Set sail: scenic boat rides around the world for your travel bucket list
Giethoorn (Overijssel Province, Netherlands)
Above Giethoorn is straight out of a fairytale. (Photo: Amir Deljouyi / Unsplash)
Nicknamed the 'Venice of the North' and often described as a fairytale village, Giethoorn has no roads—only a network of canals that residents and visitors navigate by electric 'whisper boats' and traditional wooden punts. But that's only half of Giethoorn's charm. The other half lies in its storybook cottages with thatched roofs, gardens bursting with flowers in the springtime, quaint arched wooden bridges and the occasional duck paddling gently on the canal.
Don't miss: Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel Wuzhen (Zhejiang Province, China)
Above Take a romantic evening boat ride in Wuzhen. (Photo: kuaileqie RE / Unsplash)
Wuzhen is one of China's most meticulously preserved and lovingly restored water towns. Characterised by cobblestone alleys, arched stone bridges and Ming- and Qing-era architecture, it offers visitors a glimpse into the past. It's recommended to stay at least one night and go on a boat ride in the evening, when the wooden houses and still canals glow under the warm flicker of lanterns, transforming this picturesque town into a dreamy, mirror-like waterscape. Venice Canals Historic District (Los Angeles, California, USA)
Above A picturesque pocket of serenity in Los Angeles (Photo: Leo_Visions / Unsplash)
Inspired by Venice, Italy, Los Angeles's Venice Canals Historic District was conceived by developer Abbot Kinney in 1905. Today, after restoration efforts in the 1990s, only six of the original canals remain. Located a stone's throw from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the canals offer a tranquil alternative. Glide past private docks, charming homes, arched pedestrian bridges and lush gardens in a kayak or rented gondola, and discover a surprisingly serene and picturesque corner of Los Angeles. The Great Stour (Canterbury, England)
Above Punt through medieval Canterbury (Photo: Jolly Ittoop Athungal / Pexels)
Just an hour outside London lies the idyllic city of Canterbury. Immerse yourself in a bit of history when you take a traditional punt along the Great Stour as it winds through the heart of this medieval city. Enjoy the scenery as you glide under centuries-old bridges and past rustic timber-framed homes, historic stone walls and charming English gardens. Don't forget to watch for glimpses of historic landmarks, including Canterbury Cathedral's spires rising in the distance. Amsterdam Canal Rings (Netherlands)
Above This list wouldn't be complete without the Amsterdam Canal Rings. (Photo: Gabriel Guita/Pexels)
A Unesco World Heritage Site and a defining feature of the city's historic core, Amsterdam's iconic 17th-century canal rings—Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht—offer tourists an opportunity to take in postcard-perfect views of gabled townhouses, arched stone bridges and colourful houseboats while cruising down its waterways. In the evening, the bridges are lit up, illuminating the canal and giving it an enchanting, cinematic glow. Maasin River (Siargao, Philippines)
Above Take tropical boat ride in Siargao. (Photo: Eibner Saliba / Unsplash)
If you're looking for a more tropical vibe, take a boat ride down the Maasin River in Siargao. Flanked by coconut palms and dense mangroves on both sides, you'll be gliding along emerald waters through a lush landscape that will take you to a secret lagoon. Feel free to take a quick dip in its refreshing waters before heading back up the river. Maasin is a quieter alternative to Siargao's surfing scene and perfectly captures the island's relaxed spirit and natural allure. Colmar (Alsace, France)
Above France's 'Little Venice' (Photo: Evans Joel/Pexels)
Located in France's Alsace region, just a couple of hours from Paris by train, is Colmar. Rumoured to be the inspiration for the French village in Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle , this hidden gem is another fairytale destination. Head over to the 'La Petite Venise' or 'Little Venice' district and take a scenic boat ride down the Lauch River, where you'll be greeted by storybook views of colourful half-timbered houses decked with pretty flower boxes, arched stone bridges and cobblestone streets.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
