Asia is home to countless bucket-list worthy destinations that should be on every traveler’s radar. A varied continent packed full of stunning scenery, unique wildlife and fascinating people, it is easy to see why it is a place that travellers flock to in their thousands. From the bustling streets of Tokyo, to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, there is something for everyone in this diverse continent where every experience will leave a lasting impression based on the differences of where you are, for example, your experience in Japan will be vastly different from how you spend time in India.
Whether you are seeking cultural immersion, natural wonders or culinary delights, if travelling around the world is on your bucket list, make sure that these Asian destinations are not to be missed.
Tokyo, Japan: A fusion of tradition and modernity
Visitors to Tokyo will tell you just how vibrant and busy the city is, but they will also make sure you know how beautiful and interesting it is too. Tokyo is a city that cleverly mixes the modernity of the modern day whilst still holding onto its traditions and history.
Sumo wrestling is an iconic cornerstone of Japan, so make sure you view some if you can. Three of the six major tournaments a year take place in the capital, but some of the training sessions can also be viewed for free at Arashio-beya through a window, but times are limited. This experience is truly unique and it is something not to be missed when visiting Japan.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: Nature’s masterpiece
Ha Long Bay is one of the best locations especially for instagram. Made up of nearly 2000 limestone karsts and islands, the bay itself is edged by crystal clear turquoise waters.
The legend of the bay is that a dragon who was protecting Vietnam dropped fire, emeralds and jade into the bay, creating the karsts and islands. These formations then prevented the invading ships from coming closer to land.
You will have plenty of opportunities to explore the water with a kayaking trip and in doing so, keep an eye out for the colourful fish swimming below and allow yourself to take in the towering limestone cliffs.
You may even find some hidden limestone caves in the crevasses for you to explore.
Rajasthan, India: The land of kings
The thought of visiting India conjures up images of colourful cities combined with incredible smells and swathes of lush, green forests. Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India and is home to three national tiger reserves, large cities like Jaipur and ancient ruins such as those at the Indus Valley.
Rajasthan is a large state, so for the best experience, you should book yourself onto an India tour to get the most out of your time there.
Palawan Island, The Philippines: Tropical paradise
When you picture white, sandy beaches and pristine waters in Asia, you may be drawn to Thailand or Indonesia. Palawan Island in The Philippines is overlooked but it rivals some of the best beaches in the world.
El Nido is the epicentre of tourism and is a busy backpacking town. The positive side is that there are lots of hostels and lodges as well as small-scale resorts not too far from the main town area providing you with plenty of places to get a good night’s sleep.
A trip to Palawan Island would not be complete without a visit to Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River. The UNESCO-listed site can be explored by boat and you can traverse caves millions of years old.
Nearby Sabang is a great place for animal spotting as well.
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