So many of us play it safe when it comes to travel plans. As good as intentions may be to get off the beaten path, we often resort to the same old destinations. Our choices often depend on the endorsements of friends and family or the urge to satisfy a personal curiosity about a foreign land. But overall, in ways that seldom surface beyond our subconcious, the commercialism of the tourism industry seeps into our decision to choose one destination over another. As a result, many wonderful places that warrant our awareness get lost in the shuffle.
When government money is not available or simply not allocated to market the allure of a country or city to foreigners, the results are obvious. Few tourists. This article is a clarion call to those intrepid travelers who crave a taste of the whimsical and less predictable. Here are five destinations in Asia worthy of your attention and travel investment.
For pure unadulterated splendor, the nation of Laos is the ideal destination in Southeast Asia. Though the country has had to endure the misfortune of colonial rule, unprecedented warfare and abuse at the hands of border regimes, Laotians are a resilient and philosophical people. Their warm, hospitable spirit flourishes in the capital city of Vientiane.
With a population of half a million, Vientiane has a small city feel. A welcome respite from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok, Vientiane offers a pace that is slightly more leisurely. Within proximity of the fertile Mekong plains, the city sits amid lush environs. The mythical Mekong river snakes through town and when the sun hangs over the water at dusk, tourists and locals congregate at outdoor beer gardens to enjoy the view.
A visit to Vientiane should include a tour of Buddhist temples and stupas, notably Wat Si Saket and Pha That Luang. Laotian cuisine is a diverse blend of local and foreign influences. The best way to enjoy a meal in Vientiane is to find a busy street vendor, sit down on a low stool and follow the locals. A traditional Lao massage is a great way to soothe tired feet and shoulders after a day of exploration. Vientiane has no shortage of cheap, above-board establishments that offer just that. Overall, your money will go further in Laos than anywhere in Southeast Asia. The best time to visit is between November and February. Check for hotel deals in nearby Chiang Mai, Thailand.
India can intimidate and overwhelm. The population is difficult to take in, the sheer numbers impossible to comprehend. The geography is rugged and often tough to traverse by any means. Widespread poverty turns many off. But the country is worth a visit. India is a magical place and unlike any other on the planet in terms of cultural richness and variety.
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, offers a microcosm of life in India that is palatable to digest in one fell swoop. In southern Rajasthan, this city of 400,000 is majestic, historical and inspires awe among visitors. Temples and palaces dot the landscape, the picturesque Lake and City Palaces chief among them. Visitors can also flock to the city’s lush gardens, solar observatory, museums and wildlife preserves. While Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore may get more play, there is a plethora of sights and attractions in the city they call the Venice of the East. Plan your visit to Udaipur between September and March. Quality Udaipur accommodations can be found through Ratestogo.
Visitors to Japan often overlook Fukuoka in favour of Tokyo and Kyoto. But travelers would be wise to spend a few days in this city of almost 3 million people on the island of Kyushu. Residents have become legendary for their love of food and drink and while Fukuoka is home to the ramen noodle, there is plenty else to digest here.
A gateway to Korea and China, Fukuoka has been a centre of commerce and industry for almost a thousand years. Mongol invaders once coveted the city’s geographic advantages, which now naturally benefit locals and foreign visitors. Though a busy metropolis, the city is easy and safe to navigate. Public transportation is affordable and available just about everywhere. Fukuoka boasts numerous cultural attractions, from museums and art exhibits, to festivals and sports. The best way to take in Fukuoka however, is to hit the restaurants and bars. People here work hard and play harder. What more can a tourist ask for? How about a great Fukuoka hotel deal?
While it may never receive publicity reserved for the likes of megalopolis Beijing, trendy Shanghai or highrise Hong Kong, Dalian is on the move. It may just be the most livable city in China and as a result, offers some very big points for tourists.
With an abundance of foreign investment over the past decade, Dalian has become a force to contend with in modern China. While indsutrial development abounds, economic opportunity has transformed this once sleepy town into a curious dynamo. Proximity to Japan and Russia has brought unique influence (of the more positive variety than in times past mind you). The cuisine is decidedly seafood-centric, with an emphasis on fish and sashimi-style dishes. Circular plazas divide the city with Soviet-like efficiency, without the dreaded architectural coldness however.
The over 6 million residents of Dalian are an optimistic lot, open to visitors and eager to promote the recent successes of their city, be they in the realm of sport, culture or industry. Summer tourists will be happy to take in the beautiful coastline and nearby beaches. Here are some good hotels in the Dalian area.
Central Asia often gets a bad rap … and unfairly so. Certainly, images of Borat and the turmoil in Afghanistan have plagued our collective consciousness of late. But if we are to succumb to distraction as a result, it is to the gross detriment of places like beautiful Tashkent.
The city is simply the most historically and culturally diverse in Central Asia. With a population of around 2 million - Uzbek census numbers can be sketchy - Tashkent is an adventure worthy of exploration. The romance of the Silk Road is still palpable within the narrow streets and the city resonates with an ancient vibe that still feels pure and untouched for commercial tourism purposes. The fact that historians can trace Tashkent’s roots to the 5th century BC illustrates just how significant the city is on the world map. To drive the point home further, the city is the official cultural capital of the Islamic faith, due to a series of important monuments and mosques in the area.
With the city’s cultural heritage on full display in the wake of the fall of the Soviet empire, visitors to Tashkent will rapidly become the most eager ambassadors to the area.
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