Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Bongeunsa Temple
Situated in Seoul’s stylish Gangnam district, Bongeunsa Temple was founded in 794. Though it has been rebuilt many times, the temple remains an important center of Seon (Zen) Buddhism in South Korea. Panjeon, the oldest hall in the complex, is home to some 3,000 woodblocks carved with Buddhist scriptures and religious art.
The Basics
Though it’s not the most famous temple in Seoul—that distinction belongs to Jogyesa Temple—Bongeunsa Temple is featured on many tours of the city’s ritzy Gangnam district, along with Garosu-gil Road, COEX Mall, and the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs. Visitors can also opt to book an overnight temple stay, which typically includes monastic meals, a traditional tea ceremony, a temple tour, and guided meditation. Overnight stays must be booked in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple is worth a trip for spiritual travelers or those visiting the Gangnam District.
- Wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Remember to dress respectfully, as the temple serves an active Buddhist community.
- Restrooms are available on the temple grounds.
How to Get There
Bongeunsa is centrally located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, and is easily accessible either on foot or by public transportation. Take Seoul subway line 9 to Bongeunsa Temple Station and leave through Exit 1.
When to Get There
The temple is open daily year-round, but the best time to visit is Thursday when the complex hosts a Temple Life program for visitors. Visit during the Lotus Lantern Festival in April to see the temple fully decorated for the celebration of Buddha’s birthday.
Jeongdaebulsa, A Celebration of Scripture
Each September, Bongeunsa Temple plays host to a Buddhist ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa. Visitors to the temple complex during this single-day event can see monks marching through the grounds carrying scriptures on their heads and reciting the Buddhist rites.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
From $ 81
Budhanilkantha
The five-meter-long and thus biggest stone statue in Nepal, Budhanilkantha, portrays a sleeping Vishnu, floating like a gigantic astronaut on a bed of snakes in the middle of a big pool of water depicting the cosmic ocean. The incredibly well preserved carving is made out of black stone and is thought to be 1500 years old. Located in the village of the same name, the holy site is a popular spot for Hindus to practice puja, a prayer ritual to worship the gods. The daily ceremony entails priests – they are the only ones allowed to approach Vishnu’s divine head - washing the face and the feet of the sculpture with water and afterwards, applying a mixture of ghee, milk, yoghurt, honey and sugar on the same spots.
Later, since only Hindus are allowed to get close the statue, believers worship at its feet and leave offerings of food and flower petals. All other visitors have to be content with viewing the resting Vishnu from the sidelines. The only person who was never allowed to visit was the king back when Nepal was still a monarchy. Some say the reason is a curse, which would instantly kill the king if he saw the statue, while others claim that the monarch was the reincarnation of Vishnu and therefore, wasn’t allowed to see his own image.
By the way, the name Budhanilkantha has nothing to do with Buddha, but literally means “blue throat disguised by mud”. The peculiar name refers to two legends attached to the statue, one of them saying that a farmer found the long lost statue in the mud when working his field with a plough and the other saying that Vishnu sacrificed himself by drinking the poison of the cosmic ocean, which then turned his throat blue.
Practical Info
Budhanilkantha can be found about 15 kilometers north of Kathmandu. It’s easiest to get there either by taxi, or by taking one of the many busses and minibusses making the journey. When you get out, you can find the statue about 100 meters to the east of the Budhanilkantha stop.
Address: Budhanilkantha, Nepal
From $ 35
Bohol Island
If you're interested in more than just beautiful beaches, Bohol Island offers one of the most fascinating escapes from Cebu. The island, located southeast of Cebu, is only the tenth largest in the Philippines archipelago but has arguably the best natural beauty and most spectacular dive sites. As with many of the frequently visited islands in the nation, Bohol has plenty of white sand beaches and Spanish colonial architecture, but those are far from the main attractions.
Jutting out of the center of the island are well over 1,000 conical, grass-covered hills. Geologists aren't sure how the Chocolate Hills were formed, and the surreal landscape they form is one of the most stunning in the country, particularly during the dry season when the grass turns brown, giving them a chocolate color.
Bohol is also known for a wide-eyed little creature called a tarsier. Native to only a few islands in the Philippines and Indonesia, these tiny primates are thought to be the smallest on earth, and you can see them at the Tarsier Research and Development Center.
