There is no denying that a high percentage of backpackers are dreaming of putting Asia on their bucket list for their next voyage. Well, who wouldn’t? Asia is the largest continent and the most geographically diverse part of the planet.

The continent comes with vibrant culture and extraordinary landscapes that are aesthetically pleasing in various ways.

Vietnam, home of the famous Ha Long Bay. Here lies the island’s number one destination for tourist hubs wanting for a soothing picturesque scenery as they chill.

Across East Asia is the Great Wall of China, it escalated to have 20-23 feet above the ground, and still one of the most appealing sites that have 2,700 years of history.

Meanwhile, if you feel a bit more outgoing, consider heading out to the islands of the Philippines, they are famous for tourist who has a zest for snorkelling and scuba diving.

And if you are also a person obsessed with sunsets and sunrise, considering electric cycling in Bagan over the dawn has to be a good option for you.

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WHAT TO INCLUDE ON YOUR ASIA BUCKET LIST

Asia has multiple underlying countries travellers already distinguished as the best places to go now and then. Of course, you want to visit places worth the time and money. Reading up will give you more insights into the best Asia bucket list that can ease your wanderlust.

Motorbiking in Vietnam

You’ll be surprised by how many motorcyclists, whether foreigner or local who relies on a motorbike in Vietnam as a means of daily transportation in running errands and travelling.

Motorbiking has been part of the culture of Vietnamese since the 1960s. As the tourists find Vietnam as a great travel destination, the British show Top Gear made a discovery of how exciting it is to make a motorbike trip through the Hai Van pass.

The pass that goes from the old town of Hue, up the mountains, over the clouds with almost zero visibility, ride down to the beach town of Da Nang and then reaching the charming place called Hoi An.

Not recently that motorcyclists have been pouring popularity in a travel route connecting from Hanoi all the way to Ho Chi Minh City.

It was the exquisite terrain and majestic mountains that made motorbiking in Vietnam enjoyingly viable. But as a first-time traveller, how much does a motorbike, food, and accommodations will cost you?

REMEMBER: Check if you need a visa for Vietnam

Accommodations

You can find accommodations from $5-$7/dorm room or $10-$15/private room(double occupancy). You can read this list of best hostels in Vietnam

Motorbike cost

You can buy a motorbike for $280-$450 (buying in the south can be pricier) the repair costs between $1-$10 depending on the problem or even more.

How long will it take if riding through Sapa

It takes 2-4 days to experience the nature view of Sapa fully. It is located in the northern district of Vietnam. The terrain overlooks terraced golden rice fields and majestic mountains.

Passing through the Hai Van Pass

About 6-8 hours depending on how many stops you will do. You can also spend a night in Da Nang and continue the trip to Hoi An or to Hue (depending on where you’re coming from) the next day.

Food

Around $5-$8 for budget meals good for three times a day. Most hostels and hotels offer free breakfast. While there is a lot of convenience store in the big cities which offers a quick meal and snack.

Travel time in a motorbike

3 weeks, from north to south of Vietnam or vice versa. If you don’t have the time, you can also get to the central of Vietnam and take an international or domestic flight from there.

Gas expenses

You can buy $6 for full motorbike tanks that has the capacity of 7 litres. Average distance you can go to is about 150km/day or a maximum of 6 hours a day. 

Rickshaw Run India

One of the great travel adventures in India is the Rickshaw Run. Indians have been travelling across India three times a year with various routes driving a rickshaw – a vehicle with a very tiny engine.

The event began on December 2006; the first route travelled was Ernakulam Kochi to Darjeeling. Rickshaw run is commonly traversing with 3000 km with just a rickshaw. The rickshaw doesn’t have the capabilities to withstand the long distance.

Along the way, you’ll tremble in the ground, get stuck, breakdown, and overheat in multiple times. This is the part where Rickshaw Run gets exciting, and adventurous for such, getting lost midway has definite possibilities.

REMEMBER: You probably need to apply for an Indian visa

Cost of a Rickshaw

$2000 for buying a rickshaw vehicle. 

Accommodation​

You’ll have to find lodging every day, and that will cost you $15-$25 for cheap hotels with a double room and air conditioning.

Food

You can eat along the road, there are tons of family-owned restaurant, stalls, and stores which will cost you $ 1.5 for a meal in a family-owned restaurant. 

Gas Expenses

Consuming 10-15 litres per day. $11 each day for rickshaw petrol.

Travel time in a Rickshaw run

The travel time usually lasts for 14 days or more if you travel slower.

Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

Elephants are scattering around places in Thailand. This huge majestic creature grows a big business for Tourism. In most cases, it is sad to encounter mistreatment to these creatures in Thailand.

Hence, if you want to see and play with the elephants, you have to do extensive research which sanctuaries and rescue centres you should visit to make sure that the place is putting the welfare of the elephant as the top priority.

Ethical elephant sanctuaries help to rescue and rehabilitate them after maltreatment the from the previous owner such as riding them, pushing the elephants to perform for hours under a drug, training them using cruel tactics. They are mostly located in the Northern part of Thailand.

Many retreats engage in saving animals lives and ending the mistreatment of wildlife in Thailand. Remember, elephants have fantastic memories; being mistreated will scar them forever.

Responsible tourism should be equally beneficial to you as a tourist, to the locals, and the animals and nature.

Estimated Cost

The Cost may vary on the length of stay. Travellers can stay for more than one day for $46-$142 a single day visit to up to $1,000 for 1 – 2 weeks of accommodation

How long will it take

One day to a full two weeks 

What to remember

If the place offers a ride or a performance from the elephant, you must avoid this place. Best to read reviews online or ask Thailand traveller forums to get some insights before signing up for this activity

Full Moon Party in Thailand

Partygoers are positive that the most beautiful place to experience a full moon was in Koh Phangan. 10,000 – 30,000 people were getting on party vibes as the moon shines bright in the crescent-shaped white sand beach of Thailand.

Mayhem is avoidable in this night, being the largest and most infamous party over the world. This late-night event is always fully booked and gets first-timers pumped up with a tremendous amount of booze and techno, house, trance, metal kinds of music.

Estimated Cost

You can buy $3 for an entrance fee, and $5-$7 for liquors. The cost now depends on how drunk you are planning to be in this extraordinary party.

How long will it take

It usually takes one night and one full day. 

Electric Cycling Through Bagan/Sunrise Over Bagan

E-bikes and motorcycles are extremely popular in Bagan, however, travellers or if you look like a foreigner, it is illegal for you to own and drive a motorbike in Bagan. Sure, it sounds disheartening, heads up because there is something much better for you, E-bikes.

Myanmar, home of more than 100 ethnic groups, in the region is an ancient city recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expect temples and infrastructure which resemblance of old civilization in Bagan. A town built by kings in late 1050-1290.

There are about 2200 temples today, and getting over in feet is a fierce battle, locals suggest to rent up an E-bike instead as a means of travelling. One characteristic that keeps on attracting the most tourists in Bagan is the perfect geographical location in its view over sunrise.

TIP: Get your Myanmar evisa online

Estimated cost

​​​​$33 for daily travel expenses, including accommodation, food, water, local transportation, and entertainment.

How long will it take

Three and more days are good enough to enjoy around Bagan.

Best tip

Go in a group if you’re catching the sunrise because the map that your receptionist will hand is not accurate (there are no post lamps in Bagan), there is a big chance that you will get lost in the dark and miss the sunrise

Visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan

Memories will always hunt Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The first-ever atomic bomb (little boy) was dropped and killed thousands of innocent people’s lives. Today, locals and tourists are always free and welcome to commemorate the death of its people in Peace Memorial Park. 

You can also walk around and learn more about the melancholic history in the solemn Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Like the City of Bagan, in 1996, Hiroshima was also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage.

After the bombings, Japanese starts converting its lands solely for parks and memorialize the aftermaths of this tragic bombings.

ALSO READ: Things to know before travelling to Japan

Estimated Cost

185$ for three days accommodations, destination entrance fee, and a complete itinerary trip that covers top destination in Hiroshima. Excluding airfare and food. Prices of foods vary each type.

How long will it take

Three days is a good amount of time.

Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields, Cambodia

It may be difficult to digest the information you’ll receive on a trip to Angkor Wat to Killing fields; it is important to spend at least three days in Phnom Penh (Killing Fields and Genocide Museum) and another three days in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat).

You can see stone temples across jungles and monuments of the fallen heroes that have been killed by a communist party that took power in the country in the year 1975. Khmer Rouge appeals to be responsible for the death of more than two million Cambodians.

Despite the tragedy, Cambodians have chosen to forget and reflect on this event by pouring its past horrors in its Museums and prayers on temples. Meanwhile on the side of Angkor War lies the most excellent 12th-century ancient university and Asia’s largest lake. 

ALSO READ: What you need to know before arriving in Cambodia

Estimated Cost

Visiting these two places will cost about $80-$150 including the tickets and transportation.

How long will it take

It should take about a week, which should be enough without hurrying to see the two places.

Good ‘ol Great Wall of China

In line with the Chinese defence, dynasties fortified a massive wall and high mountain watch towers in protecting them from raids following invasions. Throughout 475-221 BC, north Chinese men begin developing these walls and start joining it in various states that collectively known today as The Great Wall of China.

Today, the wall is a top-rated tourist site that gets too crowded on the top. The wall is 20-23 feet above the ground, and you could be overlooking a whole nation and experience moderate hiking.

Estimated Cost

It will cost you $30 for entering the wall, including minibus transportation.

How long will it take

The most famous and fully restored section of the wall is Mutianyu. Driving will take 2 hours reaching the entrance. You can spend a whole day walking, running and hiking 4000 stairs to the wall.

Snorkelling and Diving in the Philippines

Thanks to the Gods, the Philippines remains to be the top seductive places to visit when planning to take a dip in the bluest oceans and far-off white sand coastlines. The Visayas, one of the three Philippine islands are primitive in terms of bodies of water.

Wherever you are in the three islands Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao your always close to my home – the beach. Meanwhile, the Philippines are top-rated to divers and snorkelers. There is a myriad of places to visit when expecting to see marine life. Siquijor is one of the islands that attracts travellers the most. And always in the best Asia Bucket List in a travellers journal.

Estimated cost

$30 for one little dive per day, including gear. $28 for a snorkelling course with equipment.

How long will it take

1 – 2 days should be enough or long if you (just like me) can’t have enough of this activity.

Travelling through Borneo

Borneo is one of the most eco biodiverse regions on the planet. It has the oldest far-reaching rainforest and home to multiple kinds of chimps and exotic wildlife.

There over 1100 types of species living in the mountainous centre of Borneo. And interacting with them is possible, especially when you’re on a trip. Sabah is one of the provinces that are rich in ecosystems.

Tourist keeps on growing. Today, tourism in Borneo evolves in ways that they already offer bird tours, wildlife sanctuaries, and many more enjoyments that can leave you speechless with your jungle life experience.

Estimated cost

$8 – 15 for a dorm bed, $6 a day for food, and $7 for park admissions

How long will it take

1-2 weeks is enough in exploring the entire Sabah Region.

Train Travel Across Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka runs every railway across nations. A train trip is a spectacular, and sensational experience you can have when planning for Asia’s bucket list. This trip is popular for its scenic view but also for a chance to get the coolest photo from Asia.

You’ll have your ultimate me time and try reflecting on life while overlooking far-reaching fields of tea plantations. A scenic Sri Lanka train expedition is just like Before Sunrise, and the ride can be very romantic and personal.  

Estimated cost

$1.5 for a 4 hours ride on a train. 

How long will it take

A lot of travellers would travel the entire country of Sri Lanka on a train. You can either do this just once or multiple times.

These are some of my Asia’s bucket list, tell me yours. I’d also love to visit lovely places that can shake your whole world overview.

If you have comments, suggestions, insights or more outputs, leave a comment below! I’d be happy to hear something from a fellow traveller.

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Pandas. One of the cutest, most adorable products of evolution. With their white and black fur and fluffy and cuddly appearance, it is almost impossible to resist the thought of seeing one at least once in your lifetime.

Panda or Giant pandas are endangered species since 1990 due to poaching and high deforestation in 1980. China has been working very hard to conserve these animals.

If you’re planning to join a panda tour. That’s precisely the reason why you’ve come to this page, and that is exactly what we are going to bring to you: the best and affordable Chengdu panda tours.

So, without much ado, let’s scroll your mobile’s screen or if you’re on a PC, let’s roll your mouse wheel below!

ALSO READ: Check these Panda bases

HOW TO CHOOSE A CHENGDU PANDA TOUR

First, let’s go over some of the things that you should take into consideration when choosing a panda tour:

Ethical and certified

We highly recommend checking the background of the company running the tour. Know if they are taking care of their pandas well. The company should be ethical in its ways, i.e., the pandas must be kept in a place as close to their natural habitat as possible, free to roam, not forced to do anything they don’t want to. No overfeeding just for the sake of photo opportunity.

