Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
ShowingFilter 601-620 of 1872 listings.
Hwaseong Fortress
This UNESCO World Heritage site was built between 1794 and 1796 as an homage to the remains of Prince Sado, who was murdered by his father after failing to carrying out his own suicide. Its unique architecture incorporates elements from China and Korea and took more than 700,000 man-hours to build.
Today, travelers can explore the impressive grounds that lie beyond a 3.5-mile wall originally erected to protect the fortress. Four main gates—Janganmun to the north, Hwaseomun to the west, Paldalmun to the south and Changnyongmun to the east once served as an entry into the fortress, but today modern roads and sturdy bridges provide the main means of connecting travelers from the outside world to the inner workings of Hwaseong. Visitors should check out some of the 48 structures dotting the wall, including several old-world watchtowers with three-story wooden pavilions that were once used as enemy lookouts.
Practical Info
The fortress is located 30 kilometers south of Seoul and is open in the summer season from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily and during the winter from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is 1,000 won for adults, 700 won for youth and 500 won for children. Group rates are available at a discounted fee.
Address: 11, Haenggung-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Hours: Summer: 9am-6pm
Winter: 9am-5pm
Admission: Adult: 1,000 WON, Youth: 700 WON, Child: 500 WON
From $ 54
Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain
This large computerized musical fountain, named after India’ s only female Prime Minister, is the first of its kind in India. It has been delighting visitors with water synchronized to dance rhythmically with music since its construction in 1975.
With a hydraulic pumping system that controls three distinct levels and recycles the water, the fountains produce a show of color, light, and sound that is a unique visual experience. There is a seating capacity of around 900 people, with an average of 500 visiting on weekends. Laser lights and a wide screen with additional visuals provide a multimedia backdrop to the water formations.
With over 1,000 different nozzles, the fountain can make 15 different formations and 27 different rhythmic combinations — so its unlikely you’ll see the same show twice. There is also a garden and a small park for children to play beside the fountain area.
Practical Info
Two shows are held daily at 7 and 8 p.m., each lasting a half hour. Fountains do not run on Mondays. It is located on T. Chowdaiah Road, across from the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. Admission is 10 Indian Rupees for adults and 5 Indian Rupees for children ages 6-12. Parking is available.
Address: T. Chowdaiah Road, Bangalore, India
Hours: Tues-Sun at 7 and 8 p.m.
Admission: Adults: 10 rupees Children (6-12) 5 rupees
From $ 75
Imjingak Park
Imjingak Park is located within the demilitarized zone (DMZ) of North Korea and South Korea. The park is dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans who were separated from their families when the peninsula was divided, with various monuments, statues, and other points of interest throughout.
Imjingak Park is located on the banks of the Imjin River and is the furthest point north that South Koreans can freely travel. There’s a three-story observation deck that provides an aerial view of the Imjin River and beyond towards North Korea. The Freedom Bridge, connecting North and South, was where 13,000 POWs were exchanged in the 1950s and is located where the former railroad bridge once stood.
Mangbaedan Alter is where Koreans separated from their families in the North visit to perform ancestral rites by bowing their heads towards their hometowns on certain days of the year. The park also features a wall of commemorative ribbons, a number of souvenir shops, and a restaurant.
Practical Info
Only designated shuttle buses can enter this area, so it is recommended to book onto a DMZ tour to visit Imjingak Park.
Address: Imjingak Park, DMZ Zone, Paju, South Korea
From $ 40
Humayun's Tomb
Built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb was the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent, earning it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The construction of the tomb, ordered by the widow of Mughal emperor Humayun over a decade after his death, marked the beginning of an era of Mughal architecture, a style characterized by symmetry, scale and intricate decoration. This sixteenth century tomb went on to inspire the design of the Taj Mahal more than 100 years later.
The red sandstone and marble structure sits within a symmetrical square garden divided into four parts. The garden, dotted with small pools joined by channels, also contains several other tombs of important figures, including Haji Begum -- the wife who built the tomb and mother of Emperor Akbar -- and Isa Khan Niazi, an Afghan noble.
While it’s possible to visit Humayun’s Tomb on your own, you’ll do yourself a great service by bringing along a guide who can tell you more about the history behind each structure.
