Travel
Do you have to go to Phuket or Bali?
Anybody planning an island escape in Southeast Asia faces a difficult choice – in a area studded with sand-circled tropical islands that sizzle with fabulous meals and overflow with tradition, how do you choose only one?
This magical a part of the world has sufficient island escapes to fill a number of lifetimes of journey, however regrettably, we solely have one, so the shortlist needs to be narrowed down. For a primary style of Southeast Asia’s islands, we would make a powerful pitch for Phuket in Thailand and Bali in Indonesia – each are wealthy in tradition, wrapped in glowing sands and accessible to everybody from college students in flipflops to empty-nesters catching up on far-flung journey.
However which to decide on… Fortunately, we’ve a pair of seasoned journey writers readily available to make the case for every of those beloved island hubs. Learn on to see if Phuket or Bali is the fitting escape for you.
Favor fabulous Phuket
Isabella Noble is a Barcelona-based journey journalist and the creator of Lonely Planet’s Pocket Phuket information. She has been spending time on this stunning, typically underappreciated Thai island for nearly a decade.
For anybody who loves Phuket – as I do – it’s a magical island that immediately defies the stereotypes with out making any fuss. Thailand bursts with dreamy, laid-back, palm-filled islands washed by light turquoise waves, however Phuket (pronounced poo-ket) combines this tropical-paradise attract with the vigorous buzz, artistic vibe and thrilling food scene of a dynamic city hub.
Let’s begin with these fabulous, flour-soft, salt-white seashores. My favorites are within the north of the island, together with glowing Hat Surin, limitless Hat Bang Thao and wilder Hat Layan. Phuket’s three northwesternmost strands are a deal with too: Hat Nai Yang, Hat Mai Khao and Hat Nai Thon all sit inside the protected Sirinat National Park and have a blissfully relaxed, nature-first really feel.
On the island’s southern tip, mellow Hat Rawai is one other beachy magnificence that I hunt down on each go to. It’s recognized for its rustic seafood eating places, buzzing kitesurfing scene and the powdery strands shut by at Hat Nai Han. Blazing sunsets draw crowds to dramatic Laem Phromthep (Promthep Cape) and there’s an virtually mystical really feel as everybody concurrently gazes out because the solar drops into the jade-colored Andaman Sea.
Phuket’s vibrant meals scene
Phuket additionally has one in all Thailand’s most irresistible food scenes, born from the mingling of Southeast Asian and Chinese language cultures over the centuries (recognized right here as Baba tradition). The arty island capital, Phuket Town, is the culinary epicenter. A tin-mining hub within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, it is crammed with candy-colored Sino-Portuguese buildings, restored classic shophouses and hidden shrines that burst into life in the course of the September/October Vegetarian Competition.
I like popping into the Lock Tien meals court docket, the place Phuketian classics like mee hokkien (Hokkien noodles) and just-made spring rolls are served at plastic tables, or grabbing flaky roti bread topped with a fried egg on the always-popular Thai-Muslim breakfast spots on Thalang Rd. Lengthy-running Mee Ton Poe is regionally beloved for its noodle dishes; Kopitiam does Phuket-style Thai classics; and Raya prepares its standard coconutty crab curry in a tile-covered Sino-Portuguese home.
On the fine-dining aspect, attempt the modern Sardinian delights dreamt up by celebrity chef Alessandro Frau at Acqua; the elevated Phuketian flavors of Patong’s attractive, garden-facing Ta Khai; Cherngtalay’s elegant Suay for chef Noi Tammasak’s arty twist on Thai delicacies; or Michelin-starred PRU in northern Phuket. There’s lots to take pleasure in on the native espresso scene, too, with hipster-style hangouts reminiscent of Phuket City’s The Shelter Coffee and Bookhemian simply rivaling Chiang Mai’s famously cool cafe tradition.
I’ve fortunately hung out in Phuket with my brother, my companion and plenty of mates over time, but additionally as a solo feminine traveler. Whether or not you fancy a beachfront yoga class, heading out on a diving journey, visiting Buddhist temples (reminiscent of 150-year-old Wat Chalong) or maybe tackling the game of muay Thai (Thai boxing), Phuket’s exercise calendar has it, and all types of vacationers can count on a heat welcome right here.
A signature Phuket spotlight is escaping into attractive Ao Pha-Nga Marine National Park. Kayaking or paddle-boarding is essentially the most rewarding, low-impact solution to discover this bewitching bay dotted with limestone karst formations. Day journeys to Ko Phi-Phi – the place vacationers are permitted to go to attractive Maya Bay underneath strict conservation guidelines – are completely doable, too.
And do you know there’s additionally nice mountain climbing in Phuket? Rewarding routes embody the sweaty, jungle-traversing climb as much as the 45m (150ft) Big Buddha within the Nakkerd Hills close to Kata, in addition to paths by the wild rainforests of northern Phuket’s Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife & Forest Reserve – house to the pioneering Gibbon Rehabilitation Project.
