Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Disneyland Tokyo
Tokyo Disneyland opened to the public in 1983, making it the oldest Disney theme park outside of the United States. The park is modeled after the original in Anaheim, and you’ll find its rides and attractions spread out over seven themed areas.
World Bazaar serves as the entryway into the park and is similar to Main Street USA in other Magic Kingdom Parks, an area dominated by shops and restaurants. Adventureland is home to popular attractions like the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. Westernland, similar to Frontierland in other parks, has an Old West theme with rides like Big Thunder Mountain and the Mark Twain Riverboat. Critter Country, one of the park’s smaller areas, has only one ride, Splash Mountain. Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland are all nearly carbon copies of the same areas in the US.
While most of the park’s attractions can be found at other Disney parks, Tokyo Disneyland has one unique ride, the Western River Railroad, which takes guests on a tour of Critter Country, Westernland and Adventureland. Tokyo DisneySea, a new park that opened in 2001, is exclusive to Japan.
World Bazaar serves as the entryway into the park and is similar to Main Street USA in other Magic Kingdom Parks, an area dominated by shops and restaurants. Adventureland is home to popular attractions like the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. Westernland, similar to Frontierland in other parks, has an Old West theme with rides like Big Thunder Mountain and the Mark Twain Riverboat. Critter Country, one of the park’s smaller areas, has only one ride, Splash Mountain. Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland are all nearly carbon copies of the same areas in the US.
While most of the park’s attractions can be found at other Disney parks, Tokyo Disneyland has one unique ride, the Western River Railroad, which takes guests on a tour of Critter Country, Westernland and Adventureland. Tokyo DisneySea, a new park that opened in 2001, is exclusive to Japan.
Practical Info:
Routes to take by transit: JR Keiyo Line and JR Mushashino Line (at Maihama Station).
Address: Tokyo Disneyland, Urayasu, Maihama, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Hours: Daily 10am - 11pm.
Admission: Prices vary per age, time of day, and group.
From $ 81
Dong Ba Market
On the north bank of the Huong River is Hue’s lively Dong Ba Market, stretching out for 16,000 square meters. Still retaining its old bell tower from when it was first opened by King Dong Khanh in 1887, the atmospheric market is divided into separate sections, with the whole upstairs floor dedicated to clothes.
Though Hue has plenty of supermarkets, Dong Ba is an important market for locals and a great place to experience Vietnamese life, with 5,000 to 7,000 people coming here to barter daily.
While you’re at Dong Ba Market, look out for popular local handicrafts like non la bai tho (conical hats with poems woven in the design), xung sesame candies, and Tuan black tea. Dong Ba is also a great spot for trying traditional regional food like beef vermicelli. You’ll find the street vendors serving specialty dishes on the ground floor of the market, on the street parallel to the river.
Practical Info
The food stalls at Dong Ba Market begin setting up at 3 a.m., and it’s in the early hours when the freshest food is sold at the lowest price. The market is open until 8.30 p.m., and there’s a convenient bus station inside the market.
Address: Chương Dương, Phú Hòa, tp. Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam
Hours: Daily 3am-8:30pm
From $ 20
Dilli Haat
The word “haat” signifies an informal weekly market, the kind that often occur in rural areas of India. Dilli Haat was opened in 2003 to recreate the haat experience in the city and provide a place for craftspeople from throughout India to sell their wares without paying high maintenance costs. The result is an open air craft and food market with 200 stalls specializing in arts and crafts from each state of India.
Vendors rent space for periods of two weeks at a time, so the variety of goods is always changing. Unlike other craft and souvenir shops in Delhi, where you’re buying from an intermediary, Dilli Haat allows you to purchase directly from artists, many of them coming to the city from rural parts of India to sell their pieces. It’s one of the most fairly priced and authentic shopping experiences in the city.
Vendors rent space for periods of two weeks at a time, so the variety of goods is always changing. Unlike other craft and souvenir shops in Delhi, where you’re buying from an intermediary, Dilli Haat allows you to purchase directly from artists, many of them coming to the city from rural parts of India to sell their pieces. It’s one of the most fairly priced and authentic shopping experiences in the city.
Practical Info
When you come here to shop, come hungry. The food stalls in the market
cook specialties from each Indian state, making it a great place for a
meal, especially if your travels are limited to one state or city in
India.