Jutting out of the center of the island are well over 1,000 conical, grass-covered hills. Geologists aren't sure how the Chocolate Hills were formed, and the surreal landscape they form is one of the most stunning in the country, particularly during the dry season when the grass turns brown, giving them a chocolate color.
Bohol is also known for a wide-eyed little creature called a tarsier. Native to only a few islands in the Philippines and Indonesia, these tiny primates are thought to be the smallest on earth, and you can see them at the Tarsier Research and Development Center.
Address: Philippines
From $ 105
Bombay Panjrapole
Bombay Panjrapole is easy to miss among the bustling bazaars and crowded lanes of the Bhuleshwar neighborhood, but once you find it, the shelter's bright blue exterior is unforgettable—as are the sprawling two acres that house about 300 cows and an array of various other animals, including donkeys, hens, birds, dogs, goats, and even ducks and parrots.
Dating back to the 1830s, the shelters takes in the stray and unwanted animals of Mumbai. The site was first established as a response to a British decree that all dogs and pigs on the streets of Bombay should be killed, and although it's thought that cows were only brought in later to provide milk, they have become the main attraction, outnumbering all of the other animals.
A charitable trust and non-profit institution, Bombay Panjrapole allows visitors to wander the shelter, pet the cows, and, for a small donation, feed them some greens. The site is a strangely peaceful and spacious haven in the center of the crowded streets of Bhuleshwar.
Practical Info
With an entrance down an ordinary lane surrounded by shops, Bombay Panjrapole is located in the Panjrapole Compound on Panjarapole Road in Bhuleshwa near the Madhav Baug Post Office. It's open from 7am until 6pm daily but closes for an hour at lunch.
Address: Panjarapole Road, Mumbai, India
Hours: 7am-6pm daily, closed for an hour at lunch
From $ 18
Borobudur
The Buddhist temple of Borobudur is recognized not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also the largest Buddhist structure on earth. Towering stone stupas stretch into the skies, and Indonesia’s breathtaking natural backdrop of volcanoes and lush landscapes lends an even more impressive air to this remarkable sight.
The Basics
Borobudur, built in the seventh and eighth centuries, consists of six square platforms decorated with more than 2,500 relief panels and some 500 Buddha statues, making it one of the most decorated temples on earth. Guided tours of the complex uncover the stories behind the imagery while giving visitors a better understanding of nirvana, karmic laws, and the life of Buddha. You can choose between intimate small-group tours, private tours, or combo tours that might include cycling through nearby villages, rafting on the Progo River, or visits to Pawon and Mendut Temples. If you have some extra time, opt for a two-day tour that includes a visit to Prambanan, a UNESCO-listed Hindu temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Borobudur temple is a must-see for all first-time visitors to central Java.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Borobudur tours from Yogyakarta city can last anywhere from six to 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.
How to Get There
Borobudur is located in the Kedu Plain on the Indonesian island of Java. It is accessible via bus from the Jombor terminal in Yogyakarta. Buses also run regularly from Magelang and take about one hour. Door-to-door minibuses are also available.
When to Get There
Borobudur is Indonesia’s most visited attraction, so it’s a good idea to arrive early on a weekday to beat the crowds. You’ll find the best weather in the dry season, from April to October. Expect high humidity and frequent rainfall from November to March.
Sunrise at Borobudur
For many a traveler, watching a beautiful sunrise from the top of Borobudur is a bucket-list experience. A Borobudur sunrise tour gets you into the complex in the early morning, before the main gate opens, for a chance to see (and photograph) the stupas at their most photogenic.
Address: Magelang, Indonesia
Hours: Open from 6am until 5pm
Admission: $20-25
From $ 25
Bridge on the River Kwai
Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province is home to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai and the beginning of the Thai-Burma Death Railway, both poignant reminders of the thousands of POWs and forced laborers who lost their lives during World War II.
Made famous by the 1957 David Lean movie of the same name, the building of the bridge in 1943 was one part of a huge Japanese wartime project to link Thai and Burmese railway lines and create a direct route from Bangkok.
