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Discover the other Southeast Asia
Hue, Vietnam The Southeast Asia travel circuit doesn't have to be all about Singapore, Bangkok and Hanoi
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Hue, Vietnam
The Southeast Asia travel circuit doesn't have to be all about Singapore, Bangkok and Hanoi. The Jakarta Post picked three rising cities in Southeast Asia with beauty and charm to rival their more popular sisters.
Hue is a little gem in Central Vietnam that one should consider taking in on the way between Hanoi in the North and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The laidback city was the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty between 1802 and 1945; it's easy on the eye and has rich cultural traditions.
The finest place to stay in town is La Residence. Once home to a French governor, the five-star boutique hotel features an art deco interior and river views. Blessed with a to-die-for location on the banks of the Perfume River, La Residence is a flawless starting point from which to explore the city.
In the early morning, take a cyclo to cross the bridge over the Perfume River for a visit to the Citadel and the Imperial City. This marvelously preserved area was home to Emperor Gia Long and his family and, until the 18th century, entry was forbidden to anyone outside the royal blood line.
These days, visitors are welcomed; allow two hours to explore the Citadel on foot. From the Flag Tower and the Forbidden Purple City to the Thien Mieu Temple, each part of the Imperial City offers a fascinating glimpse into historical royal. Don't miss the striking Royal Theater; it has the oldest traditional stage in Vietnam, which has been completely restored to original condition.
Relax over lunch at the Hoa Mai restaurant on the top floor of the Huong Giang Hotel. It serves authentic (and affordable) Vietnamese fare with stunning outlooks of the Perfume River.
In the afternoon, there is no better way to experience the Perfume River than by taking a scenic riverboat cruise. Make a stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda, about five kilometers from the Citadel. Erected in 1601, the city symbol has a seven-storey stupa, making it the tallest temple in the country.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hue is also famous for the Emperors' Tombs, which lie on the outskirts of the city. A trip by the boat will take you to Khai Dinh's Tomb, Tomb of Tu Duc and Tomb of Minh Mang for a worthy half-day excursion.
Manila, the Philippines
Since Cebu Pacific Air launched a direct Jakarta - Manila, more locals than ever are flying to the Philippines capital. Though the country's tourism board doesn't seem to promote itself as much as say, Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand, the nearby metropolis has great potential. It's true, although it can't beat Jakarta, the traffic and pollution can be unappealing. But for many visitors, Manila is full of lovely (and lively) corners.
Intramuros, for instance, is packed with treasures of the old city. Literally meaning *within the walls', Intramuros was originally built by the Spanish Jesuit missionaries to protect the city from native rebels and Chinese pirates in the 16th Century.
Begin your walk from Fort Santiago, a ruined Spanish relic that was used as prison for the country's national hero, Jose Rizal. The surrounding park boasts views of the Pasig River and houses The Rizal Shrine Museum, which includes a replica of Rizal's prison cell.
The streets of Intramuros lead travelers through some of the country's most important historical buildings. The oldest church in the country, San Agustin, is a National Historical Landmark, while the atmospheric Casa Manila stands as Imelda Marcos' effort to preserve an old, Spanish-style 19th Century home. Just south of Intramuros lies the 60-hectare Rizal Park. It is here that Jose Rizal was executed by the Spaniards, sealing his fate as a revolutionary martyr.
Cha Am, Thailand
A two hour plus drive from the capital of Bangkok, Thailand's fresh destination, Cha Am, marked its addition to the tourist trail with the opening of the Alila resort last year. Weekenders will appreciate the resort's renowned spa, clean design, friendly staff and great beach view as a sanctuary of its own.
Outside the hotel, Cha Am can lead visitors to some of Thailand's greatest finds. Start the day with a visit to King Rama IV's Palace in the Phra Nakorn Khiri National Museum and Historical Park in Phetchaburi. Constructed in 1859, the palace, on Mahasawan Mountain, incorporates Thai and Chinese influences into a European design.
The palace has three sections: In the east lies the Wat Phra Kaew temple, which is designed like the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at The Grand Palace; in the middle section is the Phra That Chom Phet temple and, in the west you will find King Rama IV's residential palace. The king's bedroom and the star observatory are worth a look.
A few kilometers away from the palace, guests of Cha Am can see Buddha statues in the Khao Luang Cave Temple. It is believed that the cave is where King Rama IV meditated and studied before he led the kingdom. Staircases allow for easy access between the foothills and the entry of the cave, where the magic awaits.
Located 27 meters below ground, the limestone cavern has vast stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Walk further inside and be greeted by a display of over 170 beautiful Buddha statues. The ornaments include a giant golden Buddha figure cast after the command of King Chulalongkorn and serves as the cave's main attraction; simply enthralling.
