Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Amber Fort
High on a hilltop, towering majestically over the village of Amber on the outskirts of Jaipur, this 16th-century fort palace is worth visiting for its grand architecture that blends Muslim Mughal and Indian Hindu (Rajput) elements. Here, you’ll find labyrinthine passageways, elegant royal halls, and fabulous views of desert landscape.
The Basics
Dating from around 1592, Amber Fort is one of Rajasthan's top tourist attractions and a standard stop on most North India itineraries. This enormous complex built under Raja Man Singh I blends red sandstone and white marble in four stories of magnificent architecture.
Highlights in the main palace include the Sheesh Mahal (or mirror palace), a small room covered with mirrored mosaics, and the Zenana, a maze of fresco-covered rooms that once served as a residence for royal concubines.
Visit as part of a full-day or multi-day tour, or book a package for Amber Fort’s light and sound show that includes dinner and private transportation. An excursion to the fort can also be paired with lunch and a camel ride.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Carry a hat or parasol and wear sunscreen. The sun here is powerful, and there’s not much shade.
- Bring water, as it’s not available for sale inside the fort gates.
- Comfortable shoes are a must, as getting up to the fort and around the grounds requires a lot of walking.
- Travelers with mobility concerns can take a jeep up to the top of the palace for an extra fee.
- Amber is pronounced “ah-meer.”
How to Get There
Amber Fort is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the Pink City, just past Maota Lake, near Jaigarh Fort, on the road that leads out of town toward Delhi and Agra. Most visitors come here as part of a larger day tour, although those wanting to see the fort can always hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to drop them off.
When to Get There
Amber Fort is open throughout the year. However, its high elevation, lack of shade, and desert location can lead to some oppressively hot and sunny conditions, so it’s a good idea to arrive at sunrise to avoid the worst heat of the day. This is especially advisable if you’re visiting during the hot months of April–June.
Dine Like a Royal Inside Amber Fort
For a special, romantic, and regal experience, book a table at 1135 AD, housed in an elegant series of rooms right inside Amber Fort, just off the main courtyard. The menu here features rich Rajasthani dishes, many of which date back generations. However, it’s the ambience that really makes 1135 feel special, with elegant purple-and-gold chairs, crystal chandeliers, and archways and pillars covered with intricately detailed frescoes.
Address: Devisinghpura, Rajasthan 302001, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 8
Ancestral Goa Center
The Ancestral Goa Center offers an excellent introduction to Goan life. This living history museum was set up by a local artist. Included are a typical 19th-century Goan village, featuring traditional homes, displays of handicrafts such as pottery and cobbling, and even a replica of a sacred spring, plus lots of activities for kids.
The Basics
This fun attraction, also known as the Big Foot Museum (owing to its dance floor shaped like a huge foot), features carved sculptural depictions of Goan life, including figurines of people engaged in traditional trades, from potters to vegetable sellers. Workshops for kids focus on nature and include painting with natural dyes and a theme park that brings local kids from across economic backgrounds to play together for the day.
Travelers can join a tour that includes a guided visit to the Ancestral Goa Center and other cultural highlights. Some tours may include a traditional lunch featuring regional ingredients.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is largely outside, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
- The Ancestral Goa Center is well-suited to families with kids or anyone with an interest in local culture.
- Don't miss the center’s Sant Mirabai statue, which, at 14 meters long, is the largest laterite sculpture in the country.
How to Get There
This attraction is located in the inland town of Loutolim, in South Goa. It's about an hour away from Panaji by car, or a half-hour from Vasco da Gama, where the airport is located. The closest city is Margao, a 15-minute drive south of the museum. It’s hard to get to the Ancestral Goa Center via public transportation, so travelers should arrive by taxi or join an organized tour.
When to Get There
Goa is a year-round destination, though it’s definitely less crowded during the rainy monsoon season. As the museum is largely outside, it’s best to visit when the weather is dry. Travelers may want to arrive early to avoid the midday.
