Relax - Europe in a weekend... sort of

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You don't have to go too far west for a taste of France, Italy, Spain or Holland. These neighbouring destinations pack enough European flavour to satisfy your wanderlust - for now.

OLD-WORLD FRANCE

Hanoi, Vietnam

Travel time: 3hr flight
Best time to visit: February to April (temperatures range from 15 to 27 deg C) or September to November (18.5 to 31 deg C), when it's less likely to rain.

Chic cafes aren't the only things the French left behind. Venture into Ba Dinh District, commonly known as the French Quarter, where the streets and buildings can easily be mistaken for those in Paris. Wander down tree-lined lanes, admire the clipped gardens around the Presidential Palace, and pose for pictures in front of St Joseph's Cathedral, Notre Dame's Asian doppelganger.

Get moving!

Work out with the locals every morning by the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake. Popular AM exercises include tai chi, badminton and cycling. Afterwards, have breakfast at a bistro. The Vietnamese love pairing banh mi (ham and pate baguette sandwich) with a piping hot cup of coffee.

>>Next: Spanish memories

SPANISH MEMORIES

Batangas, Philippines

Travel time: 3.5hr flight to Manila + 2.5hr drive
Best time to visit: November to April, when it's dry and temperatures hover between 20 and 34.5 deg C.

A visit to the town of Taal is like stepping into a time machine and travelling back to pre-20th century Spain. It's home to the Basilica of St Martin de Tours, reportedly the biggest church in Asia, as well as the Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay. Many grand mansions remain too - sneak a peek inside: They still retain the decor, fi ttings and furniture from the era.

Get moving! While in Batangas, be sure to scuba-dive in its pristine waters. Taal Volcano (reportedly the world's smallest) is another popular site, especially among shutterbugs and hikers. But beware, the volcano is still active - and potentially deadly. To explore the place, you'll need a permit from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Their site (www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph) publishes alerts on volcanic activity, so check it regularly if you've planned a trip there.

>>Next: Dutch nostalgia

DUTCH NOSTALGIA

Jakarta, Indonesia

Travel time: 1.5hr flight
Best time to visit: May to September, as the rainy season starts in October and lasts till April.

Back in the 17th century, Jakarta was known as Batavia. Dutch-style buildings constructed then were said to be even grander and more luxurious than those back in the Netherlands, which earned it the nickname, "Queen of the East".

Get moving! Sadly, many monuments have since been demolished, or are left in a state of decay. However, those that remain deserve a visit - on foot. We recommend Toko Merah, the former residence of a Dutch governor; the Jakarta History Museum (former City Hall of Batavia) and Istana Bogor. History buff s shouldn't miss the Kota Intan Bridge as well, a traditional drawbridge that's the last of its kind in the city.

>>Next: Italian charm

ITALIAN CHARM

Khao Yai, Thailand

Travel time: 3hr flight to Bangkok + 3hr drive
Best time to visit: November to February; the weather is perfect for hiking (temperatures range from 10 to 22 deg C).

Its sprawling vineyards, quaint towns and picturesque mountains have earned this region the moniker, "Tuscany of Thailand". Cycling enthusiasts will love the long scenic stretches of relatively fl at terrain.

Get moving! Hike across Khao Yai National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site. It's one of the biggest in the country (about three times the size of Singapore) and boasts trails of varying difficulties.

Breathtaking waterfalls - including one shot for The Beach, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio - dot the park. If you're afraid of getting lost, hire a guide as he'll also be able to point out the park's wildlife (think gibbons, sambar deer and the occasional black bear or elephant).

Get a copy of the January 2012 issue of SHAPE Singapore to read about the latest news in health, fitness, beauty and nutrition. SHAPE Singapore published by SPH Magazines is available at all newsstands now.

Yuen Yiying is a writer with SHAPE Singapore magazine by SPH Magazines.

Check out more stories at SHAPE Singapore online, www.shape.com.sg.

Europe in a weekend... sort of

By Yuen Yiying, Shape | Tue, Jan 31 2012

Discover remnants of old colonial settlements in pockets of Southeast Asia.