For many travellers, a visit to Northern Cyprus feels like stepping back in time. This region, which is controlled by Turkey, is a world away from the busy resorts, malls, and familiar international chains that can be found in the south. Instead, visitors will find remote villages and a slower pace of life. This sense of suspended animation can be traced back to the Turkish invasion of 1974, which led to the north becoming isolated from the rest of the world and self-proclaimed as a republic, recognized only by Turkey. Northern Cyprus stretches from the Karpass Peninsula to Morphou Bay, Cape Kormakitis, and its westernmost point, the Kokkina exclave. The southernmost point of Northern Cyprus is the village of Louroujina. This region is separated from the rest of the island by a buffer zone controlled by the United Nations, which also divides Nicosia, the largest city on the island and the capital of both north and south Cyprus. Despite its isolated status, Northern Cyprus has a lot to offer travellers. Its two prettiest towns, Girne and Gazimağusa, are located here, as well as half of the capital city. The region is home to three of the island's mightiest Crusader castles (St Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara) and the island's most important archaeological site at Salamis. The Kyrenia Mountains, in particular, are a hiker's paradise, and many of the region's beaches are relatively untouched by high-rise resorts. Additionally, a visit to Northern Cyprus provides the unique opportunity to experience two very different cultures: the Orthodox Greek Cypriot and the Muslim Turkish Cypriot worlds. The north can also feel more affordable than the south, as it is not part of the Eurozone. Its tourist infrastructure is not as well-developed yet.

Spanning around two thousand years of Vietnamese history, the museum offers a meticulously curated journey through the country's rich heritage. With over 7,000 artefacts displayed across two floors, visitors can explore everything from prehistoric relics to contemporary treasures.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden is the sky-lit atrium at Bellagio with vibrant and fantastical scenes composed of plants, flowers and trees. The airy central conservatory was inspired by the Art Nouveau conservatories of Paris. Each season, a 120-person team of professionals creates displays with more than 10,000 flowers, which are regularly switched out to maintain freshness. You never know what to expect: giant flower sculptures celebrating the New Year, koi ponds and pagodas, enormous jade medallions and animatronic figurines, whimsical architectural elements and fantastical scenes.

Kyrenia Castle, situated at the entrance of a picturesque harbour, is a remarkable historical site dating back to the 7th century. Originally built by the Byzantines and modified by various conquerors throughout the centuries, the castle offers you a captivating glimpse into Cyprus's past. As you walk along the ramparts, you can enjoy stunning views of the harbour and explore the castle's cistern, dungeon, chapel and two small museums. One of the castle's most intriguing attractions is the Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum, housing the remains of a 4th century Greek merchant ship discovered in Cypriot waters. Believed to have sunk around 300 BC, the ship's cargo included amphorae, almonds, grain, wine and millstones from the Greek islands of Samos, Rhodes and Kos. The museum offers a unique opportunity for you to explore an ancient shipwreck and its well-preserved artefacts, providing insight into maritime history and trade during the time of Alexander the Great and his successors.