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20 Hottest Weekend Getaway Destinations in Asia
20 Hottest Weekend Getaway Destinations in Asia
One of the best things about living in cities like Hong Kong or Singapore is the quick weekend trips you can take to any of the surrounding Asia cities!
Now that Singapore has gotten an extra day off in August, here’s our complete guide to the 20 hottest weekend holiday destinations in Asia. Enjoy!
20. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, is one of Thailand’s oldest and most culturally significant cities. From the city’s night bazaar to the ancient walls and dozens of temples, Chiang Mai is soaked in Thai culture. Chiang Mai’s laid back atmosphere will make for a definitely pleasant holiday experience as you walk through the streets and experience the local life of Thailand.
19. Vigan, Philippines
Exploring Vigan is like travelling through a time machine. As you walk the cobbled streets and admire the Spanish-Filipino architecture, you may hear music and laughter in the distance as friends and lovers spend time with each other. Every nook and cranny of the city seems to have a story to tell you, all you have to do is listen. Preserved and largely untouched, Vigan is a city that resonates with Philippine history.
18. Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu is the beating heart of Nepal. Surrounded by historic sites, villages, and ancient temples; there is never a dull moment as you travel through the city as every part seems to offer something interesting and new. Enjoy some of the local art such as carpets and paper prints. If you’ve filled up on culture, Kathmandu is also a great place to kick off your adventure into the mountains.
17. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Sunrise in Angkor Wat, there is probably nothing more ethereal and spiritual; and Siem Reap is home to that wonder. However, that is not to say that there is nothing more than that in Siem Reap. If you want to have a taste of Cambodian culture, head over to the Cambodian Cultural Village in Siem Reap. When you’re tired of that, you can cap off your day with an exploration of the maze of the Angkor Night Market.
16. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is seemingly frozen in time around the 15th to 19th centuries. Every inch of the city calls back to bygone times and old stories. As such, Hoi An is probably one of the best places to go if you want to learn about Vietnamese history and culture. Enjoy a special treat on the 14th of every month as Hoi An trades in electrical lights for traditional coloured lanterns.
15. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of the greatest places to shop at a bargain in. A sprawling metropolis, Bangkok is home to a myriad of stores. These stores aren’t just low-end affairs though. With a strong middle-class, Bangkok has attracted a number of luxury brands. This mix of high-end and low-end, all at bargain prices, makes Bangkok a place to visit.
14. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia’s economy, in recent years, has been a power house. This is especially evidenced by the development of its capital city, Kuala Lumpur. With the Petronas towers holding vigil over the city, residents and tourists alike may enjoy the shopping and luxuries that the city has to offer. Go on a shopping spree in the city’s retail district, Bukit Bintang. Perhaps afterwards you can enjoy a rest in one of Kuala Lumpur’s famed parks. The variety of things to do in Kuala Lumpur is endless.
13. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is the heart of one of the most influential cultures in Pop Culture today. A mix between old and new, Tokyo serves a variety of palates. From computer geeks and anime lovers, to high fashion and luxury, Tokyo is known for almost everything. Home to famous brands such as Uniqlo, Tokyo is definitely a place to visit for fashionistas and shopaholics everywhere.
12. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a city addicted to shopping. Shops of all types and sizes can be found throughout the city. In fact, the airport boasts the first Louis Vuitton airport duty free store. Shopping is exceptionally convenient in this metropolis as all merchants are required by law to accept credit card transactions, no matter how low the transaction. With all-nighter shopping malls and luxury department stores, Seoul is a shopper’s paradise.
11. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is a city with a beat; fast-paced and affluent, the city never seems to sleep. Shopping and clubbing are a popular past-time in this city with luxury brands seemingly on every corner of the city. If you are looking to shop for some of the most luxurious items on the market, Hong Kong is the place to go. With your wallet considerably lighter after your shopping spree, you can party your night away in Lan Kwai Fong. The sky’s the limit in this city
10. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu is home to the 13,400 foot Mount Kinabalu. This mountain is definitely a must visit for every adventure-seeker looking to satiate his wanderlust. If you’re not one for mountain climbing, jungle trekking adventures are to be had in the nearby jungles. Be sure to pack a lot of water and insect repellent as you escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to explore Kota Kinabalu.
9. Bhutan
Pristine mountains and turbulent mountain torrents, explore Bhutan with these as your backdrop. Adventure throughout the countryside of Bhutan and perhaps discover why Bhutan is one of the happiest countries in the world. With breath taking vistas and hundreds of mountains, monasteries, and ancient trails, Bhutan will leave you awed.
8. Nepal
Whenever one hears “Nepal”, minds drift to the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. Nepal is the place to go if you feel you can conquer Mount Everest. Make no mistake though; Mount Everest is not the only thing to climb in Nepal. With the Himalayas in Nepal’s backyard, 8 of the 10 tallest mountains in the world are waiting for you to conquer them.
7. Chengdu, China
Chengdu is home to HuangLong, Yellow Dragon Park. Adventure is to be had here as you can trek through the forest and take in the geological marvels that are to be had. You can trek all the way to Lhasa or take a few days and explore all that the park has to offer. If you prefer to be near water, whitewater rafting and river treks are definitely something to consider.
6. Okinawa, Japan
Over the years, Okinawa has earned the moniker of; “the Hawaii of the east”. Certainly, its white beaches and huge waves are the cause for that. Okinawa has garnered a reputation as a top destination for surfers around the world. Say what you want, it definitely deserves its reputation. With several beaches to choose from, Okinawa presents thrills and good times for anyone who comes.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Are you seeking a respite from the daily grind of city life? Do you want to experience the life of lying on a beach sipping Pina Coladas? Look no further than Bali. Bali’s gorgeous beaches and lush reefs are a pleasure to look forward to. If you get bored of whiling away your time on a hammock at the beach, get your recommended dosage of thrills with whitewater rafting and surfing.
4. Phuket, Thailand
Who doesn’t like a party? Come to Phuket and party your nights away at the beach. In the day you can explore all the beaches that Phuket has to offer. Water sports, surfing, and simple relaxation at the beach are all favourite pastimes at Phuket. In the evening, head down to Patong beach and explore the various nightclubs and bars along the beach.
3. Boracay, Philippines
Boracay has definitely earned its reputation of being one of the best beaches in the world. Its famed white sand beaches are one of the jewels of the Philippines. While your day away in paradise as the waves lap on the sand. Enjoy water sports such as jet-skiing, banana boating, and other various diversions. When the sun sets, that’s when the beach truly comes alive. With a number of bars and resorts lining the beach, the nights are a pleasure to experience.
2. Palawan, Philippines
If you were to ask where exactly in Palawan you should go to, I would be at a loss for words. There are just too many places to see in Palawan. From El Nido, Tubbataha Reef, and Malampaya, to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, and Coron; Palawan is the very definition of a tropical paradise.
1. Maldives
When you google “tropical paradise” pictures of the Maldives are what greets your eyes. With breathtaking coral reefs and resorts a-plenty, the Maldives is perhaps the best place to go to if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a weekend. Enjoy a massage as you feel the sun shine on your face. If there was such a thing as “heaven-on-earth”, it is probably the Maldives.