By supporting ethical and certified companies, you’re sure that you are not supporting those who are not so considerate of the welfare of the Pandas.

Full service

Another thing to consider when choosing a Chengdu panda tour is the range of services that a company offers. You must ask your self if a guide suits your preference. An optional tour guide service is a convenient option to have, especially if you do not know how to speak Chinese.

How much time you have

Depending on the time that you have, you may want to choose a half-day tour or a full-day tour. If you’re not in a hurry and you feel like all the time in the world are yours, then, by all means, go for a full-day tour.

But if you have a tight schedule or a limited time in Chengdu, or if you have time, but you’d rather spend some of it with another type of tour, or maybe to explore Chengdu’s nook and cranny, then it’s best to book a half-day panda tour.

Chengdu panda tour plus other activities

Another thing to consider when choosing a panda tour in Chengdu is the extra activities included. This is a great way to make the most out of your time in Chengdu, as you’ll only not enjoy the sight of pandas, you’ll also be entertained by other activities, too!

To give you an example, some Chengdu panda tours offer a visit to red pandas, which is one of the rarest species of animals in China. Some offer a visit to several historical sites, and others include activities that get you up close and personal with a giant panda.

If you want your Chengdu panda tour to be slightly different than a regular panda tour, look for a one that includes extra activities.

HALF-DAY CHENGDU PANDA TOUR

Now that we’ve given you a guideline on how to choose your Chengdu panda tour, it’s time we move to our main objective: to share with you some of the best panda tours in Chengdu! Let’s start by presenting some of the best half-day tours in Chengdu below:

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base designed the whole place to mimic the Pandas’ natural habitat, which means that you’ll be able to see them playing, eating, or sleeping like how they do these things in the wild. 

Aside from that, this tour also gives you the flexibility and freedom to visit some of the most famous tourist attractions in the area, namely the Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng, Leshan Giant Buddha.

CHECK AND READ REVIEWS OF THIS PANDA TOUR

Private Half-Day Chengdu Panda Breeding Center Tour with Optional Panda Feeding

Have you ever dreamed of feeding a panda? Well, you can turn that dream into reality by joining this Chengdu panda tour. The tour starts in the morning at either the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Center or the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center from Chengdu.

You’ll be toured around the panda centre by a panda keeper while being educated with facts about these lovely animals. As a bonus, you’ll also get the opportunity to see the rare red pandas, too! Pickup and drop-off are included in this package.

CHECK AND READ REVIEWS OF THIS PANDA TOUR

FULL DAY CHENGDU PANDA TOUR

If you feel like a half-day tour isn’t enough, you can definitely opt for a full day panda tour! Here are some of the best full-day tours to join in:

Chengdu Panda Breeding Center and Historic Private Day Tour

The tour starts in meeting and greeting the giant pandas doing their thing freely in their almost natural habitat. Your group will then go back downtown for a quick meal before heading to Dufu’s Thatched Cottage to learn more about the local history.

As a finale, you have the privilege to visit the Wuhou Temple where you will learn about the life of Zhuge Liang, a famous figure during the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

CHECK AND READ REVIEWS OF THIS PANDA TOUR

One day as Volunteer: Big Panda in Sichuan

Seeing pandas are great. But if you want to take your panda-loving nature to the next level, why not take up the role of a panda caretaker for a day? Cleaning their home while having the opportunity to pet a real-life panda is going to be super fantastic.

Plus, you’ll gain more in-depth insight into these majestic creatures’ biology and behaviour. Also, you don’t have to worry about making mistakes during the activities because you’ll be supervised by a professional and English-speaking tour guide.

CHECK AND READ REVIEWS OF THIS PANDA TOUR

PRIVATE CHENGDU PANDA TOUR

If you prefer going on a trip by yourself or exclusively with your close friends and loved ones, then the best option for you is to book a private tour. Here are some of the best private Chengdu panda tours you might want to check:

Chengdu Sightseeing with Panda Breeding Center Visit

This tour will take you to some of the historic sites in Chengdu. You’ll get to spend a couple of hours just adoring the adorable pandas, and also have the chance to visit a Zen Buddhist monastery where you can learn a thing or two about the Zen teachings.

A relaxing cup of tea at a nearby traditional teahouse is also included in the tour, and if that’s not enough, feel free to upgrade to get a visit to the Sichuan opera included in the itinerary.

CHECK AND READ REVIEWS OF THIS PANDA TOUR

Dujiangyan Wolong Panda Tour

Dujiangyan Wolong Panda Tour is a great tour to not just learn about pandas and their quirks. But you can also personalize how the journey goes; You can play the role of a panda keeper, or simply take pictures of the animals, or maybe visit the red pandas, too.

Whatever activity you choose to include in this private tour, you will be accompanied by a professional guide in every step of the way! Also, you can opt to visit the Kongfu Panda Village if you want. A complimentary lunch is included in this tour.

CHECK AND READ REVIEWS OF THIS PANDA TOUR

So, we’ve covered everything you need to know about panda tours! From the things to ask yourself before booking a visit to the type of panda tour to select, depending on your preferences. The last few steps are, of course, choosing, booking, and enjoying the tour.

We hope we’re able to help you choose the best Chengdu panda tour that suits your needs! If you have any questions, suggestions, or if you want to add something to the things that we’ve discussed above, feel free to leave a comment below. And we’re wrapping this up by wishing you happy times with the pandas in Chengdu!

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Travelling to Japan is a staple dream destination in most people’s bucket list. There are plenty of reasons to visit Japan from its historic landmarks and beautiful sceneries. Filled with flavorful cuisines and unique experiences, this Japan 3 week itinerary will surely be an unforgettable trip.

Others might think that three weeks in another country might be too long. But in Japan, you might even wish to stay longer. Deeply rooted in tradition and culture, but also modern in technology, you will never run out of exciting activities to do here.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO REMEMBER

When travelling to a different country, especially for the first time, it is best first to research the country’s ways and norms. This will help make your trip more enjoyable and help you maximize your time and lessen your expenses. Here are some things to remember when travelling to Japan:

• Have enough yen in your wallet because cash is the usual mode of payment. Cards may be accepted in hotels and big stores, but this is not always the case. If you run out of cash, you may find ATMs in 7Eleven stores.
• Tipping is not practised in Japan. If you feel the need to express your appreciation for an excellent service, small tokens in kind such as trinkets or keychains from your country will be accepted.
• Tattoos, while they show your artistic side, are not highly regarded in Japan. These are usually associated with law-breakers so you might want to hide yours if you have one.
• Menus and signs in less touristy spots may not have English translations; hence it is better to know a few Japanese words or have a translation app on your phone or have a translation book at hand
• Buy a Rail Pass and rent a pocket WIFI to make navigating Japan easier.   

ALSO READ: Important things to know before travelling to Japan

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to go to Japan will depend on where you want to go, and what you want to do because the different regions have unique experiences to offer during Japan’s various times of the year. But generally, most people would rank Cherry Blossoms season as the best time to visit Japan. This occurs from late March until early May depending on the location or region.

• When is the summer: June to September
• When is the typhoon season/winter season: December to February
• Biggest national holiday: New Year (Shogatsu) when businesses are usually closed until January

ALSO READ: Beginner’s skiing guide to Japan

JAPAN VISA

For American and British citizens, a Japan Visa is not required if staying for less than 90 days. But passports should be valid during the whole period of stay in Japan, and a return or onward ticket should be presented upon entry. 

This “Visa-free” arrangement is granted to more than 50 countries. If your country is not included in the list, then you may visit your nearest Japanese embassy for the Visa application.

AVERAGE COST PER DAY (per person): $80 USD/€70

Known for its superb quality of goods and services, it is often a misconception that Japan is an expensive travel destination. But in reality, most foreign tourists who visited the place find it inexpensive.

You may buy Bus and Rail Passes to lessen your transportation expenses. Opting for dormitories, hostels, and budget business hotels is also good to cut costs on accommodation. But if you have the money for it, then this is also a great place to splurge.

• On the budget: 54-96 USD or 49-87 Euro
• On the mid-range: 96-167 USD or 87-151 Euro
• On luxury: over 167 USD or 151 Euro
• What’s the most expensive cost: Accommodation
• What’s the cheapest price: Transportation

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE TRIP

Pack as lightly as possible and bring only the essentials because most trains and buses don’t have enough rooms for bulky luggage. Plus, Japan has plenty of great shopping hubs.

Thus, you surely would want to have more space for your new items. Aside from your Visa, Passport, Tickets, toiletries and comfortable shoes, here are some of the essentials that you should bring:

• translation book/ebook
• bank cards
• winter clothes – if coming this season

WHERE TO GO: JAPAN 3 WEEK ITINERARY

Visiting different places in Japan can be surprisingly easy. They have a fantastic transportation system, and its islands are well connected by ferries, bus services, and railways. You may want a refreshing onsen bath and explore authentic shrines.

There are also temples and castles to explore as you walk the busy Shibuya crossing. Surely, you are amazed at what Japan’s cities/towns have to offer.

Tokyo

As Japan’s capital, Tokyo is a mix of modernization and tradition. Here you can find busy shopping districts, skyscrapers, top-rated restaurants, entertainment centres as well as historical landmarks, museums, temples and beautiful landscapes.

You may also have day trips to popular destinations nearby such as Kamakura and Nikko. Both places have temples and shrines, but Kamakura has the beach while Nikko is home to hot springs, lakes, and waterfalls.

Day trips to Hakone from Tokyo are also available, and this is one of the best spots to view Mt. Fuji. 

• Location (address if applicable): Tokyo Prefecture, Kantō Region
• How to get there: Take the JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station or a book an airport pick up
• What to see: Tsukiji Market, Akihabara, Digital Art Museum, Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo DisneySea
• How many days to stay: 7 days

Nagoya

The fourth most populous city in Japan, Nagoya is known as a world-class manufacturing and industrial district. This is where you can find the giant Toyota Motors Corporation.

You may also want to visit the very famous Asahi Beer Factory. It is home to museums, shrines, and well-maintained parks. And the beautiful Nagoya Castle is one of its prominent landmarks.

• Location (address if applicable): Aichi Prefecture, Chūbu Region
• How to get there: Take a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagoya for a faster trip.
• What to see: Railway Museum, Tokugawa Art Museum, Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine
• How many days to stay: 2 days

Kanazawa

As the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is home to historical landmarks. It is also unparalleled to the Kenrokuen, one of the most beautifully landscaped gardens in Japan.

• Location (address if applicable): Ishikawa Prefecture, Hokuriku Region
• How to get there: Take the Limited Express Shirasagi from Nagoya to Kanazawa
• What to see: Kenrokuen, Ninjadera, 21st Century Museum, Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market
• How many days to stay: 2 days

Kyoto

Used to be Japan’s capital, Kyoto is an ancient city with exceptional historical value. Here you can find samurai castles, world heritage sites, and the serene Zen gardens.

Get the chance to spot real Geisha and Maiko in real life. Side trips to Mount Koya and Nara are also highly recommended if you will be visiting Kyoto. 

• Location (address if applicable): Kyoto Prefecture, Kansai Region
• How to get there: Take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Kanazawa to Kyoto
• What to see: Nijo Castle, Sento Palace, Nishiki Market, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Pontocho, Higashiyama, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Daigoji Temple, Arashiyama, Katsura Villa, Geisha District
• How many days to stay: 6 days

Osaka

Known as the “snack capital of Japan,” Osaka should be on your list of cities to visit for mouthwatering Japanese food. In addition to being known for its culinary treats, Osaka also boasts of its unique form of entertainments such as spa theme park and eating street with gigantic neon lights, and an alive music scene.

• Location (address if applicable): Osaka Prefecture, Kansai Region
• How to get there: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Osaka
• What to see: Universal Studios, Osaka Aquarium, Osaka Castle, Minami, Sumiyoshi Taisha, Shinsekai, Spa World, get a Hop-on, Hop-off pass
• How many days to stay: 4 days

WHAT TO EAT

Japanese cuisine is one of the best in the world. You would probably say “Oishi” (meaning delicious) several times during your stay here. Here are some of the food that you should not miss while in Japan for an amazing gastronomic experience.

The best way to try out all the must-eat Japanese dishes is to book a food tour.

Ramen

One of the most popular Japanese dishes, ramen is made of wheat noodles in a flavorful broth. It can be topped with thinly sliced pork, corn, preserved bamboo shoots, seaweeds, chopped green onions, marinated hard-boiled or soft-boiled egg, and many more. Depending on your preference, vegetarian ramen is also widely available in Japan.

• Where to try: Ramen restaurants, also known as ramen-ya, are located everywhere in Japan. You may also head over T’s Tantan in Tokyo Station if you prefer a vegan ramen shop.
• How much does it cost (typically): 500-1200 Yen

Tempura

Known as deep-fried seafood or vegetables which are smothered in a light batter, Tempura is sometimes paired with a light dipping sauce. This staple dish can be eaten on its own or as toppings in rice meals.