The red sandstone and marble structure sits within a symmetrical square garden divided into four parts. The garden, dotted with small pools joined by channels, also contains several other tombs of important figures, including Haji Begum -- the wife who built the tomb and mother of Emperor Akbar -- and Isa Khan Niazi, an Afghan noble.
While it’s possible to visit Humayun’s Tomb on your own, you’ll do yourself a great service by bringing along a guide who can tell you more about the history behind each structure.
Address: Agra, India
Hours: Open Sunrise to Sunset
From $ 8
Impression Sanjie Liu
Impression Sanjie Liu is a unique outdoor night show directed by the renowned director, Zhang Yimou and staged at the Li River in Yangshuo. This is the world’s largest natural theater, using the setting of the Li River as its stage and the mist-shrouded karst hills as its backdrop – along with whatever weather the evening may bring.
For this open-aired spectacle, which is performed twice every evening in the summer, the audience watch from designated terraces while hundreds of performers appear to float on the water before them. Most of these performers are fishermen from the villages along the river, and the show itself depicts the story of the history and culture of the local Yangshuo people.
Throughout the performance, impressive lighting, sound, and special smoke effects blend in harmoniously with the natural landscape of the river and its surroundings, creating a truly mesmerizing experience.
Practical Info
Impression Sanjie Liu is situated approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Guilin city and a kilometer from West Street, It will take around 15-20 minutes to walk from West Street, or five to ten minutes by battery car. Tickets for the show are easily obtained from various hotels and agencies in town.
Address: Tianyuan Road, Guilin, Yangshuo, China
Hours: First run: 7:45pm / Second run: 9:20pm (weather permitting)
Admission: Adult: CNY 198 / Child: CNY 85
From $ 67
Humble Administrator's Garden
Of all the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, the Humble Administrator’s Garden is the largest, most famous, and best preserved. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this uniquely-designed garden takes visitors through scenic pathways, quiet pavilions, ancient bridges, calm ponds, and small, forested areas dating back to the Ming dynasty. The Hall of Drifting Fragrance, a traditional Chinese residence at the garden's center, offers views of vast lawns, flowing water, and crape myrtle trees, while the nearby Small Flying Rainbow Bridge is the only bridge in the garden you can walk across.
A great family activity, you can visit the garden on an easy day trip from Shanghai. Combine your ticket with a visit to the famous Zhouzhuang water village nearby or opt for a private tour of Suzhou's classical gardens to visit Tiger Hill and Master of Nets, as well.
Practical Info
Suzhou is located approximately 62 miles (100 km) west of Shanghai, and the two cities are connected by high-speed train. The garden is open 7:30am to 5:30pm daily from March to November, and 7:30am to 5pm daily mid-November to February. Adult admission is 90 CNY in spring and summer and 70 CNY in winter. Some tours utilize the high-speed train rather than road transport.
Did You Know? The Humble Administrator’s Garden was originally the private garden of a government servant named Wang Xianchen. It was said that Xianchen grew frustrated with his work, and built the garden so that he could lead the simple life of a humble man instead, hence the name of the garden.
Address: 178 Dongbei Street, Suzhou, Eastern China, China
Hours: 7:30am–5:30pm daily (March–Nov), 7:30am–5pm daily (Nov–Feb)
Admission: Varies by season
From $ 69
Imogiri Kings Cemetery
Just outside Yogyakarta, the Imogiri Kings Cemetery (Pajimatan Girirejo Imogiri) is the final resting place of the rulers of the Muslim kingdoms of Mataram, Yogyakarta, and Surakarta. Also called the Imogiri Royal Cemetery, the 17th-century site is well worth the effort involved in visiting—including dressing up in Javanese court costume.
The Basics
While it’s possible to visit Imogiri independently, most visitors join an Imogiri Kings Cemetery tour not only for the convenience of round-trip transportation and the cultural insights of a guide, but also for help with dressing up in the appropriate costume. A typical Imogiri guide explains the symbolism that lies behind the cemetery architecture, tells you how the three kingdoms came to be, and shows you some significant resting places. A guide might also introduce you to the abdi dalem, or cemetery guardians, and translate as they speak with you about their lives. It’s best to hire a guide in Yogyakarta, though if you speak Indonesian and want to visit on your own, the guardians will be happy to introduce the site to you directly.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its colorful culture and long history, Imogiri is perfect for heritage buffs.