Address: Sri Aurobindo Marg, West Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi 110023, India
From $ 22
Dongyue Temple
Founded in 1317, Dongyue Temple is dedicated to Tai Shan, one of the five great mountains of Taoism. Still an active temple, it’s one of the largest Taoist temples in north China at 11.7 acres (4.7 hectares). It’s also one of Beijing’s more unusual temples, with 76 small rooms representing the “departments” of the Taoist underworld.
The Basics
The temple features three main halls and courtyards, plus more than 350 rooms. In addition to numerous ancient carved stone statues of Taoist deities and figures, there are nearly 100 inscribed stone tablets in the main courtyard. What makes the temple stand out most, however, are the 76 rooms representing the “departments” of the afterlife, as well as the various figures and displays that accompany them. There’s also a Folk Museum, which features more than 1,600 artifacts from all over China, and numerous exhibits on ancient and folk traditions.
Dongyue can be explored on its own, or you can see it on a tour that visits multiple Taoist temples. Other tours include it on along with stops at Buddhist and Confucian temples for a broader picture of Chinese culture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is an active temple and visitors should be respectful of worshippers.
- Admission is free during national holidays.
- There are some macabre displays, which may not be appropriate for young kids.
- Although the temple grounds appear small, there’s a lot to see. Plan on at least 90 minutes, especially if you plan to visit the Folk Museum as well.
How to Get There
The temple is located in the Chaoyang District. By subway, take Line 6 and get off at Dongdaqiao Station (Exit A) and walk east, or Line 2 and get off at Chaoyangmen Station (Exit A) and walk east. Or take the 75, 101, 109, 139, or 615 bus and get off at Shenlu Jie Station.
When to Get There
The temple is at its most vibrant (and crowded) during holidays like the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, when a big temple fair and other activities are held.
Departments of Dongyue
The 76 Taoist departments cover a wide range of topics, ranging from the Department of Punishment to the Department for Accumulating Wealth to more esoteric departments like the Department of Flying Birds. Plaster statues depict each department’s topic, and there are donation boxes where worshippers—in appeals to departments for retribution, absolution, or good fortune—can leave red envelopes containing cash, burn incense, or hang a fortune card.
Address: China
From $ 70
Ding Ding Tram (Double Deckers)
Hong Kong’s public transportation system is one of the most modern and efficient in the world, but for an authentic, street-level tour of old Hong Kong Island, hop on the Ding Ding Tram. These double decker trams got their nickname from the dinging sound used to warn other traffic and pedestrians that the tram is approaching. The bell was replaced by a beeping sound in 2000, but the public vehemently opposed the change, and the “ding ding” sound was shortly reintroduced.
Trams have been ferrying passengers along the streets of Hong Kong since 1904, but the iconic double deckers didn’t show up on the scene until 1912. The modern line makes a loop from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, passing through some of the island’s oldest neighborhoods. Hong Kong maintains the largest fleet of double decker trams in the world, so you’ll only have to wait a minute or two, and you can pay the inexpensive fare with your octopus card.
Trams have been ferrying passengers along the streets of Hong Kong since 1904, but the iconic double deckers didn’t show up on the scene until 1912. The modern line makes a loop from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, passing through some of the island’s oldest neighborhoods. Hong Kong maintains the largest fleet of double decker trams in the world, so you’ll only have to wait a minute or two, and you can pay the inexpensive fare with your octopus card.
Address: China
From $ 12
Dotonbori
Dotonbori (also called Dotombori) is a bustling nightlife district in Osaka’s Minami area. It stretches along the Dtomborigawa River, with a multitude of small restaurants, bars, and neon lights that come alive after nightfall. An entertainment neighborhood, Dotonbori is famous for its varied cuisine and huge animated signs.
The Basics
Dotonbori provides a whole night’s worth of entertainment. Visit lively bars, peruse shops, and test your gaming skills at an arcade room. Numerous food options are available, ranging from street food stalls to sit-down restaurants offering both local delicacies and international cuisine.
Many Osaka walking tours include a visit to Dotonbori along with samplings of local street food. You can also experience the city’s quirky side on an Osaka GoKart tour featuring funny costume rentals, and cruise around the city dressed up as your favorite Mario Kart character. For a personalized experience, visit on a private city tour or see Dotonbori at your own pace on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dotonbori is a must-see for foodies and nightlife seekers.