• Where to try: This dish is widely available, but it is best to try it in a Tempura-ya, which is a restaurant that specializes in this dish.
• How much does it cost (typically): 100-400 Yen per piece

Okonomiyaki

This dish is pan-fried and is made with cabbage and batter as the base. Then, you get to choose the toppings that you like, hence the name “okonomi” (to one’s liking). 

Toppings can range from meat, seafood, vegetables, and seaweeds, then zigzagged with mayonnaise on top for a filling snack that you will surely love.

• Where to try: Available everywhere in Japan, but best to try in Hiroshima and Osaka
• How much does it cost (typically): 300-600 Yen

With all the attractions, exciting activities and delectable cuisines, Japan is indeed a dream destination. But what you will love more is the friendliness of the Japanese people. Plus, you will surely be in awe of how safe it is to walk its clean streets.

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Travelling to places unknown or new to you gives you the feeling of burst excitement and the unquenchable thirst to learn more about why these places become so awe-inspiring. Example, How Tokyo, a great city, can afar see the icy smoking cold vibes of Mt. Fuji, especially in a window seat of the high-speed train Tokaido Shinkansen?

How the Japanese culture preserves vast evergreen fields? How they infused ancient traditions and modern technology together and progress above today’s generation and many countries? This article will guide you in things to know before travelling to Japan.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO JAPAN

Can you imagine a place that continued to grow all the time economically? Despite being at the centre of the typhoon belt, and has a history of an exceptional nature tragedy. Japan remains tough and is one of the most beautiful continents to travel in the world. Are you excited? If you are, then let’s prepare the things we need while travelling in Japan.

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Essential things to pack

Before booking your flight, you must first be aware of the climate of the place and the date you are planning to travel. These are necessary to avoid misused clothes and stuff. Japan has four seasons, namely Natsu (summer), Haru (spring), Fuyu (winter), Aki (autumn). By choosing what things to pack, you must first know what time of year you are planning to visit. However, these are some of the essential things you need to have easy access upon arrival in Japan.

• Cash
• Credit cards or Debit Cards
• Wi-Fi and SIM card access
• Japan Maps
• Guidebook
• Japanese to English Dictionary
• Weather and Earthquake alert apps
• Japan Rail Pass
• Toiletries
• Hop on Hop Off Bus pass

Best time to go to Japan

Typhoon generally occurs in between August and September. Japanese unbuckle up in this gloomy weather and wear rain boots, a cotton shirt, denim or silky raincoat, wool scarf, and a heavy-duty umbrella. I suggest packing your rainy-day gear, which includes the power bank, portable Wi-Fi, electric adapter, and things that you can use when a power interruption sudden occurs.

During the winter in Japan, you can go skiing. Check this post that will guide you the cost to expect, what to do, and other travel tips that can be useful.

Summer befalls the month of June to August. This is the time to strategize your packing and fight the temperate climate and the heat and humidity of Japan. Get your fancy sunglasses with UV light filter, and above 30 SPF sunscreen, it can be very hot in Japan.

The best time to go to the country still depends on your unique preferences. Some people tend to like the rainy seasons more than summer for little reasons that they don’t want to experience heat for a while. Meanwhile, others book their flights before Ganjitsu or New Year’s Day. Be aware, shopping streets like Shotengai is not open from January 1-3.

The average cost per person per day

The first thing in the list of the essential things you need is the Cash. But how much money does a first-time traveller need per day to live up in the streets of Japan? I’ll show you.

This will guide you to know the good trip to Japan cost. Below are the estimated expenses from the cheapest to luxurious in terms of USD and Euro.

On a budget

• Food: Tempura, Sashimi, Gyoza, Rice Balls, Ramen, Gyudon, Curry, and Sushi are some of the popular foods in Japan which you can get at the convenience store. You can buy these foods for at least 19$, and it is suitable for the whole day. It’s a great idea to munch up their street foods on the first days of the trip.
• Transportation: Tokyo metro cost 5$ for the whole day pass
• Accommodations: You can stay and replenish your strength in cheap dorm beds and hostel in Tokyo at around $30 per night.
  Estimated cost per day: 54$ or 48€

Mid-range budget

• Food: 43$ is suitable for three meals a day if you are planning to chill and dine to their midrange café. You can get breakfast in Sukiya for 4-14$. Lunch and dinner at Izakayas cost around 30$
• Transportation: You could choose to travel around destinations for 7$ using Japan Railway or Water bus that approximately cost 3$-19$ run by Tokyo Cruise or Tokyo Mizube Cruising. 
• Accommodations: If you want a savvier place to relax, you will be spending around 47$- 76$ in a double-room at business hotels, guest houses, and cheap hotels that goes 141$ per room.
  Estimated cost per day: 111$ or 100€

High-end or Luxury

• Food: Breakfast at hotels cost around 19$. If you want to taste a little more about japan, I suggest to try out their famous Kobe beef that cost 95$ per person.
• Transportation: If you wish to sit back, relax, and not worry about navigating your way to tourist spots. I suggest availing a tour bus that cost 30$-100$. Prices vary from the place you want to visit.
• Accommodations: The best quality hotels in Japan with double bedrooms cost around 95$-250$. You can expect to pay 280$ for a High-class hotel Ryokan.
  Estimated cost per day: 256$ or 231€

Accommodation

It’s best and recommended to book accommodation even just the first two nights to avoid finding yourself lost in a city you’ve never been. I normally use booking.com (often, you don’t need to pay anything upfront) and Hostelworld (for a great collection of affordable hostels), while HotelsCombined is very popular in Asia because you can compare different platform and hotels in this site.

Transportation and getting around

The moment you set off your foot in the land of Japan, and once you already have your Buss pass and Rail pass. You will never get the sense that you’re going astray because of their extensive easy to follow transport infrastructure.

You can ride Japan railway or a regular train, Shinkansen (Bullet Train), and Subways for underground and quick and easy access to every corner of Japan. There are multiple options like local railways, taxis, buses, bicycles, rental cars, ferries and cruise ships, and air travel.

Overcome Language Barrier

If you are a shy person, this will be a great time to break out of that shell. One way to overcome a language barrier is to ask for directions, so don’t be shy and burst it. Japanese people are polite, kind, and organize, although some of them may not understand English.

I recommend you to download a translation app that can help you translate the questions and inquiries. This is one of the important stuff to know before travelling to Japan.

Following the rules and regulations

Japan has multiple sets of rules and regulations from little things like what side of the streets to walk on and to bow upon entering a temple. You can see designated smoking spots, few trash cans, and eating and drinking on trains are a major positive. These rules and codes are things to know before going to Japan, and you need them for a little head start.

Do’s and Don’ts

Tipping is great but never tip a waiter, sales lady, or a cashier in Japan. People may find it very offensive. You don’t give the payment to the cashier, but instead, put the money in a container beside the counter. Never smoke while walking unless you are in the designated spot.

And for do’s I suggest to slurp your delicious ramen as loud as you can, the chef finds it as a compliment. For your trash, you can find places utmost clean and green, and trash cans are rare to find, so do hang on to your dumpster for a little while.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN JAPAN

The moment you land at the airport in Japan is the time where you will find your best culture rewarding experience. There are many tourist places and dos to experience. If you want to gasp the solemn and organized nature of the Japanese culture, it will take a while.

If you don’t like the crowd, check these off-the-beaten paths that you can explore in Japan.

ALSO READ: Japan 3 week itinerary

But if you are a first-timer and wish to know the best sites, follow my guide. You cannot squeeze out all the things you can learn and enjoy. So, I decided to list the traditionally maintained innovative cities and places many tourists loved to experience.

BEST TOKYO TOURS and AFFORDABLE TOKYO TOURS

Make a pre-list of things you want to do

To not overwhelm yourself, it’s best to look at the tours and attractions that might interest you. It will also help you maximise your days in Japan while making sure you will get to see and experience everything that you hope to while here.

I mostly use GetYourGuide because they have a massive worldwide collection of great tours, while Klook is very focused in Southeast and East Asia another option is Viator which is well-known in delivering great tours.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, has the highest population in the continent. Tokyo is where the heart of the town lies, and the city never sleeps. A metropolis is a busy place, you can see employees, students, businessman, always on the rush. Alongside is 26 cities where you can absolutely find something to enjoy in your days, weeks, or years of stay.

How to get into Tokyo from Kyoto

• You can ride a bullet train or the japan rail pass 
• Aeroplane
• Buses
• around Tokyo – metropass

Best tourist attractions in Tokyo

• Museums
• Ueno Park and Zoo
• The Meiji Shrine
• The Tokyo Skytree
• The Kabuki-za Theatre

Things to do Tokyo

• Explore traditional places
• Wrestle with sumo culture
• Party all night
• Gaze out sceneries on tall buildings
• Witness traditional dance
• Disneyland

TOKYO TOURS

Sendai

If you are looking for a more peaceful, nature, traditional and historic vibes, Sendai is the place to go, and it is the home of one of their feudal lord samurais, Date Masamune. The area is also known to be the first originator of several Japanese food dishes, and famous for the Sendai Tanabata or Japanese Star Festival.

How to get to Sendai from Tokyo

• ​Japan Rail Pass
• Bus & Car
• Aeroplane

Best attractions in Sendai

• Zuihoden Mausoleum
• Sendai Castle Ruins
• Miyagi Museum of Art
• Kirin Brewery
• Morning market

Things to do in Sendai

• Explore Museums
• Learn how to Craft with Japanese
• Shop at Sendai Station
• Learn about the history of Date Masamun
• Stroll on tsunami devastated areas

Nara

According to history, Nara was the first capital of Japan, and this is where the Emperor resides. The city is vibrant with culture and layers of history. There are a lot of historical sites because back in the old days, their government-supported Buddhism and build large temples across the state to protect the Emperor and the land.

How to get to Nara from Tokyo

• JR Nara Rapid Line (Regular train)
• Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
• Buses

Best tourist attractions in Nara

• Kasugayama Primeval Forest
• Kasuga-Taisha Shrine
• Higashimuki
• Dorogawa Onsen
• Nara Cultural Centre

Things to do Nara

• Roam in Nara Park together with the deer
• Visit Nara National Museum
• Visit Shrines and temple
• take a bath in Kasugayama Primeval Forest

MUST-EAT FOOD IN JAPAN

Japanese Culture gives rises to tasty Japanese Cuisine. When it comes to food, Japan is never last in the line. For the love of food, Japanese people muster many influences from east and west along with ancient tradition ingredients.

Being healthy, delicious, unique blends, and cleanly maintained. You will never run out of food to munch when in Japan. We recommend you check these themed cafes in Tokyo for some cool experiences.

Sushi

Preparing for a sushi dish ingredient includes raw fish, uncooked sushi rice, seaweed sheets, and other additional spices like avocado, pounded crabmeat, and cucumber. Sushi is a typical food in Japan, and with many years of cooking this dish, they elevate to be the best culture to cook Sushi. If you want the real Sushi experience, go to Japan and try on.

• Where to try: Sushi Yoshino, Sushi Kappo Fukuhura Hamacho Branch, Kamata Sushitoku, Ryuma, and Sushi Aoi Nishi Azabu or join a sushi cooking class here
• Estimated Cost: 18$ – 94$ / person

Ramen

Whatever anime you watch, ramen is commonly expressed as their daily food. It is true for the Japanese people; they can eat ramen almost every day.

The dish is a combination of homemade noodles, broth, soy sauce, pork, spice, stock, miso, dashi, shitake, soba, bamboo shoot, kimchi, and onions all blended to create a genuinely mouthwatering food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• Where to try: Gogyo Ramen, Inchiran Ramen Tokyo, Tsuta Ramen, Mutekiya Ramen, Ramen Jiro
• Estimated Cost: 5$ – 20$

Mozuku

Mozuku is the food to try in Japan when craving for something vegetable oil deep-fried food, especially if you are a vegetarian. Mozuku works well with Tofu, a traditional healthy food salad with seafood on top. Japan introduced the food during the 16th century and foster until today because of its richness in taste and surprisingly robust attributes.

• Where to try: Mozukusoba Wayama Mozuku, Tsukiji
• Estimated Cost: 5$ – 20$

Now that you learn all the essential guides and some of the basic culture of Japanese people. You are now ready to venture on your expedition. ​

I hope this article about important things to know before travelling to Japan has been useful for you. Let us know in the comment section below if you have any questions.

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When we talk about surfing, the places that quickly come into our minds are Hawaii, California, Australia, France, and South Africa. But nowadays, Asia is one of the hottest and most popular destinations in the world. Either you are coming all the way from Latin America or Europe, Asia is now just a flight away.

