All the must-see travel destinations in Asia and things to do that won’t break the bank
Penang, Malaysia
We are putting Penang on top of all these amazing travel destinations in Asia because this city can be a gateway to Asian culture if you haven’t been in this mysterious continent already.
Penang is a melting pot of Chinese, Malaysian and Indian culture. It is packed with white sandy beaches and virgin rainforest waiting for you to explore.
If you are planning to visit this ancient and exotic city, remember to go empty-bellied. The superb but affordable food and multi-original cuisines have made Penang a dreamland for foodies. But there’s more: snake temples, a floating “neighborhood” with over 2000 families living in boats, and arcaded shophouses. Spend a day or two in this unique Asian city, you’ll fall in love with its oriental charm.
a bowl of hot laksa / image source
Hong Kong, China
Star Ferry at Victoria Harbour / image source
Hong Kong might not be a big city in size, compared to the other metropolis in China. But it’s fully packed with wonders and excitement.
Because of the long history as a British colony, Hong Kong is a hybrid of both eastern and western culture. While the downtown of Hong Kong Island looks exactly like New York, you will find yourself surrounded by traditional Chinese architects in Lantau Island. The two seemingly contradicted lifestyles blend in incredibly well in one city.
Tian Tan Buddha at Lantau Island / image source
Let’s not forget about the food. In Hong Kong, you can get your hands on almost all kinds of Chinese dishes. But as a signature of Cantonese cuisine, dim sum is something you have to try for yourself. There are hundreds of different dim sums and you’ll definitely find the one to die for.
A Dim-sum feast / image source
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Are you ready to explore one of Asia’s most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage? If so, don’t miss out Siem Reap, a picturesque town in Cambodia. The Angkor Wat, along with the hundreds of other temples around it, will definitely be a highlight of your trip to Asia.
The Angkor Wat complex / image source
Among all the ancient temples with a history of up to 900 years, Angkor Wat stands out because it’s one of those that are in the best shapes. The jungle of Siem Reap is slowly reclaiming this heritage site and might make it look totally different within decades.
Angkor Wat / image source
If you are visiting the Angkor Wat for the first time, don’t be surprised if you find it looks familiar. As a world-famous cultural relic, it has been in multiple Hollywood movies. Thinking of Tomb Raider? Bingo.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto / image source
As the historical and cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto represents a fine mix of urban sprawl and cultural gems.
It was home to Japanese Imperial family for over a thousand years. It’s the living postcard of Japan. Traditional temples, imperial buildings that dodged the destruction of World War 2 have become the major cultural attraction of the city.
Beijing, China
Beijing is a place which you are going to love it or hate it. It’s one of the busiest and most crowded cities in China. Traffic can be terrible at peak times. But still, more than 200 million visitors make their way across the country or the world just to see its unique beauty.
The Great Wall/image source
As the capital of various dynasties of China, Beijing is the biggest vault of ancient Chinese wonders. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace…all these cultural relics have their own story to tell.
Tian Tan Temple / image source
But huge historic sites are not the only place to breath in Chinese culture.
The Hutongs, which means “small alleys” in English, represent the traditional housing of Chinese locals and are the perfect place to get a glimpse of Chinese daily life.
Hutongs in Beijing / image source
Bali,Indonesia
Ulun Danu Temple / image source
Most people come to Bali to experience the marvelously rich cultural heritage; some come for the beaches and the waves; some come for meeting and convention; others for pure relaxation.
Its breathtaking panorama and a stretch of fine white sand along its coastline have made it not only an ideal travel destination in Asia but also a romantic destination for couples around the world.
Singapore
Some call it the gold mine of Asia. Some regard it as the Garden City of Southeast Asia. Singapore is an island, a city as well as a country. For adventure-seekers, there are so many exciting destinations packed in this tiny tropical country.
Garden By The Bay / image source
Spend one day in the Universal Studio on Santosa. You will be surrounded by not just thrilling roller-coasters but also a large variety of tropical fish and sharks in the S.E.A Aquarium.
And then we have the Jurong BirdPark, a giant open park with over 600 different bird species. You can even learn to train birds to do different tricks.
Garden By The Bay / image source
If that’s not enough, proceed on to Clarke Quay and have a go at the Reverse Bungy Jump. Feel your heart drop to your feet as you are flung up at great speeds and then jerked back down to earth. This experience is certainly not for the faint-hearted!
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Bangkok is probably the first thing that pops out on our mind when it comes to traveling in Thailand. But you miss out Chiang Mai, you are missing big things here.
With a mixture of modern urban life and ancient village charm, Chiang Mai is one of the most loved holiday destinations for Thailanders. Historic temples and cultural relics scatter around corners of the urban area. Each of them has its own story with a history of up to 700 years.
Jungle de Cafe / image source
Or you can stretch your itinerary and jump into the jungle wilderness in the northern part of Chiang Mai. Here you can set foot on Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in the country. Best accessed by motorbike, due to the rough and narrow roads, Doi Inthanon is a mountainous expanse with deep valleys that contain a rich diversity of distinctive flora and fauna.
Food and accommodations in Chiang Mai are relatively cheap. You will find an artistically-furnished villa on Airbnb with about $100 per night.
Get $34 off your first stay here
Affordable holiday villa / Book on Airbnb
If you have one more day, don’t forget to visit Ching Rai, a small city which is about 3 hrs’ drive from Chiang Mai. Being able to see the enormous White Temple that stretches above the horizon will worth all the time spent on the road.
The White Temple
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan’s largest city, is a sprawling metropolis located on the northern end of the island. Busy and modern as it is, you can still enjoy a welcoming atmosphere along with the finest food in Taipei. From traditional Chinese cuisines to modern Italian fine dining, Taipei is a place that satisfies all kinds of cravings.
If you want to burn those extra calories off, there are tons of trails and treks waiting for you to explore. You may come across the unexpected views of the city.
Phuket, Thailand
White sand, luxurious resorts, various water sports…Phuket has everything you can find on the Maldives but at a cheaper price.
It is the biggest island attraction of Thailand and the perfect tropical paradise for holiday-makers.
Besides sandy beaches, the Old Phuket Town is also a must-see. In the 19th century, the town was populated with Chinese immigrants who came to work in tin mines. Because of its mixed cultural background, you are going to find the town dotted with unique, Sino-Portuguese houses that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.