Goan Handicrafts
Goa offers all sorts of traditional crafts, though many locals have taken up newer, sometimes imported trades (such as batik) to keep up with demand from tourists. You’ll also see plenty of merchants from the Himalayan region of Kashmir selling jewelry, papier-mâché crafts, and clothing. Popular finds include wooden toys and kitchenware, brass work, terracotta pottery, and coconut carvings.
Address: Big Foot, Loutolim, Goa 403718, India
From $ 52
Andong Folk Museum
Andong Folk Museum is the perfect place to get acquainted with Andong’s ancient culture and traditions. Next door to Andong Folk Village, the museum contains over 3,700 artifacts. From traditional clothing to pottery dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1897), as you wander two floors of exhibits you’ll get to learn the traditions that Koreans go through from birth to childhood, in adulthood, and in death. From Korean child rearing to ancient cooking methods, wedding ceremonies to spiritual practices, there are lots of interesting facts to learn about. Did you know that, in the past, when pregnant Korean women wanted a boy they would pray to phallic rocks?
After seeing the indoor exhibits, head to the outdoor park to see the thatched-roof houses that were saved when nearby Andong Dam was erected in 1976. In the garden you’ll also get to see and learn about Korea’s giant totems, traditionally built with fierce faces to ward away evil spirits.
Practical Info
Admission to Andong Folk Museum is W 1,000. It is open from 9am to 6pm in March through October, and until 5pm from November to February. Signs are in English, as well as Korean, Japanese, and Chinese, and there’s an onsite snack bar, restaurant, and souvenir shop. To get to the museum from Andong Bus Terminal, take Bus 3, which runs every 20 minutes.
Address: 13, Minsokchon-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 760-360, South Korea
Hours: Nov-Feb 9am-5pm; March-Oct 9am-6pm
Admission: W 1,000
From $ 130
American Memorial Cemetery
Set amid the bustle of downtown Manila, the Manila American Cemetery is an oasis of peace and remembrance. The cemetery is home to the remains of 17,184 soldiers who died during World War II, with serried ranks of brilliant white crosses across manicured lawns and galleries that explain key battles.
The Basics
There is no charge to visit the Manila American Cemetery, which is open seven days a week from morning until late afternoon. The burial ground is a stop on some tours of both Manila and Makati, the financial district, though opening hours mean it has to be visited on a separate day from Corregidor Island. If you’re considering a history tour of Manila or planning an agenda with a private guide, this war graveyard makes a worthwhile stop.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Manila American Cemetery is an essential stop for history lovers, veterans, and Americans with family members who served in World War II.
- The Manila American Cemetery is a graveyard. The dress code forbids exercise clothing, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully.
- Be sure to bring photo ID to show at the gate.
- The behavioral constraints of visiting a cemetery mean the Manila American Cemetery may not be appropriate for young children. Older children will learn a lot from the informative displays.
How to Get There
Over 7 miles (12 kilometers) from Intramuros, the walled historical area in Manila city center, the Manila American Cemetery is time-consuming to reach by public transport, so many opt for the convenience of a door-to-door tour. Alternatively, catch the metro to Ayala (MRT Line 3), then a bus toward the BGC stop. You’ll walk 10 to 20 minutes, depending which bus you catch.
When to Get There
The Manila American Cemetery is open year-round, and officials and members of the military lay wreaths at the cemetery each Memorial Day (the last Monday in May). Significant anniversaries include the Fall of Corregidor, on May 6, 1942.
Americans in the Philippines
The Philippines and the United States have had a complex relationship since the Philippines gained its independence from the US in 1946, but American and Filipino soldiers fought side by side during the Second World War. A new visitor center at the Manila American Cemetery, open in 2019, explores the American role in the archipelago during WWII.