Beachfront bliss
Nowhere does seductive seashore lodges (or heavenly spas) like Phuket. You can go all out with a deluxe keep at one in all Thailand’s high hideaways, reminiscent of Amanpuri, Trisara, The Surin Phuket or Rosewood Phuket. There are additionally enjoyable, sociable hostels and design-forward boutique lodges, notably in Phuket City (Casa Blanca is a pleasure), alongside mellow beachside guesthouses in locations reminiscent of west-coast Kamala.
But after I’m eager for this scrumptious island, I consider an early-morning stroll by Phuket City, a plastic plate of steaming noodles at a toes-in-the-sand seashore shack, or a soul-stirring swim in turquoise waves backed by rippling casuarinas. That is what Phuket is all about. No marvel the island has drawn folks from everywhere in the world for hundreds of years.
It’d higher be Bali
If Mark Eveleigh have been instructed he may solely journey in a single nation for the remainder of his life, he’d select Indonesia. This broadly traveled journalist and creator has written for quite a few publications; take a look at his journey ebook, Kopi Dulu: 15,000km through Indonesia.
Overcrowded and overdeveloped? Or the world’s most stunning island? I lean towards the latter.
The fabled “Island of the Gods,” Bali actually sees its justifiable share of vacationers. The city of Ubud, a well-known yoga haven and artwork capital, has its devoted devotees – as does Uluwatu, with its elegant temple and adrenaline-pumping surf. Kuta was as soon as celebration central, even when the night time owls at the moment are heading to the seashore golf equipment and funky cafes of Seminyak and booming Canggu.
Alongside five-star resorts reminiscent of Raffles and the Four Seasons that sprawl by tropical gardens and spill onto talcum-powder seashores, guests can keep in a bunch of thrilling new designer locations, reminiscent of Lost Lindenberg and Nirjhara. And whilst demand soars, you’ll be able to nonetheless lease a easy, comfy room with a personal balcony overlooking a tropical backyard for underneath $10 per night time, breakfast included.
So, sure, tourism could be booming right here. However on an island that’s over 10 occasions the dimensions of Phuket, it’s nonetheless astoundingly simple to search out an unspoiled nook.
Charming tradition and beguiling seashores
I’m an enormous fan of Thailand and have labored on many assignments in that great nation. However the colourful solid of gods and demons, ghosts and witches that play such a big half in conventional Balinese life fascinate me – a lot, the truth is, that they turned central characters in my newest novel. Certainly, it’s the Balinese those who make the island uniquely interesting – to not point out some of the culturally intriguing spots on the earth.
On the subject of seashores, Bali and Phuket each boast palm-shaded white-sand seashores that make guests drool. However solely Bali has a regulation stipulating that no buildings might be tall sufficient to rise over these palm bushes. Even essentially the most congested vacationer facilities right here have been spared from high-rise, Thai-style cityscapes.
Along with the dreamy white seashores round Nusa Dua and the Bukit Peninsula, there are additionally romantic volcanic seashores the place you’ll be able to stroll for miles throughout a floor that shimmers like a black mirror, with out seeing one other holidaymaker. For those who take pleasure in dramatic wave-smashed coastlines (and a number of the world’s finest browsing) then it’s best to stick with the south coast; in the event you desire tranquil reefs that lure dolphins, turtles and different marine life, head to the sheltered north coast.
An island of pure delights
While you’ve had sufficient of seashores, Bali’s volcanic highlands provide a smorgasbord of actions that little Phuket may barely dream of. The dawn climb up 1717m (5633ft) Gunung Batur could be – justifiably – the preferred tour on the island, together with the journey to Ubud’s Monkey Forest.
Inland, you too can cycle downhill for 40km (25 miles), go whitewater rafting or discover jungles and peaks on foot, by horse and even by helicopter. Within the island’s unspoiled “wild west,” you’ll be able to stroll with pink buffalo or go to what could be the planet’s most photogenic conventional fishing fleet.
The arid hillsides of Northern Bali are planted with cashew, dragon fruit and (surprisingly) even vineyards. To the south, the slopes are dominated by the large stairways of terraced paddies, in locations operating proper down the ocean.
I fell in love with Bali some twenty years in the past, and my ideally suited writing retreat is tucked away on the distant western aspect of the island. Each time I’m going again, I notice anew that West Bali could be essentially the most achingly stunning place on the planet.
This third of the island stays virtually fully missed by guests; even the islanders themselves are sometimes astounded to listen to that West Bali National Park has abandoned seashores the place wild deer trot by the shallows, and jungle-clad hills that shelter hornbills, flying foxes and slender langur monkeys.
There are many locations on the earth with lots to occupy you for a two-week trip. Twenty years after my first go to to Bali, I’m nonetheless satisfied that there’s sufficient right here to maintain me busy for a lifetime.
This text was first printed Apr 6, 2023 and up to date Oct 10, 2024.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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