Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
ShowingFilter 1141-1160 of 1872 listings.
Petulu
One evening in 1965, thousands of herons and egrets descended upon the village of Petulu outside of Ubud for no apparent reason, and they’ve been coming back to roost each day ever since. Tens of thousands of these birds, mostly cattle egrets and Javan pond herons, participate in the nightly spectacle, and while that’s enough for most visitors, locals believe the white birds bring good luck with them too.
The show typically begins around 6 p.m., though you can head over early to grab a seat at one of the warung (cafes) in the area for a cold drink while you wait. Some of the birds show up early and begin roosting, so it’s a good idea to avoid standing beneath the trees. It's a pleasant bike ride from Ubud to Petulu, but if you plan to stay and see the birds, you’ll have to ride back in the dark.
Practical Info
The village of Petulu is located east of Ubud's town center and is easily accessible by foot and bike. There is a well-marked turn off to prime viewing areas.
Address: Petulu, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 55
Peranakan Museum
Built within an old Chinese School, the Peranakan Museum explores the culture, traditions, artwork and history of the Peranakan communities. Travelers can explore three floors of interactive exhibits that link Singapore’s modern culture to its Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and European roots. Some of the museum is geared towards the younger set, making it ideal for visitors with small children. Travelers agree the reasonable fee and interesting galleries—like the traditional houses and wedding dresses—are the perfect way to spend an educational afternoon (especially on a rainy day!).
Practical Info
Peranakan Museum is located at 39 Armenian Street in Singapore near Fort Canning Park. The museum is a 10 minute walk from the City Hall and Bras Basah MRT Stations and easily accessible from numerous public bus lines. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $18 for families.
Address: 39 Armenian St, 179941, Singapore
Hours: Sat-Thru 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-9pm
Admission: Adults $6, Families $18
From $ 6
Petite France
Petite France is a French-style cultural village set in the middle of the Korean countryside. It features a cluster of 16 French-style buildings on the hillside. The village can accommodate up to 200 guests overnight, and features an array of other attractions so that visitors can experience French food, culture, and daily life.
Ideal for those interested in French literature and film, Petite France has a memorial hall dedicated to the author of the French novel, Le Petit Prince, as well as a gallery showcasing various paintings and sculptures of the French national symbol. It features a number of shops and other places to enjoy various types of performances, including Guignol – the traditional French hand puppet performance.
Petite France is also home to the Goseong Youth Training Center.
Practical Info
To reach Petite France by subway, alight at Cheongpyeong station on the Gyeongchun line. From there, head to Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal (10-minute walk) and catch the bus to Goseong-ri.
Address: 1063 Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 9am-6pm
Admission: 8000won / Teens: 6000won / Children: 5000won
From $ 11
Phahurat Market
Phahurat Market is located in the Little India area of Bangkok in the Phra Nakhon district of the city, which has a large Sikh community. Just a stone’s throw from Chinatown, visiting the market and its surrounding areas means a discovery of smells, sights, sounds, and tastes—a true feast for the senses.
The market is so named due to the main road that connects it, where stall and shop owners sell all manner of Indian-style clothing, jewelry, and food amid a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. These crowded lanes are mainly filled with swaths of fabrics, as well as ready-to-wear items of clothing. The area also extends along Chakrawat Road and further along Sampeng Lane, where neighboring restaurants offer a range of Indian cuisine to choose from.
The Phahurat Market is a popular and often crowded place, where visitors can wander around and soak up the atmosphere, stopping to haggle for some fine silks or to nibble on a delicious Indian snack from a street cart. This area is also home to the second-largest Sikh temple outside of India, with its huge golden dome dominating the skyline.
Practical Info
The Phahurat Market is situated behind Phahurat Road and is open daily from early in the morning until mid-afternoon. The easiest way to reach the market by public transport is to catch the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station and then the take Chao Phraya Express Boat to Rajawongse Pier.
Address: Phahurat Road Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
From $ 20
Phong Nha Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Phong Nha Caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park nestle beneath some of Asia's most spectacular karst rock formations. While some of the caves—such as Hang Son Doong, the world’s largest cave—are only available on expensive multi-day tours, others, such as Phong Nha, are easy to visit on a day trip.
