Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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The Avenue of Stars, located on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, is Hong Kong’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hong Kong film industry has enjoyed a long history as the third largest in the world after Hollywood and Bollywood, and as the second largest exporter of movies, many of Hong Kong’s locales and celebrities have become familiar to foreign audiences who’ve never stepped foot in the city.
Along the quarter-mile (440 meter) stretch, you’ll notice a large replica of the statue presented to winners of the Hong Kong Film Awards as well as a bronze statue of Hong Kong’s most famous celebrity, Bruce Lee. Star-shaped plaques inlaid into the promenade contain names and sometimes autographs and handprints of other industry celebrities.
Even if you’re not familiar with the Hong Kong film industry, a visit to the Avenue of Stars will reward you with unobstructed panoramic views of the Hong Kong Island skyline in front of Victoria Peak. It’s also a perfect spot to view the nightly Symphony of Lights performance across the harbor.
How to Get There
Asan Tole Market is in the central part of Kathmandu, a short walk from Thamel, Ratna Park, Kantipath, and the Durbar Square. It’s best to walk between these places, as the streets are narrow and congested, and traffic jams common. From other parts of Kathmandu you can take a taxi to a nearby street and walk to the market area.
Auroville
Auroville was birthed in the late 1960s by Mirra Alfassa, known to her followers as The Mother, as a universal town where unity and spirituality would be celebrated. Today, the town has a population of over 2,000 people from 45 different countries and a range of age groups, backgrounds and social classes.
At the center of Auroville sits Matrimandir, the gold-domed Temple of the Mother, where residents come to meditate. The Auroville Visitors Centre offers an introductory video about the project, and travelers willing to spend more than a day passing through can sign up to participate in meditation, yoga, dance, martial arts and inner healing workshops. Many projects happening around town welcome volunteers, some for as little as a day and others for a week or month at a time.
Practical Info
Auroville welcomes the most tourists from December to February. While this means a wider variety of available activities, it also means that guesthouses will be booked, so make your plans well in advance.
Address: Auroville, India
From $ 49
Astana
Built in 1870 by Charles Brooke, Second White Rajah of Sarawak, the Astana is now the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak. Built as a bridal gift from Charles Brooke to his wife, Ranee Margaret of Sarawak, the Astana is now often viewed as an architectural monument of love. It is a regal complex comprised of three separate bungalows and a narrow system of passageways that unifies all parts of the Astana into a single palatial dwelling.
Set on the northern bank of the Sarawak River no visitors are allowed to enter the interior of the Astana, the one exception being the annual Hari Raya festival at the end of the month of Ramadan. During all other times of the year, however, visitors to Kuching are encouraged to wander the well-manicured palace grounds and peruse the various ethnic artifacts which lay scattered amongst the property. It’s a popular hangout for locals and a serene spot to enjoy a sunset while gazing back at the Kuching waterfront.
During the time of Rajah Charles Brooke, it was understood that he planted a grove of betel nut trees behind the Astana in order to offer them to visiting Dayak chiefs, and although not entirely open to the public, the Astana is nonetheless one of the more important architectural and historical monuments pertaining to the curious history of Kuching.
Set on the northern bank of the Sarawak River no visitors are allowed to enter the interior of the Astana, the one exception being the annual Hari Raya festival at the end of the month of Ramadan. During all other times of the year, however, visitors to Kuching are encouraged to wander the well-manicured palace grounds and peruse the various ethnic artifacts which lay scattered amongst the property. It’s a popular hangout for locals and a serene spot to enjoy a sunset while gazing back at the Kuching waterfront.
During the time of Rajah Charles Brooke, it was understood that he planted a grove of betel nut trees behind the Astana in order to offer them to visiting Dayak chiefs, and although not entirely open to the public, the Astana is nonetheless one of the more important architectural and historical monuments pertaining to the curious history of Kuching.
Address: Malaysia
From $ 14
Ayala Museum
Located in Makati, the Ayala Museum is considered one of the most culturally significant museums in the Philippines. Spread over four stories, this well-organized and -maintained gallery houses a large collection of art, gold jewelry, archaeological artifacts, maritime vessels, and dioramas covering Philippine arts, culture, and heritage.
