“When you’re travelling with someone else, you share each discovery, but when you are alone, you have to carry each experience with you like a secret, something you have to write on your heart, because there’s no other way to preserve it”
– Shauna Niequist
1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
It’s easy to lose yourself in this bustling city as motorbikes speed past you carrying a family of four. There’s always something cooking and as the mixture of scents filter through at all hours, you’ll spend hours navigating your way through markets, malls and the parks. The French colonial architecture (below) will surprise you and in the midst of all the noise, you’ll discover a way to find balance.
2. Siem Reap, Cambodia
This is the stuff that bucket lists are made of. Siem Reap is a surreal destination filled with Buddhist temples, ancient ruins and archaeological wonders. Anyone who has ever been will tell you that seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat is one of the best experiences in the world. Spoil yourself with a private tour of the grand temple complex. This is one trip you’ll never forget.
3. Ahmedabad, India
This is your opportunity to celebrate. It doesn’t matter what, because in this once-sleepy west Indian state, there is always a festival of some sort happening. Allow yourself to rejoice with the locals. It has a new vibe about it with the development of the inner city as well as an influx of youth because of the National Institute of Design and Centre for Environment Planning and Technology.
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4. Yangon, Myanmar
Shwedagon Pagoda (below) is this city’s crown jewel and not only is it a landmark, it’s beautiful enough to keep you entranced for hours. It’s considered one of the most religious pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Myanmar. Yangon allows for peaceful walks around lakes and pretty parks, while there are many vegan and vegetarian options abound.
5. Taipei, Taiwan
As soon as you enter Taipei, your mood will immediately be lifted. Taipei is filled with fun places like tons of all-night karaoke bars that you have to visit. It is also known for its picturesque mountains and you must find time to fit in a hike to take in the magnificent city sights (below).
