Things to Do in Asia

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Hangzhou Botanical Garden

At the northwest corner of West Lake and at the foot of Jade Spring Hill, Hangzhou Botanical Garden’s 568 acres (230 hectares) offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hangzhou. In addition to its extensive collection of flowers, plants, and trees, visitors can also enjoy a number of ponds, pavilions, and promenades.

The Basics

Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a popular attraction, receiving more than 2 million visitors annually. Highlights include the Bamboo Garden, with over 150 varieties of bamboo; the Linfeng Tanmei area with some 5,000 plum trees; and the Medicinal Garden, with more than 1,200 medicinal herbs and plants, some found only in the Hangzhou area. Fish Jumping at Jade Spring is another popular attraction.

There are also two museums on-site: the Plant Resources Museum and the Han Meilin Art Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Shaded strollers, umbrellas, and wheelchairs are available free of charge with a refundable deposit. They can be obtained from the Visitor Service Center at the South Gate.
Public bike rentals are available at the Magnolia and Camellia Garden station and at the Bamboo Garden station.
There are a number of restaurants and convenience shops throughout the garden grounds.

How to Get There

Hangzhou Botanical Garden is located at the northwest corner of Hangzhou’s West Lake area. Take bus nos. 15, 28, or 82 and exit at the Yu Quan stop, or take bus nos. 7 or 27 and exit at the Botanical Garden stop.

When to Get There

Hangzhou Botanical Garden is open year-round. Seasonal flowers and plants make it worthwhile visiting at different times of the year. Spring is a great time to see plum blossoms and rhododendron, while colorful tropical flowers and lotus bloom in summer. Fall is a great time to see osmanthus and maple leaves changing colors, while winter visitors come for the magnolia and camellia.

Research and Education at Hangzhou Botanical Garden

Opened in 1965, Hangzhou Botanical Garden also includes a research center focused on the cultivation and protection of different plant species. The research center attracts academic visitors and those who wish to learn more about agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and medicine. It offers courses on a variety of related subjects, including tea processing, flower arrangements, plant taxonomy, and landscape design. There are also numerous educational programs for children, including single-day and multi-day camps.

No.1 Taoyuan Ling, Xihu District, Hangzhou, China

Varies

From $ 152

Halong Bay

You'd be forgiven for thinking Vietnam’s Halong Bay is a land torn from the pages of a fairytale book, especially when its majestic limestone columns are shrouded in dense morning mist. The UNESCO-listed landscape, with its collection of 1,900 beautiful islands and jagged islets, is one of the New7Wonders of Nature and an integral stop on any Asia-bound traveler’s itinerary.

The Basics

On a Halong Bay cruise, you can discover the mystical beauty of secluded grottoes and narrow lagoons as you glide on turquoise water, past quaint rowboats and floating villages such as Cua Van, Vung Vieng, and Cong Dam. Here in this serene bay, the incessant bustle of Vietnam’s capital feels worlds away. Disembark on Cat Ba Island to recline on North Vietnam’s only white-sand beaches, or search for endangered langurs during a hike through Cat Ba National Park. Also keep in mind that mysterious caves abound in Halong Bay—jump off your junk boat at Bo Hòn Island and descend to the stalactite-studded lair of Sung Sot Cave, a massive chamber replete with limestone formations.

Insider Tip

There are few sights more spellbinding than Halong Bay obscured by ethereal morning mist. Opt to spend a peaceful night on a junk boat to watch the sun rising over the UNESCO World Heritage Site—you won’t regret it.

How to Visit with Viator

Undoubtedly, the best way to explore Halong Bay is by junk, an ancient Chinese sailing ship. Guided tours are the best choice to ensure you see the bay’s most scenic areas and receive roundtrip transportation with a tour guide. Halong Bay tours depart primarily from Hanoi’s Old Quarter—small-group or private tours combine bay cruises, which cover highlights such as Lan Ha Bay, West Lake, and the Dau Go Caves, with kayaking and a seafood lunch. Multi-day boat tours allow for deeper exploration, while day trip excursions can also cover nearby towns such as Tam Coc, Haiphong, and the rural Mai Chau, hemmed in by green mountains. Splurge on a luxury cruise for the full experience.