The Basics
The brainchild of the late artist Fernando Zóbel de Ayala y Montojo, the museum opened in 1967, with much of the initial collection donated by the artist’s family. Highlights include an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold objects, textiles, and maritime vessels. It also features artwork from top artists such as Zóbel de Ayala, Juan Luna, and Fernando Amorsolo. And don’t miss the 60 dioramas depicting key events in Philippine history, a highlight for many at the museum. There’s also a rotation of temporary exhibits and a café serving snacks and beverages.
Visitors can purchase a full admission pass, which covers the museum and all exhibits, or a pass just to view the temporary exhibits. The Ayala Museum features on many half-day and full-day sightseeing tours of Manila, along with other top attractions like Rizal Park and Fort Santiago. Cruise ship passengers or those on a layover can take a customized private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ayala Museum is a must-visit for those with an interest in Philippine culture and history.
- Guided tours are available for a fee and should be booked in advance.
- Audio guides in English and Tagalog are available for rent.
- Photography is only allowed in certain parts of the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- There is free Wi-Fi in the museum.
How to Get There
The Ayala Museum is located in Makati, at the edge of the Greenbelt Shopping Center. It is walking distance from most of the top hotels in Makati, as well as the MRT Ayala Station.
When to Get There
The Ayala Museum is open daily, except on Mondays. As it doesn’t usually get too crowded, the museum is a good option when other museums and attractions are busy. The Ayala Museum also hosts a range of performances, talks, lectures, and special exhibitions. Check the calendar to see the latest schedule.
Filipinas Heritage Library
The Filipinas Heritage Library can be found on the sixth floor of the Ayala Museum and requires a separate admission fee. The library houses over 15,000 books, an extensive photo collection, and a collection of over a thousand contemporary titles on Philippine arts, culture, and history. The on-site conservation laboratory helps preserve old books and documents.
Address: Markati Avenue cor. De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines
Admission: Varies
From $ 106
Babulnath Temple
Babulnath Temple is one of the oldest places of worship in Mumbai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Great God, the 18th-century temple is a peaceful place full of limestone and marble where figures from Hindu mythology are intricately carved into the interior.
Overlooking Chowpatty Beach atop a small hill in South Mumbai, Babulnath Temple was built in 1780 after five buried idols were discovered in the area. Come on Mondays to see devotees of Shiva come to obtain blessings at this holy site. Pilgrims also flock to Babulnath Temple for the annual Maha Shivratri (Great Night of Shiva) Festival. Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the night before a new moon because it’s said that Lord Shiva saved the world from darkness and sin — a darkness symbolized by the new moon.
Practical Info
Opposite Bombay International School on Babulnath Road in the ritzy Malabar Hill district, Babulnath Temple is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5am to 10:30pm. Hours are extended to 4:30am to 11.30pm on Mondays for Somvar, the auspicious day of Lord Shiva when most devotees visit. If you don’t fancy making the pilgrimage up the hundreds of steps that will take you up to this sacred site, the elevator (halfway up the hill) to the temple costs 2 rupees.
Address: 16 Babulnath Road, Mumbai, India
From $ 58
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is a large open-air mall situated in the once bustling international trade docks of the East Asiatic Company. It faces the Chao Phraya River and Charoen Krung Road and was opened in 2012 after an extensive renovation of the site.
Asiatique blends the traditional side of Bangkok with its rapidly growing modern side by combining a night bazaar and a swish, contemporary shopping mall. It features more than 1500 shops, stores, and boutiques and around 40 restaurants all within the same complex. It offers a good variety of shops, with a range of brands and independent outlets drawing a mixed crowd of locals and tourists.
Opening only in the evenings from 5pm, Asiatique also has a strong focus on entertainment in addition to retail therapy, with nightly shows including cabaret acts, Thai boxing, and screenings at its on-site 4D movie theater. There’s also the impressive Asiatique Sky attraction, which lays claim to being the highest ferris wheel in Thailand.
Practical Info
The most simple way to reach Asiatique The Riverfront is via boat. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and board the free service boat at the end of the pier. The journey takes just ten minutes and the boats run up until 11pm.
