Asia's First-rate Offerings

Traveling can burn a big hole in our pockets if we don’t plan well ahead. I am certain that nobody likes to end up broke after a trip so why not consider visiting places nearer to home? If you’re in Asia like me then why not check out first several great sites in our own continent or within our region before going halfway across the globe? Asia is the largest continent in the world and it has lots to offer.

These are just some of them:

1. Philippines

If you are a beach bum or a diving aficionado then the country has one of the longest coastlines in the world with world-class beach resorts and diving sites. You can go to the islands of Boracay, Cebu, Camiguin, Bohol and Palawan, to name a few. Boracay is a tropical paradise and a top favorite for both local and foreign tourists. Aside from beaches, you can also visit many more interesting places from old churches to rainforests. However, if you want to explore some kind of a hidden paradise in one of the 7,107 islands then you need to decide where to start. FYI, the Philippines is divided into three major geographical regions namely, Luzon (north), Visayas (central) and Mindanao (south). The capital city of Manila is located in Luzon.

2. Vietnam

From Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi, visiting this country is worthwhile. Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) is the commercial center and offers lots of exciting sites including the Cu Chi Channels, which were used by the Vietnamese during the war. If you love white sand beaches, then go to Nha Trang. On the other hand, if you want to learn more of Vietnam’s past then consider visiting Hue, the ancient capital city. It is considered as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Danang, Dalat, Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sa Pa are also other places that you can check out.

3. Thailand

The Land of Smiles is one of the famous tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. From exotic temples to world-class beaches, this kingdom is worth your time and money. You can visit scenic Chiang Mai in the north, the capital city of Bangkok in central Thailand and Phuket or Krabi in the south. If you are fond of ancient ruins, then you should go to Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

3. Cambodia

This country is home to one of the world’s treasures, the Angkor Wat temple. You shouldn’t miss these ruins in Siem Reap and witness the former grandeur of the Khmer Empire. Don’t also miss stopping by the capital city of Phnom Penh and hopped on a boat for a short but memorable river cruise with a picturesque view of the Royal Palace and the National Museum.

4. Malaysia

There is more to Malaysia than the famous Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Its pristine waters, diverse flora and fauna and World Heritage sites make this multicultural land a very interesting destination.

5. China

The Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the terracotta warriors surely come to mind if you think of mainland China. These sites, among others, make it a tourist hotspot. Shenzhen in Guangdong province and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau are also well-known tourist destinations.

6. Singapore

Sentosa Island, Universal Studios, Merlion and Orchard Road are just some of the famous places to look forward to if you plan a trip to Singapore. There are several hip and cool happenings in this small but vibrant nation everyday.

7. South Korea

With the so-called Korean wave, South Korea becomes a favorite destination for people who want to see the exact locations of some popular Korean dramas like Nami Island for Winter Sonata or Shindo Island for Full House. Korean fashion is also a hit across Central and East Asia with the growing popularity of several K-pop artists bringing in more tourists to Seoul.

8. Japan

Like Hong Kong and Singapore, Japan has its own world-renowned theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios but aside from these, the country has more to offer like the picturesque Mt. Fuji, the plum and cherry blossoms in Hokkaido as well as the pretty old hot spring villages, just to name a few.

9. Indonesia

The capital city of the largest archipelago in the world is Jakarta but if you mention Indonesia, Bali always comes to mind. It is a famous holiday destination for many tourists. It has also been a favorite location for some dramas and music videos.

10. Laos

This country may not be on the top of your list but more backpackers are discovering its beauty. It has one of the most pristine ecologies in Southeast Asia. The UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang is emerging as a top tourist destination as well as the capital city of Vientiane.

Some of the countries listed above are included in the 10/40 window. Pray for the people who live there and be a blessing.