Things to Do in Asia

Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia

Heian Shrine

No wonder this serene destination was once featured in "Lost in Translation" the Heian Shrine is easily one of Kyoto's most beautiful. Built in 1884 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the city, and was dedicated to its first and last emporer's, it is an astounding two-thirds scale replica of the Imperial Palace of the Heian period, and is just as beautiful.

On a nice day, a tour through the stunning bridge and onto any one of its four majestic gardens will relax any weary traveler. Whether it is through the iris, filled pond of the Nishi Shin'en, writing a haiku next to one of the radiating weeping cherry trees of the Heian-style Minami Shin'en, or just taking a leisurely stroll through the magnificence of the stone pillars in the Naka Shin'en, your visit to the Shrine's gardens is a sight that will not be soon forgotten.

Practical Info

The Heian Shrine is quite easily reached through public transportation from Kyoto station, by taking either buses number 5 or 100. Another method is to travel via subway to the Shrine's nearest station, Higashiyama Station, on the Tozai Line, a mere 10 minutes away.

Okazakinishi Tenno-cho, Kyoto, Japan

Open daily 8:30am - 5:30pm

Grounds: free; Garden: ¥600

From $ 27

Himeji Castle

If you only have time for one day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, make it Himeji Castle, renowned as Japan’s most beautiful historic citadel. Also known as White Heron Castle, the UNESCO-listed hilltop structure was built in 1580 and features a five-story central tower with surrounding moats, walls, and pagodas.

The Basics

Take an organized tour to learn about the Himeji Castle’s history and many nuances, such as the numerous openings in the defensive walls that were used for pouring boiling oil onto intruders. Many tours of the castle—available from both Osaka and Kyoto—also include a stop at Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The castle grounds are flanked by the ponds and tea rooms of Koko-en Gardens, a welcome retreat for a stroll or lunchtime stop.

Things to Know Before You Go

The castle is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors.
Visit the site on a day trip from either Kyoto or Osaka.
Slopes and steep, narrow stairs make the castle inaccessible to wheelchairs.
Drone photography is not permitted.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

How to Get There

Himeji is about 31 miles (50 kilometers) west of Kyoto. To get here, either take an organized tour or jump on a shinkansen bullet train (under an hour) or slower JR Tokaido train (a bit more than 90 minutes) to Himeji City. Himeji Station is a short walk from the castle along Otemae-dori Street.

When to Get There

Expect lines to enter the main keep during Kyoto’s high seasons, particularly the spring cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and the summer months. Tickets to the main keep are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s a good idea to show up first thing in the morning before the ticket office opens to buy your numbered tickets.

Other Attractions in Himeji

If you’re visiting Himeji independently, the region has a few other attractions worth checking out while you’re in the area. The beautiful, walled Kokoen Garden sits adjacent to Himeji Castle and makes a nice place for a stroll. Engyo-ji temple, located about 30 minutes outside Himeji City, was a filming location for the movie Last Samurai.

68 Honmachi, Himeji 670-0012, Japan

Open daily. Sept - May: 9am - 5pm; May - Aug: 9am - 6pm. Closed Dec 29 & 30

Adults: ¥800

From $ 172

Hanuman Temple

The Hanuman Temple in New Delhi is thought to date back to the 18h century, making it one of the oldest of its kind in India. Dedicated to the deity, Hanuman, the Hindu monkey who aided Rama in his mission against Ravana, the temple’s main idol is of the child Hanuman holding a gada in his hand.

To reach the temple, you’ll need to climb the 570 steps of Anjanadri Hill. The hike up is a pleasant one, and you’ll be rewarded with some exceptional views beneath you once you reach the top. Unusually, the temple building features a crescent moon (an Islamic symbol) on its spire instead of the usual symbol seen on most Hindu temples. Inside, the ceiling of the main temple hall reveals some spectacular embossed artwork depicting stories from the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

A visit to New Delhi’s Hanuman Temple can be enjoyed on a half-day Connaught Place tour, including Bangla Sahib and India Gate. Many people choose to get a traditional henna tattoo while visiting the temple complex, and then take a scenic tuk-tuk ride to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

Insider’s Tip: If you want to see the temple at its liveliest, visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, when devotees congregate here in large numbers.

Practical Info

If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach the temple by taking the metro to Rajiv Chowk station.

Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India

Dawn to dusk

From $ 26

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

In 1953, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was founded in Darjeeling to celebrate sherpa Tenzing Norgay’s trip to the summit of Mount Everest alongside Edmund Hillary. The institute opened as a training school for mountaineers, and Tenzing served as the first director.