- You can rent the required Javanese court dress for a small fee on arrival. The women’s costume is strapless, so plan accordingly (e.g., wear a strapless bra).
- Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter the sacred site. Please respect this prohibition. Children are allowed if they are of an age to behave respectfully.
- You must leave all belongings at the registration desk.
- The site is reached by a long series of stone steps with no wheelchair access.
How to Get There
Imogiri Kings Cemetery is about 11 miles (17 kilometers) from the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton) in Yogyakarta. Getting there by public transport is fiddly: catch a city bus to the Giwangan Terminal and then, if your Indonesian is good enough, pick up a bemo minibus. Given the logistical and cultural complexities, many visitors opt to join a tour.
When to Get There
The graves open to the public three times a week, on Monday morning (generally the quietest time), Friday afternoon, and Sunday morning. Imogiri is closed during the Muslim month of Ramadan. Three times a year, on 1 and 8 Sawal and 10 Bulan Besar per the Javanese calendar, they open for special ceremonies; guides and Yogyakarta Tourist Information can advise when these fall.
A Tale of Three Kingdoms
Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo, king of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, built the Imogiri Kings Cemetery for himself and his regal descendants in 1632. Per a civil war treaty dating from 1755, Mataram’s heirs now rule over two separate sultanates (Muslim kingdoms): the cities of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, also known as Solo. Therefore, today, the cemetery is home to kings, queens, and royal descendants from three separate kingdoms.
Address: Imogiri Hill, Yogyakarta 55782, Indonesia
From $ 45
Huangpu River
The Huangpu River, extending over 71 miles (113 kilometers), flows through the middle of Shanghai’s, dividing the city into two parts – Pudong to the east and Puxi to the west. The port where the river empties into the East China Sea has now become the largest port in China and in 2012 became the world’s busiest container port.
Walking along the Huangpu River juxtaposes the colonial buildings of Old Shanghai with the towering, ultramodern skyscrapers that now dominate the skyline. While it’s possible to experience the Huangpu River from the banks with a walk along the Bund, the best way to see both sides is on a river cruise.
Most cruises start from the Bund and go upstream before turning south towards the Yangpu bridge. Boats depart throughout the day, but after the sun sets and the buildings to either side of the river light up, the Shanghai skyline becomes even more impressive than usual.
Walking along the Huangpu River juxtaposes the colonial buildings of Old Shanghai with the towering, ultramodern skyscrapers that now dominate the skyline. While it’s possible to experience the Huangpu River from the banks with a walk along the Bund, the best way to see both sides is on a river cruise.
Most cruises start from the Bund and go upstream before turning south towards the Yangpu bridge. Boats depart throughout the day, but after the sun sets and the buildings to either side of the river light up, the Shanghai skyline becomes even more impressive than usual.
Address: Shanghai, China
From $ 30
Huaxi Street Night Market
Established in 1951, Huaxi Street Night Market was the first night market in Taiwan built specifically for tourists. Despite being known as Snake Alley for the various serpent delicacies and drinks sold here, you can find more than just snake—the food stalls, restaurants, and shops sell an array of popular Taiwanese foods and other goods.
The Basics
Located near Longshan Temple, a traditional red Chinese gate marks the entrance to the covered marketplace, which stretches for about 1,300 feet (400 meters). Inside, festive red lanterns shine on small shops selling a variety of goods, as well as food stalls and restaurants selling traditional and exotic snacks and delicacies. For those who dare, this is the place try snake in different forms—snake soup and shots of snake blood are the most popular options. If you’re not feeling that ambitious, you can still try local favorites like Danzai noodles, oyster omelets, and Tainan rice cakes.
While you can stroll the market independently, Taipei night tours offer a more informative introduction to local tastes and treats.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Huaxi Street Night Market is a must for foodies.
- The market is covered so it’s a good option when it’s raining.
