Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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After marveling at the Drum Tower's impressive Chinese architecture, you can step inside and climb to its top level for views across the city. The tower features a museum, as well as regular drumming performances throughout the day. In addition, a small drum is available for visitors to beat three times a day for good luck in exchange for a fee.
Dusit Palace
Visiting Dusit Palace (Phra Ratcha Wang Dusit) is a very different experience from visiting the nearby Grand Palace. Built by King Rama V in 1903, it was meant to be a direct contrast to the traditional yet cramped Grand Palace. As the first Thai king to visit Europe, Rama modeled his palace after the spacious leafy royal residences he observed there, which comes through in the western architecture and layout.
Over 100 years later the complex is still the seat of power today, and there are many residences, organizations and political buildings spread around the grounds. The main highlight for visitors is the Vimanmek Mansion: King Rama V's former home and the largest teakwood residence in the world. There are also over a dozen museums on the grounds including several photography museums, a pottery-salvaged-from-shipwrecks museum and an ancient clock museum.
Over 100 years later the complex is still the seat of power today, and there are many residences, organizations and political buildings spread around the grounds. The main highlight for visitors is the Vimanmek Mansion: King Rama V's former home and the largest teakwood residence in the world. There are also over a dozen museums on the grounds including several photography museums, a pottery-salvaged-from-shipwrecks museum and an ancient clock museum.
Address: Vajira Hospital 295 Ratchasima Rd, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Admission: About 100 THB
From $ 69
Elephant Nature Park
A sanctuary for former ill-treated Asian elephants, the Elephant Nature Park encourages visitors to learn about the plight of these mammals and their habitat through activities, such as feeding and helping to care for the resident herd. Elephant rides are not offered at the park, a policy the park encourages in other elephant camps.
The Basics
Most travelers visit the elephant sanctuary on a day trip from Chiang Mai. A daylong elephant experience includes the chance to observe the animals in the forest, feed them fruit from a viewing platform under staff supervision, and assist with bathing elephants in a nearby river.
Funds raised here support efforts to reforest habitats for wild elephants, and the park also houses a menagerie of other rescued animals from Northern Thailand, including dogs, cats, and birds. Food for the elephants is purchased locally to support area farmers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This elephant rescue center is a must-see for animal lovers and families.
- Common areas of the elephant park offer free Wi-Fi access.
- A full-day park visit includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai city and lunch.
- All experiences at the elephant park are suitable for all fitness levels.
- The park has a restaurant serving both Thai and Western vegetarian dishes, buffet style.
- Be sure to book your experience in advance as they tend to sell out.
How to Get There
The Elephant Nature Park is located just under 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Chiang Mai at 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing. The journey takes about 90 minutes.
When to Get There
Full-day experiences at the park take place daily throughout the year, with hotel pickup early in the morning and drop-off during late afternoon. The best time to visit is between October and April, when the weather is cool and relatively dry.
Longer Stays at the Park
While the single-day visit is the most popular option at the Elephant Nature Park, visitors can opt for longer stays as well, ranging from a short overnight visit to a full week of volunteering.
Address: 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand 50200, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Originally built in 256 BC, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System is the world’s oldest non-dam irrigation facility. A marvel of engineering, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dujiangyan uses the natural topography of the region, as well as hydrological features of the river, to irrigate 1.65 million acres (668,700 hectares) of farmland.
The Basics
View key portions of the irrigation system from the Anlan cable bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge reinforced with steel. It replaces a wooden bridge that crossed the span a thousand years ago. Be sure to visit Erwang (Two Kings) Temple, an ornate wooden structure built to honor the irrigation system’s two designers, Li Bing and his son. There are also other temples and scenic riverside trails for visitors to enjoy.
Many visitors combine a trip to Dujiangyan Irrigation System with a trip to nearby Mount Qingcheng. While it’s possible to visit either independently, a guided tour will help travelers gain a better understanding of the irrigation system history and engineering.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The grounds are vast, so plan for several hours at the site and wear comfortable shoes.
- You can rent English audio guides for a fee.
- A full day tour of Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng can take upwards of 10 hours.
How to Get There
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is located 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Chengdu. From Chengdu airport, there is a direct bus to Dujiangyan City, which takes about 90 minutes. From Chengdu, take the ChengGuan Line from Chengdu North Railway Station to Dujiangyan Railway Station, or Lidui Park Station, about 30 minutes. Visitors can also take a bus from Chadianzi Bus Station in Chengdu to Dujiangyan Bus Station.