Due to illness, starvation and neglect, thousands of people lost their lives building the bridge and railway – you can visit the graves of nearly 7,000 POWs at the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Parts of the original bridge are now displayed in the War Museum here. You can walk along the restored railway bridge on foot or take a train specifically for tourists.
Practical Info
The Bridge on the River Kwai is in Kanchanaburi about 80 miles (130 km) west of Bangkok. Tours often depart directly from Kanchanaburi or from Bangkok Noi Railway Station.
Address: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
From $ 27
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is perhaps the best place in Singapore for a look at Chinese Buddhism. Located in the heart of Chinatown, the temple is believed to house a sacred relic of the Buddha, housed within a gold stupa inside the temple.
While the temple exhibits Tang Dynasty architectural elements, it was actually built in 2007. In just a few short years, it has become a major landmark in Chinatown and a popular destination for both tourists and worshipers.
After visiting the main temple and viewing the various Buddha statuary, make sure to check out the museum on the third floor. Here, you’ll find a collection of Buddhist relics, artifacts and works of art. Also of interest is the History Gallery that outlines the conceptualization and construction of the temple. Admission to both the museum and temple is free, and guided tours in English are available twice per week.
While the temple exhibits Tang Dynasty architectural elements, it was actually built in 2007. In just a few short years, it has become a major landmark in Chinatown and a popular destination for both tourists and worshipers.
After visiting the main temple and viewing the various Buddha statuary, make sure to check out the museum on the third floor. Here, you’ll find a collection of Buddhist relics, artifacts and works of art. Also of interest is the History Gallery that outlines the conceptualization and construction of the temple. Admission to both the museum and temple is free, and guided tours in English are available twice per week.
Practical Info:
Routes to take by transit: Bus: 61, 166, 197, 80, and 145.
Address: 288 S Bridge Rd, 058840, Singapore
Hours: Daily: 7am - 7pm
From $ 17
Bull Temple (Dodda Ganeshana Gudi)
The Bull Temple (Dodda Ganeshana Gudi) was built in the 16th century in typical South Indian Dravidian style, and is one of Bangalore’s oldest temples. The locals call it “Dodda Basavana Gudi” (Big Bull Temple), named after the gigantic 15-foot high and 20-foot long statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull.
Visitors to the temple first pay their respects to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god at the base of the hill before climbing the many steps to worship the huge monolithic statue of Nandi at the top. Carved from a single enormous slab of granite, this is one of the largest statues of Nandi in the world.
One of the most important annual festivals celebrated at the Bull Temple is the “Peanut Festival” which happens every November. Peanut farmers from villages on the outskirts of the city come to the temple to offer their first crop of peanuts to Nandi the bull before selling the rest. The streets adjoining the temple are closed to traffic and take on a festive atmosphere: huge piles of peanuts are bought and sold and a variety of vendors sell trinkets, balloons and snacks to the crowds of people who come to take part.
Visitors to the temple first pay their respects to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god at the base of the hill before climbing the many steps to worship the huge monolithic statue of Nandi at the top. Carved from a single enormous slab of granite, this is one of the largest statues of Nandi in the world.
One of the most important annual festivals celebrated at the Bull Temple is the “Peanut Festival” which happens every November. Peanut farmers from villages on the outskirts of the city come to the temple to offer their first crop of peanuts to Nandi the bull before selling the rest. The streets adjoining the temple are closed to traffic and take on a festive atmosphere: huge piles of peanuts are bought and sold and a variety of vendors sell trinkets, balloons and snacks to the crowds of people who come to take part.
Practical Info
The temple is located on Bull Temple Road in
Basavanagudi, South Bangalore, next to Bugle Rock Park. It is open daily
from 6am–1pm and 4pm-9pm. Bugle Rock Park next door to the temple is
also worth a visit for its beautiful majestic trees.
Address: Bull Temple Road, Bassavanagudi, Bangalore, India, India
Hours: 6am–1pm; 4pm–9pm daily
From $ 55
Bombay High Court
South Mumbai is full of beautiful Gothic-revival architecture, and the Bombay High Court is one of the city's best examples. Dating to the 1870s, the courthouse features two octagonal towers. Visitors are allowed inside and may even sit in on court cases, but most just come to view the architecture from the outside.
