Asia continues to lure travelers from across the globe with several countries within its embrace, each dipped in a different tradition or culture of its own. We find a completely different ambiance, culture, lifestyle in the countries that lie in East Asia than they are in Central Asia or North Asia and South Asia. This is one of the reasons why most travelers identify Asia differently as they travel to various countries in different parts of the continent. And this is not just limited to lifestyle or culture or beauty, it is about varied in terms of weather and overall atmosphere.
In this article, we have revealed the top cities you can add to your itinerary when you are traveling to Asia.
Find Your Inner Light in Rishikesh, India
Disconnect to reconnect with your inner self at the Yoga Capital of the Globe, Rishikesh. The city is grounded in spirituality, traditional yoga practices, and Ayurveda. Explore organic living amidst the beauty of the Himalayas, chant sacred mantras, meditate and find inner peace by the holy Ganges. Feed the adventurous side of you with river rafting tours, riverside camping and more. Do explore the Beatles Ashram if you are a fan of one of the greatest classic rock bands as they spent a fair amount of quality time here. You can reach Rishikesh via private cab or a bus from India’s capital New Delhi. It is under 300 kms from New Delhi Airport and takes about 5 hours to reach their via road.
Get Dipped in the K-Pop Vibe in Seoul, South Korea
The K-pop scene, the BTS live concerts, the cosmetic showrooms that are worth every penny, if these are not enough to entice you to Seoul, the capital of South Korea, then the beautiful cherry blossom or Sakura festival that happens during March every year would surely entice you to come here and visit it at least once. Don’t get swayed by the range of flavors and a huge range of appetizers that are served with soup here. Try the delicious Korean cuisine, visit the Hanok village, meditate at the Buddhist Monasteries here, Seoul in South Korea certainly one of the top cities to visit when in Asia. Witness what futuristic technology combined with ancient traditions look like when the best of both worlds come together in one place, Seoul.
Lounge by the Beaches of Phuket, Thailand
Beaches that look like paradise with their cerulean waters, white sands, and untouched vibes, Phuket are trotted by several globetrotters when they backpack to Asia. This is a place suited for all budgets and tastes with its luxury resorts and budget-friendly hotels. Experience the Phuket nightlife on Bangla road, take a boat cruise and go island-hopping. Witness the beauty of limestone cliffs that rise from the sea and relish delicious seafood, Phuket sums up a soothing experience for both solo and family travels. Take a walk by the beach or just lay back while the cerulean sea waves touch your feet. Capture beautiful shots here and memories of a lifetime. ‘
Reignite Self-Love in Bali, Indonesia
If you want to witness the beauty of nature in its full glory that appears akin to paradise, then come to Bali, Indonesia. Sprawling lush rainforests, green canopies, serene coastlines, magnanimous pagodas, vibrant culture, and famous rice terraces, Bali spells self-love in its very air. Visit Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali and capture shots of huge rice terraces. The place is also known for wildlife swings amid the mountains. Dare to experience the magic of nature in the middle of the air on these tightly ropes swing sets. If you are traveling with your partner, then it is the ideal place to reignite love. Join a yoga retreat here as Bali hosts some of the best ones on the globe.
Find a Story in Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan lures travelers from across the globe with its heritage charms, breathtaking landscapes, a collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites and an environment that invokes serenity and love. Find your zen at the Buddhist temples or walk through the gorgeous gardens, Kyoto paints a vivid picture of varied experiences. The city is also the birth land of geisha and maiko cultures. Enjoy a traditional Japanese stay at Ryokan and Machiya, a.k.a Japanese inns. Relish traditional Japanese cuisine and visit the Nijo castle for a complete Japanese expedition.
Indulge in Guilty Pleasures in Dubai, UAE
This sparkling gem is located in the Middle East (Western Asia) and is a famed destination for shopping enthusiasts and all those crave to experience traditional Arabic flavors while soaking in technologically advanced city life that’s full of manmade architectural marvels. One such architectural marvel to observe is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world and truly one of its kinds. Visit the Dubai Marina and take a stroll at the Jumeirah Beach or try out different flavours at the various restaurants by this famous beach. Book a Dubai desert safari and explore the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert while you enjoy a delectable barbeque meal or spend a night out there under the glittering stars. Dubai is certainly a not-to-miss city when travelling to Asia.
Asia is the largest contingent on the globe with more than 40 countries in its lap. Hence, picking a few countries from the list won’t do justice to it. However, it certainly solves the purpose of touching base with the best cities in it. If you are planning to visit the continent and really explore it in detail, then perhaps plan it with a couple of months in hand.