The Basics
With new caves being discovered almost every year, the Phong Nha cave complex is ever-changing. Paradise Cave, a vast underground cathedral, is 19-miles (31-kilometers) long with stunning stalactites. A dragon boat ride through the eerie, watery world of the Phong Nha Cave is a must. Thrill-seekers love the zipline and mud bath combo at the appropriately named Dark Cave, not to mention their underground river playground.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park’s 8-mile (13-kilometer) jungle trek to Hang En cave, followed by camping beside an underground river, is unforgettable. A fair distance from major cities and tourist sites, the Phong Nha Caves are a popular stop on multi-day north-to-south or south-to-north tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The caves can be cool, even during warmer times of year, so bring warm clothing—and a change of clothes.
- There are guesthouses, restaurants, and stores in the area, if you wish to stay longer.
- Unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War still litters the park: Do not stray from the trails.
How to Get There
The jumping-off point for the Phong Nha Caves is Dong Hoi, 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, although it’s also possible to spend the night in Phong Nha. Dong Hoi has an airport and regular trains headed both north and south. Some tours start from Hue, although the journey can take as long as four hours, so many choose to do the Phong Nha Caves as part of a full Vietnam tour.
When to Get There
The optimal Phong Nha trekking season is February to May. Between September and November, flooding can leave some caves impassable, while during the dry season (February to August), some streams can dry up. The weather can be extremely cold (by tropical standards) between December and February.
Around the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Besides the caves, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park itself rewards exploration. Stretches of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which supplied the Vietnamese war effort, lie within the park. The Botanic Garden has easy self-directed trails. The Nuoc Mooc Springs Eco Trail is a natural spring with bridges, walkways, and more.
Address: Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
Phnom Kulen National Park
Thousand-year-old carvings, thundering waterfalls and an iconic reclining Buddha make Phnom Kulen National Park one of the most-visited escapes in all of Cambodia. Travelers pile into four-door sedans that navigate the narrow, scenic road from Siem Reap to the popular park for an up close look at impressive statues and a massive Buddha. But it’s views from the park’s two waterfalls that really draw visitors.
Decrepit “stairs” at the bottom of the climb point to the direction of the trail. Visitors in the know recommend wearing good walking shoes to negotiate the rocks, planks and slippery slopes that lead to spectacular views. Swimming in the pools proves the perfect reward for a difficult climb and gives travelers a place to relax and unwind before heading back to the city center.
Practical Info
The park is located about 60 kilometers from Siem Reap in the Phnom Kulen Mountain, about 45 minutes north of Pub Street off of Route 67. There is a $20 road toll per person. Because the access road is narrow, traffic is allowed up only between dawn and noon and down between 1 p.m. and sunset.
Address: Banteay Srei, Cambodia
Hours: Traffic allowed only from dawn-noon and 1pm-sunset
Admission: $20 per person road toll
From $ 22
Phakding
Phakding is a small village in the Everest region. It’s one of the first places that many hikers stop on the Everest Base Camp trek. Situated at 8,530 feet (2,600 meters), it’s at a lower elevation than Lukla—where the airport is—and thus an ideal place to acclimatize before heading higher into the mountains.
The Basics
A roughly 3-hour hike from Lukla—Phakding is a natural stopping point on the first day of the Everest Base Camp hike. The walk there from Lukla is pleasant and relatively easy, through rhododendron forests and farming villages, and is a good way to acclimatize to the higher altitudes of the Khumbu region. The village itself is typical of the area, dominated by ethnic Sherpa people, with stone houses and hikers’ teahouses.
Most hikers pass through or stop at Phakding on the Everest Base Camp trek, although there are lots of other hiking options in the area. These include the Gokyo Lakes hike, the Three High Passes hike, and the shorter Everest Panorama hike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Depending upon time of arrival in Lukla, as well as your general fitness level, it may not be necessary to stop overnight in Phakding.