Address: Philippines
From $ 48
A-Ma Temple (Ma Kok Miu)
One of the oldest temples in Macau, A-Ma temple was built in 1488 and commemorates A-Ma, goddess of the sea (also known as Mazu and Tin Hau). Featuring multiple prayer pavilions set on different levels of a hill overlooking the Inner Harbour, A-Ma Temple forms part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basics
The temple comprises six main parts: Gate Pavilion, Memorial Arch, Prayer Hall, Hall of Benevolence, Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin. The number of pavilions at the temple that are dedicated to different deities is representative of the influence of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, as well as various folk beliefs that are held in Macau. As you wind your way through the temple, notice the stone lion guardians, the poems engraved in rock, distinctive red walls, and the roofs decorated with porcelain. Don’t miss the views overlooking the water, particularly from the uppermost pavilion, dedicated to Kun Iam.
Most sightseeing tours of Macau will feature a stop at A-Ma Temple, along with other top attractions, such as the Ruins of St. Paul and Macau Tower. Day-trips from Hong Kong and Shenzhen are also available. Or visit on a hop-on hop-off bus to explore at your leisure.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A-Ma Temple is a must for first-time visitors to Macau.
- This is a place of worship, so visitors should be quiet and respectful.
- The temple is free to enter, but donations are accepted.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, as there are a lot of steps at the temple.
- Day tours from Hong Kong can last upward of 11 hours.
How to Get There
A-Ma Temple is located near Barra Square, in the southwest part of Macau Peninsula. It’s about 20 minutes’ walk from Senado Square. Bus routes 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 18, 21A, 28B, 55, MT4, and N3 also stop near the temple.
When to Get There
The temple is open year-round. The most festive times to visit are during Lunar New Year celebrations, and during the A-Ma Festival, which honors A-Ma’s birthday on the 23rd of the lunar third month. Most tour groups tend to stop in the mornings; visit during the afternoon to avoid these crowds.
How Macau Got Its Name
Legend has it that when the Portuguese first arrived in Macau, they landed at a promontory near A-Ma Temple. They asked local villagers for the name of the land, and the villagers replied, “A-Ma-Gau,” meaning Bay of A-Ma, which was later changed to Macau.
Address: Barra Square, Macau, China
From $ 72
Alpine Golf Club
Designed by Ron Garl, famous for his work creating hilly courses from flat terrain in Florida, Bangkok’s Alpine Golf Club features a 7,100-yard, par 72 championship course set amid serene lakes and copses of trees. Rolling hills, thoughtfully placed bunkers and numerous water features make the course a challenge for players of all abilities. The course has twice hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic PGA tournament, once in 2000 and again in 2004.
Players who visit the Alpine Golf Club will find a fully stocked pro shop, golf carts, locker rooms with saunas and whirlpool tubs, a club house with a restaurant, coffee shop and a swimming pool.
Practical Info
Alpine Golf Club is located about 15 minutes from the Bangkok International Airport.
Address: 99 M.9 Bangkhan-Sathaneevithayu Road, Pathum Thani, Khlong Luang District 12120, Thailand
Admission: Green fee 2,000/3,600 baht weekdays/weekends
From $ 246
Amphawa Floating Market
Situated on a bustling canal lined with teak storefronts opening onto the water, Amphawa Floating Market comes alive each afternoon as Thai locals come to shop or grab a bite from one of many boats-cum-floating restaurants. While smaller than the more famous Damnoen Saduak, this floating market offers a more authentic experience.
The Basics
One of the best ways to explore the market and its surrounding canals is aboard traditional long-tail wooden boats. A typical cruise on the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) and through the market takes visitors past several of the area’s Thai Buddhist temples, and can be combined with a visit to a local zoo, the nearby Maeklong Railway Market, or the chance to watch fireflies light up the riverbanks at dusk. The Amphawa Floating Market is a popular place not only for shopping, but for eating too, with waterside seating providing the ideal setting for a lazy lunch. Thai food such as dried pork, shrimp, shellfish, and crab are all prepared and cooked aboard the boats before being handed up to diners on the elevated banks on both sides of the river.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Amphawa Floating Market is a must-do for travelers looking to get off the beaten path.
- Don’t forget to bring cash in small denominations if you plan to shop or eat at the market.
