Looking for some travel inspiration this summer? Consider visiting Kunming, the captivating capital city of Yunnan Province, exploring the dynamic atmosphere of Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown, or experiencing the breathtaking views along the contemporary Silk Road.
The most melancholic aspect of growing up is often the disappearance of summer. Certainly, the season itself remains, though personally, I wouldn’t mind skipping it entirely due to Hong Kong’s unbearable humidity. However, those delightful and languid six to eight weeks filled with idleness and monotony during my youth seem to fade away once we enter the professional world. Perhaps these carefree days have even vanished earlier for today’s perpetually overbooked children as well.
Amidst these laid-back weeks, a family excursion could disrupt the serene monotony of idle days. This might involve a beach outing, a visit to your grandparents, or maybe even an adventurous trip overseas, should fortune smile upon you.
With that mindset from both grand and modest journeys in mind, let me present our summer travel feature. Regardless of whether you’ve finalized your travel arrangements or plan to remain within the city limits all season, I trust this edition will spark inspiration similar to what it ignited in me.
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I really enjoyed learning about the fresh dynamism revitalizing Bangkok’s Chinatown district. In his conversation with Vincent Vichit-Vadakan, the upcoming leaders discuss their role in spearheading these transformations, rejuvenating historical structures, and revamping the neighborhood with innovative eateries, lounges, and artistic venues. Based on everyone’s feedback, it seems like there hasn’t been a more opportune moment to explore Bangkok than at present, which strongly resonates with me.
Using his stunning photographs, Christopher Wilton-Steer captures the concluding segment of his 40,000-kilometer trek along the historic Silk Road. His newly released book chronicles this voyage as he moves eastwards from Italy until reaching Beijing, blending tales of ancient commerce with contemporary life. In this section, Wilton-Steer unveils his adventure starting near the Pakistani frontier through to China. Although these distant parts of inland territory remain unexplored by me, the mesmerizing scenery around Dunhuang and the vastness of the Gobi Desert beckon my interest.
Cameron Dueck explores Japan’s biggest natural reserve, Daisetsuzan. To be frank, the presence of brown bears reduces its attractiveness for me, though I trust you may not share this fear. For someone recently become a resident of Hong Kong, what defines extreme luxury? It would be the isolation and extensive stretches of wild terrain he experiences.
In another part of this edition, we have plenty to satisfy your travel cravings. Thomas Bird talks with longtime residents of Kunming about their favorite activities, sights, and culinary experiences in the provincial capital of Yunnan. Having spent a few summers there myself, I can attest that it offers a pleasant respite from much of the area’s hot and humid weather. Our Interior section features Peta Tomlinson taking us to the picturesque English countryside, where former Hong Kong resident Alice Fortescue has rejuvenated her family’s 15th-century mansion and turned it into an inviting retreat for guests. Lastly, in Then & Now, Jason Wordie reminisces about past summertime getaways.
Although we may no longer enjoy extensive summer vacations like we did before, becoming adults comes with the advantage of selecting our own summertime getaways. Here’s hoping you’ve got some exciting trips lined up!
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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