Things to Do in Asia

Spread across 240 acres (97 hectares) full of plants and flowers, not to mention dozens of types of birds, the sprawling Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is one of Bangalore's best green spaces and a big part of how the city got its nickname: the Garden City. It's as popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great place for a morning jog.

 

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens offers much more than just plants and flowers. Popular attractions within the palace include the greenhouse; a replica of South London's Crystal Palace  and Lalbagh rock, a granite hillock with a tiny temple at its precipice. Many group and private tours of the city stop in the gardens, and visitors willing to wake up early Sunday mornings can join a local naturalist, Vijay Thiruvady, to learn about the flora in the park.

 

 

The gardens are located in the southern part of Bangalore and can be accessed via four different entrances at Lalbagh Road, Double Road (where there's also a parking lot), Jayanagar, and Basavanagudi. The Lalbagh metro station is located on the western side of the garden, near the lake. It’s about a 10-minute ride to the Krishna Rajendra Market stop, near Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Bangalore Fort.

 

The garden is open from sunrise to sunset every day and is a popular year-round attraction, though visitor numbers peak during the biannual Lalbagh Flower Show held on Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15). If you do come in August (or at any point during the June–September monsoon season), make sure to bring a raincoat and some shoes that you don't mind getting muddy.

 

Held twice a year on Independence Day and Republic Day, the Lalbagh Flower Show features all sorts of floral displays both within the greenhouse and out in the main part of the garden. The shows often have themes, ranging from the local film industry to the Indian Armed Forces, while various musical and educational events complement oftentimes grandiose botanical displays.

Thanks to Langkawi’s status as a Duty Free Port, shopping in the city is popular and inexpensive. Established in 1966, the Langkawi Craft Complex (Kompleks Kraf Langkawi) specializes in traditional Malayan handcrafted items — things like hand-dyed batiks, silver jewelry, ceramics and woven tote bags.

The complex often hosts craft demonstrations and cultural performances. A series of on-site exhibitions cover topics like traditional wedding ceremonies, Islamic heritage and local legends.

With over 100 bars, restaurants, clubs and retailers, Lan Kwai Fong is considered Hong Kong’s dining and entertainment destination. Its convenient location just around the corner from Central makes the area a mainstay for locals, expats and travelers looking for the perfect nighttime hot spots. 

Lan Kwai Fong’s history is varied, as the area has undergone a significant number of changes over the years. It was primarily filled with prostitutes back in the 1880’s and then it became a water catchment area at the turn of the century. Around the same time a flower market opened, giving rise to the name Lan Kwai Fong, meaning “Orchid Square”. Prior to the Second World War, the area saw legitimate businesses open their doors as prostitution was abolished, but it wasn’t until the early 1980s that Lan Kwai Fong became the entertainment district of Hong Kong. Early businesses saw immediate success, paving the way for a booming nighttime entertainment district today. In 1979, the well-known “Disco Disco” was the first to open and then “California” Restaurant followed in 1983, earning Lan Kwai Fong an immediate fan base. 

Lan Kwai Fong Street is L-shaped with the two ends joining with D’Aguilar Street and is typically referred to as “LKF” by locals and those in the know. The area continues to grow and now “Greater Lan Kwai Fong” includes D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Wo On Lane, Wing Wah Lane, Wyndham Street, On Hing Terrace, and Wellington Street. 

When it comes to dining and partying in LKF, the area has it all. From upscale ethnic cuisine to trendy bars featuring crazy libations, there is literally something for every occasion. It’s the ideal spot for happy hour, a simple glass of wine while people watching, or a late night of dancing and partying. It’s not uncommon to see local celebrities frequenting Lan Kwai Fong, and big holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve see huge parties that spill out into the streets. 

Travelers who want to experience the beauty and stoicism of the Mughal Empire can step back in time on a visit to the Lalbagh Fort. Built in 1677, this stunning structure was never actually completed, since the sudden death of the builder’s daughter was considered bad luck. It stands as a stark reminder of Old Dhaka’s past. A stunning red façade and tiny reflecting pool offer up a quiet escape from the energy of the old city. Travelers can wander the peaceful grounds—which include the Mausoleum of Pari Bibi, the Audience Hall (Diwan) and the beautiful Quilla Mosque—or explore the halls of the impressive museum that’s filled with artifacts that date back to the Mughal Empire.