How to Get To Halong Bay From Hanoi

Set in the Quang Ninh Province 103 miles (165 km) east of Hanoi, Halong City can be reached independently from Hanoi by car or bus in about 3.5 hours. From there, it’s possible to take a two-hour ferry ride to Cat Ba. Most travelers fly into a Hanoi airport (Noi Bai International or Gia Lam) before making the journey to Halong Bay.

Halong, Northern Vietnam, Vietnam

Free

From $ 38

Haneda Airport (HND)

With over 85 million annual passengers, Haneda Airport is Japan’s busiest airport and handles all of Tokyo’s domestic flights plus a smaller number of international flights. The airport is home to Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, as well as several low-cost carriers.

The Basics

Haneda Airport has three terminals, two of which are connected by underground walkways, and free shuttles run from the main terminals to the gates. Passenger amenities include an airport hotel (Terminal 2), short-stay and long-term car parking, car rental services, ATMs, currency exchange, and various shops, bars, and restaurants.

Haneda has bus and rail connections to central Tokyo, but a range of shared or private arrival and departure transfers are also available, offering pickup or drop-off from your Tokyo or Urayasu hotel plus luggage assistance. Private transfers also run between Tokyo’s two airports, Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport.

Things to Know Before You Go

Free Wi-Fi is available for airport travelers.
Haneda Airport is fully accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.

How to Get There

Haneda Airport is located about 9 miles (14 kilometers) south of Tokyo Station in the Ota district. The JR Yamanote train line connects Haneda to central Tokyo via the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line. Alternatively, it’s about a 30-minute taxi ride from central Tokyo. Note that late-night and early-morning trips between the airport and city center may not be possible by public transportation—opt for a private transfer or taxi.

When to Get There

Flights run from Haneda Airport 24/7 year-round. Lines for check-in and security can be long, so it’s best to arrive in plenty of time for your flight.

3-3-2 Hanedakuko, Ota, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan

From $ 34

Gyeongju National Museum

Travelers can gain incredible insight into the history of this ancient city on a visit to Gyeongiu National Museum—one of Korea’s top attractions. Well-curated displays showcase Buddhist artwork, artifacts uncovered at Anpji Pond and items unearthed during incredible archeological digs. Visitors can wander halls full of ceremonial items from long lost dynasties, golden crowns, pottery and hand-made bells.

Most of the displays are well-marked with English descriptions and audio tours are available for visitors who prefer even more information. After learning about the rich history and traditions of Gyeongiu and the Shilla Kingdom, visitors can explore the outdoor gardens and relax in the shade of towering trees before making their way back into the city streets.

Practical Info

The museum is located at 186 Iljeong-ro in Gyeongju-si, near the east side of Wolseong-gongwon. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. ad Sundays from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. It is accessible via the 10 or 11 bus from the town Centre.

186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, South Korea

Open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. ad Sundays from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.

From $ 120

Hall of Opium Museum

Set at the intersection of Thailand, Laos and Burma (Myanmar) known as the “Golden Triangle,” the Hall of Opium Museum seeks to inform its visitors about the history and effects of the opium seed.

The Golden Triangle area is historically well-known for its role in the growth and distribution of opium. Tracing from its first use over 5,000 years ago to current abuse and addiction issues, learn about the opium trade’s past and present both in this area and worldwide. There are several educational multimedia exhibitions throughout, including ones on the process of production and the dangers of consumption. Walk through a dark tunnel to a flowerbed of poppies, the plant from which opium is derived, to enter.

Practical Info

The Hall of Opium is located about four miles from the town of Chiang Saen in the Golden Triangle Park, opposite the Anatara Hotel. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. but is closed on Mondays. Admission costs 200 Thai Baht.