When to Get There
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is open year-round, but offers slightly reduced hours in the winter. The best times to visit are from April to October, when the weather will still be pleasant and the trees lush and green. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Key Components of Dujiangyan Irrigation System
There are three key components to the irrigation system: the Yuzui (Fish Mouth), a levee in the middle of the river shaped to control the flow of water that enters the two channels; the Baopingkou Diversion Passage, used to regulate the amount of water entering the system; and the Feishayan Spillway, which discharges silt and regulates water quality.
Address: China
From $ 15
Drum Tower Square
Drum Tower Square is located in the heart of Xian, right at the intersection of the four main roads running from north to south and east to west across the city. Linked by an underground passage, the square’s Bell Tower and Drum Tower are its main attractions, standing as ancient symbols of the Old City. Built in the Ming Dynasty, the towers were once used to keep time, and today they attract tourists and locals who gather in the square to marvel at their architecture.
As well as these impressive towers, there are a choice of places to eat, shop, and enjoy some people watching and live music in the square. It’s the perfect place to learn about the history of Xian and take some impressive photos. If arriving at the square in the early morning, you’ll find a gathering of locals, mostly elders, going about their morning exercises. Visit at night, and you’ll find more of a younger crowd taking an evening stroll or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
Drum Tower Square is a highlight on various full-day tours of Xian and is usually combined with other top attractions in the city, such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Muslim Market.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour with transport included, you can reach Drum Tower Square by taking Line 2 of the subway to Bell Tower Station and heading west from exit B. Local buses also serve the area.
Did You Know? The Drum Tower has been renovated several times and a huge drum measuring 1.8 meters tall with a surface diameter of almost three meters was added to the tower in 1996. The new drum is decorated with 1,996 studs to represent the year it was made.
Address: Beiyuanmen, Xian, China
Admission: Joint ticket for Drum Tower and Bell Tower: 50 CNY
From $ 25
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Hiking Trail)
Don’t be deterred by the name Elephant Mountain. A relatively easy climb takes you to the top of a hill that affords panoramic views of Taipei. Nestled among other rolling green hills, Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Hiking Trail) is indisputably the best place in Taipei to enjoy a sunset over the capital’s skyline.
The Basics
Evening tours of Taipei usually stop at Elephant Mountain, where—even if you only ascend halfway—you can still enjoy great views of Taipei. The trail is well-lit and supported by handrails. At the summit, there are six giant rocks where you can perch for an epic photograph with the skyline behind you, or walk a little past the rocks and you’ll find a far less crowded viewing platform.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Use plenty of insect repellent before you climb Elephant Mountain, because there are lots of mosquitoes at the top.
- For travelers of a moderate fitness level, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the top.
- This is a must-visit for the best views of the Taipei skyline.
- Take a bottle of water for the ascent. At the bottom of the trail, there is a water fountain where you can refill.
How to Get There
From central Taipei, take the red line on the MRT to Xiangshan station, which is the final stop. From there, the base of Elephant Mountain is clearly signposted. If you want to walk from Taipei 101, you can do so in about 15 minutes.
When to Get There
The best time to hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Hiking Trail) is in the late afternoon, so that you can enjoy daytime city views, see the sunset, and then watch Taipei burst into a thousand lights. During the weekend, the trail can be crowded, so try to visit during the week if possible.
The Four Beasts of Taipei
Elephant Mountain is one of the Four Beasts, a name that refers to the four hills on the outskirts of Taipei. If you’re an avid hiker, you can challenge yourself to do a full-day hike of all Four Beasts: From the mountain summit, a trail continues for a few hours and reveals a Buddhist garden and an entirely different part of the city.
Address: Lane 150, Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
From $ 30
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Dedicated to giant panda care, China’s Dujiangyan Panda Base, set near Chengdu in the Sichuan province, focuses on rehabilitation, disease prevention, and public education, all to conserve the endangered giant panda. Although the species is one of the rarest in the world with a global population of less than 3,000 individuals in the wild and in zoos, it’s possible to spot dozens of the monochromatic bamboo eaters at the panda base—most are being cared for as elderly, disabled, sick, injured, or vulnerable wild pandas on the road to recovery, but some are healthy, including several in quarantine before and after they leave the country.
