Joanna James
Asia is a destination with much to offer from breathtaking natural beauty and cultural diversity to fascinating historical attractions and exotic cuisine. If you are planning a holiday here, these are five countries that are well worth experiencing and exploring.
A nation where high-tech modernity and timeless traditions coexist, Japan offers much to discover. Apart from experiencing lively city life, you can also visit ancient temples, make the ascent up stunning mountains, enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms and savour distinctive dishes that vary from region to region. The country has well-connected transport systems too, so travelling is a breeze. Aside from the capital, Tokyo, other key destinations here include Kyoto with its famed Nijo Castle and Otaru on the island of Hokkaido home to the charming Otaru Canal.
Referred to as the Lion City, Singapore is amongst the easiest countries in Asia to travel to. Accommodation is easy to find as well, with well-known hospitality brands such as Park Hotel Group offering properties close to key attractions. Families will love Sentosa Island home to Universal Studios, while shopaholics and fashionistas will have a blast at Orchard Road; art lovers will enjoy sites like the National Gallery Singapore and those looking to spend time outdoors can head to Gardens by the Bay or one of the many picturesque parks. When the sun sets, nothing beats partying at Clarke Quay too!
From dynamic metropolises and classical gardens to ancient temples and water towns lost in time, China provides something new to discover on each visit. Due to the country's vastness, you can plan multiple visits, each time to a different region or city. While many will think of destinations such as Beijing and its Forbidden City, Shanghai and the Great Wall of China, there are other places worth heading to; featuring some of the leading hotels in Asia Pacific as well, these include Xian with its Terracotta Army, Kunming with its stunning Stone Forest, Wuxi home to Lingshan Mountain and cosmopolitan Hong Kong.
It is not every destination that gives you a chance to enjoy a holiday on a private island which is exactly what the Maldives has in store! While the capital Male features key cultural attractions, not to be missed is a chance to stay at a private island resort. Accommodation options include luxury villas on the beach or above the waters of a lagoon or the Indian Ocean. Such resorts also offer holistic spa rituals, diverse dining and plenty of adventures be it water sports like snorkelling and diving, romantic sunset cruises or dolphin spotting excursions.
Malaysia is a modern and multicultural destination blessed with captivating natural wonders too. While you can experience the country's development in thriving cities, you will also find everything from historical attractions and rainforests thriving with flora and fauna to idyllic island beaches. Urban adventures await at places like the capital, Kuala Lumpur, home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers as well as Bukit Bintang with its many shopping and dining opportunities. Also of note are Melaka and George Town, two historic cities of the Straits of Malacca that are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
