There is nothing like the excitement of traveling, but there’s always that moment when you feel stuck in the touristy confusion of not knowing what to do when you get to the end of your itinerary.
Expand your vacation and scope of the world as Millennial takes you on a tour of the top “must-do” global destinations by continent.
This week we explore Asian Adventure with a look at some of the coolest places this continent has to offer. Whether you’re seeking cultural landmarks, natural wonders, or vibrant cityscapes, Asia boasts some of the best destinations in Asia for every kind of traveler.
Asia is home to a plethora of countries that range from desert to city, to tropical. Some of the most commonly known countries here are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, and a long list of others.
The variety of backdrops makes Asia an ideal location for millennials who want to experience it all in this amazing landscape.
Visit the Great Wall of China
We’ve all seen it and read about it in history textbooks, but there’s nothing like seeing the ancient architecture in person.
Located in Beijing, the wall was constructed during the Ming Dynasty over 2,000 years ago and covers over 5,500 miles. Try to avoid the crowds by going on a weekday, and make sure it’s not a Chinese public holiday.
Spend the Night With Monks
Mount Koya, Japan is home to the Shingon School of Buddhism. The school is open to visitors looking to tour the grounds and many temples. Take it a step further, by spending the night with the attending monks.
According to National Geographic, the overnight trip “offers a typical Koya experience—a Spartan and tranquil tatami-mat room, a multi-course vegetarian dinner exquisitely presented on lacquerware, and the chance to join the monks and pilgrims for early morning prayers.”
Shop the Floating Markets of Thailand
Thailand is famous for its floating markets. From fresh fish to local fruit to hot and ready meals, you’ll find it all in the floating markets.
Even if you aren’t looking to actually buy, the farmer’s market-like atmosphere is an experience in itself. Some of the shops even offer their own boat tours for tourists who just want to take it all in.
Visit Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Ha Long Bay is a natural wonder in Vietnam. The site is in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border and is saturated in limestone islands and islets shooting out of the Gulf of Tunkin.
While there aren’t many real beaches, the islands offer grottos and caves for tourists to explore while birds sing in the background on their Asian adventure.
Visit Buddha Park in Laos
Built in 1958, this park is filled with statues representing Buddhism and Hinduism. Visitors can walk the park, enjoying the beauty and the architecture of the statues, which include the king of Hindu Gods riding a three-headed elephant and a four-armed god riding a horse, among others.
Tourists can also enjoy the local cafés and souvenir shops. Be sure to dress comfortably to accommodate the climbing you’ll have to do.
Stroll in the Singapore Botanic Gardens
This one is a great activity for the early bird. Since many of the shops and other attractions don’t open until 11 a.m., the Singapore Botanic Gardens are a beautiful way to kill time. The gardens are open from 5 am. until midnight, so they work for trying to kill time in the middle of the day too.
The Botanic Gardens are also one of the only green places left in downtown Singapore, where tourists can enjoy the virgin rainforests and the National Orchid Gardens on their Asian adventure.
Explore Potala Palace
Potala Palace is where the culture of Tibet is held. According to chinahighlights.com, this symbol of Tibet holds “articles from Tibetan history, religion, culture and art. The place is widely known for precious sculptures, Buddha statues, murals, antiques, and religious jewelry housed within.”
Potala Palace is a definite must see, but make sure you plan ahead. The palace limits its number of daily visitors to preserve what’s inside.
Watch the Sunrise over the Volcanoes in Indonesia
Indonesia is a place of great natural beauty. Tourists can enjoy that to the fullest by getting up early enough to catch the sun rising over the local volcanoes.
There are plenty of volcanoes to choose from, but some of the most popular include Mount Bromo in Java or Mount Rinjani in Lombok. While it is somewhat of a hike to reach the peak, the breathtaking views are worth it.
Dive Indonesia’s Beautiful Waters
Indonesia is home to some of the most amazing dive spots in the world, including Raja Ampat and the Togian Islands. The coast of Indonesia hosts a large amount of biodiversity and over 3,000 different species of marine life.
While it’s beautiful for amateurs, Indonesia also serves as a frequented location for experienced divers. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, the beauty of Indonesia’s coast is something you don’t want to miss.
Visit the Taj Mahal
A trip to India is almost incomplete without a visit to the Taj Mahal. If you’re visiting on a budget, you always have the option of not actually paying for a tour, but just viewing it from the outside. If you’re willing to pay the price, you can purchase a tour and witness the majestic beauty of the architecture firsthand.
Asian Adventure Awaits
From vibrant cities to serene countryside, Asia offers an unmatched blend of culture and nature. Whether you seek thrilling adventures or peaceful retreats, this diverse continent has it all.
Asia is so uniquely unlike so many other continents, offering a variety of activities. From beaches to volcanoes, to the breathtaking ancient architecture, on this continent, there is truly something for everyone no matter what you’re looking for. Add an Asian Adventure to your bucket list today!
