Experience the essence of Asia with these 5 must-see destinations

There’s simply no denying Asia is one of, if not the best region in the world for travelling. With so many varying countries to discover and so much culture to be experienced, it’s only natural you want to visit. With that being said, here are 5 must-see destinations to ensure you experience the essence of Asia.

 Delhi, India

If you want to experience a city that truly has it all, Delhi is the place to go. India’s capital doesn’t even slightly underwhelm in its offerings, a visit often proving to be a sensory overload. From delectable food to colourful festivals, from friendly locals to an abundance of incredible sights, Delhi has it all – you’ll be hard done by finding a city in Asia that sums up the essence of the region so effortlessly.

There’s an undeniable amount of history to be seen in Delhi, with sights such as the Red Fort proving to be some of the most important (and the most impressive) in Asia. With technological advancements making the city safer and easier to explore, you can expect to see impressive features such as “women-only” cars on the metro for solo female travellers to stay safe.

It’s safe to say India is more of an experience than a holiday, and that could not be truer when exploring Delhi. It’s a culmination of the best of India all in one city, from cuisine to culture – be sure to let go of your preconceptions and embrace everything it has to offer.

 Kyoto, Japan

When visiting Japan, plenty of travellers opt for the obvious destination – Tokyo, the bustling and energetic city full of technology and neon lights. However, consider straying from the norm and head to Kyoto instead. This traditional, laidback city is a far cry from the buzz of its bigger sister, and arguably the more rewarding option – it has an undeniable wealth of culture and history to be discovered.

Perhaps the most prominent cultural sights here in Kyoto are the temples – there’s a vast array of them to be visited. The biggest and arguably the best of them all is Kiyomizu-dera, often surrounded by crowds of tourists from far and wide. Don’t fret though, as no matter how busy it is it’ll never lose its charm.

In the centre of the city itself, you’ll find an alluring atmosphere – as cherry blossoms line the streets, the wistful aura of Kyoto flows effortlessly. You may even spot some geisha roaming the town.

 Bangkok, Thailand

Although Thailand boasts some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world (from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands), you won’t find anywhere more enchanting than the capital city itself. Bangkok is a city of wonder, teeming with culture and adventure unparalleled by anywhere else in the country – from the centrepiece of the city, the Chao Phraya River, to the varying districts to explore; you won’t get bored here at all.

 One of the highlights of Bangkok is the abundance of street food to sample. Head to Chinatown, for example, and you’ll discover a unique blend of Thai and Chinese cuisine you won’t find elsewhere – it’s considered the birthplace of street food in the country, and with delicacies such as satay and ajad to be tried, there’s no reason not to give it a go.

Be sure to explore Bangkok’s historic sights, too – the Grand Palace sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, and you’ll likely be able to see it during a cruise or a leisurely stroll if not dedicating some time to actually visiting it.

 Angkor Wat, Cambodia

It’s the largest religious complex in the world, so you’d be foolish to miss out on visiting Angkor Wat during your Asian adventure. It’s a wondrous and rewarding site to explore, a sprawling collection of ruins and temples (some of which are still in use), boasting intricate details and unparalleled architecture that has withstood the test of time and still appears majestic and impressive to this day.

The best time to visit Angkor Wat is said to be at sunrise, so try and arrive at 5 AM for both the smallest crowds and the best views. It may also be worth getting a tour guide to help you explore – although the complex is wonderful enough when explored without assistance, a guide can elevate your experience to the next level with valuable knowledge and tips.

 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

You might be surprised when visiting Kuala Lumpur – this is truly one of the most desirable and luxurious cities in the world, situated in the midst of Southeast Asia. With incredible architecture including the Petronas Twin Towers, unparalleled nightlife, beautiful resorts and an endless number of things to do, there’s simply no denying Kuala Lumpur is a worthwhile destination that many travellers skip over.

There’s still a vast amount of history to be found here though, despite the considerably modern development of the city. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest in the city, adorned in vibrant and intricate detailing that makes it unmissable in the midst of its surroundings. But with theme parks, museums, shopping malls and the aforementioned nightlife to be experienced also, there’s simply no denying that when in Kuala Lumpur, it’s almost impossible to ever be bored.

Do you have any more recommendations of unmissable destinations in Asia? Let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.