The Basics
Bombay High Court is one of the oldest high courts in the country. While the court itself may be of interest to law buffs, it’s the architecture that attracts most visitors; the 19th-century building is part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Bombay High Court is a stop on some full-day tours of Mumbai, as well as on tours focused on the city’s architecture and colonial heritage. Most tours stop outside the building rather than leading participants inside, but you can enter independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the Bombay High Court is free, and visitors may sit in on court cases.
- Visitors must pass through security to enter, and cameras are not allowed inside.
- The courthouse is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Bombay High Court is located in South Mumbai's most touristy area, sandwiched between the Colaba and Fort neighborhoods and overlooking the Oval Maidan, a popular cricket ground. It's about a 15-minute walk from the Gateway of India and only five minutes from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station (aka Victoria Terminus).
When to Get There
Bombay High Court is open weekdays throughout the year, and entrance is free. However, many visitors come just to see the architecture from the outside, in which case it’s often best visited in the early morning when temperatures are cooler or after dark, when the building is illuminated with soft flood lighting.
The Sculptures of Bombay High Court
Bombay High Court is full of interesting sculptural work, including life-size statues of Justice and Mercy and tucked-away depictions of forest creatures. There's also a sculpture of a monkey holding the scales of justice unevenly; according to legend, an Indian subcontractor working on the building sued the English contractors for money they owed him. He lost and added the monkey in retaliation.
Address: High Court Building, Dr Kane Road, Fort Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032, India
From $ 34
Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath Stupa)
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a major pilgrimage point near Kathmandu. Every day, Buddhists fill the square to light incense, turn prayer wheels, and perform kora—clockwise circumambulations—around the monument. Rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, the stupa is one of Nepal's most unmissable attractions.
The Basics
Nepal has been an important base for Tibetan Buddhism since the 1950s, when streams of Tibetan refugees were exiled from China. But Buddhism has always held a vital role in Nepali cultural life. The stupa of Boudhanath dates back to the 14th century. Along with Lumbini—the birthplace of the Buddha—and the hilltop temple of Swayambhu, it is one of the country’s standout Buddhist sites.
Visitors of all backgrounds can join processions around the stupa and spin the prayer wheels that surround the monument. Tibetan jewelry, handicraft, and thangka painting shops surround the bustling public square—actually a circle—and the city’s best Tibetan restaurants are located nearby. Most guided tours cover the stupa along with several other attractions (like Pashupati or Swayambhu) in the same day, making an ideal introduction for first-time visitors. There are private, small-group, and larger group excursion options available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boudhanath stupa is one of the most important religious sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
- Wear comfortable footwear if you plan on making kora around the stupa—108 is the holiest number.
- Unable to walk? Visitors can still partake by lighting incense or a butter candle.
- Don’t miss a taste of traditional Tibetan noodle dishes in a local eatery.
How to Get There
Most tours offer complimentary hotel pickup in Kathmandu—a short distance away. Otherwise, taxi rides can be arranged. Although entirely pedestrian, the stupa of Boudhanath is easily reached by a main roadway.
When to Get There
On a typical day, most Buddhist worshippers arrive at dawn to circumambulate around the stupa. To soak up the most spiritual ambiance, time your visit with local monks, nuns, and Tibetan residents. In February or March, Boudha hosts the Tibetan New Year festival of Losar, and Buddha Jayanti (Buddha’s birthday) is celebrated in April or May during the full moon, an auspicious time for Buddhists.
Get an Eyeful of Tibetan Art
The intricately hand-painted devotional images, known as thangka paintings, are for sale in handicraft shops surrounding the stupa. Colorful and vibrant, they depict Buddhists deities or cosmic realms, painted with an astonishing attention to detail. Pick up your own souvenir painting, or wander the shops to get a firsthand peek at the centuries-old Tibetan art form.
Address: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
From $ 19
Bugis Street
One of the most famous shopping areas in Singapore, Bugis street is the home of some 800 busy shops, but it is perhaps the history there which makes it one of the more interesting landmarks in the country.
In the 1950s, Bugis Street gained notoriety as a place where transgendered locals would come down to hang out, driving a tourism boom that made it ideal for grabbing some push-cart, or hawker, food while enjoying a variety of inexpensive merchandise.