Located just 30 kilometers south of Chiang Mai, the quiet town of Lamphun offers travelers a charming escape from busier city streets. Shallow moats and the peaceful Rive Kuang border the capital of the Lamphun Province, where local longan fruits are said to be the sweetest in the country. In fact, each August the town comes to celebrate its harvest during the annual Lam Yai festival.

Adventurous travelers can head about 45 kilometers outside Lamphun to Luang Pha Waing Cave—one of the largest in northern Thailand. This network of underground tunnels is only accessible via a steep uphill climb, but visitors say it’s worth the journey—and the hike.

The Langkawi Crocodile Farm on the island of Langkawi, Malaysia, houses one of the largest collections of crocodile and alligator species in the world. The reptiles range from newborns to fully grown, some world record-holders and some that are handicapped. The crocodile farm covers an area of 20 acres.

Visitors come to Langkawi Crocodile Farm to see more than 1,000 crocodiles. The first section is where you'll find the baby crocodiles along with signs that provide facts about these little guys. There is also a pond where both crocodiles and alligators are located, with signs explain the difference so you can try to tell them apart. At the feeding pond, you can watch crocodiles snap at and devour their meals. You can also walk on a bridge above another pond where crocodiles are lounging. There is also a gift shop where you can buy fun croc-themed souvenirs.

Created in 1362, centuries before Udaipur was established, the freshwater Lake Pichola is surrounded by beautiful old palaces, temples, and homes, many dating back hundreds of years. The whitewashed Lake Palace that is situated on an island in the north part of the lake is now a hotel run by the luxury Taj Group.

 

Lake Pichola sits at the heart of old Udaipur, and is accessible from various points along its shores. There are four islands within the lake, including the island where the Lake Palace is located; Jag Mandir, with a palace of the same name; the tiny Mohan Mandir; and  Arsi Vilas. Virtually all city tours pass by the lake, and many feature boat rides or sunset cruises on their itineraries.

 

 

Lake Pichola sits at the heart of Udaipur's old town, and it's impossible to avoid seeing it if you're visiting major attractions such as the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, or Chand Pol Bazaar. Those who can afford it may want to consider spending the night at the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, which is on a small island right in the middle of the lake and is accessible only by boat.

 

The best time to visit Udaipur is between November and February, when temperatures are lower. However, if you can stand a bit of heat and humidity and want to see Lake Pichola at its fullest, September is the best month to visit, just after the monsoon rains have subsided. The hottest months are May and June, while the monsoon from late June through August can make the city feel gloomy.

 

Lake Pichola is perhaps best known as one of the shooting locations for the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which is screened regularly in restaurants across Udaipur to this day. The Lake Palace figures prominently in the film, and it’s here that Octopussy’s lair is purportedly located.

Lake Manasarovar was once surrounded by eight Buddhist monasteries that represented the Wheel of Life. While many of these holy structures have now crumbled to the ground, the lake’s religious significance has not been lost and Buddhist from across the globe still travel to this sky-high freshwater lake each year. 

The lake’s circumference measures 64 miles around and takes most travelers some four days to complete. But visitors who prefer to skip the trek can still pitch a tent along the shore of Lake Manasarovar and enjoy epic views of its crystal-clear blue and green waters. 

Lake Motosu is the westernmost and third largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, which are situated at the foot of Mount Fuji. Lake Motosu sits at an elevation of 900 meters, which is the same as nearby Lake Shoji and Lake Sai, suggesting that the three lakes in fact used to be just one. These lakes are said to have been divided by an enormous lava flow from Mount Fuji and remain connected to this day via underground waterways.

Activities on and around the the lake include fishing, hiking, boat trips, and a number of watersports, and there are a few campsites around its shores for visitors looking to spend the night.

The annual Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held in the area surrounding Lake Motosu. It takes place between April and May when fields of pink moss flowers bloom together, with the backdrop of the mighty Mount Fuji in the background.

This historic town in the north of Thailand is known for its quaint streets and horse-drawn carriages. Travelers use this quiet area on the bank of the Wang River as a convenient jumping point for trips throughout the region, but it’s also worth exploring.

Visit the National Elephant Institute to learn more about the care and protection of some of the country’s largest mammals or head to the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang to check out traditional Lanna architecture. Travelers love the popular Gad Gong Tha weekend night market, and it’s impossible to leave this scenic town without experiencing the pleasure of a traditional Lampang carriage ride.

