For a memorable night of cultural immersion, visit an evening show at the Nha Trang Water Puppet Theatre. Water puppetry as an art form originated in northern Vietnam as early as the 11th century and is kept alive by a small number of enthusiasts. Although production value is no match to that of bigger cities, the show itself feels thought out and intimate thanks to the smaller performance room. The show is narrated in Vietnamese, but the visual emphasis and engaging subject matter – folk tales and legends – make it easy to follow even if you don't speak the language.

A must-see while in Porto is the São Bento Railway Station. More than just a train station, this place is another architectural jewel, among the many others this city boasts. Built by the Portuguese architect José Marques da Silva in 1900, the São Bento Railway Station opened to the public sixteen years later. Its construction took place on the site that once housed a Benedictine monastery, hence the name São Bento. The architecture has a French Renaissance influence, and even though its facade is already quite impressive, its interior is what leaves visitors truly awestruck. The main hall is beautifully decorated–from the ground to the ceiling — with more than 20,000 "azulejos" (Portuguese tiles), which recount important events of the history of Portugal.

Head north of the city and relax at Stockton Beach. You will find that this long, wide beach with massive dunes is somewhat of a playground. Try thrilling quad-bike tours, slide down the dunes on sand boards or explore the beach on horseback.