- This is a good spot to try Japanese street food: look out for hot-off-the-grill yakitori kebabs, savory okonomiyaki pancakes, and deep-fried octopus balls.
- Don’t miss the iconic Glico running man, a huge illuminated sign featuring the Glico candy company’s mascot.
How to Get There
Dotonbori is located in the Minami area, a 5-minute walk from Namba Station in downtown Osaka, Japan. Parking is hard to find, so public transportation is your best bet.
When to Get There
You can visit Dotonbori anytime, but the district comes alive at night, especially on Friday and Saturday. Spring and autumn are good times to visit Osaka, when the weather is typically clear and mild.
Dotonbori for Brunch
Dotonbori isn’t just a wild nightlife spot—it’s also one of the best places in Osaka to grab brunch. With restaurants offering spicy curries and sushi, Italian rooftop eateries, and cat cafés, this district has you covered.
Address: Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0071, Japan
From $ 23
Do Temple
Originally constructed in the 11th century, Do Temple in Dinh Bang Village is dedicated to the deities of the eight male kings of the Ly Dynasty. Known for its beautiful architecture, the temple was destroyed in 1952 by the French, and reconstructed in 1989 according to the original layout.
The Basics
In front of the temple is a half-moon shaped lake, with a floating two-story pavilion used to host water puppet shows and Quan Ho folk performances. Enter the inner courtyard through the Five Dragon Gate, taking note of the Bat Trang tiles on the ground. The main hall is used to worship the eight Ly kings, while two side halls are dedicated to high-ranking civil officers and generals from the Ly Dynasty. The final, female ruler of the dynasty is worshipped at Rong (Dragon) Temple, about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) west of Do Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful of worshippers.
- Visitors must wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and the knees.
- It’s free to enter the temple but donations are accepted.
- The temple is not wheelchair friendly, as there are a number of steps throughout the grounds.
How to Get There
Do Temple is located in Dinh Bang Village, 9 miles (15 kilometers) from Hanoi. It’s easiest to take a taxi here from Hanoi. You can also it by taking bus 10 or 54 from Long Bien bus station in Hanoi.
When to Get There
Do Temple doesn’t usually get too crowded, so it can be a good alternative when other attractions are busy. The temple will be at its most festive during its Temple Festival, which takes place from the 14th to the 16th of the third lunar month, and which attracts thousands of pilgrims and other visitors.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Rong Temple; Dinh Bang Communal House, one of the largest communal houses in Vietnam; Dong Ho Painting Village, famous for its folk paintings; and Phu Lang Pottery Village, where pottery is still made using traditional methods.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 40
Don Antonio Blanco Museum
Ubud’s Don Antonio Blanco Museum celebrates the colorful life and baroque-erotic work of Philippine-born Spanish artist Antonio Blanco. Blanco arrived in Bali in 1952 and married a famous Balinese dancer. Set on a hill amid elaborate gardens and an aviary, the museum’s architecture, a hybrid of Spanish and Indonesian influences, is a highlight.
The Basics
Set in central Ubud, the Don Antonio Blanco Museum is easy to explore independently and advance tickets are not necessary. Besides the gardens and the small aviary of parakeets, which are happy to pose for photos, the gallery includes Balinese sculptures and an elaborate rotunda lined with Don Antonio Blanco’s paintings, many of them nudes and semi-nudes. The artist’s studio is preserved as he left it, complete with an unfinished painting.
Relatively few Ubud tours include the Don Antonio Blanco Museum, although it’s an occasional stop on Ubud art tours and an easy addition to any custom Bali tour. While a well-known artist, Blanco did not greatly influence the Balinese or Indonesian art scenes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parents might want to exercise caution before visiting: much of Blanco’s work involves female nudes and topless models.
- The Blanco family are still very much involved in the running of the art museum: it’s not uncommon to meet them on-site.
- Kids will love the aviary, home to a wealth of gaudy parakeets.
How to Get There
Located in central Ubud, up a hill just past the Campuhan Bridge, the Blanco gallery is well signposted for miles around and walkable from many parts of Ubud. There is ample parking for self-drivers, although many, particularly if coming from south Bali, opt for the convenience of a tour or private driver rather than braving Ubud’s choked traffic.