- Learn the signs of altitude sickness before heading out to the Everest region, and be prepared to head back to lower elevation if they appear.
- While there are many lodges (or teahouses) to stay at in Phakding and other settlements nearby, these fill up fast in the peak season. Hiking with a guide is the safest way and will guarantee you a place to sleep.
How to Get There
Hiking is the only way to reach Phakding. Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu (a spectacular and nail-biting flight of about 30 minutes) and then hike a gradual slope down to the village.
When to Get There
Peak hiking season in the Everest region, like most of Nepal, is spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). The weather at low and medium altitudes is warm, and skies usually clear. Hiking in winter (December–February) is possible as long as you are well prepared for the cold. Monsoon season hiking (June–August) is not advised.
Helicopter Tours
If money is not an object but time or mobility is, consider taking a helicopter tour of the Everest region. It’s a spectacular and unforgettable way to see the landscape change from the green foothills of the Himalayas to the icy, barren landscape of Everest Base Camp. Helicopters can be chartered in Kathmandu.
Address: Phakding, Nepal
From $ 1,045
Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong)
One of Vietnam’s most important pilgrimage sites, the Perfume Pagoda is a vast complex of Buddhist temples, grottos, and shrines dotted around Huong Tich Mountain. The shrines lie amid a flooded valley of towering karst cliffs and lotus fields—a stunning backdrop that makes for some incredible photo opportunities.
The Basics
The journey to the Perfume Pagoda is as much a part of the experience as the destination. Cruise along the scenic waterways of the Yen River aboard a traditional row boat, then arrive at the Perfume Pagoda, where you can hike between the cliff-side temples, or ride the cable car to the mountaintop Huong Tich Cave, home to the most impressive shrines. Most visitors choose to take a Perfume Pagoda tour from Hanoi, and many tours include hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Touts, hawkers, and unofficial guides are in abundance around the Perfume Pagoda—it’s worth pre-booking a guided tour with a reputable guide to ensure professional service.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be required to climb in and out of small boats and walk over uneven ground.
- There are plenty of street vendors selling water and snacks, but bring your own to avoid paying inflated prices.
- Due to its tricky-to-reach location, the pagoda is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Perfume Pagoda is located around 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Hanoi—about a 2-hour drive. From there, it’s a 45-minute boat ride from Ben Yen pier to Thien Tru harbor, followed by a short cable car ride or a 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) hike uphill to Huong Tich Cave.
When to Get There
By far the busiest time to visit the Perfume Pagoda is during the annual Tet (Vietnamese New Year) celebrations, normally held in January or February. Huge crowds of pilgrims descend on the shrines during the festivities, and it’s best to avoid visiting at this time. The high season runs from February to April, and it’s a good idea to make an early start during this period, especially if you are traveling down from Hanoi.
A Perfume Pagoda Pilgrimage
Pilgrims from all over the country bring offerings for Buddha to the Perfume Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most important religious sites. After descending the 120 steps into Huong Tich Cave, pilgrims often leave offerings by the various stalactites, each named after its appearance. The most revered are Nui Co (the Maiden) and Nui Cau (the Youth), where offerings are left in hope of fertility.
Address: Huong Tich, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Free. Cable Car Roundtrip Ticket: VND 70,000
From $ 30
Phi Phi Islands
From the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, the jungle-shrouded limestone cliffs of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands rise majestically, giving way to white-sand beaches and lush green jungles further inland. Longtail boats putter between the islands, surrounded by the turquoise waters and colorful marine life.
Where to Go Around the Phi Phi Islands
Uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, whose beauty was brought to attention when Maya Bay starred in the 2000 film The Beach, is the smaller of the two main islands and boasts coral reefs abundant with tropical fish, making it a popular diving and swimming spot. There are no hotels on Phi Phi Leh, and camping is prohibited, meaning it’s only accessible by day trip.
Phi Phi Don is a thriving hub of activity—by day, a coastal paradise typified by bobbing longtail boats and sparkling white sand; by night, a beating, hedonistic heart with beaches that pulsate with loud music and fire parties. Ao Ton Sai, the island’s principal dock, houses a promenade lined with shops, bars, and restaurants fragrant with the aromas of Thai food. Activities such as snorkeling, rock climbing, Thai boxing, and cooking classes keep travelers entertained throughout their stay on Thailand’s Shangri-La.
