Asia Travel Bucket List
Asia Travel Bucket List
Seven Awe-Inspiring Asian Cities
City hopping in Asia feels more like time traveling than anything else. The manicured Zen gardens and ancient temples of the more traditional regions will transport you to the distant past, while the trendsetting, electric urban hubs will launch you into the future. Even better is when the two worlds collide—don’t be surprised if you catch a geisha slipping her phone out of her kimono to take a selfie. We can spend several lifetimes listing incredible Asian cities, but for now we’ve rounded up seven of our favorites to get you started.
Tokyo, Japan
Bursts of light emit from neon signs and brilliant screens to illuminate the streets of this fast-paced city. For a more traditional experience, catch a Kabuki play or a soumu tournament. Or embrace the sci-fi vibes and venture into Tokyo’s Kabukicho red-light district for a robot cabaret, instead.
Kyoto, Japan
If it’s ancient tradition, ornate Zen gardens and stately temples you seek, look no further than Kyoto. Share the sidewalk with an elegant geisha or a Buddhist monk as you make your way to a traditional teahouse.
Hong Kong, China
You wouldn’t guess that a city known for its futuristic skyline is actually 70% mountains and parks. Travel tip: the famously seamless Peak Tram will zip you from the city center to Victoria Peak—the highest point on the island—in just eight minutes.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Travel back in time by visiting the ancient Chinese temples and historic tea warehouses of Hoi An. This charming coastal city is packed with traditional charm and splashes of color.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The mountainous city of Chiang Mai is known for its array of breathtakingly elaborate Buddhist temples, and with good reason. From the lavish mosaic inlays that line the interior of the revered Wat Phra Singh, to the towering carved snakes guarding the exterior of the Wat Chedi Luang, these spiritual structures will not fail to inspire you.
Bangkok, Thailand
This is not a place to sit back and passively observe—you’ll have to hit the streets of Bangkok to fully experience the cultural flavors that this urban hotspot has to offer. Curious wanderers will be rewarded with mouth watering street food and a refreshing meld of tradition meets modernity.
Jaipur, India
Travelers will notice right away that the opulent architecture across Jaipur carries a common color scheme: a rosy shade of pink. From the City Palace to the Amber Fort, this bustling metropolis earns its nickname as the Pink City of India—and each of its majestic landmarks are just as unique.
Asia Travel Bucket List
Seven Awe-Inspiring Asian Cities
City hopping in Asia feels more like time traveling than anything else. The manicured Zen gardens and ancient temples of the more traditional regions will transport you to the distant past, while the trendsetting, electric urban hubs will launch you into the future. Even better is when the two worlds collide—don’t be surprised if you catch a geisha slipping her phone out of her kimono to take a selfie. We can spend several lifetimes listing incredible Asian cities, but for now we’ve rounded up seven of our favorites to get you started.
Tokyo, Japan
Bursts of light emit from neon signs and brilliant screens to illuminate the streets of this fast-paced city. For a more traditional experience, catch a Kabuki play or a soumu tournament. Or embrace the sci-fi vibes and venture into Tokyo’s Kabukicho red-light district for a robot cabaret, instead.
Kyoto, Japan
If it’s ancient tradition, ornate Zen gardens and stately temples you seek, look no further than Kyoto. Share the sidewalk with an elegant geisha or a Buddhist monk as you make your way to a traditional teahouse.
Hong Kong, China
You wouldn’t guess that a city known for its futuristic skyline is actually 70% mountains and parks. Travel tip: the famously seamless Peak Tram will zip you from the city center to Victoria Peak—the highest point on the island—in just eight minutes.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Travel back in time by visiting the ancient Chinese temples and historic tea warehouses of Hoi An. This charming coastal city is packed with traditional charm and splashes of color.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The mountainous city of Chiang Mai is known for its array of breathtakingly elaborate Buddhist temples, and with good reason. From the lavish mosaic inlays that line the interior of the revered Wat Phra Singh, to the towering carved snakes guarding the exterior of the Wat Chedi Luang, these spiritual structures will not fail to inspire you.
Bangkok, Thailand
This is not a place to sit back and passively observe—you’ll have to hit the streets of Bangkok to fully experience the cultural flavors that this urban hotspot has to offer. Curious wanderers will be rewarded with mouth watering street food and a refreshing meld of tradition meets modernity.
