Level up your TGIF with these weekend getaways, from a nature retreat in a treehouse to tropical escapes to heritage-filled cities.

1. Ipoh, Malaysia

Ipoh is home to tons of heritage. Take it in on a heritage walk around the Old Town, where interesting sites like the Town Hall sit. Hungry? Tuck into delicacies that the city calls it's own, including Ipoh Hor Fun (Chinese wide noodles in a wet gravy), Prawn Noodles and more. Then, wash it down with a cuppa (or rather, a bag) from Sin Yoon Long, a coffee stop which serves the oldest traditional White Coffee in town.

2. Krabi, Thailand

Psst! Studies have shown that tropical getaways in particular increases happiness levels for up to a month after your vacay. Krabi might just top that - we're still dreaming of its pristine beaches and clear horizons even today. Venture inwards to find dense rainforests juxtaposed against a compact, busy town bustling with restaurants and shops largely catering to tourists.

3. Luang Prabang, Laos

This remote, UNESCO World Heritage Town is relatively untouched by modernisation and tourist activity, which makes it all the more reposeful. Nature abounds, and the cascading Kuang Si Waterfalls is a definite must-see. In town, tradition is richly preserved, with colonial mansions and Buddhist temples dotting the map, along with stilt houses along peaceful lanes.

4. Perak, Malaysia

Bet you never knew! The Banjaran Retreat is a natural hot springs retreat in an ancient part of Perak, Malaysia, nestled amidst a lush 17-acre valley amidst verdant, 260 million-year old nature, including cascading waterfalls, towering limestone and mysterious caves. 3 million litres of water billow up daily from the ground below for a detoxifying, delightful dip.

5. Mount Kelimutu, Indonesia

Ok, let us explain what you're looking at. This tri-coloured lake lies within the summit of the craters of Kelimutu, a volcano in the island of Flores in Malaysia. The three crater lakes vary in colour from each other and also at different times - a hauntingly beautiful discovery awaits after a challenging yet refreshing trek 1690 metres up.

6. Vigan, Philippines

Established in the 16th century, the facade of this quaint Spanish colonial town is still decidedly reminiscent of its former identity - cobbled streets are lined with elegant European-style merchant houses, while the clitter-clatter of horse-drawn carriages trottling by feels somehow therapeutic. History junkies will love the line of antique shops and pottery studios lining Calle Crisologo, near the centre of town.

7. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Don't get us wrong, we don't mean you can cover the wealth sights and sounds of Cambodia's capital city in a single weekend - you most certainly can't - but a weekend trip would satisfy you with a hearty fill of street eats as well as contemporary fine dining. Which is what we love about Phnom Penh: the seamless blend of old and new, traditional and modern. Not just with its food, but also its architecture, entertainment options and more.

8. Saraii Village, Sri Lanka

Let nature play host to your getaway as you fulfill your childhood dream in this rustic paradise. We're talking about the Saraii Village treehouses, the luxury suburban ecolodge sat in the rustic nature paradise of Sri Lanka. Tons of nature-inspired activities await, from breakfast by the river to a visit to the leopard safari to a deep tissue massage. Did we also mention you'll be living in a treehouse?

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Originally published here.