Travel Idea: Best of Asia

Agra

Agra is world-famous for one of the most beautiful buildings in the world: the Taj Mahal. The completely symmetrical Mausoleum is made of white marble with lots and lots of precious stones built in. If in Agra, don´t forget to visit the red fort as well... Or dine on a roof...

Tours:
• India
• Agra

Bali

The Indonesian vacation island east of Java is known for Hindu temples, beaches, rice fields, hotels in any budget category and great food. Temples not only include the well-known Besaki and Tanah Lot temples, but also the many home and village temples.

Tours:
• Indonesia
• Bali

Banaue Rice Terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the mountains. They are frequently called the "Eighth Wonder of the World".

Tours:
• Philippines
• Banaue Rice Terraces

Bangkok

Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) is a modern Asian city and home to more than 10 million people. It is shopper's paradise if you are interested in clothes, bags and souvenirs. If you go Bangkok, you should visit the Grand Palace (with Wat Phra Keo), the Wat Pho (with Reclining Buddha) and the Wat Arun - all conveniently in the center of the city.

Tours:
• Thailand
• Bangkok

Beijing

Capital of China and one of the largest, busiest and most incredible cities in the world and home of the Chinese Government. Visit the Tiananmen Square with Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and - of course - the Great Wall of China nearby. If you have the time, try the Opera or Peking Duck!

Tours:
• China
• Beijing

Esfahan

Esfahan (aka Isfahan) was the capital of Persia for centuries. It is a large city and known for the beautiful mosques, cathedrals and gardens... If visiting Iran, this place must be on your itinerary.

Tours:
• Iran
• Esfahan

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China needs no introduction. It served to protect mainland China from Mongolian invaders and took decades to build. Now it is the only structure that can be seen from the moon.

Tours:
• China
• Great Wall of China

Gunung Mulu National Park

The Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses caves and karst formations in a equatorial rainforest setting. The park is famous for the Mulu Caves and natural tunnels.

Tours:
• Malaysia
• Gunung Mulu National Park

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of the so-called new wonders of the world. The landscape of little hills and rocks in the water is indeed impressive. Enjoying this on a cruise ship for your honey moon is something that many people do.

Tours:
• Vietnam
• Halong Bay

Istanbul

Istanbul, Constantinople & Byzanthium... Three names for the same city is just one proof for the long history and diversity of this city-between-two-continents. Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the whole of Europe!

Tours:
• Turkiye
• Istanbul

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the religious centre for Jews, Christians and Muslims. It has many spots to visit, go back in time and pray. Both Israel and Palestine consider Jerusalem their capital. Please be aware that due to border disputes it can be violent as well.

Tours:
• Israel
• Jerusalem

Kyoto

Kyoto is the former capital of Japan and - even though it is a large and modern city, it feels small and traditional. You can find lots of temples, kimonos and geishas, all you need for some great pictures. Between Kyoto and Osaka is Nara, another former capital worth visiting.

Tours:
• Japan
• Kyoto

Lahore

Lahore is capital of Pakistani province of Punjab and one of the largest cities in the world. The city hosts much of Pakistan's tourist industry, with major attractions including the Walled City, the famous Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques, as well as several shrines. Lahore is home to the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tours:
• Pakistan
• Lahore

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and contains more fresh water than any other lake. The lake has its own flora and fauna, above and under water.

Tours:
• Russia (Asia)
• Lake Baikal

Lhasa

The Capital of Tibet used to be a great place to experience the Himalayas and observe the local, religious Tibetan population. Things have changed. Lhasa has become more modern and certainly more Chinese, not in the least because of the railway system that takes you from mainland China straight here.

Tours:
• China
• Lhasa

Longji Rice Terraces

The Longji Rice Terraces are located in the hills 2 hours North of Guilin and a true piece of art. They are spread out over many hills, with up to 200 vertical levels, and resemble a dragon ("Longji").

Tours:
• China
• Longji Rice Terraces

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a volcano on Eastern Java. Even though it is active and always steaming, it is possible to walk up, to the rim of the volcano. More volcanoes are visible in the direct vicinity.

Tours:
• Indonesia
• Mount Bromo

Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is a village in the central Himalaya Mountains both used for trading and touristic purposes. It is rather close to Mt. Everest and therefore a starting point for many treks that lead to the world´s highest mountain.

Tours:
• Nepal
• Namche Bazaar

Paro

Paro is where most visitors will enter the Kingdom of Bhutan, because it hosts the international airport. Yet, Paro is a small city with a few hotels and the main tourist attraction in Bhutan: the Tiger´s Nest Monastery - an easy trek.

Tours:
• Bhutan
• Paro

Petra

Petra is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. Petra is called the "Rose City" for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system and the colour of the sandstone from which it is carved.

Petra is believed to have been settled as early as 7,000 BC. It has been named as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Tours:
• Jordan
• Petra

Phuket

Phuket, Krabi and Koh Pi Pi are the famous beach resorts in the south of Thailand. Long white beaches, excellent hotels in every price range and the best food you can think of make this a desirable place to spend your honeymoon or next beach vacation.

Tours:
• Thailand
• Phuket

Samarkand

Samarqand is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. It's location made it an important stop on the Silk Road between China and the Mediterranean which made Samarkand one of the greatest cities of Central Asia.

Tours:
• Uzbekistan
• Samarkand

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a major tourist destination in South-East Asia and this for one thing: the Angkor Wat temple. It is impressive. The temple used to be in a bad shape, because of erosion and weather, but has been rebuild piece-by-piece by French archeologists. Do note that there are more temples worth visiting, for example Monkey Temple and Bayon temple. Nearby is also a large lake with a village on silts.

Tours:
• Cambodia
• Siem Reap

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is famous for the gigantic rock with ancient carving, elephant foot entrance to a merely accessible path and ultimately the remains of a temple on top of the rock. Every visit to Sri Lanka should include this sacred place. But it is hot out there, so bring your sun hat and crème!

Tours:
• Sri Lanka
• Sigiriya

Singapore

The Lion City is a modern city that functions very well. You can travel easily and affordably by MRT (train), bus or taxi. The tourist will enjoy Marina Bay, shopping @ Orchard Road, zoo and bird park as well as having the local favourite Chili Crab at one of the three quays...

Tours:
• Singapore
• Singapore

Varanasi (Benares)

Varanasi (aka. Benares) is one of the oldest living cities in the world! The city is very much alive and the center of the Hindu religion. People come here to pray, to wash in the river Ganges and to get cremated. For tourists this city is a highlight of any visit to India, but please show respect.

Tours:
• India
• Varanasi

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a very pleasant Indonesian city. Most tourists like the city with its nice buildings, markets and wide variety of souvenirs. Nearby are several volcanos as well as the famous (Buddhist) Borobodur temple (UNESCO heritage) and Prambanan temples.

Tours:
• Indonesia
• Yogyakarta