More Things to Do and See in Asia

Explore Tokyo, Japan

okyo is where ancient traditions meet futuristic technology. For Asia Travel, start at Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, with Nakamise-dori selling traditional snacks and souvenirs. For modern Tokyo, hit Shibuya Crossing and see Hachiko’s statue. Nearby Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is the center of quirky youth culture. Don’t miss the peaceful Meiji Shrine surrounded by forest. For free city views, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck. A Tokyo Metro day pass costs around $7 USD. Food highlights include sushi at Toyosu Market and ramen in Shinjuku. Best times to visit are spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for fall colors. Tokyo is safe, clean, and endlessly fascinating.

Visit the Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is widely considered the most beautiful building in the world. This white marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took over 20,000 workers and 22 years to complete. The building changes color throughout the day — pinkish at sunrise, white in the afternoon, and golden under moonlight. Visitors should arrive at sunrise to see the monument at its most stunning and to avoid the midday crowds. The entrance fee is around $15 USD for foreigners, which includes a bottle of water and shoe covers. The main gate offers the classic first view of the Taj framed by the archway. Inside, the intricate marble inlay work with semi-precious stones is breathtaking. Photography is allowed outside but prohibited inside the main tomb chamber. The best months to visit are October through March when temperatures are cooler. Combine your trip with visits to Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri nearby. A day trip from Delhi by train takes about two hours.

Trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate in the 8th century. The hike takes 2-3 hours each way, covering 4-5 kilometers of steep, rocky terrain through pine forests and prayer flags. You can rent a pony for the first half for around $15-20 USD. The monastery itself clings dramatically to the cliff face, with ancient murals, golden statues, and a sacred cave inside. Foreign visitors must pay a $100-250 USD per day sustainable development fee to enter Bhutan, which includes a guide, accommodation, and meals. The best months to visit are March-May and September-November when skies are clear. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring water. The final stretch involves hundreds of stone steps — take it slow to adjust to the altitude. Photography is allowed outside but prohibited inside the monastery.

Discover Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a dynamic city where ancient palaces sit alongside futuristic skyscrapers. Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Watch the changing of the royal guard ceremony and rent a traditional hanbok for free palace entry. Nearby, Bukchon Hanok Village features hundreds of traditional Korean houses preserved between modern buildings. For shopping and street food, head to Myeongdong or Insadong. Don’t miss N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for panoramic city views — take the cable car or hike up. The tower is especially romantic at sunset. For a taste of local life, visit Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s oldest markets, famous for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (addictive mini rice rolls). The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a popular day trip from Seoul, offering insight into Korea’s divided history. A DMZ tour costs around $50-70 USD. The Seoul Metro is efficient and easy to navigate, with signs in English. The best seasons to visit are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October).

Relax on Railay Beach, Thailand

Railay Beach in Krabi province, Thailand, is accessible only by boat due to the towering limestone cliffs that cut it off from the mainland. This secluded paradise features white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and world-class rock climbing. The cliffs attract climbers from around the globe, with routes for beginners and experts. A half-day climbing lesson costs around $30-40 USD. Long-tail boats from Ao Nang or Krabi town cost about $3-5 USD each way. Railay consists of four main areas: Phra Nang Beach (the most stunning), West Railay (best for sunset), East Railay (mangroves and budget accommodation), and Tonsai (rock climbing hub). Phra Nang Cave, located at the southern tip, is a shrine filled with wooden phallic offerings left by fishermen seeking good luck. Kayaking through the mangroves at high tide is another popular activity, with rentals around $5 USD per hour. There are no roads or cars on the peninsula, only sandy footpaths. Accommodation ranges from budget bungalows to luxury resorts. The best time to visit is from November to April during the dry season. Low-season (May-October) offers lower prices but rougher seas.

Experience the Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur were once the tallest buildings in the world, standing at 452 meters (1,483 feet). The 88-story towers are connected by a double-decker skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors, offering stunning views of the city. Tickets cost around $25 USD for adults and must be purchased online in advance as they sell out quickly. The visitor experience includes a trip to the skybridge and then to the 86th-floor observation deck. For free views, head to the nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower or the rooftop bar at Traders Hotel. The towers are best photographed from the KLCC Park’s lake at night when the buildings are illuminated. Surrounding the towers is Suria KLCC, a six-story shopping mall with high-end brands, restaurants, and an aquarium. The KLCC area is also home to the Philharmonic Hall and a large public park with jogging trails and a children’s pool. The best time to visit the observation deck is late afternoon, so you can see the city in daylight and watch the sunset. Evening visits offer spectacular city lights. The towers are accessible via the KLCC LRT station.

