As we move our way through March now, 2023 is well underway, and you may be thinking about travel plans for the year- I certainly am! However, with the world opening up again and travel more accessible than ever, I wanted to take the opportunity to open your eyes further afield than some of the locations you might initially think of- and look into the places you should visit this year in Asia. So, welcome back to evine.travel, I hope you enjoy the read; and here are my pick for the top 7 locations in Asia that YOU need to visit this year- and why.
1, Kathmandu, Nepal
Buried in the valley of the Himalayas, Nepal's capital city opens this list for its outstanding location, cultural significance, and extraordinary growth in the tourism sector. An area once well excluded from the global audience, braved only by those more adventurous travellers, tourism has since seen huge growth in Kathmandu, with the industry becoming one of Nepal's largest industries. Pre-Covid statistics indicated that tourism revenue generated 7.8% of the country's GDP in 2018. So, you ask, what does this city have to offer?
Kathmandu's iconic Asian architecture makes wandering its streets a delight itself; touring the Neo-Classical Garden of Dreams not far from the city centre, or exploring the markets of Thamel, the commercial hub of the capital, are brilliant ways to spend time in Kathmandu without needing to fork out many of your Nepalese Rupees. However, outside of making the taxing journey to Everest Base Camp, a true cultural experience of Nepal cannot be complete without visiting the many Hindu and Buddhist temples the country is synonymous with. Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, is a marvel of pagoda architecture and a staple of Nepalese spirituality.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the 246 hectare temple is only accessible inside to Hindus for prayer, but you can purchase a ticket to wander its grounds- well worth the price, with a strong sense of its extensive history within its 16-century old walls. Like anywhere, Kathmandu has had to adapt to the modern times as well as staying true to its historic roots, and there are several night clubs, bars, and restaurants open to those wishing to let their hair down after a long day soaking in the city's rich culture. As of writing, return flights for March are anywhere between £500-£600- so a little more on the expensive side, but once there costs are significantly cheaper; so, if you're looking to explore somewhere a little more outside your comfort zone this year, why not make it Nepal?
Photograph- Pashupatinath Temple, Via Hinduism Today Website
2, Malé, The Maldives
A shift from the snowy mountains of the Himalayas to the equatorial climate of the lowest-lying country in the world, the Maldives have long been an appealing hot-spot for honeymooning couples and Instagram models alike, and it's no surprise why; the views here over the Indian Ocean are like no other. When you see photos of the Maldives online, its always that same typical view- thatched roof huts on stilts over the ocean, clear blue waters stretching all the way out to the horizon. And of course, this is a beauty you should not forfeit experiencing; however I'd like to show you a side to the Maldives a Western perspective often isn't familiar with.
I myself was impressed to see how built-up an island state can become; several high-rise offices and apartment complexes, large football pitches and parks, all encircled by a protective sea wall. The cityscape here is not indifferent to that you would see along the coast of Florida, but with arguably much better sea views. Boasting beautiful beaches, colourful markets, as well as an array of fishing and diving excursions, a week in Malé might be just what you need to step away from the repetition of life we have become so familiar with. As of 2017, the population of Malé was 142,000- around the same size as Reading or Windsor & Maidenhead- and with tourism being the Maldive's largest industry, it relies heavily on the external investment of travellers like you and I. The Maldives is under monumental threat from rising sea levels as a result of climate change, and a large majority of its GDP is increasingly invested into defences against this threat. Ecotourism schemes within the country have been one technique they have employed, utilising the nation's natural beauty to both educate tourists into taking a more active role in a stance against climate change, and raise money to help protect the country from drowning. So, if you are an eco-conscious traveller, or even just a normal person seeking to be more environmentally friendly this year, whilst still experiencing something different to a traditional city break- Malé is a brilliant option for you.
Photograph- Malé from above, Via Lonely Planet Website
3, Osaka, Japan
Long overshadowed by the country's capital, Tokyo, for tourism, the 3rd most populated city in Japan, Osaka, is the perfect balance between the centuries of dense culture and brilliantly modern technological side that Japan has to offer. Described as 'One of the world's greatest places' by TIME Magazine in 2021, this city truly has everything to offer.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker planning to venture the Universal Studios Japan here in the city, a history buff hoping to explore the legacy of Osaka Castle, or considering trying out the local cuisine on a stroll through its famous Kuromon Market, it is incredibly easy to traverse Osaka thanks to its beautifully efficient public transport network. Taking the metro system around Osaka- or indeed, most major Japanese cities, is simply one of the things you have to experience when in Japan, not to mention it being the cheapest, and potentially fastest, way to do so.
This city's stunning juxtaposition of densely populated high streets lit by neon signs and picturesque gardens lined with cherry blossoms will not struggle to fill your itinerary. And if you do feel the need to make your way to (or indeed, from) Tokyo- the capital city is only between 3 and 4 hours away by train. Osaka is a magnificent staple of Japanese culture, and it cannot be missed; hence, it takes the third spot on this list.
Photograph- Osaka, Japan
4, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Whenever I have been asked in the past the one place I'd like to visit in the world, I've always had the same answer; Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It's just staggering to me that somewhere like this actually exists; it's not a complex movie set for something like Avatar; Siem Reap's 162 Hectare temple is a very real, very beautiful location. Believed to have been constructed in around the 12th Century, Angkor Wat is a Hindu-Buddhist temple, the largest religious monument in the world: and for this reason it is of mass appeal to a global tourists. Before the pandemic, peak numbers of visitors rose as high as 6 million (2019)- yet it sat at a steady 287,000 foreign arrivals last year.