When to Get There
Open seven days a week, including on public holidays—though, of course, excluding Nyepi (Day of Silence)—the Blanco Museum can be visited throughout the year. As the grounds and gardens are a major part of the gallery’s charm, it’s best visited during the dry season (roughly March through September), or on dry days during the rainy season.
Ubud’s Foreign Artists
After the German painter Walter Spies made his home in Ubud in 1927, a variety of foreign artists and painters chose to settle in Ubud, generally in Campuhan (Campuan), with active support from the Ubud royal family, who became patrons of the arts. It was a member of the royal family who gifted Antonio Blanco the land that now houses his museum, above the Campuhan River.
Address: Jalan Campuhan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Dora Observatory
Located at the top of Mt Dora on the South Korean side of the 38th parallel, the Dora Observatory sits as close to North Korea as one can get from the south. Looking out over the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the observatory is close to the huge Third Tunnel, which was originally created by the North Koreans with the intention to use it as a secret pathway to invade South Korea if war ever broke out again.
Because the area is restricted, the Dora Observatory can only be visited via the DMZ Peace and Security Tourist Program. Once at the observatory, binoculars can be rented, but photography is restricted and banned beyond a certain point.
Practical Info
The Dora Observatory is open from 10am until 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. All visitors must show photographic identification at the checkpoint just beyond the Unification Bridge.
Address: 310 Je3(sam) ttanggul-ro, Jangdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Closed Mon
Admission: 500 won; prices vary
From $ 40
Donghuamen Night Market
Follow the sizzle of wok frying and the shouts of vendors to this quintessential after-dark hotspot in Beijing. The pedestrianized Donghuamen Night Market teems with locals and tourists who come for the adventurous street food, including skewers of scorpion, snake, starfish, or lamb testicles (as well as tamer options).
The Basics
Chinese and international visitors alike flock to Donghuamen Night Market for one reason: to eat. Many of the Chinese street food offerings come skewered and fried, making them easy to eat as you wander the length of Wangfujing Street. Those with an adventurous appetite will have plenty to choose from, but even more timid eaters can opt for Chinese stir-fried noodles, skewers of fresh fruit (sometimes dipped in liquid sugar), or a custard bun.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This night market is a must-visit for foodies.
- Bring some cash in small denominations so you can sample from multiple vendors.
- While labeled as a night market, Donghuamen has some food vendors that operate throughout the day.
How to Get There
Donghuamen Night Market is located north of Donganmen Street in Beijing’s Dongcheng District. Several public bus routes stop nearby, or you can take the subway to the Wanfujing stop.
When to Get There
While some vendors serve food earlier in the day, the bulk of the food stalls set up shop between 6pm and 9pm daily.
Other Snack Streets in Beijing
No matter the hour, there’s always something to eat in Beijing. While Donghuamen is the most famous of the city’s snack streets, other options include the 24-hour restaurants of Guijie Street (known for spicy lobster), Guanganmen Snack Street (known for Sichuan specialities), and Niu Jie Muslim Snack Street (known for ethnic minority cuisine).
Address: Wangfujing Street, Beijing, China
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Doi Inthanon
Rising 8,415 feet (2,565 meters) above sea level, Doi Inthanon, situated in the center of Doi Inthanon National Park, is Thailand’s tallest mountain. While many visitors strive to see the views from its summit, the surrounding forests, waterfalls, stupas—dome-shaped Buddhist shrines—and trails are just as impressive.
The Basics
Doi Inthanon is one of the most popular day trips from Chiang Mai (the mountain is named for the city’s last king, in fact), and you’ll find plenty of tour options. Active travelers can trek through paddy fields to plummeting waterfalls, cruise down the peak on a mountain bike, or navigate the rapids of Mae Wang Valley, which sprawls out at the foot of the mountain. A guided small-group or private tour of the park often includes a trek to the summit of Doi Inthanon, plus visits to a hill tribe village, a Hmong market, and the twin King and Queen pagodas; you’ll also learn about the region’s ecosystem by exploring the Kew Mae Pan or Ang Ka nature trails.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Doi Inthanon is a must-see for adventure travelers and nature lovers.
- Dress in layers; daytime temperatures in the park can be surprisingly cool.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
- Most day tours from Chiang Mai include roundtrip transportation and lunch.
- Expect a full-day tour to last upwards of eight hours.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Doi Inthanon is by joining an English-speaking guided tour of the park or hiring a private taxi for the day. Convenient public transportation to the park is lacking.
