They say that traveling to other continents always opens the visitor's mind and, if we talk about Asia, this theory gains even more strength. From the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula to the Land of the Rising Sun, each of the 49 countries that make up this vast area has corners so beautiful that they take your breath away, so it is not surprising that it is so difficult to decide on a place in specifically when one considers traveling through Asia. There is a place for every type of traveler, from the most adventurous, through those who want to travel as a family and even the most adventurous. For this reason, at we want to offer you this list of the best cities in Asia that you cannot miss . Discover them all!
Chéngdū, China:
If we move away from the main destinations in China, we will find some of its most beautiful cities. It is in this category that Chéngdū, situated in the Shichuan region, falls . Why is it one of the best cities in Asia? Because it combines the best of this country, from the most cosmopolitan atmosphere to the most beautiful historical monuments, as well as being very close to some amazing landscapes. This city is only inhabited by 10 million inhabitants, so it is far from the crowds of people in other cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but it has the best of both. Visit the Marquis of Wu Temple, a 37,000m2 compoundIt was built during the three kingdoms period. Also of note is Jinli, a 550m-long street built in the Quing style. To enjoy more popular culture, Quintai Street will not only give you a portrait of ancient China , but here you can try the famous hot pot, a very spicy soup that includes the well-known Shichuan sauce. Enter the hut of Du Fu, a world-renowned Chinese poet. In Jialebi you will find the nightlife area, full of neon lights. But don't forget to visit the Panda Recovery Center , where you will find many specimens of this endangered species. You also cannot miss the Lashan Buddha, the largest stone Buddha ever built and which wasnamed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Kyoto, Japan:
Take a bike and discover at your leisure the highlights of the second most important city in the country of the rising sun. Discover beautiful temples, among which Kiyomizudera stands out, one of the most photogenic in Kyoto; the Ginkaku-ji, called the Silver Pavilion, and the Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Pavilion. A must-see is Ryoan-ji, where you can watch monks meditate in a Zen garden . Without a doubt, this is the city of relaxation, and to continue in this spirit we recommend a walk along the Philosopher's Walk , especially during the end of March and the beginning of April, when the cherry trees bloom. You can also discover the neighborhood of the geishas ,or Gion, and attend the tea ceremony to see the traditional art of these women. If you want to surround yourself with nature, visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest , where you can walk under more than 50 varieties of the pandas' favorite plant.
On the outskirts, we find the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine , known for its path of orange arches, called toriis. Each of them was donated by a family as an offering to the god to whom this 8th century sanctuary is dedicated.
Singapore:
The city-state has emerged in recent years as a model of sustainability for the cities of the future, and for this reason it is not surprising that it is considered one of the best cities in Asia. Here, without a doubt, one of the jewels in the crown is the Gardens by the Bay , gardens with artificial trees that support photovoltaic panels that produce renewable energy. Go up to the Marina Bay Sands bar to admire the incredible views or the Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel; You can see Malaysia from here! You will also have the opportunity to do some shopping in the trendy Orchard Road or, if you go with children, visit Sentosa Island, to have a great time in its amusement park and end the day relaxing on the artificial beach of Palawan. Do not forget to go to the historic neighborhoods of the city: from the colonial zone to the Indian quarter, to learn more about all the communities that have settled in this place over the years.
This city is ideal for combining with other destinations, so we recommend a tour of Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket to round it off.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
If you are more into shopping and luxury, we recommend a trip to the most charming emirate on the Arabian Peninsula. In Dubai, the world's most spectacular buildings rise in their most sumptuous forms. One of the most spectacular is the Burj Khalifa , the tallest skyscraper in the world. In front of it you can enjoy an amazing water show at sunset. The sister of this building is the Bhurj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world. Walk through its marina and enjoy the most incredible views, and don't forget to enter the Madinat Jumeriah, the souk set in ancient Arab cities. Dare to go into the desert and spend a night under the stars or relax on the beach to enjoy one of the best cities in Asia.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
The capital of Malaysia is the gateway for thousands of people who want to enjoy some of the most incredible beaches in Southeast Asia, and what they will find is an amalgamation of cultures and religions living together in the framework of a city that combines tradition with modernity. Let's start with the well-known Petronas Towers , which were the tallest twin towers in the world until 2003, from which you can have a complete view of this great city. At its feet, the KLCC park already gives the first clues about the diversity that you will find in Kuala Lumpur. Walk down Jalan Petaling, the most famous street in Chinatown, taste the spiciest dishes in Little India or climb the stairs of the Buddhist temple of Sri Mahamariaman or the Batu caves, without forgetting to visit the palace of Sultan Abdul Samad or the National Mosque. You see, a city of the most diverse!
Hoi An, Vietnam:
Surely you have heard that chaos reigns in the main cities of Vietnam, but Hoi An is the exception. It is considered one of the best cities in Asia not only for being a World Heritage Site , but also for the tranquility that the Thu Bon River gives it. In the old town it survived the bombings of the war it suffered, so it still maintains much of its traditional architecture. Among its most photographed monuments is the Japanese bridge, a legacy of its past as a commercial port. Temples, street food and some beaches to relax put the finishing touch to the visit to Hoi An. In addition, from its port you can embark on a boat to visit Cam Kim Island , where you will meet the best wood carvers in the area. .
Siem Reap, Cambodia:
The best-known archaeological park in all of Asia is undoubtedly Angkor . These ruins of the Khmer dynasty last for several days, so in addition to being able to discover the main temples of this huge complex, you can take the opportunity to get to know the city of Siem Reap. Stroll around a bit to find some pubs where you can take a break from wandering around the ruins, eat at the Old Market, or old market, to taste the best of traditional food at a good price and take the opportunity to give yourself a well-deserved foot massage. Catch a performance by Phare, the Cambodian circus that combines performances by tightrope walkers, jugglers, and contortionists.
Ubud, Indonesia:
The island of Bali is a paradise that offers the best of the beach and the wildest jungle. And without a doubt, Ubud is the best place to stay to get to know the area, but it also offers a large number of corners closely related to the flora and fauna that surrounds them. From temples like Taman Saraswati , which are reflected in lakes full of lotus flowers, to neighborhoods that rise up in the middle of the trees, as is the case of Penestanen. Here you will also find the forest of the Monkeyswhich, as its name suggests, is a tropical forest where monkeys live freely. Wake up early for a drive around one of Asia's best cities for spectacular views of the rice paddies surrounding beautiful Ubud to start your day off right!
Jaipur, India:
The mystique in which India is wrapped is often truncated by a much harsher reality than one sometimes imagines before visiting it. Despite the magnitude of this city, one of the largest in northern India, there are many reasons why Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City. Here you can feel like royalty, visiting the palace of the Rajputs, a family that lived in this 18th-century residence, entering the Amber Fort or stargazing like Maharaja Jai Singh at Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Humanity by UNESCO. But its greatest icon is the Palace of the Winds, or Hawal Mahal , with a spectacular reddish facade that watches over the Siredeori bazaar from above.