2 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Set sail: scenic boat rides around the world for your travel bucket list
Giethoorn (Overijssel Province, Netherlands) Above Giethoorn is straight out of a fairytale. (Photo: Amir Deljouyi / Unsplash) Nicknamed the 'Venice of the North' and often described as a fairytale village, Giethoorn has no roads—only a network of canals that residents and visitors navigate by electric 'whisper boats' and traditional wooden punts. But that's only half of Giethoorn's charm. The other half lies in its storybook cottages with thatched roofs, gardens bursting with flowers in the springtime, quaint arched wooden bridges and the occasional duck paddling gently on the canal. Don't miss: Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel Wuzhen (Zhejiang Province, China) Above Take a romantic evening boat ride in Wuzhen. (Photo: kuaileqie RE / Unsplash) Wuzhen is one of China's most meticulously preserved and lovingly restored water towns. Characterised by cobblestone alleys, arched stone bridges and Ming- and Qing-era architecture, it offers visitors a glimpse into the past. It's recommended to stay at least one night and go on a boat ride in the evening, when the wooden houses and still canals glow under the warm flicker of lanterns, transforming this picturesque town into a dreamy, mirror-like waterscape. Venice Canals Historic District (Los Angeles, California, USA) Above A picturesque pocket of serenity in Los Angeles (Photo: Leo_Visions / Unsplash) Inspired by Venice, Italy, Los Angeles's Venice Canals Historic District was conceived by developer Abbot Kinney in 1905. Today, after restoration efforts in the 1990s, only six of the original canals remain. Located a stone's throw from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the canals offer a tranquil alternative. Glide past private docks, charming homes, arched pedestrian bridges and lush gardens in a kayak or rented gondola, and discover a surprisingly serene and picturesque corner of Los Angeles. The Great Stour (Canterbury, England) Above Punt through medieval Canterbury (Photo: Jolly Ittoop Athungal / Pexels) Just an hour outside London lies the idyllic city of Canterbury. Immerse yourself in a bit of history when you take a traditional punt along the Great Stour as it winds through the heart of this medieval city. Enjoy the scenery as you glide under centuries-old bridges and past rustic timber-framed homes, historic stone walls and charming English gardens. Don't forget to watch for glimpses of historic landmarks, including Canterbury Cathedral's spires rising in the distance. Amsterdam Canal Rings (Netherlands) Above This list wouldn't be complete without the Amsterdam Canal Rings. (Photo: Gabriel Guita/Pexels) A Unesco World Heritage Site and a defining feature of the city's historic core, Amsterdam's iconic 17th-century canal rings—Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht—offer tourists an opportunity to take in postcard-perfect views of gabled townhouses, arched stone bridges and colourful houseboats while cruising down its waterways. In the evening, the bridges are lit up, illuminating the canal and giving it an enchanting, cinematic glow. Maasin River (Siargao, Philippines) Above Take tropical boat ride in Siargao. (Photo: Eibner Saliba / Unsplash) If you're looking for a more tropical vibe, take a boat ride down the Maasin River in Siargao. Flanked by coconut palms and dense mangroves on both sides, you'll be gliding along emerald waters through a lush landscape that will take you to a secret lagoon. Feel free to take a quick dip in its refreshing waters before heading back up the river. Maasin is a quieter alternative to Siargao's surfing scene and perfectly captures the island's relaxed spirit and natural allure. Colmar (Alsace, France) Above France's 'Little Venice' (Photo: Evans Joel/Pexels) Located in France's Alsace region, just a couple of hours from Paris by train, is Colmar. Rumoured to be the inspiration for the French village in Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle , this hidden gem is another fairytale destination. Head over to the 'La Petite Venise' or 'Little Venice' district and take a scenic boat ride down the Lauch River, where you'll be greeted by storybook views of colourful half-timbered houses decked with pretty flower boxes, arched stone bridges and cobblestone streets.