How to Visit with Viator
The unbridled popularity of the Phi Phi Islands means that travelers enjoy a wide range of visiting options. Day trips are available from Phuket, Ko Lanta, and Krabi via either a speedboat or express ferry, and typically cover Phi Phi highlights such as Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and James Bond Island in Phang Nga National Park. Island tours generally include a helpful tour guide, hotel pickup and dropoff, a buffet lunch, and free time to enjoy some of Asia’s best beaches.
Best Ways to Enjoy Marine Life Around the Phi Phi Islands
Take a Phi Phi island tour by speed boat charter or cruise boat to spend time swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear water. Island-hopping adventure tours also allow for exploring the underwater world around some of the area’s smaller islands.
Insider Tips
- If you want to avoid Ko Phi Phi Don’s increasingly popular party scene, head to the island’s more secluded eastern coast, where white-sand beaches play host to rustic bungalows and five-star resorts away from the revelers.
- For a more immersive experience, choose to visit the Phi Phi Islands as part of a three-night sailing cruise, or on a deluxe six-island tour that also takes in Koh Khai, Koh Yao, Mosquito Island, and Bamboo Island.
Address: Phuket, Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Phimeanakas
Set near the center of the Royal Enclosure in Angkor Thom, Phimeanakas served as the king’s personal temple during the 10th and 11th centuries, before Jayavarman VII constructed Angkor Thom around it. Historians believe the three-tiered temple was once topped with a gold-covered tower, but very little of it remains.
According to local legend, the king would visit the top of the temple each night to meet a woman with the head of a naga (a serpent deity), and that if he failed to show up for the tryst, disaster would strike his kingdom.
While many of the temple’s decorative elements have been removed over time, it’s still worth making the short but steep climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of nearby Baphuon.
Practical Info
You’ll only need about 30 minutes to visit this relatively small temple, but if you plan to photograph it, the light is best in the morning when the temple face is illuminated by the rising sun.
Address: Angkor, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 97
Pha That Luang
Perhaps the most important monument in Laos, this 24-carat, 45-meter high golden stupa was built in the 3rd Century and is said to hold a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. Local guides wander the grounds prepared to share with travelers the legend of this religious temple, which resembles the famous lotus flower. Travelers agree it’s worth a visit, but some argue the stupa’s golden splendor is more impressive from afar.
Practical Info
Pha That Luang is located about four kilmoeteres northeast of the city on Th That Luang. It closes at 4 p.m. daily.
Address: Th That Luang, Vientiane, Laos
From $ 39
Petronas Twin Towers
The twin 88-story steel and glass buildings known as the Petronas Twin Towers, completed in 1996, are icons of Malaysia. Designed to symbolize courage and the country’s advancement, the two towers are connected by a double-decker Skybridge between the 41st and 42nd floor—the world’s highest two-story bridge of its kind—to form the shape of an “M” for Malaysia.
The Basics
The views from the Petronas Twin Towers are a highlight of a trip to Kuala Lumpur. The 1,482-foot (452-meter) towers are so popular that just 1,700 passes are distributed each morning on a first-come, first-serve basis, and most are gone by 9am. Advance tickets are available, or visitors can avoid the long lines to view Kuala Lumpur’s dramatic cityscape from above by booking a tour that includes a skip-the-line ticket. Some tours focus on the towers, providing in-depth immersion in the history and architecture, while other city tours combine a quick stop at the towers with visits to additional Kuala Lumpur landmarks, such as the National Monument, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, National Museum, and KL Tower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The towers are a must-see for architecture buffs.
- Day-of tickets are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so consider booking ahead.
- Choose an attraction ticket to the 86th-floor observation deck, or visit the towers as part of a guided Kuala Lumpur tour.
- Cameras are allowed in the towers, but additional equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.