A very affordable destination, the fresh Asian cuisine, the land where the culture in different countries is so different from one another. If you are an expert surfer or someone who just starting their journey in learning how to do it and wondering where to surf in Asia, this article about best-surfing destinations in Asia will be a good place to start.

I’m a beginner myself, thus, I decided to a call-out for help from my fellow travel bloggers who are an avid surfer to help me list the best places to go surfing in Asia. We also included the cost, surfing level, and some tips about travelling there.

NOTE: All prices are in US dollars

WHAT TO REMEMBER WHEN DECIDING WHERE TO SURF IN ASIA

Now that you have decided to go surfing for your next holiday, remember these things before booking your fl​ight to avoid any hassle or disappointment during your holiday.

RELATED POSTS: Visas for Southeast Asia

Surfing level

Ask yourself, how good are you when it comes to surfing? Are you a beginner? If yes, look for a place that has small waves, sandy sea bottom, and a destination where you can find a surfing teacher/instruction or school.

Safety

This section is mostly helpful for beginners. As a beginner myself and someone who sometimes freak out in the water, it is important for me to check out what kind of surfing spot the place is. The questions you want to ask are:

• what is the sea bottom like – when the current gets very strong, you want to know if you will hit the sand or coral reefs or rocks under the water
• are the waves too big or too hard
• Is there good medical assistance around the area or do you have travel insurance which can cover in case of possible accidents?

Affordability

Some surfer I’ve met are concern with the affordability of the destination. The water is free but if you are not travelling with your surfboard, you may want to look hard how much renting a surfboard will cost.

In Asia, it varies very much. It ranges between US$5-$20. The price for a board with an instructor/teacher cost more, about US$7-$30. You should also check if the price is per hour.

Ease of reaching

If you only have a week of holiday, you probably don’t want to spend three days travelling on a bus or train. Make sure you read how to get to that place before buying your flight ticket.

Is it touristy

Perhaps one of the most important thing on the list when doing your research if to find out if it’s a touristy destination. It can be a good thing or bad.

For example, many first time travellers to Asia feel like a place is much safer when they see a lot of tourists in every corner. While this can also be a problem for beginners because learning to surf in a crowded place can be very tricky.

While for experts, surfing in a tourist-packed beach can be too hard to enjoy or too frustrating because you have to watch out not to hit anyone with your board or your game can be ruined if there are ten other people trying to catch the waves with you.

When is the best time to go

The most important thing to find out is when is the best time to go. Surfing season is a real thing, some beaches get jellyfish season (which you should really avoid), while other beaches get typhoon season where surfing is forbidden for safety reasons.

Now that we went through the important things to look out for when searching for the best surfing places in Asia, it’s time to find out which one fits your skill, budget, and expectations.

BEST SURFING SPOTS IN ASIA ACCORDING TO TRAVEL SURFERS

Remember, these are recommendation from travel bloggers who surfed in these places. For your own safety and satisfaction, I highly recommend you do intensive research about each place if you decided to go.

Every traveller and surfer have different expectations and preference, these surfers might enjoy something that doesn’t suit your cup of tea.

We’ve heard surf spots and good surfing trainers in Bali, Lombok, Siargao, Tel Aviv, and Kovalam. But do you know that you can surf in Weligama, Baler, Canggu, and other places in Asia? This post will help you know about them.

TIP: ​Fun and educational trips to add on your Asia bucket list

NOTE: All prices are in US dollars

Baler, Aurora, Philippines

Recommended by Ryan of Three Week Traveller

Also known as the surfing capital of Luzon (the North Island of the Philippines), Baler is a quiet and small surfing town just six hours from Manila. If you are looking to learn to surf with fewer tourists or simply enjoy Baler’s waves, this is a perfect place. 95% of the tourists in Baler are locals, making it one of the cheapest destinations in the Philippines.

Since it’s a six-hour bus ride and it’s on the way north, many foreign travellers don’t have to time to explore Baler. Which is a real shame because it’s a town where you can start from learning to surf with a guide to actually catching by yourself in no time. It is also facing the Pacific Ocean openly, making it less warm than most places in the Philippines.

• Recommended for: beginners to intermediate
• Best time to surf: middle of October to end of April (off-season June to October)
• Average wave height: 2-4 feet (.6-1.2 m)
• Cost: $5-$6/hour (250 PHP) for board. $7-$8 (350 PHP) per hour for a board with an instructor
• Cons: the crowd can be too much during April-May, a six-hour bus ride from the airport
• Best place/Area to stay: Sabang area (right on the beach) or Poblacion (main town, about 15-minute walk or 5-minutes on a tricycle) – The Circle Hostel and Go Surfari Hostel are the two most popular

Lagundri Bay, Nias, Indonesia

Recommended by Alejandra of Universo Viajero 

Lagundri Bay is known as “the best right in the world”. Every year multiple competitions take place in this wave, that every year congregates hundreds of surfers from all around the world. Is located on the island of Nias in Indonesia, a beautiful island near Sumatra, perfect to escape from the crows of other more touristy places in Indonesia.

It’s relatively hard to get here compared to other islands like​ Bali or Java, so not too many people. On high season a maximum 20 to 30 surfers can be found in the water, never more than that.

The wave has two breakpoints (because it’s in a bay) the main one comes from the west and is known as “The Point”. It works every day of the year, so the locals have the saying “all time Nias”.

• Recommended for: all levels, it depends on the wave size, which can be as high as 10 feet. From 4 to 5 feet is recommended for beginners.
• Best time to surf: May to September
• Average wave height: 6 feet through the year (about 2 m)
• Cost: renting a  board + teacher/instructor: It’s cheap, but the surfboards are not so nice and have a lot of dings. Is preferable to bring your own. You can get a surf lesson for $20-$30 (280.000-430.00 IDR) per hour and rent a board for $10-$20 (140.00-280.00 IDR) per day
• Cons: it can be hard to get here as the island is not so touristy, but nothing that can’t be fixed. The sea bottom is a reef, so be aware of falling too hard.
• Best place/Area to stay: There are some surf camps and hotels on the same beach. A good one would be Nias Keyhole Surf Camp, where you can be with other surfers and get recommendations and help about surf from the staff
  

Jialeshui Beach, Taiwan

Recommended by Pashmina of The Gone Goat

Surfing in Taiwan – is that possible? When thousands of people usually head to Bali, Taiwan comes across as an unlikely surfing spot. It is often described as the Hawaii of the east, thanks to its seasonal typhoons.

However, the surf of the world-class has one of the best waves to ride onset against a backdrop of green lush mountains and at the southernmost part of Taiwan. On a 10-day adventure itinerary to Taiwan, you can head to Jialeshui Beach in Kenting in Manzhou Township on the eastern side of the Hengchun Peninsula.

• Recommended for: intermediate to expert
• Best time to surf: June to August
• Average wave height: 3-5 ft depending on wind conditions(1-1.5 m)
• Cost: $10-$17 (315-536 NTS) per day for board rental and $50 (1577 NTS) for surfing lessons
• Cons: due to a rocky bottom, the beach is not great for swimming and little jellyfishes that you can occasionally see every now and then
• Best place/Area to stay: The Winson House

Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka

Recommended by Bailey of Destinationless Travel

When it comes to surf beaches in Sri Lanka few are as popular a Mirissa Beach. This popular tourist town is famous for surfing and it’s one of the best things to do in Mirissa. There is fierce competition on the beach with board rentals and this competition keeps rentals at very affordable prices. The beach itself is huge and that room means it can easily cater to the many surfers who visit the beach in its peak season.

Mirissa Beach is easily accessible and in the area, there are many great hotels and restaurants. This makes it the perfect destination for great waves and great times.

• Recommended for: Intermediate
• Best time to surf: September to April
• Average wave height: 2to 5 ft (0.6 to 1.5m)
• Cost: $1.7 per hour or $6 per day (300 LKR or 1000 LKR)
• Cons: very touristic during the surf season
• Best place/Area to stay: Hangover Hostel

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Recommended by Rai of A Rai Of Light​

One of the most popular spots for surfing not only in Indonesia but Asia too, Canggu is packed with amazing people, hipster vibes, Balinese temples and of course great waves. Once a small fishing village, the area has transformed into a bohemian centre, attracting travellers and surfers across the globe.

The surf can get a little crowded, but a little patience is all that is needed to catch a break. Don’t expect white sand beaches and turquoise water like some other parts of the island, but what is guaranteed is good food, chilled vibes, and one of the best surfing spots.

• Recommended for: beginners to experts
• Best time to surf: May to October is the best time of year
• Average wave height: 5.5 ft (1.7 m)
• Cost: $3.50 (50.000 IDR) for a board for 2 hours,1 single lesson costs $21 (300.000 IDR) for an instructor and board rentals.
• Cons: it can get crowded in the summer season (May-Sept)
• Best place/Area to stay: stay around Jl. Munduk Catu, it’s one of the main streets in Canggu with many accommodation options and leads right to the beach

Blue Beach, Sri Lanka

Recommended by Claudia of My Adventures Across The World ​

Blue Beach is a beautiful, long, white sand beach ringed with a thick forest of palm trees, located in southern Sri Lanka, close to Nilwella and Dikwella, a small town located between Tangalle and the more famous Mirissa. It’s a lovely fishing community, quite different from other famous surfing destinations in Sri Lanka for it doesn’t have a huge influx of tourists.

• Recommended for: beginners to intermediate
• Best time to surf: October to April
• Average wave height: 3-4 ft (1-1.2m)
• Cost: rent a surfboard from a little kiosk right on the beach for around $2 (350 LKR) per hour, or up to $7 (1.200 LKR) per day
• Cons: coral sea bottom
• Best place/Area to stay: Tharurashami Holiday resort is a great budget-friendly option, with comfortable clean rooms all facing a garden, and where you can also get meals. Alternatively, close to the beach, you will find a good selection of places to stay.

Thulusdhoo, Maldives

Recommended by Chris of Backpacker Banter

The island of Thulusdhoo in The Maldives is famed for its waves and is arguably home the most famous wave in the area – Cokes. This reeling right-hander breaks fast and hollow across a shallow reef, so it’s not the spot to head if you’re a beginner!

High-end intermediates and advanced surfers though will absolutely love it – the combination of tropical waters, a fast barrel section and cartable wall will leave you with full noodle arms after a session here.

Across the channels from Cokes is one of my personal favourites – Chickens. This left-hander (goofy footers rejoice!) is certainly a much more friendly wave than Cokes but don’t let the long reeling walls fool you when Chickens is firing it packs a solid punch!

• Recommended for: intermediate to advanced surfers
• Best time to surf: February to November (but best waves are March to May and September to November
• Average wave height: solid head high
• Cost: $35 to rent a boar
• Cons: not the cheapest destination in Asia
• Best place/Area to stay: I recommend Season Paradise for high-end accommodation or Palm Lodge for budget stays

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Recommended by Bradley of Dream Big, Travel Far

If you plan on going surfing in Sri Lanka, then the spot you will hear most about is Arugam Bay. This is the surfing capital of Sri Lanka, and the whole town has a very chilled out, surfer vibe to it. You can pick up cheap board rentals all throughout town, and they also have plenty of late-night parties to really make the experience of staying there epic.

You’ll find a number of surf spots in Arugam Bay, each one suited to different skill levels. For me, as a beginner, I was a big fan of Peanut Farm and Whiskey Point. However, if you are looking for some bigger and more challenging waves, then good spots include Okanda and Pottuvil Point.

As with most surf locations, the quality of waves can vary quite a bit from day-to-day, and this was definitely the case for Arugam Bay when we visited in October.

• Recommended for: beginner to intermediate
• Best time to surf: April to October
• Average wave height: 3 ft (1 m)
• Cost: $5 (880 LKR) renting a board and $15 (2645 LKR) for board + teacher/instructor
• Cons: you need transport to get to most spots, as they aren’t within walking distance from town
• Best place/Area to stay: Lazy Bay

Lombok, Indonesia

Recommended by Jules & Christine of Don’t Forget To Move

Forget the crowded line ups of neighboring Bali, if you want world class waves without the holidayers, head to southern Lombok for a diverse range of waves. From beginner, beach breaks at Pantai Selong Belanak to the peeling reefs off the coast of Mawi or Mawun.

Whether you’re looking to rent a board and learn how to surf for the first time, or you want to charter a private boat to some hidden breaks, southern Lombok is the spot to go for surfing enthusiasts in Indonesia. And when the swell is small, take advantage of all the other amazing things to do in Lombok. The island offers excellent hiking and stunning waterfalls to explore.