Tatler Asia
3 days ago
- Tatler Asia
The living legacy of Chinatowns around the world
2. Yaowarat, Bangkok Above Bangkok (Photo: Mike González / Pexels) When King Rama I moved the Thai capital to Bangkok in the 1780s, Chinese traders resettled along the Chao Phraya River. Yaowarat Road became the spine of Bangkok's Chinatown, a gilded stretch of gold shops, shrines and shophouses where commerce and culture intertwined. For over two centuries, Yaowarat has remained vibrantly Chinese yet unmistakably Thai. Temples like Wat Mangkon Kamalawat draw worshippers, while street hawkers serve everything from bird's nest soup to Thai-Chinese fusion dishes with generations of culinary know-how behind them. Throughout the centuries, experts, industry insiders and influencers have made Yaowarat well-known. Gentrification has brought boutique hotels and speakeasies, but Yaowarat's spirit remains thick as fish maw soup. The older generation still sweeps storefronts at dawn, while the younger crowd turns family stalls into branded foodie empires. 3. San Francisco, USA Above San Francisco (Photo: Ricky Esquivel / Pexels) Established in the 1850s, San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest in the US. Born from Gold Rush dreams and hardened by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the neighbourhood became a fortress against institutional racism. After the 1906 earthquake, the community rebuilt with ornate Chinese-inspired architecture, partly to attract tourists, partly to reclaim dignity. For decades, it was home to Chinese labourers, laundries and secret societies. Today, it's a bustling cultural hub, where Cantonese grandmothers haggle over bok choy and next-gen chefs serve Peking duck in sleek dining rooms. However, encroaching gentrification from tech giants has put immense pressure on the neighbourhood. But Chinatown's residents are reorganising, establishing cultural districts, protecting rent-controlled housing and resisting eviction. Here, the dragon still dances, and it still breathes fire. 4. Flushing, New York, USA Above Flushing (Photo: via Wikimedia Commons) While Manhattan's Chinatown was once the flagship, the real Chinese community boom has shifted to Flushing, Queens. Starting in the 1980s, an influx of immigrants from Fujian, Taiwan and mainland China transformed Flushing into a multilingual megahub. Unlike its Manhattan predecessor, Flushing is less performative and more lived-in. Here, you'll find regional Chinese cuisines rarely seen outside the mainland. Think Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles, Dongbei hot pot and Taiwanese shaved ice. Now, Flushing is rapidly expanding but faces the same gentrification threats as many of the other Chinatowns on this list. Malls, high-rises and luxury condos are appearing at dizzying rates. Still, the community is vocal: demanding infrastructure, transit investment and cultural preservation in the face of displacement. 5. London, Soho, UK Above London (Photo: Artūras Kokorevas / Pexels) The UK's first Chinese enclave started in Limehouse in the 19th century. It was initially home to sailors and working-class migrants. Post-WWII, however, many relocated to Soho, where Chinatown took root amid narrow streets and crumbling postwar buildings. From humbler beginnings, London's Chinatown evolved into a vibrant food and nightlife hub, with Cantonese roast shops, bakeries and later, pan-Asian influences. It's also home to community centres and Chinese-language newspapers that have helped generations settle and eventually thrive. Now, Soho's rise as a nightlife capital and tourist zone has brought soaring rents and a flood of chain restaurants. Yet local organisers are resisting whitewashing, ensuring that alongside the bubble tea and barbecue, the soul of Chinatown remains unmistakably Chinese and defiantly local. 6. Melbourne, Australia Above Melbourne (Photo: Pat Whelen via Pexels) Formed during Australia's 1850s gold rush, Melbourne's Chinatown is the oldest continuously inhabited Chinatown in the Western world. Early Chinese immigrants braved exclusion laws and rigid policies to form tight-knit communities along Little Bourke Street. Over the decades, it evolved from goldfield grit to Art Deco elegance, becoming a cultural landmark for both old and new generations of Chinese-Australians. These days, Melbourne's Chinatown still boasts traditional restaurants and lunar festivals. However, many young Chinese Australians are opening contemporary eateries, fashion boutiques and co-working studios, developing a stylish intersection of heritage and innovation.