Today, the area is much more tamed and where the retail scene is still very much alive, but less of a scandalous place than it once was. Nonetheless, visitors still enjoy going to Bugis to listen about the history as well as get their hands on great local foods, candy and some of the most fashionable clothes in Singapore.
In the 1950s, Bugis Street gained notoriety as a place where transgendered locals would come down to hang out, driving a tourism boom that made it ideal for grabbing some push-cart, or hawker, food while enjoying a variety of inexpensive merchandise.
Today, the area is much more tamed and where the retail scene is still very much alive, but less of a scandalous place than it once was. Nonetheless, visitors still enjoy going to Bugis to listen about the history as well as get their hands on great local foods, candy and some of the most fashionable clothes in Singapore.
Address: Singapore
From $ 25
British Residency
The famed British Residency is an ideal place for history-loving travelers who want to experience the haunting beauty of historic ruins. Located in the heart of Lucknow, this former home of a British war general was built in the late 1700s. Travelers can wander the crumbling structures tucked amid lush greenery and explore the decrepit walls destroyed by cannon fire. A nearby cemetery is the final resting place of some 2,000 people who died during India’s war for independence. While travelers will certainly learn much about the history of this site while exploring the grounds on their own, an evening light show brings the British Residency’s history to life each night and it not to be missed.
Practical Info
The residency is located at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, in Quaiserbagh, Lucknow. It is open daily from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is within easy walking distance of Shaheed Smarak, Tehri Kothi and several other local points of interest.
Address: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Quaiserbagh, Lucknow, India
Hours: Open daily 7am-6pm
From $ 38
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a lovely residential neighborhood located
between Gyeongbok and Changdeok Palaces, and is full of traditional hanok homes. It is a
place that perfectly embodies the heritage and culture of South Korea.
Famous for once being the residences of high-ranking government officials, the village is now a peaceful destination for visitors looking to taking a stroll through its comforting alleyways and calm, picturesque scenery. Boasting more than 600 years of history, the village reflects that of the tranquil views and nature of neo-Confucianism.
It currently houses a museum and various craft shops tucked away in its back alleys, built in a uniform way where gardens meeting on adjacent properties seem to make the whole idea of property go away. Located just at the mouth of the village, the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center is a great place to get the low-down on not only the village itself, but its history and artist integrity, providing audiovisual materials and a shop.
Just a few steps away, the charming neighborhood of Samcheong-dong is the perfect place to stroll through while enjoying its unique shops, galleries and cafes.
Famous for once being the residences of high-ranking government officials, the village is now a peaceful destination for visitors looking to taking a stroll through its comforting alleyways and calm, picturesque scenery. Boasting more than 600 years of history, the village reflects that of the tranquil views and nature of neo-Confucianism.
It currently houses a museum and various craft shops tucked away in its back alleys, built in a uniform way where gardens meeting on adjacent properties seem to make the whole idea of property go away. Located just at the mouth of the village, the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center is a great place to get the low-down on not only the village itself, but its history and artist integrity, providing audiovisual materials and a shop.
Just a few steps away, the charming neighborhood of Samcheong-dong is the perfect place to stroll through while enjoying its unique shops, galleries and cafes.
Practical Info
You can get to the village by taking subway line number 3 to
Anguk Station. Business hours for the cultural center exist throughout
the entire week, year-round, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through
Friday, and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. For a good place to
eat some local cuisine or just enjoy the atmosphere of a nice bar,
Samcheonggak offers both lunch and dinner menus from 12:00 until 10 pm.
The venue is also known for its performance hall where you can check out
some local acts.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
From $ 25
Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan National Park is an urban oasis within the boundaries of Seoul. The park covers nearly 50 square miles (129 square kilometers) and contains hiking trails, sweeping mountaintop views, and streams rushing between gorges and granite peaks. Bukhansanseong Fortress and many Buddhist temples are also set here.
The Basics
Bukhansan National Park is a haven for hikers, climbers, and anyone looking to escape the bustle of South Korea’s capital city. Explore the park’s many hiking trails, climb Baegundae (Bukhansan’s highest peak), or visit the centuries-old Bukhansanseong Fortress.
