If Ernest Hemingway visited Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang. A town shrouded in mist, like a forgotten memory. I stepped off the boat, onto worn wooden planks, and into the stillness. The Mekong River slid lazily by, a serpent of silver and brown.

The history of Sydney's North Fort

Completed in 1938, North Fort is testimony to the ingenuity of the builders and the dedication of the gunners who served at North Fort from the outbreak of World War II continuously to the early 1960’s. Although not firing a shot in anger during World War II, the guns were a significant deterrent to any potential attacks on Sydney Harbour by a Naval force. The Fort consisted of two 9.2 inch coastal guns which could rotate 360 degrees and had a range of 27km. The guns were supported by two search light elements and three 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns.

Halong Bay: Vietnam's UNESCO jewel

Halong Bay, a mystical seascape of limestone pillars and emerald waters, is Vietnam’s jewel and a place that feels both otherworldly and intimately tied to the rhythms of nature and history.

Make a splash at these amazing hotel swimming pools across Asia

Hotels love to boas about their pools, amongst other things. Here's a round-up of stunning swimming pools at hotels across Asia. Dive right in!

‘Teen Jok’ Owns the Pool

The tiles of Meliá Chiang Mai’s swimming pool are fashioned in a striking textile pattern to reference the local Chiang Mai culture. The tiling is a contemporary interpretation of textile patterns the locals call “teen jok”. Similar patterns are also evident on the exterior facade of the hotel visible from the swimming pool, which is adjacent to a shallow pool area for kids. The watery playground is home to two water slides, a rain curtain, water fountains and a giant tipping bucket. The large outdoor swimming pool on the hotel’s second floor anchors Tien Pool Bar, which also has a design that pays tribute to Chiang Mai. The pool bar’s distinctive red brickwork references Chiang Mai’s venerable landmark Tha Phae Gate.

The Anam Cam Ranh: Grounds for a Glorious Resort

Traveloscopy regular correspondent, John Savage, compares his green thumb to that of Vietnam's first five-star colonial beach resort. Our verdict is in. 

How many gardeners does it take to ensure the 12 hectares of gardens, grounds and lawns surrounding the stunning five-star The Anam in Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Peninsula remain pristine?

Bhutan: An untapped summer travel destination

Summer in Bhutan: A haven for nature, culture  and adventure seekers 

Must-do activities to experience the essence of summer in the Kingdom of Bhutan 

Welcome to Bhutan, a year-round haven nestled in the Himalayas. This summer, from June through August, experience the country's warm embrace, where temperatures linger pleasantly between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, complemented by gentle rainfall. Whether guests are drawn to serene natural settings or seeking thrilling adventures, Bhutan in summer is a tempting destination for every traveller.

On the streets of Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a city where ancient history and modern development exist in an intricate dance, each step revealing layers of culture, conflict, and resilience. Rudi Romero paces the ancient streets.

In true Louis Theroux fashion, my journey through Hanoi was a deep dive into a city that feels both timeless and rapidly evolving, a place where the past and the present converge in fascinating ways.