- Don’t forget to bring cash, as many small vendors don’t accept anything else.
- This area was formerly a red-light district and there are still a number of massage parlors in operation, so it may not be suitable for young children.
How to Get There
Huaxi Street Night Market is located in Taipei’s Wanhua district, just west of Longshan Temple. By MRT, take the Blue Line to Longshan Temple (Exit 1). A number of buses also stop near the market and temple.
When to Get There
Huaxi Street Night Market is open 4pm until midnight daily. To see the market at its liveliest, visit later in the evening or night.
Nearby Night Markets
There are several other night markets close to Huaxi Street Night Market, namely on Guangzhou, Wuzhou, and Xichang streets. All of these markets recently organized into the large Monga Night Market, which has become a popular destination for visitors—particularly foodies.
Address: Taiwan
From $ 42
Independence Monument
A 60-foot (20-meter) tall Angkor-style monument built in 1958, the Independence Monument was constructed to commemorate the Cambodians winning back their independence from the French in 1953. Renowned Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann designed the monument; the architecture is patterned after a lotus flower and adorned with five levels of Naga heads, which gives it a very distinctive look. Located in the heart of busy Phnom Penh, the Independence Monument attracts many visitors, not only for its unique architecture, but also for its location: it’s in the middle of a busy intersection and the eastern side features a large, open park that is a popular spot for locals to gather and jog or practice tai chi and aerobics.
More than just a monument commemorating Cambodia’s independence, it also serves as a memorial to Cambodia’s war casualties and is a symbol of the end of Cambodia’s war. In remembrance, families place large wreaths at the foot of the monument for war veterans. At night, the monument is illuminated by red, blue and white floodlights, the colors of the Cambodian flag. It’s also the site of celebrations and services on holidays such as Independence (January 7) and Constitution Day (September 24).
Practical Info
The Independence Monument is located on the corner of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards. It’s not really a location to enter, more of one to see; it’s free to the public.
Address: Corner of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards., Phnom Penh, Cambodia
From $ 15
Hustai National Park
Mongolian government declared Hustai National Park a protected area in 1993 and since then, this mecca of outdoor beauty has been attracting visitors from across the globe. Home to one of the only wild horse populations on earth, the park is located on the western Mongolian steppe, about 95 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar.
In addition to wild horses, Hustai is home to an encyclopedic variety of plants and animals. Some 44 species of mammals call this vast land home, including wild boar, ibex and grey wolves. Lucky travelers may even spot the iconic (and elusive) golden eagle while navigating the plains.
Visitors also have the chance to stay in traditional gers—round felt houses used by nomadic Mongolians—at the Hustai Camp. And stops at local herder communities offer insight into the culture of rural Mongolians.
Practical Info
The park is located about two hour’s drive from the capital city. Day trips are available from Ulaanbaatar for those who are short on time but still want to experience the thrill of seeing wild horses in their natural habitat.
Address: Mongolia
From $ 80
Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort
The Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort is located just north of the city of Chengde and is China's largest imperial garden. The former summer residence of the Qing dynasty’s emperors and royal members, this vast complex took almost a whole century to complete, with constructed taking place between 1703 and 1792.
The imperial grounds comprise of the emperor's residential buildings, including the reception and entertainment halls, plus the royal gardens, as well a number of striking temples. The various styles of the buildings and landscapes appear to blend in with the surrounding lakes, mountains, and forest, with the complex incorporating classic Chinese architecture, as well as the styles of many other nations, particularly Tibet.
The site covers a sprawling 5.6 square-kilometers and is surrounded by a ten-kilometer wall. The Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Practical Info
To reach the Imperial Summer Palace of Mountain Resort from Beijing, take the Beijing to Chengde regional bus, which departs from the city center every 10 minutes. Alternatively, take the N211 train to Chengde. From Chengde Railway Station, take a taxi or the number 5 bus to the imperial palace.
Address: Lizheng Men Street, Chengde, Shuangqiao 067000, China
Hours: 8am-5:30pm
Admission: March-November: CNY 120 / December-February: CNY 100
From $ 45
Imperial Palace
Home to Japan’s Emperor, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace occupies the site of the original Edo Castle (Edo-jō), the Tokugawa shogunate's castle, which was once the largest fortress in the world. Located in the center of Tokyo, the palace is surrounded by moats and serene gardens.
