Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand Oct / Nov 2017: The Travel Issue | Page 74

The Wanderlist
labeled as “an outstanding example of the fusion of tradi-
tional architecture and Lao urban structures” by UNESCO
itself. This remarkably well-preserved townscape is an
important marker in the history of these two traditions
merging.
As such, it is considered by many travelers as the heart
of Laotian culture, a place where the blending of crum-
bling French architecture, twinkling temples and the nat-
ural beauty of the surrounding mountains can be drunk
in. In recent years, it has become Laos’s premier tourist
spot, overtaking even the capital city of Vientiane. But
don’t let the crowds of visitors put you off: Luang Prabang
remains a vibrant destination, with plenty of cultural fea-
tures and natural beauty to go around.
7
Getting there: Discovering the rich town is made simple
thanks to the positioning of Luang Prabang International
Airport just five kilometers away. From here, you can take
a quick taxi or tuk-tuk into the center.
Pyu Ancient Cities
Myanmar
Despite applying for inclusion on the UNESCO list back
in 1996, it wasn’t until 2014 that Myanmar’s Pyu Ancient
Cities were granted inscription. But, for the people of
Myanmar, the special status of the area was never up for
debate. Spanning three major walled cities and several
smaller towns in Upper Burma, the area was an important
hub for the Tibeto-Burman-speaking Pyu people during a
one-thousand year period in ancient times.
Today, the remains of the palace citadels, brick
Buddhist stupas, fortresses, city walls, and burial grounds
draw thousands of local and foreign visitors every year.
This recent entry onto the UNESCO list remains relatively
unknown amongst travelers, and little is known about the
mysterious Pyu millennium itself.
Getting there: Encompassing the three moated cities
of Hanlin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra, and stretching over
several kilometers, it’s best to choose one site to explore.
Hanlin is the closest to the major city of Mandalay, which
can be reached via a direct flight from Bangkok, and from
here you can organize a day trip with a driver or a guide.
8
Luang Prabang
Laos
Nestled in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and
Nam Khan rivers, the ancient town of Luang Prabang was
74 WANDERLUST
9
Angkor
Cambodia
Largely regarded as the most important archaeological
site in Southeast Asia, Angkor is a vast stretch of land that
includes abundant forested areas and ancient remains.
But the most famous features of the ancient capital city
are Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple, inspirational struc-
tures that are still a source of pride and a point of pilgrim-
age for Cambodians. In the shadows of their magnificent
beauty, it’s not difficult to see why this is the case.
Since inclusion on the World Heritage site list 25 years
ago, UNESCO has arranged a broad program to safeguard
this symbolic site and its surroundings. Restoration is on-
going, but this does little to spoil the experience of walk-
ing amongst the ruins of the spectacular Khmer shrines,
imagining the powerful empire that once lived between
the intricately carved walls.
Getting there: With Siem Reap as your base, discovering
Angkor and all its historical glory is a cinch. Your hotel or
hostel should be able to help arrange a guided tour on a
bus or perhaps with a private car, motorbike or tuk-tuk.
Renting a bicycle is also an option, with Angkor Wat just
six kilometers away and the sites main spots roughly a
15-minute ride apart.
WWW.WANDERLUSTMAG.COM