When to Get There
For the best chance of clear views from the summit, plan your visit for the dry season (between May and October). During the rest of the year, Doi Inthanon is blanketed in perpetual fog and sees almost daily rainfall.
The Mae Kha Ning Phenomenon
If you visit Doi Inthanon over New Year’s, you’ll likely be joined by locals coming to witness a phenomena known as Mae Kha Ning, or frost—a rare sight in a climate as warm as Thailand’s.
Address: Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand
From $ 31
DMZ
Nowhere is the tension between North and South Korea more palpable than in the no-man's-land known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ. As a divided nation, only 2.5 miles (4 km) separate the North from the South at what is the most heavily armed border on earth. The 150-mile (241-km) zone has served as a buffer since the 1953 cease-fire agreement between the United Nations and North Korea that put the Korean War on hold.
The Basics
Even with its past, the area is quite safe for travelers and is one of the most fascinating day trip options from Seoul. The DMZ can only be visited as part of an organized, guided tour, during which travelers get the chance to see the Joint Security Area (JSA), also known as Panmunjom, where the North and South met for peace talks during the war. Visitors can also see both North Korean and South Korean soldiers each guarding their respective sides of the DMZ. Other common stops on the tour include Imjingak Park, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Freedom Bridge, and the Dora Observatory, where it's possible to look across the border into North Korea.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The DMZ is a must-see for history buffs.
- Choose a full- or half-day tour, lasting between 6 and 10 hours.
- The DMZ can only be visited on a guided tour; no independent visits are permitted.
- Don't forget your passport, as you'll need it for security check.
- Dress conservatively and avoid wearing any "commercial" military clothing.
How to Get to the DMZ
Travelers wanting to go to the DMZ must visit with a guide, and tours need to be booked at least a few days ahead of time for security reasons. Tours typically include pickup and drop-off from either your hotel in Seoul or a central meeting point, so there's no hassle with transportation to and from the various points of interest.
When to Get There
Tours to the DMZ can be canceled on short notice, so it's a good idea to book for your first full day in Seoul so you have time to reschedule as needed. For the best weather, plan to visit in spring or fall. Expect high humidity and more frequent rainfall during the summer months, and dress for chilly weather in winter—temperatures tend to hover in the 20s and 30s F.
Dress to Impress at the DMZ
The DMZ has a strictly enforced dress code, partly because North Korean soldiers have been known to take photos of poorly dressed tourists to use in propaganda "proving" that other nations are too poor to afford proper clothing. Leave the ripped jeans, sandals, and halter tops at the hotel.
Address: South Korea
From $ 40
Dongbaek Island (Dongbaekseom)
Deongbeak Island (Dongbaekseom), considered one of Busan’s most scenic places, isn’t really an island at all. The former island, now connected to the Korean mainland by a land bridge made up of accumulated sediment, gets its name from the abundant dongbaek trees that live there.
Located within an easy walking distance of Haeundae Beach, the island park is crisscrossed by a series of boardwalks and trails, some winding along the rocky shore and others climbing through the verdant interior, perfect for a fresh air escape from the nearby city. Follow the boardwalk along the shore, and eventually you’ll come upon one of the island’s most famous landmarks, a statue of a mermaid sitting on a rock amid the crashing waves.
Practical Info
To get to Deongbaek Island, take the subway to Dongbaek Station and leave through exit 1. Admission to the island is free.
Address: Deongbaek Island, Busan, South Korea
Hours: Daily
From $ 90
Dongdaemun Market and Gate
Once the easternmost of four main gates to the capital city, Seoul, the Dongdaemun Gate functions today as a tourist attraction and an iconic beacon for shoppers seeking the wares available at the nearby market and shopping complexes.
There have been imposing structures serving as gates on the site as far back as 1396. The current structure was built by King Gojong in 1869. The gate and connecting city wall weren't built for ornamental purposes only, as the lowland site of the main palace wasn't easy to defend from invaders. This is not to say that the structure is anything less than handsome. Despite the varying hues of stone used during numerous renovations over the years, the gate's facade is imposing. Joseon Period Japsang statues of animals adorn the eaves in an attempt to ward off evil spirits. Whether they are effective or not is questionable, but their aesthetic value is considerable. Guided tours of the structure and surrounding area come highly recommended.