Today, the institute has become somewhat of a pilgrimage site for climbers, who come from around the globe to train in the boarding school or visit the Mountaineering Museum, which chronicles the history of mountaineering with an interesting collection of artifacts from early Everest expeditions. One of the more interesting displays is a powerful telescope, used to see detail in the Kanchenjunga range, which was a gift from Adolf Hitler to Maharaja Judh Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana of Nepal and eventually passed down to the institute.

Travelers looking to develop new mountain climbing skills can enroll in one of 16 courses scheduled at the institute each year, including basic and advanced mountaineering (28 days each).

Practical Info

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is located on the grounds of the zoo, so plan to combine your visits to maximize your time.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling 734101, India

Wed-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

Varies

From $ 1,379

Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa is undoubtedly one of the most unique attractions in Singapore. Located along the Pasir Panjang Road, this mythological theme park contains more than 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology and various religions. Built in 1937 by the Aw family, the inventors of Tiger Balm (the park was originally called Tiger Balm Garden), it was intended to serve as a place to teach traditional Chinese values. As Singapore became more modern over the years, however, Haw Par Villa gradually became more of an attraction for curious tourists.

The Basics

Haw Par Villa is divided into various themed sections, the most popular of which is the 10 Courts of Hell. Reached via an enclosed, dimly-lit tunnel, it presents, in gruesome detail, a tableau of the tortures and punishments issued for various sins and crimes committed. While it’s possible to visit the park on your own for free, it’s a stop on many Singapore round-island sightseeing tours that also include visits to other area attractions such as Henderson Waves, Bright Hill Temple, Kranji War Memorial, and the Changi War Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

The park is a must-see for visitors looking to get off the beaten path.
Some of the sculptures within the park are rather graphic in nature and may not be suitable for kids.
Admission to the park is free.
Don’t forget your camera, as the park is filled with interesting photo ops.
Bring along some water and snacks, as not much is available inside the park.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach Haw Par Villa is to take the green line to Haw Par Villa MRT station.

When to Get There

Haw Par Villa is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Since the park offers limited shade, it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when Singapore’s heat isn’t quite so intense.

Chinese Folklore at Haw Par Villa

If the gruesome dioramas of the 10 Courts of Hell aren’t your cup of tea, there’s still plenty to see in this Chinese mythological park. Many of China’s great folktales are depicted, including Journey to the West and Madame White Snake.

262 Pasir Panjang Road, 118628, Singapore

9am-7pm

Free

From $ 69

Happy Valley Chengdu

While small compared to the Happy Valley parks in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, Happy Valley Chengdu features more than 40 rides and provides an action-packed day out for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Happy Valley Chengdu is made up of seven uniquely themed areas, including Sunshine Harbor, Happy Hour, Caribbean Cyclones, Charming Bashu, Flying Island, Magical Castle, and Leap Across the Mediterranean. Within these zones, you’ll find all the usual theme park fare, including roller coasters, water rides, bumper cars, and a ferris wheel, plus various concerts, extreme sports / street dance performances, and magic shows. There’s also a huge shopping mall located within the park, which features a range of food and retail options.

Happy Valley Chengdu has its own IMAX movie theater, plus the Sky Venture, a vertical wind tunnel originally designed for military purposes that simulates the feeling of skydiving.

Insider’s Tip

Entry into Happy Valley Chengdu can be booked as part of a day tour, which means a hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.

Practical Info

If not arriving as part of an organized tour, it’s possible to take a local bus or a taxi to the park, which is located on Huaxi Avenue beside the third ring road.

16 Huaxi Avenue, Chengdu 610036, China

Open daily 9am-9:30pm

CNY190

From $ 90

Har ki Pauri

Visitors seeking a truly Indian experience will find one at the ghat of Har ki Pauri. Each evening priests gather along the sacred Ganges River to participate in a ceremony known as Ganga Aari. Holy chants ring through the air as flaming lights and bowls of fire are set adrift in water while nearby temple gongs ring out.

During the day, travelers will find hundreds of pilgrims washing in the waters in an act of spiritual cleansing and visitors can choose to dip below the surface and participate, too. Locals warn it’s best to hold on tight to metal chains, since currents can be strong. Priests are happy to guide visitors through the process for a small fee, but those who prefer to stay dry will still find plenty of photo ops and make incredible memories.

