Things to Do in Asia

Snake Temple (Fu Xing Gong) may not be the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, but it’s certainly one of the strangest. True to its name, this small Chinese temple in Penang is filled with Wagler’s pit vipers and tree snakes perched on trees and wooden frames throughout. The smoke of the always-burning incense, combined with midday heat, renders the snakes largely immobile, but visitors are still advised to avoid handling the reptiles. 

 

According to local legend, snakes began entering the temple on their own shortly after it was built in the mid nineteenth century, and the monks at the time allowed them to stay. The monks will tell you that the snakes are “blessed,” and that’s why they’ve never bitten anyone. 

 

The temple itself is free to enter, but for a small fee, you can also tour the onsite snake farm where it’s possible to see several species of snakes and handle a few of them under expert supervision. 

Since 2011 artists, creators and visionaries have gathered at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park—an old renovated tobacco factory—to showcase work, engage in arts education and inspire industry insiders. 

Travelers can wander the grounds, which include five old warehouses, a design museum and lab, a restaurant, garden and ecological pond. Public maps point visitors in the direction of popular shops, like the Liuligongfang glass store, as well as exhibit halls showcasing contemporary art, handmade designs and other local goods often available for purchase. 

Hong Kong’s trendy Soho District is known for its contrasting architecture and vibrant nightlife, blending natural features, traditional Chinese culture, and colonial design. Popular with locals and internationals alike, the entertainment district offers bars, restaurants, and clubs with a range of cuisine and amusements.

Soho’s streets are best explored on foot, with many walking tours passing through the area on a citywide itinerary. Opt for a private tour for a more personalized experience, or take advantage of hop-on hop-off services that stop nearby to discover the district’s many boutiques, cafés, and eateries at your own pace. Those with an interest in Soho’s contemporary-art scene should consider a gallery- or street-art-focused tour.

Located in Central, Soho derives its name from the moniker South of Hollywood Road. From MTR Central Station, walk along Queen’s Road Central, then board the Mid-Levels Escalator to Shelley, Staunton, or Elgin Street; it’s about a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, bus 22 stops on Shelley Street, though it takes a little longer.

By day, Soho’s many boutiques, stalls, cafés, and galleries are the district’s main draw, ideal for culture vultures and city photographers. By night, the district’s bars, restaurants, and clubs come to life, and visitors looking to experience authentic Hong Kong nightlife can take their pick from the wealth of entertainment on offer.

Soho is home to a range of inclusive LGBTQ spaces, with plenty of opportunities to catch a late-night drag show, stop by a friendly bar for relaxed drinks, or hit the floor and dance the night away in safe, supportive space in the city center.

Located to the south of Zhanqiao Pier, Small Qingdao Island is actually a small peninsula connected to mainland Qingdao by a seawall. Shaped like an ancient Chinese musical instrument known as a qin, the island draws visitors and locals to its natural scenery. Walking paths hug the shores and wind through the interior of the island, past black pines and a variety of flowering plants.

The main attraction on the island is a white marble lighthouse, built by German residents in 1900, that rises 51 feet (16 meters) above the shore. The island is also home to a few small cafes, as well as a smattering of statues and pavilions.

A 7-story tower that looks deceivingly taller, the Six Harmonies Pagoda (Liuhe Pagoda) was constructed in 970 to ward off evil spirits believed to be responsible for the Qiantang River’s tidal bore. The pagoda is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and an enduring symbol of the city of Hangzhou.

 

This ancient lighthouse is easily recognizable from anywhere along the river and is renowned for its harmonious blend of light and shadows. Modern day visitors to the pagoda can ascend the spiral staircase to the top of the seventh story for a view of the surrounding area and the twice-daily tidal bore.

 

A small park located next to the pagoda features exhibitions detailing the history and culture associated with the Chinese pagoda, as well as mini-replicas of some of the world’s most famous ancient Chinese pagodas. Many sightseeing tours of Hangzhou, including day trips from Shanghai, include a visit to the eye-catching landmark.

 

 

To get to the pagoda by public transportation, take one of several public buses to either Liuhe Ta Station or Zhijianglu Liuheta Station. Or, book a tour that stops at the pagoda.

 

The pagoda is open daily from quite early in the morning to early evening. The bore tide is at its most dramatic around the Mid-Autumn Festival, but this is also when the pagoda is at its most crowded.

