Handi-heritage: 10 craft cities and artisanal hubs in Asia worth visiting
Above Yogyakarta champions hand-drawn and stamped batik methods. (Photo: Mahmur Marganti / Unsplash)
Yogyakarta is the soul of Java, where batik isn't a souvenir—it's storytelling. Acknowledged by Unesco and part of the World Craft Cities Network, the city still champions hand-drawn and stamped batik methods. The process is slow: wax, dye, repeat. But the result? Patterns that carry generations of myth and meaning. For travellers, workshops near Taman Sari palace offer hands-on lessons, while the Kota Gede district whispers of silver-smithing traditions dating back to the Mataram kingdom. 3. Luang Prabang, Laos
In this Unesco-protected town, the Mekong's slow rhythm mirrors that of its weavers. The Ock Pop Tok centre is a modern-day guardian of Lao textile arts, but across the peninsula, you'll find homes where looms are part of the furniture. Weaving is largely the domain of women, and motifs are coded with animist beliefs and Buddhist symbolism. Luang Prabang is not (yet) a World Craft City, but it remains one of the most intimate places to witness living tradition, especially if you venture into the craft villages just outside town. 4. Suzhou, China
Often dubbed the 'Venice of the East', Suzhou's graceful canals cradle one of China's oldest and most revered silk-making traditions. For over 2,000 years, this city in Jiangsu province has been synonymous with sericulture, where silk farming and weaving transcend utility and become high art. Suzhou's embroidery, su xiu, is renowned for its double-sided technique—each side depicting a different scene, stitched so meticulously that not a thread betrays the illusion.
Though not officially recognised as a World Craft City, Suzhou's commitment to preserving its textile legacy is unwavering. Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum for a tactile lesson in dynastic-era fashion and stroll down Pingjiang Road, where the soft click of looms drifts from hidden ateliers tucked between teahouses and stone bridges. 5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, a darling of digital nomads, is also a sanctuary for traditional crafts. Named a World Craft City in 2017, it's where Lanna-era woodworking, umbrella painting in Bo Sang and hand-woven cotton in San Kamphaeng still thrive. Many hilltribe communities around Doi Suthep craft natural-dyed textiles using bark, roots and flowers. Increasingly, local designers are collaborating with these communities to create contemporary pieces without losing the soul of the handmade. Look for weekend craft fairs at Jing Jai Market for a curated intro. 6. Jaipur, India
Jaipur is chaos, colour and craftsmanship rolled into one. Declared a World Craft City in 2015, it's famed for hand block printing in Sanganer and Bagru, where mud-resist patterns are sun-dried before being dyed in hues that seem to defy time. Then there's the city's blue pottery: glazed with quartz instead of clay, making it one of India's few non-clay ceramics. Go early in the morning to catch artisans at work, and don't skip Anokhi Museum, housed in a restored haveli, for a primer on textile history. 7. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An, a Unesco Creative City, has earned global recognition for preserving its rich handicraft and folk art traditions. Home to nearly 50 traditional crafts practised across five artisanal villages, the city is a living archive of Vietnamese heritage. From the intricate wood carvings of Kim Bong to the centuries-old pottery techniques of Thanh Ha, Hoi An's creative spirit thrives along the banks of the Thu Bon River. Visitors can join lantern-making or ceramic workshops, immersing themselves in a culture where craftsmanship is a daily rhythm. It's not just a heritage town; it's a working, breathing craft city with artistry at every turn.
See more: Hoi An's shadow in a heritage coffee space 8. Jeonju, South Korea
Jeonju isn't just the home of bibimbap. It's a designated World Craft City celebrated for its preservation of Korean traditional arts. At the heart of its identity is hanji, a durable, textured paper made from mulberry bark that's still used in everything from lanterns to furniture inlay. The city is also known for its hanbok tailoring and the meticulous making of calligraphy brushes, both art forms that demand precision, patience and a deep respect for tradition.