Visitors to the research center can volunteer for a day, and once you’re outfitted in work garments and after a physical exam to ensure you’re safe to work with the fragile bears, you can alongside dedicated panda experts to observe and record animal behavior, clean enclosures, prepare food for the pandas, and simply explore the base. Supervised photo opportunities with pandas require additional fees (1800 RMB per person) that go toward supporting research at the base. All panda interactions are closely monitored by trained staff.
The sprawling 126-acre site is divided into six separate zones dedicated to various areas of research and care. Guests will find 40 sets of enclosures, a panda hospital, a medical lab, and an educational center with a small auditorium and interactive displays covering the center’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Practical Info
The Dujiangyan Panda Base is about 34 miles (55 km) from Chengdu city center. Advance booking of most tours and activities at the base is essential, as a daily limit of 30 volunteers is implemented.
Address: 1375 Xiongmao Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
Hours: 7:30am–6pm
Admission: CNY 58
From $ 70
Drum and Bell Tower
Back when Beijing consisted of single-story courtyard houses organized into hutongs, the Drum and Bell Towers in central Beijing dominated the landscape. While both structures have been rebuilt, they both date back hundreds of years.
The Drum Tower, built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty, originally housed 25 drums; today, only one remains. The Bell Tower was added in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, and together, the two structures were used as a method of official timekeeping until 1924, when the last Emperor was forced out of the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City).
While you’re touring Beijing’s Imperial sites, keep you ears open and you might hear the drum performances staged daily, even if you’re not at the towers. It’s also possible to climb into both towers. After ascending the steep staircases, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views over the surrounding hutongs.
The Drum Tower, built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty, originally housed 25 drums; today, only one remains. The Bell Tower was added in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, and together, the two structures were used as a method of official timekeeping until 1924, when the last Emperor was forced out of the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City).
While you’re touring Beijing’s Imperial sites, keep you ears open and you might hear the drum performances staged daily, even if you’re not at the towers. It’s also possible to climb into both towers. After ascending the steep staircases, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views over the surrounding hutongs.
Address: Di'anmen Outer Street, Xicheng, Beijing, China
From $ 15
Edo Wonderland
Step back in time to the Edo period (1603-1857), one of Japan's most intriguing eras, at Edo Wonderland. This theme park recreates history in impressive and accurate detail with a replica Edo period town, complete with actors in period costumes, ninja demonstrations, period-appropriate architecture and theater performances featuring courtesans and feudal lords. Visitors can eat at restaurants selling Edo-style food, rent and purchase costumes to wear in the town and buy souvenirs related to the time period.
Some of the most popular attractions in town include the Haunted Temple, decorated with spirits and demons found in Japanese folklore, and the House of Illusions, filled with trick mirrors. Kids and adults alike enjoy the Ninja Trick Maze, a challenging labyrinth, Edo Wonderland is entertaining as it is a history lesson on an era that came to define Japan.
Practical Info
From Tokyo, the nearest train stop is the Kinugawa-onsen Station, where you can get off and take a direct bus (20-minute ride) to Edo Wonderland for 410 yen ($4 USD). Edo Wonderland is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the year but has shortened hours (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) from December 1 through March 19. Admission costs 4,500 yen ($45USD) for adults, and there are discounts for children. Edo Wonderland is closed on Wednesdays.
Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2524, Japan
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm (December 1-March - 19 9:30am-4pm)
Admission: Adults 4,500 Yen
From $ 1,190
Duolun Road
Duolun Road, in the Hongkou District, was known as the cultural and literary center of Shanghai in the early 20th century, when a number of famous Chinese writers called it home. Restored and reopened in 1998, today it’s a pedestrian street filled with museums, galleries, studios, antique shops, teahouses, and cafes.
The Basics
Full of historic buildings that have been restored, there’s much to see on the half-mile-long (0.8 kilometer) Duolun Road. Top attractions include the Duolun Museum of Modern Art, the League of Leftist Writers Museum, Hong De Temple (Great Virtue Christian Church), and the 60-foot-tall (18.5-meter-tall) Xi Shi Zhong Lou bell tower. Browse the many galleries and shops, then take a break at the Old Film Café, which plays old Chinese movies from the 1920s and ‘30s.
It’s best to experience Duolun Road on foot or opt for a bike tour that includes other top Shanghai attractions such as the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Nanjing Road.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Duolun Road isn’t a top tourist attraction, but it will appeal to those with an interest in Chinese architecture, art, and literature.