Moo 1 Ban Sop Ruak, Chiang Saen 57150, Thailand

Tues-Sun 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

200 Thai Baht

From $ 68

Han River

Spanning more than 310 miles (500 km) at about 0.62 miles (1 km) wide, the Han River (Hangang) is one of the most important rivers in South Korea. A full-on tourism destination, a warm or even brisk day affords you the chance to explore the well-groomed pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths. Take the kids around as visitors and locals alike enjoy the soothing ambiance of the river beside while jogging, fishing or just hanging out in one of its many cafes. If you are so inclined you can even jet ski.

The Hangang Park also has playgrounds if you just want to sit and relax while the kids use up some energy. Unfortunately there are no real restaurants, but it is still a great place to picnic with the family or a loved one. One of the more popular things to do here is to take a boat cruise for a relaxing ride around, or for special occasions, boats can be booked a night soiree.

There are several subway lines that will cross the river depending on where you are and where along the river you want to go. For a lovely nighttime stroll, get out at the Yeouinaru Subway and go directly to the Cascade shown on the directional map at the entrance of the park. Otherwise, if you are looking for a little exercise, you can rent bikes for the day for about $5 at a few easily accessible locations that also offer drop-off points.

Seoul, South Korea

From $ 55

Haeinsa Temple

Founded in 802, UNESCO-listed Haeinsa Temple famously houses the Tripitaka Koreana, one of the world’s most complete collections of Buddhist texts and a Korean national treasure. These 81,000 sacred religious works were engraved on wooden blocks between 1237 and 1248.

The buildings designed to house the Tripitaka Koreana date back to the 15th century and are considered themselves a work of art, and the temple ranks among Korea’s most beautiful. Located within the forests of Gayasan National Park, the Haeinsa grounds harmonize with the natural surroundings to create a serene temple experience.

Like many of South Korea’s temples, Haeinsa Temple welcomes visitors to its stay program – a two-day, one-night glimpse into what life is like for monks at the temple. A typical itinerary includes meditation sessions, lectures on temple etiquette and a chance to chat with the monks over tea or while strolling the grounds.

Practical Info

The Haeinsa Temple overnight program usually takes place on Saturday nights. It’s a good idea to reserve your spot ahead of time.

416-3, Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea

Daily

From $ 130

Haeundae Beach

A majority of the visitors to Busan come for its proximity to the sea, and the city’s stretch of sand known as Haeundae Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in South Korea. Nearly a mile long (1.5 km), the beach is made up of rough sand from shells eroded by the Chuncheon Stream.

Visitors looking to laze in the sand or partake in water sports can rent umbrellas, yellow inner tubes, surf boards and jet skis all along the beachfront. Besides the beach itself, this stretch of coastline is lined with some of Busan’s best international hotels, as well as an assortment of restaurants, shops and the Busan Aquarium.

Practical Info

Haeundae Beach is especially popular and crowded from late July to early August, when tourists from throughout Korea visit Busan for vacation.

Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

From $ 11

Hakone National Park

With Mount Fuji as its dramatic backdrop and the stunning Lake Ashi below, Hakone National Park, aka Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is magnificent from all angles. A popular detour for travelers visiting Tokyo, the park has ample opportunities for trekking and boat cruises.

The Basics

Many travelers visit the national park on a day trip from Tokyo, although coach tours and overnight options are also available. A typical day tour itinerary includes highlights such as Lake Ashi, the Hakone Shinto shrine, the Komagatake Ropeway, and Mount Fuji’s 5th Station.

Those with more time can explore Mount Kintoki’s hiking trails, visit Hakone Open-Air Museum, and explore the volcanic landscape of Owakudani, famous for its black boiled eggs, a local delicacy. Alternatively, head out to the Izu Peninsula and Izu Islands, which are dotted with geysers and traditional onsen baths and offer activities, such as scuba diving, fishing, and boating.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning on using public transport, purchase the Hakone Free Pass, which includes access to many of the park’s buses, lakes, funiculars, and boats.
It can get cold in the mountains even in summer, so bring warm clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.
Many of the park’s attractions are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Hakone National Park is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Tokyo. The easiest public transport route is the Odakyu Electric Railway from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Alternatively, bullet trains from Tokyo take around 30 minutes to reach the Mishima, Atami, and Odawara stations—all within a short drive of the park. In summer, the Shinjuku Expressway Bus runs directly from Shinjuku station in Tokyo to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station.

