Best Places to Visit and Top Cities in Asia
Efficiently traveling through a huge continent isn’t always such an easy task, but that shouldn’t deter you from visiting the 10 best places to visit in Asia. Yes, the continent is huge and incredibly diverse, and that no two cities are the same, and each should be treated as a completely separate experience. The amount of planning this alone takes is a bit daunting. That’s why we’ve made it easier for you with this list, which outlines some of the best things to do in Asia, and the sights you have to see when you arrive. Every destination features specific appeal — history buffs, in particular, will enjoy visiting awesome Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan; those who’d rather sunbathe all day, however, would have a better time in Arugam Bay, in Sri Lanka, or Phuket, Thailand, two popular beach locations. Keep reading for help in creating the moost diverse itinerary for the trip of a lifetime in the 10 best places to visit in Asia.
Beijing is at the crossroads of antiquity and modernism. It is home to numerous ancient temples, like The Forbidden City, a sprawling citadel that housed 24 of China emperors and was used an imperial palace for nearly 500 years. You can take a stroll down Silk Street, a major shopping district that has over 1,000 vendors selling food, jewelry, and other artisan items. Or, you can visit the Olympic Stadium, built in 2008, and a symbol of the city’s international presence. Beijing also features another standout global draw: It is one of the best cities in China to admire the Great Wall, located just a little outside the city center in the suburbs. Take a tour, and soak in the histoyr. You can also visit other historic sites like Tiananmen Square and learn more about its role in China’s ongoing struggle for democracy.
A visit to Saigon (among the best cities in Asia) is a must. Many recognize the metropolis for its involvement in the Vietnam War, but even a few days spent here will expand your cultural horizons beyond Vietnam’s past conflict with the United States. The best hotels in town — like the Park Hyatt Saigon and the Reverie — are in Dong Khoi, which places you near attractions like the War Remnants Museum and the Saigon Skydeck, offering sweeping views of the skyline below. Learn more about the city’s history at the Independence Palace and its past under French colonial rule at Notre Dame Cathedral, an impressive representation of the city’s Christian minority.
Taipei is known for its incredible street food. The best place to sample this cuisine is at one of the city’s many night markets, a tradition dating back to the ancient Asian practice of bringing together market stalls. Though there are over 30 markets, the most famous one is the Shilin, where you can sample classics including rice sausage and stinky tofu. Spend the rest of your days exploring sites like Taipei 101, a landmark skyscraper, and Chiang Kai Shek, a memorial hall that pays homage to the former President of the Republic of China. Art buffs will also enjoy a visit to the National Palace Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Chinese artifacts, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, a hot spot in the vanguard of the city’s modern art movement.
Seoul blends ancient and contemporary practice, luring visitors with its high-tech subways and towering skyscrapers clustered beside its quiescent Buddhist temples. The city is huge, and difficult to tackle in one visit, but there are a few essential places you should keep in mind if you have a limited time frame. For one, you can’t pass up visiting Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a convention hall with insane curving architecture, rotating museum exhibits, and a rooftop park where you can relax. Then take some time to explore the Bukchon Hanok Village, full of picturesque traditional houses that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The guard-changing ceremony, happening every hour between 10am and 4pm at Gyeongbokgung Palace, is also worth a peek. Book a room at the Lotte Hotel or the Four Seasons Seoul to be in the midst of all the action.
Though Tokyo receives the bulk of Japan’s tourists, Kyoto is a perfect option for those interested in an alternative side of the country’s history. Kyoto was Japan’s capital during imperial times, and is known for its geishas, temples, and gardens. Visit the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, located at the end of a row of red gates halfway up a mountain trail, or you can check out the Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen structure wrapped in stunning gold leaf. The Kyoto Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city, and the Philosopher’s Walk, a pedestrian path lined with cherry blossom trees, are also popular attractions. If you want to try something more memorably unique, however, visit the Monkey Park Iwatayama, where you’ll be able to feed live monkeys. And, while in Kyoto, don’t forget to try kaiseki — multi-course meals native to the area. Gion Karyo and Gion Nanba are two famous restaurants that serve it.
Despite Sri Lanka’s recent boom in popularity, Arugam Bay remains a hidden gem on its east coast. Regarded as a “surfer’s city,” the atmosphere of the area is laid-back and tranquil, providing tired backpackers and other travelers with a few days’ respite before they head back on the road. Book a room at the Hideaway Resort, which can sometimes cost only $10 a night, and you can indulge in time exploring beautiful beaches like Whisky and Main Point. Whisky Point, in particular, is notorious for its Friday night parties, however. The city is also renowned for its yoga studios, like Wave Flow Yoga, where you can learn the secret to relaxation. Don’t forget to grab dinner at Ranga’s Beach Hut, a famous spot where the menu changes daily depending on the selection of fresh seafood. A BBQ is also held there every Friday.
New Delhi has almost as many cows casually walking through its streets as it has tourists. India’s second-largest city, and its capital, visitors mostly choose to visit for the city’s architectural landmarks. The Lotus Temple is the most recognizable of them all, a sacred place of worship literally shaped like a lotus flower. A 15-minute walk away, the Hare Krishna Temple is a close second, showcasing a film that gives more background information on the religion. From there, ou can traverse nature and 500-year-old tombs at the Lodi Gardens, a 90-acre park that’s usually filled with children playing, street artists sketching, and people enjoying picnics. To sample a little taste of New Delhi’s foodie scene, however, visit Indian Accent for contemporary flare, or Jamavar for more traditional dishes.
An excellent shopping and dining location, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, features a skyline marked by the Petronas Twin Towers, now the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers. Walk over the skybridge that joins the two towers together and you’re afforded an amazing view of its arabesque details, an indication of the country’s Muslim majority. Familiarize yourself with the other diverse cultures that make up the city at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, built in the 19th century with a colorful facade. For shopping, head to the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a commercial mall with a huge food court and too many stores to count. If you really want the bargains, however, you’d be better off checking out Chinatown near Petaling Street, where local artists sell their work amid a variety of other market stalls.
Siem Reap is a resort town with access to the ruins of Angkor. The Buddhist temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 12th century, and a fierce source of nationalism for many Cambodian residents. Still, you shouldn’t ignore other important landmarks in the area, like the Beng Mealea temple, which has been overrun by nature. Afterward, take a tuk-tuk to the Phsar Chas market, where locals will likely attempt to convince you to eat cuisine like fried tarantulas or chicken feet (there’s also corn on the cob and banana pancakes for the less ambitious). At night, save time to visit Pub Street, a strip full of dive bars and cocktail joints. Red Piano is where Angelina Jolie went after she wrapped up filming Tomb Raider to order her favorite cocktail, Cointreau, made with lime and tonic.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. And naturally, there’s no shortage of stunning beaches and intriguing Buddhist temples to explore, with an increased focus on watersports you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Kata Noi Beach is one of the most breathtaking on the island, including a viewpoint from which you’ll be able to see the bays of Karon, Kata, and Kata Noi. Climb to the top of the Nakkerd Hills and you can take a picture of the giant Buddha statue, Phuket’s most famous landmark. Journey toward the Naka Night Market, and you can see how the locals live. Phuket is the kind of place where you can either spend days exploring culture or an equal amount of time just lounging in the sun. No matter what you choose, though, don’t pass up a tour of the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery.
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For more on the best places to visit in Asia to visit, also see:
· U.S News - Best Places To Visit in Asia
· Travel and Leisure - The Top 15 Cities in Asia
· The Street - 33 Stunning Places to Visit in Asia