The Basics
Given that it is a royal residence, the palace interior and some of the grounds are closed to the public. You can stroll the meticulously manicured Imperial Palace East Garden, set at the foot of the hill where Edo Castle's foundation remains, and the Imperial Palace Outer Garden. From here you can view two famous bridges, the iron Nijubashi and the stone Meganebashi.
Free tours in English, organized by the Imperial Household Agency, allow you to see a small part of the inner compound. Or combine a visit to the Imperial Palace with other Tokyo attractions, such as the Asakusa and Ginza districts, on a sightseeing tour by bus or chartered taxi or a walking tour. Some tours allow travelers to stop for photos at the palace and also experience a Sumida River cruise, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, or take in the view from the top of Tokyo Tower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Imperial Palace is a must-visit for those with an interest in Japanese history.
- This has been the Imperial residence since 1868 when Emperor Meiji moved here from the former capital of Kyoto.
- To avoid disappointment, it is best to book tour tickets in advance, but walk-in tickets are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- It is free to stop at the palace for photos, but various museums on the grounds may require admission fees.
- The grounds may be closed when Imperial Court functions are scheduled.
How to Get There
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is located in a large park area in the Chiyoda ward of central Tokyo. It is a 15-minute walk to Otemon Gate, the main entrance point, from Otemachi metro station, which is served by the Chiyoda, Tozai, Hanzomon, Mita, and Marunouchi lines. Free tours depart from the Kikyomon Gate, a 10-minute walk from the Otemachi and Nijubashi metro stations.
When to Get There
The gardens are open Tuesday through Thursday and on Saturday and Sunday. Tours are offered morning and afternoon, every day except Sundays and Mondays, national holidays, and December 28 through January 4. Only morning tours are available between July 21 and August 31.
Cherry Blossoms
During sakura, the spring cherry blossom season, more of the palace grounds with old cherry trees are open to the public. It's definitely worth a visit during this time for great opportunities to photograph blooming cherry trees framing the palace, but be prepared for bigger crowds and a more thorough security process.
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 45
India Gate
India Gate is a 138-foot (42-meter) war memorial in the heart of New Delhi, reminiscent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Built in 1931 and designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, designer of most of New Delhi, it’s a must-visit photo stop on a Delhi tour.
The Basics
The India Gate was built to commemorate Indian members of the British Indian Army killed during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. In the 1970s, the eternal flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti) was added to remember Indians who died in the Indo-Pakistan War. Around 13,000 soldiers’ names are inscribed on the gate.
The gate is popular among both local and international visitors. Usually visited on half- and full-day sightseeing tours of Delhi, it’s a particularly attractive place to take photos. It doesn’t take long to see the gate itself, so a visit here is best combined with a fuller sightseeing trip that may also call on the Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and other sites.
Thing to Know Before You Go
- It’s free to visit India Gate.
- Festive parks surrounding the gate are a good place for kids to run around and explore.
- The traffic around India Gate can be heavy and fast, and there are few clear places to cross. Follow your guide’s instructions on the best way to cross the road.
- Beware of touts asking tourists for donations for “charities.” Most of these are not genuine, and it’s best to politely but firmly tell them “no, thanks” and move on.
How to Get There
India Gate is located on Rajpath in New Delhi, in a part of the city that’s mainly administrative. It’s not a great place to walk around due to the fast traffic and large distances between points of interest. The nearest metro stations are Khan Market and Udyog Bhawan, where you can hire auto-rickshaws to India Gate.
When to Get There
You can tour India Gate at any time, but at night, when it is lit up, is a particularly attractive time to visit. If you’re booking a private sightseeing tour, request to see India Gate after dark. During India Republic Day (January 26), the streets around it get very busy with crowds and military parades.
Touring Lutyens’ Delhi
Lutyens designed much of New Delhi in the 1920s–1940s and gave the capital’s administrative areas their character. Touring the parts of Delhi designed by Lutyens is a good way to learn about the colonial history and architecture of the city. Also visit Connaught Place and Rashtrapati Bhawan. Private tour packages can be designed around the theme of Lutyens’ Delhi.