• Recommended for: beginner to expert
• Best time to surf: June to November brings the biggest ground swells, with the most favourable wind conditions. But you can find a wave year-round in southern Lombok
• Average wave height: 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) on a good day with the right winds. Big swells bring in much bigger waves.
• Cost: daily board rental is between $5-$10 (70.000 IDR) depending on who you go through. Two hours, with a board and instructor, can cost between $15-$25 (215.000-360.00 IDR). If you book ahead it’ll cost you more, but if you arrive at the beach and book it on the spot it’s a lot cheaper and you can haggle the price.
• Cons: nothing, these surf spots are way less crowded than Bali, it’s cheaper and there is a range of different breaks to suit your skill level
• Best place/Area to stay: Krisna or Dedy’s Homestay in Kuta Lombok, where a private room costs you about $10 (140.000 rupiah) a night if you just show up and book.

Siargao, Philippines

Recommended by Katherine by Tara Let’s Anywhere

Siargao is a surfing paradise in the Philippines. With over 20 surf breaks and great waves, it’s considered the country’s surfing destination. It attracts surfers from all over the world — from casual hobbyists to professionals.

The most popular surf break in Siargao is General Luna, which is also considered one of the top 10 waves worldwide. It’s used by those who’re taking surfing lessons and learned surfers. From thereon you can visit more spots, including lesser-known ones.

The best months to visit here are from September to November. September is also the month for Siargao’s annual surfing cup competition. Aside from its surfing locations, Siargao has other attractions to offer, including beaches, lagoons and fields of coconut trees.

• Recommended for: beginners to experts
• Best time to surf: September to November
• Average wave height: 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 m)
• Cost: $10 (500 PHP) for 1-hour surfing lesson (including use of board), $8-$12 (450-600 PHP) rent for surfboard
• Cons: it’s currently on its way to being a top tourist attraction in the country, so expect the crowd to grow.
• Best place/Area to stay: stay in the area of General Luna so you’re close to the surfing areas and other attractions in the island

Kovalam, India

Recommended by Asher from AsherFergusson.com

Kovalam is a picturesque beginners beach located in the state of Kerala right near the southern tip of India and it’s one of the best in the country. For more advanced surfers, there is an artificial reef at the lighthouse side of the beach that can occasionally provide quite good sucky left-hand barrels if the tide is right and there is 5 ft+ swell.

The best part about surfing in India is that it’s extremely cheap and you can find accommodation just a minute from the beach for $7/night and the food is incredible. Additionally, the locals are super chill and inviting to foreigners so you don’t have to worry about territorial surfers.

• Recommended for: beginners
• Best time to surf: December to February
• Average wave height: 2-3 ft (.6-1 m)
• Cost: $2-$6 (140-420 INR) to rent a board and $14 (980 INR) for a lesson with Kovalam Surf Club
• Cons: water quality isn’t the best (especially after rain) and it’s a super touristy town but rarely crowded in the water
• Best place/Area to stay: 

Weligama, Sri Lanka

Recommended by Greta of Greta’s Travels

Weligama in Sri Lanka is one of the easiest places to surf that I have ever visited. The main surf spot in Weligama is on a sand break, meaning you don’t have to be scared of hitting anything, with nice and long waves. The beach itself is also great, with numerous surf schools all along with it and shacks for food and drinks. Most schools also have sunbeds and cabanas that you can use for free if you rent boards from them.

The beach is very long and wide so even in the busy season, you’ll be able to find a quiet spot for yourself to relax and surf. As a beginner surfer I found it especially good since it’s so big you are never afraid of hitting other people, and I was actually able to stand up lots of times, unlike other places where I had tried surfing before. Weligama is, in my opinion, one of the best surfing spots in Asia.

• Recommended for: beginner to intermediate
• Best time to surf: January to April
• Average wave height: 5 ft (1.5 m)
• Cost: renting a board is $1.2 (200 LKR) per hour, classes range from $6-$17 (1,000 to 3,000 LKR) per hour
• Cons: can get very busy at sunset (best surfing time)
• Best place/Area to stay: Spindrift Hostel is a very sociable hostel very close to the beach, they even organise sunset surfing once a week, it’s a short 5-10 minute walk from the hostel to the surf spot. If you’re looking for something fancier there is a Marriott is right on the beach and right in front of the surf break.

Mentawai, Indonesia

Recommended by Chris of Stoked For Travel

The Mentawai Islands are one of the most famous surf destinations in South East Asia, if not the world and this tiny group of islands is home to more world-class waves than you can imagine!

Situated a 4-hour fast ferry from the West Coast of Sumatra you’ll need to fly into the city of Padang before heading out to a true surfers paradise. The tropical vibes here are off the scale – in 8 years of surf travel I’ve never seen so many palm trees!

And the waves? Oh, the waves! Surfer bucket list waves like Rifles, Bank Vaults, Kandui Lefts, EBays, NiPussi, Telescopes, Lances Right…the list goes on and on. Whether you want dredging barrels, long rail to rail walls, or cruisey longboard waves there’s something for everyone, although I will admit you’ll need to be high-end intermediate level and above to make the most of the spots here.

• Recommended for: intermediate to advanced surfers
• Best time to surf: June to Sept (but awesome waves year-round)
• Average wave height: solid head high to double overhead
• Cost: not possible to rent or hire an instructor, you must bring your own board
• Cons: there are so many waves, you’ll be exhausted
• Best place/Area to stay: I highly recommend Beng Bengs Surf Camp, I’m heading back there again next year I loved it so much

SURFING IN ASIA TIPS

Here are some tips to make sure you have the best, safest, and most fun times while surfing your way around Asia.

Bargain

Remember to look up online the cost of renting a board and hiring an instructor, place a little wriggle room for this rate. And if you come across someone who charges you way more than it should be, walk away and find another person or surf school.

Get an instructor

For the first time surfers, get an instructor even if you know you can swim well. Often, you can’t predict how crazy the current can be or if other surfers can control their board. To make sure someone can look after you if accidents occur, get an instructor.

Download an app

If you will be surfing or travelling for a while, it’s best to have a forecasting app on your phone to see when is the best time to surf and also to know if the weather will be coordinating. I recommend “MSW” or also know as “magicseaweed”.

Pack rash guard

To avoid any unnecessary sunburn or cuts (especially in rocky sea bottom), use a rash guard when surfing instead of just swimsuit. It will also help avoid getting rashes from the board especially when using a foam board.

Don’t use the regular sunscreen on your face

Using a regular sunscreen on your face can irritate your eyes when it mixes with the water, get yourself the “surf sunscreen” (yes, they exists).

I hope that we helped you decide on where to surf in Asia for your next holiday or destination. If you think we have outdated information or if you have some questions, let me know in the comment section below.

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Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports. When visiting Japan, you’ll want to have the experience of skiing, especially if you are a beginner.  With its high-quality snow, amazing resorts that offer something for the whole family, and international ski schools, you can’t go wrong when looking to ski on vacation in Japan.

Japan is known as an expensive country, however, skiing here can actually be budget-friendly. There are so much to do and see, it is cheaper than most other ski resorts around the world, and there is something to do for the whole family.

When thinking about Skiing, Asia is not the first go-to place you’ll think of, however, Japan can change your mind about this. Here is a brief guide to what you need to know when considering a skiing trip.

Related:

• ​Japan 3 week itinerary
• Things to know before travelling to Japan

Slopes

Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports. When visiting Japan, you’ll want to have the experience of skiing, especially if you are a beginner. With its high-quality snow, amazing resorts that offer something for the whole family, and international ski schools, you can’t go wrong when looking to ski on vacation in Japan.

Here is a brief guide to what you need to know when considering a skiing trip.

Resorts

Located only about 5 hours from Tokyo, Nozawa Onsen is a resort that has 16 green runs, which are a bit easier than some of the others. Green is the easiest trail, and having so many to choose from gives you the opportunity to enjoy the different sceneries as you learn.

Another great resort area is Niseko United, which includes four resorts surrounding one mountain. The Hanazono area is a great resort perfect for beginners and families. This resort also offers many different schools for learning how to ski.

Ski Schools

One of the great aspects of learning how to ski in Japan is there are many international ski schools located at the resorts. Due to Japan’s famously abundant snow, it makes for a perfect opportunity for international ski instructors to teach.

Therefore, some of the best instructors come from all over the world. Guests from all over the world can learn from instructors that are fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese. 

Nightlife

There aren’t many fun things to do in Japan after dark, but you can still enjoy yourself. The nightlife in the resorts is a mixture of modern and traditional Japanese culture alongside some international influence. Relax in a public bath or onsen and relieve the soreness from the escapade on the slopes.

And while you’re at it, you can have some of the local favourites such as Sake, Nikka Whiskey, Umeshu, and other popular Japanese drinks. Or you can also try beer bathing in a hotel for something unique activities.

Food Options

For foods options, it’s best to bring a snack. The ski resorts aren’t reliable when it comes to tasty, wholesome meals. While there might be a selection, the options are puny. You will see food items such as ramen or Japanese curry; however, you can find more delicious food options in town or at other hotels. Some of the most common dishes you will find at these locations include:

• Yakitori (Grilled chicken)
• Wasabi
• Nabe (hot pot dishes)
• Okonomiyaki (pizza and pancake mix with vegetables and/or seafood)
• Sushi

Snow and Weather

Snow in Japan tends to be fluffier than the snow from other parts of the world. This makes it easier for beginners to learn. When going skiing, it is important to pay attention to the weather to ensure you are dressed properly.

By renting a Japan pocket wifi, you’ll be able to check conditions of the ski resorts from anywhere right from your smartphone. Be sure to bundle up on the slopes. Fortunately, you can usually rent whatever you need when you get to the resorts.

Cost

Surprisingly, lift tickets are a lot cheaper than what you would find elsewhere. Some American ski resorts can charge up to JPY 20,890, which is around $200. This is just for the day! Luckily, the resorts in Japan cost a lot less. They range anywhere from JPY 5,500 to JPY 7,400, depending on which resorts you go to. You can also look for the ​best airbnb in Tokyo to save some money.

This is less than half of what you would spend going skiing in the United States and even Australia. You get a lot more for your money as well, with everything there is to do besides ski and snowboard at these resorts. On top of that, you get a beautiful view at a low cost.

Best Time to Go

Timing your trip is always important, especially when you are aiming to experience a specific activity that is only offered certain times of the year. The best time to go skiing or snowboarding in Japan is between December and April. By waiting to go between January and April, there is more likely to be the most snow during that time.

As with any other travelling, no matter how well you plan, it is impossible to know what the weather will be and how much snow will have fallen, but planning your ski vacation during that time will hopefully work out so you can enjoy the great skiing in Japan.

For Those Who Don’t Ski

There is still plenty for the whole family to do at ski resorts in Japan, even if someone in your party is not interested in skiing or snowboarding. For example, at the Karuizawa Resort, which is located a short distance away from Tokyo, there is shopping, restaurants, and even a play area for families.

Other ski resorts may have a food court where you can find a variety of different dishes to enjoy during your downtime. You can also opt to take a hot spring bath and enjoy the Onsen experience. Resorts also usually have an exciting nightlife so you can have fun after the sun goes down. 

The ski resorts of Japan offer a great vacation away from everyday work and stress. As a first timer, picking the right place is not the only important thing to consider but also having the right gears especially if you don’t know what to wear when skiing for the first time. You can get some of the best skiing lessons in Japan, as well. Take home with you the wonderful experience of learning to ski in a beautiful country.

There are certain types of people out there who would much prefer to throw themselves – with careless abandon – into a new adventure or experience, without so much as checking what shoes they should wear. You’ve all seen them – people mountain climbing in flip-flops, forgetting every vital travel document but the free-drink-at-the-bar-coupon, or packing a suitcase of winter clothes and arriving in summer. 

While there’s a lot to be said for winging it while you travel, it pays to get a bit of a heads up before venturing forth. This is particularly true if you have no real knowledge of the place you’re going (which happens with alarming regularity).

So, considering she’s actually living there at the moment, Agness Walewinder from eTramping has decided to give us the low-down on what to expect when you visit Taiwan. And as its tourist industry is experiencing something of a boom – this is timely advice indeed.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO TAIWAN

Here are the things you should know before travelling to Taiwan. From visa, what to pack, when to go, and other travel tips. In this part, we will talk about what to know before going to Taiwan. Let’s start:

Taiwan Visa Policy

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I love countries with relaxed entry requirements. Until we get a world without borders it’s the next best thing. Many nationalities can enter Taiwan visa-free with stays from 30 to 90 days available. 15 countries also qualify for the working holiday visa scheme, so if you’re aged between 18-35 you can stay for a maximum of one year while you integrate and explore this beautiful land.

Accommodation

It’s best and recommended to book accommodation even just the first two nights to avoid finding yourself lost in a city you’ve never been to. I normally use booking.com (often, you don’t need to pay anything upfront) and Hostelworld (for a great collection of affordable hostels), while HotelsCombined is very popular in Asia because you can compare different platform and hotels in this site.

Paper Money

It’s all about the cash in Taiwan, as credit and debit cards aren’t as widely popular as they are in the west. The country uses the New Taiwan Dollar which is preferred everywhere. While there are restaurants and hotels that accept cards (particularly mid-range and above) when in any doubt it’s best to bring cash.