- Duolun Road itself is free to visit, but some of the attractions, including museums, charge an entrance fee.
- This is a great place to pick up antiques, books, art, and Mao-related memorabilia.
How to Get There
Duolun Road is located in the Hongkou District. By metro, take Line 3 to Dongbaoxing Road Station (Exit 1) and walk northwest, or Line 4 or Line 10 to Hailun Road Station (Exit 5) and walk west. By bus, take bus nos. 18, 21, 52, 318, or 939 and get off at Luxun Gongyuan (Luxun Park) Station.
When to Get There
Duolun Road is all day, every day. Both the Duolun Museum of Modern Art and the League of Left Wing Writers museum are closed on Mondays; if you’re interested in these museums, time their visit accordingly.
Famous Writers of Duolun Road
In the 1930s, Duolun Road was home to a number of famous Chinese writers, including Guo Moruo, Mao Dun, Ding Lin, and Lu Xu, many of whom were part of the League of Leftist Writers. You can find out more about them and their works at the League of Leftist Writers Museum; there are also life-size bronze statues of a number of these writers along Duolun Road.
Address: off North Sichuan Road, China
From $ 58
Dudh Kosi River
High in the Himalayas, where thin air pervades and rivers run white, is the Dudh Kosi River, a main tributary of the Kosi River system in Nepal. The waterway originates east of the Gokyo Lakes on the southern slopes of Mount Everest before winding down the mountainside, passing scatterings of rural towns on its journey to join the powerful Kosi River near Harkapur.
The Basics
When to Get There
The Basics
Most trekkers in the Khumbu region of Nepal encounter the Dudh Kosi River en route to the Everest Base Camp at Sagarmatha National Park, or from above on one of the area's many swinging bridges strung with colorful prayer flags. Nicknamed the 'Relentless River of Everest,' the river system is most notable for its power, as seasonal floods too often wreak destruction on local towns. Due to the river's potential for danger, it is not often used for recreational water sports, although seasonal white water rafting and kayaking trips are sometimes offered.
Hikers should look for guided tours that suit their fitness level and interests. Some tours are geared toward sharing Sherpa culture and enjoying the natural beauty of rural Nepal, while others emphasize physical challenge and extreme adventure. Hiking without a guide in this area is not recommended.
How to Get to the Dudh Kosi River
- Tours in this area are only recommended for those who are physically fit.
- Pack high-performance gear; ask for a packing list from your tour provider.
- Arrive a few days prior to your excursion to adjust to the altitude.
Most visitors take a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where they meet up with their guide. Visiting the area without a guide is not recommended due to the extreme nature of the hiking expeditions, although it is possible for those with extensive backcountry experience. Book your guide before embarking on your trip, or save money by booking a guide in Kathmandu — just make sure that whoever you hire is registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is when the weather is moderate and the chance of rain is slim, generally from March to May and September to November.
Address: Nepal
From $ 1,045
Eastern Qing Tombs
The series of Qing Tombs located 78 miles (125 kilometers) east of Beijing remain relatively off the map, despite the fact that they’re arguably more interesting than the more popular Ming Tombs. Between 1663 and 1935, 5 emperors, 15 empresses, 3 princes, 2 princesses and 136 imperial concubines were interred in this complex of 15 tombs.
Collectively, these tombs are considered the best-preserved and largest in China, and many of them are open for visitors. The tomb of Emperor Shunzhi (China’s first Qing emperor) is the oldest on the site; it’s also the largest and most elaborate. The Yuling and Dingling mausoleums are also well worth visiting.
Insider’s Tip: Bring along a picnic lunch to eat at picnic tables scattered around the scenic grounds, as well as a light jacket; the underground portions of the tombs get chilly, even in summer.
Practical Info
On weekends and holidays, catch a tourist bus to the tobs from Xuanwu metro station in Beijing. The Tianjin Friendship Hotel in Tianjin also offers a direct tourist bus on weekends.
Address: Zunhua, Hebei, China
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
Admission: 120 RMB
From $ 63
Du Fu Cottage
The former home of Du Fu, one of China’s most revered and influential poets, this 24-acre (10-hectare) park and museum is now dedicated to his life and legacy. Inside, you can see examples of his work, while the ground’s lush gardens and pretty streams provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Chengdu.
