The largest continent of the world, Asia offers visitors with a huge variety of cultures to explore. Although late in its arrival to modernity, this continent has evolved rapidly and become a fascinating blend of rural and contemporary communities.
Opening its doors to the rest of civilization just a few short hundred years ago, Japan has grown to have the second largest economy in the world and is the largest of the continent, while China and India are a close second and third. Home to the sushi craze that is slowly but surely enveloping the entire world, Japan gives visitors the chance to experience both the old and the new. The first stop to any trip to Tokyo has to be the Tsukiji Fish Market where visitors will be enthralled by the sheer size, freshness, and variety of fish the market has to offer. After strolling the grounds, a quick but delicious sushi breakfast sets the pace for the rest of the day. Although the Imperial palace is not open to public access, visitors can enjoy amazing views of it from the East Gardens.
Lined with exotic flowers native to Japan, the East Gardens give visitors the chance to relax with the family. For theatre and entertainment lovers of all ages, the Kabuki-Za Japanese theatre offers conventional Kabuki performances for the entire family. Get a glimpse of traditional Japanese culture by enjoying a play at this historic theatre. Always expanding, Japan offers visitors some of the best shopping, clubbing, and eating places in the entire world. The Roppongi Hills are where travelers from around the world go for an exceptional cosmopolitan experience.
A trip to Asia would not be complete without an exploration of the vast country of China. Experience the rural charm of this nation by visiting the fishing village of Tai O. Here, visitors will be intrigued by the various animal farms that help sustain the country. Children will love Hong Kong’s Ocean park where a variety of marine animals, rare birds, and butterflies roam. If there are problems that the serenity of Asia just cannot forge from your mind, be sure and visit the Wong Tai sin Temple to cleanse yourself of these worries and view the Taoist worshiping rituals of the Chinese. Also, visitors have the chance to have their fortunes told. A last but not least stop in China should definitely be the Forbidden City of Beijing. Imaginations and a sense of wonder will give rise within all who see this grandiose palace with its 250 acres and over 9000 rooms.
India is another country that is sure to inspire visitors. At the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum in Mumbai , travelers can take a glimpse at the small building where the famous national hero, Ghandi, once lived. If you are troubled by an ailment, be sure and visit the Banganga holy sigh in Mumbai where a small pool of water is rumored to have supernatural healing powers. The magical Marble Palace offers visitors an exciting and adventurous stroll through winding staircases, enormous verandahs, underground basements, caves with cannons, a zoo, and duck ponds. India offers visitors the chance to take in the amazing celestial views at the The Jantar Mantar Observatory and Planetarium of Delhi. Also, the Bukhara at ITC Hotel in New Delhi offers visitors the chance to taste fresh baked Naan bread.
The Philippines are an often neglected yet amazing place to visit in Asia. The Banaue Rice Terraces alone offer an astonishing look at 2000 years of history. Visitors can hike from village to village during their stay to get the most out of their Philippine vacation and fully immerse themselves in the local culture. Besides rural countryside, the Philippines also offer visitors an array of beautiful beaches such as White Beach and Yapak Beach. For an eerie experience, be sure to check out the Dead Forest. This water-filled, log-ridden area will create a creepy atmospheric experience for all types of travelers. A magical way to experience this tropical paradise is to take a tour on horseback at the Boracay Horse Riding Stables. The kids are sure to enjoy the Bat Caves off White Beach. They can go exploring while parents relax and sunbathe. After sitting back at the beach, the White Beach Path is a very popular place to eat and shop among all tourists.
Another beautiful and enticing country of the Asian continent is Singapore. The isle of Santosa is a favorite among tourists because of its tropical rainforests, dolphin lagoon, and striking beaches. Have a wish to make and there isn’t a star in sight? Make your way over to the Thian Hock Keng Temple and purchase joss, or wishing paper, to burn or take home to friends. For those looking for an adventure, Singapore offers various hikes through the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. This rainforest includes rare insects, birds, and mammals that are sure to cross paths with hikers. The Singapore Night Safari offers an unusual glimpse into the natural world and presents visitors with a colorful cultural show.
Thailand is another Asian country which offers tourists a fantastic cultural experience. One famous place to visit is the Grand Palace in Bangkok where visitors will be cast back in time by the sheer magnificence of the building and the atmosphere set by chanting locals. Feel the need to rub a Buddha for good luck? One of the most beautiful statues is located in the 14th-century chapel at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. City transportation also includes refreshing boat rides along the river where river-boat restaurants are a source of quick yet delicious food. Also, be sure and visit the Royal Barges National Museum to get a look at the beautifully decorated vessels used in State services in Thailand. Nomatter what kind of visit you are looking for, adventurous, cultural, rural, or serene, the continent of Asia is sure to have something for you.