Asia: Four of the Best Things to Do
Asia is, in a word, large. It is so impossibly large that you could never hope to adequately condense the multitudes it contains down into a single sentence, paragraph, or even article. There’s so much to this vast continent, from natural wonders beyond comprehension to the myriad cultures and communities that come to define each of its corners.
You might find yourself drawn to travelling in Asia for any number of reasons. Each of its 48 countries has countless incredible experiences to offer, after all—but narrowing these down to an actionable trip can be especially difficult for the executively dysfunctional amongst us. So here, we’ve attempted the impossible. What follows is a paltry handful of the best things you could do in Asia, presented in the hope of helping you plan your next big holiday with a little more ease.
Indulge in Tokyo’s Culinary Delights
Japan is a riot of a country to visit, from its incomparable natural landscapes to its bustling urban centres—Tokyo being the largest of which and indeed the largest city on Earth. You could lose months to Tokyo with ease, but if you need some essential direction, why not follow your nose?
Tokyo’s culinary traditions are as wide as they are deep, and you’ll find something for pretty much every tastebud within a square mile of any given location. You should be keeping an especially eye out for good sushi and sashimi, but if you want something hearty, you can stop at practically any ramen kiosk for a meal you’ll never forget.
Explore Mount Everest: A Himalayan Adventure
A different experience altogether, though, awaits in the mountains some 3000 miles away. On the other side of China, in the preeminent Himalayan mountain range, you’ll find (what else but) Mount Everest—the tallest mountain in the world and a bucket-list destination for millions. Everest base camp treks are themselves an experience to cherish for decades to come, even if you don’t quite have the stamina for a full trek up to the peak.
Discover the Ancient Wonders of Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Cambodia is an oft-overlooked holiday destination for all but the most committed East Asian backpackers, but there’s so much you’re missing by leaving such pursuits to the gap year travellers. The food and culture are in and of themselves incredible, but there are historical landmarks well worth your attention too, including, of course, the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat. This UNESCO World Heritage site is breathtakingly beautiful, and especially so at sunrise.
Beach Hopping and Island Exploration in the Philippines
The final entry on this list is by no means the final ‘best thing’ you can do in Asia, but it’s up there: beach-hopping in the Philippines. The Philippines bisect the South China and Philippines Seas, comprising well over 7000 islands—thousands of which offer the most amazing coastlines for you to explore. Some are more inhabited than others, too, so you can pick and choose how rowdy you’d like your exploring to be.