Asia

Asia is the largest continent in the world, and has the largest population. Some of the world’s oldest civilizations have their roots in Asia – China and India’s ancient civilizations can be dated back to almost 8000 years BC.

Westerners have long been fascinated with the manifestations of wealth and power to be found in Asia. Consider the Great Wall of China (over 13,000 miles long), and the estimated 7,000 “terracotta warriors” recently discovered in Xian, China. The Taj Mahal in India dates back to the 1600”s, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in that country. The elaborate temples of VietNam, Thailand, and Cambodia are all witness to the spirituality and mysticism that are integral parts of the Asian culture.

The diversity of cultures in Asia is mind boggling. You can take a course in advanced meditation with a visit to a mountain monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. Or you can shop ‘til you drop in Hong Kong! You can explore the Batu Caves and waterfalls in Malaysia or take in traditional Kabuki theater in Tokyo. From jungle wildlife encounters in Sri Lanka and Borneo to luxury beach vacations on the islands of Bali or the Maldives, a travel experience in Asia is sure to be unlike any other travel destination you’ve experienced.

Where to begin? Asian travel will satisfy travelers with a broad variety of interests and preferences. Here is a small sample of highlights for:

History and architecture buffs:

Bagan – an ancient city in Myanmar has architectural wonders dating back to 1100 AD. The temples, monuments and statues of Buddha are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site preservation program.
Khajuraho in India is home to Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples, and the sculptures celebrating the Indian practice of Kamasutra have fascinated tourists for centuries.

Siem Reap in Cambodia offers a little something for everyone – historic temples like Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm give the traveler a glimpse of the past, while the entertaining Cambodian Circus, a uniquely Cambodian entertainment which combines theater, music and extreme acrobatic acts, is definitely a modern art form.

Petra in Jordan is another site preserved by Unesco. This amazing city was carved out of a mountainside. Recent improvements to the site make it possible to visit at night, when the facade is illuminated by thousands of candles.

The Forbidden City in China was built in the 1400’s and was home to many of China’s emperors and their families. It was inaccessible to most of the rest of the population, hence its name. This site is close to The Great Wall, so it’s easy to check off two boxes with a visit here.

Shoppers and nightlife enthusiasts:

Singapore is known for its bargains on everything from glitzy jewelry to quality furniture and everything in between.

Hong Kong has countless alleyways full of markets full of jewelry, makeup, leather goods, and electronics as well as a huge department store, SOGO, where you can shop for almost anything.

Dubai’s markets cater to those shopping for high end items at a discount. Dubai is the place to be if you’re interested in a variety of nightlife activities. Comedy clubs, and lounges and bars offering spectacular views of this vibrant city abound.

Bangkok has bazaars open at night, so you can shop 24/7 if that’s your thing. It also has a huge entertainment district known as Royal City Avenue with bars and restaurants galore.

Istanbul boasts a market bazaar that has been in existence since the 15th century and is still popular with tourists and locals alike.
Viet Nam has a number of “floating markets” along the Mekong Delta, selling primarily produce and fish. But there are also vendors selling folk art, woven products and tools

Adventure travelers:

Ziplining in Thailand The longest zipline in Asia, known as The Flight of the Gibbon, is located away from major population areas and close to a traditional Thai village, offering a less “touristy” experience.

Camp in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Viet Nam. Spend your days trekking through this beautiful park, and spend the night in the world’s largest cave, over 3 million years old!

Hike the volcanoes in Indonesia Several of these volcanoes have been active recently, although none since 2016. The sunrises and sunsets from the craters are spectacular.

Ski Mount Hella in South Korea This dormant volcano becomes a winter wonderland for cross-country and backcountry skiers.

Dive for shipwrecks in the Philippines There are several shipwrecks surrounding these islands, mostly wrecks from WWII. Divers of all experience levels can find a wreck to explore, and viewing the variety of sea creatures that inhabit the waters is a bonus!

FACTS

Asia comprises approximately 50 different countries, ranging from the smallest (the Maldives) to the largest (China). None of them share the same currency or native language, but English as a second language is prevalent in most major cities, especially in China and India.
The tallest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas, crosses or borders on five different countries in southeast Asia. Besides being the tallest range, it’s also the youngest, having been formed only over the last 145 million years. In comparison, the Black Hills range, home to Mt. Rushmore, was formed over a billion years ago.
Eleven major religions originated in Asia and are still practiced today. Hinduism is the most prevalent, but the Muslim religion is predicted to become the largest religious group in Asia by 2050.

FUN FACTS

- Lucas Films studio offices in Singapore are housed in a building called the Sandcrawler, bearing a startling resemblance to the ominous garbage collector in Star Wars IV.
- The “Ring of Fire” in Indonesia is made up of over 150 volcanoes, many of which are still active.
- The rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, is found in Malaysia. It’s also the world’s stinkiest flower, having earned the nickname of “corpse flower.” This rotten odor apparently is attractive to pollinating insects who keep the species flourishing.
- The smallest mammal on earth, the bumblebee bat, lives in western Thailand.
- South Korea celebrates Valentine’s Day three times a year. One day is for men to give gifts to their girlfriends, one for women to give gifts to their boyfriends, and one for single people to get together and commiserate!

Before you leave, check each country’s requirements for immunization status. This is even more important nowadays as Covid 19 restrictions vary from country to country. Also make a point of checking whether your health insurance covers any medical care you might require overseas.
It’s a good idea to stick with bottled water to avoid unpleasant intestinal distress. Eating street food in places like Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea is part of the experience, so don’t avoid it. Just be careful to stay away from fresh fruit, and fruit juices that have probably been washed in tap water. Cooked food is fine – and delicious!
Notify your credit card company that you will be traveling overseas, and give them a list of the countries you plan to visit. That way your charges won’t be denied as a security measure when they see charges popping up from the other side of the world.
Since the currency differs from country to country, it’s wise to exchange local currency for US dollars BEFORE leaving a country. Local ATMs will give you a better exchange rate than currency exchange offices.

Carry some cash – southeast Asia relies on a cash economy. And be prepared to haggle – it’s expected. Common sense tells you not to flash a large wad of bills when purchasing something. Be aware of your surroundings.
Load up on sunscreen, insect repellent and lightweight rain gear. Southeast Asia’s monsoons are epic – and when the sun comes out afterward, it turns hot and humid almost instantly.
When visiting mosques and shrines, dress appropriately. Always remove your shoes, and women should cover their heads and shoulders. A long skirt is more acceptable than pants.
Avoid public displays of affection, especially in Muslim countries. Even hand holding is frowned upon.
Don’t expect buses, trains or boats to be on schedule. Try to relax and enjoy things as they happen.