- Visit the market on a half- or full-day tour from Hua Hin.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water.
How to Get There
Minibuses run between Victory Monument in Bangkok and Amphawa throughout the day, but the most convenient way to visit is as part of a guided tour with return transportation included.
When to Get There
The Amphawa Floating Market is at its liveliest in the afternoon, beginning around 1pm. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, you can still get a sense of what the market is like in the morning, though not everything will be open.
Wat Bang Kung
Many visitors to the floating market overlook the area’s many interesting temples, most notably Wat Bang Kung. This Buddhist temple just a stone’s throw from the banks of the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) sits ensconced within a banyan tree, making it particularly serene and photogenic. Some boat tours of the market also include a stop at the temple.
Address: Amphawa District, Samut Songkram, Amphawa 75110, Thailand
From $ 57
Ancient City Wall at South Gate
The Ancient City Wall at in Xi'an is one of the best-preserved city walls in China. It was built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, under the regime of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, and expanded upon from walls remaining from the Tang Dynasty.
Visitors can either cycle or walk along the Ancient City Wall, which is almost 14 kilometers long and takes around three hours at a leisurely pace. The site features a moat, a drawbridge, the main towers, watchtowers, and gates, all of which combine to depict an impressive ancient defense system.
The South Gate is situated near the Bell Tower and is widely considered to be the most significant, with greeting ceremonies by the government held in the South Gate Square, which has recently been restored. Like the other gates, the South Gate features three towers – the gate tower, which holds the drawbridge, the narrow tower and the main tower. Two public museums are also located inside the barbican and archery tower of the South Gate, which are both free to enter.
Practical Info
The South Gate is the most convenient to reach, with a number of buses stopping nearby. It’s open from 8am until 10pm. Tourist cars and bicycle hire are available from here.
Address: South Main Street, Beilin District, Xian 710000, China
Hours: Open daily 8am-10pm
From $ 25
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Ameyoko Shopping Street, short for Ameya Yokocho (candy store alley), is one of Japan’s most popular shopping streets, famous throughout Tokyo for its cheap prices and the wide variety of products on offer.
As the name suggests, the alley was once filled with candy shops. In the years following World War II, candy shops gave way to black market stalls selling illegally imported American goods. Today, you won’t find much of either. What you will find is a range of clothing, accessories, cosmetics, spices and foods in more than 400 shops. For many locals, the New Year season means taking a shopping trip to Ameyoko to pick up traditional New Year’s foods like fish cakes, crab and roe.
Even if you’re not in the market for Japanese food products, a stroll down Ameyoko Shopping Street still makes for an enjoyable experience. Soak up the atmosphere, pick up some souvenirs and sample some traditional street snacks from the local vendors.
As the name suggests, the alley was once filled with candy shops. In the years following World War II, candy shops gave way to black market stalls selling illegally imported American goods. Today, you won’t find much of either. What you will find is a range of clothing, accessories, cosmetics, spices and foods in more than 400 shops. For many locals, the New Year season means taking a shopping trip to Ameyoko to pick up traditional New Year’s foods like fish cakes, crab and roe.
Even if you’re not in the market for Japanese food products, a stroll down Ameyoko Shopping Street still makes for an enjoyable experience. Soak up the atmosphere, pick up some souvenirs and sample some traditional street snacks from the local vendors.
Address: Japan
From $ 50
Ang Thong National Marine Park
The 42 karst islets of Ang Thong National Marine Park (Mu Koh Ang Thong) in southern Thailand comprise a picturesque seascape spanning more than 95 square miles (246 square kilometers). These limestone pinnacles harbor secluded powdery beaches, sheer cliffs, and caves, and are home to myriad birds, monkeys, dolphins, and other wildlife.
The Basics
Ang Thong National Park is a popular destination for Thailand visitors seeking a little adventure and a lot of nature. Tropical and dry evergreen forests of the interior area house oriental pied hornbills, little herons, crab-eating monkeys, and bats. In the shallow waters, sometimes you can find dolphins, whales, and otters. It’s said that the park inspired the backpacker utopia of Alex Garland’s The Beach.
