Asia is the world’s oldest and grandest continent. The result? A bustling showcase of the very best Humanity has to offer! Here you’ll find some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. If you’re planning a trip to Asia, these are the sites that you absolutely have to see.
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Rajasthan, India
India is a land of extreme contrasts, and nowhere is this clearer than in the desert state of Rajasthan. Though Goa tends to attract the crowds with its stunning beaches, it’s Rajasthan that plays host to the country’s richest and most fascinating history. Here you’ll find camels, forts, and romantic stories about the region’s past.
From Rajasthan, it’s relatively straightforward to travel north to the foothills of the Himalayas, where you can pay a visit to Manali, the home of the Dalai Lama.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan is a country that has undergone a remarkable economic transformation. While it was once a cheap place to go, thanks to rising wages and living standards, it’s now very expensive for Western tourists. Having said that, the city provides a remarkable spectacle. Its sprawling districts are home to some 30 million Japanese, making it the biggest city in the world. For instance, it’s more than double the size of New York!
Japanese culture is a little zany (to say the least!). There are talking toilets, robots everywhere, and unusual social conventions. If you’re planning a trip to Asia, Tokyo should be right at the top of your places to visit. Find out more here.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is the home of one of the seven wonders of the world, the Angkor Wat temple complex. Angkor Wat was constructed by the Khmer more than 900 years ago. It was built as a sprawling complex stretching out into the surrounding jungle in all directions. Although some of it has since been reclaimed by nature, tourists are treated to all the surviving ruins and temples in their full glory. Angkor Wat attracts more than a million visitors each year, and there’s plenty to explore, as the temples and buildings are scattered over some 600 square miles of jungle.
Thai Islands, Thailand
The Thai islands are a mixed bunch. Some of them are so small that they are run off their own diesel generators, while others are large enough to have their own airports. While Thailand is an eclectic destination in general, its islands offer some particularly serious variety. You can choose to go to a quiet, sandy beach for some diving in tranquil blue waters, or you can head over to one of the party islands and party all night. It’s really up to you!
It’s worth mentioning that Phuket and Koh Samui are the most tourist-friendly. These islands have bustling towns and bars galore. By contrast, islands like Koh Lanta are much quieter, but still relatively well-served.
Borneo, Malaysia
Did you know that Malaysian Borneo is the third-largest island in the world? Yes, that’s right, just behind Greenland and Madagascar.
Borneo is a paradise all on its own. It’s home to some of the world’s most pristine rainforest. And it plays host to endangered megafauna such as the orangutan.
Getting to Borneo from mainland Malaysia is relatively straightforward. Flights run from Kuala Lumpur on a daily basis, and they’re relatively cheap.
Malaysian Borneo is divided into two halves. One half is the Sarawak side. The capital is Kuching, and the region is famed for having some of the freshest air in Asia. The other half is Sabah. This includes the tourist city of Kota Kinabalu as well as mighty Mount Kinabalu. In both these locations, you’ll find ample opportunities for shopping and seeing the wildlife. Don’t forget to check out Borneo’s stunning national parks.
Singapore
Singapore has for many years been shunned by the budget traveller. However, this gleaming city has a lot to offer tourists. From the world-famous, innovative Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, to the fascinating ArtScience Museum, the colorful Chinatown and Little India, and all the things to do in Sentosa Island, and more, there are countless attractions to explore. It’s a model for how to live in the 21st century. The city is clean, crime is low, and energy is green.
You’ll find more here than row upon row of soulless shopping blocks. There are walking and biking trails that run out of the city into the surrounding countryside. And the city has some of the most impressive parks in the whole of Asia. From Singapore, you can explore the rest of Malaysia and enjoy the fact that people speak English. Singapore is an interesting blend of both Chinese and Indian culture.
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