HỘI AN
If you see only one city in Vietnam, make it Hôi An. Atmospheric and utterly enchanting, this former trading port on the central coast has a rich history and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
As a stop on the ancient silk route, Hôi An was front and centre of the spice trade and it is still a huge player in the textiles industry, with tailors custom-making clothes at purse-friendly prices. The old town, with its French colonial architecture and mustard-coloured merchants' houses, is wonderful to wander through, by day or night, when the whole city is lit by lanterns. The riverside is packed with bars and cafés from which to watch the world go by.
WHERE TO STAY
For a proper treat or a special occasion, the Four Seasons Nam Hai Resort is utterly seamless, luxury perfection. Part of the A-list crowd's hotel group of choice, the Hôi An outpost is beachside, and just a few miles outside the city.
Made up of private villas, it has two stunning restaurants - with the most majestic buffet and à la carte breakfast we've had anywhere in the world - and The Heart of the Earth Spa.
For a high-end resort, it's super family friendly - kids are welcome everywhere at all times, and there's an action-packed club that does everything from lantern making to gardening classes.
WHAT TO DO
For a real assault on the senses, explore Hôi An's old town market. In the evening stalls sell trinkets and art, but by day, it's not just tourists, but locals hustling to buy everything from fresh fish to chilli sauce, herbs, noodles and the local coffee - and yes, there is a variety made from beans that have been digested and "released" by weasels.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 29, 2024-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 29, 2024-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities