Asia covers approximately 9% of the world’s surface. It is also the largest continent. It is also home to some of the most varied continents, with lush rainforests, towering mountains and deep oceans. Asia offers a unique opportunity to travel from the tranquil beaches of Thailand and the bustling cities in Japan. Asia’s cities offer all three: adventure, culture, and nature. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of daily life, the delicious local cuisine, the intricate temples, and just get lost in the city. 10 top Asian cities are Tokyo, Singapore, and Hoi An.
TOKYO (JAPAN)
Tokyo is the largest city globally, and it is very popular with tourists. Japan’s capital, Tokyo, is home to more than 37 million people. The Senso-jii I Temple and Tsukiji markets are some of Tokyo’s most visited tourist attractions. You won’t regret timing your Tokyo visit with Japan’s cherry blossom season.
It is important to note that English signs and announcements may not be widely available in Tokyo unless you visit major tourist areas. Knowing a bit of Japanese can help you communicate with locals and get around.
SINGAPORE
It is easy to see why Singapore is so popular with backpackers and tourists. Although it is one of the smallest countries globally, Singapore is also very multi-cultural. Thanks to its fusion cuisine, diverse experiences, and many cultures, it is a vibrant city.
Gardens by the Bay is a famous attraction in Singapore. It is also home to the Supertree Grove. This site receives approximately 50 million visitors annually during a normal travel year. The site covers 250 acres and offers many places to explore. You should make sure to save time for the Cloud Forest Dome and Flower Domes and the OCBC Skyway, Supertree Observatory, Supertree Grove, and the Supertree Grove.
You should bring some pennies if you plan to visit Singapore shortly. While Asia’s majority is quite affordable, Singapore is a costly city that can be hard on the wallet of backpackers.
MANILA, THE PHILIPPINES
The capital of the Philippines is Manila, which is located on the island of Luzon. The city of Manila is home to almost 2 million people. It is also a tourist attraction, with more than 1 million visitors visiting Manila every year.
The Walled City of Intramuros and Fort Santiago are the main tourist attractions in Manila. Rizal Park, the National Museum Complex, and Fort Santiago are also popular. You will love sunsets, so make sure to visit Manila Bay. You won’t regret it!
BANGKOK (THAILAND)
Bangkok is the perfect place to go if you’re ever travelling through Southeast Asia. It is one of the most visited cities in Thailand and is a great place to explore, enjoy delicious food, and learn about the local culture. It can be quite overwhelming to live in Bangkok, so it may take some time to adjust, but there are many incredible experiences to be had once you are.
Bangkok is known for its temples. There are over 400 within the city. Wat Phra Kew, Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew are some of the most visited temples. Wat Pho is the temple dedicated to the reclining Buddha. Other popular places in Bangkok are Khaosan Road and Chatuchak Weekend Market.
JAIPUR (INDIA)
Jaipur, which is in Rajasthan state, is also known as the “pink city”. The Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria visited India in 1876. Jaipur was then painted pink to show hospitality and welcome them. The tradition has been carried on, giving the city a vibrant and colourful appeal.
It is believed that the city was India’s first planned city. It was completed in 1730 and built in just four years. It is easy to see why Jaipur was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hawa Mahal and City Palace are some of the most visited spots.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA
The capital city of Jakarta is located on the northwest coast of Java. The capital of Indonesia, Sunda Kelapa, was established in the fourth century. It was once a major trading route. Jakarta is home to 10,000,000 people today and is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination.
Although it is the largest island globally, Jakarta has never been a major tourist destination, despite its centrality to Indonesia’s economy, politics and culture. However, Jakarta is now the fifth-fastest growing tourist destination in the globe. Most tourists who travel to Jakarta are domestic travellers or foreigners stopping by on their way to smaller islands in Indonesia like Bali or Komodo Island.
Jakarta has a lot to offer. Popular attractions include the Maritime Museum and Kota Intan Bridge. If you have the chance, visit Thousand Islands and Sunda Kelapa Old Port.
HOI AN VIETNAM
Hoi An, also known as Fai-Fo and Faifoo, is a small city in Vietnam with a population of just 120,000. With its incredible architecture and historical background, this historic city is sometimes called the Venice of Vietnam.
Hoi An has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It has been recognized for its exceptional preservation of a 15th- to 19th-century Vietnamese trading port. This vibrant town is located on the riverbank and has some amazing buildings. You can see the culture of both indigenous and foreigners here.
The famous Japanese Bridge, which dates back to the 16 century, is one of Hoi An’s most visited tourist attractions. Other top tourist attractions include night markets and cycling tours, and Cua Dai Beach is not far away. Even if you don’t go to any of these places, Hoi An’s charming and beautiful nature is sure to win you over.
KYOTO, JAPAN
Kyoto is known for its temples, shrines and Geishas. It is the ideal spot to explore if you want to experience some Japanese culture. Although planning a trip to Kyoto can seem overwhelming, there are so many incredible things to do and see. We know you will fall in LOVE with this city.
The Fushimi-Inari shrine and the temple of Kinkaku-Ji are some of Kyoto’s most visited tourist attractions. We recommend the Nishiki market to foodies. Here you will find everything in Japanese cuisine, from instant noodles to raw fish.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is one of the most popular Asian Cities. This city offers a variety of attractions, street food, and amazing street food.
The Petronas Towers and KL Forest Eco Park are some of the most visited spots in the city. Batu Caves is a great place to go if you’re looking for a day trip away from the city centre. Batu Caves is a collection of temples and caves that can be reached by metro.
Although Kuala Lumpur appears large on a city map, many of its most popular spots are close together. The LRT, taxis and buses are all available to get around the city. However, the prices can be quite high in the city’s centre. We recommend that you download the app ‘Grab for the best deals.
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
It is visited by around 2 million tourists annually. This place is a must-see on any Southeast Asia trip. This is Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination, aside from Phnom Penh, which is the capital. This city’s history dates back to 802, so you can see that there are many cultural and interesting sites here.
The famous Angkor Wat complex is undoubtedly the most visited spot in Siem Reap. The temple complex was built in 12th-century Cambodia and is the largest religious monument in the world. You can explore more than 1,000 temples in the area. To get around, you can rent a bike or hire a driver for a tuk-tuk.
There are many other things to do in Siem Reap, aside from Angkor Wat. Wat Preah Prom Rath temple is worth a visit. If you are able, make sure you visit the night market or the Siem Reap Royal Gardens.
Each city has something to offer, whether you are looking for temples to explore or delicious Asian cuisine. Each city in Asia has its unique charm so that every traveller will find the right city. We can guarantee that you will find what you’re looking for in these wonderful destinations.