Most travelers experience Ang Thong on single-day guided tours from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan to Wua Talap Island and its famous Emerald Lake. These guided tours are the way to go, and most day trips include lunch, snorkeling gear, park admission fees, and hotel transfers. Tour boats are often multi-story, open-air, 40- to 50-person crafts, but small private speedboats or luxury yachts are also available. If you wanting to see what’s under the surface, opt for snorkeling, sea kayaking, or scuba diving tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
- Choose between a group boat tour or a private excursion aboard a speedboat or luxury yacht.
- Full-day tours to Ang Thong from Koh Samui last upwards of eight hours.
- Don’t forget to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Most tours provide water and snorkeling gear.
How to Get There
Ang Thong Marine Park is accessible only by boat. You can choose from a whole host of options, from big party boats to private boat charters.
When to Get There
The best months to visit the national park are between March and October, when the seas lie flat. The park closes completely during the height of the monsoons—between November and December each year. July and August tend to be the busiest months.
Sea Gypsies of the Ang Thong Islands
All but one of the 42 Ang Thong Islands are uninhabited. The one with a permanent community, Koh Paluay, is home to a traditional community of sea gypsies who still earn a living through traditional fishing methods.
Address: Th Chonwithi, Na Thon 84140, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 43
Ancient City Museum
This 320-acre outdoor museum filled with lush gardens and historic structures showcases the art, architecture and culture of Thailand’s rich and diverse heritage. In a single stop, travelers can explore replicas of the nation’s most iconic buildings, including 116 pavilions, temples, floating markets and shrines all laid out to scale in their accurate geographic positions.
Visitors should plan to wander through the garden of stupas, which showcases the significance of Buddhism on local traditions, as well as the Garden of the Gods, where Hindu deities are on display. While structures housed in the Ancient City Museum are no substitute for the real thing, they certainly provide travelers on a tight schedule with a taste of what Thai life, culture and art is like.
Practical Info
The Ancient City Museum is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Samut Prakan—about an hour away from downtown Bangkok. It is accessible via private taxi or using the BTS Skytrain to On-Nut Station and hiring a taxi from there.
Address: 296/1,Sukhumvit Rd, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 400 baht
From $ 42
A-Maze Garden
Well-oriented travelers will love testing their directional skills amid the towering hedges of Puket’s A-Maze Garden. Situated just outside this popular coastal town, A-Maze Garden has become a destination for family fun and a unique alternative to the temples and beaches southern Thailand is known for. Travelers can wander (or race!) through the 1,000-square-meter labyrinth in search of a quick escape, or take their time navigating the twists and turns of this one-of-a-kind southeast Asian destination. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon—or an entire day—on a visit to Phuket.
Practical Info
The A-Maze Garden is located behind the Upside Down House in Phuket off of Route 402. The maze is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and the entry fee is THB 150 for adults.
Address: Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: Adult: THB 150, Child Age 4-11: THB 100
From $ 5
America Mura
If you want to put your finger on the pulse of Osaka street culture, plan to spend an evening wandering the streets of America Mura, a district near Shinsaibashi. In the 1970s, the neighborhood began filling up with shops selling imported goods from the United States, earning it the name America Mura, or “American Village.”
Today, America Mura serves as one of Osaka’s prime fashion centers, a place where the city’s youth congregates, often sporting some of Japan’s more creative fashions. A collection of record stores, vintage clothing shops and boutiques sell a little bit of everything, from J-pop club wear to gothic styles, but the main appeal of the area is the opportunity it provides for people-watching.
America Mura is at its most lively at night, when the bars, clubs, live music venues and street food stalls open up. Visitors will find takoyaki (octopus balls), a popular Osaka street food, throughout the neighborhood.
Practical Info
Shinsaibashi Station is the closest subway station to America Mura, only about a three-minute walk away. The site can also be reached by way of a seven-minute walk from Namba Station.
