UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of the most enchanting and awe-inspiring destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Join me on a whirlwind adventure through the stunning Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the picturesque town of Luang Prabang in Laos, get ready to embark on a journey filled with breathtaking sights, unique experiences, and unforgettable memories.
Ha Long Bay: A Day Trip to Remember
Experience the wonders of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for its limestone cliffs and floating villages. Discover the famous Fisherman’s Village and capture the vibrant floating shacks that dot the bay’s picturesque landscape. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to spend a night aboard a junk ship, immersing yourself in the beauty of this natural wonder.
I allocated only enough time for a day trip to Ha Long Bay, this meant that not a lot was explored other than a few islands and the famous Fisherman’s Village. Next time I visit I will be sure to spend at least a night floating around the bay on aboard a junk ship. The boat tour I selected was stacked with activities & food. I chickened out on the kayak ride (yes you read right, I was too scared to go kayaking). Instead sat on the boat photographing the colourful floating shacks in the middle of huge limestone cliffs. I regret nothing. There is something very cool about sitting in the middle of a floating village and coming to the realization that the people in front of you have never left this area. Some of the inhabitants have never even set foot on land! I saw Ha Long Bay on the Top Gear: Vietnam Special years ago and have been dying to visit ever since. If you have time check out the special and you will see why I had to go!
Hoi An Ancient Town: A Photogenic Paradise
Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mesmerized me with its multicoloured buildings and French Quarter architecture. This photogenic paradise made me want to linger for months, strolling its narrow streets and basking on the nearby pristine beaches. Don’t let the bumpy sleeper bus deter you from experiencing the culture and charm that Hoi An exudes.
Hoi An was an absolute delight. Maybe the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites I have seen. This is a spot that I would have killed to do a photo shoot with the ancient city as my background. The multicoloured buildings and the French quarter style architecture were so different than anything I have seen in Asia. I thought about spending a couple of months roaming around the tiny streets taking photos, laying by the incredible beach just south of the city and soaking up all the culture Hoi An exudes. The trip here may throw some off but the bumpy sleeper bus wasn’t enough to keep me away from this colourful town.
My Son Sanctuary: History Amongst the Jungle
Nestled in the Vietnamese forest, My Son Sanctuary bears the scars of the Vietnam War. Though the jungle has nearly reclaimed this ancient site, it still offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history. I regret missing the history lesson, but I couldn’t help but feel the devastation this place must have witnessed. Despite its dilapidated state, My Son Sanctuary remains a captivating spot for exploration and photography.
After a long hot walk, I reached My Son Temple in the forest of Vietnam. I was too wrapped up in the sights around me and missed the history lesson, I believe these were used to hide during the Vietnam War, hence the current state they are in. It’s such a shame this place would have been amazing in all its glory. You can see just how devastating it must have been for the country. This is a small representation of what would have been going on and just how their country was demolished in the name of “freedom”. The jungle has almost overtaken it and probably would have completely taken over if not for the fact that it’s a huge tourist attraction. It reminded me of a dilapidated version of the Bayon Temple in Cambodia. This was such a cool place to explore and take photos.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
Arriving in Shark Bay, I was captivated by the crystal-clear waters and the possibility of spotting sharks. Whether they were truly sharks or big fish, the open expanse of uninhabitable land left me in awe. Don’t miss the chance to visit the cute little shops and wildlife preserve, where you can even hold turtles or pet a manta ray if you’re feeling adventurous. Shark Bay turned out to be an unexpected highlight of my trip.
We arrived in Shark Bay in the evening, it was too late to check into our campsite at Monkey Mia so we booked a site nearby. We have some time to kill so we decided to check out some sharks and gorgeous views of the Australian landscapes. I may have seen a couple of sharks swimming around the crystal waters but, they could have been big fish, who knows? Still, to this day, I can’t believe just how much open space there is out there that is just completely uninhabitable. This part of Australia was a highlight of the trip that I would never have seen had I been on time. There were some cute little shops and a wildlife preserve, where you can hold turtles and even pet a manta ray if you feel so inclined.