Practical Info

Har ki Pauri is located on the banks of the Ganges River in Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India, India

From $ 12

Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si)

The Hanging Temple is built into the cliff-side of the mighty Hengshan (Mount Heng) near Datong city in Shanxi Province. Held up by oak stilts slotted into holes chiselled out from the rock, the rest of the structure that supports the temple is hidden inside the bedrock. Built in 491, the Hanging Temple has survived more than 1,500 years. The face of the building hangs from the middle of the cliff under the summit, which has protected it from the elements over all the years.

The Hengshan Hanging Temple is the only temple that incorporates all of China’s traditional religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Visitors to the temple come in their droves to marvel at this architectural feat for themselves, and to peer over the railings onto the rocks 50 meters below.

Practical Info

The Hengshan Hanging Temple is open to visitors between 9am and 5pm and there is a small entrance fee. This is one of the most popular day trips from Datong city so arranging a roundtrip by taxi or as part of a tour is easy enough.

Country Rd 203, Hunyuan, Datong, Shanxi, China, China

From $ 40

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter, a triangular area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake, has been the cultural heart of Hanoi for nearly 2,000 years. Daily routine starts early and builds to a friendly bustle in this ancient neighborhood, where streets have distinct character and are named after the crafts once made there, such as silver, silk, and paper.

The Basics

A visit to Hanoi wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Old Quarter. Here you can admire the neo-Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, tour the Huyen Thien Pagoda, explore Ngoc Son Temple, and pass through the Old City Gate—one of four original entrances to the heart of the Royal City.

Guided tour options through this bustling part of town abound. Sightsee on a traditional cyclo tour through the ancient streets, sample some of the neighborhood’s best Vietnamese bites on a food-centric walking tour, or explore the Old Quarter’s numerous shops and markets on a guided shopping excursion. A variety of half-day walking tours cover the area’s top highlights, while full-day Hanoi city tours often include a visit to the Old Quarter.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Old Quarter is a must-see for first-time visitors to Hanoi.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Come hungry—the Old Quarter is packed with cafés, bars, bakeries, and restaurants.
Shops and restaurants in Hanoi’s Old Quarter often accept both US dollars and Vietnamese dong; be sure to ask which price is being quoted.

How to Get There

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is located on the west bank of the Red River, roughly 45 minutes by road from Noi Bai International Airport. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi, cyclo, or a ride-sharing service. If you opt for a taxi or cyclo, it’s a good idea to negotiate the fare in advance.

When to Get There

The Hanoi Old Quarter is lively throughout the day, but things tend to quiet down around 8pm when restaurants stop serving. Autumn and spring bring mild temperatures and light rainfall, ideal for walking around and enjoying the sights.

What to Eat in the Hanoi Old Quarter

Due to limited space in the old buildings, street food is especially popular in the Old Quarter. Don’t miss out on some of the neighborhood’s most famous dishes, like bat su (China bowls), cha ca (roasted fish), pho bo (Vietnamese beef soup), and egg coffee.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Free

From $ 15

Hanuman Dhoka

Hanuman Dhoka is Kathmandu’s royal palace, once the seat of power for the kingdom. Home to the royal courts of both Malla and Shah dynasties, it was built during the fourth and eighth centuries and is an important part of Kathmandu’s UNESCO-listed Durbar (or “palace”) Square. Although damaged in the 2015 earthquake, it remains a must-see site.

The Basics

In the Ramayana, one of the Hindu national epics, Hanuman was the faithful monkey sidekick of hero Ram. In Hinduism, the bright-red monkey god has a devoted following of worshippers. A statue of a red-robed Hanuman from the 17th-century marks the entrance to his namesake palace complex, known as the Hanuman Dhoka. Constructed under both Malla and Rana rule, the sprawling set of courtyards, temples, towers, and royal quarters was the official residence of Nepal’s monarchs until the royal palace moved to Narayanhiti.

Hanuman Dhaka contains many of the city’s standout architectural gems, like the centuries-old audience chamber for Malla royalty. Opt for a guided tour to get in-depth commentary on the UNESCO-listed historical structures and learn about the city’s ongoing reconstruction efforts. Admission is already included in the cost of Durbar Square admission tickets. Some tours include a visit to the Asan and Indra Chowk bazaars.

Things to Know Before You Go

The one-time home of all of Nepal’s monarchs in one sprawling royal complex.
Check before you click: Photography is only permitted in the outer courtyards of the Dhoka.
Keep an eye out for the offerings given to the statue of Hanuman at the entrance of the square.
Wear comfortable footwear and be prepared for a short walk between sites.
Plan on allotting at least 30 minutes to explore the Hanuman Dhoka’s outer structures.