Address: Shinsaibashi District, Osaka, Japan
From $ 85
Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Hahoe means “enveloped by water,” the name given Andong Hahoe Folk
Village due to its position at the bend of the Nakdong River in the
foothills of the Hwasan Mountains. Far from the modern skyscrapers of
Seoul or Busan, the village offers visitors a glimpse at a Korea of old.
The
village, one of several that comprise the UNESCO-listed Historic
Villages of Korea, dates back to the 10th century, when members of the
Ryu clan began settling there; descendants of the clan still live in the
historic homes today. The village is unique in that commoners and the
upperclass coexisted there, and you’ll notice that the tile-roofed
houses of the elite toward the village center gradually give way to
thatched homes toward the outskirts.
Practical Info
To experience the village at its best, plan your visit for a weekday morning. On weekends, the village gets overrun with visitors and loses a bit of its charm.
Address: Andong Hahoe Folk Village, South Korea
Hours: Daily
From $ 130
Ancient House
Built in the late 20th century and restored in 1999, Ancient House offers visitors to Hanoi a chance to travel back in time and experience what life was like for locals in this bustling urban center hundreds of years ago. History buffs will love exploring the small two-block home decorated in old-world style and its quiet courtyard.
Ancient House’s architecture may still speak to a past that’s long gone, but it should be noted that this popular destination has become more souvenir shop than museum, where visitors can find traditional embroidery, games and silk paintings for reasonable prices.
Practical Info
The Ancient House is located in Hanoi Old Quarter at 87 Ma May Street. It is a short walk from nearby Hoan Kiem Lake. Visitors pay a small entry fee of about VND 10,000.
Address: 87 Ma May Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Monday-Friday
Admission: 20,000VND
From $ 38
Ambassador's Pagoda (Chua Quan Su)
Once a guesthouse for visiting ambassadors from nearby Buddhist countries, Ambassador’s Pagoda (Chua Quan Su) today is an active temple and the official center of Buddhism in Hanoi. Home to only a dozen or so Buddhist monks and nuns, this small but impressive pagoda is a haven of peace and quiet in otherwise hectic Hanoi.
The Basics
The pagoda features a beautiful gilded main hall, with a few smaller shrines around it. Note the impressive altars and ornate woodwork; the images of the past, present, and future incarnations of Buddha; and the many wax figures of former monks. The grounds are well-kept. There’s also a small shop on-site that sells Buddhist books, prayer beads, and charms. Run by the monks, proceeds go towards upkeep of the temple.
To travel to the pagoda like a local, opt for a motorbike tour that combines it with other sights like the Temple of Literature, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, and Dong Xuan Market. The pagoda is close to Hoa Lo Prison, which makes it an easy pairing for sightseeing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ambassador’s Pagoda is a must-visit for those with an interest in Buddhism.
- This is an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful of worshippers.
- Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees to enter.
- It’s free to enter the pagoda, but donations are accepted.
How to Get There
The Ambassador’s Pagoda is located just west of the French Quarter. From the Old Quarter, it’s about a 15-minute walk. A taxi is the easiest way to get there from elsewhere in Hanoi.
When to Get There
The Ambassador’s Pagoda is open daily, with a break for lunch. To see it at its most festive, visit during Buddhist holidays or Tet (Vietnamese New Year’s). Most visitors spend less than an hour at the pagoda.
History of Ambassador’s Pagoda
During the Le Dynasty, a guesthouse for visiting ambassadors was built. A pagoda was then added so that visitors could worship as well. The guesthouse burned down, but the pagoda survived, though it has since been renovated and restored. The front of the pagoda is dedicated to Buddha, while the rear is dedicated to Master Minh Khong of the Ly Dynasty, who was said to have saved King Ly Than Tong on his deathbed.