Tatler Asia
19-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel
2. Finland Above Laplands (Photo: Pixabay / Pexels) Nokia may have made cellphones mainstream, but this country enjoys solitude and the art of keeping blissfully to yourself. Consistently ranked as one of the world's happiest countries, Finland also respects the sacred art of privacy and seclusion. You can hole up in a glass igloo in Lapland, sip hot berry juice under the Northern Lights and not say a word for days. Helsinki offers sleek design museums and cosy cafés where no one will strike up unsolicited conversation. For the full hermit-chic experience, book a lakeside sauna cabin, unplug your phone and let the pine trees do the talking. 3. New Zealand Above Fiordland (Photo: Donavan Kelly / Pexels) New Zealand is like that friend who invites you on a road trip, hands you the aux cord and then doesn't talk for hours. With sweeping landscapes, sparsely populated trails and Hobbiton-level charm, it's a place where introverts can bask in Middle-Earth majesty without elbowing through tourist mobs. Go tramping in Fiordland, kayak through glowworm caves in Waitomo or read your book beside a sheep-dotted hillside. And yes, locals are friendly—but in that chill, non-invasive way. 4. South Korea Above Jeonju (Photo: Jakob Jin / Pexels) While Seoul is known for its neon buzz, there's a parallel universe of serene escapes and soft-spoken hospitality. Wander through Bukchon Hanok Village early in the morning, retreat to a hanok stay in Jeonju or sip rose tea in a café with pastel walls and acoustic indie playing gently in the background. Even the hiking culture is introvert-friendly—climb Mount Inwangsan for spiritual stillness and panoramic views, then reward yourself with a solo bibimbap feast. And remember: in Korea, people mind their business. 5. Bhutan Above Bhutan (Photo: Peng Lim / Pexels) It's not the easiest country to get to, but that's the basis of its appeal. Bhutan doesn't do mass tourism, making it one of the quiet destinations that appeal to introverts. The country's 'High Value, Low Impact' approach keeps the tourist numbers low and the vibes meditative. Perfect for introverts seeking not just quiet, but meaning. Hike up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, meditate with monks in Punakha or simply stare at the Himalayas until you forget what push notifications are. The daily tariff may be steep, but what you get in return is priceless: peace, purpose and maybe even enlightenment. 6. Iceland Above Reykjavik (Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels) If your ideal vacation includes more geysers than humans, Iceland delivers. Road trip along the Ring Road and you'll find waterfalls, black sand beaches and geothermal lagoons—often without another soul in sight. Reykjavik has just enough culture (see: punk museum in a public toilet) before you head into the wild. Don't be surprised if a local simply nods and keeps walking. It's not rudeness, it's respect for solitude. Bring layers and an epic playlist. Also read: 7 stylish ways to experience Reykjavík 7. Taiwan Above Taiwan (Photo: TU HAN-WEI / Pexels) Taiwan is criminally underrated, especially for the low-key traveller or introverted ones seeking quiet destinations. In Taipei, you can explore night markets where eating alone is totally normal (even encouraged) and slurp your way through beef noodle soup with no side-eye. Escape to the misty mountains of Alishan for a solo train ride above the clouds or meditate at a Zen temple in Tainan. Teahouses offer the perfect pause. Imagine enjoying one pot, one book and one beautifully quiet afternoon. 8. Canada Above Prince Edward Island (Photo: Sebastian Velandia / Pexels) Whether you're canoeing through Banff's mirror lakes or wandering Québec's cobbled alleys, Canada is introvert-approved. Locals are famously polite and won't corner you at a café. Try Prince Edward Island if you want an Anne of Green Gables vibes or the Yukon if you're more into snow-covered silence. There's something deeply calming about a place that lets you be you, in a beanie, sipping coffee, staring at mountains. See more: Singapore Tatler Recommends: 5 luxury wilderness resorts for a snowy escape 9. Laos Above Luang Prabang (Photo: Simon Berger / Pexels) While its neighbours may be more frenetic, Laos hums at its own serene pace, earning a spot in this list of quiet destinations. In Luang Prabang, saffron-robed monks walk in early morning silence and the Mekong River floats by like a moving meditation. There are waterfalls to explore, French-Lao bakeries to hide in and very few influencers in sight. You can take a cooking class, then eat your creation solo on a veranda surrounded by banana trees. No Wi-Fi needed.
