The Annapurna region of central Nepal is defined by both cultural depth and extreme topography. Home to a wide range of ethnic communities, including Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi peoples, the area has long been shaped by trans-Himalayan trade routes and mountain agriculture.

Sandakan, on the northeast coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is a city where history, wildlife, and culture come together. Once a major trading port known as “Little Hong Kong” for its bustling connections to the wider world, Sandakan has retained its multicultural character, with influences from Chinese, Malay, and Indigenous communities visible in its temples, markets, and cuisine.

Sukhothai, located in north-central Thailand, was once the capital of the first independent Thai kingdom in the 13th century. Today, it’s best known for the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with stone temples, lotus-filled moats, and ancient Buddha statues. The park spans over 70 square kilometers and features more than 190 ruins.

North Conway, located in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, has drawn visitors since the mid-19th century, when artists from the White Mountain School began painting its dramatic landscapes. Today, the area still offers scenic appeal, anchored by the towering presence of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeastern U.S. Historic photographs and lithographs of North Conway hang in galleries downtown, showing just how little the iconic views have changed in over 150 years.

Speyer, located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, is a city rich in history and culture. One of its most notable landmarks is the Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Romanesque churches in the world.