Address: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 5pm-midnight
From $ 28
Bac Ha Market
This sprawling market in the sleepy northern highland town of Bac Ha, is the reason many visit in the first place, but you’ll have to time it right. The market only occurs on Sundays, when, like clockwork, villagers from the surrounding hillside flood the town to set up shop, bargain for goods or come to see and be seen, catching up on the latest gossip. The open-air market here is among the largest in the region attracting members of the Black Dao, Tay, Nung, Phu La and other area minority ethnic groups, but it’s the brightly-colored Flower Hmong women that make up the bulk of Bac Ha Market’s vendors; they blanket and enliven the dusty streets with their neon costumes. Under blue plastic roofs, or atop tarps draped over the hard ground, market vendors proffer clothing, building materials, yarn, herbs and medicine, dried chilies, ruou (corn wine) and even livestock such as goats, chickens and buffalo. A growing segment of the market also caters to foreign visitors with bags, bracelets, scarves, bowls, dolls and other locally-made handicrafts. Bring your bargaining skills and arrive early for the best selection.
Practical Info
The market opens at sunrise and breaks down around 2 p.m. If you’ve already made it to Bac Ha (usually via the train or bus stations in Lao Cai some 47 miles away), then its an easy enough amble to market by foot. Day trips also depart Sapa early for the nearly three-hour trip to Bac Ha on market days returning later in the afternoon. For the true market lover, weekend-long organized shopping sprees, often including village treks or stays, visit the smaller Saturday Can Cau Market 12 miles north of Bac Ha first before visiting Bac Ha Market on Sunday.
Address: Lao Cai, Vietnam
From $ 29
Ashtalakshmi Temple
Situated near Elliot's Beach, the colorful Ashtalakshmi Temple was constructed in the mid-1970s to honor the Hindu goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. The multitiered structure features images of the goddess in her eight forms, with shrines spread over four floors accessible by steep and narrow staircases.
The Basics
Towering over Elliot's beach, Ashtalakshmi Temple can be visited as part of a half-day excursion from nearby Chennai. This colorful edifice is around 65 feet high and 45 feet wide. Eight forms of the goddess Lakshmi are depicted across four levels, as well as a shrine to Dhanalakshmi, associated with financial wealth, on the top floor. The temple also features 32 kalasams, pointed tips frequently seen at the top of temple towers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This colorful temple is a must-visit for photographers.
- Remember to dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered, out of respect for local culture.
- The temple is primarily an outdoor attraction, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
- Access to the top of the temple requires climbing steep and narrow stairs, which could prove challenging for those with mobility concerns.
How to Get There
The temple is located on Beach Road, at the southernmost tip of Elliot's Beach in southern Chennai. It's about a 20-minute drive to Mylapore, where many of the city's major attractions are located. The nearest commuter railway station is Indira Nagar, which is 10 or 15 minutes away by taxi or auto rickshaw.
When to Get There
The temple is open from 6:30am until noon, and again from 4pm to 9pm daily, with extended hours until 1pm on Friday and Sunday mornings. During the hotter months of April through June, travelers may want to visit during the early morning hours, before temperatures peak.
The Eight Forms of Lakshmi
Ashtalakshmi literally means “eight Lakshmis,” symbolizing the goddess of wealth in eight different manifestations. The types of wealth associated with the goddess include financial wealth, agricultural wealth (associated with crops), animal wealth (such as owning livestock), the wealth of having children, the wealth of knowledge, the wealth of having courage, and the wealth of being victorious in battle.
Address: Near Beach Seashore, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 600090, India
From $ 57
Avenue of Stars
Please note: Avenue of the Stars is currently closed for renovations. The reopening is scheduled for 2018. The statues are temporarily relocated to the Garden of Stars in the Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium Garden.
Along the quarter-mile (440 meter) stretch, you’ll notice a large replica of the statue presented to winners of the Hong Kong Film Awards as well as a bronze statue of Hong Kong’s most famous celebrity, Bruce Lee. Star-shaped plaques inlaid into the promenade contain names and sometimes autographs and handprints of other industry celebrities.
Even if you’re not familiar with the Hong Kong film industry, a visit to the Avenue of Stars will reward you with unobstructed panoramic views of the Hong Kong Island skyline in front of Victoria Peak. It’s also a perfect spot to view the nightly Symphony of Lights performance across the harbor.
Address: Hong Kong, China
Hours: Closed until 2018.
From $ 57
Atma Alam Batik Art Village
Atma Alam Batik Art Village is a batik center located in Padang Matsirat, Malaysia on the island of Langkawi. Batik is a traditional wax-dyed cloth technique and an ancient art form. The center is owned by Aza Osman, an oil painter, and Roshadah Yusof, a batik artist. They designed the art village primarily to attract tourists and to promote the art of batik and showcase the creative art of batik in Langkawi. Atma Alam Batik Art Village has been recognized by the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage of Malaysia.