When to Get There

You can visit Hakone National Park year-round, but it can get busy on weekends and holidays. Views of Mount Fuji are often most impressive in winter (December–February) when the cloud cover is minimal, but hiking is best in summer, and mid- to late April is cherry blossom season around the lakes.

Views of Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji's 5th Station offers spectacular views of Fuji Five Lakes, Fujiyoshida City, and Lake Yamanaka, but not Mount Fuji itself. Spot the so-called “diamond Fuji” (when the sun appears to shine like a diamond right behind the cone) at Lake Yamanaka, capture mirror-image photos of the mountain reflected in Lake Shoji or Lake Motosu, get a firsthand look from Mount Fuji Ochudo Hiking Trail, or scale Mount Kintoki for a view of the entire region.

Hakone National Park, Tokyo 250-0521, Japan

Varies

From $ 127

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

Kobe, particularly the Nada District, has long been a sake-brewing center of Japan, with the Hakutsuru brewery as a dominant presence. The Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, operated by the Hakutsuru company, teaches visitors just about everything there is to know about sake, including the 2,000-year-plus history of the beverage, traditional sake-making methods, the modern brewing process and tasting hints for enjoying sake.

The museum occupies two floors of a former Hakutsuru brewery and features several live-size dioramas showing the steps in the traditional brewing process. At the end of a free self-guided tour (brochures are available in English), guests enjoy free samples of the sake from the new Hakutsuru brewery across the street in the museum shop.

Practical Info

The Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum is located a 5-minute walk from Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station and a 15-minute walk from JR Sumiyoshi Station. The last entry is at 4pm.

4-5-5 Sumiyoshi Minamimachi Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Japan

9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the last entry at 4pm.

From $ 132

Hanging Gardens (Ferozeshah Mehta)

Also known as the Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, Mumbai's Hanging Gardens is a beautifully manicured park known for its extensive topiary, primarily carved into animal shapes. Due to the park’s location atop Malabar Hill, it's long been a popular spot to take in views of the Arabian Sea, particularly at sunset.

The Basics

These gardens date back to the 1880s and sit atop a reservoir that supplies much of the municipal water supply to local residents. With an abundance of flowers, topiary, sprawling lawns, and whimsical features, including a house shaped like a boot, the gardens are among the top attractions in Mumbai and feature on many city tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Hanging Gardens are great for nature lovers and families.
Wear comfortable shoes and a hat and don’t forget to bring sunscreen.
The gardens are not easily accessible for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Hanging Gardens are located at the top of Malabar Hill, a 15-minute walk from Chowpatty Beach. If you're coming by car, take Walkeshwar Road or Ridge Road; if you’re taking public transportation, catch a train to Grant Road (on the Western Railways line) and either walk half an hour to the gardens or take a taxi, which cuts down the trip to about 10 minutes.

When to Get There

The gardens are open daily from early in the morning until a little after sunset, and are best visited either first thing in the day or after nightfall, when temperatures are coolest. Dawn and dusk can bring mosquitos, except during the dry months of December through February, which are ideal for watching sunsets over the sea from the gardens. Avoid June through August, which are known for their torrential monsoon rains and consequent mud.

Topiary through the Ages

Topiary, the art of pruning plants to create shapes, has been practiced around the world for thousands of years. It went through numerous revivals throughout the centuries, gaining favor in the 16th and 17th centuries before falling out of fashion again. These days, it's a rare site outside of historic houses and castles—and, of course, Disney theme parks.

Malabar Hill, Mumbai, India

From $ 34

Hanayashiki

Hanayashiki, opened in Tokyo in 1853, is Japan’s oldest amusement park. It was originally a flower park but developed over the decades to include the rides, shops, and cafés that appear there now. Among its many attractions are the oldest steel-track roller coaster in Japan, rideable robot pandas, a haunted house, and a 3D theater.

