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As society develops at a faster pace, people tend to slow down. Places that were once "empty" except for nature and a peaceful rhythm of life are now beckoning many people to visit – to admire, feel, and experience.livingStay there, even if only for a few days. Please consider this.Top 6 peaceful destinationsSelected by Travellive magazine, to help you start planning your trip as early as possible.
Hue - Vietnam
Quiet. Slow-paced. Unhurried, without hustle and bustle. It's probably not wrong to say this is a defining characteristic of the ancient capital city.
Hue was once the capital of a unified Vietnam throughout history, and therefore possesses a serene and ancient charm, reflected in its numerous tombs and temples. Because of this profound influence from the royal legacy, the pace of life in the former capital remains graceful and refined. When mentioning Hue, people think of the folk songs that encapsulate the soul of the Hue people, the interplay between spirituality and reality, the gentle "yes, sir/ma'am" tone of voice, and especially the unhurried pace of life.
The slowness of Hue is reflected in the leisurely pace of cyclo rides, the unhurried rotations of bicycle wheels around the city each morning, and sometimes in the rhythm of the elderly women hawking their wares. Even after they've traveled their entire distance, their calls don't cease, the sounds lingering and echoing. It's also present in the meticulous, diligent, and hardworking nature of the people of Hue. They always preserve and uphold traditional and spiritual values.
It sounds illogical, but theslowHue's lifestyle is a unique form of development, as modern society is gradually turning it into a trend. When people reach a certain level of hustle and bustle in their lives, they often tend to return to the old ways, seeking peace and tranquility. And, Hue's "slow pace" is the perfect choice.
Japan
Japan is renowned for its stunning landscapes, modernity, civilization, and hardworking people. Despite suffering significant damage and danger from natural disasters, surprisingly, the number of tourists and residents has not decreased, and has even increased. In recent years, Japan has consistently ranked among the world's most livable countries.
The land of cherry blossoms is also an ideal place for tourists to soothe their souls with the peace and tranquility of the Japanese way of life. Japan rose from an agricultural society closely connected to nature, clearly reflected in their work, housing design, eating habits, clothing, customs, religion, and even art and culture. Their reverence for natural phenomena and objects is not due to fear of its overwhelming power, but rather to boundless gratitude for what nature has bestowed upon them. Therefore, they always tend to respect nature to the utmost.
Furthermore, the Japanese are also renowned for their many profound philosophies of life. Their philosophies often teach people to live sincerely, gently, and kindly towards themselves and others, while also emphasizing a minimalist lifestyle for a happy life. Therefore, the Land of the Rising Sun is clearly an ideal destination for those seeking meditation and inner peace.
Bhutan
In the list of places to seek peace, Bhutan cannot be overlooked – dubbed the "happiest country in the world." Located in South Asia, Bhutan has a very special geographical location, situated high in the mountains and seemingly isolated from the world. The majority of its people are Buddhist, for whom the Buddhist faith is the root, the foundation, and the source of life, morality, lifestyle, and culture.
The government of this country prioritizes the spiritual well-being of its entire population above all else. They even established a separate Ministry of Happiness to care for the lives of its "citizens." Although lacking famous World Heritage sites, the Land of the Thunder Dragon still attracts tourists with its simple charm. Ancient stone fortresses and monasteries are impressive and characteristic attractions of Bhutan. As a peace-loving people, the fortresses are often surrounded by flowers, while inside are shrines dedicated to the Buddha of Serenity, symbolizing a tranquil life free from material pursuits.
Bhutan is also the only country with a negative carbon footprint. The people here have a very high environmental awareness; they believe that how humans live in harmony with nature and how they treat the environment will be reciprocated. Bhutanese people live at a slow pace and speak softly. They don't eat fish and rarely eat meat. Their diet mainly consists of rice, butter, a little mixed vegetables with eggs, and lots of chili peppers; desserts are mostly sweet. Visiting Bhutan and experiencing the gentle and simple way of life of its people will surely make all your stress and pressure fade away, leaving only moments of serenity and peace, like a paradise.