ATMs are just about everywhere – unless you’re in the sticks. And here’s a tip about tipping – it’s not customary like it is in the US, but 10% is recommended if you’ve enjoyed the service.

Make a Pre-list of Tours You Want to Do

To not overwhelm yourself, it’s best to look at the tours and attractions that might interest you. It will also help you maximise your days in Taiwan while making sure you will get to see and experience everything that you hope to while here.

I mostly use GetYourGuide because they have a massive worldwide collection of great tours, while Klook is very focused in Southeast and East Asia another option is Viator which is well-known in delivering great tours.

Bring an Umbrella or Get One Here

Before you start planning your things to do in Taipei, Taiwan, find out what climate it will be when you come. The climate in Taiwan is generally favourable all year round, but the weather can be particularly temperamental. If there’s one thing you’ll notice about Taiwanese people, it’s that they never leave home without an umbrella.

Pack yourself a travel umbrella and carry it with you, because you never know when you’re going to get caught in a downpour. If you’re there in typhoon season (June to October), you might consider staying indoors!

The Language Barrier

Taiwanese people are incredibly friendly and many do speak excellent English – particularly the younger crowd in bigger cities. However, they can be quite shy at first and even so, a language barrier still very much exists. Both Mandarin and Chinese are spoken and it’s worth learning a few basic phrases before you arrive.

For those without the ear for languages (or for anyone who travels regularly) consider bringing one of those symbol picture books to help if you’re really stuck. Pointing at a picture of a toilet is much better than trying to explain it with charades.

Getting Around

Public transport in Taiwan is exceptional, with an excellent, country-wide rail and bus network and a high-speed rail link on the west coast. In the cities, transport is extensive and affordable, and they’re particularly proud of their MRT metro in Taipei.

You’ll be crazy not to invest in an Easycard to get around because this will make your life so much…easier. You’ll breeze on and off public transport without the need for cash or coins, as well as benefiting from other uses too – like the “Youbike” bike-share program. You can read this article about cycling in Taiwan and how to get around the island on it.

Taxis are readily available and bright yellow– but drivers will rarely be able to speak English. Although metred, try and negotiate a price before setting off. Kaohsiung and Taoyuan are the international airports, with Taoyuan located approximately 40 kilometres from Taipei.

Toilet Trials

I could write an entire article based on Taiwan toilet etiquette, suffice to say you should be prepared for it! You might find many WCs are of the “squatty potty” variety, which can throw many travellers and tourists off if they’re not used to such culture. In theory, it’s meant to be much healthier than sitting down, but it can be alien to people who’ve never tried it. But that doesn’t even scratch the surface of bathroom basics here – so be warned!

Be Respectful

Taiwan is a religious and cultural melting pot with many faiths practised, traditions observed and etiquette to be followed. Not to mention 16 recognised aboriginal tribes still existing to this day.

While it might be impossible to understand everything, it’s important to be respectful at all times, and brush up on what’s expected of you should you enter a temple or be invited to someone’s home.

Don’t take photographs of people without asking permission first – particularly the tribespeople. And never walk barefoot unless you’re on the beach.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TAIWAN

To guide you in achieving the perfect trip in Taiwan, and getting all the excitement from these truly mesmerizing cities. We’ve arranged the ideal itinerary on where to go and leave with complete fascination.

These are some of the places one should be when trying to experience the country dubbed in the 1500s as the “Ilha Formosa” or the beautiful island. Here are the things to know before going to Taiwan in terms of places to see.

Taipei

Taipei is the capital city you will likely see first as you land on Taiwan. The place is inspired by Asian feels and always the first when it comes to modern innovation. Tourists are naturally bewildered with awe on their natural parks, the thermal valley, and a hundred of cats that dwell on a village.

How to get here

You can directly book for an aeroplane that lands in Taipei.

Attractions in the city

• Houtong Cat Village
• Maokong Tea Mountain
• Beitou Hot Spring, and Hell Valley
• Lovers Bridge
• Elephant Mountain
• Baishawan Bay

Tainan

Locals have spread their world presence by bringing Tainan the most preserved when it comes to Taiwanese culture and traditions. They are famous for temples such as the Confucian temple established way back late 1600s. Aside from layers and layers of history, the place offers signature foods and known throughout the continent of Taiwan. 

How to get there

You can take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) from Taipei central station heading directly to Tainan Station. The travel time is about 1-1 hr 30 mins, and if you’re taking the bus from Taipei Bus Station, expect to arrive 4-5 hours.

Attractions in the City

• Anping Fort(Zeelandia) and Haunted Tree House
• Thousand Fields Seed Museum
• Chimei Museum
• Confucius Temple
• God of War Temple
• Eternal Golden Castle

Wulai

Wulai is a small city across mountain tops located in the south district of New Taipei City. Through decades of tourism, it’s known as a famous day trip expedition if you’re looking for a getaway relief from the busy metropolis of Taipei. A good area wherein nature will soothe travellers with its refreshing mountain scenery and hot-spring bathing.

How to get here

The small indigenous county can be quickly reached 10-15 minutes from central Taipei by a bus or a taxi.

Attractions in the City

• Hot Springs
• Wulai Atayal Museum
• Wulai Waterfall
• Forestry National Museum 
• Neidong National Forest Recreation

Night out Like a Local

Certain types of traveller are concerned with whether or not they can go out and enjoy themselves, let their hair down and have some fun. You’ll be ecstatic to hear that’s exactly what you can do in Taipei. The Taiwanese are a relaxed, liberal and open-minded people and you’ll find that the capital especially is a place that doesn’t sleep – contrary to neighbouring China.

So, for those who like a party or prefer the nocturnal side of life, you’ll find Taipei (and Taiwan in general) will be right up your street. Here’s a guide if it’s your first time visiting Taipei. This is definitely a good thing to know about Taiwan.

FOOD TO TRY

Unlike the west, where cooking for yourself is the norm and restaurants (for most of us) are a treat, the Taiwanese will dine out on a daily basis. And when you’ve got this standard of food at very affordable prices – why on earth wouldn’t you?

The cuisine in Taiwan, especially vegetarian and vegan Taiwanese food, is one of the main reasons to visit in the first place and attending the night markets and street food stands is a must while you’re here.

Just don’t drink the tap water. It isn’t safe, but water filter machines are found everywhere so you can fill up your reusable bottle – because you’re not buying more single-use plastics are you…?!

Ah-gei

A delicacy consists of fried and stewed tofu. Packed with surimi and cooked green bean noodles, altogether a perfect combination for a special spicy sauce.

• Where to try? Tamsui, Three Sisters Ah-Gei
• Estimated Cost: NTD 35

Beef Noodle Soup

A braised beef cooked in boiling water that consists of soy sauce, broth, vegetables, and wheat noodles. Its commonly known in the streets as Taiwanese national dish.

• Where to try? Taipei, Futhong Beef Noodles
• Estimated Cost: NTD 200 per bowl

Bubble Tea/Pearl Milk Tea

Flavours come in many varieties, and it is made with milk, blended fruit juice, and tapioca pearls. Some may add puddings and jellies, which can be ordered hot or cold.

• Estimated Cost: NTD 75 (small), NTD 140
• Where to try? Chun Shui Tang

EXTRA TIP

7/11 is your friend! Much like Thailand and many other East Asian countries, what you can discover inside the famous 7/11 convenience stores will be a godsend. Bear it in mind when you’re freaking out about anything might have left at home. They sell EVERYTHING!

Apart from passports. Don’t leave your passports at home.

Have you experienced Taiwan? What advice would you give for someone travelling there for the first time or do you have some tips to add on things to know before travelling to Taiwan?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Back in 2011, Agness formed one half of eTramping – an adventure travel blog dedicated to bringing you the best tips and advice for exciting experiences around the world. Together with her best friend Cez, the two intrepid nomads have been on the road for over seven years. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or their twitters – Agness & Cez. 

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Travelling to Tibet from Malaysia is simple and straightforward, and is the same for Malaysian citizens as it is for almost everyone else outside China. Travel can be done through either mainland China or Nepal, as both are within easy flying distance of the Airports in Malaysia. Lying within Southeast Asia, it is easier to get to Tibet for Malaysian citizens than for those travellers from outside Asia, as travel between Asian countries is easier and less demanding, with more direct flights to many of the airports in China and to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal.

However, there are a number of things to take into consideration before you travel to the roof of the world, such as the tour type you are going to be on, the places you will visit whilst in Tibet, when to travel to the region, and how to get there from your hometown. Here at Tibet Vista, our professional and helpful tour advisors can help you work all that out, help you decide on the best itinerary for your trip, and even advise you on the best times for Tibet travel according to your choice of attractions.

Find Your Favorite Places to Visit in Tibet

First and foremost, you need to know where you intend to go while you are in Tibet. The land of snows is a vast landscape set on a huge high-altitude plateau, ringed by the world’s highest mountains, and there are hundreds of thousands of things to see and do, and places to visit while you are in the region. With so much to choose from, how can you possibly make a decision of what to include and what to leave out?

This is where we come in. Not only are our tour advisors helpful, friendly, and professional, but they are also experts in travel into and around Tibet, and know all of the places that you would want to visit intimately. While there may be a billion things to see and do and visit, there are several that are the top attractions in Tibet, and places that you should really visit, especially on your first tour of the region.

How about Lhasa?

In Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, there are a plethora of things to see and do, as well as plenty of places to visit and explore, and most people try to limit their sightseeing tours of the city to the major attractions, such as the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, and the major local monasteries, as well as some of the more interesting areas of the city, such as Barkhor Street.

For those travelling outside Lhasa, at least as far as Shigatse, then there are plenty of places to visit along the Friendship Highway. Once outside Lhasa, you have the stunning scenery and views of the sacred lake Yamdrok, one of the Great Three Holy Lakes of Tibet. Lying to the southwest of Lhasa, the road to Gyantse passes along the lakeshore, where you can get a great view of the lake itself. Before you reach Gyantse, you will also pass the Karola Glacier, with its pristine white glacial tongue. And inside the city of Gyantse, there is the stunning Kumbum Stupa, a one-of-a-kind stupa in Tibet that stands 32 meters tall.

Shigatse is also a great place to see, with the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, Tibet’s second highest incarnation, and a major monastery of the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism. Outside the city, a little way to the west, lies the world’s highest monastery, the Rongbuk Gompa, sitting in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. If you are travelling out to the west of the region, then a visit to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a must.

No matter where you want to go in Tibet, there are major attractions that you can find to interest you, so decide on where you want to go and what you want to see, and our tour advisors will help you select the right package for you.

Travel to Tibet at the Right Time

Knowing when to travel to Tibet is something that few people have been able to master, especially since most of the world believes that Tibet is under layers of deep snow for the whole year. However, this could not be further from the truth, and Tibet actually has four distinct seasons, which have their own attractions depending on the time of year.

For most tours of Tibet, the high season of Tibetan tourism is the best time to visit, and while it is the rainy season, it does not rain much in the region, and what little does fall usually happens in the evenings or overnight. However, there are some things that are best done in the winter, the low season for tourism, or in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.

For example, if you are planning on trekking in Tibet, then the best times to travel are from April to June and Sept to Oct. These are the shoulder seasons, and when the weather is at its optimal for trekking, with clear skies, warm temperatures (except at night, when it can get cold), and pleasant weather with little to no rain or snow. Trekking in most of Tibet is not as good in the summer months, and in the depths of winter, it can be a little riskier. Travel to EBC is also better in the shoulder seasons, as the changeable weather at the mountain in summer can sometimes mean the peak is not visible for days at a time.

Is winter a good idea?

Winter is also a good time for travelling to Tibet if you want to get away from the tourist crowds, as the plateau sees fewer tourists from December to March. It is also a good time to get away from the monsoon season in Malaysia, which runs from mid-October to the end of March. Instead of getting wet at home, you can enjoy a cooler and drier climate on the roof of the world.

However, if you are planning on visiting Lake Namtso, in Lhasa on the boundary with Nagqu Prefecture, then winter is definitely out, as the roads and passes get clogged with snow from December to April, making travel impossible.

Decide Your Way to Get to Tibet from Malaysia

With Malaysia being so close to Tibet, in relative terms, getting to the region can be done in several ways, by getting connecting flights to Lhasa, or by combining flights with overland travel, or even a delightfully relaxing train journey.

Obviously, unless you are planning to travel by road or train from Malaysia to Nepal or China, which can be done (although it is a very long trip and requires careful planning), your main concern is how to get to China or Nepal. Flights are the simplest and easiest choice, and once you have decided on which you are going to travel through, getting the flights is easy. Over 100 flights leave Malaysia for cities in China every day, and while there may be no direct flights to Kathmandu from Malaysia, there are plenty of indirect flights that can take as little as 6 hours.

