In a region once ruled by dynasties, enriched by Buddhism and shaped by waves of conquest, Southeast Asia is home to some of the most fascinating pieces of history. Each country boasts its own ornate temples, time-worn ruins and treasured artifacts that allow visitors to feel fully immersed in the local culture, and they’re even better when experienced with the knowledge of local guides. For travelers who don’t know where to start in uncovering Southeast Asia’s intriguing past, check out these hotels and their historical excursions throughout the region.
Azerai La Residence, Hue
Overlooking the famed Perfume River in central Vietnam, Azerai La Residence, Hue's prime location offers guests an unparalleled experience within the bustling city. The luxury hotel — while offering an impressive array of itineraries — is particularly well-known for its “Full Day in Hue (Option 2)” tour. The day begins with a casual boat ride on the river to Thien Mu Pagoda (a tower built in 1601 and a symbol of Hue), followed by a private car transfer to the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The excursion finishes off with a visit to the tombs of the emperors Gia Long and Khai Dinh.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Hopping over to the underrated Siem Reap, Cambodia, the 92-year-old Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor presents guests with a series of “Curated Journeys” to choose from. The “Lost Civilizations of Angkor by Vespa” is a standout choice, where travelers can take time to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, discovering sites inaccessible by car or on foot. Watching the sunrise at the main temple, Angkor Wat, feasting on a Raffles breakfast picnic and traversing through the nearby ruins are some of the highlights of this journey. Alternative trips include a dinner in one of the ancient Khmer Empire temples, a food tour with the area’s tastiest dishes and a local art display from the property’s resident artists.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
For a more introspective take on Vietnam’s past, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has an in-house “Path of History” tour to uncover the hotel’s unexpected history. Beneath the luxury property lies a 123-year-old bomb shelter, which shielded notable guests like Joan Baez and Jane Fonda during air raids in the U.S.-Vietnam War. The bunker was later closed and sealed off, though it was recently rediscovered during the Bamboo Bar’s renovation in 2011. Today, guests can flip through photographs of the hotel’s famous guests from over the years, indulge in vintage artifacts like century-old room keys and learn more about the bunker-turned-memorial with the guidance of Sofitel’s historians.
TIA Wellness Resort
Nestled in Da Nang, Vietnam, TIA Wellness Resort artfully blends history with holistic well-being. One signature tour, “Marble Mountain & Tai Chi,” begins with a winding climb up the Marble Mountains — a cluster of limestone peaks with shrines, caves and sacred pagodas. The two-hour trip allots plenty of time for guests to explore the site’s religious and historical significance before wrapping up the early morning sessions with a guided Tai Chi session. The resort’s other offerings, like the “Lady Buddha Meditation Son Tra Peninsula,” expand on this blend of mindfulness and cultural immersion, allowing travelers to meditate among crisp greenery and striking pagodas.
Alma Resort Cam Ranh
In partnership with Zazen Travel, Alma Resort Cam Ranh delivers a lengthy six-hour “Cultural and Heritage Tour” of Nha Trang. To properly explore this beach city, guests depart early in the morning, starting with the exploration of Truong Son Craft Village. The town is home to skilled artisans who create traditional pottery, sand paintings and more in real time, providing a glimpse into Vietnamese craftsmanship. Visitors then head for historic landmarks like the Po Nagar Cham Towers — remnants from the 7th to 13th century Champa Kingdom — and the resplendent Gothic-style Nha Trang Cathedral. The tour concludes at Dam Market, a bustling cultural hub established in 1908, serving as a symbol of the city’s evolving identity.
Meliá Chiang Mai
Thailand’s northern gem, Chiang Mai, boasts over 300 wats (Buddhist temples) throughout the city and countryside, and Meliá Chiang Mai is helping guests discover as many as possible with their private sightseeing tours. Wat Umong, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are some of the must-sees for travelers. Beyond temple visits, the hotel can also arrange trips to landmarks like the famed Tha Phae Gate or Doi Suthep mountain, where visitors are greeted by sprawling views of the city below and a temple overflowing with shrines and relics at the summit.
Anam Mui Ne
A lively fishing town decked out in color from hundreds of bright boats out on the water, Mui Ne is an exciting destination to explore. In order for guests to truly make the most of their time in the coastal city, luxury hotels like Anam Mui Ne are giving travelers creative freedom when it comes to their excursions. It’s a build-your-own-itinerary approach, where the hotel’s concierge can arrange a half- or full day of activities to key sites, with stops at natural landmarks, museums or ancient ruins. For instance, the Red Sand Dunes, coming ablaze under the warm glow of sunset, might appeal to the outdoorsy guest, while a stroll through the Fish Sauce Museum could be of interest to those wanting to learn about the town’s origins in the fishing industry. Nearby, the Po Sah Inu Towers are remnants from the Kingdom of Champa, dating back to the 8th century. Not only are the towers hauntingly captivating, but remains from this era are scarce, adding a layer of novelty to the experience.
Laguna Lang Co
With its crossroads location between Hue City and the age-old Hoi An, Laguna Lang Co provides plenty of historical excursions through central Vietnam. The exclusive tour options and arrangements are handled by the resort’s concierge, with tours like the Hue Discovery or Hue City ranking among the favorites for guests. Hue Discovery touches on many of the city’s beloved attractions, including the Citadel and other significant places of the Nguyen dynasty, the Thien Mu pagoda and Tu Duc and Khai Dinh’s tombs, while Hue City option is a shortened exploration of the ancient destination. Preset excursions are one option for guests, though Laguna emphasizes that visitors can curate their own itinerary to better fit their needs.
Bonus: Self-Guided Exploration of Wan Chai, China
Travelers who prefer to take their adventures into their own hands are sure to fall in love with the vibrant Wan Chai, China. Once a small fishing village, the area has since transformed into a lively urban district following British colonization in 1841. For a DIY historical itinerary, the Hari Hong Kong property recommends making stops at the Old Wan Chai Post Office, the Blue House, Wan Chai Pak Tai temple and the Old Wan Chai Market Building to get a more comprehensive overview of the city.
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