Throughout Asia, our region has an abundance of arts and culture, well-preserved historical sites, tantalizing food, natural wonders, beautiful forests, high-rises of striking design and form, as well as a range of islands with breath-taking ocean views – all waiting for those seeking to explore the living treasures of Asia.
The increasing number of tourist arrivals predicts a bright future for tourism in Asia. Our region will only get better over time. And so if you’re now very much in the mood to get in touch with the senses and spirits of Asia, here are eight of the very top Amazing Asian Gateways that you have to visit.
They encompass some of the world’s most sought visitor destinations, including South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Low-cost, convenient and comfortable: “it’s time to fly” with Vietjet
Fly across Vietnam and overseas with friends and family on Vietjet which offers very affordable flight tickets to many of the region’s most exciting visitor destinations. A modern aircraft, equipped with comfortable leather seats, and high quality services by friendly cabin crew will become your perfect escape for summer. Passengers can fly into or out of Vietnam’s airports as part of a multi-country itinerary, providing easy access to a region of travel adventures and fun. Ticket prices even go down to Zero Baht during Vietjet’s regular (and now famous!) Golden Hours promotions and Summer Sale promos so stay tuned to Vietjetair.com at 12.00 – 14.00 hrs. on 9-11 May.
So, summer is here, are you ready to fly?
GO FOR IT!
1. Seoraksan National Park
South Korea
Eco tourism has been gaining popularity in South Korea of late, and the country is blessed with a huge organic slideshow of scenic nature adventures. Possessing of flowery spring landscapes, sandy beaches, stunning mountain landscapes and historic sites, Seoraksan National Park is one of the most beautiful and iconic on the Korean Peninsula, and is rightly famous. The national park is situated in the northeast of South Korea in Gangwon-do Province. Within this carefully preserved national park, there are 30 imposing granite peaks that rise above deep valleys and crystal-clear streams (it offers next-level hiking and outdoor activities) amid the stunning rocky landscapes. There is also the Seorak Cable Car ride service, sweeping you from park entrance and up into wider, higher vistas. Book a day tour from Seoul and enjoy.
2. Lao Mei
Taiwan
Taiwan is one of those destinations adored by people who have visited before, but one which is oddly not at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists. It is revered among those who know it as an ecotourism paradise; a beautiful island of natural attractions, a sense of pure nature (even the busy capital city of Taipei is wonderfully calming – a world away from Bangkok’s noise and stress). Taiwan’s east coast offers breath-taking scenery and a wealth of activities for the eco-conscious or nature-engaged traveller. Laomei Green Reef is well-known for the blooming of its Blanket Flowers from May to August. And between April and May, algae cover the neat rows of stone troughs here with a vibrant green, creating a rare and spectacular sight. Laomei attracts lots of photographers of course, as well as nature explorers and nature-inspired travellers (and couples) to capture this truly unique coastal feature. This is the only place in Taiwan with such an incredible view of algae-covered rocks, but the whole country is awash with natural experiences, wonderful food, welcoming people and experiences which are great value for money.
3. Ngong Ping Cable Car
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a global bastion of wealth, a fortified island built on Fintech, Ferraris, long work days and Bladerunner-esque cityscapes. And yet nature exists in all its vibrancy here too. Riding a cable car soaring over remote wilderness and iconic city settings is a novel idea for combining the two entirely different takes on life. Visitors to Hong Kong should not miss riding the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, a tourist attraction on Lantau Island, and featuring a 5.7 km cableway between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping (there’s a great one in Ocean Park too). It is an excellent way to see Hong Kong in different perspectives; Lantau’s famous natural landscapes also offer a sense of scale of the Big Buddha statue, while enjoying quality time with your friends and family, perhaps in a private cabin near to the shores. While it’s not exactly a beach paradise of sprawling white sands, the small holiday community and a choice of restaurants and tea houses make it great fun, combined with a real sense of escape and community. Less than an hour by ferry from HK.