Visit Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia, is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, built in the 9th century. The temple consists of nine stacked platforms — six square and three circular — topped by a central dome. It’s decorated with over 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The structure is shaped like a giant mandala, representing Buddhist cosmology. A sunrise tour is the most magical time to visit, as the mist rises over the surrounding jungle and Mount Merapi looms in the distance. Sunrise tickets cost around $40-50 USD and must be booked in advance. Regular day tickets are about $25 USD. Visitors walk clockwise around each level, starting at the base and moving upward toward enlightenment. The top level features 72 small stupas, each containing a Buddha statue. After the temple, visit the nearby Mendut and Pawon temples, which are connected to Borobudur by a sacred path. The best months to visit are April through October during the dry season. Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees — sarongs are available for rent. Arrive early to avoid the heat and crowds. The temple is about an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta.

Trek in Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa, located in northern Vietnam’s Hoang Lien Son mountains, is famous for its terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and Fansipan — the highest peak in Indochina at 3,143 meters. Trekking through Sapa’s valleys takes you past cascading waterfalls, bamboo forests, and villages of the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people. A typical 2-day, 1-night trek costs $50-80 USD, including a guide, meals, and homestay accommodation. Homestays offer an authentic experience sleeping in a traditional stilt house and eating local dishes. The most popular trekking routes include Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village, and Ta Van Village. For those who prefer not to hike, a cable car to Fansipan’s summit costs around $35 USD round trip and offers spectacular mountain views. The best time to visit is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is dry and the rice terraces are at their most beautiful — green in spring and golden in autumn. Summer (June-August) brings rain and leeches, while winter (December-February) can be cold and foggy. Pack good hiking boots, warm layers, and rain gear.

Explore Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city of contrasts — towering skyscrapers next to traditional temples, luxury malls alongside street markets. Start at Victoria Peak for panoramic views of the skyline and harbor. The Peak Tram costs around $12 USD round trip. For free views, hike the Morning Trail. Take a Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour — one of the world’s most scenic and cheapest ferry rides at under $0.50 USD. The Symphony of Lights show happens every night at 8:00 PM. Visit the Temple Street Night Market for knockoffs, souvenirs, and seafood. The Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok is famous for clothing and accessories. For a dose of culture, visit Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist temple known for fortune-telling, or the Chi Lin Nunnery, a beautiful Buddhist complex made entirely of wood without nails. The Big Buddha on Lantau Island is a 34-meter-tall bronze statue reached by climbing 268 steps or taking a cable car. A Ngong Ping 360 cable car ticket costs around $30-40 USD round trip. Hong Kong’s MTR subway is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. The best months to visit are October through December when the weather is cool and dry.

Visit the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands, located off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, are three small islands — Gili Trawangan (Gili T), Gili Meno, and Gili Air — each with its own personality. There are no cars or motorized traffic on any of the islands; transportation is by bicycle or horse-drawn cart called a cidomo. Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed, known for its nightlife, beach bars, and the famous swings in the water. Gili Meno is the quietest, best for honeymooners and turtle nesting. Gili Air offers a balance between relaxation and activity. Snorkeling and diving are the main attractions, with abundant sea turtles, coral gardens, and underwater statues. A snorkeling trip visiting all three islands costs around $10-15 USD. Scuba diving courses start at $250 USD. The islands are reachable by fast boat from Bali (about 2 hours, $20-35 USD one way) or Lombok (15-30 minutes, $5-10 USD). The best time to visit is from April to October during the dry season. Bicycle rentals cost around $3-5 USD per day. Sunset views from Gili T’s west coast are spectacular. Don’t miss the underwater sculpture “Nest” off Gili Meno.

Discover Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage City in northern Laos, is known for its well-preserved architecture, golden temples, and French colonial influences. The city’s main attraction is the daily alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat), where hundreds of Buddhist monks walk through the streets at dawn collecting rice from locals. Visitors can observe respectfully from a distance. Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s most beautiful temple, features a stunning golden mosaic and a “tree of life” glass mosaic. Mount Phousi, a 100-meter hill in the center of town, offers panoramic views over the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers — best at sunset. The Kuang Si Waterfalls, located about an hour outside town, are multi-tiered turquoise cascades perfect for swimming. Entrance costs around $7 USD. Take a Mekong River cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Night markets offer handmade textiles, silverware, and local street food. The best time to visit is from November to March during the dry season. April is hot, and May to October is rainy. A bicycle is the best way to explore the compact town.

