Are you missing your travel plans? The coronavirus travel restrictions and lifestyle changes have cancelled a lot of 2020 vacations. We’re all waiting to see what will happen next with overseas travel and our own schedules. Meanwhile, those exotic destinations we’re seeing in movies and on reality shows are tempting us.

But, there’s no reason to be totally glum about your future vacations! There’s a whole world of amazing sights and art out there, just waiting for everyone to visit again. As we take online courses, read more books, and appreciate art at home, we can find new places to escape to. Moreover, each trip will be so much sweeter after we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’re dreaming right along with you, and we’ve uncovered some beautiful new destinations, rich with mosaic art and local culture. Which will you choose?

1. Luang Prabang, Laos

How about a soothing getaway in Southeast Asia? Visit this ancient city, and you can feel your worries slip away. It’s designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Although you can get lost for days as you visit the city’s spas, museums, and more, the Wat Xieng Thong temple is the premier spot for mosaic viewing. Built in 1559 by King Setthathirath the Wat is located on the banks of the Mekong river. It escaped destruction during the Black Flag Army invasion of 1887.

Today, the Buddhist temple is a must-see, along with its surrounding structures. Architectural details in the large complex include work on the site’s pagodas, residences and shrines.

Stroll along, and you’ll become immersed in the intricate touches of artistry that have been employed everywhere. Mosaic wall art, gold leaf stencils on lacquered teak pillars and walls, statues and carvings, gilded doorways, and more require the better part of a day to fully appreciate.

The most impressive piece of mosaic artwork is located in the congregation hall, or sim.

This Tree of Life mosaic depiction is a glass mosaic, and includes auspicious creatures such as the peacock and tiger.

Elsewhere, visitors can see flower motifs and mythological creatures such as the kinnaree: half human, half bird.

2. Marrakech, Morocco

Who wouldn’t love to escape to a private tiled courtyard in Morocco right about now? Think of dreamy nights with lanterns flickering, water burbling in fountains, and lovely mosaic art to explore, of course!

The saturated colors of the city and culture evolved from the bright sunshine. Book a stay in a traditional riad, and you can appreciate the intricacies of mosaic art designs on an intimate level.

Explore medinas and you can purchase your own tiled pieces. Or, take a journey to Fes, and you can visit the Mosaic and Pottery cooperative, where apprentices learn their craft.

3. Mexico City – Cuahutemoc District

Archaeology and art are both available to appreciate at the site of the former Tenochtitlan capital. LIke Luang Prabang, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although Mexico City is huge, we are focusing our exploration in this borough, which is filled with art of all types.

You can see a new approach to mosaic artwork at the Templo Mayor Museum, which houses archaeological finds from the former Sacred Precinct. Although you’ll want to visit all the exhibits, be sure to visit the turquoise-adorned mosaic pieces.

The stone was used extensively for important ceremonial art and figures. The civilization was known for its mastery of Pre-Columbian mosaics.

Also in the district, the combination of modern skateboarding, ancient Aztec art,and mosaic come together quite amazingly at the Nike Templo Mayor Skatepark.

Luis Ponce created the mosaic wall art here, and the Aztec influence is obvious. The stunning work is almost as lively as the activity of the skaters within the walls.

Two-headed feather serpents, jaguars, and more are used in intricate designs on walls, guardrails, and statues.

At the entrance, the towering central artwork combines parts of the Eagle and Jaguar warrior regiment motifs of the Aztec military.

4. Mindanao, Batane, Calasiao Philippines

The tropical climate of the Philippines is both wonderful for visits, and for creating mosaic art with exotic colors. It has inspired artist Kabunyan ‘Kabu’ De Guia in his public art pieces.

He has pieces in parks and other spaces throughout the city.

On the Northern Coast, the Fundacion Pacita Lodge in Basco, is the former house of internationally known artist Pacita Abad. Visit for art inspiration in many forms, but especially the mosaic art designs. They are everywhere, each of them custom mosaics built to suit the site.

The diverse country is full of incredible mosaic art, and an appreciation for what goes into mosaic designs.

As a matter of fact, in 2017 the town of Calasiao attempted the world’s largest mosaic made from a rice cake, in a bid to be featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Created for that year’s Puto (Rice Cake Festival), it measured in at 200 square meters!

Mosaic art is something that every part of the world enjoys, and seeking it out always takes us to an interesting new place and gives inspiration. We’ve tried to add something for every taste in our dreamy destinations! So, what’s your pleasure? Something tropical, something exotic, or would you like to visit one of the previous destinations we’ve featured?