Netherlands
Located in northwestern Europe, the Netherlands is known as the lowest-lying country in the world. The Netherlands symbolizes peace with its beautiful canals, fairytale villages, windmills, tulip fields, and many groundbreaking inventions.
Despite being a developed country with a high standard of living, the Dutch people choose a simple lifestyle close to nature. Bicycles are the primary mode of transportation and are encouraged in this country. You can find bicycles everywhere, in every corner, as nearly 60% of the population uses them for daily commuting. The Netherlands aims for a life that minimizes environmental damage and noise pollution. National parks with vast amounts of greenery cover a considerable area, stretching across the country. The land of windmills also places great emphasis on protecting wildlife. The country has even built artificial roads connecting two forests to ensure that animals are not disturbed.
Besides its picturesque natural scenery, the distinctive character of its people also contributes to the attractiveness of the Netherlands. Showmanship seems absent from the vocabulary of its citizens. They are simple and egalitarian in character, and this is reflected in everything from their clothing to how they treat each other.
The people of the land of windmills are also famous for their philosophy of doing nothing (niksen). Niksen can be as simple as sitting in a chair or looking out the window, doing nothing but allowing your mind to wander. This method helps combat health problems such as stress and burnout. As a result, the Netherlands has consistently had a high quality of life and happiness index for many years.
Ireland
Ireland is considered one of the countries with the best living conditions in the world and ranks 5th globally in the Human Development Index. Ireland boasts vast meadows, clear blue skies, and a mild climate. Life on this emerald island is steeped in classic European charm. It is an ideal destination for tourists to immerse themselves in a peaceful and leisurely life.
It's no exaggeration to say that Ireland is beautiful in every detail, in every place. Moreover, everything here holds its own unique story. Every castle, field, valley, or road is connected to a legend that has been passed down to this day. Perhaps this "emerald" country was created specifically for those who love peace and tranquility.
Life in Ireland is quite peaceful. When you arrive, one of the most common phrases you'll hear is:What's the craic?(Is there anything fun about it?). Craic is a lifestyle that many Irish people love: doing something simply because... they enjoy it. It's safe to say that nowhere else in the world are people as welcoming to strangers as in Ireland. They might even buy you a drink, ask how you are, chat, or tell you about their lives in a very natural way. The Irish also have an endless passion for music. They believe music brings positive energy and a love for life. You can often find impromptu performances in pubs and on the streets throughout the country.
Nyingchi - eastern Tibet
In the southeastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region (China) lies a pristine, beautiful, and tranquil land.
Typically, when people think of Tibet, they picture a mysterious land with rugged terrain, high mountains, glaciers, and deserts; a harsh climate of thin air and year-round ice. But few know that right in this place, known as the "roof of the world" and the "third pole of the Earth," lies a small, peaceful region in the east: Nyingchi.
With an average altitude of around 3,100 meters, Nyingchi is the lowest, most fertile, and most pleasantly landscaped area of the Tibetan wilderness. It is blessed with numerous stunning lakes, deep gorges, vast forests, expansive rhododendron fields, and peach orchards bursting with pink blossoms in the spring.
Unlike the harsh conditions of the western region, Eastern Tibet is gentle, beautifully peaceful, with lush greenery and cherry blossoms lining the paths. Lower altitudes, more oxygen, more pleasant air, more diverse colors, easier roads, and significantly better living conditions compared to other areas of Tibet make this region an ideal destination for first-time visitors seeking moments of peace and tranquility.
In conclusion
We often yearn to find peace and happiness in distant lands, places completely different from the "picture" we see every day. But in reality, the truest peace we need should come from within, when we create a sense of calm and tranquility for ourselves.
Therefore, it's not necessary to go to one of those six places to "find" peace. Right now, at this very moment, a blade of green grass or a gentle breeze can be enough.gift.