The batik art village building covers half an acre and consists of a batik workshop, a batik showroom, an art gallery, a batik gallery, and a handicraft display. It offers high quality and affordable local products, such as wall hangings, garments, and handbags. More expensive items for sale include collections of original canvas oil paintings and batik paintings by local artists. The batik art village also offers classes where you can learn to turn white fabric into batik art. There is also a cafe where you can get coffee, cold drinks, and snacks.
Practical Info
Atma Alam Batik Art Village is located on Jalan Padang Matsirat in Padang Matsirat. It is 1.25 miles from the Langkawi International Airport and near a Petronas gas station. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm daily, and admission is free. Photography is not allowed inside.
Address: Langkawi, Kedah 07000, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
From $ 22
Asian Civilisations Museum
Singapore is city that resembles a patchwork quilt of different Asian cultural influences, and if you want a broader understanding of these regional cultures, a visit to the Asian Civilizations Museum is in order. Housed within the nineteenth century Empress Place building, the museum is the first of its kind in the region to examine the may ethnic groups that make up modern Singapore.
Divided into 10 themed areas, the museum displays an exquisite collection of art and artifacts from China, India, Southeast Asia and even Turkey and Islamic Asia. The West Asia galleries are particularly interesting, as they examine an area of the world responsible for the birth of three religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
For the most rewarding museum experience, plan your visit during one of the daily guided tours of the collection, available in English, Mandarin and Japanese (French and Korean less frequently).
Divided into 10 themed areas, the museum displays an exquisite collection of art and artifacts from China, India, Southeast Asia and even Turkey and Islamic Asia. The West Asia galleries are particularly interesting, as they examine an area of the world responsible for the birth of three religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
For the most rewarding museum experience, plan your visit during one of the daily guided tours of the collection, available in English, Mandarin and Japanese (French and Korean less frequently).
Practical Info:
Routes to take by transit: Walking distance from Subway: EW, NS (at Raffles Place).
Address: 1 Empress Pl, 179555, Singapore
Hours: Monday: 1pm - 7pm; Tue-Sun 9am - 7pm (Friday closes at 9pm).
Admission: Adult: $5, Child (ages 6 and below): Free
From $ 3
Art in Paradise
Art in Paradise is an interactive 3D art gallery in Chiang Mai. Visitors get to become a part of the art, interacting with paintings and installations to create various illusions and gain some unique photos opportunities in a family friendly environment.
From a ride on Aladdin's flying carpet to an exploration expedition of the deep blue sea, Art in Paradise encourages travelers to use their imaginations and tap into their inner child in order to create and complete the artworks on display. This three-story gallery has various zones to explore with different themes, including an ocean area, a zoo site, a classic art theme and Thai and Egyptian areas. There's also a small cafe and restaurant on the ground floor of the gallery.
Practical Info
Art in Paradise is located on Changklan Road in the south of Chiang Mai, next to the Shangri La Hotel and just a few kilometers east of the Ping River.
Address: 199/9 Changklan Road, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand 50200, Thailand
Hours: 9am-9pm
Admission: Adult: 300 baht / Child: 200 baht
From $ 16
Ba Be National Park
Established in 1992 as Vietnam’s eighth national park, Ba Be National Park protects nearly 39 square miles (100 square kilometers) of rainforest, lakes, limestone peaks, caves, waterfalls and a sprinkling of ethnic minority villages, many of them part of the Tay minority. What’s often referred to as Ba Be Lake is in fact three interconnected lakes linked by wide channels.
Visitors to Ba Be National Park have their choice of a variety of experiences — lazy boat tours on the lakes, treks to caves and waterfalls, homestays in minority villages and kayaking trips through the park. The park also boasts surprising biodiversity, with some 550 plant species, 65 species of mammals, 353 butterflies, 233 birds and more than 100 types of fish. While some of the wildlife can be quite shy and difficult to spot, it’s common to see macaque monkeys, colorful parrots and herons near the banks of the lake.
Practical Info
If you want to enjoy Ba Be National Park at its most peaceful, avoid visiting in July and August when most Hanoians take their vacations.
Address: Bắc Kạn Province, Vietnam, Vietnam
From $ 128
Art of Living International Center
The Art of Living ashram, located 22 miles south of Bangalore, is a 65-acre haven of peace and tranquility, with its beautiful, lush gardens, soothing water fountains and waterfalls, and a picturesque lake. At the center of the campus is the spectacular mediation hall, a magnificent six-tiered building topped with a glass dome.