- Visitors can leave their belongings at a bag check before entering the Petronas Towers.
How to Get to the Petronas Twin Towers
The easiest ways to reach the Petronas Twin Towers are by taxi or as part of an organized tour. By public transportation, take the LRT to the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) station and walk from there.
When to Get There
The towers are generally open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 9pm. If you want one of the limited number of day-of tickets, arrive at the Twin Towers first thing in the morning. The ticket office opens at 8:30am, 30 minutes before the first entrance, and tickets often sell out within hours. The Petronas Twin Towers are closed on Mondays and for a 90-minute period on Friday afternoons.
Interesting Facts About the Petronas Towers
The floor plan for the towers was designed with the Islamic eight-point star in mind, and the five sections of each skyscraper are meant to represent the five pillars of Islam. Climbing to the top of one tower would require scaling 2,170 steps, and each tower weighs more than 300,000 tons—that’s equivalent to 42,857 elephants.
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia
Hours: Tues–Sun 9am–9pm (closed 1–2:30pm on Fridays)
Admission: Adults RM85, kids RM35, seniors RM45
From $ 11
People's Square (Renmin Guang Chang)
The massive People’s Square, or Renmin Guang Chang, is in the heart of Shanghai. Surrounded by the city’s municipal government headquarters, a park, and several top museums, the major landmark makes for a popular meeting spot, as well as being at the center of politics, culture, transportation, and tourism in Shanghai.
The Basics
Covering an area of 1.5 million square feet (140,000 square meters), People’s Square can hold 1.2 million people. People’s Park provides a welcome green space in the urban area. Other attractions include the top-rated Shanghai Museum, Shanghai History Museum, Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, and Shanghai Grand Theater. There’s also a vast shopping area underneath People’s Square.
Combine a visit to People’s Square with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Shanghai, a Huangpu River dinner cruise, or a half-day, full-day, or evening sightseeing tour that includes other top Shanghai attractions, such as the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, or Xintiandi. Cruise ship passengers, those on a layover, and others who want personalized attention might consider a customized private tour with a stop at People’s Square.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s free to visit People’s Square.
- There are 20 exits for the People’s Square metro station so check to see which exit gets you closest to the area of the square you want to see.
- When exploring the area, remember to wear comfortable shoes.
- While People’s Square itself is wheelchair accessible, not all attractions and businesses around it are.
How to Get There
People’s Square is located in the Huangpu district. By metro, take Lines 1, 2, or 8 to People’s Square Station. Numerous buses also stop at People’s Square, including bus 18, 20, 23, 37, 46, 48, 49, 108, 109, 112, 123, 145, and 518.
When to Get There
Although People’s Square can be visited at any time, different attractions have different opening hours. Early mornings are a great time to see locals exercising and practicing tai chi. Weekends and holidays can be very busy; visit during the week for smaller crowds.
People’s Park Marriage Market
People’s Square Marriage Market, where parents try to find matches for their grown children, takes place every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 3pm. It’s worth a visit, even if you’re not looking for love. The market takes place just inside Gate 5 of People’s Park. Take Exit 9 of the People’s Square Station and head left on Nanjing Xi Lu to find it.
Address: People's Square, Shanghai, China
From $ 31
Phang Nga Bay
With limestone rock formations jutting out of the emerald green sea, Phang Nga Bay in Thailand is famous the world over for its natural beauty. Many visitors to Thailand will find themselves crossing the bay on the way to popular tourist spots, such as Phuket or Krabi, but this place deserves some dedicated exploration time of its own.
The Basics
With beaches, caves, lagoons, mangrove forests, and more, Phang Nga Bay is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island first captured popular attention when it was featured in the James Bond movie The Man With the Golden Gun.
Today, boat tours offer regular guided trips to Koh Tapu, the so-called “James Bond Island.” Kayaking tours—often with snorkeling included—are another popular way to explore the bay and its spectacular limestone karsts.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boat trips and other tours visit the bay from several locations, including Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands.
- Boat, kayak, and snorkel tours are best suited for active travelers and families.
