzerland’s national dish, its name comes from the French word fondre, meaning to melt, and that is exactly what it is! Melted cheese combined with flavorful additions. Fondue was invented out of necessity, when the locals and herders relied only on cheese, wine, and bread to get them through the cold alpine winter. When the cheese made in the summer started to dry out and the bread became hard and stale during the winter months the ingenious locals melted the hard cheese with wine and dipped the stale bread into it.

Now Fondue comes in many different guises and varies from region to region. In Fribourg they use Vacherin cheese, in Neuchatel they use Gruyére and Emmental. You can even get gourmet versions that combine truffles and champagne with the cheese.

Dig into a Fondue on our Majestic Switzerland tour, just don’t drop your bread in the cheese or the drinks round is on you!

Paella

Photo by Kaitlin Dowis on Unsplash

Originally created in Valencia paella is a combination of saffron-flavored rice with a wide array of additional ingredients, such as seafood, vegetables, or meat. Its name is derived from a traditional shallow pan; a paellera or paella. Always served in the pan, this Spanish classic can be found everywhere in the country, in an endless number of combinations.

Why not try to sample different paellas on our Spain and Portugal in Style tour?

Ceviche

Photo by Goya foods

Ceviche is the national dish of Peru consisting of slices of freshly caught raw fish or shellfish that is spiced with salt, onions, and chili peppers, then marinated in lime juice. Due to the acidity of the marinade the meat is ‘cooked’ without any heat and the texture of the fish changes. Traditionally served in specialized ceviche restaurants called cevicherias, ceviche has an aroma of the sea with a slightly spicy and acid flavour. It can be served The flavors of ceviche are slightly acidic and spicy, with an intense aroma of the sea.

Eat authentic ceviche in Peru with us on our Treasures of the Incas Journey!

Tandoori Chicken

Photo by Maunika Gowardhan

Its name derived from the Persian word tannur, meaning fire, Tandoori chicken is one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine. This unique dish which is traditionally cooked at high temperatures in a clay over called a tandoor consists of chicken meat that is marinated in yogurt, seasoned with tandoori masala, nutmeg, and cumin, then placed on skewers. The clay oven results in a succulent meat that is crispy on the outside with a smokey flavour.

Eat Tandoori chicken or a dish derived from it Chicken Tikka Masala on our Spirit of North and South India Tour

Ramen

Photo by GoodEats YQR on Unsplash

Ramen is a noodle soup that first appeared in Japan in the early 20th century. Chinese cooks mixed the curly noodles that are bright yellow and more elastic than the noodles prepared at the time in Japan with a salty broth. The dish can be either kotteri (rich) or assari/paitan (light), depending on the opaqueness and the heaviness of the broth. Ramen should be cooked al dente and eaten quickly so that the noodles don’t become too soft and mushy from sitting in the broth. Ramen is now one of the most popular dishes in the world but the original expansion out of Japan was made by Nissin Foods when it produced the first-ever instant version of the noodles.

Enjoy fresh Ramen on our Majestic Japan Journey!