Most of the action is centred in Jeonju Hanok Village, where over 700 hanok, or traditional Korean houses, have been preserved or rebuilt. Here, crafts aren't behind glass. You can dye your own paper, try your hand at brush-making or even be fitted for a hanbok made by local artisans. Tip: book a night in a hanok stay to immerse fully. Imagine the pine-scented floors, papered doors and the distant sound of an ink brush gliding across parchment. 9. Siquijor, Philippines
Long known for mysticism and healing traditions, Siquijor is quietly cultivating a craft culture rooted in heritage and sustainability. While not yet a World Craft City, the island's creative revival is unmistakable. It's a trove for naturally dyed weaving using endemic plants, woodcarving inspired by local flora and fauna and healing balms derived from ancestral recipes. The island's unhurried pace nurtures a kind of craftsmanship that feels sacred, where making is both ritual and resistance.
Tip: in Lazi or Larena, stop by a community weaving centre and speak to elder women who still remember the stories behind each motif. 10. Tugaya, Philippines
In the mountainous heart of Lanao del Sur lies Tugaya, a remarkable Maranao craft village where nearly every household is an artisan. This isn't just a town with crafts; it's a town of craftsmen. Here, weaving, okir wood carving and brass casting are not hobbies but heritage, practised daily and passed down through generations. Artisans work on back-strap looms to produce intricate langkit tapestries, while others carve the flowing torogan motifs that once adorned royal homes.
Tugaya's cohesion as a living, working craft community is rare not just in the Philippines but across Asia. It's a powerful example of how traditional art forms can remain rooted and thriving within a collective cultural identity.
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Tatler Asia
5 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Handi-heritage: 10 craft cities and artisanal hubs in Asia worth visiting
2. Yogyakarta, Indonesia Above Yogyakarta champions hand-drawn and stamped batik methods. (Photo: Mahmur Marganti / Unsplash) Yogyakarta is the soul of Java, where batik isn't a souvenir—it's storytelling. Acknowledged by Unesco and part of the World Craft Cities Network, the city still champions hand-drawn and stamped batik methods. The process is slow: wax, dye, repeat. But the result? Patterns that carry generations of myth and meaning. For travellers, workshops near Taman Sari palace offer hands-on lessons, while the Kota Gede district whispers of silver-smithing traditions dating back to the Mataram kingdom. 3. Luang Prabang, Laos In this Unesco-protected town, the Mekong's slow rhythm mirrors that of its weavers. The Ock Pop Tok centre is a modern-day guardian of Lao textile arts, but across the peninsula, you'll find homes where looms are part of the furniture. Weaving is largely the domain of women, and motifs are coded with animist beliefs and Buddhist symbolism. Luang Prabang is not (yet) a World Craft City, but it remains one of the most intimate places to witness living tradition, especially if you venture into the craft villages just outside town. 4. Suzhou, China Often dubbed the 'Venice of the East', Suzhou's graceful canals cradle one of China's oldest and most revered silk-making traditions. For over 2,000 years, this city in Jiangsu province has been synonymous with sericulture, where silk farming and weaving transcend utility and become high art. Suzhou's embroidery, su xiu, is renowned for its double-sided technique—each side depicting a different scene, stitched so meticulously that not a thread betrays the illusion. Though not officially recognised as a World Craft City, Suzhou's commitment to preserving its textile legacy is unwavering. Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum for a tactile lesson in dynastic-era fashion and stroll down Pingjiang Road, where the soft click of looms drifts from hidden ateliers tucked between teahouses and stone bridges. 5. Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, a darling of digital nomads, is also a sanctuary for traditional crafts. Named a World Craft City in 2017, it's where Lanna-era woodworking, umbrella painting in Bo Sang and hand-woven cotton in San Kamphaeng still thrive. Many hilltribe communities around Doi Suthep craft natural-dyed textiles using bark, roots and flowers. Increasingly, local designers are collaborating with these communities to create contemporary pieces without losing the soul of the handmade. Look for weekend craft fairs at Jing Jai Market for a curated intro. 6. Jaipur, India Jaipur is chaos, colour and craftsmanship rolled into one. Declared a World Craft City in 2015, it's famed for hand block printing in Sanganer and Bagru, where mud-resist patterns are sun-dried before being dyed in hues that seem to defy time. Then there's the city's blue pottery: glazed with quartz instead of clay, making it one of India's few non-clay ceramics. Go early in the morning to catch artisans at work, and don't skip Anokhi Museum, housed in a restored haveli, for a primer on textile history. 7. Hoi An, Vietnam Hoi An, a Unesco Creative City, has earned global recognition for preserving its rich handicraft and folk art traditions. Home to nearly 50 traditional crafts practised across five artisanal villages, the city is a living archive of Vietnamese heritage. From the intricate wood carvings of Kim Bong to the centuries-old pottery techniques of Thanh Ha, Hoi An's creative spirit thrives along the banks of the Thu Bon River. Visitors can join lantern-making or ceramic workshops, immersing themselves in a culture where craftsmanship is a daily rhythm. It's not just a heritage town; it's a working, breathing craft city with artistry at every turn. See more: Hoi An's shadow in a heritage coffee space 8. Jeonju, South Korea Jeonju isn't just the home of bibimbap. It's a designated World Craft City celebrated for its preservation of Korean traditional arts. At the heart of its identity is hanji, a durable, textured paper made from mulberry bark that's still used in everything from lanterns to furniture inlay. The city is also known for its hanbok tailoring and the meticulous making of calligraphy brushes, both art forms that demand precision, patience and a deep respect for tradition. Most of the action is centred in Jeonju Hanok Village, where over 700 hanok, or traditional Korean houses, have been preserved or rebuilt. Here, crafts aren't behind glass. You can dye your own paper, try your hand at brush-making or even be fitted for a hanbok made by local artisans. Tip: book a night in a hanok stay to immerse fully. Imagine the pine-scented floors, papered doors and the distant sound of an ink brush gliding across parchment. 9. Siquijor, Philippines Long known for mysticism and healing traditions, Siquijor is quietly cultivating a craft culture rooted in heritage and sustainability. While not yet a World Craft City, the island's creative revival is unmistakable. It's a trove for naturally dyed weaving using endemic plants, woodcarving inspired by local flora and fauna and healing balms derived from ancestral recipes. The island's unhurried pace nurtures a kind of craftsmanship that feels sacred, where making is both ritual and resistance. Tip: in Lazi or Larena, stop by a community weaving centre and speak to elder women who still remember the stories behind each motif. 10. Tugaya, Philippines In the mountainous heart of Lanao del Sur lies Tugaya, a remarkable Maranao craft village where nearly every household is an artisan. This isn't just a town with crafts; it's a town of craftsmen. Here, weaving, okir wood carving and brass casting are not hobbies but heritage, practised daily and passed down through generations. Artisans work on back-strap looms to produce intricate langkit tapestries, while others carve the flowing torogan motifs that once adorned royal homes. Tugaya's cohesion as a living, working craft community is rare not just in the Philippines but across Asia. It's a powerful example of how traditional art forms can remain rooted and thriving within a collective cultural identity.