The Basics
Du Fu composed more than 240 poems during the four years that he lived at this site, starting sometime around 760 AD. His original cottage was destroyed, but numerous memorials have been built on the same spot since the Song Dynasty. Today, the compound hosts a recreated thatched roof cottage that serves as a museum to Du Fu, honoring his work and that of other Chinese poets. The extensive grounds are also home to flowering gardens, winding streams, pretty bridges, pagodas, and pavilions amid bamboo, bonsai, and plum trees.
Du Fu Cottage is located near other popular attractions, including Wuhou Temple, so consider a day trip from Chengdu that visits multiple sights. For a greater appreciation of Du Fu, his poetry, and the impact he had on Chinese literature, tour the cottage with a guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Du Fu Cottage is a must-visit for history lovers and those interested in classical Chinese literature.
- Flash photography is not permitted inside exhibition rooms.
- Free umbrellas are available with a refundable deposit.
- Plan for enough time to stroll through the extensive grounds.
How to Get There
Du Fu Cottage is located at 37 Qinghua Street, Qingyang District, in western Chengdu. Take the Line 4 subway to North Caotang Road Station, then walk south for about 15 minutes. Or take the 19, 35, 58, 82, 151, or 1024 bus and get off at Dufu Caotang stop.
When to Get There
Du Fu Cottage is open year-round, with longer opening hours in the summer and shorter hours in the winter. Ticket sales stop one hour before closing time. Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll see different blossoms in the gardens: plum trees in the spring, lotus in the summer, chrysanthemums in the fall, and orchids in the winter.
Largest Collection of Du Fu’s Works
Within Du Fu Cottage, you’ll find more than 30,000 pieces of Du Fu’s work, including over thousands of relics. There are examples of his poems carved in stone, in wood, in calligraphy on wood, handwritten copies, photocopies, modern print editions, translations of his poems in 15 languages, as well as murals depicting scenes from his most famous poems.
Address: China
From $ 15
Eagle Square (Dataran Lang)
Dataran Lang, or Eagle Square in English, is a square on Langkawi near the port where ferries sail in and out. It is the first sight visitors to this Malaysian island will see when they arrive by boat. In the square is a giant statue of an eagle poised to take flight. The eagle is almost 40 feet tall. The reddish-brown eagle was built as a symbol of the island since, according to folklore, Langkawi’s name came from two Malay words, Helang which means “eagle” and Kawi which means “reddish brown.” It is one of Langkawi's most recognizable sights.
Eagle Square is about 19 acres large and has covered terraces, small ponds, fountains, footbridges, shops, and cafes. The square also has covered pavilions where events are held. Nearby you'll also find several duty-free shops. The square offers gorgeous views of Kuah Bay that leads into the sea and the surrounding mountains. From the square, you can also watch the ferries crossing the bay. After dark, the square and the eagle are illuminated with lights.
Practical Info
Eagle Square is located in Kuah Town near the Kuah Jetty on the southeastern corner of Langkawi Island. It is open 24 hours and admission is free. It is best to come in the evening or early in the morning to avoid the most intense heat.
Address: Kuah Jetty, Kedah, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
From $ 22
Dudhsagar Falls
At 1,017 feet (310 meters), Dudhsagar Falls is among the tallest waterfalls in India. At the base of the four-tiered falls is a huge swimming area—that’s as as far as most travelers go. A railway bridge crosses right under the falls, and if you happen to visit when a train is passing by you're sure to get some great photos.
The Basics
Dudhsagar means “sea of milk,” and although legend has it that the falls were formed when a bathing princess poured a jug of milk out, it's more likely that the falls got their name from the white color that forms as they plume down to the ground. Hiking up to the falls is popular but dangerous, so if you’re planning to go beyond the swimming area at the base, you’re better off embarking on that adventure with a guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you plan to hike up to the top of the falls, be sure to wear solid footwear—the trail can be slippery.
- The falls gets a lot of domestic visitors, and women should consider wearing covering their swimsuits out of respect for local modesty customs.
- The falls isn’t suitable for people for wheelchairs or others with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Dudhsagar Falls sit on the border of Goa and Karnataka, about a two-hour drive inland from Panaji, to the northwest of the falls, and Palolem, to the southwest. Although the roads are accessible by motorbike, travelers may find it easier to visit by taxi or as part of an organized tour. Sonalium Railway Station is a short jaunt from the falls, but trains aren’t allowed to stop there due to a lack of facilities (or even a platform).
