A spectacular complex of ancient courtyards, temples, fountains, and plazas around the old royal palaces, a legacy of the Newar people whose traditions stretch back millennia, there is no better place in Kathmandu - indeed, in Nepal - to get the full
If you're visiting Vietnam's capital, be sure to set aside time for a couple of day trips out of the city. And one you shouldn't miss is one to Ninh Binh province, about an hour by train, bus, or car (if you don't want to travel independently, t
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India is geographically abundant and varied, with lush valleys, snow peaks, hills, lakes, green meadows, plateaus, huge deserts as well as beautiful coastlines and also bayous. But some are less well known than others; here are four examples.
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The Land of the Rising Sun is home to an ancient culture with a sometimes tumultuous history, and through these many centuries, inevitably some of that history has been haunted with all manner of ghosts, demons, monsters, and ghouls. And in the 2
Read more…Now Anyone Can "Make a W1SH" from the World's Tallest Freestanding Tower.
"W1SH RIBBON," a monument to the suffering of and hope for the people of Japan and the world during the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic, was installed on September 25 on the
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You might wonder why this is even a question. But in fact, the Chinese-speaking world has its own big Lunar New Year celebration (in 2021, it's 12 February), and so while much of the rest of the planet makes a big deal out of New Year's Eve toni
Read more…India's wealthiest state, as well as its second most populous and third largest in area, Maharashtra in the west of the country is home to major cities like Mumbai and Pune, and boasts thousands of historic landmarks, some dating back millennia, a
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Australia's second largest city is a delight to visit, for sure, with highlights including the National Gallery of Victoria, the Melbourne Museum, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Laneways, and Federation Square. But a
For two years, I had heard whispers of a mountain sanctuary in eastern Tibet, around which circled a pilgrimage route unmatched for its beauty. So, in September 2013, I decided to take an expeditionary group on a journey of discovery. Apart from loca
Reknowned for its scenic beauty, with highlights including gorgeous beaches; verdant hills and forests; and a network of inland waterways plied by traditional houseboats, Kerala state - which Indians like to dub "God's own country" - is also highl
Read more…You might have a feeling that Vietnam is a bit too far and too much of an "adventure" destination to bring your kids, especially if they're young. But these days at least that's definitely not so. Your entire family will love the cultural experien
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Situated between Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia also shares a border with Laos in the north. It covers 181,035 square kilometers of land and has a population of 15 million (with a density of 82 people per square kilometer). Many people may have h
When I was about 10 years old I promised myself I would see India's Taj Mahal someday. Often I have heard it called the world’s most beautiful building. It is also called the world’s greatest monument to love. I will certainly admit that when you con
As in Islam, in the Hindu religion there are pilgrimages (yatra) which each of the faithful should complete once in a lifetime to cleanse themselves spiritually and achieve Moksha (salvation). The greatest is the Char Dham Yatra (Four Abodes Pilgr
Read more…At a height of around 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) up in the Himalaya Mountains, the capital of Nepal (pop. 2.5 million) remains an exotic magnet for travelers from all over the world looking to quench their wanderlust, whether they visit independen
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A Halong Bay Cruise
In Vietnam's northeast, a 3½-hour drive from Hanoi through the verdant rice field of the Red River delta, “Descending Dragon Bay” has been twice recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vietnam. First was in 1994 for the
In these times of stress and uncertainty, it is relieving to know that once we can travel again, there are places in the world that offer the healing qualities of reflection, tranquility and mindfulness. Japan is one of those places.
Practicing
Honeymooning in Australia is wonderful, and you may have considered spots like Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Great Barrier Reef, Phillip Island, the Blue Mountains, perhaps the Yarra River or Byron Bay. There are a lot of places in Australia that ge
Read more…The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, the five-star Tokyo flagship property of Tokyu Hotel Corporation, is now offering unique, authentic Japanese cultural experiences. Two exclusive offers include off-site luxury dining with geishas and genuine Shinto ceremoni
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Located on the main island of Honshu, roughly in the center of Japan and just under three hours by train from Tokyo, Osaka is spread across 221 square kilometers and has a population of 2.6 million. During World War II, air raids and bombings level