- Remember to wear suitable water-friendly footwear and bring plenty of sunscreen for boat or kayak excursions.
- Tours often provide a lunchtime meal and refreshments.
How to Get There
Officially part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, Phang Nga Bay is located in the Andaman Sea between the southern part of the Thai mainland in the east and the island of Phuket in the west. The easiest way to access the bay is by long-tail boat, speed boat, or kayak as part of a guided tour with round-trip transport provided. Passenger ferries also cross the bay.
When to Get There
Phang Nga Bay enjoys the best weather through the winter months of November–March. April and May are the hottest months of the year here when temperatures and humidity are both high. Rainy season—May to October—can see heavy rainfall.
Visit the Sea Gypsy Village of Koh Panyee
Built entirely from wooden stilts by Indonesian fishermen 200 years ago, the village of Koh Panyee—floating in the middle of the ocean next to towering limestone rocks—seems like something out of a storybook. A trip to the village offers a fascinating look at a totally unique way of life. Do take note that the village is a Muslim community, and dress modestly, if you’re planning to visit.
Address: Thailand
From $ 44
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
Lions and tigers and sun bears and elephants and deer and gibbons and snakes, oh my! At this sanctuary for rescued animals, guests can see a vast array of Cambodia’s wildlife (which is usually very difficult to spot), ranging from the world’s largest captive collections of Malayan sun bears and pileated gibbons to rare animals like greater adjutant storks and Siamese crocodiles. Rescued from poachers or abusive owners, all of the animals at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center—there are more than 1200 animals of more than 100 species—receive shelter and medical care as part of a sustainable breeding program. When possible, the center’s residents are released back into the wild once they’ve recovered and the center does its best to educate the public on issues of wildlife protection.
The variety of animals that you can see here is extensive, including an impressive tiger population. There is also a large population of elephants who enjoy painting as well as eating. The conditions are excellent in comparison to some other organizations and the residents are given room to roam; work by various NGOs has helped with this. As a result, the Center feels much like a zoo (which it is, to some extent) that’s also a safari park, or vice versa. While there is a lot of work being done, there is still plenty left to do and donations from visitors help immensely.
Practical Info
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is located about 25 miles (40 km) south of Phnom Penh. The Center is open from 8:30am to 4:30 pm daily, with the last ticket being sold at 4:30pm. Tickets are $5 USD for adults and $2 USD for children ages 5-12. Private guides are also available for tours.
Address: National Road 2, Takmao Province, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm daily
Admission: Adults $5, Children (5-12) $2
From $ 222
Petrosains Science Discovery Centre
The Petrosains Science Discovery Centre occupies levels four and five of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a fun and interactive science discovery center that focuses on the petroleum industry, yet embraces all the general sciences. Full of rides and unconventional exhibits, this is a family-friendly attraction that’s good for a few hours of fun-filled activities.
Since its opening in 1999, this hands-on interactive science museum has been popular with locals as well as international visitors. Arranged in an easy-to-navigate way, the center is divided into 11 main interactive galleries, showcasing everything from space age exhibits to fossils. It explores and explains science and technology in a fun and interesting style, with plenty of information on display for each exhibit.
A trip to the Petrosains Science Discovery Centre can be enjoyed as part of a Kuala Lumpur Petronas Twin Towers exploration tour. This combines a visit to the center with climbing the Skybridge that links the towers together, complete with sweeping views of Kuala Lumpur from the 86th-floor observation deck. It also includes visits to the onsite art gallery, and the exquisite 51-acre As Syakirin mosque.
Insider’s Tip: Weekends at the center tend to get busy. The best time to visit is on a weekday in the late afternoon when most of the school trips are over.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, take a train to KLCC Station and head to the Petronas Twin Towers. The entrance to the Petrosains Science Discovery Centre is located on the fourth floor of the Suria KLCC shopping mall here.