This is the international headquarters of the Art of Living Foundation, which has chapters in over 150 countries around the world. The Art of Living was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual guru who has an international following and whose philosophy is “unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.”
The Art of Living Foundation is well-known for its stress-elimination programs which combine yoga and meditation with breathing techniques to help people achieve mental and physical well-being. The Foundation is also one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations, promoting many humanitarian activities and projects working on rural development, education and the empowerment of women.
Visitors are welcome to visit the campus for the day and enjoy the peaceful, pleasant surroundings by taking a stroll around the grounds and joining the daily Satsang (spiritual discourse) session with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from 6:30pm to 8pm (4:30pm to 6pm on Sundays). Those who would like to learn more about the Art of Living and attend a course can be accommodated on campus. There’s also an Ayurvedic spa, pharmacy and wellness center located on site as well as a bookstore and handicraft shop.
This is the international headquarters of the Art of Living Foundation, which has chapters in over 150 countries around the world. The Art of Living was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual guru who has an international following and whose philosophy is “unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.”
The Art of Living Foundation is well-known for its stress-elimination programs which combine yoga and meditation with breathing techniques to help people achieve mental and physical well-being. The Foundation is also one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations, promoting many humanitarian activities and projects working on rural development, education and the empowerment of women.
Visitors are welcome to visit the campus for the day and enjoy the peaceful, pleasant surroundings by taking a stroll around the grounds and joining the daily Satsang (spiritual discourse) session with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from 6:30pm to 8pm (4:30pm to 6pm on Sundays). Those who would like to learn more about the Art of Living and attend a course can be accommodated on campus. There’s also an Ayurvedic spa, pharmacy and wellness center located on site as well as a bookstore and handicraft shop.
Address: Bengaluru, India
From $ 71
Asan Tole Market
The Asan Tole Market area is one of Kathmandu’s most ancient parts. It’s sat at the crossroads of trade routes through the Himalayas for centuries, and is still a busy, thriving, and culturally fascinating part of the central city.
The Basics
Asan (also spelled Ason) is a bustling market area, but it’s also much more. It’s a hub of Newari culture, the ethnic group who were the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. Visitors will see many old houses with ornately carved doors and window frames, as well as important temples. All kinds of things can be bought at the market, particularly traditional Nepali foodstuffs. And it’s not just a market put on for tourists: This is where locals shop as they have done for centuries.
Many people visit the Asan Market as part of a walking tour of central Kathmandu. In fact, the central streets are so narrow and crowded that it’s far more comfortable (and even faster) to walk than to get there by car.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple of Annapurna Ajima, temples dedicated to Ganesha and Narayan, and white Buddhist stupas in hidden courtyards can be found in the area.
- It’s easy to get lost in Asan’s tangle of streets, but don’t worry: Friendly locals will help point you in the right direction.
- Always bargain when shopping for goods, but there’s no need to go overboard. Don’t get angry or insult a seller’s goods.
How to Get There
Asan Tole Market is in the central part of Kathmandu, a short walk from Thamel, Ratna Park, Kantipath, and the Durbar Square. It’s best to walk between these places, as the streets are narrow and congested, and traffic jams common. From other parts of Kathmandu you can take a taxi to a nearby street and walk to the market area.
When to Get There
The market operates roughly sunrise to sunset. It’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the vehicle traffic. Any time of year is a good time to go, except during the monsoon (June–August) when the streets can be slippery, muddy, and even flooded after a downpour.
Walk to Freak Street
It’s easily missed these days, but just a short walk from the Asan market is Jhochhen, better known as Freak Street. This legendary area was once, for better and worse, the epicenter of the Western hippie scene in Kathmandu. Nowadays, travelers tend to stay in and around the Thamel neighborhood instead, and authorities long ago cleaned up and shut down the more ‘colorful’ parts of Freak Street. But for historical reasons, it’s still a fun place to walk, shop, and take photos.
Address: Kathmandu, Nepal
From $ 102
Asakusa Temple
The must-see Asakusa Temple (also known as Senso-ji or Asakusa Kannon) combines architecture, centers of worship, Japanese gardens, and traditional markets to offer visitors a modern-day look at Japan’s rich history and culture. Erected in AD 645 in what was once an old fishing village, Asakusa Temple was dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Stone statues of Fujin (the Shinto wind god) and Raijin (the Shinto thunder god) guard the entrance, known as Kaminarimon or the Thunder Gate. Next is Hozomon Gate, which leads to Nakamise’s shopping streets, filled with vendors selling handicrafts and Japanese snacks. Don’t miss the Asakusa Shrine or Kannon-do Hall.
