Best Destinations in Asia For Culture, Adventure and Ancient History
6 Best Places to Visit in Asia to Complete Your Far East Bucket List
If you have the travel bug, you may want to explore the very best destinations the world has to offer, and there is no better continent to visit than Asia. It doesn’t matter if you want to stay on a remote island or feel the buzz of a mega metropolis, Asia offers an amalgamation of culture, adventure, and ancient history.
There really is something for everyone. If you are unsure where to travel to first, take a look at the six best places to visit in Asia.
- Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, as the Japanese capital welcomed a record-breaking 28.7 million tourists in 2017 alone. It will not be hard to see why once you visit, either, as the city is alive with movement, bright lights, and loud signs that will force you to stop and stare.
The capital is bursting with life and sound, as you will hear the hum of underground subway trains and cars zooming through the city streets. Yet, it also offers world-class museums and interesting historical sites that will provide an insight into Japanese history and culture. It is also possible to visit more than one city when booking a trip to Tokyo, as there are many fantastic Japan tours available.
- Phuket, Thailand
If strolling across pure white sand and taking a dip in aquamarine waters sounds like heaven to you, book a trip to Phuket. This idyllic island is just an hour away by plane from Bangkok and is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
After all, it’s renowned for its delicious cuisine, with flavors such as lime leaves and lemongrass exploding onto your tongue. You’ll also want to take a walk through Phuket town, which will allow you to absorb a combination of both colonial and Chinese architecture.
- Hong Kong, China
More than 58 million people paid a visit to Hong Kong in 2017 to explore the city’s enchanting neighborhoods and islands. Deemed one of the world’s culinary capitals, you can explore delicious and authentic Asian cuisines, such as Cantonese, Japanese, or Sichuanese. However, you’ll never be far away from an American burger or a stunning French dish, either.
Also, while it’s home to towering skyscrapers and culinary hotspots, you can also get away from the buzz of the city by visiting one of Hong Kong’s beautiful beaches or lush landscapes. Take a ride on a Star Ferry to enjoy breathtaking views of the city, and don’t forget to visit Mong Kok Markets, which offers cheap clothing, food, and trinkets.
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
One destination that keeps getting cooler year after year is Ho Chi Minh City. Spend your trip exploring vintage clothing stores, dropping into independent coffee shops, and tasting craft beer at modern breweries, before spending the evening in the city’s unique live music venues.
While it might not have the commercial appeal of Hong Kong or Singapore, it’s definitely one destination worth a visit for the street food scene alone.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
History meets modernity in Chiang Mai. Despite its many historic temples and weathered buildings, there is a modern buzz in the air in this exciting city, which could be due to the young population filling the mural-covered restaurants and quirky cafes. The mountainous city also recently opened MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, which offers both traditional and modern works of art.
If you class yourself as a food lover, you will be glad you booked a trip to Chiang Mai. While it is home to many trendy restaurants and coffee shops, it is the street food that is worth the long-haul flight. That is because the locals are known for liberally using turmeric, coconut, makrut limes, and lemongrass in their dishes.
- Kyoto, Japan
If you want to take a step into Japanese history, make sure you visit Kyoto at least once in your lifetime. As the city served as the capital of Japan from AD 794 to 1868, you can expect to find many classical Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, traditional wooden housing, and Shinto shrines.
While it can provide travelers with an insight into Imperial Japan, Kyoto also offers plenty of cool cafes, sleek cocktail bars, sushi spots, and noodle joints. Traditional arts and craft skills have also been passed down from generation to generation, which is why you should explore the downtown streets to discover ancient specialty shops, such as tea merchants, tofu sellers, and washi merchants.
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