How to Get There

Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is a short walk through the Old City from Thamel, where most of the city’s guesthouses and hotels are grouped. You can also arrange for a taxi ride, although many guided tours include private hotel pickup.

When to Get There

Kathmandu is a year-round destination, but you can time your visit for cultural and religious festivals like Tihar, the Hindu festival of lights, or Indra Jata, when Durbar Square fills with thousands for a chariot-led procession through the streets. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, then plan a morning visit on a routine workday. Fall and spring have mild temperatures. Prepare for chilly winters and rainy, hot summers.

A Secret Stone Inscription in 15 Languages

In 1664, one of the Malla kings had the outer wall of the Hanuman Dhaka inscribed in 15 different languages, including Greek, Roman, Persian, Arabic, French, and Sanskrit, among others, and had a spout placed right in the middle. Brush up on your language skills before you arrive in Hanuman Dhoka. Legend has it that if one person can decipher all 15 inscriptions, then milk will start flowing from the spout.

Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal

Varies

From $ 102

Harajuku

Tokyo’s Harajuku district is known the world over for the youthful crowds that gather there to flaunt their wild fashions. This is where you can spot local teens dressed up in colorful and outlandish punk, goth, and anime costumes. But there’s even more to Harajuku than over-the-top street style.

The Basics

Harajuku’s top sights include Yoyogi Park and Omotesando and Takeshita-dori shopping streets. These areas, where the colorfully presented youth typically hang out, are the best for people-watching and street photography. Also in Harajuku is the Meiji Shrine (Meiji-jingu), Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrine, which was constructed in 1920. The atmospheric shrine is surrounded by forest and serene gardens and houses a memorial hall dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the man many credit with the modernization of Japan.

Sightseeing tours of Tokyo typically include a stop in Harajuku. If you want something more specialized, your options include walking tours of the area that focus on street fashion, architecture, and even kawaii food, or food with kawaii (cute) presentation—perfect for social media.

Things to Know Before You Go

Harajuku is a must-visit for a taste of Japanese youth culture.
The area is home to a rainbow of shopping opportunities, as well as many bars and restaurants.
Cat Street offers a more sophisticated shopping alternative to Takeshita-dori, and its Tadao Ando–designed Armani Casa building is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
The sprawling Laforet department store is a good option for getting all of your shopping done under one roof.

How to Get There

Harajuku is in the southwest of Tokyo, in Shibuya ward. It is served by Meiji-Jingumae metro station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines, as well as Harajuku station on the JR Yamanote line. Takeshita-dori is in the northern part of Harajuku, and Omotesando is in southern Harajuku.

When to Get There

Harajuku hums with energy seven days a week, but for the best people-watching get there on a Sunday afternoon, when youngsters gather in and around Yoyogi Park to pose in their outlandish outfits. Yoyogi Park is particularly attractive in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom.

Street Photography

Outlandishly dressed youngsters flock to Harajuku to be seen. Typically, they will happily pose for photos without expecting payment, but it is always polite to ask first if it is OK to take their photo by saying “Shashin totte mo ii desu ka?”

Tokyo 107-0061, Japan

From $ 41

Hidimba Devi Temple

Hidimba Devi Temple is located within dense cedar forest in the small tourist town of Manali. It was built in 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh and is dedicated to the goddess Hadimba Devi, who features in the Mahabharata. A heritage site steeped in mythology, visitors come from far and wide to visit the site.

This ancient cave temple was built over a large rock jutting out of the ground, which was where Hidimba was said to meditate. Built in a pagoda style, the structure is made of wood, with a three-tiered roof crowned by a cone-shaped brass tower known as a shikhara. The temple door features intricately carved figures, including the goddess Durga, whom Hidimba was believed to be an incarnation of.

Inside the temple is a stone idol of Hidimba Devi measuring approximately 60 centimeters tall, and not far from the main building is a shrine dedicated to Hadimba’s son, Ghatotkacha.

Practical Info

The Hidimba Devi Temple can be found on the way to Old Manali, around two kilometers from Mall Road.

Hadimba Temple Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India 175131, India

Daily 8am-6pm

From $ 145

Haw Phra Kaew

A former temple, Haw Phra Kaew is Laos’ leading museum of religious art. It takes its name from the Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), a statue carved from a single piece of jade that is now preserved in Bangkok. The grounds of the former temple, originally built in 1565, are also beautiful.