When standing outside the octagonal pagoda, the exterior walls appear to have 13 stories with 104 iron bells hung from the eaves at each corner. Once you step inside, however, you’ll find the spiral staircase only leads to seven floors, each with a small chamber enshrining a figure of the Buddha.

The Soswaewon Garden in South Korea dates back to the 1500s when it was constructed by Yang Sanbo. A stone and mud wall surrounds the garden, with three inscribed stone and wooden panels built into it, including a board at the entrance displaying Kim Inhu's poem praising the garden.

The garden itself is a scenic spot — a mixture of nature’s work and artificial features that blend well together. Amid the landscape are a pond, two pavilions, and a bamboo grove. Elsewhere, a variety of different types of trees line both sides of a stream, and translucent water flows down the foot of the garden walls.

Rising 217 feet (66 meters), Solitary Beauty Peak has been a famous scenic spot in Guilin since ancient times. Also known as the “Pillar of the Southern Sky,” it’s one of the area’s highest peaks. Climb to the pavilion at the peak to take in sweeping views over the city.

 

In addition to the two-story Solitary Peak Pavilion, other highlights include the Xuanwu Pavilion, Three Gods Memorial Hall, Three Guests Temple, and Guanyin Hall. There are also a number of notable caves at the base of the peak, including Dushu (Study) Rock, Taiping (Peace) Rock, and Snow Cave. At the east end of the peak, you’ll find Yueya (Crescent) Pond, with its distinctive crescent shape, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Tower.

 

It’s possible to visit Solitary Beauty Peak independently, but because most of the posted information is in Chinese only, visitors will gain more insight and appreciation of its historical significance on a guided tour. 

 

Solitary Beauty Peak is located in the Prince Jingjiang Mansion, in the center of Guilin. Take the No. 1, 22, 30, or 100 bus and get off at Lequn Crossing stop, and walk east. Or take the No. 10, 11, 8, or 98 bus and get off at the Liberation Bridge stop, and walk north.

 

Solitary Beauty Peak is open year-round. Opening hours are longer during the summer and shorter during the winter. Summer will be hot and humid, which may make it more uncomfortable climbing to the peak.

 

Solitary Beauty Peak got its name from a famous line in Southern Dynasty Poem by Yan Yanzhi: “None can surpass this solitary peak in beauty.” In addition to “Pillar of the Southern Sky,” a third name for the peak is “Purple Golden Hill,” so named because at dawn and at golden hour, the peak resembles a figure wearing a purple gown with a golden belt.

With its mounds of primeval forest and swaths of white sand, Soi Sim Island presents an enchanting backdrop and it’s easy to see why the small island has become a firm favorite among cruise visitors. Located close to Titop Island, at the heart of Halong Bay, Soi Sim is easily reached by boat and takes its name from the native ‘Sim’ trees that cover much of its landscape.

In recent year, Soi Sim has become known as a center for ecotourism, with its endemic plants and two 200-meter high peaks drawing numerous hikers, wooden lodges providing unique waterfront accommodation and unspoiled beaches offering ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.

Singapore Zoo isn’t your typical menagerie; inside, more than 300 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals roam in close approximations of their natural habitats. Visitors to the lush jungle park can observe an abundance of wildlife, including lions, white tigers, giraffes, flying foxes, sea lions, and Komodo dragons.

 

One of Singapore’s most popular attractions, this 64-acre (26-hectare) zoo is the ultimate family-friendly retreat. Visitors can head to the underwater viewing gallery to see Asian small-clawed otters at play, check out the after-dark Night Safari tram ride, or head to the expansive River Safari attraction, which houses 5,000 animals from around the world. Other highlights include the onsite Rainforest Kidzword water park. 

Animal lovers often opt for the add-on jungle breakfast with orangutans experience at Ah Meng Restaurant, during which travelers can enjoy a buffet spread and take pictures with the zoo’s friendly apes. Choose a private morning tour to beat the crowds and explore the zoo with an animal expert, or experience the nighttime atmosphere on a private Night Safari tour (separate fee) To visit the zoo at your own pace, consider a Singapore Attractions Pass, which offers access to the Singapore Zoo and other city highlights such as Universal Studios and the National Gallery. 