When to Get There
The monsoon season in Goa, which can start as early as June and go through September, fills the falls with water and has the potential to washing out the roads and paths leading up to them. Therefore, the best time to visit is in October or November, right after the monsoon season but when water levels are still high.
Hiking in Goa
Hiking—called trekking in India, even if it's just a short jaunt—is a popular activity among domestic and international visitors alike. Most head up to the northern regions and the Himalayan foothills, but Goa and South India offer a fair few long-distance hikes of their own. The Dudhsagar trek, for instance, involves a mix of gravel roads and railway tracks. Other popular trekking areas include the surrounding Mollem National Park and the Krishnapur Canyon near the border with Maharashtra.
Address: Goa, India
From $ 66
Dream World
There’s a reason Bangkok’s Dream World is known by locals as “the world of happiness.” Travelers will find a variety of entertaining live performances, traditional cuisine and dozens of thrill-seeking amusement park rides just beyond the amusement park’s gates.
Nowhere else can visitors to Thailand slide down frozen hillsides aboard speeding sleds, raft across the Grand Canyon or fly 20 meters into the air on the thundering waves of a Hurricane. And these adrenaline pumping attractions are just part of what makes Dream World worth the visit. Families can wander through the chilly streets of the enchanting Snow Town or splash around in the little kids Water Fun area. Whether it’s an adventurous afternoon or an all-day family affair Dream World has travelers covered.
Practical Info
Dream World is accessible via the Rangsit highway and Changwattana Expressway. Travelers can also catch public bus number 538 to Dream World from Victory Monument.
Address: 62 Moo1, Rangsit-Ongkarak road, Pathumthani, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Dutch Cemetery
The Dutch Cemetery in Kochi is believed to be the oldest in the country, dating back to the beginning of the 18th century. It houses the tombs of Dutch soldiers and traders who left their homeland in order to expand their colonial empires – and as a result changed the entire course of history in India.
The cemetery is distinctly Dutch in its architecture and is surrounded by concrete walls. The year 1724 is engraved on a pillar towering over the cemetery’s entrance. Many of the tombs are made of granite and the epitaphs on each show the authentic records of those of both Dutch and British origin etched out in old Dutch script. According to T W Venn, who published a book on the subject, the last person laid to rest in the Dutch Cemetery in Kochi was Captain Joseph Ethelbert Winckler in 1913.
Practical Info
The Dutch Cemetery is located on the road that runs parallel to Fort Kochi Beach. Its gates are usually kept locked but are opened on the request of polite visitors (Ask at nearby St Francis Church).
Address: Kochi, Kerala, India, India
From $ 35
Drum Tower (Gulou)
Built during the Ming Dynasty, Xian's Drum Tower (Gulou) is set across from the equally ancient Bell Tower in the heart of the Old City. The structure's original purpose was to keep time, with its drums beaten each morning to mark sunset (Sunrise was marked with the tolling of the bells in the Bell Tower). The tower has been renovated several times over the years, and a huge six-foot-tall (1.8-meter-tall) drum was added in 1996, with 1,996 studs installed to represent the year it was made.
After marveling at the Drum Tower's impressive Chinese architecture, you can step inside and climb to its top level for views across the city. The tower features a museum, as well as regular drumming performances throughout the day. In addition, a small drum is available for visitors to beat three times a day for good luck in exchange for a fee.
The square in which the Drum Tower is located is a lively area filled with various shops, eateries, and other attractions. A trip here is included on most tours of the city and is usually combined with other top attractions, such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Muslim Market.
Insider Tip: The Drum Tower is beautifully lit up at night and climbing up to its higher levels provides some fantastic views of the twinkling lights of downtown Xian.
Practical Info
The Drum Tower is in the center of Xian, a short walk from the Bell Tower; you can buy a combined ticket to cover both sights for 50 CNY. The site can be reached by taking Line 2 of the subway to Bell Tower Station and heading west from exit B. Local buses also serve the area.
Address: Beiyuanmen, Xian, Northwest China, China
Hours: April–Oct: 8:30am–9pm; Oct–March 8:30am–6pm
Admission: 35 CNY
From $ 18
Durbar Square
The heart of Kathmandu, this vibrant public square was once the Kathmandu Kingdom royal residence. It has one of the world’s highest concentrations of well-preserved ancient buildings, making for a stunning open-air museum. Although the square was damaged during the 2015 earthquakes, there is still an array of architectural gems to see.