The Basics

There is a small fee to enter Haw Phra Kaew, which is centrally located and easy to reach on foot or by bicycle from other landmarks. The beautiful Buddhist art here speaks for itself to a degree, but serious culture buffs will get more out of visiting with a private guide as the signage isn’t great. A few Vientiane city tours stop at Haw Phra Kaew and it’s also a common stop on Vientiane temple tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

Culture vultures won’t want to miss the serene sculptures on display here.
The museum remains a religious site, so wear clothing that covers shoulders and thighs.
Don’t miss the large stone jar in the garden, which comes from Laos’ mysterious Plain of Jars.
There are a few steps up to the museum, with no ramp.

How to Get There

Under half a mile (550 meters) from the Nam Phou Fountain and less than a mile (1.4 kilometers) from the Patuxai Monument, Haw Phra Kaew is centrally located. It’s easy to get here on foot or by cycle or tuk-tuk, although travelers who are pressed for time may want to join a tour that bundles a visit here with other Vientiane sites.

When to Get There

Haw Phra Kaew is open seven days a week, morning to afternoon. The dry-season peak (November to January) provides the best chance to appreciate the grounds, but there really is no bad time to visit. It is busiest on weekends, when local Lao have time to appreciate their heritage.

The Emerald Buddha: Phra Kaew

In Bangkok, Thailand, the Wat Phra Kaew is home to the Emerald Buddha, a very sacred statue whose loss is still a source of anguish for many Laos. The forces of Siam, the nation that is today Thailand, looted it from Haw Phra Kaew in 1778. Just 26 inches (66 centimeters) tall, it is carved from a single piece of jade and dressed in gold.

Setthathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos

Varies

From $ 39

Hat Yai Magic Eye 3D Museum

The aptly named Magic Eye 3D Museum in Hat Yai isn’t your ordinary museum. You won’t find ancient relics or old paintings, nor are there placards detailing history or significance. Instead, the halls of this whimsical attraction are painted floor to ceiling with more than 100 scenes and murals that give the illusion of three dimensions, especially when captured through the lens of a camera.

It’s not so much a place to admire artwork; visitors are meant to step inside and become part of the paintings. Camera-toting visitors can strike a pose ascending a stairway to heaven amid clouds and hot air balloons, hanging precariously from a cliff face, meditating within an hour glass or riding a magic carpet through the deserts of Egypt.

While the Magic Eye 3D Museum is best experienced with friends, friendly staff members are around to help set up and snap the perfect picture. Sample photographs and foot signs guide visitors to the best posing positions.

Practical Info

Bring a pair of socks to wear in the museum, as you’ll have to remove your shoes before entering.

1408 Kanjanavanich Rd, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand

Daily 9am to 9pm

400 baht

From $ 13

Happy Valley Racecourse

The British handed over sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, but cultural vestiges remain. One of the most prevalent is horse racing, and the best place to see it in Hong Kong is at the Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong Island. The sport has a history in the city dating back to 1841, a pastime of the city’s rich and elite. Today, it’s become somewhat of a local passion.

Racing season lasts from September through July, with races typically taking place on Wednesday nights. Horse racing is the only legal form of gambling in Hong Kong, and you’ll find thousands of spectators betting on the horses at the track, while thousands more place bets at Jockey Club offices around the city.

Before the races, head up to the second floor of the facility to learn about the history of the sport at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum. Exhibits trace the migration routes and origins of the racing horses used, display a skeleton of one of Hong Kong’s most winning horses and hosts rotating themes exhibits throughout the year.

China

From $ 12

Helix Bridge

From New York to San Francisco, big cities are known for their beautiful bridges. But perhaps none are as impressive as Singapore’s Helix Bridge. Originally known at the Double Helix Bridge, this scenic footbridge is encased with twisting metal tubes and shimmering lights reminiscent of DNA strands. Helix was opened in April 2010, but the popular walkway was not accessible to travelers until July of that year. Today, visitors can wander the steel encased path linking Marina South and Marina Centre, while staring out over a pristine bay bathed in brilliant lights. Travelers love to walk the path in the early daylight hours, or late at night, when the area proves most picturesque.

Practical Info

The Helix Bridge is located in the Marina Bay. It links Marina Centre with Marina South.

Marina Bay, Singapore

From $ 30

Hill Palace Museum of Tripunithura

The Hill Palace Museum of Tripunithura, a 49-building complex where the Maharaja of Kochi once lived, is today the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The palace was built in 1865 on 52 acres (21 hectares) of landscaped grounds. In 1980 the Kochi royal family handed over the estate to the Kerala government, and in 1986 it opened as a museum.

