Historical destinations

Situated at the crossroads of three great rivers - the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac – Phnom Penh is the heart of a country steeped in tradition, overflowing with rice paddies, jungles and rural communities. Once a sleepy backwater, Phnom Penh now buzzes with commercial activity, as the country develops after years of isolation. It is dotted with monumental landmarks in a surreal environment. Old French colonial mansions stand alongside newly emerging designs, which make the city’s mixed architecture and communities fascinating to explore.

Historically an important trading centre, Peshawar sits not far from the Khyber Pass, once part of the legendary Silk Route, and an important gateway to the Indian subcontinent travelled by prominent conquerors and explorers. Things remain volatile in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border province, of which Peshawar is the capital, but recent trends seem to indicate a decline in criminality and a budding resurgence of urban life.

Nestled between the imposing Al Hajar Mountains and salty waters of the Arabian Sea is Muscat, the cosmopolitan Omani capital. Now home to almost half the country's population, the city is an expat's darling and has a lot to offer in the way of historical sights, culture and entertainment. Muscat has managed to remain relatively concealed from the touristic eye and retains a sense of inwardness and an unspoiled quality long lost by some of its Emirati neighbors.

What oil-rich, arid Kuwait lacks in glitz and glamour it makes up for in family-friendly entertainment and cultural haunts - the coastal Kuwait City and Salmiya are laden with museums, attractions and modern amusement parks guaranteed to keep visitors to the area occupied for days on end. Shopping opportunities abound (feel free to choose from modern mega-malls and traditional souks), as do sandy beaches and swimming venues sought after in the summertime.

‘Mechelaars’ talk about their city with great pride and warmth. Visitors are struck by the genial atmosphere as they stroll past monuments redolent with age and pause in courtyards and historic churches. The Mechelaar is proud of Gouden Carolus, the award-winning beer brewed here for centuries. He is proud of Margaret, who put 16th-century Mechelen on the world map. And he has a soft spot for craftsmanship and authentic local products. Come to Mechelen and experience its charms for yourself!

Nestled within the mountains of northern Thai countryside, Chiang Mai offers spectacular landscapes and is home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples. The Chiang Mai of today is a vibrant and modern city that holds close to its spiritual and natural roots. With its unique landscapes, delightful food and leafy boulevards, Chiang Mai has nothing to envy of its sibling Bangkok.

The majestic Faisal Mosque stands against the backdrop of the lush Margalla Hills as a symbol of a Pakistan placed firmly in the modern day, while holding on to its history and traditions. The capital city of Islamabad is a forward-thinking metropolis nestled among the green base of the Himalayas, and though it has traditionally been thought of mainly as a diplomatic city, it has recently grown to become an important business and financial centre for the region, as well as an emerging travel destination, one which, together with its neighbouring sister city of Rawalpindi, gives travelers in-the-know a taste of all sides of contemporary Pakistan.