If holidays were made to rest, it is a pity not to enjoy the cultural wealth of the countries one gets to visit. Asia, which is famous for its unbeatable cultural heritage, has historical treasures to discover for those who love to travel while still learning about the world. Travelling to Asia? Villanovo selected for you 5 not-to-be-missed sites listed as Unesco World Heritage.
Angkor - Cambodia
Angkor temples, who have been forgotten by people in the past, were hidden under a luxurious vegetation until a french explorer, Henri Mouhot, in 1860. Today, the site is internationally recognized and brings to Cambodia thousands of visitors each year. Fascinating, isn’t it? If you decide to leave to discover this restored site, it is a archeological park of 400 km2 with precious vestiges which is waiting for you, ideal for History lovers! Wait no longer and explore this treasure for a trip on the path of the Khmer Empire.
The historic city of Sukhothai, also known as the first capital of what Thailand used to be, is today a set of ruins located 450km in the north of Bangkok. Famous for its art more than for its political achievements, the site preserved wonderful monuments testifying of the beginnings of the Thaï architecture. True testimony of the glorious past of Thailand, come contemplate its statues and traditional structures from which emanate a deep serenity. Indeed, the site is a true haven of peace, in full nature, far from the tourist buzz. Savour this cultural moment with your loved ones in a peaceful atmosphere, for rewarding and quiet vacations in Thailand.
King animal of the country, it is indeed the famous Komodo dragon which gave to this natural park the name it has today. Giant lizard, you will only find this specie on these Indonesian islands, accessible by boat. Located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, the park has been built to protect the specie. Listed as Unesco World Heritage, the site hosts unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems and has approximately 5700 of these lizards of surprising aspect. Wild animals enthusiasts, you will be pleased to enjoy a family boat tour to then get the chance to attend a guided visit of the park from which you will admire these strange lizards. As an activity very appreciated by children as well, the excursion will seduce the younger and their elders!
In the north of Kandy, in Dambulla, discover the best preserved temple in the cave of Sri Lanka. Clim the stairs which bring to the entrance of the cavern and let yourself seduced by the succession of rooms set in the rock. Mural paintings will make you travel over time, offering to you and your family a total immersion in the authentic culture of Sri Lanka. Discover the several buddhas in company of a guide who will know how to answer your questions and will reveal you everything you’ve always wanted to know about the history of these mysterious temples. If it is advised to book in advance, pay attention to choose an appropriate outfit for religious visits: legs and shoulders should be covered in order to step into this sumptuous temple.
The sacred city of Kandy - Sri Lanka
Also called Senkadagalapura, this major Buddhist pilgrimage place located in the center of Sri Lanka has been built in the XVe century and was the last capital of the Sinhala kings. First tourist destination of the country and historic capital at the same time, its green mountains and cultural wealth will transport you in the by-gone Sri Lanka. High of 500 meters of altitude, the city is organized around a lake which will make you forget the intense traffic of the surrounding. Admire the view from the impressive white buddha and observe the nature around. You will probably see some Toque macaques, which is common in Sri Lanka! Discover a landscape full of animals, gardens, temples and impressive waterfalls which made this city obtain the title of Unesco World Heritage in 1988.