Address: Level 4, Suria KLCC, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur 50088, Malaysia
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm; Weekends and public holidays 9:30am-6:30pm
Admission: Adult: RM 30 / Child (3-12 years): RM 18.00 / Child (under 2 years): Free
From $ 15
Perfume River (Song Huong River)
The Perfume River may have gotten its fame from the film Full Metal Jacket, but visitors to Hue traveled on this scenic body of water even before the movie’s 1987 debut. Each fall, blossoms from nearby orchards drop into the river, producing the unique fragrance that gives this river its name. The unpolluted waters offer cooling breezes for cyclists riding along the winding banks of local rice fields, and breathtaking views of Ngu Binh Mountain. Watch the sun go down and the city light up while you enjoy a cool beer on a late-afternoon dragon boat ride through Hue.
Practical Info:
The river provides interesting views of the city at any time of year, but only those who visit in fall months will be able to enjoy the river’s uniquely beautiful aroma. Dragon boat prices can vary greatly so be prepared to barter.
Address: Hue, Vietnam
From $ 20
Phra Nang Beach
Part of a small peninsula located between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, Phra Nang Beach is one of the most scenic and picturesque beaches in the country. This short but broad strip of sand boasts that classic jawdropping beach scenery only found in Thailand, with pure white sand framed by limestone cliffs and lapped by calm waters that are ideal for swimming and
snorkeling.
This whole area is particularly popular with rock climbers, and even if you don’t join in, it’s fascinating to watch those who do climb up right from the beach. At the southern end of the beach is a giant limestone cliff that contains the famous PrincessCave, said to be the home of a mythical sea princess. Other activities to keep you amused while you admire the scenery include having a massage, enjoying a barbecue, hiking, sunbathing and, of course, going for a swim.
Just 20 minutes away from Ao Nang by longtail boat, fortunately Phra Nang Beach still lacks all the things that can quickly spoil a beach in the south of Thailand: noise, pollution, traffic, jetskis, and overzealous hawkers.
Practical Info
Phra Nang is part of the Railay Peninsula and is easily accessible via longtail boat from Ao Nang. Unless you pay to hire the whole boat, you’ll need to wait until it fills up before the driver will depart.
Address: Phra Nang Beach, Krabi 81000, Thailand
From $ 24
Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens)
Located in the heart of the city, the Perdana Botanical Garden (formerly known as the Lake Gardens) is Kuala Lumpur’s oldest public park. This 225-acre (91-hectare) site is home to a bird park, hibiscus and orchid garden, butterfly sanctuary and a deer park, with the main attraction being its central lake surrounded by lush greenery.
The gardens between the park’s attractions are dotted with sculptures (including a miniature model of England's Stonehenge) plus plenty of walking paths and benches for strolling around and relaxing in the shade. The gardens feature native and foreign plants, with sections dedicated to ferns, rare trees, medicinal herbs and aquatic plants.
The park offers an escape from the bustling metropolis of the city, and you’ll spot locals taking full advantage of this with running and early morning t'ai serving as popular activities here. A visit to the Perdana Botanical Garden is included in a variety of Kuala Lumpur tours, including photography tours (which include tickets to the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower) plus half-day and full-day city sightseeing tours, which often include the Batu Caves.
Insider’s Tip: The gardens are laid out with pathways and boardwalks, but there is very little signage. If you want to learn more about the Perdana Botanical Garden and its orientation, take a Lake Gardens tour, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, the Perdana Botanical Garden can be reached by train, taxi or public bus from any location in the city. Entrances are on Jalan Parlimen and behind the National Mosque.
Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily 7am–8pm
From $ 35
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is nestled in a valley within the Balwang Mountains, around two to three hours’ drive from Seoul. It’s a popular ski and snowboard resort in Korea, and boasts a whole host of hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants.
The resort features 12 pistes, served by eight lifts. As it often gets incredibly busy at Phoenix Park at the weekends, skiers and riders should expect to queue to get up the mountain. While the terrain here won’t provide much of a challenge for more advanced skiers, the resort itself has all the facilities and entertainment you could wish for from a popular ski resort.
Practical Info
It will take between two to three hours to drive to Phoenix Park from Seoul, but visitors should be aware that the traffic leading up to the area can get very congested, particularly at weekends.
Address: 174 Taegi-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
From $ 175