Kathmandu, Nepal [Image Source]
Featuring frenetic cities where surprises lurk around every corner, tropical islands with white sands and a mind-blowing food scene to tantalise your tastebuds, Asia is the pinnacle of surprising travel. Visitors can take a break from the stresses of the 9-5 by relaxing in a hammock on an island, or else get their pulses racing on an adventurous river activity or hair-raising tuk tuk ride through the backstreets of a manic new town. The key to visiting Asia is to both approach it with an open mind, yet also to make sure you’re ready for what waits in store. Doing some research is a great first step, allowing you to prepare both logistically and mentally for the holiday of a lifetime! To help, we’ve listed five of our favourite spots on the continent for a break.
1. Singapore
If a travel expert were asked to define a melting pot of culture, they may well say a single world: ‘Singapore’. It’s possible to get around the tiny city-state in no time at all, thanks to it’s super modern and efficient transport system. But take the time to walk around the old Chinatown (and perhaps enjoy the world’s cheapest Michelin starred meal!), before heading to the mind-boggling Gardens by the Bay and enjoying Marina Bay’s first-rate street food markets.
Singapore City [Image Source]
2. Kyoto, Japan
Japan’s capital of culture fuses modern Asia with the ancient, providing breathtaking contrasts. A day spent hopping between golden temples is best broken up by a visit to the revered and spookily spiritual bamboo forest, before heading to the covered markets of downtown. Travellers will revel in the old-world delights of Gion, a district of wooden ryokans, lantern-lit backstreets and tea-rooms that are home to the mysterious Geisha. Kyoto also holds one of the most sensational bucket list hikes going, in the climb through the vermillion gates of Fushimi Inari-Taisha. Add in the Katsu, gyoza and ramen that the area is famous for and this is a city that has it all.
Kyoto, Japan [Image Source]
3. Bangkok, Thailand
The archetype of manic, modern Asian cities, Bangkok is a city best summed up by the classic Thai phrase ‘Same same, but different’. Sure – Bangkok has the same world-class food you’ll scene find all over Thailand. Yes, it still has hundreds upon hundreds of breathtaking temples, as you’ll see around much of Asia. But Bangkok is, somehow, different. It has an edge, but also a majesty to it that is unrivalled. This is a city of noise and colour that you will never forget, although it pays to be cautious – according to 1Cover, Thailand has the highest rate of motor accidents in the world. If you’re injured, you’re the one who’ll have to fork out.
Bangkok, Thailand [Image Source]
4. Hoi An, Vietnam
Atmospheric and quaint, Hoi An is Vietnam’s – and possibly Asia’s – most underrated and delightful town. The entire place being a designated UNESCO World Heritage site gives you a clue, but this charming riverside destination can only be truly understood with a walk down its graceful, traffic-free streets between it’s mishmash of Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese iconography. Or, of course, you can enjoy the nearby delights of some of South-East Asia’s best beaches.
Hoi An, Vietnam [Image Source]
5. Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu can be a bit overwhelming for the first time visitor. The sheer combination of colour, noise and smells is a lot to take in, but a deep breath and a willingness to embrace the Nepalese capital reaps rich rewards. This is a land of of tiny alleyways, artistic heritage and – of course – Buddha. Kathmandu’s old town has enough sights to keep even the most ardent beachbum entertained for a week, though visitors shouldn’t miss out on the luscious countryside surrounding the city!
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