If you are travelling to Kathmandu, you have the choice of taking a connecting flight to Lhasa, or taking an overland trip, crossing the Sino-Nepal border at Gyirong Port, and travelling along the Friendship Highway to Lhasa.

For those travelling through China, you also have a choice of routes to take. You can take a flight from more than a dozen cities across China, or you can choose to take the train. There are seven cities that act as gateways to Tibet for the Tibet trains, including Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, and Xining. These trains take from 22 hours to 55 hours to get to Tibet and are an incredible journey of discovery and exploration.

Book your Tibet Journey far ahead

Tibet is a land where it is not possible to travel independently. All international travellers to Tibet are required to travel using a registered tour operator on a pre-booked tour, that includes a private guide, driver, and vehicle. Not only that, but certain permits are also required to travel into and around Tibet, the main one being the Tibet Travel Permit, which can only be applied for by the tour operators and takes around 20 days to process.

Which means that, in order to properly arrange your tour, you need to book well in advance. The Restricted Areas Permit, for those wishing to travel to the outlying areas in Ngari, such as Mount Kailash, also requires 15-20 days to process.

Ideally, you should plan to speak to us about your trip to Tibet at least a month in advance of your date of travel, even as much as 6-8 weeks, as this gives us plenty of time to prepare the documents from the various agencies in Lhasa, yet is still within the 3-month validity period of your Chinese Entry Visa. If you are travelling through Kathmandu, then you can leave less time or more, as the visa to enter Tibet from Kathmandu is not issued until you arrive in Nepal.

Conclusion

Travelling to Tibet from Malaysia is a complex process, with lots of things to consider, such as where and when to go, etc. It can also be a confusing process, with a lot of permits and passes to arrange, as well as having to sort out visas, train travel, hotels, etc.

However, when you contact us for your tour, we make it simple, advising you on the places you want to visit, and the best times to visit them, as well as arranging all your permits and even helping out with train tickets, flight schedules, and your hotel accommodations. Which means that it is really easy to get to Tibet from Malaysia, with a little help from your friends, us!

Travelling to Tibet is a journey of adventure and discovery, and for some, of self-discovery as well. To get the best out of a tour of the plateau, this vast land requires a long time to travel through it properly, and even for the smallest part of the region, travel from the Tibetan capital of Lhasa to Mount Everest is a journey of more than a week, even when done quickly.

However, if you have a limited time to spend in Tibet, there are tours to the region that can cover as little as 5 days. If you have no idea how to plan your 5-day Tibet tour, our Tibet travel specialists’ tips may give you a clue.

RELATED POST: Best Tibet Train to Lhasa

Have a Good Rest on Your Arrival Day

Tibet lies at an average altitude of around 4,800 meters above sea level, while most of the rest of China lies at well below 500 meters. Even Kathmandu, in Nepal, lies only at around 1,400 meters, very low in comparison.

The capital city, Lhasa, lies at an altitude of 3,656 meters above sea level, and for those travelling from most countries, is the highest they will ever have been. Sitting on the world’s highest plateau, Tibet is a place where you need to take care and be aware of the symptoms of Altitude Sickness.

Also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), altitude sickness hits most people when they ascend to very high elevations, such as the Tibetan plateau, as the air is thinner due to lower barometric pressures at higher altitudes. This means your lungs cannot get enough oxygen in each breath, which makes you feel dizzy, nauseous, and ill, with headaches and aching joints due to lower oxygen in the blood.

However, this is not permanent, and the lighter atmosphere of the plateau can be adapted to, as long as you remember a few simple rules. Shortly after you arrive in Lhasa (3658m), try not to drink alcohol and smoke, which may lead to altitude sickness. Meanwhile, you need to avoid strenuous exercise, which can help your body to acclimatize faster and better, giving you the chance to spend your time in Tibet as effectively as possible.

Acclimatization periods can be different with each person, and while some may take a couple of days to acclimatize properly, others can feel fine after just 12 hours. It does help to spend a day or two at an intermediate elevation of between 2,400 and 3,000 meters, such as the city of Xining in Qinghai Province. This kind of intermediate acclimatization makes it easier for your body to adjust to the higher elevation of Lhasa.

Spend the Following Two Days Touring Landmark Attractions in Lhasa

However, you should not let the acclimatization period stop you from enjoying the city, and even while acclimatizing, there are plenty of things to do that will not exasperate the symptoms of AMS. Trips to the major sights of Lhasa should not be too strenuous, although you might want to take it easy on the climb up to the Potala Palace.

Lhasa also has a host of other activities that you can do easily while you are acclimatizing, such as visiting the amazing teahouses, the Tibetan version of coffee houses that can be found all across the plateau. Tibetans are great lovers of tea, and you have not lived if you have not drunk Tibetan Sweet tea or Butter Tea in a Tibetan teahouse in Lhasa.

The Jokhang Temple is also a great place to visit while you are acclimatizing, as there is no strenuous climbing involved, with it all being low to the ground and with no huge sets of stairs to climb to get there. Located in the midst of the city, surrounded by the famous Barkhor Street, it is one of the most stunning sights of the region, and the most sacred temple in Tibet.

Check out the monasteries of Sera and Drepung as well, and the famous Ganden Monastery, as well as the palace at Norbulingka if you can, as they are stunning sights that will leave you breathless, without you feeling out of breath.

RELATED POST: Chengdu Panda Tour: Best panda tours

Day Four: Visit Drak Yerpa Monastery and Enchanting Yamdrok Lake

A trip to the beautiful Lake Yamdrok and the monastery of Drak Yerpa is an ideal outing for your fourth day in the region, exploring a little of the plateau outside the capital city, and a chance to see more of the stunning Tibetan landscapes and scenery.

Tibet has a vast number of lakes dotted across the region, with the majority lying in the northern part of the plateau, and fewer in the southern river valley region. However, of the three holiest lakes in Tibet, one lies just a short drive from the Tibetan capital, just a little way to the southwest along the Friendship Highway.

Lake Yamdrok is one of the Great Three Holy Lakes of Tibet and beautiful sight in its own right. Shaped a little like a fan or some strange Chinese character, this wondrous lake is said to have been formed from the dropped earrings of a goddess, that spilt onto the earth and became the lake.

A little way to the northeast of Lhasa, just north of the Lhasa River, lies the holiest cave retreat in Tibet, Drak Yerpa. The monastery of Yerpa Drubde once lay at the foot of these cave-dotted cliffs, though it was destroyed in the Cultural Revolution. Now only the caves remain, as hermitage retreats for the holiest of Tibet’s devout Buddhist lamas and teachers.

The most famous names in Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism have spent time in these caves, including the 33rd Tibetan King and the builder of the great Tibetan Empire of the 7th and 8th centuries, Songtsen Gampo.

It was his Tibetan wife that established the first of the chapels at Yerpa. Other names include the Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, and the Buddhist Master from Bengal that spent 12 years proselytizing in the Tibet, Atiśa. 

Day Five: Do some Shopping in Barkhor Street and Departure

Anyone that has heard or read anything about Tibet and Lhasa has heard of the famous Barkhor Street, the roads that form the kora route around the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. While it is the most important kora route in this part of Tibet, it is also one of the best places to go in Lhasa if you want to do a little light shopping before your journey home.

If your flight or train is not leaving until after lunch, then you have plenty of time to get out and roam around the beautiful streets and alleys of the city, though you might want to stick to Barkhor Street, as it has so much you may find you do not have time to see it all in one morning.

Legend says that, after the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, built the Jokhang Temple its ultimate magnificence attracted pilgrims from all across Tibet in their thousands. These pilgrims, on finding the sheer magnificence of the temple to be truly wondrous, began to walk in a circuit around the temple.

They also start performing the ritual kora walk that is done only around holy and sacred sites, praying and spinning prayer wheels as they walked. As a result, a well-trodden path soon appeared and was followed by successive generations, eventually forming the route of Barkhor Street as we know it today.

Covered with slabs of hand-polished stone, Barkhor Street is a shopper’s paradise, in the Buddhist sense of the term. The street is not broad, but it accommodates thousands of feet daily, and a huge variety of shops and stalls line both sides of the road, all the way around the temple.

While you can get some of the more commercialized souvenirs of Tibet, the street is ore famous for its local Tibetan handicrafts, and you can buy small hand-held prayer wheels, the long-sleeved Chuba clothing, Tibetan knives (though you do need to make sure you can take them with you and have the right paperwork), small Tibetan thangka paintings, and a plethora of other local crafts and artefacts that make great gifts for friends and family, or just ideal souvenirs to remind you of your trip, and remind you to come back again soon.

Conclusion

Despite being a huge place to visit, it is possible to have a great tour of Tibet with just a few days of spare time. The area around Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, is filled with amazing and astounding sights, including some of the most prestigious monasteries in the world, and one of the holiest lakes too.

So, if you were thinking that four or five days is not enough time to travel to Tibet, then think again, and come and talk to us. We would be happy to help you arrange your short-stay tour of Tibet.

If you are travelling to Chengdu in Sichuan Province for your backpacking in China, then there is no better thing to do than plan a Chengdu panda tour to visit the giant pandas that are indigenous to the region.

One of the rarest animals in the world, the giant pandas were once close to extinction due to deforestation and construction that destroyed a large part of their natural habitat in the areas around Chengdu in Sichuan, as well as small areas in Gansu Province and Shaanxi Province.

This native Chinese bear has been far gone that only appear during the reign of a benevolent emperor. The giant panda is found mostly in Sichuan Province, where it lives wild in the mountain ranges to the north and west of the city.

With only around 1,500 giant pandas living in the wild in China, preservation of the beautiful monochrome-coloured bear is of utmost importance, and there are several panda research and breeding centres in Sichuan Province that are dedicated to preserving this beautiful creature from extinction. While if you are into historical places to visit, you should be able to do that throughout the country,

RELATED POST: Best Tibet Train to Lhasa

Before Visiting China

Before you plan or book anything, I recommend you plan this trip properly especially if it’s your time to visit this country which is as we all know not the easiest place to travel.

Apart from the language barrier, once you’re in China, there are things you can’t simply do like communicating to the “outside world”, accessing the internet, or even simply using your map on your phone.

I highly recommend you to book your tours with a reliable tour company, arrange your accommodations beforehand, and read many China travel tips as much as you can. Remember, you can never be ready, but it’s important to minimise the hassle during your trip.

Chengdu Panda Base

The first research base for giant pandas, the official name is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, though it is most commonly known as the Chengdu Panda Base. We recommend you check these affordable Chengdu Panda tours.

The centre was opened in 1987, starting with six giant pandas that had been rescued from the wild after logging in their habitat killed off dozens of the rare creatures. Within 20 years, the centre had managed to successfully bread 124 giant panda cubs, despite the pandas not being easy to breed.

The centre is located in the northeast of Chengdu, around ten kilometres from the city centre, at the base of Futou Mountain. One of the best ways to visit the Chengdu Panda Base is on one of our tours, as the site is vast and it is easy to get lost.

The centre sees more than 3.5 million travellers a year pass through its gates, and those numbers are constantly increasing, As the most popular panda centre in China, it is undoubtedly the best place to go to see these stunning creatures, although it does look a little more like a zoo than a natural habitat centre.

However, while the enclosures are not as large as in some of the other centres in Sichuan, the pandas do have a lot of room to live freely within the habitats, and while they are there for breeding and research, the young are often sent to other centres to be rehabilitated into the wild once they are old enough.

Handling the pandas was a popular activity in the past years, although this is no longer available at the centre due to contact with humans causing the pandas to get ill. That does not mean it is not worth seeing though, as there are plenty of opportunities to view the pandas in their habitats, and many of the older animals, which have been there for many years now, are so used to people that they often come out, drawn by the crowds of people that are there to see them.

Wolong Panda Base

The Shenshuping Panda Base at Wolong is around 150 kilometres from Chengdu and was built to replace the former Wolong panda base at Hetaoping, which was too small. While smaller in area than Bifengxia, it has the world’s largest breeding centre for giant pandas and is one of the main scientific study sites for the animals.

The site is only open from April to November and is located in Gengda Township, in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan.

The centre holds around 60 per cent of the world’s giant panda population in 59 different enclosures where the pandas live and roam in their natural habitat. The site is located in the area of one of the giant panda’s natural ranges in Sichuan Province, which makes the landscape and flora ideal for the care and breeding of the pandas.

The centre offers several activities for visitors, including day keeper programs and educational programs that teach visitors about the history and care of the giant pandas. The centre is completely self-sustaining for the pandas and was sponsored by the government of the Hong Kong SAR after the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 severely damaged the site at Hetaoping.

The panda centre is actually part of a much larger nature reserve that has more than 4,000 different species of animals inside its boundaries, which covered around 20,000 hectares in total when it was built. The nature reserve was opened in 1963, in the Qionglai Mountains in Wenchuan County of Sichuan Province, and has since been extended to include the panda’s natural habitat, now hovering around 200,000 hectares.