The Basics

Hanayashiki is located in the historic Asakusa neighborhood, one of the oldest and most atmospheric parts of Tokyo. Therefore it’s fitting that Japan’s oldest amusement park is in this area—and visiting Hanayashiki while in Asakusa adds to the old-time fun you can have here. Hanayashiki is especially popular with kids, and there are rides to suit both older and younger children. Adults also enjoy the retro atmosphere, as well as the shops and restaurants.

Many visitors stop at Hanayashiki while exploring Asakusa and its top sights, such as Senso-ji. A fun way to get around the district is on a rickshaw tour, so you can experience a traditional form of transportation while sightseeing.

Things to Know Before You Go

Hanayashiki is ideal for families with children visiting Tokyo.
The park charges an entrance fee; rides cost extra. You can purchase separate ride tickets or an unlimited pass.
Don’t worry about safety—the rides are mostly modern, not as old as the park itself!
There are several restaurants and souvenir shops within the park.
Entrance is free for visitors with disabilities. There are wheelchair-friendly slopes, paths, and elevators, and an accessible bathroom.

How to Get There

Hanayashiki is close to four different stations named Asakusa: the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines; Tobu Skytree line; and Tsukuba Express line. The entrance to Hanayashiki is closest to the Tsukuba Express line. If looking up directions on maps or apps, it’s important to know which line you are planning to take.

When to Get There

The park is generally open from 10am to 6pm daily, though exact opening hours depend on the weather, as it’s largely an outdoor attraction.

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, dating from the year 648, and is located right beside Hanayashiki. Dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon, it consists of a wide, grand main hall and a 5-tiered pagoda. If you’re even remotely interested in Japanese culture, history, or religion, this is a must-visit sight. The temple is open daily from 6am to 5pm April to September, and 6:30am to 5pm October to March.

2-28-1 Asakusa, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Varies

From $ 41

Hai Van Pass

Winding high through the Annamite Range above the South China Sea, the drive along Hai Van Pass between Danang and Hue is all jungle-clad mountains and glittering views out to sea. Known as one of the best coastal roads in the world for driving, thanks to a stint on BBC’s Top Gear, the 21-km-long Hai Van Pass rises up to 1,600 feet high in places. But what’s in the name? Hai Van is Vietnamese for Ocean Cloud, referring to the great mists which often rise from the sea below.

Once a natural boundary between Vietnam and the kingdom of Champa, the top of the pass has a number of lookout points with panoramic views looking out to the mountains and sea beyond. Look out for cyclists celebrating their hard-won arrival at the summit while you’re here.

When a second road, the Hai Van tunnel, was built in 2005, it cut travel times through the mountains by more than an hour. That’s made the Hai Van Pass of today a beautifully quiet scenic route, though you will meet truckers who aren’t allowed through the tunnel.

Practical Info

By bike, scooter, car, train or tour bus, it’s up to you how you take on Hai Van Pass, though the road is fairly steep and windy if you’re considering renting a bike to make the trip. At the summit there are lots of hawkers who will try to push overpriced goods on you. Just be firm and polite and it won’t feel like too much of a bother.

Hai Van Pass, Vietnam

From $ 33

Hama Rikyu Gardens

Considered to be Tokyo’s best green space, the Hama Rikyu Gardens offer a Central Park-like experience with Tokyo’s skyscrapers towering in the background. The sprawling garden, landscaped in the Edo style, originally served as the duck hunting grounds for Tokyo’s feudal lords more than 300 years ago. Today, the pools, bridges, ponds, tea houses and viewing pavilions are perfect for a quiet morning or afternoon outdoors.

Birdwatchers can spot the herons, ducks and other migrating birds who take up residence around the many ponds. For a different kind of wildlife spotting, visit the park’s most unique asset, a saltwater tide pool that rises and falls with the ocean. The teahouse on an island in the middle of the tidal pond is a pleasant place to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

Hama Rikyu certainly isn’t one of Tokyo’s best spots for cherry blossom viewing in spring, but you’ll still be able to see them and without the crowds of the city’s more popular viewing points.

