BHUTAN: Ranked Among Top 10 Travel Destinations in 2008

Top 10 Places to Go in 2008

The destinations that rank on our list include renascent cities like New Orleans and emerging countries like Bhutan that are fast becoming the world’s next travel hot spots. Get there now, before the crowds do.

By Shermans Travel Editorial Staff

Choosing the world’s next big travel destinations is never an easy feat, especially when there’s seemingly so little left of the globe to discover. But when our editors got into a room to hash out our top picks for 2008, we realized that we could have done a Top 13 this year, as all eyes will be on Beijing (when it hosts the Summer Olympic Games), and there’s never been a better time to visit Quebec City (which celebrates its 400th birthday in 2008) or Liverpool (the year’s European Capital of Culture). Here’s the remainder of our list.

1. Bhutan

Cradled by the majestic Himalayas in a remote corner of Southern Asia, the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” has long held steadfast to its rich culture and Buddhist heritage. Though an isolated locale and high tourist entry tariffs (of up to $200 per person per night) keep crowds at bay, these factors have also permitted this last Shangri-La to keep its traditions intact. If the lush valleys and snowcapped mountains, ancient temples and monasteries, and expansive markets full of cheerful locals haven’t lured you to Bhutan yet, reconsider in 2008, when the 101st anniversary of the country’s monarchy will be commemorated by a yearlong celebration. Continue reading BHUTAN: Ranked Among Top 10 Travel Destinations in 2008

Hong Kong cinema star couple wed in Bhutan

Hong Kong actors Tony Leung and Carina Lau cut their wedding cake in the Kingdom of Bhutan July 21, 2008.[Agencies]

Hong Kong actors Tony Leung and Carina Lau
Hong Kong actors Tony Leung and Carina Lau

One of Hong Kong’s leading entertainment couples, actors Tony Leung and Carina Lau, were married in Bhutan in a Buddhist-inspired ceremony attended by the tiny kingdom’s royalty, local media reported on Monday.

Leung is one of Hong Kong’s biggest film stars on the international art-house circuit and a longtime collaborator of prize-winning Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai.

Leung and Lau married in the reclusive Himalayan kingdom, known for its breathtaking, pristine natural scenery, on Monday at the exclusive Uma Paro resort.

Hong Kong actors Tony Leung and Carina Lau smile during their wedding ceremony in the Kingdom of Bhutan July 21, 2008.[Agencies]

Newspapers and websites carried photographs of Leung and Lau, who have been together for many years, posing before a congregation of monks in red robes, Leung wearing a tuxedo and Lau in a white gown.

Bhutan royalty reportedly attended the ceremony along with 100 guests, including Canto-pop diva and actress Faye Wong. Continue reading Hong Kong cinema star couple wed in Bhutan