Tours of Bukhansan National Park typically leave from Seoul and include a guided hike of Mt. Bukhan, plus a relaxing visit to a Korean-style spa or sauna (jjimjilbang). It’s also possible to visit the park on a contemporary art tour of Seoul, which usually includes a drive up Bukhansan Mountain to Gana Art Gallery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bukhansan National Park is a must-see for nature lovers.
- Bring sun protection, plenty of water, and shoes suitable for hiking; much of the park is unsuitable for wheelchairs.
- The granite mountains can be slippery when wet; be careful if it has rained recently.
- Fans of rock climbing should check out Insubong peak, which has climbing routes for various skill levels.
How to Get There
Bukhansan National Park is located in northern Seoul and is easily accessible via public transportation. Take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Dobongsan Station right at the park.
When to Get There
The park is open year-round but is especially beautiful in fall when the plentiful maple trees’ leaves turn shades of gold and red. Opt for a weekday visit to avoid crowds.
Trails in Bukhansan National Park
The park’s most popular hiking routes include the trail to the 2,746-foot (837-meter) Baegundae peak, the Insu-bong trail, the Mt. Bukhan hike, and the 43-mile (70-kilometer) Dulle Gil Trail, which connects forested paths along foothills and local villages and contains 21 sections.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
From $ 55
Bukit Melawati
Bukit Melawati (Melawati Hill) served as a stronghold for the Selangor Sultanate during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Remnants of the fort still dot the landscaped park now occupying the hill, including sections of wall, grave sites, a few cannons and a flat stone that was once used for beheadings.
Today the park attracts not only history buffs, but nature lovers and other visitors who come to take in the panoramic views of the Selangor coastline from the top of the hill. On a clear day the Straits of Malacca are visible in the distance. A lighthouse, built in 1910 by the British, sits at the summit, through it’s not open to visitors.
Silver-leafed monkeys and long-tailed macaques often hang around the park, hoping for a meal of peanuts or stolen snacks from unwary visitors.
Practical Info
A trail from the edge of town spirals up the hill to the top of Bukit Melawati. The walk takes about 20 minutes.
Address: Kuala Selangor 45000, Malaysia
Hours: 9am to 6pm
From $ 62
Bulguksa Temple
Just outside Gyeongju, South Korea’s Bulguksa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its beautiful gardens and pagodas. Completed in 774, during the golden age of Silla architecture, the huge temple complex is said to have been commissioned by chief minister Kim Daeseong as a way of pacifying the spirits of his parents.
Bulguksa Temple is home to seven national treasures, including the original Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas and bronze Buddhas.
Korean for Temple of the Buddha Land, Bulguksa still acts as a working temple for the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and you’re likely to see monks performing ceremonies on your visit. Look out for the patio covered with stone stacks, too. It’s said that if you can add a stone to the top of a stack without it toppling over, your wish will come true. Keep a lookout for the local chipmunks who hang out on the patio, too.
The temple’s ornamental gardens are especially beautiful in spring, when the cherry blossoms peak. And as you walk through the gardens from Bulguksa’s parking lot to the temple, you’ll see vendors offering all sorts of foods, from silkworm larvae to candyfloss.
Practical Info
Bulguksa Temple is open daily, and entry costs 4,000 W for adults. To get to the temple from Gyeongju, take the 40-minute bus ride on no 10 or 11 from either the intercity or express bus terminals, or the train station. You can also hail a taxi, which’ll take around 20-25 minutes to reach Bulguksa from downtown.
Address: 15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Hours: Daily 7am-6pm
Admission: Adults 4,000 W, Youth 3,000 W, Children 2,000 W, Children Under 7 Free
From $ 62
Bolaven Plateau
Cool temperatures, fertile soil, stunning waterfalls and coffee plantations blanketing its hills — this is the Bolaven Plateau. This higher altitude region of Southern Laos has long been used as a center of agriculture, starting with midland hill tribes who practiced rotational farming on the plateau. During the early twentieth century, French colonists began cultivating coffee, tea, fruit and cardamom in the area.
Well off the beaten path, the Bolaven Plateau attracts adventurous travelers with blissfully cool temperatures, stellar scenery (including Tat Fan, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country), hill tribe villages and sense of isolation. Travelers can tour coffee plantations, swim at the base of waterfalls, zip line through the trees and learn about the region’s ethnic minorities in one of several villages welcoming to tourists.