The Basics
Even those with little interest in religious architecture should include this top sight on their Tokyo itinerary. Asakusa Temple is quite unlike anything else in the city—and as one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions, it’s included in many city sightseeing tours that may also visit the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Plaza, the Tsukiji Fish Market, and the Nakamise-dori shopping district. For an in-depth experience in the Asakusa area, opt for a walking tour, rickshaw tour, or evening food tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Asakusa Temple is a must-see for first-time visitors to Tokyo.
- It’s possible to experience the temple on a themed tour of the Asakusa neighborhood or as part of a comprehensive city sightseeing tour.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for a variety of surfaces.
- Don’t forget your wallet—a variety of interesting shops dot the area.
How to Get There
Senso-ji is located in Asakusa, within central Tokyo’s Taito district. The temple is just a few steps away from Asakusa Station, which is served by Tobu Railways and the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines.
When to Get There
The temple grounds are always open. The main hall is open from 6am to sunset each day, but many of the shops don’t open until late morning. The temple can get crowded around midday, particularly on weekends, so if you’d like more elbow room, visit before 10am or after 6pm.
The Mystery of Kannon
According to local legend, in AD 628 a pair of fishermen discovered a golden statue of the goddess Kannon in the nearby Sumida River. The statue has allegedly been enshrined at the site since its construction 17 years later, but it has never been on public display. It’s hard to say whether the ancient image of Kannon exists, but it hasn’t stopped Asakusa from becoming Tokyo’s most visited temple.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Hours: Main hall: 6am - 5pm (6:30am from Oct - Mar). Temple grounds always open
Admission: Free
From $ 34
Bach Dang Pier
Bach Dang Pier is located next to the ferry terminal and close to the Renaissance hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a popular launching point for boat trips along the Saigon River.
From the area, visitors can get involved in all manner of trips and activities. From accessing various parts of the city to explore, to weaving through its canals on a sunset dinner cruise, both tourist and trade boats bustle in and out of Bach Dang Pier throughout the day and night. Some operators also arrange trips to attractions further afield, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels.
As well as being a good place to find out more about tours and activities available on the river, Bach Dang has an appeal all of its own, with a number authentic coffee shops, bars, and eateries on offer. It’s a bustling area where you’ll find locals doing tai chi in the mornings and sipping drinks overlooking the river come the early evening.
Practical Info
Bach Dang Pier is located next to the Renaissance Riverside Hotel in the southern end of town.
Address: Ton Duc Thang, Ho Chi Minh City, South Vietnam, Vietnam
From $ 9
Asahiyama Zoo
Japan’s northernmost zoo is also among the most popular, thanks to its well-managed enclosures designed to exhibit natural animal behaviors rather than just the animals themselves. The zoo is home to more than 800 animal residents representing some 150 species, but the crowd favorites tend to be those hailing from the poles: polar bears and penguins.
A glass tunnel through the penguin enclosure allows visitors to see the aquatic birds “in flight” through the water, while a vertical underwater pipe for the spotted seal shows off the diving skills of this mammal. Both the polar bear and wolf enclosures have pop-up plexiglass domes that allow for viewing the animals from within the enclosures themselves.
Practical Info
Buses 41, 42 and 47 depart from Asahikawa Station twice per hour. The trip to the zoo entrance takes about 40 minutes.
Address: Kuranuma Higashi Asahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
Hours: April to October 9:30am to 5:15pm; October to November 9:30am to
4:30pm; December to April 10:30am to 3:30pm
Admission: 820 yen
From $ 71
Aurangabad
Situated in the state of Maharashtra, Aurangabad sees a steady flow of international visitors due to its rich culture and history, particularly at the world heritage sites, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. In fact, visitors to Aurangabad and its surrounding regions will find a history dating back to the 2nd century BC, when the Satavahana dynasty established their capital in what is known today as Paithan.
It was around this time that the monasteries were carved out of caves in what is now Ajanta. Meanwhile, the carvings in the Ellora caves track the ebb and flow of three major religions between the 5th and 10th centuries – Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.