The reserve is primarily a panda breeding and research centre now, though it does have large populations of snow leopards, red pandas, golden monkeys, and white-lipped deer, the main type of deer found on the Tibetan plateau. As of this time, it is estimated that around 150 giant pandas also live inside the reserve, running wild in the hills and mountains.

Dujiangyan Panda Base

Located in the Shiqiao Village of Qingchenshan Town, the Dujiangyan Panda Base is also the Center for Disease Control in southwest China. The centre lies around 55 kilometres to the northwest of Chengdu, close to the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, the world’s oldest water diversion program that does not have a dam.

While there are not a huge number of pandas in the centre, mostly catering to the conservation of the smaller red panda, the centre does have a great reputation for caring for these lovely creatures and has a lot of activities for its visitors.

As well as being able to tour the centre and learn about the history and rarity of the giant panda, and what the centres are currently doing to bring these beautiful creatures back from the brink f annihilation, there are also a few rare positions for becoming a panda keeper for the day, though this is an expensive day out, costing more than 300 US dollars.

The volunteer program at the centre only allows 60 people per day to join, so make sure you are booked before heading there, as you may be disappointed. The program allows you to interact more closely with the pandas, and you will be attending panda classes, cleaning the enclosures, making the food for the pandas and feeding them, visiting the Panda Center of Science and Education, and helping with any cubs that are in the centre at the time of your visit.

Bifengxia Panda Base

Located at Ya’an City in Sichuan Province, the Bifengxia Panda Base is a research base and breeding facility that was opened as recently as 2004, to cater to the growing number of pandas being bred in captivity for release into the wild. The centre was built on a maiden forest in the Bifeng Valley just outside Ya’an City and has become one of the most natural of the panda centres in southwest China. The area

The centre was originally intended to just house the adolescent pandas that were not yet in the breeding programs, and give a home to the older pandas that were too old to continue breeding.

The perfect panda retirement home, the centre’s habitats are spread over a huge area, including leopard Mountain, New leopard Mountain, Bai Xiong Ping, and the quarantine area of Bi Tang, with a kindergarten and nursery, and now a breeding centre too, with a research centre and hospital.

After the earthquake in 2008 that damaged the Wolong Panda Base, 40 giant pandas were shipped to Bifengxia for care and rehabilitation, and the many large enclosures were split to accommodate the new arrivals.

A new breeding centre was also built, with 14 camera-monitored enclosures that are monitored 24/7 to ensure successful breeding of the pandas.

The Panda Garden is one of the most popular attractions within the centre, which houses 60 giant pandas in the Bifeng Gorge Scenic Area, where the pandas are in their own natural habitat in an area that was once a natural area of the panda’s range.

The area has been rehabilitated to improve and increase the amount of bamboo that grows there, the natural food of the giant pandas and 99 per cent of their diet.

One of the additional attractions near the Bifengxia Panda Base is the Bifengxia Zoo, on the northern side of the Thousand-Stage Waterfall, one of the amazing attractions at the panda centre.

While the zoo does not have any giant pandas in residence, there are plenty of other animals there, including the unrelated red panda, which looks more like a North American raccoon, as well as snow leopards, monkeys, deer, and a multitude of other animals native to China and Southeast Asia.

Conclusion

Chengdu has more centres for giant pandas than any other province in China, mostly because of the location in relation to the animals’ natural range in the mountains to the north and west of the Sichuan Basin.

For travellers wanting to make the most of their tour in Chengdu, you can spend several days visiting the different centres, each of which has a very different layout and area for the panda enclosures.

For those that do not want to travel far from the city, the Chengdu Panda Base is the closest, lying in the city itself, while the most natural is the Wolong Panda Base, which has a wider area of natural habitat for the pandas in their own natural range in the mountains.

The most common routes to Lhasa include the Xining to Lhasa Train, Beijing to Lhasa Train, and Xi’an to Lhasa Train. Each of these routes has its perk. The train journeys allow you to experience some of the best scenery in China, cultural tours en route to your final destination, or just the simple convenience of travel. If you are travelling in China for about a month, check out this China itinerary guide.

Xining to Lhasa train: The Shortest and Best Scenic Tibet Train to Lhasa

The Xining to Lhasa Train is one of the most frequently travelled train routes between the two destinations. There are two perks to taking this train route. It’s the shortest Tibet train to Lhasa thanks to the proximity of the Xining Rail station relative to Lhasa. Another highlight of this train trip is because it’s one of the most scenic routes travelling from China to Tibet.

Xining is historically known as a major hub for transportation, it is also one of the best places to see in China. Many train routes pass through this city. A few of these routes go to Lhasa. When you take the train from Xining to Lhasa, you’ll discover several trains that are making the journey. Two trains, called Z6801 and K9811 originate in Xining, while several others will already be coming from other parts of China.

The total distance for this train trip is just under 2,000km, making it the shortest option for arriving in Lhasa. The entire trip will last 20:55 hours. Thanks to the popularity of the trip, the train is always being updated for increased speed and efficiency along the journey.

The Xining to Lhasa Train transports over a thousand passengers every day. You’ll mainly have two options for train tickets, a Hard Sleeper and a Soft Sleeper. There are a couple of cars dedicated to each travel class. Ticket prices for these may fluctuate in peak travel seasons or other cases of high demand.

The overnight train allows you to get a good night’s sleep and awaken to some of the most scenic sights travelling to Lhasa. You’ll get the chance to see natural wonders including the Golmud, Qarhan Salt Lake, the Tangula Mountains, and much more. You’ll barely notice the time elapse thanks to the scenery and you’ll be arriving in Lhasa before you know it.

Beijing to Lhasa train: The Most Popular Train from China’s Capital to Lhasa

Many international flights arriving in China will land at the Beijing International Airport, the capital of China. It’s one of the busiest airports in the world, receiving millions of travellers annually. A large portion of these travellers have plans to continue their trip to Lhasa.

While some people may opt for a quick flight to the city, others have time to enjoy the journey. You’ll be able to take advantage of Beijing to Lhasa train, one of the most popular trains from the China capital to Lhasa. 

The Beijing to Lhasa train, called Beijing-Lhasa Train Z21 has daily trips between the two cities. The total distance for the journey is more than 3,700km long since you’ll be travelling across the country of China. Plenty of time to take in the views, read some good books, or finish up that college essay due when you return from your trip (or turn it over to WritingAPaper so you don’t have to worry about it on your trip!).

The travel time is 40 hours and 40 minutes, although this continues to get shorter thanks to constant updates to the trains and route. Even with the lengthy trip, it’s still one of the most popular. With such high demand, you can rest assured that the trip will be a comfortable journey. 

There are two ticket options that you can choose between, giving different experiences for the ride. The Hard Sleeper ticket is for general passengers, giving you a bed in a six-bunk car. The Soft Sleeper is for those who want a first-class experience along the way to Lhasa.You’ll have much more privacy and comfort for enjoying the train ride. Prices vary for the tickets and are also subject to increases with high demand.

Most of Beijing to Lhasa train ride happens to cross China. You’ll get to see a lot of the natural landscape wonders of the country from either window. Since the train passes through the Xining station, you’ll get to see all of the same sights once you reach this point in the journey.

Xi’an to Lhasa Train: The Best Tibet Train of Culture to Lhasa

If you’re looking for a unique travel experience to Lhasa, then the Xi’an to Lhasa Train will suit you the most. The train journey across China to Lhasa is already known to be scenic. Choosing the Xi’an to Lhasa route will add another element to the trip, a chance to experience the rich culture and history of China along the way.

The trip from Xi’an lasts 30:34 hours, covering a total distance of about 2,800 km. You can choose to take a train from here directly to your destination, but since you’ll be in such an exciting destination in Xi’an, it’s well worth it to take the time to enjoy it.

Xi’an is a busy train station, and several train routes pass through it. The two routes travelling to Lhasa originate in Guangzhou (Train Z265) and Shanghai (Train Z165). Keep in mind that with these trains coming from two major travel hubs, it can be difficult to find tickets from the Xi’an station, especially during peak travel times. It’s well worth visiting Xi’an, however, if you have time in your journey before reaching Lhasa.

Xi’an is one of the most well-known ancient cities in China by travellers around the world. There are a lot of train tours that stop in the city for at least a day to allow time for exploring. It gives you a chance to explore many of the notable sights and landmarks around the country while en route to Lhasa.

Some of the top sights here include the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, the Underground Palace, as well as several iconic pagodas and museums. The blend of culture along with the scenic route of the remainder of the journey make it one of the best trains rides travelling to Lhasa.

Taiwan has become one of Asia’s top destinations in the past years. Travellers delight on its many national parks, lush mountains, and unspoiled islands, as it truly lives up to its former name, “Formosa” which literally translates to beautiful. Taiwan is definitely an interesting and one-of-a-kind destination of choice whether you are an amateur or a seasoned traveller. However, if you are planning to go for a few weeks or up to one month, check out this one month Taiwan itinerary.

Tourism in Taiwan greatly contributes to the country’s economy, with tens of millions of foreign visitors from all over the world each year. From the capital city of Taipei to the mountainous area of Chiayi, visitors are drawn to the beautiful uniqueness of this beautiful little island. You can also check out this article about fun things to do in Taipei. Here are a few reasons why you should see Taiwan and when is the best time to do it. 

The Climate

Except for a number of typhoons and thunderstorms from June to October, the weather in most parts of Taiwan is one of its enticing features. Taiwan’s climate is considered humid subtropical, which means that it has distinctly hot and humid summers with mild winters. Just like most countries in the East and Southeast Asia, summers in Taiwan are quite long, typically ranging from June until August. Most travellers flock to the country in April where the spring colours are at its most beautiful. The beaches can be crowded because thunderstorms are almost non-existent during this time of the year. If you want to explore other parts of Taiwan, go on and check the things you can do for a day trip in Keelung.

However, since April is quite the peak of foreign visitors especially from neighbouring Asian countries, it may be a little more difficult to book your flights and accommodation. Book your hotel in Taipei as soon as possible because it gets full book very fast.

Thus, some tourists also prefer visiting the country in November, where the stormy season has passed, and the weather is a perfect blend of comfortable and cool. This month has comfortably warm sunny days and just the right amount of cool nights. Also, flights are typically easier to book during this time and usually cheaper, too. In addition, check out some interesting facts and things about Taiwan.

The Culture

Taiwan’s culture is quite interesting. The country is practically a pool of various ethnic groups and tribes that have strong traditional customs. Majority of Taiwan is very religious, thus they pay much homage to the exquisite temples in the country. As a visitor, you will surely come across an eye-catching temple of worship at least once, and while it can be intimidating with its delicate and extravagant exterior, the locals can surely make you feel welcome to see and experience part of their heritage.

Taiwan also boasts of its national museums, exhibiting essential portions of their culture and history. Tourists are also attracted to their colourful festivals, such as the Lantern Festival in January, the Dragon Boat Festival in June, and the International Balloon Festival in July.

Taiwanese communities in different areas of the world also commemorate the country’s heritage and culture through different activities dedicated to Taiwanese residents. In New York, USA, for example, they hold the Annual Taiwan Heritage Day with the New York Mets and the Taiwan Tourism Bureau as hosts. The celebration is typically week-long. The recently concluded Taiwan Day this year had the match between the Mets and the Miami Marlins at the Citi Fields as the main highlight of the event.

Another exciting and entertaining focus of this year’s Taiwan Day was the Take Off to Taiwan Sweepstakes hosted also by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and the SNY. The winners, which will be chosen on September 8, 2017, will receive a 5-day, 4-night trip to Taiwan for two. Lots of attendees also enjoyed traditional Taiwanese performances at the Mets Plaza during this year’s Taiwan Heritage Day and were sponsored free promotional t-shirt care of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Undoubtedly, Taiwan’s history and culture are still massively recognized today.

RELATED POST: First time in Taiwan? Here’s a guide!

The Scene

Probably the best thing about Taiwan is that whatever your interest is, the country has certainly something for you. If you love the greens and the mountains, Taiwan boasts of its picturesque landscape. Hikers also love the country’s hiking terrains. It has three famous mountains, the Jade Mountain, which is the highest in the country, the Snow Mountain, and the Hehuanshan.

The Hehuanshan is quite popular for beginners, as it is very accessible and offers a majestic view out of its 3,422 m height. If you love bumming on the beach, you will most probably enjoy Kenting and its long stretch of blue and calm waters. Fulong, Dawan, and Laomei beaches are also popular among tourists. If you’re not in for outdoorsy stuff like the mountains and the beaches, maybe shopping or food tripping is for you. The best part is Taiwan has the best of both.

Learning to love Taiwan in all its uniqueness and charm is so easy for travelers. It has a little bit of everything to satisfy your itchy feet and whatever it is that interests you. It offers so much that you discover new things about the country every single time. It might be a tiny island but its beauty definitely captivates you.