Practical Info
Many visitors explore the Bolaven Plateau on a day trip from Pakse, but guests who want to linger will find basic guest houses in Paksong.
Address: Paksong, Southern Laos, Laos
From $ 83
Botanical Gardens
Established in 1921 during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the Taipei Botanical Gardens displays more than 2,000 species of plants throughout its 17 garden districts and 20 acres (8 hectares). Walking paths take visitors past nine ponds and through two buildings, both registered historic sites. The first, built in 1888 was once a Qing-dynasty administrative building that currently houses the National Museum of History, and the other currently serves as a herbarium.
Apart from the mundane gardens -- bamboo, succulents, ferns and the like -- the Botanical Gardens maintains some interesting themed areas as well. Learn about plants used for daily life in the Economic Crops Garden, and see the hundreds of varieties of plants mentioned in ancient Chinese literature, like Journey to the West, in the Chinese Classical Literature Botanical Garden. Be sure to stop by the Sensory Garden, a space filled with plants you can touch and smell.
You might assume spring is the best time for a visit, but the botanists at the Botanical Gardens have carefully curated plants to ensure a year-round show of color.
Apart from the mundane gardens -- bamboo, succulents, ferns and the like -- the Botanical Gardens maintains some interesting themed areas as well. Learn about plants used for daily life in the Economic Crops Garden, and see the hundreds of varieties of plants mentioned in ancient Chinese literature, like Journey to the West, in the Chinese Classical Literature Botanical Garden. Be sure to stop by the Sensory Garden, a space filled with plants you can touch and smell.
You might assume spring is the best time for a visit, but the botanists at the Botanical Gardens have carefully curated plants to ensure a year-round show of color.
Address: NO.53, Nan-Hai Road, Taipei 10066, Taiwan
Hours: Daily 4:00am - 10:00pm
From $ 129
Bonham Strand
Bonham Strand is located in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island. The street ends at Des Voeux Road West, which is where Bonham Strand West Road begins. The streets were named after Sir George Bonham, the third Governor of Hong Kong in the mid-19th century.
This nostalgic market area is known for its old-fashioned shops, and is the place to head for traditional Chinese medicines and herbal remedies. There are also a whole host of other shops selling a range of food items, and it’s a particularly good place to buy dried seafood.
There are also a number of tailors in the area for those looking for custom-made clothing during their trip, and it’s just a short walk from Bonham Strand to the historic Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road.
Practical Info
Most of the shops along Bonham Strand are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Address: Bonham Strand, Hong Kong, China
From $ 57
Bosingak Belfry
The Bosingak Belfry refers to an ornate pavilion in central Seoul that houses a bell with a history that dates all the way back to the 14th century. Located opposite the modern Jongno Tower, the original bell was constructed in 1396 and used during the Joseon Dynasty to keep time and act as an alarm to alert people of fires and other emergencies.
Back then, the bell rang out 33 times (for the 33 Buddhist heavens) every morning at 4am, and the gates to the city were opened for the day. Each night at 10pm, they rang out 28 times (representing the location of the stars of constellations), to signal the closure of the gates and the start of the nightly curfew.
The original bell melted in a fire and was replaced in 1468. For preservation purposes, this bell now sits in the gardens of the National Museum of Korea, and the current bell you can see today is a replacement made with contributions from the public that was mounted in the same spot in 1985.
In a ceremony that starts at 11am, the guardsmen who patrol the tower ring the bell 12 times at noon from Tuesday through Sunday. A small-group walking tour is a great way to visit Bosingak Belfry, allowing you to take in other attractions in Seoul, such as Gyeonghuigung Palace, Daehamun, Cheonggyecheon Plaza, and the various landmarks of Jongno.
Insider’s Tip: If you happen to be in Seoul over New Year’s Eve, head down to the Bosingak Belfry, where a huge event is organized and the bell is rung 33 times at midnight.
Practical Info
The Bosingak Belfry is located along Jongno, the major financial and cultural center of Seoul, and is easily walkable from Gwanghwamun Square. Alternatively, take subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station and use exit 4.
Address: 54 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 24 hours
From $ 47