The chime of temple bells at dawn in Bali. The sizzle of woks down Bangkok’s neon alleys. The kaleidoscope of spices in Singapore’s cultural enclaves. For many travellers, Southeast Asia is well-worn and familiar territory. But in 2025, travel isn’t just about going somewhere new. It’s an opportunity to revisit with a fresh perspective.
Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report reveals the draw of nostalgia: 58% of global travellers say they revisit childhood destinations to relive cherished memories, while more than 70% seek authentic cultural immersion to forge deeper connections with a place.
Nowhere lends itself more beautifully to rediscovery than Southeast Asia, where age-old traditions sit side by side with new creative energy. Four familiar destinations invite travellers to see them through a new lens, with Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle hotels offering new experiences along the way.
Forge a deeper connection with Bali
Bali’s Uluwatu Temple is famous for its sunset views and traditional Kecak dance, where most visitors arrive at dusk with their cameras raised. To experience it differently, slip in earlier for a hushed wander through the temple grounds, or linger after the crowds leave, when twilight washes the cliffs in a quiet calm. A guided tour with a local guide can unlock the temple’s spiritual layers and the deeper meaning behind the Kecak dance, transforming a photo-op into a richer memory.
Or venture out to Waterblow Nusa Dua, where the sea surges spectacularly through a rocky gap, offering stunning photo opportunities. Head there in the early morning during low tide to explore the coastline, hidden coves, and rock pools along the Nusa Dua promenade. It is often in these unhurried moments that the island reveals its best-kept surprises.
For travellers looking for a unique stay, Conrad Bali offers not just ocean views and lush gardens, but the chance to bottle the very essence of Bali. Its Olfactory Experience lets guests blend local botanicals such as Java pepper, frangipani and champaka into a bespoke perfume and into a keepsake that evokes memories of the island each time it’s uncorked.
At Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, the Village Walk opens doors beyond the resort walls for an authentic glimpse into daily Balinese life. Explore temples and family compounds, engage with the community, and end with coffee and local treats in a Balinese home, where guests can learn more about the island’s unique philosophy and architectural heritage.
Explore lesser-known districts in Bangkok
Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat, may be famous for its late-night food stalls but wander into Talad Noi by day and a quieter story unfolds. Here, narrow lanes are scrawled with street art, antique Chinese shophouses have been reinvented as cafés and pockets of Portuguese-inspired architecture whisper of centuries past. Spend a day wandering through Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhood and experience a quieter, more relaxed side of the city.
Across the Chao Phraya River, Bang Krachao, also called Bangkok’s ‘Green Lung’, offers a different kind of rediscovery. Explore the area on a bicycle, on foot, or take a slow kayak ride along the Khlong Phi Lok canal for a more intimate view of its lush natural landscape. A visit to the Bang Kobua Community introduces travellers to a way of life still deeply rooted in agriculture, with opportunities to join in traditional activities such as natural tie-dyeing or herbal incense-making to immerse in the rhythms of Thai living.
At Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, heritage takes centre stage. The Front Room distils the spirit of Thai cooking into eight finely balanced flavours, rooted in tradition and elevated with modern techniques. Continue the culinary journey at The Loft, where handcrafted cocktails inspired by long-forgotten recipes can be savoured against Bangkok’s dazzling skyline.
At KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton, discovery happens indoors too: guests can explore curated Thai art installations, enjoy French-inspired Thai cuisine at Colette, an all-day bistro where the food reflects a free-spirited traveller’s love affair with Thailand. For a moment of calm, the Vilah Creative Social Space on the 10th floor offers a stylish retreat for guests to unwind and relax after a day of discovery in the city.
Discover Singapore’s hidden sides
For many, Singapore is a whirl of shopping streets and skyline views. But hop on a bumboat to Pulau Ubin and the pace changes. Here, kampong houses lean into coconut palms, hornbills dart across mangroves, and nature trails teeming with wildlife thread through the island. Travellers can wander the island on foot or join a guided Kampong tour to explore Ubin’s cultural heritage and discover the natural landscapes and historic landmarks that have shaped the island’s unique identity.
Nestled in western Singapore, Jurong Lake Gardens is a green community sanctuary inspired by Chinese and Japanese garden design. This sprawling waterfront destination, with over 19 trails that wind past themed gazebos and tranquil ponds, offers a space for slow afternoons, quiet reflection, and leisurely walks. Visitors can also spend their time meandering through its various attractions, from the Cloud Pagoda and Bonsai Garden to the Waterlily Pavilion and Butterfly Maze.
Back in the city, guests at Conrad Singapore Orchard can immerse themselves in local food, craft, and culture through its new 1/3/5 Experiences programme. Join a Crafted in Cacao workshop with local chocolatier, Mr Bucket Chocolaterie, go behind-the-scenes of chocolate-making, and create a bespoke artisanal bar to take home.
Or opt for Living Peranakan, a private tour of The Intan, a cultural gem in the form of a heritage home museum. Alongside exploring the collection and donning traditional attire, guests can tailor the visit with a choice of cultural activities. Options range from sharing a communal-style Peranakan meal to popiah-making with an expert, a jewellery showcase, a shoe-beading workshop, or even a Peranakan-inspired sound bath.
At Marina Bay, Conrad Singapore Marina Bay continues the journey of discovery through experiences that reframe how the city is seen. At twilight, Run by the Bay takes guests on a 5-km evening journey along the waterfront, where silhouettes of familiar landmarks shift with the fading light — the domes of Gardens by the Bay glowing softly, or the Singapore Flyer rising against the evening sky.
Inside the hotel, a Self-Guided Art Tour unveils more than 3,400 works across 21 curated stops. From Underwater by Cultural Medallion recipient Goh Beng Kwan, a vivid triptych alive with the energy of the sea, to Gathering by Tay Bak Koi, a contemplative reflection on Singapore’s kampong past, the collection invites guests to see the city through the eyes of its artists. Together, these experiences offer fresh ways to rediscover Marina Bay, revealing another layer of Singapore’s evolving story.
Step into Phu Quoc’s traditional way of life
Vietnam’s island jewel is best known for its beaches, but look closer, and its soul lies in tradition. One of Phu Quoc Island’s oldest fishing villages, Ham Ninh Fishing Village features stunning natural landscapes and fresh seafood. Join local fishermen for a fishing trip and try your hand at net fishing to experience their daily life and gain a deeper appreciation of the island’s seafood heritage.
Home to some of the world’s finest pepper, you could spend a day at Phu Quoc’s Pepper Farms alongside farmers harvesting pepper and learning sustainable cultivation techniques, before enjoying a hands-on cooking session using freshly picked pepper to create authentic local dishes.
At La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, rediscovery is brewed one cup at a time. Guests can embark on an exploration of Vietnamese coffee culture in a coffee workshop at Il Salone. Under the guidance of an in-house barista, discover how to brew and enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee from different regions.
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