The museum’s ethno-archaeological collection includes murals, sculptures, oil paintings, coins, manuscripts, furniture and other items that once belonged to the local royal family. Particularly notable is the collection of some 200 pieces of pottery from Japan and China. The surrounding gardens, recognizable from many Malayalam films, include a deer park and horse riding facilities.

Practical Info

The easiest way to visit the Hill Palace Museum is by hiring an autorickshaw in Ernakalum.

Kochi, Kerala, India

9am to 12:30pm & 2pm to 4:30pm Tuesday to Sunday

30 rupees

From $ 41

Hellfire Pass Museum

During the construction of the Death Railway from Burma to Thailand during World War II, Allied prisoners of war worked 18 hours a day in sweltering heat chiseling through rock in what is today known as Hellfire Pass. The Hellfire Pass Museum opened in 1998 as a place to honor and remember the men — both POWs and Asian laborers — who suffered and lost their lives during the war.

A free audio guide leads visitors through the museum and includes several firsthand accounts from former POWs who were forced to work on the Thai-Burma Railway. A staircase from the museum leads down to the rail bed itself. A viewpoint overlooks the Hellfire Pass cutting, where many visitors leave behind flowers and flags. The Office of Australian War Graves built and maintains the museum.

Practical Info

The Hellfire Pass Museum is located along Highway 323 about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Kanchanaburi.

Rte 323, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand

Daily 9am to 4pm

From $ 1,095

Hawa Mahal

The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, is easily one of Jaipur’s most iconic attractions. This stunning red and pink sandstone structure in the heart of the Pink City features rows of carved screens and more than 900 lattice-worked windows that allow in just the right amount of breeze to keep the 5-story complex cool.

The Basics

With unusual Rajput architecture often likened to a honeycomb, this structure was artistically built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a safe place for royal ladies to watch street scenes unfold without being seen (in those days, royal women were traditionally kept out of the public eye). It’s called palace of winds because of its layout, which allows air to circulate throughout the complex, keeping temperatures cool.

Most group and private tours of Jaipur (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur and Agra) stop outside for photo opportunities, and a few include tours of the simpler interior, where there are a small museum and unparalleled views from the top. Composite tickets that allow access to a number of sights—including Amber (Amer) Fort, Albert Hall, Nahargarh Fort, and the Jantar Mantar—are available at the ticket counter.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Hawa Mahal is a must for all first-time visitors to Jaipur.
Wear a hat and sunscreen—the sun can be powerful.
Comfortable shoes are a must, as there are lots of ramps to climb if you want to visit different sections and floors of the palace.
Bathrooms are located just outside of the complex, before the ticket gate.
The Hawa Mahal is not accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Hawa Mahal is situated in Jaipur’s Pink City, near Tripolia Gate and due north of Badi Chaupar. It’s a few minutes’ walk from here to both the City Palace (the official residence of the royal family) and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Driving, Amber Fort (Amer Fort) is about 30 minutes away.

When to Get There

This popular tourist spot is open 9am to 4:30pm daily; the museum is closed Friday and Saturday. If you’re visiting the palace interior during the hotter months of the year (approximately April through October), come early in the day, when temperatures are lower and gentle sunlight streams into the rooms through the hundreds of windows.

Why Pink?

Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of its salmon-hued walls and edifices located in the old part of town. The city center was first painted this hue to impress Prince Albert, who visited India in 1876. The color stuck, so to speak, and to this day local businesses and residences within the walled part of town are required to retain the color.

Jaipur, India

Varies

From $ 9

Hauz Khas Village

Hauz Khas Village in South Delhi mashes together the best of old and new India, and the result is absolutely charming. A neighborhood dominated by ancient domed tombs and medieval stone buildings is today populated by upscale boutiques, art galleries and a variety of restaurants, with a few well-manicured gardens scattered within the narrow lanes of the warren.

By day, the trendy neighborhood attracts shoppers to its range of boutiques, selling an assortment of designer furniture, jewelry, handicrafts and glitzy Indian clothing. Tucked between the expensive boutiques, you’ll also find quirky vintage stores selling all sorts of curios, like classic Bollywood movie posters.

At night, the neighborhood transforms into one of the city’s hippest nightlife spots -- a popular place to come have dinner and some drinks to the sounds of live music at a rooftop bar.

Practical Info

Since Hauz Khas Village sits quite far from the city center, consider combining it with a visit to nearby Qutb Minar to save yourself commuting time.

Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, India

From $ 42