The Basics
Durbar means “Palace” in Nepal, and the vibrant square is most known for its royal lineage, from hand-carved temples to the 16th-century Malla palace. Multiple royal dynasties in Nepal have all left their mark. Standout sights include Kalbhairav—a fierce, dagger-wielding Shiva statue—and Taleju Temple, a spectacular, multitiered pagoda. There are also multiple courtyards to explore and the Kumari Ghar, home of Kathmandu’s pint-sized living goddess.
It is recommended to allot as much time as you can to strolling around and soaking up the ambiance. Guided tours are also indispensable to getting much-needed context on the historic buildings, including the city’s ongoing renovations. Visit during the day on an excursion that also explores Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Temple, or enjoy an evening tour by rickshaw.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Durbar Square, or palace square, is the UNESCO-listed heart of Kathmandu’s Old City.
- Keep an eye out for the Kumari (living goddess); she appears periodically from her 18th-century palace home.
- Shoulders covered: Remember to dress modestly when entering religious sites.
- Ask permission before photographing locals, especially the holy men known as sadhus.
- Admission tickets are required for entering the square, which has multiple entrance points.
How to Get There
Durbar Square is a short, scenic stroll from Thamel, where most of Kathmandu’s hotels and guesthouses are located. Guided tours often arrange private hotel pickup and street taxis can also be hired, although you may need to bargain.
When to Get There
Durbar Square is a year-round destination, although be prepared for warm summers and chilly winters. One of the city’s largest festivals—Indra Jatra—kicks off with a lively procession of chariots through the square. Masked performers, known as Lakheys, stage traditional dances in honor of Nepal’s rain god. The resident child goddess, or Kumari, also makes an appearance—one of the rare times she leaves the palace.
Supporting the City’s Renovations
Many quake-damaged historical buildings in Kathmandu—like Taleju Temple—have already been reconstructed, but others remain in critical condition. Learn about the painstaking reconstruction process and the many talented artisans that have joined rebuilding efforts. The country has made great progress since the 2015 earthquakes and tourists can show their support for the multiyear plan by visiting Durbar Square.
Address: Kathmandu, Nepal
From $ 12
Eden Gardens
Named after the gardens that lay beyond it, Eden Gardens is a cricket ground in Kolkata that’s home to the Bengal cricket team and the Kolkata Knight Riders. It’s also the venue for international cricket matches and is the largest cricket stadium in India in terms of seating capacity.
Established in 1864, Eden Gardens has since become one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world. Following renovations for the Cricket World Cup in 2011, the stadium seats over 90,000 spectators (a capacity actually lower than before the upgrade).
Within the grounds, the gardens themselves feature a picturesque lake with a tiny Burmese pagoda at its center. It’s a peaceful spot that’s well worth a stroll around on a visit to the stadium.
Practical Info
The stadium can be reached both via the Eden Gardens Railway Station and the Eden Gardens Circular stop. Entry to the stadium is usually limited to the south gate, but a north portal near Gate 12 is often open, too.
Address: Kolkata, West Bengal, India, India
From $ 49
Dule Temple (Temple of Solitary)
Built during the Tang Dynasty (seventh to tenth century) and rebuilt in 984 AD, Dule Temple — also known as the Temple of Solitary Joy — is one of China’s oldest surviving wooden structures. Two of the Buddhist Temple’s oldest structures also rank among the oldest. The Shan Gate, a single-story wooden structure, serves as the south entrance to the temple. The Guanyin Pavilion houses one of the biggest ancient statues of the goddess Guanyin in the country, measuring over 50 feet (16 meters) tall.
While the temple structure is significant for its ancient architecture, the interior impresses with its collection of colorful and intricate frescoes depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology. Guided tours of Tianjin often include a stop at Dule Temple, as well as the Hyangyaguan Great Wall and Imperial Mausoleums.
Practical Info
If you don’t want to visit the temple as part of a guided tour, you can get there by catching a bus from Hebei Bus Station to Ji County. The journey takes just over two hours.
Did You Know? The architectural techniques used in constructing the Dule Temple have helped it survive numerous intense earthquakes intact.
Address: 41 Wuding St, Jixian, Tianjin, China
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
From $ 105