Address: Rajpath, New Delhi, DL 110001, India
From $ 12
Huis Ten Bosch
Named after one of the residences of the Dutch royal family, Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. Opened in 1992, this unique attraction is a recreation of a 17th-century Dutch village, complete with authentic architecture, canals, windmills, and historic monuments.
Huis Ten Bosch’s Dutchstyle buildings house hotels, theaters, museums, shops, and restaurants. Along with the iconic Dutch architecture and scenic canals, a number of gardens featuring seasonal flowers add to the park’s pleasant surroundings. Various events take place at different times of the year, including a tulip festival during the spring and a fireworks event in the summer.
The park is divided into two main zones. The Theme Park Zone features various amusements, including a haunted house, mirror maze, Ferris Wheel and a replica of the Domtoren (Dom Tower) of Utrecht. The Harbor Zone's main attractions include a theater and a replica of the Palace Huis Ten Bosch, which houses an art museum.
Practical Info
Huis Ten Bosch Station and Nagasaki Station are connected by the JR Seaside Liner, and the trip is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass. From Nagasaki Airport, there’s a highspeed boat service directly to the resort, with the journey taking 50 minutes.Several hotels with a European theme are located around the park, and there are countless restaurants and other eateries offering international cuisine.
Address: 11 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan 859-3292, Japan
Hours: 9am-10pm
Admission: Day passes: Senior: 6,000 yen; Adult: 6,500 yen; Junior: 5,500 yen; Child (Under 4): 4,100 yen
From $ 41
Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen)
An East Java highlight, the Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) towers above the Ijen Plateau. A highly acidic crater lake yields sulfur for local miners, while burning gases emit an eerie blue glow at night. Views of Java’s most perfect volcanoes, including Mount Merapi and Mount Raung, make the summit worth bagging.
The Basics
Visitors usually climb Iljen Crater, set between Banyuwangi and Bondowoso, before dawn to see the celebrated Ijen blue fire ("blueflame"). The straightforward route eliminates the need for guides, although transport is problematic. Tickets for foreigners cost up to 10 times the price of tickets for Indonesian nationals.
Ijen tours from Bali typically include a night spent in transit, in order to wake up for the summit climb. Ijen tours coming from within Java may include accommodation near the Ijen Crater or the Ijen Plateau. Unless you have your own wheels, an organized tour to Ijen volcano is generally the easiest option. Some Java tour packages include a Bromo tour, and one or more of Malang, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fumes from the lake can be highly irritating to eyes, nose, and throat—even worse when they’re absorbed into mist. The ranger station sells masks, but they’re of dubious effectiveness.
- Besides the blue fire of Ijen Crater, the cool, coffee-growing landscapes of the Ijen Plateau are a highlight for many travelers.
- Between the early start and the toxic gases, this is not a tour for families with small children.
How to Get There
You’ll need your own transport, a private driver, or an organized tour to reach Ijen Crater. The nearest town is Banyuwangi, which is also the arrival point for ferries from north Bali’s Gilimanuk port. Coming from East and Central Java, your jump-off point is the town of Bondowoso, on the other side of the Ijen Plateau. Given the complexities, most opt to reach Mount Ijen with a tour package.
When to Get There
Climbers typically set out around 4am during the dry season (roughly March to October) and as early as 1am during the rainy season (roughly November to March). Be aware that the crater is occasionally closed due to toxic gases.
The Sulfur Miners of Ijen
As you hike the path to Ijen Crater, you’ll meet sulfur miners coming down, heavily laden with yellow slabs of pure sulfur. They do a grueling and dangerous job, condensing sulfur from clouds of poisonous gas, for very, very little money. Consider buying their little carvings as you return from your Ijen Crater tour.
Address: East Java, Indonesia
From $ 69
Independence Square
Colombo’s Independence Square is a top attraction for travelers looking for a taste of local life. That’s because this picturesque square is a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. With plenty of green, open space, historical buildings and quiet cafes, Independence Square is the ideal spot to spend a relaxing evening in Colombo.