Hamarikyuteien, ?−?, Chuo, Tokyo, Japan

From $ 81

Hanazono Jinja Shrine

Although Shinjuku’s Hanazono Jinja looks like an unassuming place, it’s a historically important site and hosts a variety of colorful weekly and seasonal events. It contrasts with the bright lights and skyscrapers of other parts of Shinjuku, and provides a great escape from the frenzy of the central city.

The Basics

The Hanazono Jinja is gated with a red Torii, indicating that it’s an Inari shrine, dedicated to the god of fertility and worldly successes. It’s been damaged, destroyed, and rebuilt since the 17th century, and is one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines. Businesspeople come to pray for success; it hosts a Sunday flea market; and it’s one of the liveliest places to celebrate New Year in Tokyo.

Travelers usually visit Hanazono Jinja when exploring the Shinjuku neighborhood on foot. Night walking tours are a particularly good way of visiting, as you’ll see the shrine illuminated.

Things to Know Before You Go

It can be quite easy to miss the shrine in the busy area. Look for two guardian dogs sitting at the entrance gate.
Festival days can get extremely crowded at the shrine, so if you don’t like crowds it’s best to avoid going there at this time.
There is no entrance fee.

How to Get There

The Hanazono Jinja is in the same area as the well-known Isetan department store, between Shinjuku and Kabukicho. The best way to get there is on the JR Odakyu or Keio lines to Shinjuku station (east exit), or the Marunouchi or Shinjuku lines to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (exit B3). As with many places in Tokyo, if getting there by train it’s important to exit the station at the right exit.

When to Get There

Traditional Japanese festivals are particularly well celebrated at the Hanazono Jinja, and are a good time to visit. The Tori no Ichi festival held in parts of Tokyo every November is celebrated with flair at Hanazono Jinja; markets are held, and the shrine is lit up with lanterns at night.

A Night Out in Kabukicho

The Kabukicho district, near the Hanazono Jinja, is one of Tokyo’s busiest entertainment districts, as well as one of its most notorious red-light areas. Although seedy in parts, it’s worth an evening of exploration. Check out a robot cabaret (which is exactly what it sounds like) or have a drink at a tiny, curtained hole-in-the-wall.

5-17-3 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan

From $ 50

Haitang Bay

A once remote area that’s now one of Hainan’s new hotspots, Haitang Bay stretches for 27 miles (43 kilometers) along the island’s southeastern shores. In recent years, Haitang Bay has earned its place on the tourist map as the home of several luxury hotels, including The Westin, Shangri-La and Kempinski, with more in the works. While ongoing development will likely draw bigger crowds to the area, it remains one of the quieter beaches on the island, perfect for watching a sunrise.

Aside from wide open sandy beach and numerous resort options, the area also features the 300-shot Haitang International Shopping Center, one of the biggest duty free malls of its kind in the world.

Practical Info

While the beach at Haitang Bay is a beautiful setting for walking or lying in the sun, the current can be quite strong, so swimming is not recommended.

Haitang Bay, Haitangwan Town 571200, China

From $ 101

Haji Ali Mosque

Dating back to the 15th century, this white-marble mosque and shrine (dargah) is among Mumbai's most important sights for Muslim pilgrims. It was built to honor a Muslim saint, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was known for spreading knowledge of Islam. Today worshipers and tourists come from across India to pray and learn about the mosque.

The Basics

One of Mumbai's most iconic structures, and a popular stop on many city tours, Haji Ali Mosque sits on an islet, a half-kilometer from the shore. It's a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with towering pillars and domed cupolas, plus a main hall filled with mirror inlay work. Women were banned from the sanctum sanctorum from 2012 until 2016, when the Bombay High Court ruled the ban unconstitutional. Visits to the mosque are including on many half- or full-day Mumbai walking or biking tours. Some visitors also arrive as part of a multi-day excursion from New Delhi that also explores Agra and Jaipur.