In the mid-1600s the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, made Aurangabad his capital city, but after his death it quickly began to decline. However, the city’s reign of glory can still be seen within its fascinating monuments, including a must-see Taj Mahal replica (the Bibi-qa-Maqbara).
The train station and a cluster of hotels and restaurants are located to the south of the town along Station Road East and Station Road West. There’s also a bustling old town in Aurangabad made up of winding narrow streets that are home to the Muslim quarters of the city.
Practical Info
Buses leave regularly from the MSRTC bus stand in Aurangabad heading to Pune and Nasik, while Aurangabad train station, which sits on the southern edge of town, runs two direct daily trains to Mumbai. There’s also an airport located 10 kilometers from the city.
Address: Aurangabad, India
From $ 38
Army Museum of Singapore
Singapore’s very own army museum relates the history of the army and the contributions of National Service men through a collection of over 500 sets of artifacts, which consist of medals, personal memos and a trainee bunk, for example.
The Army Museum of Singapore gives visitors the chance to catch a glimpse of Singapore’s pre-independence turbulent days in a highly sensory way. Visitors intrigued by the daily life of a soldier can truly experience what it feels and smells like while watching the 30-minute interactive video “A Day in the Life” in a special effects theater, which depicts a modern army during a battle. Many other interactive activities take place throughout the museum, like the mini obstacles course called Adventure Land which showcases how soldiers are trained for combat fitness. Young soldiers will enjoy both the “Army Operations” activity, in which they will attempt to decipher the codename of army operations, and the crowd-pleaser “Robot World”, where they will get a chance to control their own mechanical agent. The key exhibition and, incidentally, one of the most poignant, is undoubtedly the “Making of a Soldier”, which portrays the life of a National service marine back in the 1970s post-British occupation, including an original military bunk bed from the Pulau Tekong training camp and several pieces of military hardware.
Practical Info
The Army Museum of Singapore is located in south-western Singapore, just a few minutes’ walk from the Joo Koon train station (line EW). Visitors can also get there by bus (routes 182 or 193) and by car (via CTE, AYE and PIE). The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9AM and 6PM. Admission is free for all Singaporean citizens but it costs $5 per foreign adult and $3 per foreign child.
Address: 500 Upper Jurong Road, Blk 78 #02-25, Singapore
Hours: Tues-Sun 9AM and 6PM
Admission: $5 (adults) $3 (children)
From $ 120
Ayutthaya
The ruined island city-state of Ayutthaya—the once great capital of the Kingdom of Siam toppled by the Burmese in the 18th century—is now a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lying at the confluence of three rivers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya Historical Park protects magnificent crumbling stone temple spires, sun-worn Buddha statues, and other remnants of the three palaces, 400 temples, houses, and markets that thrived in Ayutthaya’s heyday.
The Basics
Ayutthaya’s ruined temples and statues—interspersed around and within the present-day town—are easily visited on foot or by bike, though biking is by far the most popular option. Many half- and full-day walking, biking, and bus tours visit Ayutthaya, and you can even book a full-day bike tour departing from Bangkok. Most tours visit the following top sights: Wat Phutthaisawan, St Joseph’s Church, and the Ayutthaya Historical Park’s Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (the model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok), Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit (home of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha), Wat Mahathat (featuring the famous Buddha head wrapped in tree roots), and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Sites farther afield, such as the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace are sometimes also included on tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to enter the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
- Most visitors spend at least a half-day exploring the vast, 715-acre (289-hectare) city site.
- If biking, note that traffic lights are missing from some intersections—be sure to look both ways, and always assume cars and trucks have the right of way.
- The ruined temples are still considered sacred. To be respectful, wear long pants or skirts, show no bare shoulders, and always remove shoes before entering a temple building.
How to Get There
Ayutthaya is 47 miles (76 kilometers) north of Bangkok, about an hour’s drive from downtown. Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to four of the most popular temples as well as the Royal Palace at Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, is located in the center of the present-day city. Other archaeological sites are sprinkled around the island of Ayutthaya.
When to Get There
November to February, when Ayutthaya is cool and dry, is the best time to visit—though it’s also Thailand’s busiest. If you can, come during Loi Krathong, a November Thai holiday that involves ornate hanging lanterns, markets, music, and cultural performances spread over three days. No matter the time of year, visit in early morning to beat the crowds and maximize your time.
Ancient Artifacts in Ayutthaya
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum houses almost all of the remaining artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations of the former kingdom. This is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area and the people who lived here centuries ago.
Address: Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
From $ 12