The aforementioned market and shopping complexes are booming destinations popular with both Koreans and tourists. Situated along the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream and the Hwanghakgyo Bridge, the market is home to stalls offering standard wares, kitschy souvenirs, traditional Korean goods, folk items, and a wide array of traditional Korean and fusion cuisine. Cross the main street to the Dongdaemun shopping complexes to go shopping for clothing, accessories, and shoes until the wee hours of the night.
A stimulating mix of old and new, the Dongdaemun Gate and accompanying market are definitely worth a late afternoon or early evening, whether you live in and around Seoul or are just passing through.
There have been imposing structures serving as gates on the site as far back as 1396. The current structure was built by King Gojong in 1869. The gate and connecting city wall weren't built for ornamental purposes only, as the lowland site of the main palace wasn't easy to defend from invaders. This is not to say that the structure is anything less than handsome. Despite the varying hues of stone used during numerous renovations over the years, the gate's facade is imposing. Joseon Period Japsang statues of animals adorn the eaves in an attempt to ward off evil spirits. Whether they are effective or not is questionable, but their aesthetic value is considerable. Guided tours of the structure and surrounding area come highly recommended.
The aforementioned market and shopping complexes are booming destinations popular with both Koreans and tourists. Situated along the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream and the Hwanghakgyo Bridge, the market is home to stalls offering standard wares, kitschy souvenirs, traditional Korean goods, folk items, and a wide array of traditional Korean and fusion cuisine. Cross the main street to the Dongdaemun shopping complexes to go shopping for clothing, accessories, and shoes until the wee hours of the night.
A stimulating mix of old and new, the Dongdaemun Gate and accompanying market are definitely worth a late afternoon or early evening, whether you live in and around Seoul or are just passing through.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
From $ 47
Dingling Underground Palace
The Dingling Underground Palace was the first of the 13 Ming royal tombs to be officially opened to the public. Located on the southern slopes of Tianshou Mountain in Changping County, Beijing, Dingling is the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yijun and his two empresses, Xiaoduan and Xiaojing. The ancient palace is accessed via a 40-meter underground tunnel.
Zhu Yijun was the thirteenth emperor and occupier of the throne for 48 years, the longest of all the Ming Dynasty emperors. Built over six years between 1584 and 1590, the tomb is gigantic and extravagant, with five halls connected by giant marble archways, and floors paved with gilded bricks. The central hall is home to three imperial thrones, while the rear hall is the most important and where the three coffins of the emperor and his empresses can be found. These are surrounded by red-lacquer chests filled with precious items.
There is also a museum at the Dingling Underground Palace, where 3000 objects excavated from the site are displayed. These artifacts include royal robes, the emperor's crown and the empresses' tiaras, plus a number of other jewels and ceramic items.
Practical Info
To reach the Dingling Underground Palace from Beijing, take Subway Line 2 to Jishuitan Station and walk to Deshengmen Bus Station. Take the 872 bus from here to the Ming Tombs.
Address: Changchi Road, Beijing, Changping District 102213, China
Hours: 8:30am-6pm
Admission: April-October: CNY 65 / November-March: CNY 45
From $ 39
Dragon Bridge
One of Da Nang’s more unusual and unexpected attractions is a bridge in the likeness of a dragon spanning the River Han. If the golden dragon slithering across the water isn’t impressive enough, on weekend evenings its body is illuminated by 2,500 LED lights and its head spouts fire and water over the river’s eastern bank.
Opened in 2013, the Dragon Bridge carries a six-lane roadway and two sidewalks over the river. The bridge measures 2,000 feet (610 meters) long and 123 feet (37.5 meters) wide. As the shortest road link between the Da Nang International Airport and the bulk of Da Nang city, visitors arriving or departing by air often pass over this bridge.
Practical Info
For the best views of the nightly show, stake out a spot on the eastern bank of the Han River north of the bridge or take an evening boat trip the western bank of the river.
Address: Da Nang, Vietnam
From $ 35
Doi Mae Salong
Doi Mae Salong is a mountain in northern Thailand with an elevation reaching 1,800 meters. The stunning scenery and cooler temperatures make it a popular retreat for Thais and tourists alike with activities such as mountain trekking, visiting hill-tribe villages, and touring tea plantations.
