Top 5 Asia Vacation Destinations

There are infinite possibilities available to you when you are planning your exciting trip to Asia, ranging from historical sights to towering skyscrapers. Different cultures are everywhere, and with that comes a major decision. Where to go? What to see? What to do? To provide some insight into all of your possibilities, here is a list of 5 cities in Asia worth your attention. Are these, perhaps, the most well-known cities in Asia on your radar? No, certainly not. But that's part of what makes them must-see travel destinations!

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia  

Soak up the history and hospitality of the Mongolian people amidst skyscrapers when you visit Ulaanbaatar. As the capital of Mongolia, UB is the largest city in the country and also holds a great majority of the attractions and sightseeing. Having a strong political past connected to the Soviet Union, modern UB still has traces of Soviet architecture along with traditional Mongolian culture.

Chinggis Khan Square is such a site that brings together these two elements. As the location for concerts and events, the square transforms from a dedication to a war hero to a scenic must-see. Many visitors to the city find themselves at the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, an enormous 130+ foot statue erected in 2008. Because of its exaggerated size and beauty, it has gained a noteworthy amount of attention and has been labeled as a destination for anyone traveling through the country.

Art lovers will flock to Ulaanbaatar’s many galleries of traditional Mongolian art and centuries-old artifacts. In addition to classic art, museums and monasteries are in abundance in the city for visitors to take advantage of; Gandan Monastery is a notable Tibetan landmark worth exploring.

Ulaanbaatar is also home to an array of grand parks for all kinds of recreational use. In Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, tourists can take guided tours on horseback, capturing the innate natural beauty of the country.

Kyoto, Japan 

While Japan is known for being a hub of technological advancement, not all of the country is in a modernization fury. In the city of Kyoto, located on the island of Honshu, traditional beauty meets a modern world with views you’d have to see to believe. Kyoto was once Japan’s capital but has now become known for its magnificent representation of rich Japanese culture. Visitors can expect to be submerged in fascinating history, as the city is home to countless temples, shrines, gardens, and even palaces dating back centuries. 

Entertainment in the city comes in many forms. In "Kagai" districts, Maiko and Geishas showcase their talents of singing and dancing in a traditional Japanese form in special teahouses. Visitors can also become part of the action and interact with the women performers. Explore the theatre side of Kyoto with Kabuki and Noh theatre. These customary art forms originated in Kyoto and feature an all-male cast of performers.  

Some of the finest chefs used to reside in the former capital, and luckily the high quality of food stayed within the city. Explore the cuisine, as well as famous local sweet treats of Japanese tradition. The shopping scene in Kyoto is extensive, with the notable Shijo Street lined with seemingly endless stores. More classic souvenirs like crafts and textiles can be found throughout the city’s vendors. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Located in the scenic country of Malaysia, the capital city of Kuala Lumpur is known for its skyscrapers and city life that is unparalleled. Among the beautiful buildings and unique architecture is the trademark of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Towers. Stretching a solid 1,483 ft into the sky, these twin towers are not only visually pleasing amidst the cityscape, but they feature a breathtaking view of the city. There is even an observation sky bridge between the two towers where guests can enjoy the endless views!

Similar to the hustle and bustle of Time’s Square in NYC, Bukit Bintang is a large shopping and entertainment district within Kuala Lumpur. In the trendy shopping location, the Berjaya Times Square exists, which just so happens to be the world’s 13^th largest mall. With over 3 million square feet, even the most courageous shop-a-holics will meet their match.

If you want to get in touch with Malaysia’s nature, the Batu Caves provide a place of spirituality and exploration. The limestone formations are said to be 400 millions years old and have been associated with the Hindu religion through their shrines and even a 140 foot statue of the Hindu deity, Lord Murugan.

Hangzhou, China 

Known globally for its natural and peaceful beauty, Hangzhou, China lays by the scenic Hangzhou Bay. Boasting an enormous multi-million population, the city is on the rise of becoming a better-known Chinese hidden gem. Favorable weather year-round has made it easy for tourists to visit Hangzhou and keep coming back time and time again!

Relating to its premier location to the water, most of the attractions travelers visit include water-front views. At the Qiantang River, the tides mystify even Chinese natives with their intensity. In fact, if you visit on the eighteenth day of the eighth lunar month, celebrations are held to view the amazing surge of water that audibly rumbles as it rises 30 feet high!

Another important waterfront attraction you must visit while in Hangzhou is West Lake. There are fountain shows, gardens, and temples worth exploring among the lush green foliage of the area. Join a guided tour for a more in-depth experience, and even go for a bike ride around the lake. 

The Lingyin Temple is an excellent destination to gain historic knowledge of ancient Buddhist culture, or even just view its traditional Chinese architecture. Relics and religious statues can be found in the temple for viewing or even praying.

Jakarta, Indonesia

The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, is a melting pot of neighboring cultures, making it a diverse city of many traditions. Walk through the city’s Sudirman-Thamrin Avenue, where skyscrapers and numerous high-end banks remind you of the millions of residents who live and work in the city. If you continue your stroll, the city’s fine hotels come into view, along with the glamorous shopping district. A large sporting arena is also in the area: the Senayan Sports Center that once housed the Ganefo games.

In the popular Merdeka Square, the National Monument towers at 449 feet high and is a symbolic landmark of the capital city. It was first built as a sign of freedom and independence as a nation. Visitors can now travel to the top of the monument, where the views of the city and ocean are spectacular.

The castle-like appearance of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah lures visitors to a historical and fascinating look at the cultures that Jakarta features within its city limits. 20+ replicas of varying cultural houses can be explored to gain insight into the different people of the area.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed stay while in the city, Ancol Dreamland is a great option. This beachfront resort has golf courses, beautiful beaches, and even a theme park. There are always shows and entertainment taking place; overall, it’s an exciting stay for all ages!