Surrounded by a moat of water mirroring the temple's intricate design, the complex captures a lost age in its carvings and pathways, once walked by hundreds of Buddhists in the pursuit of enlightenment. They certainly picked a scenic location- it's not difficult to feel at one with the natural world strolling through Angkor's vast gardens, lined with statues each individually carved and weathered over thousands years. This may be a cliche, but there is no other way of encapsulating it; walking through Angkor Wat is simply like stepping back in time.
Outside of the temple itself, the surrounding area is perfectly accommodating for travellers, with opportunities to explore Cambodia's rich food scene, understand more about it's heritage, and see why it is so strongly acclaimed. Furthermore; Siem Reap is one of the safest areas in the country, making it a perfect 'base camp' between temple visits.
Overall, its religious significance, as well as its sheer natural and architectural beauty make it a place I simply cannot accept having lived without seeing. It's certainly on my bucket list- why not come along for the journey?
Photograph- Angkor Wat, Via World History Encyclopedia Website
5, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Next up on this list is Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur- but more specifically, an awesome place just outside of the city that I actually first came across on a TikTok. More traditional travellers may frown upon that- but after all, we are incredibly lucky to have such resources at our fingertips to find these amazing places online, so why not make the most of them?
Kuala Lumpur in itself boasts an incredible city environment; its iconic Petronas Twin Towers overlook the skyline of an area bursting with opportunities for you to tour. Take in the cityscape views from above in a cable car, explore the city's beautiful parks, or try the hundreds of varieties of food on offer in the Jalan Alor restaurant quarter. Those with a slightly larger budget can take the chance to cash out at one of over 500 stores in the Pavilion MegaMall in the city centre.
Whilst that doesn't necessarily appeal to me, this certainly does; if you’re willing to take a short drive (or 3 hour walk if you’re feeling particularly athletic), you can find the absolute marvel that is the Batu Caves. Outlined with colourful Hindu temples, and pinpointed by the 140 ft tall golden Lord Murugan statue, cascading multi-coloured steps rise high into the mountainside which withholds the most popular Hindu shrine outside of India. Locals recommend a weekday trip, it being less busy- but regardless of when you visit, taking the 272-step trek up to the cave entrance is bound to be an incredible journey to look back on and be proud of, let alone the views from the top and inside. You can certainly make the most of a day trip here during a week's visit to the Malaysian capital, and with return flights between £600-700 as of writing, why not make this year the year you take the holiday of a lifetime?
Photograph- Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Via GetYourGuide Website
6, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
If you're looking for a South-East Asia itinerary, I've already told you about Cambodia, and this is definitely another one to add to your list. Roughly 3 hours drive from Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay offers a Utopian getaway truly a part of nature in every aspect. Sailing the emerald waters, surrounded by cascading mountains rising into the fog, the sky lit in virulent sunset colours, you are completely severed from the reality of urban life back at home.
Emperor Cruises are one reputable company well regarded for their tours of Ha Long Bay, offering incredible opportunities on board as well as allowing you to soak in the surrounding views. Take traditional Vietnamese cooking classes; use a gym encapsulated by full wall windows so you don't miss the scenery whilst breaking a sweat; or try out their martial arts classes on the top deck. And, of course, they offer spa treatments to make sure both your body and mind are at peace as you sail through the bay.
If I'm ever going to truly find a place to feel one with the world around me, this is it. Vietnam is bursting with incredible culture, delicate cuisine and incomparable natural scenery, and Ha Long Bay is notl exception to these.
Photograph- Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Via Dreamstime.com
7, Singapore
For those travellers that are more inclined to city breaks than the rural landscapes I detailed in #6, this last pick may be more suited to you.
From the minute you arrive at Singapore you are immediately greeted with what is to come- its Jewel Changi airport is undoubtedly one of, if not the most, beautiful airports in the world, worth a visit in itself even if you can make a stop by in a short layover.
An interesting mix of Pan-Asian culture, Singapore's heritage encapsulates a variety of different styles, and does it brilliantly; from food to architecture, Singapore encompasses the soul of Asia, and develops an incredible technological side to it.
Perhaps an image Singapore is most frequently associated with, the hotel at Marina Bay Sands is an unbelievable sight, three individual skyscrapers conjoined at the apex by a boat laying across the top of them. The hotel and surrounding area boast a top-floor infinity pool, shopping centre, and over 80 different restaurants alongside its 2500 rooms. One night's stay here however will set you back around £500 a night- not exactly apt for a budget traveller like me. Certainly, Singapore is one of the more expensive regions on this list, being an economically stable, high-income country, but this is certainly a case of you get what you pay for; whether you intend to explore its variety of gardens, being one of the greenest cities in the world, or expose yourself to some retail therapy in the Clark Quays shopping district, every step of your way in Singapore will be met with a memorable view.
Flights to Singapore are around £700 at the time of writing, so this might not be the most economically viable option for many right now- but it certainly is a place I want to scratch off of my map one day when I (hopefully) have a bit more change to spare!
Photograph- Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, Via Visa Website
So, that just about wraps up this list- its been a long time in writing amongst school, work and other commitments recently, but hey, hopefully this WILL be my job one day and I don't have to worry about those things. For now, this is just a lot of fun, and I hope you might have learnt something or been inspired by my suggestions too.
Cheers for the read,
EV.
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