The Lama Temple (Yonghegong), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet, began as a palace for Emperor Yongzheng before he became the third emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Today, the resplendent temple, with its halls, courtyards, ponds, and bronze mandala, is a lamasery for some two dozen Tibetan monks.

 

If you only have time to visit one temple in Beijing, make it the Lama Temple (the Temple of Heaven isn’t really a temple). Inside you'll find five large halls, ornately decorated with Buddha statues in various incarnations, murals, and carvings. Many Beijing sightseeing tours include a visit to the temple, along with other Beijing attractions, such as the Summer Palace, Panda Garden, Jingshan Park, Beijing Zoo, and historic hutongs, depending on the option chosen.

 

The easiest way to reach Lama Temple is to take the Beijing Subway (Line 2 or Line 5) to Yonghegong Station and take Exit C. From there, it’s just a short walk to the temple entrance.

 

The Lama Temple is open daily throughout the year with slightly reduced hours between November and March. While there’s no need to book a ticket in advance, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning before the tour buses. Avoid visiting on Chinese national holidays.

 

The Lama Temple complex comprises five main halls. Statues of the Future Buddha stand guard within the Hall of Heavenly Kings, while Past, Present, and Future Buddhas occupy the Hall of Harmony. A highlight for many is the 85-foot (26-meter) statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood, on display in the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Fortunes.

With no cars, a small population, old-fashioned buildings, excellent hikes, hidden beaches, and al fresco seafood restaurants, Lamma Island offers welcome respite from Hong Kong’s bustle. The closest and third-largest island of Hong Kong’s outlying islands, Lamma remains largely undeveloped, with a decidedly bohemian vibe, thanks in part to its youthful expat population.

When frenetic pace of Hong Kong’s concrete jungle gets to be too much, an escape to Lamma Island might be in order. Many visitors experience the island on a private or group tour, with options that include sea kayaking or a guided hike between the island’s main villages, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. 

The easiest way to reach Lamma Island independently is to take a ferry ride from the Central Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island (the same place where you catch the Star Ferry). Boats depart every hour or two, and you can choose between an ordinary ferry (35 minutes) or a faster one (20 minutes).

For the most enjoyable time on the island, plan your visit for a weekday when the sun is shining. On Sundays and holidays, Hong Kong residents head to the island for family outings, so expect the ferry and the hiking trails to be crowded.

Lamma’s main town, Yung Shue Wan, is known for its hippie vibe, craft shops, eclectic eateries, and Tin Hau Temple, while much smaller Sok Kwu Wan attracts with its waterfront seafood restaurants. Floating in the harbor is Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village, an outdoor museum highlighting the area’s fishing history and heritage. Beachgoers looking for a quiet stretch of sand should head to Lo So Shing Beach, situated on a small bay. Hung Shing Yeh Beach is popular with families. 

The Langkawi Cable Car takes riders high above the Langkawi rain forest on Mt. Mat Cincang (Gunung Mat Cincang) for a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and sea. Also called SkyCab, the cable car boasts Malaysia’s longest free span mono-cable car—at 3,117 feet (950 meters)—and is among the steepest on the planet.

The Langkawi Cable Car is a great way to orient yourself upon arrival on Langkawi Island. The top station, which sits 2,323 feet (708 meters) above sea level, offers 360-degree views over the island and southern Thailand. Some tours to the cable car also include a visit to the Oriental Village or Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, or an afternoon of island-hopping around Langkawi.

The easiest way to reach the Langkawi Cable Car is to hire a taxi; it’ll cost only a bit extra to have the driver wait while you enjoy the views.

For the best photos (meaning good light and fewer tourists), plan to arrive early—check the website for hours of operation—and be one of the first to board the cable car. Avoid visiting on local holidays or school vacations when Malaysian families turn out in droves. 

The Langkawi Cable Car is part of the larger Panorama Langkawi. The two most popular attractions, in addition to the cable car, are the SkyGlide funicular and the Langkawi SkyBridge, a curved pedestrian bridge suspended about 328 feet (100 meters) above the surrounding forest.

Encompassing a relatively small area of 26.8 square miles (6,952 hectares), Lambir Hills National Park protects what might be the planet’s most biodiverse and complex forest ecosystems. This jungle-covered swathe of land is home to a staggering 1,173 species of trees, as well as monkeys, deer, flying squirrels, wild boar, gibbons and 237 counted species of birds.