Things to Know Before You Go

A must-visit for those with an interest in local culture and religion.
Remember to dress conservatively, with clothes covering the shoulders and knees. All visitors should also cover their heads before entering.
Check the tides before going, as the causeway leading to the shrine can get submerged during high tide.

How to Get There

The shrine is located at the tip of a jetty that goes out into the Haji Ali Bay, a five-minute walk from Mahalakshmi Temple. The nearest railway stations are Mumbai Central and Mahalakshmi, each of which is about 20 minutes’ walk, or 10 minutes away by taxi or auto rickshaw. Getting to the Gateway of India takes about 15 minutes by road.

When to Get There

The shrine is open from sunrise until late in the evening, though it can be difficult to reach during high tide, when water levels sometimes submerge the causeway that leads out to the shrine. There are often traditional Qawwali (South Asian devotional music) performances held Thursday and Friday evenings, so those are popular times to visit.

Qawwali Music

The highlight for many visitors to the shrine is the chance to witness a live qawwali performance. This traditional form of Sufi music originated in the northern reaches of the subcontinent and features a mix of instrumental performance (usually harmonium and drums, such as tabla or dholak), accompanied by rhythmic clapping and devotional singing.

Dargah Road, Mumbai, India

From $ 46

Hanji Theme Park

The Hanji Theme Park is located in Wonju, a city in South Korea’s Gangwon province and home to the annual Hanji Festival. Hanji (literally meaning ‘Korean paper’) is handmade from the inner bark of mulberry trees; it’s an ancient and complicated process, and therefore it’s said that the paper’s beauty and durability reflects the wisdom of all those who have the knowledge and patience to produce it. Hanji plays a special role in the history and culture of this region. It was once offered as homage to the king and even used to decorate the residences of Korea's Permanent Representative to the UN. The adaptability of hanji means it has many uses, and this is one of the things visitors learn during their visit to the theme park in Wonju.The Hanji Theme Park covers more than 26,000 squaremeters, with a twostory building at its center. This features a history room, an experience center, and a cafeteria on the first floor, with rooms for special exhibitions and seminars on its second level.

Practical Info

To reach the Hanji Theme Park, catch the No. 6 bus from Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal.

151, Hanjigongwongil, Wonju, Gangwon, South Korea

From $ 1,790

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Built during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376, historic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of only a few Korean temples on the coast, and it honors Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), a goddess believed to live in the ocean where she rides atop a dragon.

Legends aside, the east-facing temple offers a spectacular view of the rising sun – a site that’s especially popular on the morning of the Lunar New Year when Buddhist devotees come to make a wish for a prosperous new year. At the heart of the temple sits a three-level pagoda with four lion statues that symbolize joy, sadness, happiness and anger.

Practical Info

The temple is free to enter and is open throughout the year, though one of the best times is from mid-April through May, when the cherry blossoms are peaking.

416-3, Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea

Daily, year round

From $ 11

Hakone Ropeway

An hour train ride west of Tokyo sits the mountainous area known as Hakone, an area known for its views of some of Japan’s most famous natural sites. Domestic and international tourists have been coming here for decades to gaze upon snowcapped Mt Fiji, Lake Ashi and the Great Boiling Valley. On a clear day, the best way to enjoy the sights is on the Hakone Ropeway, the second longest cable car in the world.

The 30-minute journey on the Swiss-made cable cars stops at three stations along the way; for the best photo op of Mt Fiji in the distance, hop of at Owakudani Station. Pack a swim suit for a dip in one of Japan’s famous onsen, volcanic-heated sulfuric hot springs. The entire ropeway extends 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and hangs 427 feet (130 meters) above a large crater at its highest point.

Besides scenic views and hot springs, Hakone is known for its many forms of transportation. If you plan to ride more than just the Hakone Ropeway, buy yourself a Hakone Free Pass that gives you unlimited access to the ropeway, switchback train, funicular, mountain boat and the oddly decorated pirate ships that ferry passengers across Lake Ashi. Hakone can get very busy on weekends, so plan to come midweek if possible.

Japan

From $ 1,430