Visitors can wander the newly added Arcade, which showcases some of the city’s best local handicrafts and designer goods, or take an up-close look at the monument dedicated to the very first prime minister. Visitors to Independence Square will find locals taking a stroll, jogging on pristine paths or riding bikes over well-paved roads most any time of day.
Practical Info
Independence Square is easily accessible using a taxi or tuk tuk. Independence Memorial Hall, the national museum of Sri Lanka, is located near the square and worth checking out.
Address: Colombo 07, Colombo, Sri Lanka
From $ 5
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Beneath the shadow of Doi Suthep sits Huay Tung Tao Lake, a manmade reservoir popular as a swimming and picnicking area favored by locals and expats looking for a break from Chiang Mai. On a sunny day, it’s common to see groups of Thais sitting on the banks of the lake dining on steamed fish and cold beers.
Not many international tourists visit this hidden gem, but those who do will find grassy banks dotted with bamboo picnicking areas, shallow waters ideal for cooling off, paddle boat and inner tube rentals and vendors selling local favorites, like dancing shrimp -- a dish comprising live freshwater shrimp that jump around on the plate -- as well as sour orange catfish curry, sun-dried pork or grilled chicken
Practical Info
There’s a small entrance fee to the lake before 5pm, but it’s free after that and excellent place to watch a sunset.
Address: 107 Don Kaeo, Chiang Mai, Mae Rim District 50180, Thailand
From $ 49
Images of Singapore
Images of Singapore is a historical museum and interactive attraction situated on Singapore’s Sentosa Island. It explores the culture and history of Singapore using multimedia screens and displays, theatre performances, and life-size exhibitions depicting major events throughout the county’s history.
Images of Singapore LIVE is the latest incarnation of the museum. It takes visitors on a journey through the past, from Singapore’s beginnings as a humble fishing village right up to its present-day existence as a modern, 21st-century city. An interactive 45-minute performance incorporates 15 immersive themed areas with live actors, special effects, and even a boat ride.
The exhibitions here are extensive and span a period of around 200 years, covering Singapore’s pre-British period of Malaysian rule, British colonialism, the founding of colonial Singapore by Thomas Stamford Raffles, the Japanese occupation, and finally its post-colonialist era.
A restaurant and gift shop can be found inside and at the exit of the museum.
Practical Info
Images of Singapore is located on Sentosa Island. It can be reached by taking the North-East Line or Circle Line of the MRT to the HarbourFront stop and taking the cable car across.
Address: 40 Imbiah Road, 099700, Singapore
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10am-6pm / Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10am-7:30pm
Admission: Adult: $39.00 / Children under 12: $29.00 / Senior: $30.00
From $ 32
Imperial Garden of the Palace Museum
Situated within Beijing's Forbidden City, the Imperial Garden of the Palace Museum was built in 1417 as the private green space for China's ruling family. The three-acre (12,000-square-meter) space, set at the northernmost point of the complex just beyond the Gate of Terrestrial Tranquility, occupies less than 2% of the total area of the sprawling Forbidden City, yet it's packed with some 20 structures and pavilions, plus multiple ponds.
At the center of the garden sits the 15th-century Hall of Imperial Peace, where prayers of protection over the palace were once offered to Zhenwudadi, the Taoist God of Water. Pavilions in each of the garden’s four corners represent the seasons, while the entire space is dotted with cypress trees and Chinese wisteria—many hundreds of years old. A multi-hued pebble footpath winds through the garden.
The Forbidden City and its imperial garden are must-sees in Beijing. The two are often included on both private and group tours of the city, which allow visitors short on time to experience the Imperial Palace and other Beijing highlights, such as the Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square.
Practical Info
Admission to the Imperial Garden of the Palace Museum is included in the entrance fee to the Forbidden City. The garden is the final area of the complex visitors pass through before reaching the north gate exit.
Did You Know? A pair of 400-year-old pine trees, known as the Consort Pines, appear to embrace in front of the Hall of Imperial Peace and are thought to symbolize harmony between the emperor and empress.
Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Beijing, Northern China 100009, China
Hours: 8:30am–5pm daily
Admission: 40–60 RMB
From $ 41