Singapore Wildlife Park is located within Mandai rainforest, roughly 16 miles (26 kilometers) north of downtown Singapore, or 30 minutes by road. To get there via public transport, take the red MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) line and then complete your journey on one of many connecting bus services. Another option is the Safari Gate bus, which travels directly to the zoo from downtown Singapore. To avoid the hassle of transportation, opt for a tour package that includes a transfer from downtown hotels. 

 

Singapore’s climate stays fairly constant throughout the year, so the zoo is a good place to visit no matter the season. Visit early to avoid crowds and peak afternoon heat, especially in May and July. To see creatures at their most active, check the animal feeding schedule before your visit. 

Once you’ve had your fill of wildlife adventure at Singapore Zoo, check out nearby attractions such as Sentosa Island and the Singapore River. To get an overview of the area, take a city tour and visit Singapore’s most popular districts, including Chinatown, Little India, and Marina Bay.

Located in Sokcho City in South Korea’s Gangwon Province, the Sokcho Jungang Market is a quintessential Korean market specializing in fish, chicken and fresh fruits. Locals come to shop for groceries, and even if you’re not planning to cook, the market is an entertaining place for a stroll. The seafood section of the market teems with live aquatic critters in large fish tanks, making it akin to a free aquarium, and the variety of fruits on offer are inexpensive and great to take back to the hotel for breakfast or a snack.

While most people come to Sokcho Jungang Market to shop, the typical traveler comes to eat. The market food stalls have earned a drool-worthy reputation for their mansuk, a traditional local dish made by deep-frying chicken and tossing it in a sweet and spicy sauce. Some two dozen of these stalls occupy the market, and while they might all look the same at first glance, the ones with the longer lines are usually the best bets.

Because of the shear, near vertical walls and towering karst formations, swimming or paddling through the Small Lagoon can make you feel like you’re on the set of a Hollywood action film. A place this naturally stunning, after all, couldn’t possibly be real, yet here it is just a boat ride away from impossibly gorgeous El Nido.

Insider's Tip: There’s a small sea cave toward the back of the lagoon where you can swim inside through the inky black darkness and go as far as you dare.

Located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC), Hong Kong’s tallest building, Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is the city's highest observation deck at 1,289 feet (393 meters) above sea level. It’s also the only indoor observation deck in Hong Kong offering 360-degree views of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour.

 

Hong Kong’s fastest double-decker high-speed elevators take just 60 seconds to travel 100 floors. In addition to stunning panoramic views, Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck also features a Sky-High Tech Zone, which allows visitors to discover Hong Kong in a virtual and immersive way through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Visitors can also sate their appetite at Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton, on the west side of the deck.

 

Tickets can be purchased individually. Upgrades—covering dining, wine, and photos—are available. If you plan on visiting a few other city attractions, consider a multi-attraction pass covering Hong Kong and Macau’s top sites. Admission to the observation deck is also included as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour or you can visit as part of a private excursion.

 

 

Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is inside ICC in West Kowloon. Take the MTR to Kowloon Station (Exits C1 or D1). Enter via the Metal Zone on the second floor of Elements shopping center.

 

Visit just before sunset and stay for the nighttime views, when the skylines of both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are lit up. Catch “A Symphony of Lights” at 8pm, a multimedia audio and light show involving buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. Check the weather before visiting, as it can affect the views. However, if inclement weather affects your view of the Hong Kong Island side, come back another day for free.

 

Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck features some of the best views of Hong Kong. Other notable spots offering great panoramic views include the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Victoria Peak, the Bank of China Observation Deck, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Observation Deck. A number of bars and restaurants, including Ozone, Aqua Spirit, and Sevva, also have good views.

While Japan is famous for its hot springs, very few naturally occur in the Osaka area. Luckily, visitors looking for a little relaxation of the soaking variety can find it—seven floors of it—at Spa World. One of the world’s largest hot springs complexes, Spa World bills itself as a sort of theme park, with onsen (hot springs pools) and saunas from around the world. 

The complex is divided into various themed areas. The onsen occupy two floors and two different areas: the European Zone, with pools fashioned in styles of ancient Greece and Rome, Italy, Spain and Finland; and the Asian Zone, featuring Japanese, Indonesian, Persian and Middle Eastern-style baths. Another floor houses eight themed saunas, while yet another floor contains an indoor water park complete with three slides. 

 

Visitors will also find a hotel with Western and Japanese-style accommodations, a food court, full-service spa, gym, gift shop, arcade and TV room within the complex. 