While the wildlife is reason enough to visit, it’s the park’s numerous jungle waterfalls that tend to attract visitors, many with pools at their bases where trekkers can go for a cooling afternoon swim. About a dozen marked trails range from a short 20-minute walk to the Latak Waterfall to strenuous, all-day trek to the highest point in the park. A 130-foot (40-meter) wooden tree tower along the Pantu Trail gives visitors a glimpse into the jungle canopy.

This manmade lake in the city of Udaipur is a destination for both locals and travelers looking to escape the energy of busy city streets. Home to three small islands, including Nehru Park, the picturesque blue waters and majestic green mountains serve as a breathtaking backdrop to this quiet respite. Visitors can navigate the calm lake aboard tiny motorboats, which carry travelers to the each of the small islands. Nehru remains the most popular, thanks to a well-kept garden, boat-shaped restaurant and a slightly lackluster zoo. The Udaipur Solar Observatory, ranked top solar observing site in all of Asia, is located on one of the lake’s other islands and draws tourists eager to check out the sky, the sun and the stars. 

Despite the harsh winters of Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu—a crater lake formed some 40,000 years ago—never freezes. In fact, it’s the northernmost ice-free lake in the country and a popular recreation area for locals and visitors alike looking to go fishing, camping or boating.

Shikotsu Kohan, a small town on the eastern shore at the mouth of the Chitose River, offers hotels, boats and other activities for the lake. On the north shore, you’ll find an onsen with open-air, volcanically heated hot springs overlooking the body of water. And just south of Shikotsu Kohan is Koke no Domon (Moss Canyon), a unique natural site where a narrow rock canyon's walls are adorned with a lush blanket of more than 20 species of moss. Access to the canyon is restricted, but you can view it from an observation platform.

Oriental Village is best known as the home of the Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge. The cable car transports visitors some 709 meters into the sky to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang—the second highest peak on Langkawi.

While the Langkawi Cable Car is undoubtedly the main draw here, Oriental Village has become a popular attraction in itself, offering enough in terms of shopping, eating and entertainment to fill a full day out. This sprawling, open-air complex features a vast array of souvenir and retail outlets, galleries, health spas, a hotel, and even a huge lake at its center. 

Popular attractions at the Oriental Village include the duck tour, elephant adventure, and the tiger exhibition. Langkawi Oriental Village food court is also a crowd-pleaser, offering a variety of tasty Malaysian dishes at more than reasonable prices.

A key landmark in the historical center of Hanoi, charming Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) offers a peaceful escape from the hectic pace and crowds of the city. It’s a popular meeting spot, and also makes a great place to people watch and experience local culture. 

 

The best way to enjoy the lake is on foot. A walking path circling the lake can be completed in 30 minutes. Plenty of trees and benches offer shade and a place to rest around the lake. Along the way, take in views of Turtle Tower, or visit Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an island in the lake. Or stop at a café or restaurant nearby and watch life in Hanoi unfold in front of you.

 

Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular destination and most sightseeing tours will feature a stop here, along with other attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. 

 

 

The lake is located between the Old Quarter, to its north, and the French Quarter, to its south, making it easy to walk to from either location, as well as most of central Hanoi. It’s also accessible via taxi and the 9 or 36 bus.

 

In the early morning, catch locals exercising and doing Tai Chi. Come back at night to see the city lights reflected in the water. Weekend nights, the area around the lake is closed off to motorized traffic.

 

Hoan Kiem Lake is also known is the Lake of the Restored Sword. There are variations to the legend behind how the lake got that name, but they all feature Emperor Le Loi, whose borrowed magic sword enabled him to defeat the invading Chinese in the 15th century. In the center of the lake you can see Turtle Tower, which honors the magic golden turtle that delivered the sword back to its owner. 

Sprawling off the southeast coast of Cat Ba Island, the remote Lan Ha Bay is an idyllic spot to escape the crowds of Halong Bay and those looking to venture off-the-beaten-track will find a natural playground ripe for exploring.  Like the rest of Halong Bay, the best way to get around Lan Ha Bay is by boat and the startling turquoise waters are peppered with more than 300 karst islands and dozens of white sand beaches.

Aside from swimming, rock climbing, hiking and kayaking are the most popular activities in Lan Ha Bay. Additional highlights include the Monkey Island resort, so called for its boisterous population of free-roaming monkeys; camping on Hai Pai Beach (Tiger Beach); and visiting the Cai Beo floating village, one of the oldest of its kind in Vietnam.