Tatler Asia
5 days ago
- Tatler Asia
What to know about Unesco and other international networks that guide savvy travellers
2. Unesco Creative Cities Network Above Kuching became a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021. It boasts a unique culinary heritage and vibrant food culture (Photo: Cecelia Chang / Unsplash) Launched in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) spans seven fields: Crafts & Folk Art, Gastronomy, Design, Literature, Music, Media Arts and Film. The idea? To promote cities where creativity fuels sustainable urban development. While Unesco World Heritage Sites protect the tangible (think temples, ruins, landmarks), the UCCN celebrates the intangible: the making of things, the telling of stories, the flavours that define a people. Cities like Kyoto (Crafts), Bucheon (Literature) and Kuching (Gastronomy) aren't just tagged for prestige. Rather, they join a peer network that encourages cultural exchange, artisan development and local economic investment. For travellers, the designation is a soft guarantee: this is a place where art isn't just exhibited but also woven into daily life. See more: Handi-heritage: 10 craft cities and artisanal hubs in Asia worth visiting 3. World Crafts Council (WCC) Above In Indonesia, you can find towns painstakingly preserving traditional craft rituals, such as weaving (Photo: Camille Bismonte / Unsplash) Founded in 1964, the World Crafts Council (WCC) has long served as a global steward of handmade heritage. This non-profit, non-governmental organisation advocates for artisans around the world by promoting traditional craft as both a cultural touchstone and an engine of sustainable development. Under its banner, the World Craft Cities Network was launched to formally recognise towns where craftsmanship is not just preserved but vibrantly alive. To be named a World Craft City, a town must demonstrate a deep ecosystem of artisanship. Often, citizens have to show intergenerational skills, communal studios, local materials and formal mentorship pathways. These designations aren't just ceremonial. They help attract international visitors, spur government support and elevate once-local traditions onto the world stage. While the list skews heavily toward Asia—India, Iran, China, and Thailand all feature prominently—it's the variety that's most compelling. There's Isfahan for metalwork, Jaipur for blue pottery and Yogyakarta for batik. 4. ASEAN City of Culture Above Brunei's Bandar Seri Begawan became an ASEAN City of Culture in 2016 and held the title for two years (Photo: Random Freeloader / Pexels) Launched by the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA), the ASEAN City of Culture designation is awarded every two years to a city in Southeast Asia that embodies the region's rich cultural diversity. Unlike Unesco, which chooses based on a more global lens, this program is deeply rooted in Southeast Asian identity and encourages cross-border festivals, residencies and heritage showcases. Notable past titleholders include Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei and Yogyakarta in Indonesia, both of which have used the title to reinforce heritage conservation and youth-focused cultural events. 5. Cittaslow Above Changpyeong in Damyang County was recognised as South Korea's first Slow City by Cittaslow (Photo: 대정 김 / Pexels) Born in Italy but now a worldwide badge of mindful living, Cittaslow is an international network that champions small cities committed to slowing down. The point? To emphasise quality of life, sustainability and local heritage. A Cittaslow destination is often one of charming contradictions: a high-tech town with ancient bread ovens, or a medieval village with cutting-edge eco-policy. Whether it's Changpyeong in South Korea or Yuhu in China, what ties these towns together is an allegiance to local production, traditional knowledge and the unhurried pace of authentic travel. 6. Unesco Global Geoparks Above Langkawi, Malaysia is well-known for its ancient geological formations and diverse ecosystems, making it ideal for Unesco's Global Geoparks designation (Photo: Simon Wiedensohler / Unsplash) Unesco's Global Geoparks may seem the domain of geology buffs, but these certified sites are just as much about cultural storytelling as they are about tectonic shifts. Covering entire landscapes shaped by time and tectonics, these parks protect not only fossils and rock strata, but also the human narratives etched into them—from ancient agricultural practices to animist beliefs tied to the land. In Asia, Langkawi in Malaysia and Jeju Island in South Korea both exemplify this fusion. Visitors can hike volcanic ridges by day and witness shamanic rituals or traditional salt-harvesting by dusk—where natural and cultural heritage exist side by side. 7. UN Tourism's Best Tourism Villages Above Miyama Village is 50 kilometres north of Kyoto. It actively promotes sustainable agriculture for land conservation and to encourage a decarbonized society (Photo: Kansai explorer / Wikimedia Commons) Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages initiative by UN Tourism honours rural destinations that champion sustainability, cultural heritage, and community-led tourism. As of 2024, over 180 villages across nearly 60 countries have earned the title, with an additional 70 joining the Upgrade Programme for future development. Villages are selected based on nine criteria, including cultural preservation, environmental sustainability and local economic resilience. This isn't just a badge of honour; recognised villages gain access to global networks, expert mentorship and funding opportunities. Recent honorees like Dhudmaras, India, have used the spotlight to improve infrastructure while preserving tradition, making the program a catalyst for real-world change. For travellers, this list offers a fresh lens into lesser-known but richly storied places worth visiting.