Splash Jungle Water Park's exhilarating rides, including Boomerango and the Superbowl, and six-level wavepool attract hundreds of visitors to this coastal Phuket destination every day.

Themed rides give a nod to the ancient Mayans, lush landscapes of Turkey, old-world architecture of Northern Europe and the culture and colors of Africa. This continental vibe means that travelers will find thrills beyond just the rides. Splash Jungle Water Park has something for the less adventurous set too, with quiet play pools for kids, soothing hydrotherapy springs and a lazy river perfect for floating the day away.

The hillside town of Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals in Bengal and is home to diverse history that spans time, across Hindu, Mughal and British rule. Visitors can see evidence of this eclectic past while wandering the streets, where ancient ruins of a rich past juxtapose more modern European structures.

Travelers can explore the villages and towns that make up this stunning destination aboard a local rickshaw, which can be hired for a single low daily fee. Drivers will transport visitors to some of the areas key sites, including the Goaldi Mosque, Tomb of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah and the Shiva Shrine. Those looking for memorable items to take home will do well on a stop to the Folk­Art and Craft Museum Gift Shop inside the Sadarbari museum, which sells dozens of handmade, local items.

American soldiers stationed near Son Tra Mountain during the Vietnam War gave it the nickname Monkey Mountain after the troops of monkeys that dwell in the jungle-covered cliffs. The peak towers above the Son Tra Peninsula near the city of Da Nang. During the war, the mountain served as a military base used for radar and communications, and some of the radar domes are still visible.

A rather steep road leads to the summit of Son Tra Mountain, some 2,790 feet (850 meters) above sea level. On a clear day, the view from the peak is spectacular. Son Tra Mountain is also home to one of Da Nang’s most famous — and highly visible — landmarks, the 220-foot (67-meter) Lady Buddha statue, housed on the grounds of Linh Ung Pagoda.

Take a tuk-tuk to the Royal Palace and begin the day along Phnom Penh’s three-kilometer strip of shops, hotels and eateries. This scenic walk wanders along the river’s edge and visitors can lounge easily at one of the numerous outside tables in popular cafes. Sisowath Quay is an ideal spot to sample local beer, strong coffee and real French baguettes. Travelers can comb through traditional handicrafts at Colours of Cambodia, or purchase a “happy monk” painting at the Happy Painting Gallery next door. Street 178, also known as Artists’ Street, offers local silk and numerous shops that are worth a look. 

Sisowath Quay is also convenient to the ferry terminal. Visitors can hop a boat to Siem Reap, where famous temple ruins draw travelers from around the world. Nearby Street 104 offers plenty of backpacker-friendly options, cheap accommodations and crowded, friendly pubs. This well-known walkway is a haven for tourists, so while you may not want to dedicate days to its exploration, the close proximity to many of Phnom Penh’s destinations make it worth an afternoon’s visit.

About 250,000 annual visitors know that you don’t have to travel to the Alps to experience the snow. This sub-zero indoor winter wonderland is the perfect retreat from the humidity of Singapore streets. Opened in 2000, Snow City quickly became as popular with tourists as it is with locals. Borrow winter wear for a small fee and wander through the snow sculptures, slide down massive slopes aboard giant inner tubes or climb the icy wall for spectacular views. Snow City Singapore caters to the younger set, making it an ideal stop for families looking for fun. But travelers agree that older crowds may find less to do and see at Snow City. 

The kinetic city of Bangkok has plenty of transportation options. Whether it’s balancing aboard the back of a moto or relaxing in the air-conditioned comfort of a minibus with music blasting, this is a city that’s made to move. Travelers agree that the easiest, safest and cheapest way to traverse the city is aboard the Bangkok Skytrain. This elevated subway system allows visitors to take in the view and skip the traffic jams. More often referred to as “BTS,” the clean and convenient Skytrain fills up during rush hour, but tends to be easy to board all other times of day.

Slightly smaller than Yogyakarta, the conservative and traditional city of Solo is an ideal place for travelers to sample the best of Indonesia’s culture, food and spirit without the crowds or chaos. Visitors can wander through local markets selling handmade items like colorful batiks, or venture into modern-day malls with bright lights and contemporary shops. Solo is a study in opposition, since old meets new at almost every turn. 

Visitors can easily access Central Java from transportation hubs in Solo, and a number of impressive temples are located within city limits. Solo is an all-access pass to Javanese culture and the perfect spot to check out a live traditional dance or music performance.