Nestled near the mountain is the village of Mae Salong (officially known as Santikhiri, meaning "hill of peace") which offers accommodations to suit all budgets. The village was originally settled by anti-communist exiles from China who were granted asylum by Thailand. The Chinese influence can still be sensed in the town's language and food.
Doi Mae Salong is located about 70 kilometers northeast of Chiang Rai near the border with Myanmar. The winding mountain roads are known to make travelers feel queasy, so have some motion sickness pills on hand if you're prone.
The temperature in the mountains around Mae Salong is noticeably cooler than the rest of Thailand – especially during the winter months from December to February – so pack a sweater and long pants.
Address: Chiang Rai, Thailand
From $ 57
Dong Khoi Street
The colorful cafes and cheap hostels of Pham Ngu Lao Street may attract a budget-friendly crowd, but the well-heeled set know that Dong Khoi Street, with its elite boutiques, French architecture and trendy cafes is the premier commercial center of the city to see and be seen.
Travelers can wander through up-market shops selling silks and other handmade items, or comb through the stocks of high-end luxury brands at more mainstream stores. Visit the polished storefronts and quaint cafes off the hidden side streets for a less touristy vibe, and head to the nearby opera house, Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office to take in some of the city’s most popular sites.
Practical Info
Dong Khoi Street is easily accessible from the 60, the 58 and the 13 buses.
Address: Dong Khoi Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 31
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park protects a swathe of verdant forest and mountain ranges in Northern Thailand near Chiang Mai. Named after a hermit who lived in the forest before it became a national park, Doi Suthep Pui is perhaps most famous for the temple at the summit of Doi Suthep Peak, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Founded in 1383, the temple is one of the most sacred in the North and affords some of the most spectacular views in Chiang Mai. The temple is reached via 306 steps leading up to the peak, but the climb is worth it for the views and the stunning temple itself. Other cultural attractions of note within the park include Bhubing Palace, the winter residence of the Thai royal family, as well as San Ku, an ancient earth mound dating back to the thirteenth century.
While most visitors come to Doi Suthep Pui National Park to see the temple, it’s also a place of great natural beauty, where numerous nature trails wind through the forest and past several waterfalls. The park is home to some 300 bird species and another 2,000 species of flowering plants and ferns, making it a great destination for wildlife viewing.
Practical Info
The national park is located 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of Chiang Mai. Camping and small bungalows are available for overnight stays.
Address: Thailand
From $ 24
Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi’s largest indoor market, Don Xuan Market is jam-packed with stalls selling everything from clothing and cosmetics to household goods, pets, and plants. Although geared more toward local Vietnamese and wholesalers, it’s a great place to get a pulse on local life, and there’s also a lively food court and weekend night market.
The Basics
Originally founded by the French in 1889, Dong Xuan market was rebuilt after a 1994 fire and now covers 1.6 acres (0.65 hectares). Like many Asian markets, there’s a wet market on the ground floor. Clothing and other goods can be found in the upper floors. There are a few souvenir shops, but you can usually find better options and prices at other markets. Many visitors come here more for the experience than to actually buy anything, though the food court remains popular. There’s a lively weekend night market, with cultural performances such as Xam singing, Cheo theater, and Quan Ho folk duet singing. A number of sightseeing tours will feature a stop here, particularly those that focus on local life in Hanoi, or food-oriented tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The market gets very crowded; those with claustrophobia should avoid.
- Wholesalers will usually refuse to sell small quantities.
- Buyer beware, as not all the branded goods here are authentic.
- Don’t forget to bargain for better prices, though most vendors do not speak English.
- The market is not very wheelchair-friendly, as there are numerous narrow and crowded aisles.
How to Get There
Dong Xuan Market is located at the northern end of the Old Quarter. From Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s about a 10-minute walk. Taxis are an easy way to get there for those coming from further afield.
When to Get There
Although the market is can be visited all day, many vendors may be closed for lunch or a nap in the middle of the day. It’s best to visit in the morning or later in the afternoon. A lively night market is held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
Local Foods to Try
In addition to the food court within the market, there are a number of food stalls just outside, particularly during the weekend night markets. Popular local foods to try include bun cha (marinated grilled pork with noodles), banh cuon (rolled cake), and bin rieu (rice vermicelli soup with meat). For the more adventurous, there’s also fried frog and tiet canh (duck blood soup).
Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 25