Asia is a must visit continent that should appear in every traveller’s diary. Home to some of the best monuments, lip-smacking food, a variety of spices, flora, fauna, and ethnicity, Asia is every traveller’s delight. With top 10 places to visit and strike off your bucket list, here is your Asia trip planner.
Cities to visit in Asia
1. Udaipur, India
Udaipur located in the state of Rajasthan, India is called the “City of Lakes”. Rajasthan is one of the stately provinces in India and is known for the numerous palaces and heritage. Udaipur tops the list of best places in Rajasthan. Udaipur is considered one of the most romantic places for its boat rides and serene environment. Visit the various palaces and get transported to the bygone era and get lost in the royal streets. Stay in the “Taj Palace Hotel” – an 18th-century palace in the middle of Lake Pichola, now transformed into a hotel and experience royalty.
2. Mumbai, India
Mumbai located in the state of Maharashtra, India is called the “City of Dreams”. Mumbai is considered the financial capital of India. Step into a different world and experience the British and Portugal architecture infused into the Indian heritage. Visit the Gateway of India, Sanjay Gandhi National Park or theme parks. Go on a drive along the Marine Drive or sip a cup of piping hot Irani tea and relish Irani delicacies at the famous Irani cafes or enjoy roadside chaat and vada pav. Go on a tour around Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia. Visit Crawford market, Chor Bazaar and many other market streets for various goodies.
3. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is gearing up to the 2020 Olympics and is set to welcome thousands of visitors. The food capital of the world has a large number of Michelin starred restaurants. Devour ramen, udon, sushi, sake and lot of other scrumptious food in these Michelin restaurants or go strictly on the budget with hole-in-the-wall joints. Head to the shopping streets for amazing treats or visit the Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh fish. Enjoy a stroll on streets lined with skyscrapers or visit a cat café for a dose of cuteness.
4. Beijing, China
Beijing, the capital of China, infuses old world charm with the new age technology to give its visitors an enthralling experience. Get transported to the ancient times by visiting the imperial and marvellous palaces. Beijing is also home to one of the most world’s largest man-made architectural marvel, “The Great Wall of China”. There are several tours to the Great Wall from Beijing, like this one.
Visit the Forbidden City, once the home of Chinese emperors to get a dose of old and new architecture. Also, go on strolls or shop for goodies inside this imperial wonder. Also take a walk across the Mausoleum of Mao and Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public squares and that has seen some historic protests.
5. Singapore, Singapore
Singapore, the Garden City is a must visit place for all nature lovers. Singapore is well known for its safety, cleanliness and fusion cuisine. It is also well known for its eco-friendly designs and conservation. Visit the 150-year-old Singapore Botanic Gardens or Sungei Buloah Wetland Reserve or the eco-friendly attraction, Gardens by the Bay (book your ticket online before).
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in Asia. It is known for its street food. Prepare yourself for lip-smacking and mouth -watering roadside delicacies. Feast your eyes with magnificent Hindu religion sites and ancient Buddhist relics. Head to the Khao San Road, where foreigners and locals come together and soak in the nightlife. Grab fresh and unique products from the floating markets.
7. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is considered one of the capitals of beauty trends. The development of this impoverished city from nothing to everything is commendable. Splendid skyscrapers and overshadowing ancient Buddhist temples make it one of a kind experience for the tourists. Visit spas or bathhouses and calm your senses in the invigorating scents. Check off the UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace your bucket list. This tour includes the palace along with visits to two traditional markets.
8. Siem Reap, Cambodia
One of the awarded Travellers’ Choice Destination, Siem Reap in Cambodia is a must visit place for its cultural and architectural marvels. This place is widely known as the base camp for Angkor. Don’t forget to visit Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm. Also visit Angkor Night Market for silk, wood carvings, and delicious street food. Soak in the city’s beauty by going around in a Tuk Tuk and visit during sunset and sunrise for an enthralling experience.
9. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei in Taiwan is known for its street food and markets. Try “xiao chi” which translates to little snacks. Try stinky tofu, oyster omelettes, sugarcane juice and sweetmeats. Join a food tour, like this one, to find all the best hidden food spots in the city. If you are bold and ready to experiment, then head to the Huaxi Street and try rats and snakes. Also try the oolong tea, produced locally in Taipei. Taiwan is also the birthplace of bubble tea, a special concoction made by combining tea and tapioca pearls.
10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia is mostly famous for its twin towers called the “Petronas Towers”. This tower was considered the tallest tower for the longest time. Apart from this tower, KL is also famous for its street food, cultural heritage, and marvellous architecture.