Address: 73 P Quan Su, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 68
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
The 20th century Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (or Ananta Samakom Throne Hall) in Bangkok is a less visited destination, but well worth it. Serving a museum and every now and then a state-house, the building is a two-storey marble strewn centerpiece located at the Royal Plaza in Dusit.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Address: Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
From $ 69
Alive Museum Insadong
Be sure to pack a fully charged camera when visiting the Alive Museum in Seoul, since the collection of “trick art” will have you snapping away for hours at the creative optical illusions. Watch as a waterfall spills off the wall and Spiderman dangles from the ceiling, or stroll the red carpet with your favorite celebrities before playing tennis against Marilyn Monroe. Laugh as a giraffe tickles your hand with its tongue, or you gallop away on a horse, but not before climbing into a huge mug of beer and swimming inside the foam. This is definitely a place for fun-loving travelers, and the level of creativity inside this museum is as fascinating as the pieces themselves. This type of art, called object art, creates a 4D experience that lets you place yourself in the middle of the pictures, and is a fun excursion for travelers of all ages—particularly families and couples.
Insider Tip: Try to visit early in the morning before the museum is too crowded, so you don’t have to deal with as many people when trying to frame your photos.
Practical Info
The Alive Museum is located on the basement level of the Ssamziegil shopping complex in Insa-dong. It’s best accessed by riding the metro, and expect to spend between 1-2 hours.
Address: 12 Insadong, Jongno, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 9am-10:30pm daily. Last admission is 9:30pm.
Admission: About $10 for adults and $8 for children
From $ 8
Amarapura
About 11 kilometers south of Mandalay, just between the Taungthaman Lake and the Ayeyarwady River, lays the small town of Amarapura, another former capital of the old Burmese kingdom. Apart from pagodas and the ruins of the ancient palace, the city offers one of Myanmar’s most photographed sights: the narrow, 1,200-meter-long U Bein bridge, which made entirely out of teak wood. The gangly looking bridge was built in 1784, but is still in mint condition and never needed any serious repairs. It was named after its founder, a former mayor, and was built from over 1,000 teak logs, partially even with the ruins of the abandoned royal city. Thus, for its incredible length spanning the lake, the U Bein bridge is recognized as the longest teak wood bridge in the world. Sunsets are especially popular, as the setting sun creates a beautiful silhouette of the bridge, photos of which adorn many a living room at home.
Sporadically, platforms, pavilions and benches are built into the bridge to offer travellers some rest and protection from the burning Southeast Asian sun. Apart from crossing on foot, it is also worth it to head to the Mahagandayon Monastery, which is located right at the beginning of the bridge. The monastery is one of the biggest in Myanmar and houses up to 1000 monks, some of which can often be seen strolling across the teak wood bridge in their billowing red robes. Visitors are welcome to glimpse into the life of these devout Buddhists and wander through the hallways, although it gets almost too busy during mealtimes.
Practical Info
Because of the short distance from Mandalay, most people visit Amarapura on a day trip. You can either fly into the Mandalay International Airport or take one of the many bus or train connections and then head to Amarapurna by scooter, taxi or boat.
Address: Amarapura, Myanmar
From $ 15
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
Recognized as the first nature preservation in Cambodia, the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity is known for its wildlife rescue, animal rehabilitation, and endangered species breeding programs.
Visitors to ACCB can tour the grounds under the direction of expert guides who are well informed about the unique challenges facing the protection of Cambodia’s wildlife. From the pileated gibbons to silvered langur, ACCB houses animals found in few other places on earth. Visitors leave impressed by the well-kept grounds, knowledgeable staff, and diversity of animals. And whether it’s combined with a trip to nearby Banteray Srei visited as a destination all its own, ACCB treats visitors to a one-of-a-kind experience.
Practical Info
ACCB is located 12 kilometers north of Banteay Srey. It is accessible only via 90-minute guided tours, which take place Monday through Saturday at 9am and 1pm. Guests are asked to pay a minimum donation of $3.
Address: Kbal Spean, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Guided tours only, Monday-Saturday at 9am and 1pm
Admission: Suggested donation $3
From $ 440