Angkor Wat: A Majestic Wonder
Discovered amidst the Cambodian jungle, Angkor Wat astounded me with its grandeur. From the embossed walls adorned with Aspara Dancers to the symmetrical beauty on all sides, this ancient temple complex is a testament to human ingenuity. I lost myself in its rich history, snapping countless photos and vowing to return with better equipment to capture its true essence. Angkor Wat should be on everyone’s bucket list.
If the moat surrounding the property isn’t a sign that Angkor Wat is going to be impressive, I’m not sure what is. Discovered by French explorers, Angkor Wat sits in the middle of the jungle in Siam Reap, Cambodia. Looking at it from afar is one thing but once you get up close is when the magic happens. The walls are embossed with Aspara Dancers and the faces of Buddha. It is completely symmetrical on all sides. Looking at any part of Angkor without thinking “HOW?!?” is impossible. I spent hours just wandering and taking in its rich history. You can feel the energy of the great palace it once was. The ability to build something like this with the limited tools they must have had is nothing short of a miracle. I filled up not one but TWO memory cards, snapping photos of every inch and every doorway. I would love to travel back someday with my real camera and capture the vibe properly. Angkor Wat should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Town of Luang Prabang: Enchanting and Delightful
Luang Prabang stole my heart with its enchanting streets and warm locals. As the city of temples, it offers numerous opportunities to escape into tranquillity and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. And if you’re like me, the swim-up pool bar will be an oasis in the hot and humid weather. I can’t wait to return to this delightful city.
I adore Luang Prabang with every fibre of my being. I wrote a lengthy post on it here so I will try not to be redundant. Every street you turn down is like something out of a magazine, I can’t accurately describe how amazing this little city is. The locals were delightful, a drastic contrast to Vietnam and the trip in the weeks leading up to landing in Luang Prabang. Don’t quote me on this but I think they are called the city of temples. This is one of the most temple-rich cities I have had the pleasure of visiting. They are scattered throughout the hills and are the perfect place to escape the city. I may be biased slightly because this was the only place on the whole trip I was able to find a swim-up pool bar, you can imagine is an amazing thing in a town with no beaches and 80% humidity on a good day. I will be back in LP.
City of Valletta: Ancient Charms
Malta’s ancient gem, the City of Valletta, is a photographer’s paradise. It’s centuries-old doors and captivating history make it a must-visit destination. Although I only had a brief visit, the beauty and charm of this UNESCO site left a lasting impression. Experience the magic of Valletta and its breathtaking waterways that rival even Venice.
If I could spend years photographing the doors of Malta, I would be a happy camper. There are places here that are almost as old as Jesus and are the oldest, coolest cities I’ve visited. If you ever get a chance to go to Malta GO. I can not stress enough how incredible that little island is. My sister lived in Malta for a couple of years, Summer of 2012 I decided to visit her. In all honesty, I had never even heard of Malta before she moved. I am so grateful that she turned me on to this ancient city and its charms. Most of my time in Malta was spent elsewhere, Natalie lived in St. Julian’s so we visited Valletta only once. I have never been to Venice but this is what I imagine it to be only the water here is far more beautiful. Another UNESCO world heritage site to add to my list!
Grand Canyon National Park: Nature’s Grandeur
Grand Canyon West, located in Arizona, showcases nature’s grandeur at its finest. Driving through the stunning landscapes, I marvelled at the famous Joshua Trees before encountering the awe-inspiring canyon. Its vast openness made me cautious, but witnessing the sunset was an unforgettable experience. For a more comprehensive exploration, consider booking a helicopter tour to truly appreciate the magnificence of the Grand Canyon.
I rented a Mustang and away I went! The drive was as good as the canyon, having been my first time seeing Joshua Trees, made famous by U2 among other artists. The canyon itself, in my opinion, was dangerously wide open. I remember multiple times being concerned that one wrong step would land me in hot water. I was careful to stay far back because quite frankly, I ain’t going out like that. An hour after I arrived the sun started to set, beautiful but not exactly a place I want to stumble around in the dark. If you have the means to book a helicopter and explore the Grand Canyon that way you get a chance to see so much more than you do from above.