Tatler Asia
23-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
Ideal travel coordinates for girls who love to explore with their BFF
If you adored the film When Life Gives You Tangerines , then Jeju Island is your next must-visit. Its radiant citrus groves and lyrical landscapes seem to have leapt straight from the silver screen. The island invites you into a realm of windswept beauty winding tree-lined roads, dramatic coastal cliffs, and golden fields of blooming canola, all set the stage for unforgettable friendship moments. Above All set the stage for unforgettable friendship moments (photo: Unsplash) Above All set the stage for unforgettable friendship moments (photo: Unsplash) A stroll through the verdant O'sulloc green tea fields offers a memory to treasure. The breeze dances through your hair, the golden light gleams across the tea terraces, and laughter rings clear through the air. Suddenly, the world's cares feel far away. Above Suddenly, the world's cares feel far away (photo: Pexels) Above Suddenly, the world's cares feel far away (photo: Pexels) Why not hike with your BFF to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak at dawn? The sky blushing in pink and the sea shimmering in first light might just leave you both breathless with delight. Afterwards, settle into a cosy café in Seongeup Village, sip warm tangerine tea, and lose yourselves in conversation. Pop into a hanbok shop for a whimsical throwback to the Joseon dynasty, where playful photoshoots and spontaneous giggles are guaranteed. Wuzhen (China) Above Wuzhen, dubbed the 'Venice of the East', charms with its poetic waterways and timeworn elegance (photo: Pexels) Above This water town has preserved its serene, rustic beauty, adding a quiet romance to your voyage of discovery (photo: Pexels) Often hailed as one of China's most picturesque ancient towns, Wuzhen, dubbed the 'Venice of the East', charms with its poetic waterways and timeworn elegance. With a heritage stretching back thousands of years, this water town has preserved its serene, rustic beauty, adding a quiet romance to your voyage of discovery. Read more: 5 beautiful little-known tourist destinations in Asia Above It's the kind of stillness where time seems to slow, inviting you and your best friend to cast aside your worries (photo: Pexels) Above It's the kind of stillness where time seems to slow, inviting you and your best friend to cast aside your worries (photo: Pexels) Let the journey begin with a poetic moment, drifting gently on a quiet boat through Wuzhen's glistening canals and under its moss-covered stone bridges. It's the kind of stillness where time seems to slow, inviting you and your BFF to cast aside your worries, let your thoughts float with the current, and share whispered secrets: stories that perhaps only this peaceful setting can draw out with ease. Wandering down cobblestone alleys, you'll pass wooden shops filled with delicate handcrafted treasures, tranquil tea houses laced with gentle aromas, and stalls offering fragrant, traditional sticky rice cakes. Stroll at your own pace, and when the mood strikes, pause by the canal at a petite tea house. Sip elegant chrysanthemum tea and speak of dreams yet to come and plans still taking shape. As evening descends, Wuzhen becomes almost otherworldly. Hundreds of scarlet lanterns glow along both sides of the canal, their flickering light dancing across the water's surface and warming the night sky. This is the moment to seek out a performance—perhaps a Peking Opera or a soulful Jiangnan folk dance—to absorb the spirit of a town that has stood for more than 1,300 years. Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam) Let the golden sunshine, cerulean waters and refreshing sea breeze of Phu Quoc create the perfect setting for a new chapter in your friendship. Nicknamed the 'Pearl Island' of Vietnam, it's more than just a resort haven of captivating landscapes. It's where the two of you can unwind in style, embrace nature's splendour, and collect a trove of cherished, just-the-two-of-you memories. Photo 1 of 5 Let the golden sunshine, cerulean waters and refreshing sea breeze of Phu Quoc create the perfect setting for a new chapter in your friendship (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Photo 2 of 5 Let the golden sunshine, cerulean waters and refreshing sea breeze of Phu Quoc create the perfect setting for a new chapter in your friendship (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Photo 3 of 5 Nicknamed the 'Pearl Island' of Vietnam, it's more than just a resort haven of captivating landscape (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Photo 4 of 5 Nicknamed the 'Pearl Island' of Vietnam, it's more than just a resort haven of captivating landscape (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Photo 5 of 5 Nicknamed the 'Pearl Island' of Vietnam, it's more than just a resort haven of captivating landscape (photo: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa) Above La Festa Phu Quoc, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, introduces a sleek, modern energy (photo: La Festa Phu Quoc) Above La Festa Phu Quoc, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, introduces a sleek, modern energy (photo: La Festa Phu Quoc) Above Ocean-view villas, sun-drenched terraces and breezy loungers offer the perfect setting for heartfelt chats and elegant snapshots alike (photo: La Festa Phu Quoc) The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, designed with the charm of a vibrant, vintage university, offers an unforgettable backdrop. Lounge by the infinity pool, clink glasses over cocktails at sundown, and capture those dazzling 'million-like' photos that spark laughter and delight. For a fresh take, La Festa Phu Quoc, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, introduces a sleek, modern energy. Ocean-view villas, sun-drenched terraces and breezy loungers offer the perfect setting for heartfelt chats and elegant snapshots alike. Above For sea lovers, Phu Quoc is an endless playground (photo: Unsplash) Above Don't miss a snorkelling excursion to Gam Ghi Island (photo: Unsplash) Above Soar together above the waves on a paragliding flight, take in panoramic island views (photo: Unsplash) For sea lovers, Phu Quoc is an endless playground. Sink into the powdery white sands of Bai Sao or Bai Khem, with crystal-clear waves lapping at your feet. Don't miss a snorkelling excursion to Gam Ghi Island, Mong Tay Island or the Ganh Dau reef, where a kaleidoscope of coral awaits below the surface. Craving a bit of adrenaline? Soar together above the waves on a paragliding flight, take in panoramic island views, or hop on a jet ski and test your rhythm as a duo. Whether thrilling or tranquil, these shared adventures will only bring you closer. Above A culinary journey in Phu Quoc is sure to delight even the most discerning of gourmets Above The flavours of the ocean, paired with the market's lively atmosphere, promise an experience you won't soon forget A culinary journey in Phu Quoc is sure to delight even the most discerning of gourmets. Head to Dinh Cau Night Market to sample the freshest seafood: think garlic butter grilled lobster, sweet steamed crab, and rich, creamy sea urchins. The flavours of the ocean, paired with the market's lively atmosphere, promise an experience you won't soon forget. Above Round off a fun-filled day with Kiss of the Sea, the spectacular water music show in Sunset Town (photo: Kiss Of The Sea) Above A dazzling interplay of lights, music and water (photo: Kiss Of The Sea) Round off a fun-filled day with Kiss of the Sea , the spectacular water music show in Sunset Town. A dazzling interplay of lights, music and water, set against the backdrop of the glimmering night sea, offers a romantic and satisfying close to a day filled with laughter and shared memories. Chiang Mai (Thailand) Chiang Mai, often called Thailand's 'Rose of the North', is a full-sensory experience made for two. With its dramatic mountains, ancient temples and deeply rooted local culture, it's the perfect place to explore with your best friend. If you're both drawn to adventure, Chiang Mai won't disappoint. Begin with a visit to Chiang Mai Night Safari, Thailand's largest nocturnal zoo. Aboard an open tram, you'll observe giraffes, zebras, tigers and leopards roaming under the spell of twilight. Then, for something bolder, Phoenix Adventure Park awaits. Zipline through forest canopies, test your strength on artificial rock walls or dive into a rainforest paintball match: activities designed to energise and bring out your inner thrill-seekers. A truly heartwarming highlight lies in connecting with Chiang Mai's beloved elephants. At ethical sanctuaries such as Maerim Elephant Home, Kanta Elephant Sanctuary or Mae Wang Po Ngurn Elephants Sanctuary, you'll get to learn about these gentle giants—feed them by hand, bathe them in cool streams and walk beside them through the forest. These experiences offer a profound and tender glimpse into Thailand's natural heritage. Chiang Mai is also home to sacred temples and mountain landscapes that invite reflection. Make time for Doi Suthep Temple, perched atop a mountain and accessible by climbing more