Things to Do in Asia

Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient “lost city” located on the banks of the Mae Ping River. It was founded in the 13th century by King Mangrai and was the royal capital prior to Chiang Mai. Wiang Kum Kam was abandoned in the 16th century due to flooding, and was only rediscovered in 1984.

Wiang Kum Kam has been partly restored to its former glory and visitors can tour the ruins of ancient temples and see the carved stone tablets unearthed by archaeologists. Some of the sites have plaques with information in English and guides are available for hire.

Osaka’s World Trade Center Cosmo Tower, center of trade information linked with 282 cities around the world, soars at 256 meters (840 feet), and the observatory provides wonderful views of Osaka and the port. With 3 stories below ground, and another 55 above ground, it's the highest tower in Western Japan.

The ride to the top is in a glass-walled elevator, taking just 80 seconds to soar to the 52nd floor.The views are specially magical and twinkling at dusk and night when you can watch the sun set over Osaka. You can even see planes taking off and landing at Kansai Airport!

There are several restaurants and bars, jazz music, and cozy seats designed for two that provide a comfortable vantage point to sit back and take in the views from the top of the world.

In 2010, the eyes of the world turned to Shanghai as it hosted the Shanghai Expo 2010, a World’s Fair held on the banks of the Huangpu River. The record-breaking event saw 192 countries participate and more than 73 million visitors pass through the gates. The China Pavilion, nicknamed the Oriental Crown, was the largest national pavilion to show at the Shanghai Expo and cost an estimated $220 million to build.

Most of the Expo pavilions were dismantled after the event concluding, but the China Pavilion was converted into a permanent history museum. The structure, painted in seven different subtle shades of Chinese red symbolizing Chinese culture and good fortune, has already become a Shanghai landmark. While the building itself is impressive, the collection of Chinese art within is worth a visit on its own.

Wild Wild Wet, one of Singapore’s largest water parks, has everything you’d want and expect in a water-themed amusement park. The park opened in 2004 as Singapore’s first. The park’s nine rides and attractions range from the adrenaline-pumping Torpedo, a water slide that includes a seven-storey free fall, to the relaxing 1,099-foot (335-meter) Shiok River, where guests can float leisurely around the perimeter of the park.

Except for a few slides, Wild Wild Wet is more appropriate for young children than for thrill-seeking teenagers. The Professor’s Playground, an exclusive kids area, is fashioned after a science laboratory and filled with pint-sized slides, fountains and wading pools.

Bring plenty of sunscreen, as shade in the park is limited and tends to get snatched up early. Expect huge crowds on weekends and Singaporean holidays. Since Wild Wild Wet is located just a few minutes from the Changi Airport, it’s a good way to spend a few hours between checking out of your hotel and catching your flight.

When in the midst of the modernity and commercialism of Hong Kong, it’s easy to forget all about the rich cultural and religious heritage of the city. Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist temple commemorating the fourth-century monk by the same name, exemplifies traditional Chinese architecture and is a great place to experience Hong Kong’s more traditional side.

Devotees of Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian faiths come here to pray for good fortune, as the temple makes all wishes come true according to local folklore. On busier days, you’ll see dozens of fortune tellers setting up shop to offer their services to visiting worshippers. The structures of the temple follow the principles of feng shui, with buildings to represent each of the five elements.

A visit to the Wong Tai Sin Temple will give you a good idea of what a living, functioning Chinese temple looks like, and the landscaped gardens in the rear of the complex make for a tranquil escape from the otherwise very busy Kowloon.

The hot springs of Wulai, south of Taipei, have long been known for their health-giving properties. International travelers and Taiwanese alike come here to relax and soak themselves. You can test Wulai’s bubbly bounty for yourself in one of the numerous hotels here which offer pools and other facilities – most are available for day visitors as well as overnight guests. There are also some free open-air springs.

Wulai is also renowned as a centre of indigenous Taiwanese culture, associated with the Atayal aboriginals – enjoy their unique cuisine in the town's restaurants and then investigate their way of life in the Wulai Atayal Museum. The surrounding countryside, with streams, falls and lush green hillsides is well worth exploring if time allows.