The cities of Vietnam, especially in the south, are fast, furious and in your face. The world heritage site at My Son (Me son(g)) is a tranquil place set in the jungle not far from Hoi An.
Be prepared to get up early if you want to miss the busses and catch the magical sunrise over the ruins. Birds and butterflies a plenty, but don't expect the ruins to rival Angor Wat in size or splendour. These monuments seem much more intimate and simply rise out of the jungle mist in an almost mystical manner.
As in a number of places close to the old demilitarised zone, it is best to use a guide as there may still be unexploded ordnance off the paths.

whc.unesco.org/en/list/949
Google map: bit.ly/bmvbeU

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Extensive excavated ruins of the Roman city of Salona, on the edge of modern day Solin (a suburb of Split, about 5km from the centre). An attractive, well-presented site including ruins of a theatre, baths, amphitheatre, several basilicas, forum and more - it deserves to be better known.

There's a programme of art/music events in parts of the site during the summer but it's fascinating in its own right. It's large - at least a 10 minute walk from the entrance to the amphitheatre at its furthest edge. Allow at least three hours to do without rushing. Cafe/bar and parking on site, also toilets (in the small museum/ticket ofice - past the first ruins inside the site).

A large and pleasant vine-shaded bower near the ticket office offers a water fountain. All for 20 kuhna! (about £2).

On the edge of Solin, north of Split. Take the no. 1 local bus from the stop outside the department store near the Croatian National Theatre in Trg Gaje F Balata, (walk to the end of Marmontova from the edge of the Riva further from the harbour). Buses every 20 mins or so and journey 20-25 mins. It goes to the site entrance on the left of the street, a little after the police station on the right and there's a stop immediately after the entrance.
Open weekdays 7am - 7pm, Sat 10am - 7pm, Sun 4pm - 7pm, (possibly earlier closing during winter).

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The Palatine Hill is next to the Roman Forum in central Rome. Access is via the Forum but most people tend to bypass it due to the 8 euro (approx) entry fee. But it is well worth it especially in high season when the forum is heaving to breaking point with tired tour guides shouting over each other about 'interesting' ancient Rome stories.

The Palantine Hill is quiet by comparison and the ruins are set amongst pleasant settings. Being away from the crowds allows for a more authentic picture of ancient Rome with some buildings in tact. Great for an early evening stroll (check opening times!!)

Roman Forum

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Church dedicated to the martyred St Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. The building itself (some parts dating back to the 12th-century) is stunning enough, hidden away behind a courtyard. But more beautiful are the ruins in the cellar (turn left inside main door, a small fee is charged for entrance). Roman ruins, once at street level, have been excavated, giving the bizarre experience of walking along a ruined, underground street with rooms either side of you (one of which is alleged to be St Cecilia’s).

To top it all off, at the far end of these ruins lies the entrance to the stunning Byzantine-style crypt dedicated to St Cecilia: an incredibly beautiful room to find hidden alongside the dustier Roman ruins. The most magical place I visited in Rome.

22 Piazza di Santa Cecilia

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