than 360 steps. Its gold-plated architecture glows in the morning light, with panoramic views over Chiang Mai stretching out below. Nearby, the ancient ruins of Wat Chedi Luang exude the grandeur of Lanna architecture, while Wat Ku Tao holds historical treasures not to be missed. For a dose of nature, venture to Doi Inthanon National Park, known as the 'Roof of Thailand'. Towering at 2,565 metres, it's home to cascading waterfalls like Wachirathan and Sirithan, tranquil forest paths, and the twin royal stupas—Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Nopphon Phumisiri. Each temple and peak reveals a different facet of Chiang Mai's soul. As night descends, the city transforms. Glittering lights and the aromas of sizzling street food turn Chiang Mai into a lively playground. The famed Night Bazaar is unmissable as a treasure trove of handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans and northern tribes. Here, food becomes a journey in itself: mango sticky rice, Pad Thai, grilled skewers, charming cafés and even open-air massage spots create a vibrant street scene. Strolling side by side, sampling dishes, laughing at shared stories. These are the moments that make memories last. Sentosa Island (Singapore) A visit to Sentosa Island in Singapore is a dive into an entertainment haven where every moment is crafted to be unforgettable. From adrenaline-pumping attractions to immersive underwater explorations, from the fantasy of cinematic realms to dazzling light displays, this island offers a kaleidoscopic journey that's ideal for best friends seeking pure joy and adventure. Above At the heart of the island's excitement is Universal Studios Singapore (photo: Universal Studios Singapore) Above At the heart of the island's excitement is Universal Studios Singapore (photo: Universal Studios Singapore) Above Step through its iconic gates and you'll find yourself transported to seven distinct film-inspired worlds (photo: Universal Studios Singapore) Above Step through its iconic gates and you'll find yourself transported to seven distinct film-inspired worlds (photo: Universal Studios Singapore) At the heart of the island's excitement is Universal Studios Singapore. Step through its iconic gates and you'll find yourself transported to seven distinct film-inspired worlds. Wander along Hollywood's glitzy boulevard, lose yourself in Madagascar's wild jungle, feel the buzz of New York City, or uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt. Each zone offers its own set of games, stage shows and charming gift shops perfect for hours of fun and a few keepsakes to take home. Next door, the S.E.A. Aquarium™ invites you to embark on a mesmerising journey beneath the waves. As one of the world's largest marine aquariums, it houses over 100,000 marine creatures and 20,000 vibrant coral species, showcased in dramatic glass tunnels that offer an immersive, close-up view of the deep blue. Sentosa also brings dreams to life at Madame Tussauds Singapore, where you can strike a pose beside astonishingly lifelike wax figures of global icons. Whether it's pop legends like Michael Jackson, film stars such as Marilyn Monroe, or historical figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama, it's a celebrity-filled gallery of photo opportunities. Afterwards, unleash your daring side at iFly Singapore, where a giant wind tunnel lets you experience the exhilarating sensation of free fall, Hollywood style. Then head to Mega Adventure Park, where MegaZip sends you soaring above the jungle canopy of Imbiah Hill, and MegaJump offers a 15-metre leap for the fearless. These thrill-filled moments are the perfect way to test your limits together. Above For a sweeping view of the island, take to the skies with the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network (photo: Singapore Cable Car Sky Network) For a sweeping view of the island, take to the skies with the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network. Suspended above Sentosa, it gives you a 360-degree perspective of the island and the city beyond. Afterwards, don't miss Skyline Luge Sentosa—a unique attraction that combines the thrill of a luge ride with scenic cable car views. Glide through curving tracks like Dragon or Expedition, and feel the rush of freedom with every turn. Whether you crave speed or scenery, this is one for the memory books. NOW READ Ho Nguyet Minh of Majesty Golf Vietnam: fearless on the fairway Pride Month: 7 of the world's most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations you might not know about The living legacy of Chinatowns around the world