Visit Mount Fuji & Hakone

Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters, is an active volcano and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain is best viewed from Hakone, a nearby town famous for hot springs, lake cruises, and stunning Fuji views. The Hakone Free Pass ($50-60 USD for two days) includes round-trip transportation from Tokyo and unlimited use of local buses, trains, cable cars, and pirate ships on Lake Ashi. The Hakone Ropeway takes you to Owakudani Valley, a volcanic zone with steaming vents, black eggs boiled in sulfurous waters (said to add seven years to your life), and on clear days, incredible Mount Fuji views. Lake Ashi cruises offer the classic postcard view of Fuji reflected in the water. The climbing season for Mount Fuji is only July to August, with trails open to hikers. Climbing costs nothing but requires physical fitness and warm clothing. Off-season, admire the mountain from nearby viewpoints like Chureito Pagoda or Fuji Five Lakes. The best months for clear Fuji views are November through February. Winter air is crisp, but dress warmly. Hakone’s onsen (hot spring baths) are perfect after a day of sightseeing.

Experience the Cherry Blossoms, Japan

Cherry blossom season (Sakura) is Japan’s most magical time of year, typically occurring from late March to early April. The blossoms last only one to two weeks, creating a fleeting pink and white canopy across the country. Top viewing spots include Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi Moat, where you can rent rowboats under the blossoms. Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park, and Arashiyama are legendary for cherry trees lining historic canals and temples. Osaka Castle Park offers stunning blossoms with the castle as a backdrop. For a less crowded experience, visit Himeji Castle or the gardens of Kanazawa. Many locals and visitors practice hanami — cherry blossom viewing parties under the trees with food, drinks, and blankets. Popular spots fill up early, so arrive before sunrise to secure a spot. The Japan Meteorological Corporation releases forecasts months in advance. Accommodation books up quickly, so reserve 6-12 months ahead. Evening illuminations (yozakura) at many parks and temples offer a magical atmosphere. A Japan Rail Pass ($250-350 USD for 7 days) is excellent value for traveling between blossom spots.

Explore the DMZ, South Korea

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 250-kilometer-long, 4-kilometer-wide buffer zone separating North and South Korea. It’s one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world but also an unexpected wildlife haven. A DMZ tour from Seoul costs $50-70 USD and lasts about half a day. Highlights include the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, discovered in 1978, which could accommodate 30,000 soldiers per hour. Visitors can walk through the tunnel (hard hats provided), though it’s narrow and slopes downward. The Dora Observatory offers views into North Korea through binoculars, showing the propaganda village of Kijong-dong and the North Korean flagpole — one of the world’s tallest. Dorasan Station, once intended to connect the two Koreas by rail, is an emotional stop. The Imjingak Park features monuments, the Bridge of Freedom, and a steam locomotive damaged during the Korean War. Some tours also visit the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom, where you can stand in the conference room that straddles the border. JSA tours require advance booking and passport information. Dress respectfully — no ripped jeans or military-style clothing. The DMZ is a sobering but fascinating glimpse into Korea’s divided history.

Scuba Dive in Sipadan, Malaysia

Sipadan Island, off the coast of Malaysian Borneo, is consistently ranked as one of the best dive sites in the world. The island sits atop an extinct volcanic cone, with walls dropping over 600 meters into the Celebes Sea. Only 176 diving permits are issued per day, costing 140 MYR ($30 USD). Permits are allocated to resorts on nearby islands like Mabul and Kapalai, and divers must stay at these resorts for at least 3-4 days to secure a permit. Sipadan’s marine life is extraordinary — expect to see green and hawksbill turtles on virtually every dive, schools of barracuda and jackfish forming tornado-like spirals, reef sharks, bumphead parrotfish, and the occasional hammerhead. Barracuda Point is the most famous dive site, known for massive barracuda vortexes. The Drop-Off features a sheer vertical wall covered in colorful corals and sponges. Turtle Tomb is an underwater cave system (for advanced divers only) where turtle skeletons rest. The best time to dive is from April to December. Certification is required for all dives, and beginners should complete their Open Water course at nearby islands before attempting Sipadan. Visibility often exceeds 30 meters.