4. Phromthep Cape (Laem Phromthep)
Phuket, Thailand
As many international travellers know already, no trip to Thailand is complete without exploring the scenic islands in the Southern part of the country. Phuket is known as “The Pearl of the Andaman” and is Thailand’s largest island. Looking for an ideal spot for a romantic retreat with a great sunset view? Look no further than Phromthep Cape, one of the island’s signature spots, and offering the most magnificent views of the ocean – plus all the romanticism that comes with it. The cape is a small peninsula that juts out from the southwestern tip of Phuket. Everyday tourists from all over the world come here to witness one of the most dramatic sunsets anywhere on earth – and perhaps one of ASEAN's most photographed locations. Aside from the spectacular golds and oranges of its famous sunset, you will also take in panoramic views of the Andaman Sea as well as the neighbouring islands of Kao Yai Island, Kao Noi Island and Nai Harn Beach. It’s a perfect spot to star-gaze and catch shooting stars – not something to which Bangkokians will be familiar.
5. Langkawi Island
Malaysia
Langkawi Island is known far and wide for dream-beach escapes, and also for yachting, regattas and honeymoons; definitely a place to be and be seen. It is Malaysia’s “marble island” that has developed to become a prime resort of Southeast Asia, providing memorable traveling experiences for all, including honeymooners and nature-lovers. Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 tiny islands on Malaysia’s west coast. It is surrounded by turquoise sea; the interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. Langkawi highlights include the Langkawi Cable Car up to the Peak of Mat Cincang Mountain Range, the whole northwest range of Langkawi, Underwater World, a Museum and Zoo, and the outdoor sightseeing and activities surrounding Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. Langkawi has many romantic resorts, and is best enjoyed from the comfort of a private villa.
6. Shwedagon Pagoda
Yangon, Myanmar
Myanmar is one of the most mysterious countries in Southeast Asia. The country’s cultural and geographical diversity have retained much of its historic and unique character thanks largely to its still unexplored patina. It’s tough to know where to start. Shwedagon Pagoda is perhaps Myanmar’s most iconic landmark, providing hero images for the front cover of travel guide books for decades. It enshrines strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy, spiritual and priceless relics. Actually, Yangon has many pagodas, but Shwedagon Pagoda is the best known. It is the most sacred Buddhist site for Myanmar’s people and one of the religious wonders in Southeast Asia, and it has always been customary for families, mendicants and followers of the Buddha alike to make the pilgrimage at Shwedagon. The pagoda is covered with hundreds of gold plates and the top of the stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds; the largest one is a 72-carat diamond. Visitors are required to remove their shoes upon entering the Shwedagon and should dress appropriately and modestly.
7. The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Cambodia's Royal Palace complex was begun by King Norodom I in 1886 when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh; in fact most of the buildings were completed before World War I. The Royal Palace comprises a total of eight structures covering an area of more than six hectares. The palaces and most outstanding buildings are the throne room, the Pavilion of Napoleon III, Pavilion Phochani, Pavilion Chanchhaya and the silver pagoda. The entire complex is walled and open to the public; here visitors can enjoy a great example of the beautiful and intricate Khmer architecture. The Royal Palace is located two kilometres from Wat Phnom on Samdech Sothearos Boulevard, and is open daily from 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m. and from 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
8. Thien Cung Cave
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Vietnam is unquestionably rich in pristine natural beauty. There is a wealth of unseen natural wonders, lots of natural sceneries, lush green valleys, adventure spots and memorable journeys. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and jewel in the crown of amazing landscapes of Southeast Asia. The bay is suitable for nature enthusiasts looking to spend quality time amid the lush tropical sanctuary and expansive volumes of clean air – an idyllic anathema to Bangkok’s pollution, dust and noise. Hidden in Ha Long Bay is the stunning Thien Cung Cave, one of the most astonishing gifts of nature which it presents seemingly to us. Thien Cung Cave appeals to travellers via its stunning system of stalactites and stalagmites consisting of countless different forms and silhouettes. The further you walk in, the more beautiful the formations become.
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